Don't miss the opportunity to discover the Land of a Million Elephants
From the lantern-lit streets of Luang Prabang to leisurely Mekong River cruises past riverside villages, a Laos holiday is where time slows down and every moment is pure wonder.
Laos, the Land of a Million Elephants, invites you on a journey unlike any other - escape the chaos and embark on an adventure into a world of serene landscapes, rich culture, and captivating traditions.
Step into Luang Prabang, a city of effortless charm where French colonial streets meet golden temples. Witness the almsgiving ritual, wander bustling local markets, and plunge into the turquoise waters of Kuang Si Waterfalls. Pause at Ock Pop Tok for a delicious Lao lunch overlooking the Mekong, then explore their extraordinary community-led textile project.
In Vientiane, the tranquil capital, discover grand temples, historical monuments, and a vibrant night market perfect for browsing local crafts and sampling street food. Cruise the mighty Mekong, taking in riverside villages, hidden caves, and the sacred Pak Ou Caves, where centuries of Buddhist tradition come alive.
Vang Vieng beckons the adventurous with its dramatic karst landscapes - tube down winding rivers or simply relax and soak up the scenery. Oudomxay offers rainforest trekking to secret waterfalls for early-morning explorers, while adrenaline-seekers can soar through the treetops on the ziplines at Namkat Yorla Pa Resort.
And of course, elephants! No visit to Laos would be complete without seeing these magnificent creatures. We recommend the Mekong Elephant Park for a wholesome and ethical encounter, giving you the chance to interact with elephants in a responsible and heartwarming way.
Laos isn’t just a destination - it’s an experience that stirs the soul, excites the senses, and leaves you with memories that linger long after you’ve left.
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Vietnam, Laos & Cambodia Adventure
- Hanoi
- Ninh Binh
- Ha Long Bay
- Luang Prabang
- Siem Reap
Explore Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia on a two-week journey through ancient temples, bustling cities, winding rivers and immersive cultural experiences, perfect for inquisitive travellers.
Laos Holiday Trip Ideas and Tours
Our Laos holiday expert, Nia, says:
“There’s something wonderfully timeless about Laos. You can wander through temple-lined streets in Luang Prabang and admire its golden glow at sunset, hike past waterfalls in Oudomxay or take a slow cruise along the Mekong and watch the world go by. In the Golden Triangle, where Laos meets Thailand and Myanmar, the landscape feels almost mythical: rivers winding through lush hills, ancient temples tucked into quiet villages, and a sense of history and mystery around every corner. Laos rewards curiosity... it's gentle, welcoming, and full of surprises.”
When to go to Laos
A month-by-month guide of when to visit Laos
- Best
- Good
- Mixed
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
January
January is one of the driest months in Laos, with pleasant temperatures. Celebrate the Lao New Year, known as "Pi Mai Lao," with water festivals, parades, and traditional ceremonies. It's a joyous time to experience Lao culture.
February
Similar to January, February boasts comfortable temperatures, making it ideal for outdoor activities.
Visit the Pak Ou Caves near Luang Prabang, where locals gather to celebrate the annual Pak Ou Festival. It's a unique blend of spirituality and festivity.
March
Dry season continues with temperatures rising between 19°C and 32°C, offering pleasant weather.
Witness Boun Khoun Khao in Vientiane, a harvest festival celebrated with religious ceremonies and a traditional boat race.
April
April marks the onset of the hot season with temperatures between 23°C and 35°C River will be at an annual low.
May
May is the peak of the hot season with temperatures ranging from 24°C to 35°C. It can be quite warm.
Explore the Vat Phou Festival, held at the ancient temple of Vat Phou near Champasak, featuring traditional dances and religious rituals.
June
The wet season begins in June with temperatures between 25°C and 34°C. Expect occasional rain showers. Experience the Rocket Festival (Boun Bang Fai) in various locations, where locals launch homemade rockets to encourage rainfall.
July
The wet season continues, with temperatures ranging from 24°C to 32°C. Be prepared for frequent rainfall.
