Your Complete Guide to Exploring the Best of Laos
Laos is a serene, landlocked country in Southeast Asia known for its lush mountains, winding rivers, and rich cultural heritage. It offers a slower pace of life, ideal for travellers seeking authentic experiences. Highlights include the UNESCO-listed town of Luang Prabang, the dramatic karst landscape of Vang Vieng, and the laid-back 4,000 Islands in the Mekong. With welcoming locals, vibrant festivals, and stunning natural beauty, Laos is perfect for adventurous backpackers and culture-loving explorers alike.
When to visit
Temp Range
Currency
Min Budget




Nov – Feb
18 – 30 °C
64 – 86 °F
Kip (LAK)
$20-30/day
Top Attractions
See below for a selection of the top attractions in Laos, review the map to see where these are located to help plan your trip.
Luang Prabang Old Town
Luang Prabang Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its unique blend of traditional Lao and French colonial architecture. The town features numerous gilded Buddhist temples, vibrant markets, and a captivating Mekong riverfront, offering an immersive cultural experience rich in history and spirituality.
Access from – Luang Prabang
Wat Xieng Thong
Wat Xieng Thong is one of Laos’ most revered Buddhist temples, celebrated for its intricate carvings and elegant golden facades. This ancient structure in Luang Prabang offers visitors a peaceful retreat where art and spirituality merge, reflecting deep-rooted traditions and a vibrant cultural identity.
Access from – Luang Prabang
Kuang Si Falls
Kuang Si Falls is a breath-taking natural wonder featuring tiered turquoise pools, cascading waterfalls, and lush surrounding jungle. This picturesque location near Luang Prabang offers a refreshing escape into nature, where visitors can swim, hike scenic trails, and admire vibrant flora in a serene environment.
Access from – Luang Prabang
Vang Vieng Adventure
Vang Vieng is renowned for its dramatic limestone karsts, river tubing adventures, and thrilling outdoor activities. This vibrant town offers opportunities for kayaking, rock climbing, and hot air balloon rides, all set against a backdrop of stunning natural landscapes and a relaxed, adventurous atmosphere.
Access from – Vang Vieng
Plain of Jars
The Plain of Jars is a mysterious archaeological landscape dotted with massive stone jars whose origins date back centuries. This enigmatic site offers visitors a glimpse into ancient cultures and rituals, sparking curiosity about their purpose amid a vast, open, and hauntingly unique terrain.
Access from – Phonsavan
Pak Ou Caves
Pak Ou Caves, located along the Mekong River, house thousands of Buddha statues and intricate carvings within limestone caverns. This serene and spiritual site invites visitors to explore its historic passages, appreciate artistic expressions, and reflect on its deep religious significance.
Access from – Luang Prabang
Si Phan Don (4000 Islands)
Si Phan Don, or the 4000 Islands, is a tranquil archipelago along the Mekong in southern Laos. Visitors can kayak, spot rare Irrawaddy dolphins, and cycle between rustic islands. The laid-back atmosphere and scenic beauty offer an authentic escape into nature and local culture.
Access from – Pakse/Champasak
Vientiane City Exploration
Vientiane, the laid-back capital of Laos, offers a mix of modern development and ancient heritage. Visitors explore landmarks like Pha That Luang and Patuxai, stroll along the Mekong River promenade, and discover lively markets, all reflecting the city’s blend of Buddhist traditions and colonial influences.
Access from – Vientiane
Buddha Park (Xieng Khuan)
Buddha Park, also known as Xieng Khuan, is a quirky outdoor sculpture park near Vientiane. Filled with eccentric statues of Buddha and Hindu deities, the park invites exploration and contemplation. Its unusual artworks set in a natural landscape spark creativity and cultural curiosity.
Access from – Vientiane
Bolaven Plateau Waterfalls and Coffee Plantations
The Bolaven Plateau is famed for its stunning waterfalls, lush coffee plantations, and cooler highland climate. Visitors can trek through verdant landscapes, sample locally grown coffee, and admire cascading waterfalls set against rugged terrain, experiencing a slice of rural Lao life and natural beauty.
Access from – Pakse
Tham Kong Lo Cave
Tham Kong Lo Cave is an impressive limestone cavern carved by the Nam Hinboun River. Visitors glide through its vast, winding passages on a boat tour, marveling at spectacular stalactite and stalagmite formations. This subterranean wonder encapsulates the natural artistry and ancient geology of Laos.
Access from – Thakhek
Night Markets in Laos
Laos’ night markets buzz with energy, vibrant colours, and aromatic street food. These bustling markets offer local crafts, clothing, and culinary treats, providing visitors with an immersive experience of local life, social interaction, and the rich flavours of Lao cuisine in a festive evening atmosphere.
Access from – Luang Prabang
Elephant Conservation Centre Experience
Elephant conservation centres in Laos offer ethical encounters with these gentle giants. Visitors learn about the species’ endangered status, participate in feeding and bathing sessions, and gain insights into sustainable tourism practices. The experience highlights animal welfare and environmental education in an interactive setting.
Access from – Vientiane
Traditional Lao Cooking Classes
Traditional Lao cooking classes offer hands-on culinary experiences where visitors learn to prepare authentic dishes using fresh local ingredients. Participants explore vibrant markets, master time-honoured recipes, and gain insights into regional spices, immersing themselves in the nation’s rich gastronomic heritage.
Access from – Luang Prabang
Rural Village Homestays
Rural village homestays provide an intimate glimpse into everyday Lao life. Visitors stay with local families, enjoy traditional meals, and participate in community activities. This authentic cultural immersion offers opportunities to learn customs, engage with local traditions, and experience the warmth of rural hospitality.
Access from – Luang Prabang Region
Map
See map of Laos to review top attractions. For the best experience save locally to open with google maps/share with your friends to help plan your next adventure!
Transport
Backpackers in Laos typically follow a north-to-south route: starting in Luang Prabang, heading to Vang Vieng, then Vientiane, and continuing to the 4,000 Islands in the south via Pakse. The recently completed Laos-China Railway connects major northern cities, offering fast, scenic travel. Buses and minibuses remain the main transport for budget travelers, with varying comfort levels. In remote areas, shared tuk-tuks or songthaews (pickup trucks with benches) are common. For city travel, taxis are limited, especially outside Vientiane. Ride-hailing is available in major cities via apps like LaoTaxi and LOCA, the local alternative to Uber and Grab.
Budget
Travel in Laos is affordable. Budget travelers can get by on $20–$30/day, covering hostels, street food, and local transport. Mid-range travellers spend around $40–$70/day for hotels, restaurants, and tours. Luxury travel runs $100+/day, offering upscale hotels, private guides, and fine dining, often still excellent value.
Seasonality and Weather
Laos has a tropical monsoon climate with three main seasons: hot (Mar–May), rainy (May–Oct), and cool (Nov–Feb). Temperatures typically range from 25°C to 35°C (77°F–95°F) in the lowlands, while mountainous areas, especially in the north, are cooler, with lows dropping below 10°C (50°F) in winter. The rainy season brings high humidity and heavy downpours, particularly in southern regions. The best time to visit is during the cool, dry season from November to February, when the weather is most pleasant, rivers are full, and landscapes are lush. This period is ideal for trekking, sightseeing, and river travel.
Must Try Dishes



Language
The main language spoken is Lao. Below are some key phrases (phonetic translation) to get you started. A big smile and a few words can get you a long way!

Laos Top Cities
Nearby Destinations
Useful Pages
Image Attributions
| Image | Author, License |
Tham Kong Lo Cave | Aleksey Gnilenkov from Moscow, Russia, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons |
| Laab | T.Tseng, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons |

