Laos Travel Guide
Laos: A Slow Story Told by the Mekong
Laos is the quiet heart of Southeast Asia. Untouched by mass tourism, this landlocked country offers a deep breath of calm for the slow traveler. From the golden spires of Luang Prabang to the emerald karst peaks of Vang Vieng, Laos invites you to let go of the rush and move at the rhythm of the Mekong. Here’s your ultimate guide to this soulful destination.
Scroll down for more travel photos.
Quick Facts
Capital: Vientiane
Population: Approximately 7.5 million
Language: Lao (with some English in tourist areas)
Currency: Lao Kip (LAK), but Thai Baht and USD are commonly accepted
Time Zone: Indochina Time (ICT), UTC +7
Climate: Tropical monsoon climate with a dry season (Nov–Apr) and wet season (May–Oct)
Visa Requirements: 30-day visa on arrival or eVisa available for most nationalities. Always check up-to-date entry requirements before travel.
Top Religion: Theravada Buddhism (deeply interwoven into daily life)
Safety: Very safe and peaceful for travelers
Transport: Buses, tuk-tuks, scooters – and a new China-Laos high-speed train
Vibe: Spiritual, slow, under-the-radar
Best for: Nature lovers, mindful explorers, spiritual seekers
Daily Budget: $20–40 (budget), $50–90 (mid-range)
Top 5 Attractions (via TripAdvisor)
1. Luang Prabang Old Town (Luang Prabang)
A UNESCO World Heritage site, Luang Prabang is the spiritual and cultural heart of Laos. Wake at dawn to witness the alms-giving ceremony, explore golden temples like Wat Xieng Thong, and wander among French-colonial buildings nestled between the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers. It’s a place that encourages presence and stillness.
2. Kuang Si Falls (near Luang Prabang)
Perhaps the most famous natural attraction in Laos, Kuang Si is a multi-tiered turquoise waterfall that looks too perfect to be real. Swim in the cool pools, hike to the top, or simply rest under the trees and listen to the sound of falling water.
3. Vang Vieng Landscape (Vang Vieng)
Once known for backpacker parties, Vang Vieng has matured into a hub for nature and adventure. The surrounding karst mountains, caves, rivers, and lagoons are breathtaking. Kayak the Nam Song River or just soak in the surreal mountain views at golden hour.
4. Pha That Luang (Vientiane)
The most sacred monument in Laos, this golden stupa is a symbol of Buddhist devotion and national identity. Peaceful and majestic, it’s an ideal place to reflect on the gentle resilience of the Lao people.
5. Si Phan Don (4000 Islands, Champasak)
At the southern tip of Laos, the Mekong River splits into a web of tiny islands. Life here is slow – hammocks, bicycles, river dolphins, and glowing sunsets over water. Don Det and Don Khon are popular among backpackers and peace-seekers alike.
Activities
Laos isn’t about checking off lists – it’s about slowing down, tuning in, and opening up to quiet experiences. That said, there’s still plenty to do if you’re called to explore.
Waterfall Swimming: Laos is dotted with magical waterfalls. Swim at Kuang Si or Tad Sae near Luang Prabang, or head to the Bolaven Plateau for remote jungle falls.
Trekking & Homestays: Northern Laos is home to remote ethnic minority villages. Multi-day treks in places like Luang Namtha or Muang Ngoi offer authentic cultural exchanges and stunning mountain scenery.
River Adventures: Kayak, tube, or paddleboard along peaceful rivers. The Nam Ou and Nam Song are favorites. For the bold, there’s white-water rafting near Vientiane.
Meditation & Temple Visits: Laos has many active monasteries, especially in Luang Prabang. Visitors can attend morning chants, speak with monks, or just sit in silence in a centuries-old temple.
Cooking Classes: Learn the delicate flavors of Lao cuisine – sticky rice, laap, mok pa (steamed fish in banana leaf). Classes often include a market visit and are a beautiful way to connect with local culture.
Bike or Scooter Explorations: Laos rewards the curious. Rent a bike in Luang Prabang, cruise rice fields in Vang Vieng, or circle sleepy islands in the Mekong.
Culture & Etiquette
Laos is deeply Buddhist, gentle in nature, and rooted in quiet respect. The pace is slow. The people are kind. The energy is subtle and sacred.
Respect for Monks & Religion: Monks are revered. Women should not touch them or hand things directly to them. Always dress modestly in temples and remove your shoes before entering.
Dress Modestly: Shoulders and knees should be covered when visiting temples or staying in rural areas. Loose, breathable clothes are best in the tropical heat.
No Loud Voices or Aggression: Lao people value calm and composure. Raising your voice or showing anger is seen as disrespectful and deeply awkward.
The Head & Feet Rule: As in Thailand, the head is sacred, and the feet are considered low. Don’t touch anyone’s head and avoid pointing your feet at people or religious images.
Hands Together, Smile Gently: The traditional greeting is a “nop” – pressing your palms together and bowing slightly. It’s a beautiful way to say hello, goodbye, or thank you.
What Not to Do
Don’t disrespect the Buddha: Images of Buddha are sacred. Don’t climb on statues for photos, and never buy Buddha heads or broken statues as souvenirs.
Avoid public displays of affection: Kissing and hugging in public is frowned upon, especially in rural areas.
