Laos is the land of waterfalls.
Peaceful, serene, and verdant are words that spring to mind when thinking about Laos. A gloriously underrated country that was once a backpackers haven; for some reason, Laos has now taken a backseat. This adds to the beauty of Laos travel; a country where life follows the pace of the Mekong River that flows through it – slow, calm and at ease.
From stunning quiet cities like Luang Prabang to Don Det where, despite its reputation for being a party island, has such a slow pace that the river is actually faster; each destination in Laos has a unique charm to it.
From hiking to kayaking, free-climbing to cycling and waterfall after waterfall, there are so many things to do in Laos. In Vang Vieng, you’ll ascend to precarious heights to look out across rice fields and limestone karsts; in the Bolaven Plateau, you’ll swim in waterfalls, and in Luang Prabang, you’ll go caving. The entire country is a nature lover’s paradise that will lull you into seduction.
With so many activities at your fingertips, and many more still to uncover, why isn’t Laos at the tips of everyone’s tongues? That’s a good question. Read on to find out why you may have just discovered Southeast Asia’s best-kept secret;
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When to Visit Laos
This small landlocked country is covered with a blanket of green, so the best time to visit is in between spring and summer, when the trees and rice paddies are at their greenest.
Laos is a year-round country; short but powerful rain showers have little impact on travel. With so many waterfalls dotting the country, travelling in the rainy season is almost encouraged, as the falls will be at their strongest.
Laos is hot throughout the year; however, high in the mountains, in areas like Luang Prabang, you may find cooler temperatures and climates. The best time to visit Laos is just after the rainy season, October into April when nature has had its fill of water from the rainy season and is ready to bloom.
Laos has the Mekong River running through it which makes for a popular mode of travel, particularly if you are looking at Cambodia and Laos tour packages, or even Thailand. The best time of year to do this is in November when the river is high; although, as dams block the Mekong River, river travel has reduced in recent years.
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Things to Do in Laos
Luang Prabang
Set in the heart of the mountains, Luang Prabang is spectacular from the moment you arrive. Of all the things to do in Luang Prabang, you have to start with Mount Phousi, which offers a beautiful view of this sleepy city as you will see in this 4-day Luang Prabang exploration.
Luang Prabang is centred by a quaint old town, known for its fusion of traditional Laotian dark wooden structures with French colonial architecture to create a style that earned itself a UNESCO accolade. The city oozes Laos’ laid-back way of living with quiet cafes, shops and restaurants that encourage you to slow down and look out to the rivers that encircle the city.
Come five o’clock, the centre of the old town turns into the night market, where stall after stall of hawkers from the surrounding villages come to sell their wares. Beneath the elephant pants and banana shirts, you’ll be surprised what you can find here.
Bolaven Plateau
Sitting on the outskirts of Pakse, the Bolaven Plateau has a cool microclimate compared to the otherwise steaming hot temperatures of southern Laos.
The Bolaven Plateau has become known for its pepper and coffee plantations which dot the landscapes, as well as waterfalls – lots of them! There are two options for those looking to explore the Bolaven Plateau on a Laos trip, a one-day and a two-day circuit as you will see on this 10-day Laos explorers trip.
If you opt for the two-day exploration, you’ll go high in the plateau, stopping at waterfalls such as the famous Tad Fane or Tat Lo along the way. By the time you have visited all them, you’ll be into the twilight hour. There are a few guesthouses you can choose to stay at before you continue your exploration and return the next day. The one-day circuit has a similar route, however, you will have less time to tick off all the waterfalls.
Nong Khiaw
Set on the Nam Ou River, Nong Khiaw is a natural vista in the heart of northern Laos that is often missed off of the list of best places to travel in Laos.
This charming village is only accessible by boat, making it ideal for small group tours in Laos as you’ll see in this northern Laos vacation. With dreamy yet hair-raising hiking experiences, like Nong Khiaw’s viewpoint, some caves and a river; Nong Khiaw does not demand a lot. One of Laos’ best things to do here, as with most of Laos, is relax.
Kuang Si Waterfalls
The ultimate day trip from Luang Prabang is to Kuang Si Waterfalls and the little villages along the way like in this 10-day Laos trip.
Set in the heart of the stunning mountain ranges surrounding Luang Prabang, you’ll rub your eyes when you see Kuang Si Waterfalls, it’s hard to believe they are as beautiful as they are.
The waterfalls are made up of icy blue pools that lead you to a spectacular waterfall that sits against limestone karst. A haven for adventure lovers, the trick is to get away from the crowds at Kuang Si Waterfalls by climbing a waterfall staircase to get close to the source – remember to take your shoes with you! There are caves and pools to explore at the top.
