A Spontaneous Plan That Led to Laos
One day, my sister called me and said, “I’m coming to Southeast Asia—let’s travel together!” Exciting? Yes. Easy to pick a destination? Not really.
The challenge? It had to be a country I’d never been to and one that showcased the best of Southeast Asia. After some back and forth, we landed on Laos.
As soon as I shared my plans, the reactions started rolling in: “But what is there to see in Laos?”
Here’s the thing—Laos often gets overshadowed by its neighbors, Thailand and Vietnam. No beaches, no crazy nightlife, just… Laos. But that’s exactly what makes it special. It offers natural landscape, a laid-back atmosphere, and all the best bits of Southeast Asia—without the chaos.
- Why Visit Laos?
- My 4 Best Places to Explore in Laos
- Practical Tips for Traveling in Laos
- Reality Check – Let’s Be Honest
- Conclusion: Is Laos for You?
Why Visit Laos?
- Less Touristy – No crazy crowds, no over-commercialized attractions. Just raw beauty.
- A Perfect Mix of Everything – Temples, waterfalls, jungles, rivers, caves… It’s all here.
- Easy to Get Around – Trains, buses, and tuk-tuks make travel simple.
- Plenty of Adventure – Hiking, kayaking, ziplining, cave exploring, hot air balloon—you won’t get bored.
- Great Food Scene – A mix of Lao, Thai, and French influences. Think baguettes, noodles, and lots of fresh herbs.
- Budget-Friendly – Affordable stays, cheap massages (we got one every single day!), and delicious food for a few dollars.
- A Slice of French Influence – From architecture to bakeries, the French colonial past still lingers.
My 4 Best Places to Explore in Laos
Luang Prabang – Culture, Temples & Riverside Charm
A must-visit, whether for a weekend or as part of a longer itinerary. Luang Prabang is one of those places where you just want to spend time enjoying its atmosphere and discover its unique charm. Wake up early to watch monks collecting alms, then spend your day temple-hopping or sipping coffee by the river.
Must-Do
- Visit Wat Xieng Thong, the most stunning temple in town.
- Wander through the night market for local crafts and street food.
- Take a boat ride on the Mekong River for a golden-hour view.
- Experience the early morning almsgiving ceremony, where monks collect food offerings.
Where to stay
- Budget hotel: Chaluenxay Boutique Hotel
- Mid-range:
- Higher-range:
Where to eat
Guided tour: UNESCO World Heritage City Tour
More adventures from Luang Prabang
Vang Vieng – Nature, Adventure & A Splash of Thrill
This small town is your gateway to the great outdoors. Vang Vieng used to be known for wild backpacker parties, but it has reinvented itself as an adventure hub.
Must-Do
- Kayak or tube down the Nam Song River.
- Hike to the top of Pha Ngern Viewpoint for epic scenery.
- Swim in Blue Lagoon—clear, turquoise waters surrounded by jungle.
- Explore Tham Chang Cave—a cool escape from the heat.
For an extra thrill, you can even go ziplining or take a hot air balloon ride!
Where to stay
- Budget: DokChampa Hotel
- Mid-range:
- Higher range: Riverside Boutique Resort
Where to eat
Recommended day tour: Zipline, Cave Tube, Trek, Kayak and Blue Lagoon
More adventures from Vang Vieng
Kuang Si Falls – The Most Stunning Waterfall
Hands down, Kuang Si Falls is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Southeast Asia. Imagine a series of cascading turquoise pools hidden in the jungle—yep, that’s Kuang Si Falls.
What to Expect
- The trek starts at the bottom, where you follow a series of turquoise pools and smaller cascades.
- The grand finale? A breathtaking multi-tiered waterfall at the top.
- You can keep hiking up (though there’s no direct view of the falls from above) for more secluded nature trails.
Day trip from Luang Prabang: Cruise to Pak Ou Caves & Kuang Si Waterfalls
Where to stay and eat: Check Luang Prabang
4000 Islands (Si Phan Don) – A Slice of Island Life (Without the Ocean)
Yes, Laos may be landlocked, but it still has an “island” experience. 4000 Islands (Si Phan Don) is a place where time slows down. Rent a bike, explore Don Khong, and take a boat ride to enjoy the river.
What do to
- Don Det & Don Khon Islands – Best explored by bike, this island gives you a glimpse into local life.
- Boat rides – Cruise along the Mekong for epic views.
- Khone Phapheng Falls – The widest waterfall in Southeast Asia (though you won’t see the full 10km stretch in one go). Still, pretty impressive!
⚠️ Don’t expect to see Irrawaddy dolphins they have been long time gone due to the pollution of the river.
Where to stay
Where to eat
Practical Tips for Traveling in Laos
📆 Best Time to Visit: Avoid the dry season (March–May) it can get unbearably hot (we hit 48°C on some days!). November to February is ideal—cooler weather, lush landscapes.
🏠 Accommodation: Budget-friendly guest houses to more luxury stays—easy to find something for every style. Please bear in mind accommodations that are budget friendly will provide simple comfort! We spend in average between 10 US$ to 60 US$ for a double room (low season).
🛡️ Safety: Super safe, especially for solo female travelers. Just keep an eye on your belongings (like anywhere else). Pickpocketing isn’t common, but better safe than sorry.
🍽️ Food: Think Thai food meets French cuisine! We ate well every day for a fraction of the price you’d pay elsewhere. From couple of US$ for a simple bowl of noodle, to ~50 US$ for a nice diner for 2.
💰 Currency: Laotian Kip (LAK), but you can also use USD. You can find ATM in most of the touristic places. I recommend to change at the airport and use LAK as it will be cheaper during your trip. NB: bring new USD bills for your on arrival visa (~30 to 50 USD based on nationality).
👗What to Pack:
- Light, breathable clothes to survive the heat. A warm jacket for the Bolaven plateau if you go in Dec/Jan (it can get cold at night).
- Comfortable shoes for all the walking and hiking.
- Sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses—trust me, you’ll need them.
- Dress modestly for temple visits—shoulders and knees covered.
🚌 Getting Around: We mostly used Trains, Buses & Boats – The new high-speed train in the north makes travel much easier and faster. To easily book your train ticket you can download the app (LCR – Lao China Railway), you will need a local phone number (or Thai/Viet) to log to the app (we ask the hotel reception) then you will be able to easily manage your booking.
- train ticket ~17 US$ (Vientiane > Luang Prabang)
- bus ticket ~10 US$ (Vientiane > Vang Vieng)
💡 Tip: I always get an e-sim to have internet access from everywhere >> Airalo
Reality Check – Let’s Be Honest
This trip was a great mix of authentic nature, adventure and chill. No mass tourism, no stress, just good vibes. But if you’ve already traveled around Southeast Asia a lot, Laos may not blow your mind. (Okay, except maybe for that massive & empty train station built by China up north…)
That said, my sister—who had only been to Southeast Asia twice—loved how easy, relaxing, and authentic the experience was. And the cheap massages? Yeah, we had one every single day. No regrets.
Conclusion: Is Laos for You?
If you want a taste of Southeast Asia’s natural beauty, culture, and spirituality—without the tourist crowds—Laos is your go-to destination! But if you’re looking for crazy nightlife or the most dramatic landscapes, you might want to look elsewhere.
Planning a trip to Laos? Let me know your questions or share your experience below!
Looking for your next destination? Check my top 2025 destinations blog post!
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