Laos is a country in Southeast Asia that you can visit year-round. However, the best time to visit this country is between October and April because the temperature is warmer and not too dry. During these months, there is less rainfall and you can explore the country’s natural attractions more comfortably.

Two weeks is the recommended duration to immerse yourself in the beauty of Laos. You can visit famous destinations such as Luang Prabang, Vang Vieng, Vientiane and Xieng Khouang. Five days are ideal for a holiday if you only want to explore one city in Laos.

One of the interesting activities that you can do in Laos is taking a boat across the Mekong river from Luang Prabang to Pak Ou Caves to see hundreds of Buddha statues. Along the way on the Mekong, you can enjoy the views of the limestone cliffs on the riverbank. Once you reach Pak Ou Caves, you will discover 6.000 statues and images of Buddha filling the caves. You can also stop at Ban Xang Hai (Whiskey Village) and do activities such as tasting local drinks and exploring traditional textiles.

Tourism in Laos has rapidly developed. There are numerous top tourist attractions to visit, such as Wat Si Saket, the most important temple for Buddhists in Vientiane, the country’s capital. Another top destination is Luang Prabang. This small town is the cultural heart of Laos and it is inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Luang Prabang is an excellent place for those who wish to relax and immerse themselves in the rich culture of Laos. You can explore temples adorned with ornaments, which host the daily alms-giving ceremony for monks. For backpackers, be sure to visit Vang Vieng. This city has been popular among backpackers looking to party for years, as many vendors sell drinks at affordable prices. Another top tourist attraction in Laos is the Plain of Jars in Xieng Khouang province, where you can see a collection of stone jars on the ground. Researchers say these stone jars have been around for over two million years.

In Laos, you should try khao jee pâté (a baguette served with vegetables and meats), similar to Vietnamese banh mi. This dish is often served as an evening snack. Another must-try dish in Laos is khao soi (a flat noodle soup served with fermented vegetables). This dish has a sour and savory flavor similar to Italian bolognese sauce. For dessert, be sure to try sticky rice paired with typical Laotian sauces, such as jeow mak keua (smoky eggplant dipping sauce), jeow mak len (tomato dipping sauce) and jeow mak phet (thick chili paste dipping sauce). You should also try combining sien savanh (Laotian jerky) as a snack while drinking Beerlao (Laotian alcoholic drink). This dish is typically made of beef, but some places often use buffalo meat as an alternative. Apart from being paired with beer, locals usually enjoy sien savanh with sticky rice.