Vientiane and Buddha Park
The capital of Laos, Vientiane is a short stopping point for most Laos tourists with a limited series of attractions to tick off.
Once a French trading post, Vientiane’s charm lies in the snippets of French colonial architecture spread throughout the city, as well as the myriad of temples and monasteries that seem to cover entire street blocks. This sleepy city is fronted by the Mekong River that acts as the border to Thailand. This is where most of the city’s activities are; the night market bursts into life as the sun sets and a series of restaurants enjoy this quiet location.
A must-visit in Laos, just outside of Vientiane is Buddha Park, where you’ll find over 200 statues dating back some 500 years, some Buddhist and others Hindi, set in a perfectly-manicured garden.
You can cover all that there is to see, including Patuxay Monument, the COPE centre that introduces you to the dangers of unexploded bombs in the Laotian countryside and Buddha Park in just one day. As you’ll see in this Laos tour package, Vientiane is the perfect introduction to Laos.
Si Phan Don
Sitting on the border of Cambodia, the 4,000 islands, or Si Phan Don as it is known locally, is a vast archipelago interrupted by huge rapids and waterfalls. This peaceful area has a fascinating history; it’s the only thing that stops the Mekong River from flowing directly from China to Vietnam.
Although there are a reported 4,000 islands, you’ll visit just two while here, Don Det and Don Khone. The islands are joined together by a bridge that was a railway for a short time. Today, the railway bridge is the best place to catch the spectacular sunsets of Si Phan Don, a guaranteed highlight of your visit to Laos as you will see on this 18-day Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia trip!
When you are not catching sunsets and lazing in the midday heat, Khon Phapheng is a waterfall you cannot miss. With metres and metres of rapids, it is the largest waterfall in Southeast Asia.
Pakse and Vat Phou
The gateway to the Bolaven Plateau and Si Phan Don, Pakse takes a little digging to discover its magic.
The perfect place for a Laos motorbike tour, Pakse’s central monument is Wat Phou Salao. Perched on a hillside, the temple has a huge golden Buddha that protects the city. Best viewed at sunrise or sunset, the statue has become a popular exercise ritual with locals who walk in their hundreds to reap the rewards of the view across Champasak as you will experience in this 15-day Laos exploration.
Outside of the city in the Champasak’s countryside, you’ll find the ruins of a Khmer temple and the oldest temple in Laos, Vat Phou. Although relatively small in size, the ruins are explored by ascending several steep staircases to reach the main complex, earning its name Vat Phou, ‘temple mountain’.
Once at the top, the views of Champasak are incredible.
The Plain of Jars
Set in the Lao Highlands, the Plain of Jars is a series of curious megalithic stones that warrant exploration.
Scattered across hundreds of kilometres in Phonsavan, the stone jars range from one to three metres in height. Why these colossal stone jars were created remains unknown; however, the sight of them is magnificent nonetheless.
Believed to be between 1,000 to 2,000 years old, the jars are thought to have been for funerary purposes. However, local legend tells the tale of Khun Cheung, an ancient king of giants, who made the jars to make enormous amounts of rice wine to celebrate winning a battle. With so little known, you’ll be able to feel the mystery of the Plain of Jars, like in this Laos trip.
The jars are found in Xieng Khouang Plain, which was one of the main sites where millions of bombs were dropped during the Vietnam-American War. With bomb craters in the most unexpected places, just three of the Plain of Jars sites can be visited while following a clearly defined path to assure that you will not find another. Extensive work in local communities goes towards safely dismantling the bombs; you may see a house or two using bomb parts to decorate!
Vang Vieng
Set in endless limestone karsts between Vientiane and Luang Prabang, Vang Vieng used to be a little slice of paradise where cows graze in front of spectacular landscapes, and stunning lagoons hide in the countryside. In recent years, Vang Vieng gained an undesirable edge as the party town of Laos.
Efforts have been made to curb Vang Vieng’s party atmosphere; however, it’s very much still present. The beauty of Vang Vieng is that peaceful, verdant nature doesn’t disappear with backpackers!
Kayak down a river where limestone karsts line up in front of you. Hunt out viewpoints with rather hair-raising climbs and stunning blue lagoons (there are four in total) that appear as if from nowhere. Add to that, restaurants with a view unlike anything you have seen before, and you have the Vang Vieng that you have to see!
You’ll get a feel for Vang Vieng and all the natural treasures to be found there on this 5-day road trip from Vientiane to Luang Prabang.
How to Get Around Laos
Through mountains, rivers and tiny islands, Laos is not short on modes of transport!
