PROBYTRAVEL
Laos

Things to Do in Laos

The slow-paced heart of Southeast Asia, where mountains meet the Mekong.

  • CapitalVientiane
  • CurrencyLao Kip (LAK)
  • LanguageLao
  • Time zoneUTC+7
  • Emergency191 (Police), 195 (Ambulance), 190 (Fire)

Why visit Laos?

Laos offers a distinctively slower pace than its neighbors, defined by rugged karst landscapes, deep Buddhist traditions, and the slow flow of the Mekong River. Landlocked and largely mountainous, the country rewards travelers who slow down to match its rhythm, whether that means rising at dawn to witness the alms-giving ceremony in Luang Prabang or navigating the dramatic limestone peaks of Vang Vieng.

With the opening of the Laos-China Railway, moving between key hubs like Vientiane, Vang Vieng, and Luang Prabang has become dramatically faster, though remote corners like the southern 4,000 Islands (Si Phan Don) still require slow boat travel and patience. Exploring Laos means balancing this modernizing transport grid with rural homestays, forested conservation areas, and quiet river towns.

Alms Giving Ceremony (Sai Bat)

Observe the daily morning ritual in Luang Prabang where hundreds of saffron-robed monks walk silently through the streets to collect food offerings.

Kuang Si Falls

A multi-tiered jungle waterfall near Luang Prabang, famous for its turquoise pools, swimming areas, and an adjacent Asiatic black bear rescue sanctuary.

The Plain of Jars

An enigmatic archaeological landscape in Xieng Khouang province where thousands of ancient stone jars are scattered across rolling grassy plains.

Vang Vieng Karsts

A dramatic landscape of limestone towers along the Nam Song River, popular for kayaking, cave exploring, and hiking up to panoramic viewpoints.

Si Phan Don (4,000 Islands)

A relaxed river archipelago on the Cambodian border where the Mekong River widens, featuring historic French railway remnants and rare Irrawaddy dolphins.

Wat Phou

A ruined Khmer Hindu temple complex in Champasak province that predates Angkor Wat, set against the slopes of Mount Phu Kao.

Popular regions

Northern Laos

Northern Laos

The cultural heartland containing Luang Prabang, the rugged mountains of Phongsaly, and remote trekking bases like Nong Khiaw.

Central Laos

Central Laos

An outdoor playground defined by the capital city of Vientiane, the limestone peaks of Vang Vieng, and the winding roads of the Thakhek Loop.

Southern Laos

Southern Laos

A laid-back region home to the cool coffee-growing Bolaven Plateau, Wat Phou ruins, and the slow-paced river life of Si Phan Don.

When to visit Laos

Based on average conditions in Laos.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Temperature29°31°34°35°33°32°31°31°31°31°30°28°
Rain1d2d4d8d15d18d20d21d17d8d2d1d
CrowdsHighHighMedMedLowLowLowLowLowMedHighHigh
  • Cold
  • Comfortable / dry / low crowds
  • Cool–hot / typical / moderate
  • Very hot / wetter / high crowds

Plan your trip to Laos

Fast-Paced Highlights

7 Days

Covers Luang Prabang, Vang Vieng, and Vientiane using the efficient high-speed railway to cut down travel time.

Northern Explorer

10-12 Days

Adds a scenic boat trip and trekking around Nong Khiaw and Muang Ngoi to the standard rail itinerary.

The Grand Loop

2-3 Weeks

Spans the entire country from the northern border down to Champasak and the 4,000 Islands in the south.

The Thakhek Motorbike Loop

4 Days

A dedicated regional loop in Central Laos starting from Thakhek, traversing spectacular caves and karst scenery.

Getting around Laos

Laos-China Railway

A high-speed train system that connects Vientiane, Vang Vieng, Luang Prabang, and Oudomxay, dramatically cutting down overland travel times.

Songthaews & Tuk-Tuks

Shared pick-up trucks with benches in the back, used for short-distance regional transit and city travel. Always agree on a fare before boarding.

Mekong Slow Boats

The iconic two-day wooden riverboat journey that runs between the Thai border town of Huay Xai and Luang Prabang, stopping overnight in Pakbeng.

Minivans

The primary way to reach towns not connected by the railway. Be prepared for winding, bumpy roads through mountainous terrain.

Costs, food & practical info

Costs

  • Budget

    $25 - $40 per day

    Stay in social hostels, eat local noodle soups and sticky rice, and travel using shared minivans or slow trains.

  • Mid-range

    $45 - $90 per day

    Choose comfortable private boutique guesthouses, dine at sit-down Lao restaurants, and travel using the high-speed railway.

  • Luxury

    $150 - $400+ per day

    Stay in converted French colonial villas, board private luxury Mekong cruise vessels, and hire private drivers for long journeys.

Cash is king in Laos. While high-end hotels in Vientiane and Luang Prabang accept credit cards, local markets, tuk-tuks, and rural guesthouses require physical Lao Kip.

Food & drinks

  • Laap (minced herb salad)25,000 - 45,000 LAK
  • Khao Niew (sticky rice basket)10,000 - 15,000 LAK
  • Tam Mak Hoong (spicy green papaya salad)15,000 - 25,000 LAK
  • Khao Piak Sen (chicken noodle soup)20,000 - 35,000 LAK
  • Beerlao (large 640ml bottle)20,000 - 30,000 LAK

Practical

  • Temple Etiquette

    Always cover your shoulders and knees when visiting temples. Remove your shoes and hat before entering any temple sanctuary or private home.

  • Cash and ATMs

    ATMs are available in main cities but can sometimes run out of cash. Carry backup US Dollars or Thai Baht, which can be exchanged easily at local banks.

  • Visa Regulations

    Most nationalities can obtain a 30-day visa on arrival at international airports and land borders. Ensure you have cash in USD for the visa fee.

  • Drinking Water

    Tap water is not safe to drink in Laos. Stick to bottled water, which is cheap and widely available, or use a reliable purification system.

Insight in one click

Frequently asked questions about visiting Laos

How many days do I need in Laos? +

A 10-day trip is ideal to experience Luang Prabang, Vang Vieng, and Vientiane using the high-speed train. If you wish to visit the southern islands of Si Phan Don, allow at least 14 to 18 days.

When is the best time to visit Laos? +

The dry season from November to February is the most comfortable time to visit, with cooler temperatures and minimal rain. April is extremely hot but hosts the vibrant Lao New Year (Pi Mai) water festival.

What is the best route for first-timers? +

Start in Luang Prabang, take the high-speed train south to Vang Vieng for outdoor adventures, and end your trip in Vientiane. This minimizes travel time while covering the country's most famous highlights.

Is Laos expensive to travel? +

Laos remains one of the most budget-friendly destinations in Southeast Asia. Backpackers can easily manage on $25 to $35 USD per day, while comfortable mid-range travelers can expect to spend $50 to $80 USD per day.

How do I get around Laos? +

The Laos-China Railway is now the most efficient way to travel between major cities in the north. For shorter distances or remote areas, local songthaews, minivans, or domestic flights are the primary options.

Do I need a visa for Laos? +

Most travelers require a visa to enter Laos. You can obtain a 30-day tourist visa on arrival at major international airports and land borders, or apply for an eVisa online prior to your trip.

Is it safe to rent a motorbike in Laos? +

While renting a motorbike is a popular way to explore loops like Thakhek, road safety can be hazardous due to unpaved roads, potholes, and erratic driving. Ensure you have a valid international driving permit and comprehensive travel insurance.