August
Rainfall is at its peak in August, with temperatures between 24°C and 31°C.
Witness boat races and other festivities during the That Luang Festival in Vientiane, which celebrates the iconic That Luang Stupa.
September
The wet season lingers with temperatures ranging from 24°C to 31°C.
Attend the colourful Elephant Festival in Sayaboury, celebrating the province's deep connection with elephants.
October
The rainy season starts to subside, with temperatures between 23°C and 31°C. This is a great time to visit as it is less crowded and the lush landscapes are at their best.
November
November marks the start of the dry season, offering pleasant temperatures between 19°C and 30°C.
Witness the That Ing Hang Stupa Festival in Savannakhet, which includes almsgiving, temple fairs, and parades.
December
December offers cool and dry weather, with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 27°C. Celebrate Christmas and the New Year with festive decorations and special events in tourist areas.
Best Laos Holiday Destinations
Places to visit in Laos
Best Laos Holiday Hotels
Laos Holidays FAQs
Planning a Laos Holiday? Our experts share advice on everything from what to pack, when to go, to tips for families, covering the questions we get asked the most.
When is the best time to visit Laos?
The best time to visit Laos is from November to March, when the weather is dry, sunny, and pleasantly cool. This is ideal for river journeys, temple visits, and trekking. April and May are hot but festive with Lao New Year celebrations, while June to October brings lush landscapes during the green season.
Is Laos a good holiday destination?
Yes, Laos is a wonderful holiday destination, particularly for those who enjoy culture, nature, and slower-paced travel. It offers UNESCO-listed towns like Luang Prabang, dramatic karst scenery, river cruises along the Mekong, and a wealth of Buddhist temples. It’s less developed than neighbours like Thailand, but that’s part of its charm.
How long should I spend in Laos?
We recommend 10–12 days to see Laos’ highlights, including Luang Prabang, Vientiane, and a river journey. Two weeks allows time to add the southern 4,000 Islands region or trekking in the north. Many travellers combine Laos with Vietnam, Cambodia, or Thailand, so duration depends on whether it’s a single-country trip or a regional journey.
How much does a holiday to Laos cost?
Tailor-made trips to Laos usually start from around £2,500 per person for 10 days, excluding flights. This typically includes boutique hotels, private guiding, and activities. Costs vary depending on whether you add luxury lodges or Mekong cruises. Laos offers excellent value compared with many other Asian destinations.
What are the must-see places in Laos?
Highlights include Luang Prabang with its temples and night markets, the Plain of Jars, the capital Vientiane, and the Mekong River. The karst landscapes around Vang Vieng are dramatic, while the southern 4,000 Islands offer laid-back charm. For nature lovers, northern Laos is excellent for trekking and visiting hill-tribe villages.
How do I get to Laos?
There are no direct flights from the UK, so most travellers connect via Bangkok, Hanoi, or Kuala Lumpur into Vientiane or Luang Prabang. Within Laos, domestic flights and road transfers connect major destinations. River journeys on the Mekong are also a memorable way to travel between towns.
Is Laos safe to travel to?
Yes, Laos is considered one of Southeast Asia’s safest countries for travellers. Crime rates are low, and people are friendly and welcoming. The main risks are related to road conditions and river travel, which can be basic. With good planning and guides, travel is safe and rewarding.
Do I need a visa for Laos?
The majority of countries we offer require visas to visit, please give our team of experts a call on 0203 111 1315 to chat through a specific country requirement as these do change over time. Visas can sometimes be purchased on arrival but often you are required to get one prior to travel. We recommend visiting the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) website or the relevant embassy for up-to-date information on visas, entry rules, and travel advice as soon as you have booked your trip.
Are there any health precautions I should take when travelling to Laos?
We are not medical specialists and would always advise speaking to your GP or a registered travel health clinic at least 8 weeks before you travel to ensure you have accurate advice. Please be aware that even within a country the advice varies from region to region so we strongly suggest speaking to a medical professional.
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Nia
Laos Expert