A first-time guide to Laos

13.08.2024 - 07:50 / lonelyplanet.com

Aug 12, 2024 • 12 min read

Quiet and culturally rich Laos has lots to offer – much of which you won’t find anywhere else in the world.

Less famous than its neighbors Thailand and Vietnam, Laos can sometimes sink into obscurity along the Southeast Asia backpacking trail.

Don’t let it. The quiet and culturally rich Lao People’s Democratic Republic has lots to offer – much of which you won’t find anywhere else in the world. 

While its history has been marked by war, revolution and other hardships, all this has unfolded in a stunning tropical paradise. Indeed, it’s this very contrast – between a tumultuous past and sheer natural beauty – that makes Laos a particularly rewarding and eye-opening destination to explore.

The ancient Lanna kingdom capital of Luang Prabang boasts some of the most untouched and historically significant temples in the region. The capital Vientiane brims with multicultural nuances. Incredible natural beauty is apparent in almost every province. All this makes Laos an ideal place for those who prefer getting off the beaten tourist track. The country has generally drawn backpacking types, though it’s now becoming a more popular (and accessible) place for families and luxury travelers, too. 

If you’re headed to Laos for the first time, here’s what you should know.

As in most other Southeast Asian countries, Laos promises a tropical climate throughout the year, with average daytime temperatures ranging between 25°–35°C (77°–95°F). 

During the “winter” months of November to February, Laos cools down a smidge; thanks to a lack of rain clouds, the nights can get comfortably chilly. Any local would say this is the best time to visit. 

In winter, the humidity drops, the rivers are full and the tropical forests are lush from the recent monsoon rains. The northernmost parts of the country (such as Luang Namtha, Luang Prabang and Udomxai) are also noticeably more temperate than other areas on the same latitude thanks to their mountainous elevation. 

October is a great month to visit Laos if you prefer to beat the winter crowds. Although you may catch the tail end of the monsoon, things should stay mostly dry – and there are several cultural festivals worth taking in, like the Boat Racing Festival and the Naga Rocket Festival (dates vary from year to year for both).

But a tropical climate is not all sun and games. March through June is the summer, where the heat can be unbearable for the uninitiated, especially on buses and in hostels. River levels are also low during this time (a situation made worse by Chinese and Thai dam projects along major waterways), while slash-and-burn farming blankets portions of the country in a hazardous haze of PM2.5 particulate matter. 

The summer’s saving grace, however, is