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A beautiful landlocked nation often recognized for being home to a variety of nature, Laos makes for a fulfilling Southeast Asian trip as it offers an amazing spectrum of wonders. From the far-framed mountainous landscapes to the diverse cultural scene, there is a lot one can explore and experience while in Laos. This tropical paradise has been one of the most loved travel destinations for decades. Gaze upon the historical gold stupa of Pha That Luang or plunge into a pool of relaxing waters at Kuang Si Waterfall. Hike up the Phousi Hill and enjoy grand spectacles or marvel at the shining architecture of the Wat Phu Temple.

USEFUL INFO ABOUT LAOS

Official Name: The Lao People's Democratic Republic

Form of Government: Unitary Marxist-Leninist One-party Socialist Republic

Capital& Largest City: Vientiane

Population: 7.1 Million (As of 2019)

Official Languages: Lao and French

Languages Spoken: English, Lao, French, Hmong, and Khmu

Ethnicity: Lao 53.2%, Khmu 11%, Hmong 9.2%, and Others 26.6%

Laos Currency: Lao kip LAK (₭ or ₭N)

MAP REFERRED: ASIA

Area: 236,800 Sq. Km

Land: 230,800 Sq. Km

Water: 6000 Sq. Km

Lowest Point: Mekong River 70 Meters

Highest Point: Phou Bia 2817 Meters

Coastline: 0 Km

Neighboring Countries:

Thailand

Vietnam

Cambodia

Myanmar

China

Internet/Connectivity

Like all the major tourist destinations in the world, Laos has commendable internet and phone services. Though most of the hotels and resorts in the country provide free Wi-Fi services, it is always better to get a prepaid SIM card beforehand. This way you would be able to connect to your family anywhere in the world while on the go. You can get a prepaid SIM card with a data plan at all the airports.

The best mobile network operators in Laos are as follows:

Lao Telecom

ETL

Beeline

Unitel

In the country, a 30-day 12-GB data plan would not cost you more than $15.

Lao kip is the official currency in Laos and has been in use for exchanging goods and services since 1955. However, in the past, it has been reissued several times in different forms, such as Royal kip, Pathet Lao kip and Lao PDR kip. It was introduced in the market after it replaced the French Indochinese piastre which was used by the country during the French colonial period.

Over a period, Lao kip has become one of the weakest currencies in Asia owing to several factors including weak production base and strengthening of USD and Thai Baht. Hence, it is also one of the few non-convertible currencies in the world.

Few Lao money conversion rates for your reference (as of June 2020):
AED to Lao Currency
1 AED = 2454.43 LAK

INR to Lao Currency
1 INR = 119.37 LAK

USD to Lao Currency
1 USD = 9015 LAK

Symbol: ₭ or ₭N
Code: LAK
1 Lao kip= 100 att

Frequently used Lao kip banknotes are found in the denominations of 500, 1000, 2000, 5000, 10000, 20000, 50000 and 100000

Lao kip bank coins are found in the denominations of 10 att, 20 att, and 50 att. However, coins are rarely used in the country

Note:
Apart from Lao kip, you can also use US dollars and Thai Baht as they are widely accepted across the country.

Though the exact history of human settlement in Laos is still unavailable, it is said that Laos has been home to human civilization for thousands of years. The oldest evidence found in the region is the ancient skull of a human that dates to about 46,000 years. That is why Laos is often referred to as a nation of great historical and cultural prominence amongst explorers.

As per archaeological evidence, numerous local tribes dwelt in Laos during the early years of history. This was the time when the agricultural society in Laos was developing at a face pace. Later, when infrastructure was built and the region started dealing with crops and other materials, Laos became a local center of trade and commerce. Its popularity increased day by day and reached a new level after several Tai-speaking tribes settled in the region during the early medieval period.

In the 14th century, the Kingdom of Lan Xang was founded. Since then, the country has been witnessing an exponential rise in politics, education, trade, and economy. The kings of the Lan Xang Empire ruled the nation for more than four centuries until the local rebellious armies and other foreign invasions weakened the empire.

Laos came into the hands of the French colonial powers in the late 19th century. The French controlled the administration for about 60 years. Their empire came crashing down after the first Indochina war against them broke out in the year 1946. With the help of several movements, Laos declared autonomy in the year 1949 and became an independent nation. In the year 1975, it became a republic body.

