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Laos Overview
Experience the Land of a Million Elephants with Laos Tours
Laos is the only country in Indochina that is completely surrounded by land from all sides. From Myanmar and China to the northwest, Cambodia to the south, and Thailand to the west and southwest, one thing that Laos doesn’t have is beaches.
However, what this beautiful country does have to offer seems to be better than most. Hopping on one of the Laos tours can turn out to be one of your best decisions to date since this beautiful country is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered and explored. From the ancient temples of Luang Prabang to trekking through remote villages and lush green valleys, a tour to Laos is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
But more than the monuments and the nature of Laos, the country is a mixture of cultures and traditions due to the rich and equally interesting history that this country has witnessed. Naturally, any Laos holiday package becomes incomplete without first knowing its history.
The History of Laos
The kingdom of Lan Xang (translated to Million Elephants, hence the name) was founded in the 13th century A.D. by a Lao Prince whose father was exiled from the Khmer Empire (Cambodia).
Around the turn of the 19th century, Laos was attacked by its neighboring countries and war was common for a while. It was during this time that France rescued King Oun Kham was rescued. Luang Phrabang fell under the regime of French Indochina. In 1953, the country got its independence and a war broke out to decide the future of Laos.
In the end, it was decided that Laos would follow a communist regime, and in 1975, the country was officially renamed as Lao People's Democratic Republic. From the warrior kings of old to the modernism of governance, Laos has a plethora of things to offer and explore. But, what’s the best time for your vacations in Laos?
When Should You Visit?
This beautiful country can be called a year-round destination. However, when it comes to travelers and their choices, there are two major seasons in Laos during which you can plan your Laos trips.
We personally recommend visiting Laos during the dry season where the temperature stays a pleasant 77°F (25°C) to 86°F (30°C). There is minimal rainfall during the months of October to April (with the months of November to February being the coldest) and is considered the peak tourist season. You can take part in many of the popular outdoor activities like hiking in the jungles and take part in the Lao New Year (in April).
On the other hand, if you are one of the people who prefer the road-not-taken, then the wet season would be indeed an ideal time for you. From the months of May to September, it often rains with heavy downpours. However, this is also the time when Laos is at its most verdant green.
Exploring waterfalls in all their majesty or cruising along the Mekong River at its full are some of the experiences that you can expect during the wet season. As always, Threeland Travel will be there to make a customized package for you, no matter the season. Decided on when you should visit Laos? Well, this country will indeed take your breath away with its wonderful places to visit and experiences to feel.
And as every traveller is unique, so are our customized packages and tour options. From luxury tours to travelling the country your way, Threeland Travel ensures that your travel itinerary should be as unique as you.
Must-Visit Places and Experiences in a Laos Tour Package
From ancient temples to visiting modern cities, there are a plethora of things that make up a Laos travel package. However, here are some of the iconic places that you should visit during your trip to this Southeast Asian country.
Places to See
- Vientiane
- Luang Prabang
- The Plain of Jars
- Si Phan Don
- Vang Vieng
And alongside these wonderful places, there are hundreds of things to do. Some of the iconic experiences that you can take part in are:
Things to Do
- Cruise the Mekong River.
- Go Kayaking in Vang Vieng.
- Swim in the cool waters of the 4000 Islands (Si Phan Don).
- Trek through the lush jungles of Laos.
- Visit the Plain of Jars where thousands of ancient stone jars from Greece are scattered.
Of course, the list doesn’t end there since they are just the starting point to a country with hundreds of things to offer thousands of tourists visiting this iconic place every year.
The Culture of Laos
The culture of Laos is deeply influenced by the philosophies and beliefs of Theravada Buddhism from its neighboring countries. The core of their beliefs lies in respecting everything around them with special care towards elders and monks.
The values and traditions have been passed down generations which make Laos a place of ancient traditions with a hint of modernism. From the various Laotian art forms like wood carvings, traditional music, and dance, to tasting the local Laotian cuisine, this country can never stop amazing you.
The Delicacies of Laos
Being a blend of delightful flavors and enhanced by the unique Laotian culture, the delicacies of Laos are quite famous. From street foods to fine dining, the land of a million elephants has a plethora of things to offer.
- Laap - A flavorful meat salad made with different types of meat.
