Find the best Laos Hotels

Present day Laos traces its roots back to medieval times and was formerly known as Lan Xang (the land of a million elephants). Laos is at the heart of Southeast Asia and shares borders with Thailand, Myanmar, China, Vietnam and Cambodia. The Mekong River separates Thailand and Laos but there are six Friendship Bridges which connect to the likes of Vientiane and Savannakhet.

Train via Nong Khai and Thanaleng is an option for travel to Vientiane, while international buses provide service at other Thai-Laos border crossings. Airports at Vientiane, Luang Prabang, Savannakhet and Pakse have direct flights from Southeast Asian cities including Bangkok. Flying time from Bangkok is just over one hour.

Vientiane is the capital of Laos and attracts with the likes of the Victory Gate (Patuxai), erected to commemorate those who fought in the War of Independence from France, and the Pha That Luang Temple, which is the most sacred Buddhist monument in the country. Buddha Park (Xieng Khuan Temple) is outside town and features many Buddha statues.

The former Lan Xang capital of Luang Prabang on the Mekong River is farther north. It is a World Heritage site packed with more than 30 stunning temples and royal palaces and offers a chill ambience. Other premium Laos tourism locations are the Plain of Jars, an archaeological site dated to the Iron Age and packed with the remains of huge stone jars scattered over a wide area, along with Pakse in the south, founded by the French in 1905 and now the second biggest city in Laos.

Eating in Laos provides a mix of local and French specialities. Lao spicy sausage, French baguettes, grilled chicken, Lao coffee, papaya salad and steaks are the most popular orders. Beer Lao is found everywhere and the perfect match for the meals. In Vientiane, the Mekong Riverside near Don Chan Beach provides a varied choice of restaurants, while Sisavangvong Road is the prime dining and bar district in Luang Prabang.

Surfing down the Nam Song River on a tube in Vang Vieng is the best known of the activities available to tourists in Laos. Kayaking on the same river is another option. Cycling or hiking in Vang Vieng and caving at Pak Ou Caves near Luang Prabang are also good choices. Taking a Mekong riverboat is a relaxing experience, while ziplining at eco-parks such as the Green Jungle near Luang Prabang is a thrilling activity.

Shopping is a definite highlight of holidays in Laos. Traditional clothes, khene (bamboo musical pipes), silver jewellery, pottery vases and Lao coffee are most popular items from Laos. The Night Market in Luang Prabang is another great souvenir shopping hotspot. Vientiane’s Talat Sao (“morning market”) is a must visit.