Laos

Perhaps due to its status as the only landlocked country in Southeast Asia (it is encircled by Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, China and Myanmar), Laos often gets less notice than its more famous neighbors. We view this low profile in another light: this beautiful Buddhist land is one of the continent’s best-kept secrets, although it is increasingly on the radar of savvy luxury and adventure travelers alike. Together with Vietnam and Cambodia, Laos made up the triumvirate colonies of French Indochina, and significant pockets of Old World charm remain.

Laos’s understated crown jewel is the ancient capital of Luang Prabang, whose fusion of Lao and European architecture UNESCO called a “key stage in the blending of these two distinct cultural traditions.” Vientiane is the region’s most relaxed capital, while the Bolaven Plateau beckons with dramatic waterfalls and superb coffee plantations. For travelers willing to forgo five-star hotels to focus on remote rural encounters, the northern hill-tribe peoples in Luang Namtha and Muang Sing (Black Tai, Hmong, Lanten, Akha and many more) and the unspoiled “4,000 Islands” stretch of the lower Mekong, home to the rare Irrawaddy dolphins, are itinerary highlights. Champasak province, meanwhile, offers the impressive Khmer ruins of Wat Phu, architectural forebear of Angkor.  

Laos Regions

Explore in-depth information, experiences and highlights by navigating to specific regions using the links below.

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Seasonality & Festivals

Browse a month-by-month breakdown of suggested itineraries, seasonal activities, climate considerations and festivals.

When to Go
When to Go
Festivals
Festivals

Weather in Laos

The best time to visit Laos is between October and April when there is no rain and the temperature is cooler.

  • The weather in Laos is primarily hot and humid with some seasonal variance.
  • There are three primary seasons: November to March, which is the “cool” season, with temperatures hovering around 70° to 80°F (21° to 27°C), lower humidity, and sunny skies, though it does get cold in the mountains.
  • April through May is the hot season in which temperatures can rise over 100°F (38°C) and it can be very hazy.
  • The rainy season lasts from June through September, with temperatures ranging from 70° to 80°F (21° to 27°C), high humidity, and heavy rainfall, particularly in July and August. Landscapes during this time of the year are especially lush and green.

Multi-Country Specialists

Laos Goes Well With

Travelogues

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