Laos holiday
Travel tips, best time to visit & highlights for your Laos holiday in Asia
Laos is Southeast Asia's quiet treasure: The landlocked country along the Mekong has preserved an authenticity that has long been replaced by mass tourism in neighboring countries Thailand and Vietnam. Luang Prabang enchants with monk processions at sunrise, the Kuang Si waterfalls shine turquoise, and life flows here as leisurely as the Mekong itself. Laos is perfect for travelers seeking to slow down.
Capital
Vientiane
Language
Lao
Currency
Kip (LAK)
Time zone
UTC+7
Flight time from DE
approx. 12–14 hours (with layover)
Entry requirements
Passport + Visa (upon entry or eVisa)
Deals for Laos:
Which hotels in Laos are recommended?
Selected hotels and holiday accommodations in Laos — with images, reviews, and direct booking links with our partners.
Burasari Heritage Luang Prabang
Luang Prabang, Laos
Crowne Plaza Vientiane
Vientiane, Laos
La Résidence Phou Vao
Luang Prabang, Laos
Hotel La Folie Lodge
Champasak, Laos
Hotel Salana Boutique
Vientiane, Laos
Homm Souvannaphoum Luang Prabang
Luang Prabang, Laos
Villa Maly
Luang Prabang, Laos
Hotel Green Park Boutique Hotel
Vientiane, Laos
What are the highlights of Laos?
The best-known highlights of Laos include Luang Prabang, Kuang Si Waterfalls, Mekong Boat Trip, Vang Vieng, Plain of Jars.
The places you absolutely must not miss.
Luang Prabang
UNESCO World Heritage: Golden temples, monks during the alms round, night market, and French colonial flair.
Kuang Si Waterfalls
Multi-tiered turquoise limestone cascades in the jungle – the most photographed natural wonder of Laos.
Mekong Boat Trip
Slow Boat from the Thai border to Luang Prabang – two days of river travel through green karst landscapes.
Vang Vieng
Karst rocks, caves, lagoons, and tubing on the Nam Song – transformed from a party village to an outdoor paradise.
Plain of Jars
Mysterious megalithic stone jars on the Xieng Khouang plateau – Laos' most enigmatic site.
Hotels in Laos
Compare thousands of hotels, apartments and resorts on Expedia – with price guarantee, free cancellation and reward points.
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Reise-SIM für Laos
Prepaid-SIM mit Datenvolumen für Laos. Einfach einlegen und sofort lossurfen – keine Roaming-Gebühren.
* Weiterleitung zu travSIM.de. Es gelten die dortigen Nutzungsbedingungen.
Reiseversicherung abschließen
Rundum-Schutz ab 9,90 € auf TravelSecure.de
Pauschalreisen & Rundreisen
Berge & Meer – 170 Tage Cookie
When is the best time to visit Laos?
The best time to visit Laos is November–February (dry season, pleasant temperatures). In summer: 28–36°C. In winter: 18–28°C.
Recommended travel time
November–February (dry season, pleasant temperatures)
Summer
28–36°C
Winter
18–28°C
How much does a holiday in Laos cost?
A holiday in Laos costs roughly 15–30€ per person per day (excluding flights) on a budget, 30–60€ mid-range and 60–150€ for luxury travel.
Average cost per person per day (excluding flight)
Budget
15–30€
Hostel, street food, public transport
Mid-range
30–60€
Hotel, restaurant, excursions
Luxury
60–150€
Boutique hotel, fine dining
How long is the flight from Germany to Laos?
From Germany you reach Laos in approx. 12–14 hours (with layover).
What travel tips are there for Laos?
Insider knowledge to make your holiday better.
Respectfully observe the alms round of the monks in Luang Prabang at 5:30 AM
Lao Kip is only useful in the country – best to bring US Dollars or Thai Baht
Choose Slow Boat instead of Speed Boat on the Mekong – safer and worth the experience
Sticky Rice is eaten with hands – learn the technique from the locals
Visit the Sunday night market in Luang Prabang for handicrafts and street food
What do people eat in Laos?
Typical dishes in Laos are Laap, Sticky Rice, Khao Piak Sen, Tam Mak Hoong, Or Lam, Beerlao.
These dishes you must try!
Which regions and places in Laos are worth visiting?
6 regions, cities and highlights in Laos
Cities
Luang Namtha
Luang Namtha in the far north of Laos is the gateway to the Nam Ha National Park and one of the best places in Southeast Asia for authentic jungle trekking. Off the beaten tourist …
Luang Prabang
Luang Prabang, the former royal city of Laos, is beautifully situated at the confluence of the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1995. The …
Pakse
Pakse in southern Laos is the gateway to the mystical Bolaven Plateau and the Four Thousand Islands of the Mekong. The relaxed provincial capital at the confluence of the Mekong …
Vang Vieng
Vang Vieng is Laos' most breathtaking natural paradise — a small town on the Nam Song River, nestled in a surreal panorama of towering karst cliffs, emerald lagoons, and lush …
Vientiane
Vientiane, the capital of Laos, is arguably the most relaxed capital in Southeast Asia — a charming small town on the banks of the Mekong, surprising visitors accustomed to the …
Complete guide for Laos
Regions, attractions, food, routes, costs & practical tips — all in one digital guide.
Open guideHow do I plan a holiday in Laos?
Laos is one of the most popular travel destinations in Asia, offering Backpacking, Budget, Temples and much more. The best time to visit Laos is November–February (dry season, pleasant temperatures), when the weather is ideal for exploration and relaxation. With a daily budget starting from 15–30€ (Budget) to 60–150€ (Luxury), Laos is suitable for various travel budgets.
From the capital Vientiane, Laos can be excellently explored. The official language is Lao, and the currency is Kip (LAK). From Germany, you can reach Laos in approx. 12–14 hours (with layover). Whether you want to try culinary highlights like Laap, Sticky Rice, Khao Piak Sen, visit top attractions, or simply enjoy the atmosphere: Laos has something for every type of traveller.
Use our free travel tools to prepare your Laos holiday perfectly. With the holiday finder, you can discover if Laos is the right destination for you. The budget calculator helps you plan costs realistically, and with the packing list, you won't forget anything.
Suitable holiday types for Laos:
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