Laos Travel Guide & Tourism (2025)

Laos Travel Essentials

Ideal Duration: 7-10 days for exploring Luang Prabang, Vientiane, and Vang Vieng; 2 weeks for a more comprehensive visit exploring remote areas

Currency: Lao Kip (LAK)

Best Time: November to March (Dry and cool season) Read More

Accommodation Cost (per night in USD):
Dorm bed: $5-15
Budget: $20-40
Mid-range: $50-80
Luxury: $100 and above

Budget for Food & Drinks (per day in USD):
Budget: $5-15
Mid-range: $20-40

Visa Policy for Indians:
Visa on Arrival or E-visa available

Visa Policy for Other Nationals:
Visa on Arrival or E-visa available for many countries

Getting In Laos:
Wattay International Airport (VTE) in Vientiane, Luang Prabang International Airport (LPQ) in Luang Prabang Read More

Getting Around Laos:
Buses, tuk-tuks, songthaews (shared taxis), rental bikes Read More

"The Land of Serenity and Bountiful Nature "

Laos Tourism

Sitting cosily in Southeast Asia, the Republic of Laos is a landlocked country with sparse population. Known for its spectacular landscape, the country comprises of lofty mountains, lush jungles, glistening rice fields and tea leaves covering the mountain surface. The remote tribal villages, ancient Buddhist caves, rich cultural heritage, cafe culture in cosmopolitans, elegant colonial architecture and peaceful stupas adds to the charm of this land of lotus-eaters.

Tourist Places to Visit In Laos

Vientiane

Luang Prabang

Kuang Si Falls

Vang Vieng

Pakse

Si Phan Don

All Tourist Places In Laos

Top Experiences in Laos

Pha That Luang

Mount Phousi

Wat Ong Theu

Phonsavan

National Lao Museum

Palace museum

Elephant Village

Haw Phra Kaew

Patuxai

Savannakhet

Kuang Si falls

Wat Mai

Best time to visit Laos

"The best time to visit Laos is between November and February, when the weather is pleasant, cool, and driest, along with some of the most colorful festivals to enjoy in the country. However, for some reason, tourism peaks in August. June to September experiences peak monsoons, and many activities a... (Read More)

Holidify's opinion on Travel to Laos

What's Great about Travelling to Laos?

Rich culture and heritage. A bounty of natural beauty. Diverse landscape. Great handicrafts. Ancient and French structures.

What's Not So Great about Travelling to Laos?

Short-lived nightlife. Contaminated water. Negligible traffic rules. Prevalent diseases. Inflated price for tourists.

Who should Travel to Laos?

Nature lovers. People who cherish laidback environ. Heritage and history enthusiasts. Those looking for spirituality.

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Exchanging Money in Laos

As per the international standards, Lao Kip is not a stable currency. It cannot be converted to any other foreign currency outside Laos. Visitors can get their currency exchanged at banks in Vientiane and Luang Prabang. One can get US dollars, Canadian dollars, and Australian Dollar, Thai Baht, Japanese Yen, Euros and UK Pounds in these banks. ATMs are present in big numbers in Vientiane only, especially around Th Setthathriat. Many major hotels might have on-site ATM too.Currently, the withdrawal limit is around LAK 1,000,000 i.e. approximately GBP 65, but one has to pay very high charges. Traveller's cheques are also accepted in exchange for Kip in most of the banks in Lao.

Nightlife in Laos

Nightlife in Laos is usually not that active and quite laidback. Nightclubs and bar are closed maximum by 11:30 pm as per legal rules. Vientiane is not at par with any of its other Asian capital city with Beer Lao and a bewitching sunset firefly display as its only options for early nighters. Future Nightclub and Highwayman are two major nightclubs in the city, both situated close to the airport and frequently open much late than allowed. Another option is the French Cultural Centre on Th Lan Xang where movies are shown, and music performances are held. Most bars are nestled along the river stay open until 11:00 pm offeringa plethora of classic rock, cocktails and cheap beer. The scene is similar in all the cities including Luang Prabang where one will find first openly gay bar. Streets clear out early in Laos with guesthouse bolted doors accordingly.

Shopping in Laos

Laos is known for its exquisite handicrafts produced locally in the country. The markets of Vientiane and Luang Prabang are worth visiting for their exclusive products such as silk, cotton fabrics, hill tribe embroideries, woodcarvings, garments, bags, wall hangings pottery and silver jewellery. Also, look out for local art, antiques and paper products in the markets. As souvenirs, one can buy Lao sarongs hill tribe bags. While in Vientiane, try out morning market, a popular place frequented by tourists along with weaving district of Ban Nong Bouathong.

Festivals of Laos

Laos is a country with rich culture and great respect for their religion. Thus, their main festivals revolve around them. Lao people end to celebrate Buddhist festivals throughout the year with a great fervour usually marked by fireworks, floral offerings and processions of monks. The month of FebruaryÊwitness Magha Puja, Tet and the Chinese New Year, in April and May there are Pi Ma, the Lunar New Year and Visakha Bu- Saa festivals whereas the most vibrant and scenic festival of Laos is held in December, That LuangÊFestival .In this festival, monks come together to receive offerings of alms and flowers. The festivals and celebration are a perfect to get a glimpse of local Lao culture.

Hygiene in Laos

Laos needs a huge adjustment owing to its different atmosphere, food and climate. It is advised to avoid buying medicine from pharmacies, as there are many phony and counterfeit drugs in the market and better carry a first aid kit. Tap water is not safe for drinking or brushing teeth therefore, buy packaged water for such uses. It is recommended to get vaccination for Diphtheria, Hepatitis A and B, Malaria, Typhoid and sometimes Rabies as well. Also, avoid swimming in fresh water.

Photos of Laos

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FAQs on Laos

How to reach Laos from India?

There are several flights options for visiting Laos from India such as Air India, Thai Airways, Jet Airways, Bangkok Airways, Shandong Airlines, Singapore Airlines and Qatar Airways. There is no direct flight to Laos; however, one can travel to the country from various India cities including Delhi, Mumbai, Pune and Kolkata.

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Laos Travel Guide