Laos

Laos is a small but fascinating country located in southeast Asia. It is often overshadowed by its neighbouring countries like Thailand and Vietnam. Laos has its own unique charm that attracts travellers from all over the world.

Cultural diversity

One of the most striking things about Laos is its cultural diversity. The country is home to more than 80 ethnic groups, each with their own traditions, languages and customs. This diversity can be seen in the colourful festivals and celebrations held throughout the year. A great cultural town to visit is Luang Prabang. Here you can admire a mixture of Lao-French architecture, buy local handicrafts or attend one of the many arts & crafts workshops.

Natural beauty

Laos has some of the most breathtaking landscapes in Asia. From green forests to rocky mountains and flowing waterfalls. This country is a paradise for nature lovers. The Mekong River flows through the heart of Laos. It is a popular spot for river cruises, swimming, kayaking and has stunning views of the towns and landscapes. A perfect town to go hiking is Nong Khiaw. Another great benefit is the remote location. If you like to spend a few days away from the crowds and surround yourself with nature, than Nong Khiaw is the place to visit in Laos.

Adventure opportunities

For those seeking adventure, Laos has plenty to offer. The country is known for its trekking and hiking trails that lead to remote villages and stunning viewpoints. Kayaking and tubing on the Nam Song River in Vang Vieng are also popular activities among tourists. As well as going on a hot air balloon ride.

A short history

Ancient civilizations in Laos

Laos is a small landlocked country in Asia. The country has a rich and complex history that dates back thousands of years. The earliest evidence of human habitation in present-day Laos dates back to 11,000 BC. Over the centuries, various ethnic groups migrated into the region and formed distinct cultures. The most well-known ancient civilization in Laos was the Khmer Empire. This empire flourished from the 9th to 14th centuries. The Khmer influence can still be seen today in the many temples and monuments in the country. Including the famous UNESCO World Heritage Site of Wat Phou.

French colonization

In the late 19th century, Laos became a protectorate of France under the Treaty of Huế. This marked the beginning of French colonization in Laos. It lasted for nearly 60 years. During this time, France heavily influenced Laos’s political and economic systems. Many major cities and towns were built by the French. The colonization led to resistance from local leaders and started movements towards independence.

Road to independence

After World War II, Laos saw a surge in nationalist sentiment as people grew tired of foreign rule. In 1945, Laos declared its independence from France. Unfortunately it was short-lived as the country fell back under French control in 1946. The struggle for independence continued until 1953 when Laos finally gained full sovereignty and became a constitutional monarchy.

Modern times

In the following decades, Laos experienced political instability and conflict due to its involvement in the Vietnam War. In 1975, the communist Pathet Lao overthrew the monarchy and established a socialist government. Despite facing challenges such as poverty and isolation, Laos has made significant improvements in recent years towards economic development and improving living standards for its people. It is now a stable country with a growing tourism industry and strong ties to neighbouring countries, especially China.

The future of Laos

As Laos looks towards the future, it continues to balance its traditional roots with modernization. The country is making efforts to preserve its unique culture and traditions while also embracing economic growth and technology. With a young population and increasing investment from foreign countries, Laos is prepared for further development and progress in the years to come.

Festivals

Boun Pi Mai

One of the most popular festivals in Laos is Boun Pi Mai or Lao New Year. This three-day celebration takes place in mid-April and marks the end of the dry season and the beginning of a new year. During this festival, locals participate in traditional activities such as water splashing (symbolizing cleansing and renewal) and building sand stupas (symbolizing merit-making). It’s a lively and cheerful time to be in Laos, with colourful parades, traditional dance performances and street food vendors lining the streets.

Boun Bang Fai

Another major festival in Laos is Boun Bang Fai or the Rocket Festival. This event is believed to bring good fortune for the upcoming rice planting season. The highlight of this festival is the launching of homemade rockets made from bamboo and gunpowder. Teams compete to see whose rocket can reach the highest altitude. Along with the rocket competition, there are also music performances, dancing and plenty of delicious local dishes to try.

For those interested in spiritual practices, attending Boun Pha Vet is a great opportunity to learn Lao customs. This festival honours Buddha’s birth, enlightenment, and death through candle-lit processions at temples across the country. The atmosphere is serene and peaceful, with Buddhist monks leading prayers and devotees offering food to them as a sign of respect.