Tuk-tuk and Jumbos
The most popular way to get around; tuk-tuks in Laos refer to the vans that are lined with seats protected by metal panels. They are used as a form of bus for everything from airport shuttles to backpacker transportation to Kuang Si Waterfalls.
Jumbos refer to the smaller version that is known across Asia. You’ll use these the most; however, it comes at a price – be prepared to haggle!
Taxi and Private Cars
Taxis are not commonly used in Laos as tuk-tuks are always at hand. You can expect to use taxis when leaving the airports occasionally. If you are looking to explore the Bolaven Plateau privately, you’ll be taken in a private car – prepare to be in for a bumpy ride! The waterfalls are found on unpaved roads.
Bus
If you are looking to explore Laos on a budget, buses are always at hand. Travelling by bus in Laos is an interesting experience. Instead of individual chairs, you’ll be bunking up with someone on a double bed. If you are in the front, you’ll be with up to six other people, so pair up and travel with a partner to make sure you are next to someone you know.
The buses are cheap, comfortable and safe. Laotian people are humble, so don’t expect anyone to try to cheat you, and do expect to be travelling with monks.
Motorbike
With stunning nature landscapes spanning the country from top to tail, Laos is great to explore by motorbike. That being said, many of the roads are unpaved, in terrible condition or a combination of the two; Laos bike tours are only recommended for those with experience driving.
Day trips from Luang Prabang to Kuang Si Waterfall or the Plain of Jars loop are easily doable as the roads are well maintained and with lots of opportunities to visit small villages along the way.
Boat
With the Mekong River, among others, floating through Laos, one of the best ways to explore this landlocked country is by boat. In the south, you’ll hop on a long-tail boat for something every day. Whether it’s a sunset cruise, cutting a long journey short by paying someone 10 kips to take you across the river on their boat or to connect your Laos and Cambodia tour on an overnight barge.
Plane
If you want to cover all of the places to visit in Laos in one, hopping on a plane will be your best bet. There are airports in all of the country’s three cities: Vientiane, Pakse and Luang Prabang. Laos’ airports are some of the smallest in Southeast Asia, and there are only one or two gates, so take that two-hour recommended waiting time with a pinch of salt.
Where to Stay on Your Laos Travels
Luang Prabang
Accommodation in Luang Prabang embraces the old town’s architecture style. Think dark wooden frame buildings, quaint furnishing and a peaceful atmosphere that is fitting with the temples and monasteries that will surround you.
Luang Prabang’s accommodation options range from quiet backpacker hostels to stunning resorts, all of which look out to the rivers that encircle the city. No matter where you stay, you’ll be within proximity to the attractions of Luang Prabang.
Vientiane
As a city that is only ever visited for a day or two, Vientiane’s accommodation options are limited.
To see all that you need to, you’ll find that all of your options are packed up nicely in the tourist area where street food, quiet bars and the odd cafe are never too far away. This area of Vientiane is right next to the Mekong River.
Vang Vieng
Vang Vieng’s reputation is well earned. However, there are incredible accommodation options in this heavenly region of Laos. With party hostels galore, on the back streets by the river and further out of Vang Vieng’s main strip you’ll find quaint hotels, beautiful traditional and contemporary resorts and even hostels that embrace a laid back atmosphere. All of them boast views that you won’t be able to get enough of.
Pakse and Si Phan Don
As a starting point for those driving the Bolaven Plateau, Pakse has limited options; however, you can find yourself in stunning locations that give you a good base for exploration.
Si Phan Don (or 4,000 islands) has two main islands where you can stay, Don Det and Don Khone. On Don Det, you’ll find numerous guesthouses with comfortable rooms that offer a taste of island life in landlocked Laos where your room will look out on the Mekong River – hammock guaranteed. Don Khone offers more luxurious options with resorts and hotels that offer the only pools in Si Phan Don!
Food & Drink in Laos
With influence from all of the countries Laos is locked by, Laotian cuisine is healthy, hearty and packed with flavour! Be warned; chilli often comes into the mix too!
Khao Niaw
A national staple in Laos, khao niaw is sticky rice. This simple side dish is served with everything in Laos. It’s also a popular snack for children who will often be seen with sticky rice in hand.
Served in a wicker basket-like box, khao niaw is eaten with your hands as no utensil seems to do the job better. Prizing it out of its box, you traditionally roll the rice a little in your right hand before squishing it up with whatever else is on your plate.
Ping Pa or Mok Pa
As a country where rivers are their only source, you’ll be amazed by the amount of fish that is up for grabs. River fish is sold on the streets either grilled on a barbecue (ping pa) or steamed (mok pa).
