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Our trips to Laos
If you’re looking for an authentic experience in South East Asia – Laos is the country you need to explore. Landlocked, covered in mysterious mountains and raging rivers, and relatively untouched by the rush of tourism and the development that comes with it – Laos still flies under the radar of most travellers for some reason.
Being the least developed country in South East Asia, Laos is the ultimate adventure for travellers looking for unparalleled beauty and a relaxed culture. The mighty Mekong river has been carving valleys through limestone mountains and hilly highlands for centuries, before slowing down and spreading out through the Mekong delta in the lowlands – creating a diversity of natural hotspots still covered in actual wilderness not found in the developed world.
Backpacking hotspots attract travellers looking for the path least travelled – where they’ll find some of the best river-side hostels and unique parties not just in Asia – but the whole world.
You’ve never really been to South East Asia until you’ve been to once-forgotten Laos.
Key facts
Currency: Kip (LAK)
Population: 6.6 million
National dish: Larb or laab
Bottle of beer: 10,000 Kip
Offical language: Lao
Hello: Sabaidee
Capital city: Vientiane
Minimum wage: 1,600,000 LAK per month
Annual temperatures: 17°C-32°C
Culture
Laos is as rich in cultural diversity as it is in natural diversity – with over 40 ethnic groups calling the county home. Some tribes only have a few hundred members, while others – like the Lao, Khmou, and Hmong – make up ⅔rd’s of the population.
While the official religion is Buddhism, Laotians still practice many ancient traditional beliefs and practices that make Laos so special. You can expect unique cultural attire, dances, and music – especially around significant events and holidays.
Many tribes in Laos have strong ties to their traditional beliefs steeped in animism, which means a healthy respect and awe of the natural world is a big part of the culture in Laos. A truly unique experience for any traveller.
Best time to visit
Laos is tropical, hot, and humid for most of the year. There are 3 distinct seasons: the hot season, the wet season, and the dry season.
The dry season (November – March) is the best season to visit thanks to the lower rainfall and milder temperatures (sometimes as low as 15°C – or even 0°C on the highest mountains). These are the months you’ll be most comfortable in all parts of the country.
The hot season runs from March to May, where temperatures can break 40°C! So make sure you can handle heat if you travel in these months. But you'll be rewarded with fewer tourists and a real tropical adventure.
The somewhat cooler wet season is from May to October, where temperatures hover around 30°C. Expect frequent tropical downfalls (especially in July and August) and the Mekong sometimes floods during particularly wet seasons. The incredible jungles are particularly buzzing with life during this season, and with fewer tourists, you’ll get the most out of a chilled trip in Laos.
Best places to visit
Vientiane
Vientiane is the capital and largest city of Laos, situated on the banks of the Mekong River near the border with Thailand. It's known for its laid-back atmosphere, French colonial architecture blended with Buddhist temples, and significant religious sites like the golden Pha That Luang stupa. As the country's economic and political center, Vientiane offers a mix of cultural attractions, markets, and a glimpse into Lao life.
Vientiane is the capital and largest city of Laos, situated on the banks of the Mekong River near the border with Thailand. It's known for its laid-back atmosphere, French colonial architecture blended with Buddhist temples, and significant religious sites like the golden Pha That Luang stupa. As the country's economic and political center, Vientiane offers a mix of cultural attractions, markets, and a glimpse into Lao life.