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Laos

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Reasons to Visit Laos

  • Lao monks

    The Baci ceremony in Laos is an important blessing in Buddhist culture and is used to celebrate any landmark event. A traditional ceremony hosted by a Lao monk will make your trip even more memorable.

    Lao monks
  • Local food & drink

    From tasting Laos`s national fiery dish of laap to tasting a fine Lao coffee on the Bolaven`s Plateau or even accepting an invite to drink the potent Lao Lao, a strange rice wine blend that will knock your socks off!

    Local food & drink
  • Night markets

    Test your bartering skills at Luang Prabang's daily market, a fantastic place to pick up some great authentic Asian souvenirs.

    Night markets
  • Sunset over the Mekong

    There are few things in Southeast Asia that can beat a beer Lao as the sunsets over the Mekong - from the riverbanks in Luang Prabang to the 4000 islands, watching the world go by at sunset is a must.

    Sunset over the Mekong
  • The North

    The northern part of Laos is a remote region that sees few tourists. Heading north from the Thai border towards China, the town of Luang Nam Tha is the gateway to the Nam Ha National Park, with countless opportunities to explore on foot, by kayak and on mountain bikes. A little further south you will stumble upon the picturesque area of Muang La and the dramatic valley of Nong Khiaw before arriving by road or boat at the cultural centre of Luang Prabang.

    The North

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Highlights of Laos

    • Enjoy a river cruise around the 4000 Islands
    • Stay in a simple lodge on one of the islands or drift down river by boat, exploring the waterfalls and laid back way of life, before enjoying a sundowner in your hammock.
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    • See the temples of Luang Prabang
    • Spend time discovering the kaleidoscopic temples, enjoy sunsets over the Mekong and splurge at the famous night market in the UNESCO World Heritage town of Luang Prabang.
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    • Take a cruise on the Mekong River
    • Take in dramatic mountain scenery and remote villages as you cruise on a slowboat from the Thai border to Luang Prabang.
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    • Take a boat trip down the Ou River
    • Take a boat trip on the Ou river to Nong Khiaw and stay in a simple bungalow to enjoy breathtaking views of the river or keep heading north to Muang La.
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    • Stroll amongst the temples at Pha That Luang
    • Explore Vientiane's temples, cafes and wide tree-lined boulevards and spend time at the iconic gold stupa at Pha That Luang.
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    • Walk amongst the Plain of Jars
    • Enjoy stunning scenery through central Laos to Phonsavan and try to uncover the true meaning behind the existence of the three Plain of Jars sites.
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    • Explore the caves in Vieng Xai
    • Explore the caves (used as homes and shelters by the Pathet Lao) hidden deep in the limestone peaks of Vieng Xai.
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    • Explore the temple complex at Wat Phou
    • Designated a UNESCO world heritage site, explore the pre-Angkorian Wat Phou complex, with its sacrificial sites and panoramic views across to the Bolaven's Plateau.
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Our country specialists have travelled the length and breadth of Laos - here are a few of their favourite things to do

One of Asia’s most beautiful secrets, travellers to Laos find themselves captivated by the mist-veiled mountains, enigmatic plateaux, untouched forests, and the monks who trail along paths and alleys in search of their morning alms.

Refreshingly, most of the country has not adapted itself to modern tourism and traditional ways of life continue in the face of our rapidly changing world.

Laotian culture

Laos is not a place you simply see: it is more a country you feel and experience, as its quiet beauty works its magic. The Laotians themselves are very welcoming, allowing you an insight into their lives and country. Whilst neighbouring Thailand and Vietnam are rapidly developing their economies and infrastructure, the tranquil backwater of Laos remains relatively untouched. This is both caused by and reflected in the very nature of the Laotians themselves - to hurry is simply not the Lao way. You should not feel surprised to find yourself waiting at the Lao border, for example, without being entirely sure of the reason for your wait. Ask and you will simply be rewarded with a broad smile and be told they are waiting for "the right time".

This is truly an opportunity to escape from the fastpaced lifestyle of the developed world and indulge in this gentle land’s timeless appeal.

Popular Places to visit in Laos

{535AEBEF-AB99-4D67-897C-DDED4906A819}Champasak

Champasak is a small town in Southern Laos, which was until thirty years ago a seat of royalty. The main reason for coming here is to visit nearby Wat Phou, but it is charming place to spend a few days.

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{2023C920-7AA7-440F-B4FB-FFDA8A980BE6}Luang Prabang

Once the ancient capital of northern Laos, sleepy Luang Prabang has retained much of its majesty and tranquillity, it's now a UNESCO protected site.

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{10C3823A-3B0A-4DD3-B190-E679F8012F3D}The Plain of Jars

More than three hundred enormous stone jars, their origins long forgotten and their original use and significance still unclear. You can fly here from Vientiane or take a longer journey by road.

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{801E7E26-B126-4729-ACD5-29B1C9AFD408}Vientiane

Vientiane is the capital of Laos, which still has a provincial feel to it and is a pleasant place to explore on foot. Tree-lined boulevards and elegant architecture testify to its French colonial past.

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Practical Info

Flight time

14 1/2 hours (Vientiane, via Bangkok)

Recommended airlines

EVA Airways & Thai Airways

Timezone

GMT+7 hours

When To Go

Jan
The best time to travel
Feb
The best time to travel
Mar
The best time to travel
Apr
A good time to travel, but there may be some factors to be aware of
May
A good time to travel, but there may be some factors to be aware of
Jun
A good time to travel, but there may be some factors to be aware of
Jul
A good time to travel, but there may be some factors to be aware of
Aug
A good time to travel, but there may be some factors to be aware of
Sep
Travel is possible, but this is not the best time of year
Oct
A good time to travel, but there may be some factors to be aware of
Nov
The best time to travel
Dec
The best time to travel
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