Things to Do in Laos

Travel advisory, October 2026: The UK Foreign Office advises against all but essential travel to Xaisomboun Province. Unexploded ordnance from the 1964 to 1973 bombing remains in rural areas, so stay on marked paths and never touch metal objects. Methanol poisoning has affected tourists in bars, so skip free shots and unlabelled spirits. Rivers and waterfalls have caused drownings. Read the latest FCDO advice and travel.state.gov before you go.

Laos is landlocked and quiet, and most visitors build their trip around three bases: Luang Prabang in the north, Vang Vieng in the middle and Vientiane in the capital. The best weather runs from November to February, when the air is cool and dry. March and April bring heat and heavy smoke in the north, and from May to October the rains make waterfalls roar and rivers more dangerous. Pay for tickets, tuk-tuks and markets in kip (LAK), which trades at about 22,000 to 22,500 per US dollar. Cards work mainly at hotels, larger restaurants and agencies.

Luang Prabang

Mount Phousi. The climb to the stupa of That Chomsi is 328 steps, and the hill is open daily from about 06:00 to 18:00 depending on the season. The foreigner ticket is 30,000 LAK until 14 November 2026 and 60,000 LAK from 15 November, according to the provincial tourism office. Sunset is the crowded time, so go in the morning if you want space.

Ock Pop Tok Living Crafts Centre. The centre sits about 2 km from the night market on the Mekong, and a free tuk-tuk runs from the shop next to 3 Nagas between 09:30 and 20:30. Free demonstrations take place daily around 11:30 and 16:30. Paid classes in weaving, natural dyeing, batik and bamboo run from half a day to three days, with prices listed on the centre’s classes page .

Tamarind. This Lao restaurant and cooking school stands on the Nam Khan at Ban Wat Sene. The restaurant opens Monday to Saturday from 11:00 to 22:00 and closes on Sundays. The cooking class begins with a market visit and then moves to the kitchen with a Lao chef. Class times and details are on the Tamarind website .

Vang Vieng

Tubing on the Nam Song. Tube rental is on Kangmuong Street, near the Paradise hotel. Expect to pay about 60,000 to 80,000 LAK plus a 60,000 LAK refundable deposit, which you get back if the tube returns before the cut-off (reports say 18:00 or 20:00). The float takes 3 to 5 hours depending on how many bar stops you make. Ask for a life jacket and wear it, especially from June to October when the current is stronger. Do not jump or dive, and skip the float after heavy rain.

Hot-air ballooning. Flights over the Nathong Valley run from mid-September to May, with adult prices reported at about USD 120 to 150. Authorities paused balloon flights from late February to mid-March 2026. On 26 March 2026 a sunset balloon carrying tourists touched high-voltage lines and caused a power cut for thousands of homes, with no injuries reported. On 7 April the Prime Minister ordered specific rules for balloons and paramotors, as the Laotian Times reported. Ask the operator about current rules before you book.

Blue Lagoons. Lagoon 1 is about 7 km west of town, Lagoon 2 about 11 km and Lagoon 3 about 16 km along a rough road. Entry is about 20,000 LAK each. Lagoons 1 and 2 have jump platforms or swings, and Lagoon 3 has rafts and a zip line. Non-swimmers should hire a life jacket, around 10,000 LAK.

Planning tips

  • Never swim in the Mekong. Swim only in signed pools at waterfalls.
  • Drink only factory-sealed beer, canned drinks or sealed spirits.
  • Rent a motorbike only if you are confident, ride in daylight and never leave your passport as a deposit.
  • Prices at the Luang Prabang sites change in mid-November 2026, so check the figure at the gate.

Read more: sightseeing in Laos and day trips in Laos . For guided options, compare listings on GetYourGuide .