Smaller local festivals

Aside from these major festivals, there are countless other smaller celebrations that take place throughout the year in Laos. From Hmong New Year to the Boat Racing Festival. Each festival gives a unique glimpse into the country’s culture and traditions. So if you’re planning a trip to Laos, make sure to check out what festivals will be happening during your visit for an authentic and unforgettable experience!

Best time to go

Dry season (November to April)

The best time to visit Laos is during the dry season which runs from November to April. This is when the weather is mild and pleasant with plenty of sunshine, making it perfect for outdoor activities like trekking, zip-lining and cycling. The temperatures range from 20-30 degrees Celsius. These temperatures are comfortable for sightseeing and exploring the country’s many temples, waterfalls and caves. The dry season also overlaps with Laos’ most popular festivals such as the Lao New Year (Pi Mai Lao) in April. Locals throw water on each other to symbolize washing away bad luck from the previous year.

Wet season (May to October)

The wet season in Laos runs from May to October and is characterized by heavy rainfall. While this may not sound like an ideal time to visit, there are still some upsides to traveling during this time. Tourist crowds are significantly reduced which means lower prices for accommodation and activities. Another reason to go during this time are the green landscapes and blooming flowers. Nature is at her best during this time. It creates a beautiful backdrop for photos. But it’s important to note that some areas may become inaccessible due to flooding and landslides.

Shoulder season (September to November)

The months of September to November are considered the shoulder season in Laos. These two months mark the transition between wet and dry seasons. This is a good time to visit for those who prefer cooler temperatures and want to avoid peak tourist crowds. The rice fields are at their most striking during this time as they turn golden yellow. It’s also the perfect time for river activities like kayaking and rafting as water levels are high from recent rainfall.

Practical info

National currency: Laotian Kip (LAK)

Other currencies: In larger cities and towns the Thai baht and US dollars are accepted at most businesses, including hotels, restaurants and shops.

ATM’s: are a convenient way to access your money while travelling. But in Laos, the availability and accessibility of ATMs can vary greatly depending on which part of the country you’re in.

In major cities like Vientiane and Luang Prabang, you can find several international banks with ATMs that accept foreign cards. These include the Bank of China, BCEL (Banque pour le Commerce Extérieur Lao), and ANZ (Australia New Zealand Banking Group). These ATMs usually hand out both Lao kip and US dollars, making it easier for tourists to withdraw cash.

But as you travel further away from the cities and into more rural areas, ATMs can be harder to come by. In some remote regions, there may not be any ATMs at all. This is why it’s always a good idea to have enough local currency on hand when travelling in Laos.

Another thing to keep in mind is that ATMs in Laos often have withdrawal limits. The maximum amount you can withdraw per transaction can range from 1 million kip (approximately $110 USD) up to 3 million kip (approximately $330 USD). So if you need a large sum of money, you may need to make multiple withdrawals or visit different ATMs.

Also keep in mind that some ATMs in Laos may charge a fee for using foreign cards. This fee can range from 20,000 kip (approximately $2 USD) to 50,000 kip (approximately $5.50 USD). It’s always a good idea to check with your bank beforehand to see if they have any partnerships with banks in Laos that may waive these fees.

Languages: Lao

Religion: Buddhism (66%) Tai folk religion (30,7%), Christianity 1,5% and others.

Capital city: Vientiane

Visa:

Visa on arrival

For many nationalities, getting a visa on arrival (VOA) is the most convenient option when travelling to Laos. This allows you to get your visa upon arrival at one of the international airports or border checkpoints in Laos. The process is very easy to go through. You will need to fill out an application form, submit a passport-sized photo and pay the visa fee in US dollars. It is recommended to have exact change as the immigration officers might not have enough change.

The VOA is available for both tourist and business purposes, with single entry and multiple entry options. The single entry visa allows you to stay in Laos for 30 days, while the multiple entry visa allows for multiple entries within a period of 60 days. It is important to note that the visa on arrival can only be extended once for an additional 30 days at the Immigration Office in Vientiane or Luang Prabang.

