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© christian leynaud / Dollar Photo Club

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Beautiful Buddhist monasteries, the Mekong cruises, colonial architecture, and delicious food—Laos offers many attractions for tourists. The dry season lasts from October to May and it is the best time to visit Laos to enjoy its ancient temples and lush nature. This is the most favourable period to go hiking at Mount Phou Si and Xieng Khuan Park, observe gibbons and butterflies, take a slow boat along the Mekong, and check out the coffee harvest. Go to Northern Laos in December to see Hmong New Year traditions, and to Luang Prabang in mid-April to join the Lao New Year celebrations.

32 things to do in Laos

Boun Khao Phansa or the First Day of Buddhist Lent

July 20, 2024 Event

It can be a very calming and peaceful experience to join the Lao people in temples on the first day of Buddhist Lent

Orchids

January–June Nature

These gorgeous flowers are most beautiful in their native habitat

Butterflies

May–October Nature

While butterflies dance around, your mind can calm you can enjoy their simple colourful beauty

Gibbon Experience

November–May Activity

This activity is undoubtedly for those who are not afraid of heights

Caring for an Elephant

December–February Activity

Enjoy the unique experience of caring for an elephant

Opium Flowers

January–February Nature

Blooming poppies turn the green hills of Laos into amazing impressionist pictures

Boun That Luang Festival

November 15, 2024 Event

The most important Buddhist​ celebration in Laos welcomes its visitors with flowers, music, and wax castles

Culture and Lifestyle of Khmu

June–August Activity

How far will you go to dive into ancient cultures?

Lao-Lao Whiskey

late January–early February Food

Enjoy a quiet and tiny Lao village on the bank of Mekong River and learn how to make real rice whiskey

Water Lily

late November–December Nature

Pink stars have fallen from the sky to rest on clear water and be named water lilies

Traditional Lao Wedding

October–March Activity

Rural Lao weddings are a great demonstration of national traditions. Hopefully some friends will invite you over

Exploring Caves

November–February Activity

The hidden world of Laos is as impressive as its architectural gems above ground

Boun Awk Phansa or the End of Buddhist Lent

October 17, 2024 Event

Water dragons, flower boats, and floating candles—all part of this magical festival!

Pi Mai or Songkran—Lao New Year & Water Festival

April 13-16, 2024 Event

No fireworks or fancy family dinners, but rather a​ temple worship, splashing water, and street food

Exotic Fruits

April–July Food

Get your dose of colour in Laos and try all the unique fruit!

The Plain of Jars

February–April Activity

This is where the mysterious and enigmatic Laos unfolds

Boun Bang Fai or Rocket Festival

May Event

For just the right amount of rain try the Lao way and send off a rocket to the god of rain

Khao Nom Kok or Lao Coconut Cakes

late July Food

Delicious and part of an ancient legend these coconut cakes are truly irresistible!

Hmong New Year

December Event

An indigenous ethnic group of Northern Laos displays their own festive traditions

Trekking to Bolaven Plateau & Tad Fane Waterfall

July–October Activity

Trekking in the rainforests can be somewhat challenging, but very rewarding with magnificent vistas and untouched nature

Slow Boat on the Mekong River

May–September Activity

A peaceful trip along the Mekong River is a great way to get acquainted with Lao people and take great pictures

Edible Insects

June–July | November–January Food

Why not broaden your palate with various insect species?

Meditation during Buddhist Holidays

October–July Activity

Calm your mind and practice wholesome meditation in a Lao Buddhist temple

Asian Black Bear

July–October Nature

Though this species is endangered, great efforts are being made by the people of Laos to save it

Kayaking

July–September | October–March Activity

Exploring Laos via kayak is a great adventure

Baci Ceremony

April 15 Event

This ceremony helps people to bind one's inner spirits to the body for good health and luck

Sunset at Mount Phou Si

November–February Activity

328 steps lead to a beautiful view over ancient golden temples that reflect the last beams of the falling Sun

Tubing

June–September Activity

If you can swim, this should be on the top of your list in Laos

Climbing

November–February Activity

Try out some climbing in the Karst hills for great views of the green countryside and winding rivers

Coffee Harvest

November–March Food

Wander the green jungles of Arabica and Robusta in Laos

Khao Lam Rice in Bamboo

November–March Food

Lao rice dishes can be spicy, salty, or sweet. Do not miss the chance to try the latter in one of its many variations

Tam Mak Houng or Papaya Salad

mid-April Food

Lao people commonly celebrate New Years with spicy papaya salad

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