Laos

Destination

Laos

Laos, the only land-lock country in Southeast Asia, is a land of breathtaking landscapes, rich culture, and vibrant markets. From the rolling mountains in the north to the river islands in the south, Laos has long been a destination for travelers seeking unique experiences yet still has many hidden gems waiting to be discovered.

Vientiane
The capital of Laos, located on the bank of Mekong river, is a charming city brimming with ancient temples, beautiful gardens and fascinating museums. Places of particular interest here are Wat Prakeo, National Museum and Wat That Luang as well as Wat Sisaket and the Central Market. The influence of the French can be seen most prominently in the architecture and cuisine of Vientiane. It is a city that has something to offer to every travelers. Whether you're interested in history, culture, food, or simply want to relax and enjoy the scenery, you're sure to find something to love in Vientiane.

Luang Prabang

Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Heritage, is a captivating destination in Laos, nestled amid the breathtaking scenery of northern Laos. Its allure lies in its harmonious blend of rich history, serene natural beauty, and a laid-back atmosphere that exudes tranquility. Immerse yourself in the city's spiritual essence by visiting sacred temples such as Wat Xieng Thong, Wat Sene, enjoying a boat ride on Mekong River to Pak Ou caves filled with Buddha statues or just simply taking in the mesmerizing sunset on Phousi Hill. Thanks to the newly built high-speed railway, it is now easily connected to Vang Vieng and Vientiane which will be a boost for its tourism.

Champasak Province and Wat Phou Temple

Nestled amid the lush greenery of southern Laos, Champasak province is home to a treasure trove of historical wonders and natural beauty. Among these, Wat Phou, UNESCO World Heritage Site, stands as a testament to the region's rich Khmer heritage and is believed to pre-dated Angkor Wat temple in Cambodia. The temple was dedicated to Shiva, a Hindu God, but has been converted to worship Buddha since the 13th century. It is more than just an ancient temple, it is a gateway to Champasak's rich history and culture that should not be missed in every travelers' list.

Four Thousand Islands
The Four Thousand Islands, also known as Si Phan Don in Laos, is an archipelago of islands scattered along the Mekong River in southern Laos. This picturesque destination is famous for its tranquil beauty, offering a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. One can venture along the river to explore the relics from the French colonial era, Liphi waterfall or if lucky, sights of rare freshwater Irrawaddy Mekong dolphin can be spotted. Of course, the remarkable Khon Phapheng waterfall, the biggest waterfall in the world by volume and by width where the mighty Mekong River falls into Cambodia, is the must-visit when traveling to the region.

Plain of Jars
The Plain of Jars is a collection of mysterious, stone jars scattered across a plateau in northeastern Laos. The origin and purpose of the jars remain unknown, although they are believed to date back to the Bronze or Iron Age. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Sites which is considered one of Laos's most important archaeological sites and a place for travelers interested in Laos's history and culture.

Collapse

Useful Information

VISA

Currently, most visitors to Laos require a visa to enter the country. However, there are a few exceptions:d

Nationals of ASEAN countries can visit Laos visa-free for up to 30 days
Nationals of Republic of Korea, Russia can visit Laos visa-free for up to 30 days
Nationals of Switzerland, Luxembourg and Japan can visit Laos visa-free for up to 15 days

Visitors can get the visa on arrival or apply for e-visa. Here is the information about visa on arrival and e-visa to Laos:

Visa on arrival
The visa is valid for 30 days and can be obtained at the international airports of Vientiane, Luang Prabang, Pakse, Savanakhet as well as border crossing checkpoints with Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam. The fee is 30 – 45USD depending on the nationality. Visitors should fill in the visa application form available at the custom office and bring one passport-sized photo.

E-visa
The e-visa is valid for 30 days that visitors can apply for e-visa through the website www.laoevisa.gov.la. The e-visa is only accepted at 8 entry points as below

Wattay International Airport (Vientiane Capital)
Lao – Thai Friendship Bridge I (Vientiane Capital)
Luang Prabang International Airport (Luang Prabang)
Lao – Thai Friendship Bridge II (Savannakhet Province)
Pakse International Airport (Champasack Province)
Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge IV (Bokeo Province)
Boten International Checkpoint (Luang Namtha Province)
Boten Railway Station (Luang Namtha Province)

The visa fee is varied depending on the nationality and non-refundable

BEST TIME TO VISIT

The climate in Laos is generally hot and humid throughout the year so the best time to visit Laos depends on your preferences and priorities:

Dry Season (October - April)

Weather: This is the most popular time to visit Laos due to the pleasant temperatures and minimal rainfall. The average high temperatures range from 77°F to 86°F (25°C to 30°C).
Activities: Ideal for trekking, exploring ancient temples, visiting waterfalls, and participating in outdoor activities.

