Why visit
Laos is the slow boat down the Mekong, Luang Prabang's gilded monasteries and morning alms, the Plain of Jars, and Vang Vieng's karst country, now more about kayaking and hot-air balloons than its old party reputation.
Country - Asia
Laos
culturenaturehistory
How to use this result
Use it as a country shortlist
Laos works best as a first-pass travel idea. Start with the region, season, and themes on this page, then compare flights, entry rules, safety guidance, and local transport before treating it as a real option.
Compare the capital and side trips
Use Vientiane as the administrative starting point, then check whether the strongest trip idea is actually the capital, a coastal area, a nature route, or another city in Laos.
At a glance
Location
18.0°, 105.0°
Coast
Landlocked
Country area
236,800 km²
91,429 mi²
Country population
7.6 million
32/km²
Subregion
South-Eastern Asia
Currency
Lao kip (₭)
LAK
Dial
+856
Language
Lao
Demonym
Laotian
Internet
.la
UN
Member state
ISO code
LA / LAO
Where in the world
18.0° - 105.0°
Laos
Open in Google Maps
Click the map to open in Google Maps. Outline via svg-maps/world - CC BY 4.0
Did you know
- Laos is the most heavily bombed country per capita in history: the US dropped more ordnance on Laos 1964-1973 than was used in all of WWII.
- Luang Prabang's morning alms-giving ceremony has happened daily since the 14th century: monks walk in silence collecting food from locals.
- The Plain of Jars features thousands of ancient stone jars dating to 500 BCE-500 CE: their purpose remains debated.
Bordering Laos
Traveler notes
- The two-day slow boat from Huay Xai to Luang Prabang is the classic entry
- Kuang Si's turquoise pools are 40 minutes from Luang Prabang
- The new railway links Vientiane to Luang Prabang in two hours
Plan checks
- Start research with the capital Vientiane, then compare two or three other regions.
- Check passport validity, visa rules, health requirements, and travel insurance for current conditions.
- Check opening days. Major sites close on Mondays or Tuesdays in many countries.
- Bring layered clothing and verify trail/park access before arrival.
Explore more
Facts last reviewed June 2026 against GeoNames and national statistics sources. See the editorial policy for how destination data is maintained.
Frequently asked about Laos
What is the capital of Laos?
Vientiane is the capital of Laos.
What currency does Laos use?
Laos uses the Lao kip (₭), ISO code LAK.
What languages are spoken in Laos?
The primary language is Lao.
Is Laos landlocked?
Yes, Laos is landlocked: it has no sea coastline.
What countries border Laos?
Laos borders Myanmar (Burma), Cambodia, China, Thailand, Vietnam.
What is the international calling code for Laos?
The calling code is +856.
When is the best time to visit Laos?
Nov–Feb. Check current weather and local events before booking.
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