Highlights of Northern Laos
Highlights of Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia
Luxury Laos Tour
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the weather like in Laos?
The most comfortable time of year to visit is between November and February, during the cooler dry season, compared to March and April when it’s much hotter. The rainy season runs from May through to October.
What is the currency in Laos?
The local currency is the Lao kip, but US dollars and Thai bhat are also accepted in certain places, particularly the more visited, larger towns and cities. Remember to change your money back before you leave the country, as it can be difficult to do so outside of Laos.
What’s the food like in Laos?
Lao cuisine hasn’t really made its mark on the Western world like some of its Southeast Asian neighbours’, but rest assured it’s equally delicious. The closest comparison can probably be made with dry and spicy Thai food. You can expect sticky rice or rice noodles, fresh green papaya salads, and fish, buffalo meat, pork and poultry accompanied by flavoursome chili, ginger, galangal, lemongrass and coriander.
Laos has maintained many of its traditions and charm, with a less developed approach to tourism than some of its neighbours, so it still feels like you’re stepping into the Southeast Asia of the past. Enjoy the slower pace of life, as you float down the Mekong, past peaceful rural villages or watch the brightly robed monks go by in Luang Prabang.
Why you’ll love Laos…
- Getting in touch with your spiritual side in the temples of Luang Prabang
- Detecting the French influence in the fragrant, spicy local cuisine
- Watching the sun set behind majestic mountains in Vang Vieng
- Delving deep underground in the Vieng Xai Caves
- Feeling like Indiana Jones at UNESCO World Heritage Site Wat Phu in Champasak
- Admiring nature in all its glory at the waterfalls of Bolaven Plateau
- Pondering the mystery of the Plain of Jars in Xiangkhouang Province
- Gazing in awe at the glittering golden wats and temples in Vientiane
- Swimming in the clear blue pools of the cascading Kuang Si Waterfalls
- Hiking up Mount Phousi in the early hours to reach the summit in time for sunrise
- Paying a visit to the moving COPE Visitor Centre in Vientiane
- Finding some time to yourself as you sail gently down the Mekong River
Did you know?
- The oldest human fossil was found in a cave in Northern Laos, and is thought to be 46,000 years old.
- There is an official curfew in Laos, which means that businesses have to close in time to allow people to get home for midnight, so don’t expect any all-nighters, especially in Luang Prabang.
- Laos is the most bombed nation in history due to the airstrikes during the Vietnam War
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