- Khao Soi - An aromatic noodle soup with coconut milk (must-try!).
- Khao Niao - Sticky rice which is steamed in bamboo baskets.
And much more. This list is just a sneak peek into Laotian delicacies as the food bursts with flavors with every bite you take. No need to worry about hygiene when you book your Laos travel package with Threeland Travel!
Want To Travel With Luxury?
If you are reading this, you have probably already made up your mind to travel to Laos and visit this charming country with your own eyes. But, do you want to travel with luxury? That’s where Threeland Travel comes in. Although our Laos tour packages are a delight in their own, our team of experts and dedicated individuals have come together to provide you with the best of things.
Having a team of experts who know Indochina like the back of their hand, our Vietnam travel agency has often been hailed as one of the best. For people who want the best of things, our Luxury Laos tours have been created with the utmost care to be as luxurious as possible. In our opinion, that’s the best way you can explore a country as beautiful and serene as Laos.
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Festival in Laos
For those who are deeply interested in cultural and spiritual events, choosing tours and taking part in festivals will be one of the best ways to enjoy holiday.
Things not to miss at Pha That Luang Festival
What activities are there in the Pha That Luang Festival? Dos and Don’t at the Pha That Luang Festival? Tips for travelers at the sacred national festival?
Laos Festivals in October
Discover traditional Laos Festivals in October, cheer for boat competitions and immerse in Water Festival. Learn more here.
Famous Laos Festivals in year
Discover traditional Laos Festivals in April and November to join their exciting activities when you are on holidays to Cambodia. Read more here.
Laos Festivals in April
Discover and join the most important annual Laos Festivals in April - Laos New Year and Water festival. This festival is particularly picturesque in Luang Prabang, where it includes elephant processions. Read more here.
Vientaine
Capital
237,955 km2
Area
GMT +7
Timezone
Kip (LAK)
Popular
Tropical
Weather
Top Laos travel Cities Destination
Travel Guide
For those who are deeply interested in cultural and spiritual events, choosing tours and taking part in festivals will be one of the best ways to enjoy holiday.
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FAQ
Got a question for Threeland Travel?
01
Yes, Americans do need a visa to travel to Laos. You can avail of a tourist visa on arrival at some entry ports. Often, the stay is allowed for 30 days. Alternatively, you can also opt for an e-Visa online. Now, this can be used to enter via a few ports only. It requires 3 to 5 working days to process your visa. The validity of your passport should be at least six months after your Laos tours begin and have at least two blank pages.
02
There are two main seasons in Laos. From late May to October is the wet or the rainy season and November to early May is the dry season. The best time for a Laos tour package is during the dry season. It features comfortable temperatures and sunny days to explore. The rainy season offers brimming waterfalls and lush greenery, but also heavy downpours and high humidity.
03
How many days to spend in Laos depends on what you want to explore and how you like to travel. For a well-rounded tour of Laos, we would suggest spending at least 10 to 15 days. In this period, you will be able to see the main highlights of the country, like Vientiane, Luang Prabang, and Vang Vieng, without rushing. Moreover, you can also explore other highlights like the Plain of Jars. If you have only 5 to 7 days to explore Laos, then we would recommend that you focus on one or two main areas. Whatever you prefer, we offer private Laos tours for a fulfilling holiday experience.
04
Our Laos tours are flexible, often including a mix of cultural sites, natural wonders, and local experiences to give you a complete taste of Laos. Here is one of our Laos tour packages for your reference - https://threeland.com/tour/laos-at-a-glance. Some of the top attractions included in our Laos tour packages are
- - Luang Prabang
- - Xieng Khuang
- - Vang Vieng
- - Pak Ou Caves
- - Vientiane
- - Pakse
05
Yes, of course! Our customized Laos tour packages are suitable for both senior travelers and family vacations. The country offers an enriching experience for all those seeking both relaxation and fun. The friendly locals of Laos, its laid-back vibe, and rice culture work great in favor of this type of vacation. For seniors, many tours are designed with accessibility and comfort. Laos tours offer activities for all age groups. A family with kids can have a fun adventure. They can enjoy exciting outdoor activities, learn about new cultures, and play in beautiful natural places.