Today, Laos is one of the most loved travel destinations in Southeast Asia. Thousands of tourists from around the world visit it every month to witness the jewels it has in store in the form of temples, stupas, waterfalls, mountains, museums, and more.

Spread over an area of about 236,800 sq. km, the Lao People's Democratic Republic has an amazing topographical landscape. It is the only landlocked nation in Southeast Asia and home to a wide variety of nature. From hills to valleys, plains to rugged terrains, and forests to streams, you would find everything within the beautiful boundaries of Laos. As the country is quite rich in greenery, you would come across hundreds of rare and endangered species of animals, plants, birds, and reptiles here.

That is why it would not be wrong to say that Laos is quite colorful and photogenic. As it is a landlocked nation, it does not have any coastline. However, the total length of land boundaries is about 5083 km.

Laos has more than 97% of the total area as the land region (230,800 sq. km), while the remaining 3% make up the water area (6000 sq. km). The major rivers that flow through the country are the Mekong, the most popular and significant one, Nam Ou, Nam Ma River, Xe Bang Fai River, Nam Theun, Nam Xan River, Nam Ngum and Banghiang River. Most of them drain into the South China Sea.

The lowest point in the country is the Mekong River at 70 meters and the highest point lies at Phou Bia at about 2817 meters above the sea level. The People's Republic of China, Cambodia, Vietnam, Myanmar, and Thailand are the neighboring countries touching the borders of Laos.

Art and Music
The art and music scene in Laos is quite interesting as the people in the country love listening to age-old melodies as well as contemporary forms and also have a strong affinity towards artistry. Probably, that is the reason the country hosts a variety of music and art festivals in a year. Lao Handicrafts Festival and Vang Vieng Fest are some of the most popular events in Laos.

As the Buddhist culture has been dominating the settlers of Laos, the indigenous form of art and music simply revolves around Buddhism; be it the paintings and carvings on historical monuments or the hymns chanted at temples. However, over a period, these art forms have evolved and developed to quite an extent. Khene is one of the most popular traditional musical instruments in Laos.

Food and Drink
Though Lao cuisine is undoubtedly savored with great interests by tourists from around the world. Sticky rice is the staple of Lao Food and that's why everyone in the country is fond of this local delicacy. Lao cuisine is unique in many ways, but the invasion of numerous foreign powers in the past has surely influenced its flavors and tastes. At present, it is recognized for the use of vegetables, fruits, and of course, rice. However, with pop culture in place, people in the country have started relishing international delicacies too. Today, you would find Italian food and other cuisines from around the globe on the menus here. Lao people also love to drink, and Lao coffee, beer and rice whiskey are the most favored beverages in the country.

Must-Try Delicacies
Lao sticky rice, Steamed fish, Baguette Pate, Lao Sausages, Wet noodles, Minced meat salad, Noodle Soup, and Green Papaya Salad

Must-Try Drinks
Laos Coffee, Lao Rice Whiskey, Beerlao, Lao-hai, Nam Saa, and Grilled coconut

Hospitality
Laos is certainly noted amongst globetrotters for its beautiful culture and hospitality. People in the country have a sense of responsibility towards their guests and that is the most important reason why tourists do not find any difficulty while exploring around in Laos. The locals here are generous, kind, and helpful. They are always ready to cater to your needs. If they really like your attitude towards the country and its people, you might get invited over for dinner.

Explore the splendidly built wondrous temples reflecting brilliance through their architecture.

Step into an unexplored world of waterfalls, diverse wildlife, and breathtaking landscapes.

Explore the most ethnically diverse region of Southeast Asia in Laos as you confront beautiful culture and traditions.

Partake in a wide variety of cultural and religious festivals and get an insight into the lifestyle of Laos people.

Learn about the Buddhist culture and values in detail at its divine sites of Pha That Luang and Wat Phou.

Indulge in relishing the unique flavors of Laos cuisine and savor the best of fried rice, soup noodles, and more.

Find yourself on a trail of hidden beauties as you make your way through the wonders of places like Tad Lo, Nong Kiaw, and more.

