11 reasons to visit Laos (and why it should be on your travel list)

Feel like you’re done with Southeast Asia? Got a sense you’ve seen and done it all? Think again. Laos offers up a totally different side to the region, one you most definitely have not experienced before. With its jaw-dropping scenery, genuinely warm locals, delicious food and an atmosphere unlike anywhere else in Asia, it’s hard not to fall for the place. Here are 11 reasons why Laos deserves a spot on your travel list.

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1. The landscape is undeniably breathtaking

I don’t really know what I expected from my first visit to Laos, but I can honestly say the sheer beauty of the landscape has taken my breath away. The scenery in Laos is totally different to what I’ve experienced elsewhere in South-East Asia, offering up some of the most incredible mountains and gorgeous views I’ve experienced in Asia. There’s a serene beauty all around, a sense the Earth has right of way and has decided to put one heck of a show to entertain visitors. Jagged mountain tops dot the skyline, bright blue skies abound and lush green jungle covers the land as far as the eye can see. It is truly beautiful and, seriously, unmissable.

2. You’ll fall in love with the locals

If you’ve visited South-East Asia before, you’ll know it’s famous for the incredible hospitality. Somehow, the amazing people of Laos manage to kick that up a notch. I met so many genuinely lovely, welcoming and friendly people each and every day. On the street, you’ll be greeted with a big friendly smile and a wave. If you’re standing in a store, having trouble communicating, a local who speaks English will happily jump in and help translate for you. I found the locals to be peaceful and delightful, with no interest in ripping you off or pushing you to visit a local store, for example.

3. It has a distinctly peaceful vibe

The whole country has an incredibly peaceful vibe to it. I couldn’t help but find myself breathing more deeply and feeling more relaxed with each passing day. There’s a big feeling of ease and calm everywhere you go, and I loved how it allowed me to slow down and really take in every place I visited. It’s worth noting that petty theft and bag snatching have become more common in busier spots like Vientiane in recent years, so it pays to keep an eye on your belongings in crowded areas. But compared to much of Southeast Asia, Laos remains a genuinely laid-back place to travel.

4. There’s a simple, quiet beauty everywhere

Standing in the streets of Luang Prabang or gazing at the awe-inspiring limestone mountains and cliffs in Vang Vieng, there’s beauty all around in Laos. It’s an understated beauty, where the natural aspects of life really shine through, rather than being bombarded with luxury resorts and boutiques. Life in Laos is simple and this is reflected in what you see and experience while you’re there. The landscape is pretty much untouched and it makes for a totally unique experience than anywhere else I’ve been in South-East Asia.

5. You’ll get to try amazing food

Oh, the food! There’s so much great food on offer in Laos, which is probably why they sell those insanely comfortable, baggy, elephant pants on the street everywhere. You’ll find the food in Laos to be bursting with flavour, combining sweet, spicy, sour and salty. Must-try bites include spicy papaya salad, sticky rice, Lao sausage and Lao BBQ, grilled chicken and their famous baguettes. Basically just follow your nose and see where it leads you. Be sure to try the amazing Laos coffee – it’s awesome!

6. It’s totally different to Thailand and Indonesia

If you’ve been to Thailand and Indonesia and feel, after visiting those places, like you’ve ‘done’ South-East Asia, THINK AGAIN. Laos is totally different to either of these places. Where Thailand and Indonesia tend to be swarming with beach-hungry tourists, Laos offers a more remote, relaxed vacation. Yes, you’ll still see tourists, but not to the same level as you do in other places. There isn’t that same overwhelming party scene, where tourists sporting Bintang singlets buzz past on scooters. Instead, you’ll find Laos offering up insanely gorgeous scenery and a feeling like you’re discovering a relatively untouched part of Asia. It’s fantastic.

7. All the nature!

Whether you’re whizzing around on a boat along the Mekong, riding a bike through Luang Prabang, exploring Hmong villages or discovering winding roads and mountains outside Vang Vieng, you’ll fall in love with the nature and scenery in Laos. It’s so beautifully green, swarming with the dense, lush jungle that instils a huge buzz of wanderlust right in your chest. It’s all you can do to contain yourself. It’s seriously beautiful and a playground for anyone who loves the great outdoors.

8. It’s really affordable

True to form, Laos delivers what we tend to love most about Southeast Asia: genuine value for money. Budget travellers can get by on around $25 to $35 USD a day, covering accommodation, food and local transport, while mid-range travellers find excellent value too, with upscale stays and private guides significantly cheaper than equivalent options in Thailand or Cambodia. Food from local stalls is ridiculously cheap, getting around is easy, and you can have a cracking holiday without watching every dollar. It’s one of the most affordable destinations in the region, and it still feels like a secret

9. The weather is fabulous

Where Indonesia and Thailand can be crushingly hot, Laos seems to offer a slightly cooler option. The days are filled with blue skies and glorious sunshine and, admittedly, it can get quite hot in the middle of the day. But, you’ll find the weather absolutely glorious. It’s exactly what you want from a holiday in a tropical location and with all that tropical fruit and cold Laos Beer going around, you’ll be more than content.

10. The sunsets are next-level amazing!

Sunset in Vang Vieng will change your life. Picture insanely picturesque limestone mountains, dotted with dense greenery, the river running in front of you with brightly coloured boats buzzing past. The sun is glowing a perfect orange in the sky, it’s not too hot or too cold, it’s the perfect temperature and you have a cold Laos beer in your hand. This is the reality of a Laos sunset, they’re incredible and you’ll love every single one you catch.

11. Culture, history and tradition

Aside from all the things that make it great for visitors, Laos also offers a rich history and culture steeped in tradition. For example, in Luang Prabang, you’ll find Monks wearing bright orange robes. Each morning the monks take to the streets to humbly beg for their daily food, offered up by locals and visitors. This ancient practice teaches the Monks humility and is a magical thing to be part of. It’s just one of the many amazing things you can see, learn and experience in Laos that’ll teach you about their wonderful culture and history.

Frequently asked questions about visiting Laos

Is Laos safe to visit?

Yes. Laos is considered one of the safer countries in Southeast Asia, with very low rates of violent crime against tourists. The atmosphere is radically calmer than neighbouring tourist hubs, though the country is navigating a period of economic pressure, and bag snatching in busier city areas has become more common. Keep an eye on your belongings in markets and busy streets, and you’ll be fine. The Xaisomboun Province carries a higher advisory level due to historical incidents, so it’s worth checking your government’s travel advisory before you go.

What is the best time of year to visit Laos?

November through February is widely considered the best window. The weather is dry, temperatures are pleasant and the skies are clear. March and April get very hot. The shoulder seasons of May to June and September to November offer a sweet spot of fewer crowds, lower prices and lush green landscapes if you don’t mind the occasional downpour.

How do I get around Laos?

The slow boat along the Mekong between Huay Xai and Luang Prabang is one of the great travel experiences in the region and well worth the two days it takes. For travelling between major cities, the Laos-China high-speed rail line connecting Luang Prabang and Vientiane is a genuinely impressive option, costing around $20 to $35 and saving hours compared to the old bus route. Tuk-tuks and songthaews handle shorter trips within towns. Agree on a fare before you get in. Hello

Do I need a visa for Laos?

Most tourists can obtain a visa on arrival in Laos. Requirements and fees vary by nationality, so check with your country’s foreign affairs department before you travel. A valid passport with at least six months remaining is standard.

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