Some of the words most frequently used to describe Laos are ancient and tranquil: much of Laos remains untouched and not frequently visited.
Travelers to Laos will find endless UNESCO World Heritage sites to discover, beautiful old towns, stunning natural landscapes, lots of adventure and outdoor activities for everybody to enjoy, as well as a unique window into many diverse ethnic arts and cultures.
Laos is great to visit on its own, but can also be easily added onto a trip to its neighboring countries of Cambodia, Vietnam, Thailand, China, or Myanmar.
Laos Visas and Travel Restrictions

Entry policy: Laos now is fully reopened to travelers. From January 1st, 2022, international travelers can enter Laos without quarantine.
Visa policy: Nationalities that can obtain a 30-day visa on arrival for Laos include: Australia, Canada, EU citizens, the UK, and the US. You can also apply for an eVisa online in advance if you prefer.
To find out more information about how to apply for an eVisa, check out our guide to getting a visa for Laos here.
98.8% Positive Customer reviews among 10,000+


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Great Experience
WOW! I’ve traveled Asia some & I must say Sharon & Asia Highlights made this trip so much more enjoyable and easy More
Stephen Hollis,
Aug 2023
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Alisa has has been great to work with
Alisa with Asia Highlights has has been great to work with. Very friendly and responsive. More
Ana Rausch,
Aug 2023
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Using Sharon right now to book our…
Using Sharon right now to book our upcoming trip to Thailand. She has booked everything that we asked for. Has answered all of my inquiries, which has been many! Looking forward to having a great girls trip in Thailand More
Tracy,
Aug 2023
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Thailand, Singapore, Bali
In Thailand, Tanny and Nori(Suparp), were both incredible! They were both fun, funny, and full of knowledge and made sure we got the full experience. They went the extra mile and always made sure we had cold bottled water and towels to cleanse our hands. In Singapore, Nicole was an absolute gem. She was so kind and knowledgeable and guided us in the right direction to make our day as enjoyable as possible. She helped us choose a top notch local lunch and coffee spot in China Town and taught us so much about the country! In Bali, Emon was an absolute joy. He was very knowledgeable and kind and absolutely made sure we were feeling comfortable and was willing to be flexible with us. He was fun to converse with and made our time traveling between destinations so enjoyable! I cannot recommend Asia Highlights enough! Accommodations, travel arrangements and guided tours were all a breeze. More
Cassi Thunker,
Jul 2023
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Very supportive
Very supportive ! I have received eticket for Sky Lattern Festival very fast More
Chi?n Nguy?n Ng?c,
Jul 2023
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My experience in Chang Mai with Asia Highlights
I greatly enjoyed my experience with Asia Highlights for a trip I booked to Thailand.All of my interests were catered too. My guide in Chang Mai Gemma was excellent.I truly felt the soul of Thailand culture and Buddhism. More
Richard,
Jul 2023
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A pleasure to plan with
Well, this has been a painless and pleasurable process to find such a wonderful company. I had specific dates and places to be and Sharon worked with me diligently to refine the schedule and costs to suit my travel needs and budget. She informed me of a special tour on the dates I am to be in Thailand and I added that to my previous plans. More
Chris Williams,
Jul 2023
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Large multi-generational holiday in Thailand
The holiday was wonderful. Our guides, Mr Monchai (Bangkok), and Ms Tipagorn (Tippy) (Chiang Mai) were exceptional. Travelling in a large multigenerational group with many children requires patience and our guides truly understood that. Mr Monchai and Ms Tippy shared their extensive knowledge of the many wonderful places we visited, and were flexible to take us to additional places along the way based on discussions. While everyday was busy, having them greet us with patience and a smile truly made this a memorable holiday. The hotels we stayed at were equally wonderful and went above and beyond to celebrate not only my parents 50th anniversary but also celebrate 2 milestone birthdays that occurred. We will cherish this holiday for many years to come. We hope to use Asia Highlights again. More
CL,
Jul 2023
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I never used a travel agent in my life
I never used a travel agent in my life, but Sharon for Asia Highlights did a phenomenal job helping planning and coordination a family vacation. The best part of working with Sharon was that she maintained an open line of communication and provided answers to my question well within 12-24 hours. Additionally, Sharon was flexible and customized our vacation to my families needs. Overall great experience. More
Antione Barry,
Jul 2023
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Great company to plan a trip to Southeast Asia!
Sharon Haung has been wonderful to work with! Very patient and accommodating. Responds immediately given time change and is prepared, prompt, and professional. More
Debi Hinerfeld,
Jul 2023
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We took a 15 days trip (10 days Vietnam and 5 days Thailand …
