Laos

From the traveltalk.dk family – started in Denmark in 2018

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Laos is one of Asia’s smallest countries, yet rich in travel experiences

Laos is one of South-East Asia’s most distinctive destinations. It is the only country in the region without access to the sea, and with around 7.5 million inhabitants it is also one of the less populous countries in the area. Even so, Laos offers an impressive range of experiences: ancient Buddhist temples, lush rainforests, dramatic mountain landscapes, small villages and rivers that for centuries have been the lifeblood of the people.

Laos is often described as Asia’s overlooked country. It lies between Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, China and Myanmar, but has a very different rhythm from several of its neighbours. Here you can still find areas where life follows the pace of nature and the seasons, and where tourism has not yet left the same clear mark on everyday life as in Thailand and Vietnam, for example.

The country is especially known for its calm atmosphere and strong Buddhist traditions. In towns such as Luang Prabang, you can see monks in saffron-coloured robes walking through the streets early in the morning to receive food from local families. This daily tradition, known as tak bat, is an important part of religious and cultural life. Visitors should observe it with respect and from a distance, as it is first and foremost a religious act – not a tourist performance.

In other words, Laos is a destination for those seeking more than beaches and big cities. Here, the journey often revolves around nature, culture, history and encounters with a country that has preserved many of its own traditions.

Laos – a journey back in time, but not without change

Travelling in Laos can in many ways feel like returning to a slower Asia. The country has undergone major political and economic changes, but its development has differed from that of the more industrialised neighbouring countries. Laos became a communist people’s republic in 1975, and the country’s more recent history has left clear marks on both society and infrastructure.

This does not mean, however, that Laos stands still. New roads, hotels and transport links have made it easier to get around, and the modern railway between China and Laos, opened in 2021, has changed the possibilities for crossing the country. Even so, there are large areas where village life, farming and local traditions still play the leading role.

Part of the country’s special atmosphere stems precisely from the contrast between the modern and the traditional. In the capital, Vientiane, you will find cafés, restaurants and new buildings, while life in smaller towns and villages is often far more shaped by local markets, temples and farming.

Laos also has a complicated history. During the Indochina Wars, the country was subjected to extensive American bombing between 1964 and 1973. Many bombs never exploded and still lie in the ground. These unexploded bombs, often referred to as UXO, remain a serious problem in parts of the country. This is an important part of Laos’ history and a reminder that the country’s peaceful landscapes also hold a tragic past.

Today Laos is generally a peaceful destination, but visitors should keep to established roads and paths in areas where unexploded ordnance may be present. Never pick up unknown metal objects or venture off safe routes in areas of known risk.

Luang Prabang – the cultural heart of Laos

If there is one town you should experience on a trip to Laos, it is Luang Prabang. The town sits beautifully at the confluence of the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers and is known for its Buddhist temples, French colonial-era buildings and quiet streets.

Luang Prabang was formerly the royal capital and has preserved a distinctive architectural and cultural heritage. The town’s historic centre is listed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List, and it is easy to see why. Here, temples with ornate roofs stand side by side with old wooden houses, colonial villas and small cafés.

One of the town’s best-known temples is Wat Xieng Thong, famous for its traditional architecture and detailed decoration. You can also visit the former royal palace, which today serves as a museum.

Luang Prabang is also a good base for experiencing life along the Mekong. From here you can take boat trips, visit small villages or sail up the river to the Pak Ou Caves, where hundreds of Buddha statues are housed in natural limestone caves.

Read more about the monks of Laos and their distinctive way of life in Luang Prabang.

The Mekong – the lifeblood of Laos

The Mekong is one of South-East Asia’s most important rivers and plays a central role in Laos. It flows through large parts of the country and serves as a transport route, a source of food and a natural gathering point for many communities.

Along the river lie small towns, temples and villages, where fishing and farming remain important livelihoods. A boat trip on the Mekong is one of the most atmospheric ways to experience Laos. You get closer to the landscape and gain an insight into a daily life that is very different from what you encounter in the large Asian cities.

The river is also an important part of the country’s gastronomy. Fish from the Mekong features in many local dishes, and along the riverbank you will find restaurants where you can dine with views over the water and the green mountains.

Nature and adventure in Laos

Laos is an ideal destination for nature lovers. Much of the country consists of mountains, plateaus and forested areas, and northern Laos in particular offers dramatic landscapes with steep mountainsides, valleys and small villages.

The area around Vang Vieng has become known for its limestone mountains, rivers and caves. Here you can hike, kayak, cycle or explore the many natural caves. The landscape is almost fairytale-like and offers some of the most photographed views in the country.

