Best time to travel to Laos

Opium Flowers in Laos

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

Best time: January–February

Opium Flowers
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The best landscapes of Laos can be found only by those who are eager to travel as far as possible from the urban centers. This is where gorgeous nature reveals its colors and where green fields are painted with a bright palette of poppies—lilac, pink, white, and red.

Even though poppy flowers can be found growing wild on the hills, the biggest volume is cultivated by the locals. Poppy seeds are widely used in medicine and in cooking, but in Laos, its cultivation is mostly targeted for the production of opium. It is certainly illegal, and the Lao government does its best to control it, but opium pipes are still smoked among the hill tribes. Bear in mind that it is illegal for tourists to smoke opium.

There is no specific season for poppies, as multi-staged cropping is used in order to stagger the farmer's labor. Usually, flowers are sown till mid-November and harvested between the end of January and mid-March. So in order not to miss the beauty of blooming poppies, you should visit the northern provinces of Laos around January and February.

One of Laos' opium poppy growing epicenters is located in the mountains in the north of the country, namely Houaphan Province. Its capital Sam Neua is notorious for being among the least-visited provincial capitals considering Western tourists.

Practical info

When do the poppy flowers bloom in Laos and where is the best place to see them?

Poppy flowers bloom in Laos from January to February, with the best places to visit being the northern provinces, particularly Houaphan Province. The cultivation is done through multi-staged cropping, which involves sowing till mid-November and harvesting between the end of January and mid-March. Show more

Can you find poppy flowers throughout Laos and where is the highest concentration of them grown?

Poppy flowers are grown on the hills throughout Laos, but the highest concentration is found in the northern provinces - mainly in Houaphan Province. However, it is crucial to note that opium smoking and cultivation is illegal in Laos and tourists are forbidden from it. Therefore, it's essential to respect the regulations and the country's culture. Show more

What is the primary method of cultivating poppy flowers in Laos?

Poppy flowers are grown across Laos, mainly for opium production, medicine, and cooking. The main method of cultivation is multi-staged cropping, which involves sowing till mid-November and harvesting between the end of January and mid-March. Since poppies thrive in well-drained soils with a sunny and dry climate, northern Laos is ideal. Show more

Can tourists smoke opium in Laos or is it illegal?

It is illegal for anyone, including tourists, to smoke opium in Laos, and the government is strict in controlling opium production and usage. Tourists engaging in illegal activities involving opium can face severe consequences. Hence, tourists must avoid partaking in illegal activities and adhere to the country's laws and cultural customs. Show more

What makes Sam Neua one of the least-visited provincial capitals?

Sam Neua is the capital of Houaphan Province, which is known for opium poppy cultivation. Moreover, being located in the less-developed northern part of Laos, it is less frequently visited by Western tourists compared to other parts of the country. The lack of tourism infrastructure, language barriers, and fewer attractions make Sam Neua unpopular among tourists. However, travellers seeking to explore off-the-beaten-track destinations may find this region appealing. Show more

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Last updated: by Eleonora Provozin