Travel in Laos

• Laos is the epitome of tranquility, beautiful nature, friendly people and many monks in orange and yellow robes. Although the country is increasingly being discovered by tourists and travellers, it has retained its authentic character for the time being. In Laos you feel like you are back in time and you are quickly absorbed in the relaxed atmosphere that the small villages and temples exude. An absolute must for anyone who wants to experience the real Asia!
• Vang Vieng, 6 hours by bus from Vientiane. Drugs are the main reason that many travellers come to Vang Vieng. Besides using drugs, you can also drink a lot, eat pancakes, watch the TV series Friends and float down the river in a rubber tyre. If this is not what you are looking for, you better skip Vang Vieng.
• Rent a moped and make ‘The loupe at Thae Khaek’. A three-day trip through the Laotian countryside, where you will stay in guesthouses or, with a bit of luck, in people's homes.
• Trek in the mountainous north of Laos and stay with one of the many mountain people.
• Sail for 2 days on the beautiful Mekong by slow boat from Chong Kong in Thailand to Luang Prabang and party with the large numbers of backpackers.
• Visit the impressive evening market in Luang Prabang and shop for souvenirs to take home.
• 35 kilometers outside Lang Prabang are the fairytale waterfalls Kuang Si. This is the ideal place to enjoy the sun or take a dip in the clear blue water.
• Luang Prabang is the former capital of Laos and nowadays a large collection of historical buildings, mostly in the form of ancient temples. Considered the nicest, most pleasant and atmospheric city in Laos.
• A day trip to the Pak Ou caves from Luang Prabang is definitely worth it. In a small canoe you will be taken to these caves where thousands of Buddha statues have been placed (nobody knows by whom).
• The 4,000 islands in the Mekong near the border with Cambodia; there may not be 4,000, but on these many islands you can chill and relax with other backpackers, on some of the islands still without electricity or cars! Choose between a hut with "sunset view" and "sunrise view", try to spot the pink river dolphins and explore the islands by bike. Be quick, because before you know it there will be electricity everywhere and a less high level of relaxation.
• 'Plain of Jars': an enormous plain strewn with jars that are probably more than 2,000 years old. There is a mysterious atmosphere because archaeologists still do not know what these jars were used for. Were they used as urns for the deceased or to store rice wine? There are more than a hundred of these mysterious fields with sandstone vases.
• The hygienic conditions in Laos are not as good as in the Netherlands. Therefore, pay close attention and only eat dishes that are well cooked or fried. Avoid raw products and only drink water from a sealed bottle (always make sure you bring your own water).
• Be very careful with alcohol while tubing in Vang Vieng.
• Prepare well and make sure you have enough cash with you in case of emergency.

Updates Laos

• More about Laos, updates and contributions, see the link below.

Laos

Laos is the epitome of tranquility, beautiful nature, friendly people and many monks in orange and yellow robes. Although the country is increasingly being discovered by tourists and travelers alike, it has retained its authentic character for now. You imagine yourself back in time in Laos and you are quickly absorbed in the relaxed atmosphere exuded by the small villages and temples. Highly recommended for anyone who wants to experience the real Asia!

What are the WorldSupporter highlights

• Vang Vieng, 6 hours by bus from Vientiane. Drugs are the main reason many travelers come to Vang Vieng. Besides taking drugs, the main thing you can do there is drink a lot, eat pancakes, watch the TV series Friends and float down the river in a rubber band. If this is not what you are looking for, it is better to skip Vang Vieng.
• Rent a moped  or scooter and take "The Loupe at Thae Khaek. A three-day trek through the Lao countryside, staying in guesthouses or, with luck, in people's homes.
• Go trekking in the mountainous north of Laos and stay overnight with one of the many mountain peoples.
• Sail 2 days on the beautiful Mekong by Slow Boat from Chong Kong in Thailand to Luang Prabang and celebrate with the large numbers of backpackers.
• Visit the impressive night market in Luang Prabang and shop souvenirs for home.

What is de climate in Laos?

• Laos has a tropical climate with an average temperature of 30 degrees. If you go into the mountains the temperatures are about five degrees lower. From November to February Laos is best to travel. It is then the dry season and every day about 25 degrees. If you go in the months of March to May you must be able to withstand the heat. It is then every day an average of 40 degrees. The rainy season lasts from May to October. Rainfall is usually limited to a few hours in the afternoon. Keep in mind that it is extremely humid in the rainy season and back roads turn into mud puddles.

What is the best travel time for Laos?

•  Laos can be visited year-round, but the best travel time is from November through the end of February. That is the dry period, with temperatures between 20 and 25 degrees. The busiest month in terms of tourists is January, but even then Laos is relatively quiet. It can sometimes be a bit of a search for a hostel if you haven't booked anything.

What is the worst travel time for Laos?

• The rainy season in Laos is from July through October. March, April and May are the hottest months, with an average temperature of 35ºC. They are relatively the worst months, but still doable and definitely not to be advised against.