Laos
Laos moves at Mekong pace. Saffron-robed monks file through Luang Prabang at dawn to collect alms, the turquoise pools of Kuang Si spill through the forest nearby, and slow boats still drift downriver from the Thai border. Add the karst country around Vang Vieng, the enigmatic Plain of Jars and the river islands of Si Phan Don.
Overview
Laos is a long, landlocked sliver following the Mekong, and most first trips run north to south, or the reverse, along it. Many travellers enter from Thailand on the two-day slow boat to Luang Prabang, the gilded former royal capital that is the country's highlight, then take the Laos–China Railway south through Vang Vieng's limestone karsts to the low-key capital, Vientiane. Off that line, the Plain of Jars sits on a high plateau to the east, the Thakhek motorbike loop and Kong Lor river cave lie in the centre, and the far south has the Khmer temple ruins of Wat Phou and the river islands of Si Phan Don.
Days here are unhurried: towns shut down early, buses run late and an afternoon in a hammock counts as an activity. Costs are low by European standards, although Luang Prabang has grown pricier, and the kip's weakness means carrying thick wads of notes. It suits slow travellers, cyclists, motorbikers and anyone who enjoyed northern Thailand but wants fewer crowds. Visitors are often struck by the gentleness of everyday life, by the baguettes and coffee left over from French rule, and by the legacy of the Indochina wars: Laos is the most heavily bombed country per person in history, and unexploded ordnance still affects rural areas.
Map of Laos
Top 5 highlights
- 1Culture
Luang Prabang
A UNESCO-listed peninsula town where more than 30 temples, including the sweeping-roofed Wat Xieng Thong, sit among French shophouses. Rise early to watch the monks' alms round in silence, then climb Mount Phousi at sunset.
- 2Nature
Kuang Si Falls
Tiered milky-turquoise pools cascade through forest about 30km south-west of Luang Prabang, with swimming spots below the main drop and a bear rescue centre near the entrance. Arrive early to beat the tour minivans.
- 3Adventure
Vang Vieng
Once notorious for riverside party bars, Vang Vieng now trades on its setting: jagged karsts above the Nam Song river, caves, swimming lagoons, kayaking, rock climbing and hot-air balloon flights at dawn.
- 4Nature
Si Phan Don
The 'Four Thousand Islands', where the Mekong braids into channels just above the Cambodian border. Laze on Don Det or Don Khon, cycle the old French railway, and see Khone Phapheng, one of Southeast Asia's mightiest waterfalls.
- 5History
Plain of Jars
Thousands of Iron Age stone jars, some taller than a person, are scattered across the Xieng Khouang plateau around Phonsavan. The UNESCO-listed sites were cleared of bombs only along marked paths, so stay between the markers.
Biggest cities
Vientiane
A relaxed riverside capital of gilded temples such as Pha That Luang, French-era villas and good cafés. Worth a day or two for the COPE visitor centre and Mekong sunsets.
Savannakhet
Officially Kaysone Phomvihane, this Mekong border city facing Mukdahan in Thailand has a faded French colonial quarter and a dinosaur museum. A gateway to southern Laos rather than a destination.
Pakse
Southern Laos's transport hub at the Mekong and Xe Don confluence, and the base for the Bolaven Plateau's coffee farms and waterfalls, Wat Phou and onward trips to Si Phan Don.
Ranked by urban-area population where available. Figures are rounded estimates, and sources define city limits differently, so rankings of similar-sized cities can vary.
When to go to Laos
Best time: Nov–Feb.
Average climate in Vientiane
Festivals & events
- AprPi Mai Lao
Lao New Year, around 14–16 April, brings days of water-throwing, sand stupas and Buddha-washing processions; Luang Prabang's celebrations are the most traditional, and the most crowded.
- OctBoun Ok Phansa
The full moon ending Buddhist Lent brings candlelit processions and illuminated boat floats, Luang Prabang's Lai Heua Fai, followed by dragon-boat races on the Mekong in Vientiane.
- NovBoun That Luang
Vientiane's great golden stupa hosts a temple fair around November's full moon, culminating in a dawn alms-giving by thousands of monks.
How much does Laos cost?
Estimates per person per day, excluding flights. Prices vary by season and city.
Food to try
Larb
Laos's national dish: minced meat or fish tossed with lime, fish sauce, mint, chilli and toasted ground rice, eaten by hand with sticky rice.
Tam mak hoong
Pounded green papaya salad with chilli, lime, tomato and padaek, a pungent fermented fish sauce; ask for less chilli unless you mean it.
Khao piak sen
Comforting breakfast noodle soup of thick, slippery rice-and-tapioca noodles in chicken or pork broth, topped with crispy garlic and fresh herbs.
Getting around
The Laos–China Railway links Vientiane, Vang Vieng and Luang Prabang in a few hours, transforming travel in the north; tickets go on sale only days ahead and sell out, so buy through the LCR Ticket app or an agent. Elsewhere, buses, minivans and sorngthaews (converted pick-ups) are slow on winding roads. Slow boats take two days from Huay Xai to Luang Prabang. In Vientiane the LOCA app books cars; tuk-tuk fares need bargaining.