Shoulder Season (May - June & September)

Weather: These months offer a transition between the dry and wet seasons. The temperature starts to increase, and there are occasional showers.
Activities: Good for sightseeing and outdoor activities, with fewer crowds than the peak season.

Wet Season (July - August)

Weather: Expect heavy rainfall and high humidity. The average high temperatures range from 86°F to 90°F (30°C to 32°C).
Activities: Some outdoor activities might be restricted due to the rain, but this is a good time for exploring cultural attractions and experiencing the vibrant Lao festivals.

Moreover, Laos hosts several vibrant festivals throughout the year, such as the Lao New Year (Pii Mai) in April and the That Luang Festival in November so you may want to plan your trip to coincide with these festivals.

CURRENCY

The official currency of Laos is the Lao Kip (LAK). The symbol for the Lao Kip is ₭ or ₭N. Bank notes are currently in circulation for 500₭, 1,000₭, 2,000₭, 5,000₭, 10,000₭, 20,000₭, 50,000₭, and 100,000₭. No coins are currently in use in Laos.

Here are some tips for using currency in Laos:

Change your money at airports, banks and licensed money changers. You can find these in most towns and cities.
Do not exchange money on the black market. This is illegal and you could be scammed.
Pay close attention when receiving change. Make sure you receive the correct amount of money.
Do not carry large amounts of cash with you.
Consider using a credit or debit card for larger purchases.

SAFETY

Laos is generally considered a safe country for tourists. However, there are some risks to be aware of and precautions you can take to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

Here's an overview of safety in Laos:

General Safety:
Petty theft: Like in many tourist destinations, petty theft can occur in crowded areas and around ATMs. Keep your valuables close and be mindful of your surroundings.
Scams: Be wary of scams, such as overcharging for goods or services, fake money exchange scams, and gem scams.
Unexploded ordnance: Laos was heavily bombed during the Vietnam War, and unexploded ordnance (UXO) remains a risk in some areas. Stick to well-traveled paths and avoid venturing into unmarked areas.
Road safety: Road conditions in Laos can be poor. Be cautious when crossing roads and avoid driving at night.

Precautions you can take:

Purchase travel insurance: Travel insurance will cover medical expenses, lost luggage, and trip cancellations.
Make copies of important documents: Make copies of your passport, visa, and travel insurance documents and keep them in a separate location from the originals.
Be aware of your surroundings: Trust your instincts and avoid situations that make you feel unsafe.
Don't leave valuables unattended
Dress modestly: Dress modestly when visiting temples and pagodas
Use a reputable travel agent: Book your tours and transportation through a reputable travel agent to ensure you have reliable service.

Indochina Special Tour With Khmer Empire Heritage Ruins

The Indochina Special Tour 11 Days/10 Nights will give you an unrivaled opportunity to explore the heritage ruins of Khmer Empire from the mysterious pre-Angkorian Wat Phou in Laos to the impressive Preah Vihear Temple and of course, the majestic awe-inspiring Angkor Wat in Cambodia. This itinerary can be used as a starting point and altered or extended to suite your requirements.

Enquire

Laos Essential Tour

The essential tour of Laos 4 Days/3 Nights will take you to visit the two unmissable places Luang Prabang and Vientiane with ancient temples, vibrant markets as well as relaxing boat trip on Mekong River gives a fascinating overview of Laos. This itinerary can be used as a starting point and altered or extended to suite your requirements.

Enquire

Laos Explorer Tour With 03 UNESCO World Heritage Sites

The explorer tour of Laos 10 Days/9 Nights will take you to visit beautiful cities of Luang Prabang and Vientiane, discover the 03 UNESCO World Heritage Sites as well as immerse in the tranquility of Don Khong Island which will be surely an unforgettable experience in Laos. This itinerary can be used as a starting point and altered or extended to suite your requirements.

Enquire

Indochina Grand Tour With 11 UNESCO World Heritage Sites

The Indochina Grand Tour 20 Days/19 Nights will give you a once-in-a-lifetime experience to discover all of the beauty of Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam with stunning landscape, marvelous architecture of Khmer temples as well as rich culture. This itinerary can be used as a starting point and altered or extended to suite your requirements.

Enquire