It was an amazing experience the guides and drivers were there awaiting for us at each airoport for a transfer to the hotels also on time for all the tours all the guides were so lovely , very experienced and spoke very good English , one of the days on tour in Thailand I lost my phone in a temple in Bangkok mr chai went out of his way in a middle of thousands of visitors and managed to find an bring it back to me I found that amazing , also while on a trip I contacted Jason li out tour organizer few time via whatup and he replied and helped on the spot I recommend asiahilights 150% The quality of the service hotels the guides the drivers outstanding From start to finish ABSOLUTELY BRILLIANT ???? More
SIMO el ghobar,
Jun 2023
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Wonderful Guides and Experience
Our large group arrived in Bangkok with Tanni as our guide. She was wonderful! An absolute joy to spend time with. She is knowledgeable, kind, and extremely funny. I don’t know what we would have done without her! After Bangkok, we traveled to Chang Mai, where Indy was our tour guide. She was a delight! She is kind, knowledgeable, and so patient. Our trip to Thailand was an adventure of a lifetime and these two women helped make it memorable. I would definitely use Asia Highlights for any future travel in Asia. More
Jessica Bennett,
Jun 2023
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Guide - Chai
We travelled from Vietnam to Bangkok and were blessed to have a guide named Chai. He was a superb guide and it is a pity we couldn't bottle him and take him home. He was very knowledgeable and an absolute gentleman. He could not have done enough to facilitate us and imparted so much knowledge about the Temples, Buddism and the History of Thailand in general. Not only did he give us a great overview of the past and current ways of living in Thailand but I also feel I came away a much better person having interacting with him. I will carry many of his teachings with me for the rest of my life and know that having met him was a very special blessing in my life. More
Customer,
Jun 2023
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Our guide Tanni was kind
Our guide Tanni was kind, knowledgeable, funny and beyond accommodating for our group. We felt like we'd made a friend and it enhanced our trip in the most positive way. Everything was coordinated perfectly which is not easy to do in a large traveling group. Excellent experience! More
Marissa Manson,
Jun 2023
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We are only on day 5 of our 15 day trip…
Our first stop so far was in Hanoi where our guide Trong was just so awesome! He shared about his culture and family life which showing us sites through a city tour. He was so funny making lots of jokes and always made sure we were having fun while learning about everything! He checked on us frequently even when we were no longer with him since we then went on a cruise in Halong Bay! Halong Bay and the cruise on Paradise Elegance went way above anything I expected. The scenery was breathtaking, the ship was so beautiful and clean with such fresh, good food! And I can’t sing enough praise for the staff who took care of us- especially Anna and Belle! They went above and beyond to make sure we enjoyed every aspect from eating meals with Anna to every other detail with Belle! I highly recommend Asian Highlights to help plan these extraordinary trips! This already has been a trip of a lifetime and we still have so much more to see all thanks to Cathy!! More
Diane Creitz,
Jun 2023
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Tanni for the win!
14 of my closest friends and family descended upon Bangkok ready to see the town. Asia highlights and Tanni took us on a tour that changed our lives. We experienced so much everyday. Tanni was amazing! She did all the thinking for us, so we all could just be present and enjoy the moment. I can’t recommend this company, and especially Tanni enough. More
Megan McGlynn,
Jun 2023
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This isn't my first trip with Asia…
This isn't my first trip with Asia Highlights. They are great at helping me plan, working my requests into the itinerary, and booking it all. We travel with friends and just got back from a trip to Thailand and Vietnam. Albee did a great job with all the details and we had a wonderful time. We will use them for our next adventure! More
Katie Potesta,
Jun 2023
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Amazing service
Although we have not been our trip yet I wanted to still write a review based on customer service and the ease of booking. Alisa has been extremely prompt and responsive with planning our trip to Thailand. She has had great recommendations and guidance to add to our custom itinerary. Highly recommend using Asia highlights! -Alex More
Alex,
May 2023
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I have never hear of this company…
I have never hear of this company before , and after reading all these reviews ,I decided to give it a try . The professionalism and communicative skill received by one of the agent , Sharon of Asia Highlights , convince me that She was the right travel agent for my trip in Asia . Very quickly she communicated with me and got all the detail of my desire vacation . Sharon made me a great itinerary with great experiences that I am dreaming to experience and I am looking forward to it . Thanks Sharon for been so great and crafting me a dream vacation with great suggestions. More
orge alvarez,
May 2023
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Coco Yang worked tirelessly to…
From the moment I landed in Bangkok, Ms Noi Ying was there to welcome me and get me settled into my hotel. We enjoyed several days together touring Bangkok and Kanchanaburi. In Chiang Mai, Mr Ekachai took my son snd I on an amazing trip to the Elephant Jungle Sanctuary and to visit a community Lanna home, gardens and a hands-on cooking class preparing an authentic Thai meal. Lisa arranged a last-minute speedboat tour of 5 breathtaking islands in Phuket. From start to finish, the guides exceeded my expectations!! Thank you, Asia Highlight!! Debbie Woods More
Debbie Woods,
May 2023
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Best Times to Visit Laos