Satisfy the wildlife lover in your while you capture the rare and endangered species of several plants and animals in the forests of Laos.

Enjoy numerous adventurous activities in the beautiful waters of Laos and feel an adrenaline rush.

Despite being a landlocked country, Laos experiences a tropical climate. That is why the country is often referred to as a year-round destination in Southeast Asia. Due to its location in the proximity of the South China Sea, it gets hot summers and cool winters characterized by dry weather conditions. Hence, Laos has been successful in attracting tourists from around the world throughout the year.

The average high temperature in Laos lies in the range of 35℃ and 40℃ in the region around the Mekong. However, the average low temperature fluctuates between 5℃ to 15℃ in and around places like Xiangkhoang and Phongsali.

The winter season in the country starts in October and goes till the end of February. The summer starts in June and ends in the month of August.

April is the hottest month in Laos

December is the coldest month in Laos

August is the wettest month in Laos

October to March
If you would really love to enjoy the best of Laos, then the best time to visit Laos is from October to March. This is the time when the country experiences optimum weather conditions and hence, you can roam around and explore places comfortably. This is the period when you would be able to enjoy cooler days and nights.

Average Laos Temperature
Laos Weather in October: 25℃
Laos Weather in November: 23℃
Laos Weather in December: 20℃
Laos Weather in January: 24℃
Laos Weather in February: 27℃
Laos weather in March: 29℃

Visit Laos with Family/Kids

Have a fun time with kids learning about local traditions of Laos at its cultural centers like Ock Pop Tok.

Sail down the beautiful waters of the Mekong River and spend evenings watching colorful vistas.

Take a day off to the serene waterfalls of Laos and have a refreshing bath in its soothing waters.

Visit the organic farm of the Living Land and try your hand at farming and other agricultural practices.

Visit the sanctuaries of Laos and witness the beauty of Elephants.

Visit Laos as a Couple

Hold the hands of your partner and visit the historically significant temples of Laos to feel divinity.

Book a spa session together to detox your mind, body, and soul.

Go on a shopping spree in the local street markets and popular shopping complexes of Laos.

Enjoy an elephant safari in the lush green jungles of the country.

Spend a day together lazing by the beach and relish your favorite drinks.

Take a hot air balloon ride high in the sky at Vang Vieng.

Visit Laos with Friends

Explore hidden places such as Muang Sing and discover unknown beauties of Laos.

Test the adventure quotient in you as you trek up the hills and mountains of Laos.

Hire a cycle and paddle through the hillside hamlets of Laos.

Explore the nightlife of Laos and indulge in relishing locally produced drinks at pubs.

Spend an entire day sitting by waterfalls and listening to their melodious sounds.

Things to Buy

Traditional Laos wraparound skirt

Pottery

Bamboo wares

Laos coffee

Wood carvings

Hand-made jewelry

Paintings

Laodi Rhum

Pha That Luang
One of the national symbols of Laos, Pha That Luang is one of the highly revered stupas in Southeast Asia as it is historically as well as religiously important. The gold-covered stupa is claimed to have been built in the 3rd century and since then, it has been attracting visitors from across the nation. The stupa is also believed to be the site where monks with the relics of Lord Buddha came and rested for a few days. Hence, it is often considered a site of pilgrimage amongst Buddhist followers.
Price Range: $0.6 per person
Timings:
08:00 am to 12:00 pm and
01:00 pm to 04:00 pm

Wat Phu/Vat Phou
A ruined complex that once housed ever-glittering temples and brilliant architecture, Wat Phu is another site in Laos where you can time travel in the past. It is one of the few places in Laos where you would surely come across the glorious days of the country. With a history of more than 1500 years, these ruins call for exploration. Hence, do not miss out on visiting them. Due to its historical significance, it has been inscribed to the list of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Price:
$5.5 for foreigners
$2.3 for locals
Timings: 08:00 am +to 06:00 pm

Kuang Si Waterfall
If nature is all you need to detox your body, then Kuang Si Waterfall must be your calling while in Laos. It is one of the most popular natural places in the country and is recognized for its serene and calm surroundings. Plunge into the cool turquoise waters and witness nature spreading magic all around. The place is immensely photogenic and hence, it should be on the travel bucket list of every nature photographer. Come here with your family and friends and spend the day chilling in shallow pools.
Price: $2.50 per person
Timings:
08:00 am to 05:00 pm
09:00 am to 05:00 pm on Tuesdays

