Laos Laos

Once known as the ‘land of a million elephants’, Laos is the only landlocked country in Asia, bordered by Burma, China, Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand. It became a French protectorate in 1893 and finally became an independent country in 1953 with a constitutional monarchy. This monarchy however was shortly ended by a long civil war. Today Laos is a single-party socialist republic whilst it remains strongly influenced by the Socialist Republic of Vietnam and the Vietnam People’s Army. The Lao people make up roughly 60% of the population whilst indigenous groups and hill tribes account for 40% of the Laotian population.

It is a country that has a lot to offer whether it’s the underground river caves, white-water rapids and jungle zip lines for the thrill seekers, the beautiful forests for the trekkers and nature lovers or wonderful cuisine for the foodies.

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Laos Family Discovery

Indulge in quality time with your family as you explore the beautiful country of Laos. Enriched with a deep cultural history and unmissable natural landmarks, explore ...
from
£1400
/ person
duration
9 days
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Laos Adventure

Adventure to Laos to visit some of its most iconic cities, experience local culture and tradition, through visiting historic temples, famous waterfalls and tasting the local ...
from
£1165
/ person
duration
11 days
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Laos Explorer

Take that step to travel to Laos to visit some of its most iconic cities, experience local culture and tradition, through visiting small communities in the ...
from
£975
/ person
duration
6 days
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Teaching Volunteer Project in Laos, Luang Prabhang

Engage with the local village children by teaching English classes at local primary schools in rural Laos! Teach English to these bright eyed children in an ...
from
£300
/ person
durations start from
7 days
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Pure Laos

For travellers desiring an authentic experience of the marvellous rich cultures of South East Asia, this formative and once in a lifetime journey to Laos is ...
from
£1205
/ person
duration
8 days
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Romantic Honeymoon Break in Laos

Devote your honeymoon trip, spending quality time with your partner as you create unforgettable experiences in one of South East Asia’s hidden treasures. Visit two ...
from
£1360
/ person
duration
7 days
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Kindergarten Child Care Volunteer Project in Laos, Luang Prabhang

Help out at local kindergartens by teaching English and organising fun activities for the children and assisting the local staff. This is a great place to ...
from
£300
/ person
durations start from
7 days
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Journey through Cambodia and Laos

For an authentic and enriching exploration of the magnificent region of South East Asia, visit two of the most endearing and overlooked countries in this continent, ...
from
£3720
/ person
duration
21 days
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Community Construction Volunteer Project in Laos, Luang Prabhang

Get your hands dirty by constructing and renovating temples, schools, and more at a rural Laotian village! A program designed for those who don’t mind ...
from
£350
/ person
durations start from
7 days

Accommodation Examples

Quick Facts

Name

Lao Peoples Democratic Republic

Population

7 million

Capital

Vientiane

Language

Lao

Currency

Kip (LAK)

Time Zone

ICT +7:00

Flag Laos

Climate

The average temperature in Laos is around 29°C although in the cooler months, temperatures can drop to around 15-20°C. It has a tropical monsoon climate with its rainy season spanning from May to October. The dry season can be subdivided into two categories: cool, dry season which spans from November to February and then hot, dry season which lasts from March to April.

High Season in Laos tends to be from November to March when the temperatures are more agreeable and prices rise accordingly during this period. July and August can be quite wet with high humidity but the landscape becomes especially verdant during this time. From April to June and September and October are low season months. April and May are especially hot, this is when temperatures are most likely to reach 40°C and September and October can be incredibly wet.

Culture

Like its neighbours Cambodia and Thailand, Theravada Buddhism is the dominant form of religion in Laos and has a significant influence in the Lao culture, playing a role in its language, art, literature and performing arts.

It is a country that has managed to retain its authenticity and traditions, more so than some of its neighbours which are becoming increasingly modernised and succumbing to western influences to various extents.

Gastronomy

The staple food in Laos is steamed sticky rice which is thought to have originated in Laos. The Lao people are the largest consumers of sticky rice in the world Galangal (comparable to ginger), lemongrass and padaek (fermented fish sauce) are all important ingredients in Lao cuisine.

Transportation

Most of the towns and cities in Laos are easy to discover by foot but taxis and tuk-tuks are available for those who prefer not to walk.

By Songthaew
Often called “minivans”, songthaew means “two rows” in Thai. They are a kind of pickup trucks but with a roof with bench seats in the back. This is a very local and authentic way to travel short distances in Laos and the most economic way as well.

By Plane
Lao Airlines offers domestic flights and will get you anywhere within 40 minutes to destinations that would take a bus twelve hours to reach. Downside? It is costly, as the airline’s routes are near-monopolized. The popular Vientiane-Luan Prabange flight costs around 200 USD one-way.

By Hop-on-hop-off buses
Stray Travel offers a guided hop-on-hop-off bus that covers the length of the entire country. The first and only of its kind in all of Southeast Asia!

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