Laos - Guide

Laos has been a well kept secret for many years but more and more travellers are now looking to travel to a country whose peace and tranquillity can often be the perfect remedy to our increasingly hectic world. The practicalities of getting to Laos mean that most travellers to the region are reluctant to venture too far from the well known areas of Thailand. However, with just a small amount of legwork you can arrive into this remote Asian backwater, isolated for decades, and discover its unrivalled scenery, along with a fascinating cultural history and incredibly warm and friendly locals.

Whether visiting the colourful Hmong-Mien or Thai hill tribes in the north, or taking a tour of the immaculate Buddhist temples and French colonial architecture found in the former Royal Kingdoms of Vientiane and Luang Prabang, Laos offers a unique cultural experience for the traveller which can be enjoyed just as easily in the rice and noodle shops as it can while cruising down the Mekong River or learning more about the mysterious Plain of Jars. While exploring this compelling country travellers will find a rich selection of handicrafts including ceramics, silverware, textiles, woodcarvings and various tribal crafts.

Laos is great place to head into the jungle and search for some of the country’s beautiful and distinct wildlife including leopard cats, gibbons and langurs, gaurs, bears, goat-antelopes and the majestic Asian elephant. The mighty Mekong River, which plays a huge part in sustaining great numbers of resident and migratory birds, flows along the entire length of the country and is one of the few places in the world where you can find giant catfish and perhaps most intriguingly of all, the elusive and enigmatic Irrawaddy Dolphin.

If you are visiting Laos from one of its Southeast Asian neighbours, be prepared to find a much more laidback atmosphere offering a real change of pace from the usual hustle and bustle of the region. Ultimately, whatever your reason for visiting Laos, you will be greeted warmly by the hospitable locals, from villagers to Buddhist monks one is never far from a welcoming smile.

When to go

The driest and coolest time to visit Laos is from November to February. You will experience days of cool breezes and low temperatures and miss the monsoon season (May to November). Certain provinces of Laos (Xieng Khuang, Hua Phan and Phongsali) will also get rain blowing in from Vietnam and China from February to May but this northeast monsoon usual bypasses the rest of Laos.

This time of year is also Laos’s main season for both national and regional bun (festivals) though December to February and August are the peak tourist times. January, in particular, is very busy and booking ahead is advisable.

If you are interested in ‘river travel’ you will best visit during November when the floods have subsided but the rivers are still filled to capacity. This type of travel can be difficult from January to June when water levels are low.

Highlights

• Vientiane, Luang Prabang, and Cahmpasak – French colonial architecture and intricate Buddhist temples
• Phonsavan – home to the Plain of Jars, where mysterious stone containers are scattered across grassy fields and meadows
•  Luang Nam Tha – discover the colourful culture of the Hmong and Thai hill tribes as well as other ethnic minorities
• Si Phan Don – this beautiful collection of islands is found on the Mekong River, and is home to the rare and elusive Irrawaddy Dolphin
• Viang Vieng – impressive Limestone rocks and caves, lush waterfalls and traditional Lao villages