Vientiane
Nestled in a sleepy bend of the Mekong, the capital city is a delightfully quaint city with interesting day trips and activities to do, suitable for families & adventurers.
Luang Prabang
One of the most captivating towns in Asia and is a place of great spiritual and natural beauty, which can be visited on any Laos itinerary.
4000’s Island
Around Si Phan Don, meaning, here, the pace of life is slow and easy and the river views are gorgeous. See the magnificent Khone Phapheng Waterfall.
Vang Vieng
Beautifully set in a spectacular karst landscape that has become Laos’ adventure capital. En route, stop at Ban Keun to learn about traditional methods of salt production.
Best Private Laos Tours, Trips & Vacations
Discover the best private Laos tours and vacation packages—crafted around your style, pace, and budget. Explore must-see highlights like Luang Prabang and Vientiane, or venture into hidden gems such as Vang Vieng, Pakse, and Oudomxay. Many trips also combine travel to Cambodia, Thailand, or Vietnam for a seamless Southeast Asia holiday. Expect stunning temples, lush jungles, and unforgettable moments—all with the ease of a personalized Laos travel experience.
Laos tour highlights
Cruise along the Mekong River, visit golden temples in Luang Prabang, trek to hill tribe villages, and swim at the beautiful Kuang Si Falls. Our Laos travel itineraries highlight authentic culture, nature, and warm local hospitality.
Example Laos Trips: Custom Holidays & Private Packages
Planning your dream holiday to Laos? Choose from our most popular Laos tours, ideal for families, couples, or friends. From VIP luxurious tours to active adventures, our tailor-made packages are flexible and designed by local experts to ensure every trip is unique.
See Laos Your Way
Laos’ gentle culture and stunning countryside will prove utterly charming for those seeking a reviving, rural escape.
When to go
Laos is a year-round destination with the months of November to April for the best warm days & cool nights. Laos has two main distinct weather: hot and wet (May–October), and cooler and dry (November–April).
Lao new year
Mid-April
Hottest months
March and April
Rainy season
April to September
Plan your trip to Laos
Laos offers stunning natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and peaceful towns perfect for immersive, off-the-beaten-path adventures.
FAQ: Laos tour & travel
How much does it cost for a Laos tour?
Generally, travel costs in Laos are slightly higher than in other Southeast Asian countries, ranging from US $130 to $360 per person per day. However, prices vary depending on your travel style and hotel class. Below is a quick breakdown to help you plan your Laos vacation budget:
- Superior (3-star) – Best for mid-range travelers: US $160 – $200/day
- First Class (4-star) – Perfect for luxury seekers: US $250+/day
How Many Days Should You Spend in Laos?
A well-planned Laos tour package typically ranges from 7 to 14 days. Depending on your travel schedule, a short trip lets you explore the country’s highlights, while a longer itinerary offers a deeper connection to nature and local culture.
| Duration | Tour Highlights |
|---|---|
| 5 – 7 days | Discover must-see attractions in Laos, especially in Luang Prabang and the capital city, Vientiane. |
| 8 – 10 days | Go beyond the usual tourist trail and explore hidden gems like Pakse and Nong Khiaw, along with the main cities. |
| 12+ days | Dive into authentic Laos with immersive adventures that span from vibrant cities to remote, untouched natural landscapes. |
What should you not do in Laos?
There are etiquette and things you should not do while visiting Laos, here are a few highlights;
| What Not to Do in Laos | Why You Should Avoid It |
|---|---|
| Touching a monk or Buddha statues | Since Buddhism dominates Lao culture, avoid touching monks—especially for women—and never touch Buddha images. |
| Trekking without a guide | Especially in rural provinces like Xieng Khouang or Saravane, unexploded ordnance remains a risk. Always hire a knowledgeable local guide. |
| Arguing with the police | Instead of confronting authorities, stay calm and follow instructions—even if they demand a bribe, just pay and move on. |
| Touching someone with your feet | Feet are considered the lowest part of the body in Lao culture, so using them to point or touch is extremely disrespectful. |
| Wearing shoes inside homes or temples | Many local places require shoes off, including temples, homes, restaurants, and boutique hotels. Always check the entrance. |
| Shouting or arguing in public | Lao people value calmness. Public displays of anger cause embarrassment and won’t help resolve issues—smiling often works better. |
| Showing public affection | Laotians consider public affection inappropriate. Refrain from kissing or hugging to avoid judgment from locals. |
| Buying antiques or wildlife products | Buying illegal items like antiques, animal parts, or using drugs such as marijuana and opium may lead to legal trouble. |
What are the best Places to Visit in Laos?
