About Laos Flag of {{ destination?.name }}

Nestled in the heart of Southeast Asia, Laos is a land of breathtaking landscapes, rich history, and serene spirituality. From the misty mountains of the north to the tranquil Mekong River winding through its lush valleys, Laos offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of modern life. Explore the UNESCO World Heritage town of Luang Prabang, where golden temples and French colonial architecture create a unique charm. Discover the mysterious Plain of Jars, a prehistoric archaeological site shrouded in legend. Savor the flavors of Lao cuisine, with its fresh herbs, sticky rice, and spicy dips. Whether you're trekking through remote villages, cruising the Mekong, or meditating in ancient monasteries, Laos promises an unforgettable journey into a slower, more mindful way of life.

Travel Tips for Laos

Getting Around

Tuk-tuks and songthaews (shared minibuses) are common for short distances. Buses connect major cities, while boats are a scenic way to travel along the Mekong River. Renting a motorbike is popular for independent travelers, but roads can be challenging. Domestic flights are available for longer distances.

Best Time To Visit

November to February, when the weather is cool and dry, making it ideal for exploring temples, trekking, and enjoying outdoor activities.

Local Customs

Remove shoes before entering homes or temples. Dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Use both hands or your right hand when giving or receiving items. Avoid touching people's heads, as it is considered sacred. Always ask for permission before taking photos of locals.

Safety Information

Laos is generally safe, but be cautious of petty theft in crowded areas and avoid unexploded ordnance in rural regions.

Visa Requirements

Most travelers need a visa, which can be obtained on arrival or online. Check requirements based on your nationality.

Health Information

No mandatory vaccinations are required, but Hepatitis A, Typhoid, and Tetanus are recommended. Malaria and Dengue are present in rural areas, so use insect repellent and mosquito nets. Drink bottled or boiled water to avoid waterborne illnesses.

Languages Spoken

Lao (official)FrenchEnglishHmongKhmu

Quick Facts

Currency

Lao Kip (LAK)

Timezone

Asia/Vientiane +07:00 (GMT)

Calling Code

+856

Electricity

A, B, C, E, F sockets; 230V, 50Hz
Socket types →

Driving Side

Right

Population

7061507

Area

236800 km²

Government

Socialist Republic

ISO Code

LA, LAO

Emergency Contacts

Also known as: Lao-kok, Layosi, ლაოსი, ལཱ་ཝོས, Lao, République démocratique populaire lao (la), لائوس, 老挝人民民主共和国, luaos, Laosz, Laos nutome, Laosa Popola Demokratia Respubliko, Laoso Liaudies Demokratinė Respublika, ലാവോസ്, ላዎስ, Lauosos, Orílẹ́ède Laosi, Republik Demokratel ar Bobl Lao, لاوس, Лаосская Народно-Демократическая Республика, 老撾, Laotańska Republika Ludowo-Demokratyczna, Demokratiska folkrepubliken Laos, Cộng hòa Dân chủ Nhân dân Lào, ILawoso, ឡាវ, Laoso, جمهورية لاو الديمقراطية الشعبية, Laôs, लाओस, La'oos, República Democrática Popular Lao (la), Demokratesch Volleksrepublik Laos, Repubblica Popolare Democratica del Laos, لاس, Lao People's Democratic Republic, ประเทศลาว, Lùaôsi, ଲାଓସ୍, Láọ̀s, République populaire démocratique du Laos, ಲಾವೋಸ್, Liáo guó, ଲାଓସ, Laosän, ປະເທດລາວ, Demokratikong Republikang Popular ng Laos, Lǎowō, Lááʼos, Лаосин Улс Орн, Law suyu, Lagos, Layos, 寮国, לאוס, ラオス, i-Laos, Làos, 라오스, Laoská lidově demokratická republika, Laòs, ལཱ་འོས།, Laws, Λαϊκή Δημοκρατία του Λάος, Lawosi, Raot, ਲਾਓਸ, လာအိုနိုင်ငံ, لاووس, لاؤس, República Democrática Popular do Laos, ལའོ་སུ།, Demokratische Volksrepublik Laos, Yn Laos, Lao People's Democratic Republic (the), লাওস, 寮國, Làthos, ලාඕසය, லாவோஸ், 老挝;寮國, Democratische Volksrepubliek Laos, Láo, La'os, ލާއޯސް, Komara Demokratîk a Gel a Laosê, Լաոս, Laos, Laotia, లావోస్, Lawoos, Laosas Tautas Demokrātiskā Republika, Laosi, Rāoho, Lau, લાઓસ, Lào, ᎴᎣᏍ, Láo Tekoha Tavakuairetã Jekopytyjojápe, Liàu-koet, Laosa, Народна демократична република Лаос, Laosas, Лаос, 老挝, Лаоская Народна-Дэмакратычная Рэспубліка, ላኦስ, Demokratiske Folkerepublik Laos, Λάος, Pow Lao, Lawas, Republik Demokratik Rakyat Laos, República Democrática Popular Lao, Laoszi Népi Demokratikus Köztársaság, Gweriniaeth Democrataidd y Bobl Lao, လာအို, Réewum Lawos, laus

Frequently Asked Questions