Travel to Laos
Monks in orange robes at dawn, turquoise pools in the jungle, misty limestone mountains and the Mekong at sunset: here is what to plan before you look for cheap flights to Laos, in the heart of Southeast Asia.
Laos in numbers
Capital
Vientiane
Population
About 7.5 M
Highest point
Nearly 2,800 m
Currency
Kip
Language
Lao
Setting
Landlocked
Continent
Asia
Time zone
UTC+7
Airports covered
1
Why visit Laos
Temples, rivers and mountains at the pace of the Mekong
Luang Prabang, a World Heritage town
Inscribed on UNESCO's list in 1995, the town blends traditional Lao architecture with European colonial houses. Every morning monks collect alms in its streets, a ritual best watched in silence.
Turquoise waterfalls
The pools of Kuang Si step down through the forest near Luang Prabang: a setting that invites swimming and picnics, and one of the country's best-known images.
The Mekong and its mountains
The only landlocked country in Southeast Asia, Laos lives by its river: long boats, riverside villages, misty karst at Nong Khiaw and Vang Vieng.
A table and a culture of their own
Sticky rice, laap (minced meat with herbs), Luang Prabang salad, silk, paper, silver: Lao culture is discovered at the table as much as in craft workshops.
Landmarks
Luang Prabang, Kuang Si, Nong Khiaw, Vientiane and the Mekong
A trip to Laos usually revolves around Luang Prabang and Vientiane, with an extension to Nong Khiaw or Vang Vieng and, if time allows, the south and the Mekong: seven to ten days give a good rhythm, twelve to fifteen with the south.
Luang Prabang, the town of golden temples
Between the Mekong and the Nam Khan, Luang Prabang lines up temples with tiered roofs, colonial houses, a night market and workshops for silk, paper and silver. Every dawn monks walk for alms, the Sai Bat: watch in silence, with shoulders and legs covered, five metres away, with no flash. The town is the country's great stop.
The Kuang Si waterfalls
About thirty kilometres from Luang Prabang, Kuang Si falls pour in steps through the forest, with milky-blue pools where, in places, you can swim. It is one of the region's most popular day trips, easy to combine with the Pak Ou caves.
Nong Khiaw and the Nam Ou river
North of Luang Prabang, Nong Khiaw sits beneath limestone cliffs on the Nam Ou. The tourism board lists the boat trip upriver to Muang Ngoi among its excursions, through misty mountains and riverside villages. It is a good place to walk, paddle or simply watch the boats go by.
Vientiane and That Luang
The capital, Vientiane, can be seen in a day or two: That Luang, a gilded stupa commissioned by King Setthathirath in 1548, the central temples, restaurants and the Mekong riverbank at sunset. The mood is calmer than in many Asian capitals.
Vang Vieng, the Mekong and the south
Further south, Vang Vieng charms with limestone peaks and its river, while the Plain of Jars at Xieng Khouang reveals megalithic sites. In the far south, the Bolaven plateau, Champasak and Wat Phou, then the Mekong islands of Si Phan Don extend the trip at the river's pace.
Before you go
Which season to travel to Laos
| Area | Climate | Best time to visit |
|---|---|---|
| Luang Prabang and the north | Cool dry season from November to February, rains from May to October; around 20 degrees in January. | November to February |
| Vientiane and the Mekong valley | Marked heat in March-April, monsoon from May to October. | November to February |
| Vang Vieng and the centre | Same seasonal rhythm, rivers prettier after the rains. | October to February |
| South, Bolaven plateau | Very wet plateau during the monsoon, cooler at altitude. | November to February |
The rainy season runs from May to October: mountain roads and waterfalls change character, but the country stays very green. March and April are the hottest months, with sometimes hazy skies. Keep an eye on fares before you lock in your dates.
Getting around
Train, buses, boats and domestic flights
A high-speed railway links Vientiane with the north of the country and Luang Prabang, which cuts the journey a lot. Buses, minibuses, shared taxis, tuk-tuks and domestic flights complete the network; on the Mekong and the Nam Ou, boats remain a transport mode in their own right.
In rural areas, stay on marked paths and leave some slack before a return flight: mountain roads are slow, especially in the rainy season.
Food and culture
Sticky rice, laap and dawn alms
Sticky rice (khao niao) is the base of meals, and laap, minced meat mixed with toasted rice, herbs, fish sauce and lime, is regarded as the national dish. In Luang Prabang you can also try the local salad, northern khao soi, ork lam stew and Mekong fish.
Buddhism sets the rhythm of life: temples, festivals, morning alms. To experience Sai Bat well, buy the rice at the market rather than from pushy sellers, keep your distance and never follow the monks by bus or car.
Flying to Laos
The Lao airport covered by SniperAir
Wattay International
The capital's airport, a few kilometres from central Vientiane: allow about fifteen minutes by road; taxis and tuk-tuks serve it. It is the entry point for Vientiane, Vang Vieng and, by train or domestic flight, Luang Prabang.
SniperAir destinations
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FAQ
Frequently asked questions about Laos
Which airport do I fly into for Laos?
Vientiane (VTE) is the capital's international airport and the one SniperAir tracks. It is a few kilometres from the centre.
When is the best time to travel to Laos?
From November to February the season is dry and cool, ideal for Luang Prabang, Nong Khiaw and Vientiane. March and April are hot; from May to October the monsoon greens the country but slows the roads.
Is travelling to Laos expensive?
On the ground, meals, simple accommodation and local transport are generally modest. Private excursions, boutique hotels in Luang Prabang and domestic flights push the bill up.
Do I need a visa for Laos?
It depends on your nationality and length of stay: visa on arrival or online exists for many travellers. Check the conditions with the authorities and your home country's official information before you go.
How long do I need in Laos?
Seven to ten days cover Vientiane, Vang Vieng, Luang Prabang and Nong Khiaw. Allow twelve to fifteen days if you add the south and the Mekong.
How do I get from Vientiane to Luang Prabang?
A high-speed railway links the two towns; buses, domestic flights and boats complete the options. Check timetables and bookings before you choose.
How do I get alerted when a flight to Laos gets cheaper?
Create a SniperAir alert profile with your departure airport and Vientiane as destination: we track prices and tell you as soon as an opportunity matches. See how it works.
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