E-visa:

In addition to the VOA, Laos also offers an e-visa option for certain nationalities. This is a convenient and time-saving option as it allows you to apply for your visa online before your trip. The e-visa can be obtained through the official government website and usually takes 3 working days to process. Keep in mind the E-visa is only available for single entry visas and can only be used at certain international airports and border checkpoints.

Crossing land borders:

For travellers who enter Laos by land, it is important to check the current visa regulations at the specific border checkpoint you will be using. Some borders may not issue visas on arrival or e-visas, so it is best to confirm beforehand. It is also recommended to have US dollars in cash as some borders do not accept other currencies for visa fees. Not even the local Laotian Kip!

Note: when you enter Laos via a land border and you go for the visa on arrival you will need a passport photo. So for land borders crossings it’s important to bring US dollars and a passport picture.

Local SIM Card:

Country Code: +856

Time: UTC +7.00 (ICT: Indochina Time)

Official Tourism Website: the official tourism website is Tourism Laos. Here you will find more information about destinations to visit in Laos. Another helpful website is Visit Laos.

Cultural travel:

Cultural travel is a type of travel that focuses on immersing yourself in the local culture and way of life. It goes beyond simply visiting popular tourist attractions and instead, offers a deeper understanding and appreciation for the destination.

One of the main reasons people choose to go on cultural adventure is to gain a better understanding of different cultures, traditions, and lifestyles. By experiencing new customs, trying local cuisine, learning more about the regions history and interacting with locals, travellers are able to expand their perspectives.

I try to translate cultural travel into articles that are focused on history, architecture and cultural travel. If you like to know more about cultural immersion I recommend reading this article: Exploring cultural immersion when travelling: the ultimate guide. Or go to the section Cultural travel and browse through the articles. Another way is to search your preferred destination. I hope you enjoy reading the posts as much as I did writing them.

Sustainable travel: I’ve written several articles on sustainable travel, offering insights on increasing the eco-friendliness of your trips and air travel practices. I believe that even the slightest change can make a significant impact.

Public Transport

Domestic Flights

There are three international airports in Laos: the largest airport is in Vientiane (Wattay International Airport), the second largest is in Luang Prabang and the third international airport is in Pakse. There are a few other airports but they are located in more remote areas in Laos. The easiest and convenient way of booking affordable tickets is via Kiwi.com

Bus

There are several options for booking buses in Laos. It is depending on your preference and travel style. Here are some tips to help you navigate the process:

Book directly with a bus company: This is the most common way to book buses in Laos. You can either go to the bus station in person or contact the bus company by phone or email to make a reservation. This option allows you to choose your preferred departure time and seat, but keep in mind that communication may be challenging if you don’t speak Lao.
Book through a travel agency or your hotel/ guest house: If you prefer a hassle-free experience, you can book a bus through a travel agency/ hotel. They will take care of all the arrangements and provide you with a ticket. This option is great if you’re short on time or prefer to communicate in English. They often charge a small commission.
Use online booking platforms: Some bus companies in Laos have their own websites or are listed on popular online booking platforms like or 12GoAsia. You can easily compare prices and schedules, book your ticket, and pay online using your credit card or PayPal account.

Train

The Laos-China Railway is the first railway network in Laos. It’s rapidly growing in popularity due to the country’s poor road conditions. This railway connects key cities and towns, including Vientiane, Vang Vieng, Luang Prabang and Boten.

There are multiple ways to book train tickets for the Lao-China Railway:

Online booking: The easiest and most convenient option is to book your tickets online through Laos Train tickets or the LCR app.
12GoAsia (most convenient option):The easiest option is to book through 12Go Asia. When booking with 12Go Asia, you can choose your preferred date and time. Due to its popularity, your preferred slot may be fully booked. In that case, 12Go Asia allows you to opt for alternative dates and times. You will receive the booking confirmation within 24 hours, so please keep in mind that payment does not immediately guarantee your ticket. If travelling during high season, I advise you to remain flexible with your travel dates and times.

In-person at a station: For those who prefer a more traditional approach, you can also purchase tickets in person at designated ticket counters located at railway stations.

Through a travel agent: If you’re not confident with booking on your own, you can also enlist the help of a reputable travel agent who specializes in train bookings. They can assist with finding the best deals and securing your tickets.