LAOS  

Laos is possibly the most relaxed nation on earth. Largely undeveloped, life continues much as it always has done – slowly. It has the lowest population density in Asia, largely due to its rugged, mountainous terrain, and more than seventy percent of the country is made up of highland areas with most of the population concentrated in the river valleys.

Anyone with a passion for travel and a sense of adventure will love Laos.

It still retains a beguiling air of romantic mystique, from strolling through the charming ancient town of Luang Prabang, with its ornate temples, old colonial buildings and saffron robed monks to the simple beauty of watching the sun set over the Mekong, drink in hand...

When to Go

The best time for visiting most of Laos is between November and February when it rains the least and is not too hot. It’s also Laos’s main season for both national and regional bun (festivals).

If you plan to focus on the mountainous northern provinces, the hot season (from March to May) and early rainy season (around June) is not bad either, as temperatures are moderate at higher elevations.

Southern Laos, on the other hand, is best avoided from March to May, when daytime temperatures break into the 40s and nights aren’t much cooler.

The green season is not as bad as you might think.  ...while it will rain – very heavily – the downpours are often fairly brief and can be bracketed by long periods of sunshine. The rains also clear dust from the skies and land, making everything clearer and brighter.

If you intend to travel extensively by river, November is the best; flooding has usually subsided yet river levels are still high enough for maximum navigability. Between January and June, low water can make navigating some rivers difficult.

December to February and August are the peak tourist times. January, in particular, is very busy and booking ahead is advisable.

The one lasting impression for most visitors is of the Lao people and their overwhelming friendliness.

Come to Laos and you will be made to feel welcome by everyone. Don't be surprised if you find yourself being invited into people's homes for meals, even for weddings - Lao people love to share and treat visitors to their country as honoured guests.