- Currency ₭ Lao Kip (₭)
- Language Lao
- Visa —
- Plug Type A/B/C/E/F · 230V
- Best time —
- Safety Check FCDO FCDO →
Southeast Asia's slow-travel soul: mist-wrapped mountains, the mighty Mekong and golden Luang Prabang. The mindful, unhurried dupe for over-touristed neighbours.
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Landlocked and gloriously unhurried, Laos is Southeast Asia's slow-travel heartland. Where its neighbours roar, Laos drifts, on the brown swirl of the Mekong, through jungle-cloaked karst and past saffron-robed monks at dawn.
This is the region's quiet dupe destination, offering the temples, night markets and river life of Thailand or Vietnam without the crowds. UNESCO-listed Luang Prabang anchors a country built for mindful, experiential travel.
Add soft adventure with a light footprint, kayaking, tubing, waterfall swims and village homestays, plus warm, gentle hospitality, and Laos becomes one of Asia's most rewarding escapes for families and curious explorers alike.
Laos in pictures
Weather & timing in Laos RIGHT NOW 27° cloudy
Best Dec–Feb · Shoulder Mar–Apr, Nov
- Jan 6° / -4°
- Feb 8° / -2°
- Mar 12° / 2°
- Apr 18° / 8°
- May 24° / 14°
- Jun 28° / 18°
- Jul 30° / 20°
- Aug 28° / 18°
- Sep 24° / 14°
- Oct 18° / 8°
- Nov 12° / 2°
- Dec 8° / -2°
Nature, culture & hidden gems
Editorial content coming soon
We're hand-picking the standout places, hidden gems and can't-miss activities in Laos. Meanwhile, the cities above are a great starting point.