Don’t litter or pollute rivers: The natural environment is deeply tied to spiritual beliefs. Treat rivers and forests with reverence.
Don’t engage in illegal activities: Laos has strict drug laws. Avoid any involvement with illegal substances. Being respectful and responsible keeps you and others safe.
Don’t point at people: It’s seen as rude or confrontational. A gentle hand gesture is more respectful.
Tipping in Laos
Tipping in Laos isn’t a cultural expectation — but in practice, it’s quietly appreciated, especially in areas with lots of travelers. It’s not about amounts, it’s about intention.
💸 What makes sense:
Restaurants:
No tip expected, especially at local eateries.
In mid-range or touristy spots: 5–10% is generous if service charge isn’t included.
Street food? A smile and a thank-you are plenty.Hotels:
Porters: 10,000–20,000 LAK per bag
Housekeeping: 20,000–50,000 LAK for your stay
In boutique or higher-end hotels, a little more is fine.Taxis / tuk-tuks / shared vans:
Tipping isn’t common, but rounding up is kind — especially if they helped with bags or detoured to find your forgotten guesthouse.Guides and drivers:
Definitely tip if you’ve booked a private guide or driver.
Guide: 50,000–100,000 LAK per day
Driver: 30,000–50,000 LAK per dayMassage / spa:
10% is appreciated if it’s not already included. If you’re not sure, ask if the therapist receives it directly.
🙏 How to tip:
Give it in cash, by hand, with a smile. Lao people are polite — if they decline once, offer gently again.
🌱 Keep in mind:
Tipping isn’t required — it’s simply a kind gesture
In rural areas, tips are less expected but more meaningful
Modesty, in money and manner, goes a long way in Laos
Cannabis Use in Laos (as of May 2025)
Cannabis remains illegal in Laos for both recreational and medical use. While some travelers report casual availability in tourist hotspots like Vang Vieng or Don Det, possession and use carry serious legal risks – including imprisonment or hefty fines. Do not attempt to buy, carry, or use cannabis in Laos. This is not the country to experiment or assume tolerance.
Important: Always respect local laws and avoid putting yourself or others at risk. Things are slower and more relaxed in Laos, but that does not extend to legal enforcement.
Destinations
Laos is a land of misty mountains, ancient rivers, and unhurried villages. Each region offers something unique — from the sacred calm of Luang Prabang to the raw beauty of the Bolaven Plateau. Here’s a guide to some of the country’s most meaningful and memorable places, sorted by region.
North
Luang Prabang
The spiritual heart of Laos and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This former royal capital is known for its golden temples, quiet streets, morning alms rituals, and blend of Lao and French-colonial architecture. It’s a place to rise early, move slowly, and breathe deeply.
Nong Khiaw
A riverside village surrounded by towering limestone cliffs. A gateway to treks, caves, and remote minority villages. Perfect for travelers seeking solitude and connection to nature.
Muang Ngoi Neua
Accessible only by boat, this tiny village offers hammock days, candlelit nights, and pure simplicity. No ATMs, no cars, no rush. Just river, jungle, and quiet smiles.
Luang Namtha
Ideal for eco-trekking and community-based tourism. Explore protected forests, stay with hill tribe families, and walk paths few tourists ever see.
Central Laos
Vientiane
The capital city — laid-back, low-rise, and full of gentle charm. Visit the golden stupa Pha That Luang, stroll the Mekong riverside at sunset, or sip coffee in a French-style café. It’s one of the world’s most relaxed capitals.
Vang Vieng
Once a backpacker party town, now a place of healing and adventure. Surrounded by surreal limestone cliffs and turquoise lagoons, it's great for tubing, kayaking, rock climbing, or simply watching the sun paint the sky from a riverside hammock.
Phonsavan & The Plain of Jars
A mysterious landscape of ancient stone jars scattered across the highlands. This area was heavily bombed during the Secret War — visit with respect and awareness. History, mystery, and memory linger here.
South
Pakse
A gateway to southern Laos, known for its relaxed pace and French colonial architecture. It’s the perfect base to explore the Bolaven Plateau or Wat Phou.
Bolaven Plateau
A cooler, fertile highland region famous for waterfalls, coffee plantations, and ethnic diversity. Ride a scooter loop through villages, misty valleys, and roaring falls. Great for slow, independent travel.
Si Phan Don (4,000 Islands)
Where the Mekong breaks into countless islands. Don Det and Don Khon are popular choices, offering bicycles, hammocks, river swims, and rare Irrawaddy dolphins. This is Laos at its most peaceful and timeless.
Champasak
Home to Wat Phou, a Khmer temple complex older than Angkor Wat. Quiet, sacred, and surrounded by rice fields and mountains — a perfect place to reflect on the rise and fall of civilizations.
Final Notes
With its gentle rhythm, sacred spaces, and unspoiled landscapes, Laos offers a travel experience rooted in presence rather than performance. It’s not a country that demands your attention — it softly invites it. Whether you're drifting down the Mekong, meditating beneath a temple roof, or sharing sticky rice with locals in a mountain village, you'll find that Laos isn’t just a destination. It’s a return — to stillness, to simplicity, and to something deeply human.
Laos is one of my favorites travels. Let it change your pace. Let it change your heart.
