Why go au Laos?
The good reasons to go au Laos
An omnipresent nature
Tropical forests, spectacular karst peaks and preserved biodiversity.
Luang Prabang
The cultural capital of the country has an irresistible charm and bewitching temples.
A perfume of adventure
Trekking, kayaking, canyoning, rafting, climbing... You won't be bored for a second!
A cultural mosaic
The national culture is made up of contributions from different ethnic groups (49 officially ).
Calm and relaxation
Laos is a true haven of peace, far from the urban hustle and bustle, ideal for recharging one's batteries
Wild Elephants
The country's emblematic animal can still be observed in its natural habitat
Splendid Mekong
Discovering this mythical river during a cruise is the dream of a lifetime
The notion of space
The country is the least populated in Southeast Asia and offers great opportunities for discovery
An authentic welcome
The Lao people are quite reserved by nature, but welcome you with warmth and sincerity.
A total change of scenery
Buddhist religion, age-old traditions, exotic landscapes, and unique gastronomy.
Good to know when visiting le Laos
Timetable
Temples are generally open from dawn to dusk, except for some historical temples. Museums are mostly open between 9am and 5pm with a weekly closing day, sometimes two. Some places have extended hours on weekends and during school holidays.
To be booked
Reservations are rarely necessary, except for some guided tours, treks in national parks, workshops and various courses. We systematically inform him if this is the case.
Main events
Laos has several public holidays. Buddhist holidays are aligned with the lunar calendar.
January 1st. New Year's Day.
20th January. Commemoration of the founding of the Lao People's Army on January 20, 1949, the first step towards the independence of Laos.
February. Boun Khao Chi. Commemorates the sermon of Buddha's Makha Bucha
March 8th. International Women's Rights Day
April 14 to 16: Lao Pi Mai. The traditional Laotian New Year's Day.
May 1st. National Labour Day.
May. Visakha Bousa (at full moon). Celebrates the birth, awakening and entry into Buddha's nirvana.
July. Khao Phansa, first day of Buddhist Lent.
July 19th. Lao People's Democratic Republic Independence Day
July 20th. Lao Women's Day
13 August. Free Laos Day
December 2nd. Lao national holiday
Guided tours
Guided tours are mandatory in some national protected areas and elephant rehabilitation centres, where the presence of a guide is essential. The rest of the time, you can visit the cities or sites as you wish, but the explanations of a qualified guide will often help you to understand the culture and subtleties of a place (city, museum, monument).
Smokers
Unlike Thailand, smoking is allowed in all open places in Laos. It is of course forbidden in closed places (restaurants, hotels, shopping malls, etc.). Smoking can sometimes be uncomfortable on some café or restaurant terraces. Common sense and cordiality prevail. Avoid smoking in the first place if you are invited to a Lao family, wait and see how your hosts behave.
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Discover le Laos
Laos is a popular destination for its sublime landscapes, but also for its culture, traditions and population. This chapter presents the various facets of the ancient "Kingdom of a Million Elephants", its cultural specificities, its fauna, its flora, its gastronomy, but also its fascinating history. This landlocked country has been a real crossroads of influences between its neighbours China, Thailand, Vietnam and Cambodia, and is home to a great ethnic diversity that forges its identity and culture. Although threatened, the Asian elephant remains an inescapable pillar of Laotian culture. If the country preserves ancient traditions such as Buddhism and animist practices, its history is marked by the Indochina wars and the seizure of power by the Marxist party, the Pathet Lao. The French have also left an important cultural and architectural heritage.