Pak Ou Cave
One of the major parts of Laos tourism, Pak Ou Cave is a quaint little site where you can feel divinity and serenity in the air. The caves here are noted for being home to Buddhist statues and wooden figures. Located in the vicinity of Luang Prabang, the caves overlook the beautiful Mekong River and hence, make for an amazing weekend escape. Exploring them is surely one of the best things to do in Laos.
Price: $2.50 per person
Timings: 08:00 am to 12:00 am

Phou Si
Another prominent Lao tourist attraction is the charming 100-meter high hill of Phou Si. The place is often recognized for its untroubled natural surroundings where one can spend time without encountering the tourist crowd. The place also houses the Wat Chom Si Stupa at its peak. You can come with your family, friends or partner and have a great time savoring its tranquil environment.
Price Range: $2.23 per person
Timings: 05:30 am to 06:00 pm

Plains of Jars
An archaeological site belonging to the pre-historic era, Plains of Jars is a beautiful place where you would find thousands of stone jars scattered all around. As per evidence found, the site is claimed to have been in existence since the Iron Age. That's the reason it has become extremely popular amongst explorers and history lovers. How about visiting it and finding the truth behind the presence of these giant jars?
Price:
$1.67 for the Site 1
$1.11 for the Site 2
$1.11 for the Site 3
Timings: 08:30 am to 05:00 pm

Vang Vieng
A beautiful town away from the hustle and bustle of places like Vientiane, Van Vieng is set on the banks of the Nam Song River. It is where one gets the opportunity to savor unseen landscapes, alluring little settlements, stunning streams, lush greenery, and more. The place also has some nice restaurants, hotels, and cafes. If you are looking for a place in Laos for picnicking, then you cannot find a better place than Vang Vieng. You can also enjoy hot air balloon rides here.
Price Range: No Entrance Fee
Timings: Anytime

Major cities to explore in Laos
Vientiane
The largest and capital city of Laos, Vientiane has everything that one would need for a fulfilling Southeast Asian trip. Temples to riverbanks, parks to museums and monuments to dams, every single attraction located in and around the city would steal your heart away. The most frequented and significant ones include Pha That Luang, Wat Si Muang, Buddha Park, Patuxai Memorial, Lao National Museum, and Haw Phra Kaew.

Pakse
The second most populous city of Laos, Pakse has in store a lot of amazing sites to review. It has the beautiful architecture to look upon and natural surroundings to relish. Visit the nearby historic site of Wat Phu or capture the waterfalls and the coffee plantations of the Bolaven Plateau. Other important places you can consider visiting in Pakse are Champasak Palace, Wat Luang, Si Phan Don, Lao-Japan Bridge and Wat Phousalao

Luang Prabang
One of the major Laos points of interest, Luang Prabang is a beautiful fusion of both traditional and urban architecture. This town built on a peninsula of Mekong and Nam Khan River and is immersed in fables with a touch of modern sophistication. With two distinct architectural styles blended so beautifully and so much more, Luang Prabang is a delight to every tourist visiting Laos. The must-visit tourist attractions here are Phousi Hill, Wat Xiengthong, Royal Palace, Night Market, and Tat Sae Waterfalls.

Phonsavan
Another city in Laos that can make your weekend an unforgettable journey is the magnificent Phonsavan. It is generally popular for being UNESCO World Heritage Site of Plain of Jars. That is why it is frequented by thousands of tourists every year. You can also bring along your camera and capture its colorful plains and lush green hills.

Savannakhet
The capital of the Savannakhet Province of Laos, Savannakhet is one of the least-explored cities in the country. Hence, it should be on your bucket list if you love taking untrodden trails and unknown paths. The city is home to numerous temples and monuments that would surely draw your attention to their exemplary architecture. The list of places to visit in Savannakhet includes Wat Sainyaphum, Chinese Buddhist Temple, Vietnamese Buddhist Temple, and St. Teresa's Catholic Church.

