Snapshots
Laos, a peaceful and culturally diverse country, offers a lot, some of which is unique. When travelling through Southeast Asia on a backpack trip, it's easy to miss Laos in favour of better-known destinations like Vietnam and Thailand. War, revolution, and other tragedies have scarred its past, yet this beautiful tropical paradise has seen it all. Laos is an incredibly fascinating and enlightening travel destination because of its stark contrast between its turbulent history and its breathtaking natural beauty. Need a Laos travel guide? You have arrived at the right place!
When should you visit Laos?
Before you get busy figuring out things to do in Laos, understand when to book your tickets. Laos, like the majority of Southeast Asian countries, boasts a tropical climate all year round, with typical daytime highs of 25–35°C (77–95°F). During the "winter" months of November to February, Laos experiences a slight cooling down; the nights can turn comfortably chilly due to the absence of rain clouds. The winter season is the ideal time to visit, according to any local.
If you would rather avoid the winter crowds when visiting Laos, October is an excellent month to do so. Even though you could be there during the monsoon's last stages, you should expect largely dry weather. Plus, there are several intriguing cultural festivals to attend, such as the Boat Racing Festival and the Naga Rocket Festival (the exact dates of which change every year).
Top tourist attractions in Laos
The Bolaven Plateau
The Bolaven Plateau is a natural fortress that juts out from the eastern part of Champasak Province, high above the Mekong River Valley. Here, the stifling heat of the Mekong Valley gives way to a pleasant wind, and the area is covered with coffee and tea plantations. The high plateau, which is around 600 metres above sea level on average, is fed by rivers that flow in all directions. As they reach the edge of the plateau, they burst forth in a cascade of breathtaking waterfalls, some of which are over 100 metres high. Ultimately, these rivers empty into the Mekong. Walking along this beautiful natural wonder is one of the best things to do in Laos!
Champasak
Xekong, Attapu, and Salavan form the northernmost part of Laos, whereas Champasak sits at the country's very tip. Among the verdant tropical woods and rice farms, you'll find hundreds of old Khmer temples, which are the main attraction here. Wat Phou, the most well-known of these temples, serves as both a spiritual hub and a major draw for visitors to the area. Wat Phou, one of the most spectacular Khmer ruins outside of Cambodia, is located just a few kilometres from the picturesque riverside town of Champasak, the old royal capital of the now-defunct Lao kingdom of the same name. Truly one of the top attractions in Laos!
Vientiane
As the capital of Laos, you can really unwind and enjoy the peace and quiet in this city, in contrast to the other bustling and loud locations in Southeast Asia. The French colonial style characterises this city's layout along the Mekong River. Once a somewhat relaxed spot, this area is currently booming thanks to investment from foreign industries and firms. There are many temples here, along with various restaurants and pubs, and the atmosphere will keep you spellbound. Truly one of the best places to visit in Laos!
Kuang Si
The three-tiered Kuang Si Waterfall in Laos is adjacent to Luang Prabang, the capital city. Kuang Si is the largest waterfall in the area. It cascades down three levels, drops fifty meters into a beautiful blue pool, and then continues downstream. The waterfall, which is surrounded by mountain forests and goes by the name Tat Kuang Si, is turquoise -coloured and features several little pools where visitors may swim. It is a favourite of daytrippers who come to the city to swim, trek, and unwind among the waterfalls; there are even picnic spots. Picnic at a waterfall? Truly one of the best things to do in Laos!
Vang Vieng
Vang Vieng is a tiny hamlet in northern Laos, approximately four hours north of Vientiane, the capital city. Nestled among verdant mountains, it overlooks the Nam Song River. Numerous lakes, secret waterfalls, caverns, and scenic hiking paths contribute to the city's reputation. Vang Vieng is a must-visit for any visitor visiting Laos, thanks to its abundance of natural attractions and exciting water activities.
Luang Prabang
Okay, we saved the best for last! This is truly one of the best places to visit in Laos! Exuding an air of casual grandeur and distant tranquillity, the city is the historic capital of Laos. This little mountain kingdom has been around for over a thousand years and was named a World Heritage Site in 1995. It is located in a narrow valley that is sheltered by verdant mountains and the rivers Mekong and Khan. Historic red-roofed temples and French-Indochinese architecture are only the beginning of what Louang Prabang has to offer. The city is also home to some of Laos's best restaurants, most vibrant cultural events, and the most revered Buddha image in the country, the Pha Bang. The royal mystique, French-Indochinese architecture, and Theravada Buddhist monasteries give Laos its unique charm. The inhabitants of Luang Phabang are justifiably proud of the significant part they played in Lao history. The rest of Laos knows them for their refined manners; in fact, every Laotian soap drama featuring a doctor or academic will have their distinctive Luang Phabang dialect.