Practical information
- Plugs & voltage
- ABCEF230V — bring a UK-to-A/B/C/E/F adapter
- Emergency numbers
- Fire: 1190
- Police: 1191
- Alternative numbers for police stations: 241162, 241163, 241164, and 212703
- Tourist police in Vientiane: 021 251 128
- Ambulance: 1195 or 030 525 7239
Source: FCDO “Getting help”
- Dialling code
- +856
- Time zone
- UTC+7 (standard time)
- Tap water
- Not safe — drink bottled or treated water
- Driving
- On the right
- Tipping
- Not traditionally expected; rounding up or leaving small change is appreciated, and tip trekking guides and drivers if the service was good.
- Etiquette
- Cover shoulders and knees and remove shoes at temples. Never touch anyone's head or point your feet at people or Buddha images, and women should not touch monks or hand them things directly.
- Main airports
- Wattay International Airport (VTE), Vientiane; Luang Prabang International Airport (LPQ), Luang Prabang; Pakse International Airport (PKZ), Pakse
Visas & entry for Laos
Shown for a British passport.
Visa required — apply before you go
You must have a visa to visit Laos.
To work, study and travel for business or other reasons, you must meet the Lao immigration department’s entry requirements.
From the UK government's FCDO entry requirements for British passport holders — read the full page for passport validity, permits and exceptions.
Health & vaccinations
- Recommended for most travellers
- Hepatitis ATetanusTyphoid
- Sometimes advised — depends on your trip, activities and health
- ChikungunyaDengueHepatitis BJapanese encephalitisMeaslesPolioRabiesTuberculosis
- Yellow fever certificate
- A yellow fever certificate is only required if you arrive from (or transit through) a country with yellow fever risk — not if you fly direct from the UK.
- Malaria
- Low risk of malaria
- There is a low risk of malaria in Laos: awareness of risk and bite avoidance recommended.
Source: TravelHealthPro (National Travel Health Network and Centre), checked 21 October 2026. This is a summary, not medical advice.
Public holidays in Laos
The next 12 months. Banks, offices and some sights may close, and transport and hotels get busy around these dates.
| Wed 2 Dec 2026 | Lao National Day |
| Fri 1 Jan 2027 | New Year's Day |
| Mon 8 Mar 2027 | International Women's Rights Day |
| Wed 14 Apr 2027 | Lao New Year's Day |
| Thu 15 Apr 2027 | Lao New Year's Day |
| Fri 16 Apr 2027 | Lao New Year's Day |
| Sat 1 May 2027 | International Labour Day |
| Mon 3 May 2027 | International Labour Day (in lieu) |
National holidays only. Dates based on lunar calendars can move by a day or two depending on official announcements.
Useful phrases in Lao
| English | Lao | Say it |
|---|---|---|
| Hello | ສະບາຍດີ | sah-bai-DEE |
| Thank you | ຂອບໃຈ | kop-JAI |
| Please | ກະລຸນາ | gah-loo-NAH |
| Excuse me | ຂໍໂທດ | kor-TOHT |
| How much is this? | ອັນນີ້ເທົ່າໃດ? | an-nee tao-DAI |
Know before you go
- Kip cannot be exchanged outside Laos, so spend or change it before leaving. ATMs charge fees and dispense modest amounts; Thai baht and US dollars are often accepted in tourist areas.
- Unexploded bombs still contaminate much of the countryside, especially in the east; stay on marked paths and well-used trails, and visit the COPE centre in Vientiane to understand why.
- Watch Luang Prabang's alms round respectfully from across the street, without flash, and only take part if you intend to do it properly, not with rice bought from hawkers.
Laos travel FAQs
When is the best time to visit Laos?
The best time to visit Laos is generally Nov–Feb. Peak months are January, February, November and December. Average highs in Vientiane range from 28°C to 34°C across the year.
How much does a trip to Laos cost per day?
Roughly £25 a day on a tight budget, £60 mid-range and £140+ for comfortable travel, per person including accommodation, food and local transport. Flights are extra.
What currency is used in Laos?
Lao kip (LAK).
What plug type does Laos use?
Type A, B, C, E and F sockets at 230V. UK visitors need a travel adapter — UK Type G plugs will not fit.
Which side of the road do they drive on in Laos?
Traffic drives on the right in Laos, unlike the UK.
Is tap water safe to drink in Laos?
Not safe — drink bottled or treated water.
Do I need a visa for Laos?
For British passport holders, the FCDO says: You must have a visa to visit Laos. Entry rules change, so check the official FCDO entry requirements for Laos before you travel: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/laos/entry-requirements
What vaccinations do I need for Laos?
TravelHealthPro recommends Hepatitis A, Tetanus and Typhoid for most travellers, with Chikungunya, Dengue, Hepatitis B, Japanese encephalitis, Measles and Polio sometimes advised depending on your trip. Make sure routine UK vaccinations are up to date and see a travel health professional 6–8 weeks before you go.
