Laos
What you need to know before you go
Laos is a mountainous country with a rich history that stretches back 10,000 years. With Buddhism as its main religion, there are hundreds of Buddhist monasteries, temples and stupas in just about every city in Laos, with the most popular ones scattered across Luang Prabang.
This Southeast Asian country also attracts travelers looking to take it slow and enjoy a relaxing view of mountains and untamed natural beauty. If you’re an adventurer at heart, Laos’ lush jungles are home to miles of scenic trails, underground river caves, and waterfalls. A vacation in Laos is always full of surprises, spirituality, generous hospitality, and of course, breathtaking photo opportunities.
Top destinations in Laos
Where will you go next?
Vientiane, located on the north-eastern bank of the Mekong, serves as the capital of Laos. It has a relaxing atmosphere you won’t find in many capitals across the world – many travelers enjoy a relaxing riverside break with a cold beer and sunset views over the Mekong. Vientiane also has a diverse range of hotels, restaurants, and cafes, some of...
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Luang Prabang
The ancient town of Luang Prabang is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Laos. Located 700 meters above sea level...
Luang Namtha
Luang Namtha lies on the banks of the Nam Tha River, in the northern part of Laos. It’s also the...
Phonsavan
Phonsavan serves as the capital of Xieng Khouang Province in northeast Laos. Founded in the 1970s, the town has a...
Houayxay
The capital of Bokeo province, Houayxay (Huay Xai) lies on the Mekong River opposite Chiang Khong in Thailand. Featuring a...
Pakse
Pakse is a city located between the rivers Xe Don and the Mekong in southern Laos. It was founded by...
Savannakhet
Savannakhet is the 2nd largest city in Laos (after Vientiane) and lies on the banks of the Mekong River, neighboring...
What to see & do in Laos
Featured stories & fun stuffLaos attractions are mostly pristine temples, monasteries and stupas, as Buddhism is the country’s dominant religion. Some of the best places for temple-hopping in Laos is Vientiane and UNESCO-listed Luang Prabang. You can even enjoy a picnic with views over 200 Buddhist sculptures at a local park in Laos’ capital. Destinations such as Savannakhet, Bokeo, and Champasak boast natural protected areas that appeal to outdoor enthusiasts. These national... Read more
Mini Guide to Vang Vieng
Vang Vieng is a pristine landscape of limestone cliffs and paddy fields in northern Laos. This small town sits between Vientiane and Luang Prabang, on the Nam Song River. Tubing is one of the main draws of Van Vieng – you’ll...
10 Best Things to Do in Laos
The best things to do in Laos combine stunning mountainous landscapes with ancient cultural attractions. It's fair to say that...
19 Best Things to Do in Luang Prabang
Our list of things to do in Luang Prabang highlights the UNESCO-listed town’s natural and manmade attractions. Often described...
Mini Guide to Luang Namtha
Luang Namtha is the capital of a province of the same name. The city is located on the banks of...
Mini Guide to Pakse
Pakse is located at the mouth of the rivers Xe Don and Mekong in southern Laos. Founded by French colonialists...
7 Best Things to Do in Savannakhet
One of the best things to do in Savannakhet is exploring its historic sights on foot. Buddhist temples, museums, and...
Mini Guide to Phonsavan
Phonsavan is the capital of the province of Xieng Khouang in Laos. It has a population of around 40,000 and...
14 Best Things to Do in Vientiane
Vientiane is known for its laidback atmosphere and it's true that life moves slowly here, attracting those who enjoy a...
Where & what to eat in Laos
Laos restaurants tend to be local spots serving typical rice and noodle dishes, as well as French restaurants that offer baguettes and pastries. The local cuisine is similar to Thai and Vietnamese, with sticky rice, fresh herbs, and larb (spicy marinated meat salad) commonly served in most restaurants. When traveling to Laos (and just about any foreign destination), having an open mind will serve you well. Street food is available... Read more
15 Great Restaurants in Luang Prabang
Restaurants in Luang Prabang cover a wide range of regional cuisine, from authentic Laotian dishes to modern French. Some of the town’s best places to eat can be found on the banks of the Mekong River, along Sakkarine Road. Most...
10 Great Laotian Dishes
Laotian dishes are very similar to Thailand and Vietnam in terms of flavor and ingredients, which often consist of fresh...
Best Restaurants in Savannakhet
Many restaurants in Savannakhet are locally-owned venues that serve authentic Laotian dishes at rather affordable prices. The riverside area...
Where to shop & what to buy in Laos
10 Best Shopping in Vientiane
Some of the best places to go shopping in Vientiane include its traditional markets where you can experience the local lifestyle, shop for authentic souvenirs, and sample delicious Lao dishes. Rows of vendors set up shop along the Mekong River...
Best Places to Go Shopping in Savannakhet
Shopping in Savannakhet is limited to small shops lining the main roads of the city – you can find quality craft...
5 Great Things to Buy in Laos
There are plenty of things to buy in Laos, especially if you’re looking for quality handicrafts produced by the country’s...
Where to go & what to do at night in Laos
Laos nightlife has had quite a paradoxical character – from the extremes of the opium culture that infiltrated the country during the late ‘60s and early ‘70s, to the present-day midnight curfew (which means all bars in Laos tend to close around 11pm). Laos found its equilibrium as the ‘sleepy town’ of Southeast Asia, but it’s also known for Beerlao – a range of beers produced by Vientiane’s Lao Brewery Company... Read more
9 Best Nightlife in Vientiane
The best nightlife in Vientiane shows that it has evolved from a sleepy little Mekong fishing town to a city lined with riverfront restaurants, cozy bars, and vibrant nightclubs playing modern tunes. The Laotian capital’s nightlife scene is more of...
6 Best Nightlife Experiences in Luang Prabang
Nightlife in Luang Prabang can be rather enjoyable if you know where to go. While the town lacks in loud and packed nightclubs that would often stay open until 3am, there are decent bars and night-time activities you can...
Useful information
Our Laos information section consists of basic knowledge and tips you need to know when traveling to this Southeast Asian city. The culture here is quite conservative, so dressing appropriately is a must especially if you’re visiting a temple in Laos. Most major hotels in Laos have English-speaking staff, though Lao and Thai are commonly spoken among the locals. Getting familiar with the basics of Laos will save you... Read more
How to Get to Laos
There are several ways to get to Laos, though the easiest way is by flight. Airports in Vientiane, Luang Prabang and Pakse welcome flights from many Asian countries, including Thailand, Japan, and Malaysia. Citizens of certain countries can enter Laos...
Luang Prabang International Airport
Luang Prabang International Airport receives domestic and international flights year-round, including Bangkok Airways, Lao Airlines, China Eastern Airlines, and...
Pakse International Airport
Pakse International Airport receives regular flights from Laos Airlines and Lao Skyway. You can fly to Pakse from Luang Prabang...
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