Local time: 10:57 AM |

Laos Overview

population

7,633,779 (2023)

area

237,955 km2

language

Lao

currency

Kip (₭) (LAK)

weather

Tropical climate

timezone

UTC+7

Laos is a landlocked country in Southeast Asia, and the Mekong River runs the length of the country, serving as its lifeline. Most people visit the country as part of a wider trip in the region, often entering from Thailand and following the Mekong further south. However, Laos alone rewards further exploration, and with a little more time it’s not hard to feel like you’re visiting places where few Westerners venture. Stretching from the forest-clad mountains of the north to the islands of the far south, there’s enough here to keep you occupied for weeks, and still feel as though you’d barely scratched the surface.

The higher elevations of Laos are populated by colorfully dressed hill tribes, while in the lowland river valleys, coconut palms sway over the Buddhist monasteries of the ethnic Lao. Laos also retains some of the French influence it absorbed during colonial days: the familiar smell of freshly baked bread and coffee mingles with exotic local aromas in morning markets, and many of the old shophouses of its larger towns now (appropriately) house French restaurants.

Activities

Laos is the only landlocked country in Southeast Asia, and it lies mostly between latitudes 14° and 23°N (a small area is south of 14°), and longitudes 100° and 108°E. Its thickly forested landscape consists mostly of rugged mountains, the highest of which is Phou Bia at 2,818 meters (9,245 ft), with some plains and plateaus. The Mekong River forms a large part of the western boundary with Thailand, where the mountains of the Annamite Range form most of the eastern border with Vietnam, and the Luang Prabang Range is the northwestern border with the Thai highlands.

General Information

Laos, officially the Lao People's Democratic Republic is a socialist state and the only...

Travel Experiences

To help you with inspiration for your trip to this mysterious country, we’re listing our...

Food Culture

Laos food is vibrant, colorful, packed with herbs and chilies, and the combinations of...

Shopping

Shopping in Vientiane (Laos) is of the most exciting wander-trips for many travelers visiting the...

Heritage

World heritage in Laos

Top Attraction

Our recommended tours

Trip name Days From USD
Hanoi - Halong - Luang Prabang, Siem Reap-Hcmc-Phanthiet-Mekong Delta Ha Noi, Vietnam to My Tho, Vietnam Hanoi - Halong - Luang Prabang, Siem Reap-Hcmc-Phanthiet-Mekong Delta 16 days

$1.197

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Hanoi - Halong - Vientiane - Luang Prabang- Phnom Penh-Siem Reap-Mekong Delta Ha Noi, Vietnam to Can Tho, Vietnam Hanoi - Halong - Vientiane - Luang Prabang- Phnom Penh-Siem Reap-Mekong Delta 16 days

$1.308

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Vientian & Central Laos Adventure Vientiane, Laos to Khammuane, Laos Vientian & Central Laos Adventure 12 days

$1.097

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Southern Laos Adventure Champasak, Laos to Bolaven Plateau, Laos Southern Laos Adventure 10 days

$1.002

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North-Eastern Laos Adventure Luang Prabang, Laos to Xieng Khoang, Laos North-Eastern Laos Adventure 15 days

$1.351

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Laos Adventure Phongsaly, Laos to Savannakhet, Laos Laos Adventure 23 days

$3.179

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