Holidays in Laos

Rewind a couple of centuries. The visions of old Asia you’re probably imagining are saffron-robed monks scurrying through narrow streets, gilded temples shining like beacons of gold or conical-hatted fishermen tossing their nets into the water. But this is the Laos of today, a sanctuary frozen in time where the traditional practices the rest of Southeast Asia have long since abandoned, reign supreme.

The UNESCO-listed old capital of Luang Prabang is Laos’ showcase, a place which stirs the imagination. Its effortless blend of faded French villas, ancient wats and golden stupas all live together in a languid harmony. The overlooking hazy green mountains are a nod for what lurks beyond in the country’s north – a web of walking and cycling trails through lush jungle and cooling waterfalls.

Further beyond Luang Prabang’s charm lies a side of Laos that could hark back to even older times. Explore its virgin rainforest and you’ll find hill tribes untainted by civilisation and aromatic coffee plantations, while the islands of the Mekong River hide temples that pre-date Angkor and villages yet to be powered by electricity. It’s a raw way of life you can’t help but fall in love with while on a luxury holiday. Laos is proof the Asia of old you thought was lost, isn’t.

A holiday in Laos is among the most authentic Asian experiences you can have. The range of places you can stay in Laos mirrors the country's rustic charm, from a historic retreat in the French colonial city of Luang Prabang to a remote countryside hideaway or a relaxing cruise along the Luang Say River aboard a rice barge.

Laos has two distinct seasons, with the dry season running from October to April and its wet season taking up the rest of the year (May to September).

Thanks to Laos’ landlocked nature, the weather remains fairly consistent throughout much of the country, with the height of the location the only factor. Its dry season sees pleasant days, with temperatures below 30°C in Luang Prabang and the lowland areas of Laos, while rainfall is minimal, too. In the evenings it can get quite cool, so we’d definitely recommend packing a few extra layers. It’s much hotter in Champasak, with year-round temperatures in the early 30s, but in the highlands of the Bolaven Plateau it’s noticeably cooler, even chilly at night. From February onwards, the heat and rainfall starts to rise.

At the start of the rainy season, days can be extremely hot – around 35°C – and with showers yet to reach their peak, it can be baking. Heading for the Bolaven Plateau is a great option if you’re planning a holiday to Laos at this time. Across the country, the rains are at their greatest in July and August, although showers still typically only last up to an hour, leaving the rest of the day dry. However, the rains feed the surrounding scenery, leaving behind gorgeously green landscapes to show Laos in a different light.