6 reasons to travel to Laos
Wedged between the tourism giants of Thailand and Vietnam, Laos is an unspoiled destination to be discovered without delay. A trip to Laos is the opportunity to discover another Asia, one that is more typical and far removed from the swarms of tourists.
- 1Get away from the traditional tourist circuits of Southeast Asia
- 2Encounter an incredibly hospitable population
- 3See the pink dolphins of the Irrawady
- 4Visit the historical city of Luang Prabang
- 5Navigate on the Mekong River
- 6Explore the amazing scenery in the north of the country
1. Get away from the traditional tourist circuits of Southeast Asia
Far from the conventional tourist circuits of Asia, Laos remains an authentic and unspoiled destination. If you yearn for another, more typical, Asia, one of wild beauty and far from the crowds, there is not doubt that it is Laos that you are looking for.
2. Encounter an incredibly hospitable population
Though they may be reserved and discreet at first, Laotians are adorable and incredibly hospitable if you dare to take the first step. During an outing, it is not uncommon to be invited to a wedding, a meal, an anniversary or to enter a classroom.
3. See the pink dolphins of the Irrawady
Right in the south of the country, on the 4000 islands set on the Mekong River, the locals take you on board to observe the last pink dolphins of the Irrawady. They are one of the most endangered species on the planet. There is something magical about the excursion at sunset.
4. Visit the historical city of Luang Prabang
Luang Prabang is the most beautiful city of Laos. You will have to get up early to attend the daily ritual of the Rera. The monks beg for their food in endless queues. In Luang Prabang you will also discover sumptuous palaces and museums. It is certainly a little touristic, but it is impossible to find anything else negative to say about it.
5. Navigate on the Mekong River
The mythical river crosses the country from north to south. It is impossible to consider a stay in Laos without a cruise on the Mekong River for one or several days, depending on your inclinations and the time available.
6. Explore the amazing scenery in the north of the country
A visit to the far north of the country will bring you face to face with the most beautiful mountain landscapes that you can imagine. The environment is still wild and unspoilt. The trails invite you for a large variety of excursions. And always surrounded by the most breathtaking landscapes. Sensational!
Discover the destination
Why travel in Laos
If you looking for an 'authentic' Asia, as far away as possible from mass tourism, then take a trip to Laos. On the other hand, if you don't mind crowds and can't even think of visiting Asia without heading to its beaches, then choose another destination.
You should go if...
- You're after an 'authentic' Asia and are ready for a cultural shock
- You want to get off the beaten track and tourist trails
- You've always dreamt of cruising down the Mekong.
- You want to tour the museum town of Luang Prabang
- You want to watch the river dolphins at Irawady
- You'd love to meet Asia's most welcoming people
You shouldn't go if...
- You aren't interested in an Asian destination that isn't littered with idyllic beaches.
- You love the buzz of sprawling megalopolises such as Bangkok.
- You've only got a few days to spare
- You aren't adventurous and prefer following well-trod tourist trails.
When to go in Laos?
jan
feb
march
april
may
june
july
aug
sept
oct
nov
dec
The best time to visit Laos is during the dry season, from November to May. Temperatures don't fall below 15°C and begin to rise from the end of March to May. Avoid the monsoon season, which starts between May and July and lasts until November. During these heavy rains, temperatures average between 25 and 30°C. It also wise to choose your time of travel according to the places you want to visit. The hot months of April and May make it uncomfortable in the south, but it's a great time if you're heading to the cooler north of the country. In Laos you'll find unquestionable authenticity, despite the country's tumultuous past. Parts of the countryside are untouched wildernesses and the Laotians are some of the most welcoming people on the planet.
What to see in Laos?
Top places to discover.
Prepare your trip in Laos
Laos is not the best-known country in Asia. So here is a brief overview to help you prepare your trip!
What documents to travel with in Laos?
UK nationals are required to have a passport that is valid for 6 months after their date of entry into Laos. A visa is compulsory and visa conditions change regularly.
Health advise
No obligatory vaccinations are necessary, but we recommend those against typhoid and hepatitis A.
Language
Lao is the official language. During your trip in Laos you will soon discover that almost everyone speaks English.
Time difference
+6 hr in summer and +7 hr in winter. When it is 12 p.m. in London, it is 6 p.m. in Vientiane in summer and 7 p.m. in Luang Prabang in winter.
Phone and internet connection
Country Code +856
Wi-Fi internet is available in hotels and some bars of large cities and tourist sites.
Electricity
Electrical sockets are 220 volts and most use the same type of plug as in France. Sometimes you will also come across American-type sockets, so bring a universal adapter.
Lao Embassy in London
49 Porchester Terrace
W2 3TS London
Tel: 020 7402 3770
laosemblondon@gmail.com
British Embassy in Laos
Rue J. Nehru, Phonexay,
Saysettha District, Vientiane
Tel: +856 (0)30 770 0000