Laos is a great destination all year round. It has two seasons that make up its tropical monsoon climate: the dry season from November to April, and the rainy season from May to October.
The best time to visit Laos is between November to April, during the dry season. The weather is comfortable for outdoor activities, including trekking, kayaking, rock climbing, and river rafting. Because it is the high season of tourism in Laos, more people can be seen in the top attractions, but there won't be as large crowds as in Thailand. Trip costs during high season are a bit higher than normal.
We promise you enjoy 100% refund of any payments made to China Highlights prior to 3 weeks before departure (detail⇒).
During the rainy season, you can expect much more rain in Laos, and few people choose this time to visit Laos. It is a good chance to save money and enjoy a less crowded trip if you are on a tight budget.
Similar to Songkran Festival celebrations in Thailand, Laos people celebrate their New Year between April 14th and April 16th. If you want to experience the Lao New Year, visit Laos during that time. Read more about the best time to visit Laos
Best Places to Visit in Laos
Although a beautiful landlocked country, Laos is the least-visited destination in Southeast Asia. Travelers who visit Laos are impressed by the various limestone mountains, spectacular waterfalls, and historical buildings as well as the delicious Thai and Indian flavors of local Laos food.
1. Luang Prabang: History, Culture, Temples

Your (likely) entry and exit point to Laos, Luang Prabang, is one of the most popular spots to visit in Laos! Walk through the old town, visit the morning market, and explore Xieng Thong Temple and the Royal Palace Museum. Luang Prabang is also a great place to sample Laotian cuisine, and a starting point for bike rides into the countryside, trips to waterfalls, and boat rides up the Mekong.
Spend some hours to visit the Elephant Village Sanctuary if you have seen the highlights of Luang Prabang. The Village mainly functions as a center for conservation of elephants. There you can see the elephants in a peaceful, natural living environment. It is a fun activity to feed and wash the elephants, especially if you are traveling with kids.
2. Vientiane: Capital, Temples, Night life

As the capital of Laos, the city displays an interesting combination of ornate Buddhist temples and interesting French colonial architecture. Recommended sights to visit include Wat Si Saket temple, Buddha Park (Xieng Khuan), and Pha That Luang, a massive golden temple. There is enough to keep you exploring for a few days.
3. Vang Vieng: Karst Landscapes, Trekking

Often referred to as a backpackers' paradise, Vang Vieng is a small town halfway between Vientiane and Luang Prabang. You'll find beautiful karst landscapes and plenty of outdoor activities to do there that range from rock climbing to trekking, kayaking, and rafting.
4. Pakse: Khmer Ruins, Waterfall, Temples

Located near the Thai border, Pakse is a charming town that is a wonderful base to explore the Laotian north from. Some people stay a day to visit the town and head off to Thailand, but you can also go on many beautiful trips into the local area to visit, for example, the amazing Khmer ruins at Wat Phu and the stunning islands near the Cambodian border called Si Phan Don.
How Long to Stay in Laos — Sample Laos Tour Itinerary