Other best places to visit in Laos

Royal Palace

Si Phan Don

Phu Chi Fa

Wat Xiengthong

Bolaven Plateau

Buddha Park

Tat Sae Waterfalls

Jang Cave

Xe Bang Fai Cave

Pi Mai
Undoubtedly, the traditional festival of Pi Mai is the biggest cultural and the grandest celebration in Laos. It marks the beginning of the Lao New Year and is observed annually with street events and customary performances. On this day, people clean and decorate their houses. People also pour water on each other, wash the statues of Lord Buddha, and take blessing from monks. The festival is also called Songkran in the Lao language.
Place: Across Laos
Time: 13/14-15/16 April

Wat Phou Festival
Another celebration in Laos that would give an insight into the traditions and customs of the country's culture and lifestyle is the popular Wat Phou Festival. It is one of the biggest festivals in the country and is attended by thousands of people from different countries. The celebrations include boat racing, cockfighting, drinking, singing, dancing and more. With all this, the surroundings of the temple wake up in full glory and share happiness all around.
Place: Wat Phou Temple, Southern Laos
Time: January/February

Lao Handicrafts Festival
If there is an art lover in you, then you must not miss visiting the vibrant Lao Handicrafts Festival. As the name suggests, the festival is a retreat for all the artisans, ranging from potters to basket weavers. Souvenir hunters from across the nation attend the festival. It is a great way to witness the talent of Laos in the open. From the local styles to western designs, you would get an opportunity to gaze upon every kind of art here. You can also buy some beautifully carved statues of Lord Buddha.
Place: Vientiane
Time: October/November

Lao National Day
One of the major public holidays, Lao National Day commemorates the day when the country became a democratic republic and ended its monarchy. The event draws the attention of all the citizens of Laos and is celebrated with great enthusiasm. People wear traditional clothes and partake in political rallies. The leaders of the country address the nation and give speeches on various topics related to the development of Laos.
Place: Across the country
Time: 2 December

Pha That Luang Festival
The age-old golden stupa of Pha That Luang is one of the national symbols of Laos. The monument has a history of about 2000 years and hence, it is a site of great cultural, religious, and historical importance. Pha That Luang Festival is celebrated in the compound of the site where thousands of Buddhist pilgrims gather and partake in processions and other religious events. If you are really looking forward to having a profound understating of the Buddhist culture in Laos, then do attend the celebration.
Place: Vientiane
Time: November

Other festivals celebrated in Laos

Boun Bung Fai

Fire Boat Festival

Hmong New Year

Lao Food Festival

Boun Khao Phansa

To enter the boundaries of Laos, every tourist needs to obtain a valid visa unless he/she belongs to a visa-exempt country. As per the visa policy of Laos, citizens of the following countries do not require to have Laos visa prior to their arrival.

Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Mongolia, Philippines, Russia, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand, Vietnam (Can stay for a maximum period of 30 days)

Japan, Luxembourg, and Switzerland (Can stay for a maximum period of 15 days)

Brunei and Myanmar (Can stay for a maximum period of 14 days)

Laos also offers its visitors with the facility of visa on arrival. All the nationalities that are not eligible to visit Laos without any visa can get visas on arrival except the citizens from the following countries. Tourists belonging to the below-given nations are required to apply for a regular Laos tourist visa to enter its boundaries:

Afghanistan, Algeria, Bangladesh, Burundi, Cameroon, Congo, DR Congo, Eswatini, Ghana, Guinea-Bissau, Ivory Coast, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Mozambique, Nauru, Niger, Nigeria, Pakistan, Senegal, Sierra Leone, South Sudan, Sudan, Suriname, Syria, Tonga, Zambia, and Zimbabwe

Laos has also initiated e-visa services. Citizens of all those countries who either belong to visa-exempt nations or are eligible to get visa on arrival can avail e-visa services.

Click below to know more about Laos evisa here

Note

With a visa on arrival, tourist can stay in Laos for a maximum period of 30 days

Visa on arrival can be extended twice for a charge of about $2.50 per day

Laos Visa Requirements
To get Laos tourist visa, you need to have the following:

Valid passport that doesn't expire within 6 months from the date of travel

Two recent passport-size photographs

Accommodation proof

Signed visa application form

Buses
Buses are easily available at all the major tourist places in Laos and hence, it is one of the preferred means of transportation in the country for getting around. Buses are often used by tourists for traveling within a city or a town.

