Laos

The meditative wisdom of wandering

Guide to Laos

Basic Information

Laos is far from being an ordinary destination for travelers. It lacks seas and towering mountains with snowy peaks. However, this Southeast Asian, mountainous country is a genuine paradise for those who value tranquility, distinctive cultures, ancient temples, enigmas of civilizations, and the simple wisdom of the East. An array of routes will unveil age-old mysteries, introduce you to hospitable hosts, and allow you to relish in the shade of lush, tropical jungles. It's a genuine exotic experience, and if you're keen to delve into the teachings of Buddhism, Laos is the place to be.

Photos of Laos

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Capital

Vientiane

Language

Laotian

Currency

Lao kip

Time zone

GMT +7

Population

6 500 000

Territory

236,800 km²

Dishes worth trying:

Fish sauce — along with pure rice creates one of the country's staple dishes.

Laap — are pieces of meat or fish, raw or marinated, seasoned with spices and herbs.

There's poppy seed salad — Spicy salad, based on - papaya, some other fruits and vegetables, spices and herbs.

Naem Nuang — thin pancakes rolled with minced meat or chunks of meat and herbs, a delicious appetizer quite popular throughout the country.

Learn the history of the country at Kaison Phomvihan (Savannakhet).
Enjoy the beauty of the ancient city of Luang Prabang.
Engage in sports and ecotourism in the city of Vang Vieng.
Indulge in meditation at the temple complexes of Thyampatsak.
Photographing the Valley of the Jugs in Ponsavan.
Get to know the local tribes in Luangnamtha.

Tips

If you are traveling on your own, be careful of routes that have not been thought out in advance. Especially in the eastern parts of the country.

If you decide to travel to Laos, take care to prevent malaria.

One should not touch the heads of locals, small children. And women should not approach the monks, give them things, objects.

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Sights

We will list the main attractions of Laos for you. They are enough to make your trip rich, full and memorable. The ancient historical, architectural and cultural values will interest many people. We will name those corners of the country that are important to visit for every traveler.

Bolaven Plateau

A natural attraction an hour's drive east of Pakse. Its altitude is about 1200 meters above sea level. There is virtually untouched nature, waterfalls, national villages, tea and coffee plantations.

Pha That Luang Temple

A Buddhist religious edifice, a symbol of the country's independence. Pha Jedi Lokayulamani, or "World Precious Sacred Stupa", is huge, and the central Stupa is topped by a huge stone lotus.

Buddha Park

An open-air museum 24 km south of Vientiane. There are many statues and sculptures of Buddhist and Hindu beliefs. The most famous is probably the giant statue of the Lying Buddha.

Tours to Laos

Finding tours to Laos can be quite challenging as this destination is not highly popular among domestic tour operators. The absence of access to the sea means that beach vacations don't attract tourists here. However, those who have experienced a trip to Laos often dream of returning time and time again.

It's all thanks to the breathtaking subtropical vegetation that blankets the hilly terrain of the country. Regardless of where you book your tour, exploring Laos' natural wonders feels like stepping into the dawn of creation or perhaps the age of dinosaurs.

Laos tours primarily revolve around the country's stunning wildlife and parks, featuring lush forests, captivating waterfalls, majestic mountains, and intriguing caves. Every journey also incorporates visits to Laos' top cultural landmarks, including Buddhist temples, monasteries, pagodas, and Buddha statues.

However, it's important to note that Laos is not devoid of civilization. A visit to the country's capital, Vientiane, is enough to dispel that notion. One significant advantage of traveling in Laos is the affordability of accommodation and food. Nevertheless, flight expenses can comprise nearly half of your travel budget.

Consequently, finding budget-friendly deals to Laos can be quite challenging. Furthermore, tours often combine Laos with visits to neighboring countries. For instance, a 17-day hot trip to Laos and Vietnam might cost around $1,940 USD. Relatively economical options can be found for tours encompassing three or four Indochina countries. However, even for hot deals, prices tend to approach $2,000 USD.

Where to go to Laos?

You can embark on a journey to Laos independently or add it as a delightful "spice" to your trip to Vietnam or Thailand, depending on your preferences. Regardless of your choice, Laos proves to be an ideal destination for extended hikes along scenic trails, exploration of temple complexes, and visits to settlements concealed within the jungle. Here, you'll find bustling markets as well as tranquil waters along the Mekong River. Select the right region in Laos and set off on your adventure. With the guidance of Tripmydream, you can easily determine where to go for your vacation in Laos.

When to go to Laos

Laos, located in Southeast Asia, boasts a climate that can present certain challenges. Excursion trips are feasible throughout the year, but it's essential to keep in mind that from May to October, the country experiences tropical rains. March tends to be hot and dry, while the prime time for a trip is in December and January. Tripmydream will provide guidance to help you determine the optimal timing for your vacation in Laos.

Laos in spring

Until the end of April in Laos is dry. But sometimes the temperature rises to +38°C. March and April are far from the best period for traveling, although for a trip to the central sights of the country this time is also suitable.

Laos in summer

Starting from the month of May until mid-autumn, it is the rainy season in Laos. Humidity and warm weather go side by side. In general, it is not so terrible, especially if you are ready for the refinements of the weather. The temperature in summer is around +30°C.

Laos in the fall

The rains end by October and it gets cooler and drier. November is a good time for excursions and walks around the country. The temperature traditionally stays at +30°C, maybe a little lower. It is warm both during the day and at night.

Laos in winter

The weather in Laos in winter is dry and cool. In the mountainous areas the temperature can drop to +15°C, but on average it stays at +25°C. This is an ideal time for excursions and hiking, swimming on the Mekong River.