Further south lies the Bolaven Plateau, where the climate is cooler than in the lowlands. The area is known for coffee plantations, waterfalls and lush vegetation. Here you can visit local coffee producers and experience another side of Laos, where farming and nature still dominate.

Laos also has national parks and protected natural areas with rich animal and plant life. These include various species of monkey, birds, reptiles and elephants. The opportunities to see wildlife vary, however, and it is important to choose responsible nature and animal experiences where animals are not exploited for entertainment.

Culture, religion and everyday life

Buddhism is of great importance to life in Laos. In many towns and villages the temple is a natural centre of community life, and religious festivals and ceremonies fill much of the calendar. The many temples are not merely historical sights, but active places for prayer, teaching and social activities.

Laos is also an ethnically diverse country, with many different ethnic groups, languages and local traditions. In the mountain regions, communities live with their own cultural characteristics, crafts and way of life. A visit to a village can give an interesting insight into the country’s diversity, but it is important to approach local communities with respect and avoid treating people as tourist attractions.

The local cuisine is another important part of the experience. Sticky rice forms the basis of many meals, and Lao cooking makes use of fresh herbs, vegetables, chilli, lime and fish sauce. One of the best-known dishes is larb, a spicy salad of minced meat or fish, herbs and lime. It is often served with sticky rice, which is eaten with the fingers.

Laos is one of Asia’s smallest countries, but big on travel experiences.

It is the only country in Asia without a coastline, and it has only around 7 million inhabitants. Laos is also Asia’s forgotten country: a land of ancient temples and incredible nature, not least its dense, lush rainforest and remote mountain areas still inhabited only by tribal peoples who have lived in isolation here for hundreds of years. Barefoot monks walk through the towns every morning with their alms bowls, receiving contributions from the local people.

Time travel in Laos from 1975 to today

Travelling in Laos is like stepping back in time. Not much has changed since 1975, when the communists took power. And before that, it could hardly be said that development was booming either. In that sense, it is also the most unspoilt country in the region: it has remained very much itself, without tourists and without the explosive development that many neighbouring countries such as Vietnam and Thailand are experiencing today. There is not even a railway. Yet the country is renowned for its beauty and tranquillity. As the saying goes, there are more monks on the streets than tourists. There is fascinating wildlife, not least elephants and other Asian animals in abundance.

The country has suffered many terrible things, not least the massive American bombing during the Vietnam War, but today it is a peaceful country with a hospitable population and a glimpse of what Asia was once like. Beautiful, calm and meditative, in balance. Laos is absolutely worth a trip.

When should you travel to Laos?

Laos has a tropical climate with a dry season and a rainy season. The dry period normally runs from November to April, while the rainy season typically stretches from May to October.

Many prefer to travel between November and February, when temperatures are often more comfortable and there is generally less rain. It is a good time for sightseeing, hiking and boat trips on the Mekong River.

In the hot period from March to April, temperatures can become very high, especially in the lowlands. The rainy season, on the other hand, brings greener landscapes and fuller waterfalls, but heavy rain can make some roads difficult to pass and affect transport in more remote areas.

How to get around Laos

Laos can be experienced in several ways. Many travellers begin in the capital, Vientiane, or in Luang Prabang, which both have international connections. The new railway between Vientiane and the Chinese border makes it possible to travel more quickly between several of the country’s most important destinations.

Buses and minibuses connect many towns, while private drivers can be a practical solution for longer journeys or visits to more remote areas. On the Mekong River, boats remain part of the transport options, and a river journey can be an experience in itself.

Distances can be greater than they appear on the map. Mountain roads, weather conditions and road standards mean that overland journeys sometimes take longer than expected. It is therefore a good idea not to plan an overly tight itinerary.

Getting to Laos

• You can travel to the country with, among others, Albatros Rejser
• Introduction to Albatros Rejser on traveltalk.
• See Asia’s 10 smallest countries, can you guess them?
• Read about the monks of Laos and their self-chosen lifestyle.

Laos – practical travel information

• Capital: Vientiane
• Population: Approx. 7.5 million
• Language: Lao
• Currency: Lao kip (LAK)
• Time zone: UTC+7
• Best time to travel: November to February
• Climate: Tropical, with dry and rainy seasons
• Religion: Primarily Buddhism
• Transport: Train, bus, minibus, boat and tuk-tuk
• Nature: Mountains, rainforest, rivers and waterfalls
• Popular destinations: Luang Prabang, Vang Vieng, Vientiane and the Bolaven Plateau
• Coastline: None – Laos is a landlocked country
• Travel style: Culture, nature, adventure and tours

Travel tip: Experience Laos at a relaxed pace. Consider combining Luang Prabang with the Mekong River, Vang Vieng and southern Laos. Remember to check visa requirements before departure.

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