However, several buses ply between the major cities and towns of Laos on a regular basis. If you do not desire to empty your pocket on commutation, then you can go with this option. On average, a bus ride in Laos within a city wouldn't cost you more than $1.

Taxis/Cabs
Taxis/Cabs are the ultimate means of transportation for those who always look forward to traveling in their comfort zone. As they are quite cheaper in comparison to other modes of transport in Laos, they are used by most tourists. Taxis are available at all the major points across a city or a town in the country. Hence, finding them is never a problem. You can also ask your hotel/resort staff to arrange one for you, though it would cost you a little more. Taxis in Laos charge about $0.80 per km.

Trains
As Laos lacks a good rail network, neither locals nor tourists prefer this mode of transport for commutation. However, train services can be availed if you are visiting the country from nearby places like Thailand. Located in the proximity of Vientiane, Thanaleng Terminal is the only railway station in Laos.

Ferries/Boats
Due to the presence of numerous streams across the country, ferries/boats are used by several tourists for traveling purposes. As per recent data, the country has more than 4500 kilometers of navigable water routes.

The popular Mekong River and its tributaries serve as the most used water routes. You can also go on a river cruise and explore the waters of the Mekong River for not more than 30$ per person.

Via Air Route
Located at Vientiane, Wattay International Airport is one of the largest and busiest airports in Laos. It is well connected to the neighboring countries of China, Cambodia, and others via direct flights. Though there are no direct flights available from places like the United States and the United Kingdom, one can easily access the country by taking connecting flights. Other important airports in Laos are located in the cities of Luang Prabang and Pakse. All the airports in Laos have great connectivity to the other parts of the country. You can use public transport such as buses and cabs to reach your destination from the airport.

Via Road Route
Regular bus services are available from the neighboring countries of Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam to reach Laos. It is quite an economic option if you do not want to spend a lot on just traveling. You can also take the road route and drive on your own. The country hosts an amazing road network connecting other places.

Via Rail Route
If you are traveling to Laos from Thailand, then you can also opt to go with the rail route. Several passenger trains run between Bangkok and Vientiane on a regular basis. You can board the train at Nong Kai in Thailand and get off at Thanaleng Terminal which is located at a distance of just about 15 km from Vientiane.

Via Water Route
Being a landlocked country, Laos doesn't have any water route. However, you can reach the port cities of Thailand and Vietnam, and then from there, you can either use public transport or hire a vehicle to reach Laos.

Refrain from buying ivory or any other wildlife products as it is illegal to take such things out of the country.

Keep a tourist map of the city or the town handy or use google maps in case you get lost.

Head towards places like Nong Khiaw and Hin Boun to discover the veiled beauties of Laos.

ATMs are not available at all the places in Laos and hence, it is always better to keep cash with you.

Make sure to dress in a decent manner while visiting places. Though people in Laos have a sense of acceptance, they are still conservative.

Visit Vang Vieng if you really desire to capture the best sunrise and sunset views.

Talk to monks to understand the Buddhist culture in Laos in detail.

If you are on a tight budget, it is better to go with dorm rooms. They are cheaper in comparison to other types of accommodation.

Always bargain while buying things at local street markets.

Safety Tips

Do not trek or explore the unknown regions of the country without a local guide.

Do not get into an argument with locals or the police. It might land you in trouble.

Keep a check on your belongings when you are out in the public, especially in crowded tourist places.

Always carry a copy of your passport and a hotel/resort card while venturing out. It would help you a lot in case of any emergency.

Do not indulge in drug activities as they are illegal in the country and hence, are taken seriously.

Keep an eye on your food and drink, especially while having them at public places.

Lock all your original documents and other valuables inside the hotel room locker.

It is not recommended to travel alone or through poorly lit streets at night.

Health

Get the required vaccination for Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Yellow fever, mumps, measles, polio, chickenpox, pneumonia, and rabies before you fly.

Tap water in Laos isn't safe to drink and hence, it is always better to rely on bottled water.

Insure your travel journey so that it could cover all the medical bills in case of emergencies.

Stay away from eating at places that look dirty and do not focus on maintaining hygiene.

