Flights to Laos

Getting around

The Laos–China Railway, opened in 2021, links Vientiane, Vang Vieng and Luang Prabang with fast, comfortable trains, cutting a long mountain drive to a couple of hours. Tickets sell out at busy times, so buy them a few days ahead. Slow boats still run on the Mekong between Huay Xai on the Thai border and Luang Prabang over two days, and minibuses reach most other towns.

History

The kingdom of Lan Xang, the "land of a million elephants", was founded in the 14th century and made Luang Prabang its royal capital. Laos later became part of French Indochina and gained independence in 1953. During the Vietnam War, the country was heavily bombed, and unexploded ordnance still affects rural areas. The COPE Visitor Centre in Vientiane explains this legacy, and visitors should stay on marked paths in the countryside.

Rivers, caves and ruins

Vang Vieng sits among limestone peaks, with tubing, kayaking and balloon flights. Further north, Nong Khiaw is a quiet base for river trips and hill walks. In the south, the temple ruins of Vat Phou date from the Khmer era, and the Mekong spreads out into the Si Phan Don islands near the Cambodian border.

Entry, money and time

British visitors need a visa, which can be arranged online before travel or bought on arrival at the international airports. The kip is the currency, and cash is king outside the main towns. Traffic drives on the right. Laos is seven hours ahead of the UK in winter and six in summer. Check current UK government travel advice and your insurance before you go.

When to go

November to February is dry and pleasantly warm, with cool nights in the north. March and April are hot, and smoke from field burning can haze the hills. The rainy season from May to October fills the rivers and waterfalls, though some rural roads become harder to use.

Planning Laos alongside Thailand or Vietnam? Call 020 7871 4545 and we'll price a multi-stop route.