How many days to spend in Laos? It really depends on your travel budget and your vacation times. Most of our clients spend 3–5 days in Laos, covering Luang Prabang and one of Vang Vieng or Vientiane. The following are some of the most popular tour arrangements in Laos.
3-Day Luang Prabang Trip
Day 1: Visit the Royal Palace and its museum. Then explore Wat Mai Palace and walk the scenic and character-filed Sisavangvong Peninsula Road.
Day 2: Take part in one of Luang Prabang's most ancient rituals, and explore the morning market. Cycle out to Ban Xong Kong Village and visit the Elephant Village Sanctuary.
Day 3: Explore the Kuang Si Waterfalls and Kuang Si Butterfly Park as well as the Free the Bears rescued bear sanctuary.
If you want to explore Laos more deeply, you can add the following tour itineraries into your trip to makes it an 8-day tour.
A Typical 8-Day Trip Itinerary in Laos: Luang Prabang – Vang Vieng – Vientiane
Days 1–3: Luang Prabang (see above for the 3-day Luang Prabang itinerary)
Days 4 to 5: Vang Vieng
Explore tranquil Vang Vieng and all the natural beauty it has to offer. Featured activities in Vang Vieng include kayaking, tubing, rafting, and rock climbing.
Days 6 to 8: Vientiane
Pay a visit to Wat Si Saket temple, the Buddha Park (Xieng Khuan), and Pha That Luang (a massive golden temple). Explore the Vientiane night market one night to sample some of the local delicacies and pick up your souvenirs to take back home!
Top Southeast Asia Tour Itineraries Including Laos
Laos is a small country in Southeast Asia. If you are visiting Southeast Asia for the first time, we recommend you cover some of the other countries in your trip. Most of our clients prefer 2 to 3 weeks for their first Southeast Asia trip. The most popular tour itineraries usually include Cambodia, Vietnam, and Laos. Get some inspiration from our 14-Day Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos Tour — Sync with Indochina's Heartbeat.
For a trip of 20–30 days, you can enjoy an in-depth tour of the whole peninsula area (Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Myanmar, and Laos). Check out our 28-Day Grand Indochina Tour for more info. The above sample itineraries are just for your information. You are welcomed to contact our experienced 1:1 tour consultant for a tailor-made itinerary.
Travel Costs for Laos

Travel costs in Laos are lower than in other Southeast Asian countries. For the price of a mediocre restaurant in Western countries, you can enjoy a good meal at a high-quality restaurant in Laos.
- For backpackers, the budget is around 30–50 USD/day per person (hostels, street food, local public transportation).
- For a medium budget, it will cost around 50–80 USD/day per person (3-star hotels, sit-down restaurants, tuk-tuks, taxies sometimes).
- For a higher standard and a more comfortable experience, US$150–200/day per person is needed (4/5-star hotels, nice meals, private guide, and transfers).
How to Get To and Around Laos

Getting to Laos: Flights via Bangkok
The best way to get to Laos is by flight. There are airports in the major cities of Laos, including Vientiane, Luang Prabang, and Pakse.
There are no direct flights outside of Asia. Most travelers come to Laos via Bangkok, Thailand. There are flights between Bangkok and Vientiane or Luang Prabang. It takes about 1 hour to fly from Bangkok to Vientiane and 2 hours from Bangkok to Luang Prabang.
Getting Around in Laos
When you are in Laos, the main ways to get from one place to another are buses, trains, private car/taxi, and a tour with a travel agency. Traveling by bus can be challenging in Laos, as the roads are not maintained well and it is hard to drive in the rainy season. The newly built high-speed railway, which runs through Luang Prabang, Vang Vieng, and Vientiane is another option for long distance transport. The most comfortable way is by hire car or booking a tour with a travel agency.
Connecting to Other Southeast Asian Countries
For travelers who want to visit Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, and Myanmar, you can easily book a flight from Laos' capital city Vientiane or Luang Prabang. Contact us if you want to book a multi-destinations tour in Southeast Asia.
Traveling with Asia Highlights
As one of the leading tour companies in Asia, we have been providing travel services for more than 20 years to thousands of satisfied customers. Let us know your requirements and interests for a tailor-made tour of Laos to fulfill your holiday dreams. Contact us now.
Why Travel with Asia Highlights (98.8% positive customer reviews among 10,000+)
- Unique experiences tailored to your interests: Enjoy a premium trip that goes beyond the typical tourist attractions.
- Hassle-free travel and peace of mind: Every aspect of your trip will be carefully planned and organized by your 1:1 travel consultant.
- Experienced and knowledgeable guides: Your guides will be local and love to work for travelers' smiles.
- 28-Day Grand Indochina Tour
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- 2-Week Vietnam-Cambodia Tour with a Luxurious Mekong Cruise
- 14-Day Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam Mini-Group Tour
- 8-Day from South Vietnam to North Cambodia
- How Long to Spend in Southeast Asia (for First Timers): from 2 Weeks to 2 Months
- Travel to Southeast Asia in Summer 2023: Places to Go, Costs, Weather
- How to Plan a Trip to Southeast Asia 2023/2024
- 5-Week Southeast Asia Itinerary: 3 Options (2023/2024)
- How to Plan a 10-Day Southeast Asia Itinerary (2023/2024)
- How to Plan a 2-Week Family Trip to Southeast Asia
- Laos Weather in January 2024
- Laos Weather in February 2024
- Laos Weather in March 2024
- Laos Weather in April
- Laos Weather in May 2023
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- Laos Weather in July 2023
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Get Inspired with Some Popular Itineraries
At Asia Highlights, we create your kind of journey — your dates, your destinations, at your pace. You can have any trip tailor made for your travel.