Laos is Southeast Asia’s best-kept secret. What this landlocked nation lacks in beaches it more than makes up for in timeless charm. Its soft-spoken people, colourful hilltribe communities and vast stretches of waterfall-filled wilderness contribute to an ‘undiscovered’ quality few destinations can match. Laos is tranquility incarnate, and the perfect place to visit for a transformative getaway.
As a landlocked nation, life in Laos is governed by the ebb and flow of the Mekong River which runs through its heart. Its mostly mountainous terrain is punctuated by charming villages and colourful hilltribes who, despite neighboring five other countries, retain a distinct culture and way of life found nowhere else in the region.
WHEN TO GO & WEATHER
Dry season in Laos is October through April, while wet season runs May through September. Intermittent rainfall typically falls between March and through June usually early morning or at night, which also happens to be one of the hottest times of the year.
Relatively untouched by tourism due to decades of isolation, laid-back Laos is truly a gem, blessed with many of Southeast Asia’s finest features.
Experience the traditional way of life that moves along at an unhurried pace, along with the warmth, kindness and amiably vague timekeeping of the Lao people. Hike through virgin forested mountains and pristine river valleys in this country known for its robust ecotourism initiatives.
Situated in a scenic valley at the confluence of the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers, the ancient capital of Luang Prabang offers a beautiful medley of rich cultural history and outdoor adventure with its nearby waterfalls and mountains. The tranquil capital city of Vientiane maintains a vintage charm with its faded French colonial architecture juxtaposed with ornate, gilded temples. The Lao countryside is just as intriguing, highlighted by the mysterious Plain of Jars and Champassak Province, home to ancient temples, coffee plantations and unspoilt natural landscapes.
Country Facts
Capital City Vientiane
Time Zone UTC +7
International Dial Code +856
Currency Kip
Population 7.6 million
Religion Buddhism
Within Easy Reach Of…
Landlocked Laos has two international airports: Luang Prabang International Airport and Wattay International Airport in Vientiane. The below flight times are to/from Luang Prabang International Airport.
Vientiane 1hr
Siem Reap, Cambodia 2hrs 15min
Hanoi, Vietnam 1hr 05min
Bangkok, Thailand 1hr 45min
WEATHER SUMMARY
Being landlocked, Laos is rarely affected by coastal storms and has just two seasons. The dry season is from October to late April and the wet season is from May to late September.
The temperature range in Laos is strongly affected by the altitude. The northern, central, and eastern regions are less humid due to being at a higher altitude whereas in the Mekong River Valley in the south, the lower altitude contributes towards temperatures above 35°C with high humidity.
ATTRACTIONS
LUANG PRABANG
As the former royal capital of Laos, Luang Prabang today is the country’s spiritual centre with the highest concentration of temples located in the Old Quarter.
Nestled in a valley at the confluence of the Mekong and Khan rivers, Luang Prabang is endowed with picturesque landscapes of palm-lined riverbanks, ornate golden temples, and ancient monuments. The town’s fusion of well-preserved traditional Lao buildings alongside French colonial architecture has earned Luang Prabang the status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
VIENTIANE
Located along a bend of the Mekong River, Vientiane has been Lao’s capital since 1563 when the last king of Lane Xang moved the capital from Luang Prabang. The city exudes a laid-back atmosphere and Old World charm with its eclectic mix of Chinese shophouses and French colonial architecture. The tree-lined boulevards and sparse traffic create an ideal environment for walking and exploring ancient temples and pagodas.
VANG VIENG
Vang Vieng is a quaint town located 155km/99mi north of Vientiane, on the road towards Luang Prabang. Situated next to the Nam Song River and surrounded by towering limestone karsts, Vang Vieng offers stunning river views and has become a mecca for adventure sports. Popular activities include mountain biking, kayaking, caving, and river rafting.
PAKSE
Pakse is the capital of Champassak Province in southern Laos, situated at the confluence of the Mekong and Xe Don rivers. Though it was originally founded as a French administrative outpost in 1905, little evidence of French influence remains.
Instead, modern-day Pakse serves as a commercial hub between Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam and is the gateway to key attractions in Champassak Province. Popular day trips include visits to the famed 4,000 Islands; ancient Wat Phu Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site; and the coffee plantations of the Bolaven Plateau.
XIENG KHUANG
The small, dusty town of Phonsavan in northern Laos is the capital of Xieng Khuang Province. The main attraction is the Plain of Jars, reminiscent of England’s Stonehenge.
An enigma with many theories, there are no supporting facts as to why hundreds of huge stone jars are scattered across the vast plain. These massive jars, weighing up to 13 tonnes, are carved from solid rock and believed to be ancient funerary urns. Another interesting fact about Phonsavan is that it was one of the most heavily bombed areas in Laos and continues to be littered with unexploded ordnance.