Explore the best places to visit with our travel guide suggestions. From Luang Prabang’s ancient temples to the 4000 Islands in the south, discover top attractions and things to do across and add them up to your laos tours.
| Place | Major Spots | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Vientiane | Wat Sisaket, Wat Prakeo, Patuxai Monument | Vientiane offers a peaceful, riverside atmosphere with iconic temples and captivating monuments, making it a top cultural destination in Laos. |
| Luang Prabang | Kuang Si Waterfalls, Pak Ou Caves, Elephant Village | Luang Prabang combines scenic beauty with rich heritage. You can hike to waterfalls, explore sacred caves, and interact with elephants in ethical sanctuaries. |
| Nong Khiaw | 100 Waterfalls | If you’re looking for adventure, Nong Khiaw is perfect for trekking and immersing yourself in Laos’ breathtaking mountain scenery. |
| Si Phan Don (4000 Islands) | Don Det, Don Khong | Located in southern Laos, this island region offers a relaxing escape with bike rides, boat tours, and quiet riverside views. |
| Pakse | Bolaven Plateau | Pakse features tea plantations, ethnic villages, and majestic waterfalls—perfect for travelers wanting to explore both nature and local life in Laos. |
Is Laos safe to visit?
Overall, Laos offers a relatively safe travel experience for foreign tourists. In fact, it ranks among the safest travel destinations in Southeast Asia.
Crime Rate: While violent crimes rarely target tourists, petty theft—such as pickpocketing and bag snatching—can occur in busy tourist areas. To avoid issues, stay alert and keep your valuables secure at all times.
Local People: Laos ranks as one of the friendliest countries in the world. Locals warmly welcome tourists, and their respectful, kind nature enhances the overall travel experience.
Who needs a visa for Laos?
Travelers must obtain a tourist visa to enter Laos. However, Laos currently allows visa-free entry for citizens of 15 countries, including Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Japan, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Mongolia, Myanmar, Philippines, Russia, Singapore, South Korea, Switzerland, Thailand, and Vietnam.
You can obtain a Visa on Arrival (VOA) at major entry ports — fees range from US $30 to $45, depending on nationality. However, not all countries qualify for VOA, so always verify eligibility before traveling.
- Check out Laos travel guide for first timers
Should I tip in Laos?
Although Laos doesn’t require tipping, locals truly appreciate the gesture when you feel satisfied with the service. Moreover, tipping has become more common among travelers and helps support the hospitality workers.
Here’s a quick guide on suggested tipping amounts in Laos:
- Driver: $1–$3 USD per day
- Waitstaff in restaurants: Leave small change or tip 5–10% if service isn’t included
- Hotel staff (porters, housekeeping): $1–$2 USD per service
What power plugs are used in Laos?
When traveling to Laos, you’ll most commonly use Type A, B, C, E, and F plug sockets.
- Type A (2 vertical pins) works with Type B outlets.
- Type C (2 round pins) fits into Type E and F sockets.
Moreover, Laos operates on a standard voltage of 230V at 50Hz. You can safely use your electrical devices if they support 220–240V. Otherwise, pack a voltage converter to avoid damaging your electronics.
A Guide to Laos tours & travel packages
For example, a 7-day Laos itinerary planned by local destination experts lets you experience the country at a slower, more authentic pace. Even the capital, Vientiane, maintains a laid-back, riverfront lifestyle. You can explore French-colonial Luang Prabang, uncover the archaeological marvels of the Plain of Jars, cruise the Mekong River in southern Laos, and reconnect with simplicity in the rural villages of Pakse and the island of Don Khong.
Additionally, if you would prefer to travel with just your family or friends, then we have great local deals on private Laos tours with much more flexibility and choice of places to visit.
Moreover, combining Laos with nearby Southeast Asian countries like Vietnam, Cambodia, and Thailand offers an incredible way to tour the region’s rich culture and shared history. This multi-country journey not only saves time thanks to geographic proximity but also provides better value for your budget.
Recommended experiences
- Witness the dawn ceremony of Takbat, a daily ritual which sees the saffron-robed monks of Luang Prabang’s monasteries.
- Explore Lao tribal villages, go on less visited places and witness the life of locals that are not packed by tourists.
- Board a boat to cruise the mighty Mekong up to the sacred caves of Pak Ou, known for the hundreds of Buddha sculptures that reside within.