No matter how you choose to have your fish cooked, it will be stuffed full of kaffir leaves, lime, lemongrass, chilli and shallots before it’s set to cook. This adds a beautiful aroma to the fish and an extra healthy edge which is at the heart of Laotian cooking. Typically served with sticky rice, this is the perfect street food meal.
Laap
Another staple of Laos, we can guarantee you won’t be able to get enough of laap. Seen in both Thai and Vietnamese cooking, laap is made up of minced beef mixed with lemongrass, mint, chilli and sometimes coriander with lashings of lime to make a salad-like dish.
Made complete with sticky rice and a side of cucumber to cut through the chilli, this traditional dish is occasionally served raw! On the opposite end of the spectrum, tourist-based restaurants will serve a mushroom version for vegetarians.
Beer Laos
Laos’ national beer is surprisingly good quality. While most Southeast Asian countries only have a lager-based beer, in Laos you are treated to a dark beer, a blonde and the original which all warrant sampling!
As a former backpacking haven, Laos tourism is well accustomed to the western palette for a cold beer on a hot day; you’ll find Beer Laos chilled and ready just about everywhere you go.
Vegetarian Buffet in Luang Prabang
Vegetarians rejoice! This little buffet stand brings food lovers to its market stall. Set just off of Luang Prabang’s night market is a food alley with a well-earned reputation. At the heart of it is a vegetarian stand with plate after plate of delicious food.
For the best dish possible, head to the market stall early when the food has just been cooked to get your fill.
Tam Mak Hoong
Semi-ripe papaya, bean sprouts, carrot, prawns, cucumber and peanuts with lashings of fish sauce and chilli – all Southeast Asia countries have their version of papaya salad, and Laos’ is tam mak hoong. Light, flavoursome and enough chilli to make you cry and blow your nose after two or three bites, papaya salad is a flavour combination that you cannot leave Laos without trying.
Festivals in Laos
Buon Pi Mai
Taking place over mid-April, Laotian New Year or Songkran, as it is called in neighbouring Thailand, is officially over three days; however, celebrations take place over the week. During this time, parades march through city streets and the world’s biggest water fight washes over towns and villages.
This is a great time for Laos travel, particularly if you are partial to a water fight. If this doesn’t sound like fun, the festival doesn’t come recommended; getting wet is obligatory.
Buon Suang Heua
Taking place on the 21st of October, Buon Suang Heua is an annual boat racing festival that marks the end of Buddhist Lent. In river cities like Vientiane and Luang Prabang, people gather early in the morning to watch the race.
While alms are given to monks, elaborately decorated boats make their way down the Mekong River and parades begin down the streets. The whole occasion is rather spectacular.
Buon Bong Fai
Taking place over May, June and July, each region of Laos has their own way and time for Buon Bong Fai. Marking the end of the hot season, Bong Fai is the time where villagers ask for the rain to come and rice to grow by having a rocket launching competition. The homemade rockets are judged, and losers are thrown in the mud.
Things to Know for Your Laos Travel Experience
Currency: The currency in Laos is Laotian kip. At the time of writing, December 2020, 9295 kips are equal to 1 USD.
Cash: Unless you are staying at a 5-star hotel, you can expect to pay for everything in cash. ATMs are readily available, keep an eye out for them.
Language: The language in Laos is Laotian, which is a Sanskrit-based language close to Thai, English is spoken well in tourist areas.
Religion: Laotian people are strictly Buddhist, and the religion is highly revered. Keep this in mind when visiting temples.
Visa: Unless you are from a neighbouring Southeast Asian country, you’ll need to pay 30 USD to enter Laos, which is payable, in cash, at the border. You’ll need to fill out a form when you arrive and have a passport photo at the ready.
Safety: Laos was the most heavily bombed country during the American-Vietnam War, many areas still have unexploded buried bombs, so stick to paths and hire a guide to show you the way.
Do: Take your time, Laotian people are never in a rush, are rarely on time and don’t stress. It’s not part of the culture. Kick back, relax and let things happen, and you’ll love it here!
Etiquette: When you are in a temple, cover your shoulders and knees, and take off your shoes. This goes for most restaurants too.
Excited about Laos travel?
From limestone karsts to homemade rocket launching competitions, Laos is a gloriously underrated country home to incredibly humble people.
Travel here is only made better through Laos group tours or private travel and at Designer Journeys, your Laos experience will be taken to the next level. Browse our range of fully-customisable Laos trips and be inspired! What’s more, if you don’t like what you see, you can connect with one of our Local Designers who are in Laos or select ‘design your own trip’ to plan your next trip from scratch! This breathtaking country is waiting for you.
