Get great package deals to Laos's top cities
Holidays To Laos
For a country sandwiched between backpacking giants Thailand and Vietnam, Laos flies surprisingly below the radar—but that’s about to change.
It’s chockablock with temples, unforgettably fresh food and nature that is literally untouched (a new mammal species was discovered in 2012!). Holidays to Laos can be as adventurous or luxurious as you want. The choice is yours!
Things to Do in Laos
If you’ll be exploring the capital, pick up one of Wotif’s awesome car hire deals in Vientiane and head to Pha That Luang, 4 km northeast of the city centre. Parts of the stupa (burial site) were built here as early as the 3rd century BC to enclose a piece of Buddha's breastbone, but they weren’t as impressive as the current one, which dates to the 16th century. Covered in gold and with dragons guarding the steps, this shrine is the pride of the city.
Head north 300 km and you’ll find yourself in the former capital, Luang Prabang. Visit the Royal Palace Museum to see the preserved royal apartments and the crown jewels of Laos, which are sure to be the “crowning” achievement of your holiday. And if you haven’t seen enough gold yet, there is a solid gold, 2000 year-old Buddha in the pavilion.
Nature lovers should book package deals to Laos’ southern region and get adventuring on the Bolaven Plateau. Explore the lush forests and national parks, “fall” in love with the many waterfalls, meet the hill tribes and see where some of the world’s best coffee beans are grown. You’ll be busy, to say the least!
Shopping, Dining & Nightlife
The south may be filled with dense jungle, but that doesn’t mean there’s no shopping! Head to the huge markets in Paksong and Thateng for the obvious souvenir (hint: This is the “Lao Coffee Capital”). In Vientiane, shopaholics won’t have to carry their loot far with Laos packages near Samsenthai and Setthathirath Roads and the Morning Market, where you’ll find artisanal crafts, jewellery and silks and textiles.
Vientiane has the most diverse dining in the country. As a former French colony, fine European dining is all over—but you can also get adventurous with street vendors. Luang Prabang, the old town on a peninsula north of the city centre, is the place to be to try larb, which can be made of any type of minced meat, herbs and rice powder, or green papaya salad, perhaps the most classic Lao dish.
Wherever you book your Laos holiday, the nightlife is low-key. Vientiane has become livelier in recent years, but relaxing with a Beer Lao on the shores of the Mekong River is still the favourite pastime. Want more? Just walk along the riverfront and you’ll find a variety of bars and clubs. Or book a Bangkok holiday package and make a stop in the "Sin City of Asia" before you head home.
What’s Next?
For your next getaway, take a rain check on hanging out with the “cool” kids and get your bum to Laos. Wotif will save you tons of cash with our packages to Laos, so you can spend it on temple trips, late-night snacks and a new hill tribe outfit—you know you need one.
Top Laos hotels
LuangPrabang Centre Hotel
Reviewed on 16 Dec. 2024
Crowne Plaza Vientiane, an IHG Hotel
Reviewed on 20 Dec. 2024
San Jiang Grand Hotel
Reviewed on 2 Dec. 2024