Laos

Laos: The Jewel of Southeast Asia

The most unhurried country in Southeast Asia, with ancient temple cities, the Mekong River, magnificent waterfalls, and a culture that moves at its own quiet pace.

Laos is landlocked in the heart of Southeast Asia, bordered by China to the north, Vietnam to the east, Cambodia to the south, Thailand to the west, and Myanmar to the northwest. The Mekong River runs through much of the country from north to south, forming the border with Thailand for much of its length. The country is mountainous, heavily forested, and sparsely populated, with a pace of life that feels deliberately slow by Southeast Asian standards.

Laos is one of the last remaining communist states in the world, governed by the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party since 1975. Despite this, it is one of the most peaceful and welcoming countries in the region for travelers. The tourist infrastructure is less developed than Thailand or Vietnam, which makes Laos more rewarding for travelers who appreciate authenticity and are willing to accept less convenience in exchange for more genuine encounters.

Why Visit Laos

Luang Prabang is the jewel of Laos, a UNESCO World Heritage City at the confluence of the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers. The old town is a remarkably intact collection of French colonial buildings, traditional wooden shophouses, and 33 Buddhist temples (wats) set between two rivers.

The early morning alms-giving ceremony (tak bat), when hundreds of saffron-robed monks walk silently through the streets accepting food offerings from local residents, is one of the most moving daily rituals in Southeast Asia. Approach it respectfully: observe from a distance, dress modestly, and avoid using flash photography.

The Kuang Si Waterfalls, 30 kilometers outside Luang Prabang, are one of the most beautiful natural attractions in Laos. A series of turquoise and pale blue pools cascade through limestone formations surrounded by tropical forest. The pools are swimmable at lower water levels and the walk up through the forest to the top is excellent.

Vang Vieng on the Nam Song River has a somewhat backpacker-oriented reputation but the surrounding landscape is extraordinary: dramatic karst limestone peaks, river valleys, caves, and the famous Blue Lagoon make it genuinely beautiful regardless of the tourism around it. The Tham Kong Lo Cave in Khammouane Province is a 7-kilometer navigable river cave that takes boat trips through complete darkness punctuated by the guide’s light.

Top Places to Visit in Laos

1. Luang Prabang

Beyond the morning alms ceremony and the Kuang Si Falls, the Phousi Hill in the center of the old town gives sunset views over the entire peninsula. The Royal Palace Museum (now the National Museum) has significant collections of royal artifacts. The night market on the main street sells excellent silk and hand-woven textiles.

2. Vientiane

The capital is the smallest and most laid-back capital city in Southeast Asia. The Pha That Luang golden stupa is the national symbol. The Patuxai monument (a Lao version of the Arc de Triomphe) has views over the city. The COPE Visitor Centre documents the ongoing impact of unexploded ordnance remaining from the Vietnam War, when Laos was the most heavily bombed country per capita in history.

3. The 4,000 Islands (Si Phan Don)

In the far south where the Mekong widens dramatically before entering Cambodia, a series of islands has a deeply relaxed atmosphere. Don Khon and Don Det have guesthouses, hammocks, and access to the Tat Somphamit waterfall and the rare Irrawaddy dolphins that survive in a stretch of the river nearby.

Laotian Food and Culture

Laotian food is subtle and herb-forward. Sticky rice (khao niao) is the staple, eaten with the fingers and dipped into dishes. Larb, a minced meat salad with fresh herbs, fish sauce, and toasted rice powder, is the national dish and is excellent across the country. Tam mak houng (green papaya salad), mi koua (stir-fried noodles), and or lam (a slow-cooked stew with buffalo skin and aubergine) are all worth seeking out.

Travel Tip for Laos

Most nationalities can get a visa on arrival or e-visa. The Lao kip is the currency. Lao is the official language, with English spoken in tourist areas. The best time to visit is November to February, the dry cool season. Malaria prevention is recommended in rural areas.