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Laos Travel Guide

Discover the destination Culture and Discovery

The 6 reasons to go to in Laos

Wedged between the tourism giants of Thailand and Vietnam, Laos is an unspoiled destination to be discovered without delay. A trip to Laos is the opportunity to discover another Asia, one that is more typical and far removed from the swarms of tourists.

1
Get away from the traditional tourist circuits of Southeast Asia
2
Encounter an incredibly hospitable population
3
See the pink dolphins of the Irrawady
4
Visit the historical city of Luang Prabang
5
Navigate on the Mekong River
6
Explore the amazing scenery in the north of the country

1. Get away from the traditional tourist circuits of Southeast Asia

Far from the conventional tourist circuits of Asia, Laos remains an authentic and unspoiled destination. If you yearn for another, more typical, Asia, one of wild beauty and far from the crowds, there is not doubt that it is Laos that you are looking for.

2. Encounter an incredibly hospitable population

Though they may be reserved and discreet at first, Laotians are adorable and incredibly hospitable if you dare to take the first step. During an outing, it is not uncommon to be invited to a wedding, a meal, an anniversary or to enter a classroom.

3. See the pink dolphins of the Irrawady

Right in the south of the country, on the 4000 islands set on the Mekong River, the locals take you on board to observe the last pink dolphins of the Irrawady. They are one of the most endangered species on the planet. There is something magical about the excursion at sunset.

4. Visit the historical city of Luang Prabang

Luang Prabang is the most beautiful city of Laos. You will have to get up early to attend the daily ritual of the Rera. The monks beg for their food in endless queues. In Luang Prabang you will also discover sumptuous palaces and museums. It is certainly a little touristic, but it is impossible to find anything else negative to say about it.

5. Navigate on the Mekong River

The mythical river crosses the country from north to south. It is impossible to consider a stay in Laos without a cruise on the Mekong River for one or several days, depending on your inclinations and the time available.

6. Explore the amazing scenery in the north of the country

A visit to the far north of the country will bring you face to face with the most beautiful mountain landscapes that you can imagine. The environment is still wild and unspoilt. The trails invite you for a large variety of excursions. And always surrounded by the most breathtaking landscapes. Sensational!

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Why go to in Laos?

If you looking for an 'authentic' Asia, as far away as possible from mass tourism, then take a trip to Laos. On the other hand, if you don't mind crowds and can't even think of visiting Asia without heading to its beaches, then choose another destination.

We recommend if...

You're after an 'authentic' Asia and are ready for a cultural shock
You want to get off the beaten track and tourist trails
You've always dreamt of cruising down the Mekong.
You want to tour the museum town of Luang Prabang
You want to watch the river dolphins at Irawady
You'd love to meet Asia's most welcoming people

Customize your perfect trip to Laos

Discover all our travel ideas for a trip in Laos.

Design your perfect family holiday with a local expert in Laos

Wellness retreats in Laos

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Cities in Laos

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Laos guided tours

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Historical sites in Laos

Design your perfect nature holiday with a local expert in Laos

Nature reserves in Laos

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Laos adventure travel

Design your perfect river cruise with a local expert in Laos

Laos river cruises

All our tours in Laos

When to go in Laos?

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The best time to visit Laos is during the dry season, from November to May. Temperatures don't fall below 15°C and begin to rise from the end of March to May. Avoid the monsoon season, which starts between May and July and lasts until November. During these heavy rains, temperatures average between 25 and 30°C. It also wise to choose your time of travel according to the places you want to visit. The hot months of April and May make it uncomfortable in the south, but it's a great time if you're heading to the cooler north of the country. In Laos you'll find unquestionable authenticity, despite the country's tumultuous past. Parts of the countryside are untouched wildernesses and the Laotians are some of the most welcoming people on the planet.

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Design your perfect winter holiday in Laos with a local expert

Winter in Laos

Design your perfect summer holiday in Laos with a local expert

Summer in Laos

Each month, a unique getaway

januaryLaos in January

februaryLaos in February

septemberLaos in September

octoberLaos in October

novemberLaos in November

decemberLaos in December

What to see in Laos?

Top places to discover.

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Prepare for your departure to in Laos

Laos is not the best-known country in Asia. So here is a brief overview to help you prepare your trip!

What documents to travel to in Laos?

UK nationals are required to have a passport that is valid for 6 months after their date of entry into Laos. A visa is compulsory and visa conditions change regularly.

Health advice

No obligatory vaccinations are necessary, but we recommend those against typhoid and hepatitis A.

Language

Lao is the official language. During your trip in Laos you will soon discover that almost everyone speaks English.

Time difference

+6 hr in summer and +7 hr in winter. When it is 12 p.m. in London, it is 6 p.m. in Vientiane in summer and 7 p.m. in Luang Prabang in winter.

Phone and internet connection

Country Code +856

Wi-Fi internet is available in hotels and some bars of large cities and tourist sites.

Electricity

Electrical sockets are 220 volts and most use the same type of plug as in France. Sometimes you will also come across American-type sockets, so bring a universal adapter.

Lao Embassy in London

49 Porchester Terrace

W2 3TS London

Tel: 020 7402 3770

laosemblondon@gmail.com

British Embassy in Laos

Rue J. Nehru, Phonexay,

Saysettha District, Vientiane

Tel: +856 (0)30 770 0000

BritishEmbassy.Vientiane@fco.gov.uk