Savor the royal charm of Luang Prabang, marvel at the beautiful French boulevards of Vientiane and take a relaxed cruise down the gorgeous Mekong while watching the sunset—Laos allows visitors a chance to experience scenic beauty, laidback lifestyle and colonial-era history all in one place.
Temples, Culture, Colonial architecture
The best time to visit is between November and February when the rains are less and it isn’t too hot. Roads can be washed out during the rainy season (July to October), but there's plenty of river travel. Peak tourist months are December to February and during August, even though one may find few visitors at any given time.
With boutique sailings like these adrift on the region’s most spectacular waters, there’s no need to hit the high seas for a family cruise.
Happier days are ahead! For now, virtually escape to these 10 cheerful places.
Often squeezed out by the cuisine of its neighbors, Laos offers its own menu worth exploring, writes Duncan Forgan, who goes on a historic tasting binge in Luang Prabang.
Often considered a gateway town, Vientiane is an underrated destination in its own right. Laurel Tuohy wanders its heritage streets and finds hip new hangouts that are reinvigorating the city.
A funky little find in the Lao capital with a glamorous rooftop infinity pool, Lao Poet comes with all the style cred its Luang Prabang sister retreat, Satri House, is renowned for.
With the feel of a small village encircled by paddy-field views, Pullman Luang Prabang masters its space with a wealth of activities devoted to kids.
Tucked into a gentle curve of the Nam Pak River in mountainous northern Laos is Muang La Lodge, a remote luxury bolt-hole known for its thermal baths, enchanting setting and off-piste trails.
Famous for dishing up award-winning Thai cuisine, the chef at the helm of Michelin-starred Paste Bangkok has ventured to the other side of the Mekong, offering reimagined takes on the traditional royal cuisine of her Lao heritage.
Low-budget, high-design, next-gen hotels have begun to sweep Asia, an on-trend fit for digital nomads, flashpackers and aesthetes alike.
From a former royal guesthouse to a room with sweeping Mount Fuji views, these intimate, extravagant and picturesque resorts are just the spots to celebrate those once-in-a-lifetime moments.
From the balcony of her luxury tent above the forested hillside at Rosewood Luang Prabang, Eloise Basuki gets a new perspective on the former capital of Laos, and finds there’s plenty to discover beyond the town’s heritage quarters.
Built at the turn of the century, the Settha Palace Hotel has been restored to its former glory.
Amantaka is located in a leafy compound of 32 French colonial buildings once occupied by the provincial hospital. Expect the usual Aman touches in the property’s 24 suites: refined décor that alludes to the town’s heritage, lofty spaces, and well-stocked bathrooms and private bars.
Perched on Phou Vao, the Hill of Kites, and ringed by 3.5 hectares of its own lush greenery, La Résidence prides itself on being a quiet sanctuary.