While exploring around, especially on the outskirts of cities and towns, use bug spray or insect repellent wherever necessary.

What to Pack?

Travel documents

Universal adapter

Phone/Tablet/Laptop charger

Mosquito repellent

Power Bank

Bug spray

Camera

Light summer clothes

Sports shoes for hiking and trekking

Warm clothes for high altitude regions

Flip-flops and sandals

Fanny bag

Dress Code & Etiquette

Do not wear revealing clothing while visiting places of religious significance such as temples and churches.

Always cover your head and shoulder before entering the premises of stupas and other such sites of divinity.

Do not use the left hand while receiving or giving things. It is a sign of disrespect in the Buddhist culture.

Do not touch someone's head as this part of the body is considered the most sacred in Laos culture.

Public display of affection in Laos is often frowned upon.

Always take the clockwise route while walking around Buddhist monuments.

Do not take selfies with the sacred statues of Lord Buddha as it is considered impolite and disrespectful.

Do not make fun of local traditions and customs.

Thailand
One of the most frequented and loved countries across the globe, Thailand must be on your list if you are really looking forward to witnessing beyond the boundaries of Laos. Visit it and enjoy the glamorous world of Bangkok. Take a day trip to the world-famous Phi Phi Islands and feel nature soothing your mind, body, and soul. Catching glimpse of the wondrous Grand Palace and Wat Arun Temple would surely be an everlasting experience. You can also indulge in exploring its vibrant markets such as Chatuchak Weekend Market.

Myanmar
Another country bordering Laos is colorful Myanmar. Facing the Andaman Sea and the Bay of Bengal, this exquisite travel destination boasts of thousands of heaven-like beauties. Visit its religious pagodas and feel divinity all around. Take a boat ride in the beautiful waters of Inle Lake or Capture the unseen panoramas of Myanmar at Mandalay Hill. The country is also home to innumerable sites here. You can relish watching rare species of plants and animals.

Vietnam
Be it natural beauty or cultural complexity, one can enjoy both in Vietnam, one of the most enchanting Southeast Asian countries. With its ethereal beaches, serene rivers, Buddhist pagodas, hill-tribe villages, and bustling cities, it is sure to give every traveler thrills and chills. The entire nation of Vietnam truly holds a timeless charm that stays in one's heart long after they leave. The most significant places to visit here are Ha Long Bay, Hoan Kiem Lake, Cat Ba Island, Phong Nha, and Imperial City.

Cambodia
From glittering royal palace to serene white sand beaches, everything in the kingdom of Cambodia is simply awe-inspiring. With its magnificent temples, sophisticated cities, thrilling adventures, and most importantly the sanguine Cambodian spirit, there is something captivating about this beautiful Kingdom that leaves all its visitors spellbound. The major places you can't miss out on while In Cambodia are Angkot Wat, Bayon Temple, Ta Prohm Temple, Royal Palace, Tonle Sap, and Angkor Thom.

Laos is the only landlocked country in Southeast Asia and is surrounded by China, Myanmar, Cambodia, Vietnam, and Thailand.

Laos is the most bombed place on the planet as it received about two million tons of bombs during the Vietnam war.

Made of Jasmine rice and yeast, Beerlao, the famous beer of Lao, is claimed to be one of the best in the world. It has also won several awards at the international level.

Though Laos is a landlocked region, the country houses a beautiful archipelago of about 4000 islands in the Mekong River. It is known as Si Phan Don.

The people in Laos are commonly called 'luk khao niaow' that translates to 'the children of sticky rice' for the country is the largest consumer of sticky rice in the world.

Laos is home to some of the rare and endangered species of animals and plants such as Javan rhinoceros, Asian elephant, Asiatic golden cat and more.

All the Lao boys are supposed to become novice monks for a period of about 3 months before they turn 20. This is a part of Lao culture and traditions.

The oldest modern human fossil in Southeast Asia is the ancient skull found in the Annamite Mountains of Laos. The human skull has a history of about 46,000 years.

Located in Laos, Khone Phapheng, also called the Niagara of the East, is the largest waterfall in Southeast Asia and the widest in the world with about 69 feet and 35,376 feet dimensions, respectively.

Laos is generally referred to as the land of million elephants as it is home to uncountable wild elephants.

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