LAOS TRAVEL GUIDE
Laos is a beautiful, diverse country which is the onnly land locked country in Southeast Asia.
Most of the country's population lives along the river, which winds more than 2,600 miles (4,180 kilometers) from China through Laos, Vietnam and into the ocean. Only 10 percent of the country is below 600 feet, and the highest peak, Phu Bia is 9,242 feet (2,817 meters).
LAOS GENERAL INFO
Laos is the only landlocked country in Southeast Asia. Nearly three-quarters of Laos is covered in mountains and forested hills that are too steep to live on.
Most of the country's population lives along the river, which winds more than 2,600 miles from China through Laos to the ocean in south Vietnam.
Laos is one of the poorest countries on Earth. Although the Lao have few possessions beyond their food, their Buddhist beliefs help them to find happiness through a simple life. Most of the people live in small rural communities near the river.
Laos became independent from France in 1953 and in 1975 the communist Pathet Lao seized power with help from North Vietnam. Many fled and many resettled in the United States. Laos is one of the few remaining communist states.
HOW TO GET TO LAOS
BY ROAD
coming soon
BY RAIL
coming soon
BY AIR
coming soon
BY BOAT
coming soon
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT LAOS
coming soon
WHAT’S THE WEATHER LIKE IN LAOS RIGHT NOW?
TOP THINGS TO SEE & DO IN LAOS
Kuang Si waterfall
Pha That Luang Vientiane
Taman Negara National Park
Luang Prabang night market
COPE Visitor Centre
The Living Land Farm
MandaLao Elephant Conservation
The Plain of Jars
Mount Phousi
Wat Xiengthong
ACCOMODATION IN LAOS
coming soon
WHERE TO STAY IN LAOS
Luang Prabang
Luang Prabang is a highlight of Laos. It is very touristy and one of the most popular places to visit in Laos. The old town is a perfect place to walk around, relax and enjoy the stunning river views.
Vientiane
The amazing capital of Laos is a contrast to ancient Asia. Vientiane has a rich historical background that marks the city on every corner but they are developing fast with skyscrapers being built all the time. Vientiane’s history has greatly influenced its cultural landscape, from the ancient Khmer empire to French colonial rule. You can explore landmarks such as Pha That Luang, the national symbol of Laos, and Wat Si Saket, Vientiane’s oldest Buddhist temple.
EATING IN LAOS
There are lots of strong flavours in the food in Laos and it’s truely delicious! There’s sweet, salty, sour, bitter. There’s alot of sticky rice that traditionally is eaten with your hands.
Here are my top choices of food to try when in Laos.
Kua Pak Bong
This dish is found all over Southeat Asia and is a classic dish made from water spinach (also known as morning glory). It is cooked simply yet is a flavour-packed stir-fry with oyster sauce, garlic and just a touch of chilli.
Hua moo Luang Prabang
A true classic in the former royal capital, this large sausage is made of minced pork, lemongrass, ginger, chilli, shallots, garlic, kaffir lime leaves and a measure of sticky rice that adds texture and makes the mix go further. It's cooked on the barbecue, seasoned with fish sauce and sugar, then sliced to serve with dips and sticky rice.
Nem Luang
The batter for this breakfast or snack favourite is simply beaten egg, heated and swirled expertly to coat the inside of a wok. It’s topped with beansprouts and a mix of chopped morning glory, lettuce, watercress and coriander, then folded, flipped and topped with a little fish sauce and simple syrup (water and sugar). It’s up to you to add soy sauce and dried chilli to your liking.
LAOS ESSENTIALS
Planning a trip to Laos? Here are some of the resources and tools I personally use to organise my travel plans in Laos.
FLIGHTS : Find the best deals on flights to Laos using Skyscanner.
VISAS : Use iVisa to check if you need a tourist visa for Laos and apply for an expedited visa online. Use OneWayFly to obtain proof of onward travel/hotel reservation for your visa application if needed.
TRAVEL INSURANCE : Insure your trip with my preferred insurance for single trip and annual cover HeyMondo
AIRPORT TRANSFER : Pre-book your hotel transfer from Luang Prabang Airport
ACCOMMODATION : Find the best hotel deals in Laos on Booking.com
BUS TICKETS : It is easy to book your bus tickets once you’re in Laos but if you’d like to book in advance you can buy your Laos bus tickets online through Bookaway
DAY TRIPS : Find the best city tours and day excursions in Laos on Viator or Get Your Guide.
LAOS GUIDEBOOK : Pick up a copy of the latest Lonely Planet Guidebook for Laos for a good read and to help you plan your trip.
Did you know that …
When you purchase something through my links I earn a small fee. However, you still pay the same. Win-win!
