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Country Facts
Capital
Vientiane
Size
236,800 km2 (91,400 sq mi)
Time Zone
GMT+7
Population
7,769,819
Currency
Laotian Kip
Laos
Laos is a tranquil and culturally rich destination in Southeast Asia, known for its lush landscapes, traditional villages, and deep-rooted Buddhist heritage. Unlike its more tourist-heavy neighbors, Laos offers a slower-paced, peaceful travel experience, making it ideal for those seeking off-the-beaten-path adventures.
Key attractions include the UNESCO-listed city of Luang Prabang, with its well-preserved temples, colonial architecture, and vibrant night market. The city is a spiritual hub, with monks in saffron robes participating in daily alms-giving ceremonies. The stunning Kuang Si Waterfalls near Luang Prabang are a must-see, offering turquoise pools perfect for swimming.
Vientiane, the capital, features the iconic Pha That Luang stupa and Patuxai monument, while Vang Vieng is popular for its dramatic limestone karsts, caves, and outdoor activities like tubing and kayaking along the Nam Song River. Adventure travelers can explore the 4,000 Islands in the Mekong River, visit coffee plantations in the Bolaven Plateau, or trek through the remote northern region’s jungles and ethnic villages.
Laos offers a rich cultural experience through its Buddhist temples, traditional arts, and relaxed way of life. Its unspoiled nature, friendly locals, and laid-back atmosphere make it an ideal destination for travelers seeking authenticity and serenity.
Reasons to visit Laos:
- Rich Cultural Heritage: Experience ancient Buddhist temples, traditional customs, and daily alms-giving ceremonies, especially in Luang Prabang.
- Stunning Natural Beauty: Explore lush landscapes, including the Kuang Si Waterfalls, Mekong River, and the limestone karsts of Vang Vieng.
- Adventure Activities: Enjoy trekking, kayaking, tubing, and exploring caves and remote areas like the Bolaven Plateau and 4,000 Islands.
- Laid-Back Atmosphere: Laos offers a peaceful, slow-paced environment, perfect for relaxation and escaping tourist crowds.
- Authentic Local Experience: Discover ethnic villages, traditional arts, local markets, and warm, welcoming locals.
Preparing For A Trip To Laos?
Visa Information / Entry requirements to Laos
This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of Laos’s current rules for the most common types of travel.
The authorities in Laos set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, send a message to the Lao Embassy London Facebook page.
Passport validity requirements
To enter Laos, your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 6 months after the date you arrive and at least 2 blank pages.
Airlines will only let you board your flight if your passport has enough blank pages.
Check with your travel provider to make sure your passport and other travel documents meet their requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.
You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.
Visa requirements
You must have a visa to visit Laos.
To work, study and travel for business or other reasons, you must meet the Lao immigration department’s entry requirements.
Temporary tourist visa changes, 2024
From 1 July to 31 December 2024, visas on arrival and e-visas will permit you to stay for 60 days. Multiple-entry visas will only be available from the Lao Embassy before you depart for Laos.
These visas can be extended only once while in Laos for a further 60 days.
Applying for a visa
From 1 January 2025, tourist visas will only permit you to stay for 30 days from the date you arrive in Laos.
You can apply online for a Laos e-visa – apply at least 5 days in advance. The e-visa is single entry only and is accepted at major entry points.
You can also get a visa on arrival (single entry) at many entry points, including:
- Vientiane Wattay airport
- Luang Prabang airport
- Paske airport
See a full list of the entry points that accept e-visas and visas on arrival.
Visa extensions
From 1 January 2025, you’re allowed to extend your tourist visa twice while in Laos, for up to 60 days.
If you do not extend your visa within 90 days, you will face a fine in Lao kip worth 2,000 US dollars, deportation to your home country and a ban on returning to Laos.
Vaccine requirements
For details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Laos guide.
Customs rules
There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Laos. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.
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Tourism Health Information – Laos
Before you travel check that:
- your destination can provide the healthcare you may need
- you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation
This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.
Emergency medical numbers
Dial 1195 or 030 525 7239 and ask for an ambulance.
Voluntary ambulance services also operate in Vientiane free of charge.
Vientiane Rescue: 1623 or (0)20 5666 8825
Lao Red Cross Rescue: (0)20 5996 6111 or (0)20 2200 5563
Make sure anyone attending an accident is wearing a uniform marked ‘Vientiane Rescue’ or ‘Lao Red Cross’. There have been reports of bogus companies attending accidents and trying to charge fees.
Contact your insurance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.
Vaccine recommendations and health risks
At least 8 weeks before your trip:
- check the latest vaccine recommendations for Laos
- see where to get vaccines and whether you have to pay on the NHS travel vaccinations page
See what health risks you’ll face in Laos.
Mosquito-borne diseases
The rainy season sees an increase in dengue cases, which have been getting more severe. Dengue and malaria are endemic, so you should increase precautions to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes.
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Weather & When To Go To Laos
Laos has a tropical monsoon climate with three distinct seasons: the cool dry season, the hot dry season, and the rainy season. Here’s a breakdown of the weather and the best time to visit:
Cool Dry Season (November to February)
- Weather: Comfortable temperatures (15°C to 25°C / 59°F to 77°F), especially in northern Laos and the higher elevations.
- Best For: Trekking, sightseeing, and outdoor activities. Ideal time to visit popular destinations like Luang Prabang, Vientiane, and Vang Vieng.
- Highlights: This is the peak tourist season due to the pleasant weather.
Hot Dry Season (March to May)
- Weather: Very hot, with temperatures often exceeding 35°C (95°F) in lowland areas.
- Best For: Visiting higher altitude areas like the Bolaven Plateau or planning river trips (Mekong River).
- Highlights: Fewer crowds, but be prepared for heat, especially in cities like Vientiane.
Rainy Season (June to October)
- Weather: High humidity and frequent rain, especially in July and August, though it usually rains in short bursts.
- Best For: Lush green landscapes, waterfall viewing, and river cruises.
- Highlights: Fewer tourists and more affordable accommodations. However, some remote roads can be challenging due to mud and flooding.
Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit Laos is from November to February during the cool, dry season when temperatures are most pleasant and the landscapes are green but not yet waterlogged.
Read More On Visas
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