Wedged between the tourism giants of Thailand and Vietnam, Laos is an unspoiled destination to be discovered without delay. A trip to Laos is the opportunity to discover another Asia, one that is more typical and far removed from the swarms of tourists.
If you looking for an 'authentic' Asia, as far away as possible from mass tourism, then take a trip to Laos. On the other hand, if you don't mind crowds and can't even think of visiting Asia without heading to its beaches, then choose another destination.
Discover all our travel ideas for a trip in Laos.
The best time to visit Laos is during the dry season, from November to May. Temperatures don't fall below 15°C and begin to rise from the end of March to May. Avoid the monsoon season, which starts between May and July and lasts until November. During these heavy rains, temperatures average between 25 and 30°C. It also wise to choose your time of travel according to the places you want to visit. The hot months of April and May make it uncomfortable in the south, but it's a great time if you're heading to the cooler north of the country. In Laos you'll find unquestionable authenticity, despite the country's tumultuous past. Parts of the countryside are untouched wildernesses and the Laotians are some of the most welcoming people on the planet.
Top places to discover.
UK nationals are required to have a passport that is valid for 6 months after their date of entry into Laos. A visa is compulsory and visa conditions change regularly.
No obligatory vaccinations are necessary, but we recommend those against typhoid and hepatitis A.
Lao is the official language. During your trip in Laos you will soon discover that almost everyone speaks English.
+6 hr in summer and +7 hr in winter. When it is 12 p.m. in London, it is 6 p.m. in Vientiane in summer and 7 p.m. in Luang Prabang in winter.
Country Code +856
Wi-Fi internet is available in hotels and some bars of large cities and tourist sites.
Electrical sockets are 220 volts and most use the same type of plug as in France. Sometimes you will also come across American-type sockets, so bring a universal adapter.
Lao Embassy in London
49 Porchester Terrace
W2 3TS London
Tel: 020 7402 3770
laosemblondon@gmail.com
British Embassy in Laos
Rue J. Nehru, Phonexay,
Saysettha District, Vientiane
Tel: +856 (0)30 770 0000