Laos HOLIDAYS

Due to its tropical location, Laos experiences only two seasons: a dry season from November to April and a wet season from May to October. Within each season, there are variations in temperature, with the dry months leading up to the wet season in March and April, and the early wet season from May to June typically being the hottest of the year.  The best time for holiday in Laos falls between October and April, when the weather’s warm and dry throughout. But if you plan a cruise trip, the ideal time is between November and January, when high water levels make passage easy along Laos' main waterway, the Mekong River. There are good time and bad time for holiday in Laos, but no need to worry much,  you, in fact, will find each season has different appeal.

With a wealth of things to do, Laos provides an interesting combination of culture and adventure for travelers seeking an action-packed holiday from its magnificent national parks to its green mountains. Therefore, it could be hard for the first-time holiday makers to decide how many days are enough for their holiday in Laos. The simple answer is depending on your taste, which goes beyond cities, takes in mountains or draws from coastlines. You, certainly, can’t see everything there is to see in Laos in 7 or 14 days . But the longer time you spend, the more places you can explore.

Yes, this is enjoyable to take photos of landscape, but photography of, or near  military installations, immigration area or similar locations  is generally prohibited. You might get your camera confiscated and be subjected to some serious questioning or be arrested.

With friendly people and safe conditions, Laos is a wonderful destination for solo female holiday makers to travel in. There are a wealth of attractions that women can explore, indulge and relax throughout the region.

Packed with fresh ingredients and chilies, Laos street foods look vibrant and colorful. There are many barbecue and salad stalls along the main streets. If you do not mind eating like locals, the estimate budget for your good meals is about USD 12 each day. However, restaurants are surely more comfortable, but they make your bill sum rise up. That is why you need to foresee the minimum meal budget of US$ 12 -18 per meal while deciding to feast at local restaurant, but it could be more at famous eating spots or chic restaurants.   

No, drinking tap water is not recommended in Laos. Simply it is not worth risk of getting sick while on holiday and that drinking tap water could easily ruin your tours in Laos. Alternatively, use bottled water, filtered water or get boiled water at your hotels.

Such a hot country, Laos hits a large demand for refreshments and beverages. However, Laos also shares some features of drinks you can find in its neighbors. The most alcoholic drink is Lao Lao made from sticky rice, but if you are not familiar with strong alcoholic drink, don’t try it as  this  potent local whisky could burn your throat. Some other drinks everyone can taste are Lao-hai ( Lao jar liquor), Beerlao ( Favorite lao drink) , Grilled Coconut , Sugar Canes Juice,  Nam saa (Lao tea) , and Lao Coffee.

Because of the hot weather year round, lightweight and loose-fitting clothes are essential in Laos, including cottons and linens against the humidity. However, the modest dress due to the local culture is a rule in Laos, particularly for women. Wearing a long loose pants with a T- shirt is the most suitable one for women and men to hop on car or  Tu Tuk and visit temples. But if women like to wear dress, they need to have a long scarf to cover  knees and legs when visiting  temples and religious places. If heading to the mountains of the north, you need to pack a jacket for the cool nights.

Mostly covered by mountains and high plateaus, Laos is a dream destination for adventure lovers. Off the tourist trail, Phongsaly with rugged mountains and colorful hill tribe people is a good place for trekking, but  it involves long journey from Luang Prabang Town. There is a closer place like Luang Nam Tha where are plenty of available trekking options  from 1 to 5 days for different physical degrees.  Around Luang Prabang Town and Nongkhiaw are also some trekking routes but they are less adventurous than others. If you are in southern Laos, you can try your strength by trekking in Boloven plateau.