06
Yes! In fact, it is very common and most travelers choose our private Laos tours to add nearby countries like Cambodia, Vietnam, and Thailand. Being located next to each other, these countries offer easy connectivity by air and by road. It also offers you a chance to explore a range of historic places, natural beauty, and rich and diverse cultures.
07
The official currency of Laos is the Lao Kip (LAK). While the local currency is used for daily transactions, American Dollars or USD are widely accepted in major hotels, tourist areas, and for larger purchases. We would suggest you carry a mix of both currencies, especially Kip for smaller purchases and in rural areas, while exploring the country with our best Laos tours.
08
Yes. Threeland Travel offers personalized tours for American travelers. We know everyone has their own travel style. We create your itineraries based on your budget, preferred activities, desired pace, comfort, travel style, and if you are looking for any specific destinations. We manage everything for you - guides, transportation, tours, and hotels for a hassle-free customized tour. Our luxury Laos tours are also quite popular. Just let us know what you would like.
09
To enjoy your trip to Laos, follow some basic do’s and don’ts. Respecting local culture helps you connect better with locals and may even help you get better deals at markets.
Do's:
- - Wear clothes that cover your shoulders and knees when visiting temples or rural places. Dress modestly. Do not wear revealing clothes in public places.
- - Take off your footwear before entering homes, temples, or any sacred space.
- - Greet with a smile, Nop, and Sabaidee means hello. For doing Nop, join your hands together at chest level and bow slightly, followed by Sabaidee. Locals will really like your efforts.
- - Learn some basic Lao phrases.
- - In markets, a little polite and respectful bargaining is common.
- - Buy authentic crafts and eat at local restaurants to support the local economy.
- - Use your right hand to pass and eat the food.
- - Avoid touching any sacred items.
- - Always ask or seek permission before you click pictures of any locals.
- - Try to learn the names of a few basic dishes, making eating out easier for you.
- - Always clean your hands before meals, especially with shared dishes.
- - Drink only bottled or boiled water, not tap water.
Don'ts:
- - Show respect by not touching monks and keeping your feet away from monks and Buddha images.
- - Never touch a person’s head; it is considered very rude.
- - Do not use the left hand to receive and give gifts and to shake hands.
- - In Laos, pointing with your feet is rude because feet are seen as the least clean part of the body.
- - Stay calm and avoid showing anger or frustration.
- - You can always ask for low spice levels. In rural areas, food can be very spicy. Say Pet Noy Neung means a little spicy, Pet Noy Noy means very mild, or Pet Falang means for foreigners.
- - Giving money or sweets to children might seem kind, but it can cause begging habits.
- - Don’t laugh or make fun of things that you do not understand.
- - Don't discuss politics or sensitive topics. Avoid sensitive subjects with strangers.
- - Don’t expect all restaurant menus to be in English.
- - Don’t forget to cover your sticky rice basket after eating, as it is believed to attract bad spirits.
10
Laos is generally safe and peaceful for American tourists. Petty thefts or crimes like bag snatching may occur in popular tourist places. So, it would be wise to keep an eye on your things. Be careful about pickpocketers in cities like Luang Prabang and Vientiane. Avoid driving at night. Avoid visiting border areas and follow local advice. Be cautious in remote areas, as there might still be old explosives left from past wars. Beware and stay away from any drug involvement, as the local drug laws are very strict. Always check U.S. travel advisories before you plan your Laos travel package and get travel insurance.
11
There are four international airports in Laos: Wattay International Airport (Vientiane), Luang Prabang International Airport, Savannakhet International Airport and Pakse International Airport.
Air Asia, Bangkok Airways, China Eastern Airlines, Jin Air, Lao Airlines, Thai Airways, and Vietnam Airlines have planes heading to Laos from Vietnam, Thailand, China, Malaysia, South Korea and Cambodia. Therefore, you can also include Vietnam and Cambodia in your holidays before reaching Laos. You can book cheap flight tickets with Threeland Travel as well as tour packages in Laos. If you have not yet finalized a holiday plan in Laos, please leave your request to email [email protected] and we help you to book a flight to Laos. Thank you for choosing Threeland Travel as your Laos tour operators.
12
August is in the rainy season in Laos. It is 28°C in the North while it is 30°C in the South and the Central. Traveling to Laos this time, you will witness the most majestic period of waterfalls when water pours clear white foam into the air.