Laos, officially the Lao People's Democratic Republic, is a landlocked country in Southeast Asia. Of the three nations that once formed French Indochina, Laos is the least developed and perhaps the most enigmatic. After decades of colonial rule and internal conflict that left the country in ruins, Laos is now gradually stabilizing its political and economic structures and is beginning to open its borders to foreign visitors.
Often overshadowed by the popularity of Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia, Laos remains deeply fascinating, preserving a traditional and timeless way of life. Spectacular temples, serene processions of monks, and UNESCO World Heritage sites surrounded by untouched nature make it a true Asian pearl waiting to be discovered.
The capital, Vientiane, boasts beautiful temples such as Wat Si Sakhet and Phra That Luang, the nation’s most sacred monument. Not far away lies Phu Khao Khuay National Protected Area, where visitors can spot elephants from dedicated viewing towers.
The country’s most visited destination is Luang Prabang, thanks to its numerous Buddhist temples that earned it a place on the UNESCO World Heritage list. Savannakhet is also worth a visit for its picturesque countryside, serene temples, and traditional villages where time seems to stand still.
One of Laos’ largest green lungs is the Nam Ha National Protected Area, located in the Bokeo region. Here, several mountain tribes live along the slopes, offering simple yet welcoming homestays at very low cost.
In the deep south lies the Bolaven Plateau, an area known for its coffee plantations, papayas, and other tropical fruits, as well as its stunning waterfalls,Tad Lo, Tad Fane, and Tad Yuang, which plunge dramatically into the Mekong River.
In southern Laos, Wat Phu, meaning “Temple on the Mountain,” is an ancient Khmer site and a Buddhist sanctuary offering a tranquil escape and breathtaking views. From Mount Phousi, located on the peninsula that forms Luang Prabang’s historic center, you can climb a hundred steps to witness a spectacular sunset over the Mekong.
The Plain of Jars in Phonsavan is another mysterious attraction, featuring thousands of gigantic stone jars believed to have had funerary purposes. In Kong Lor, visitors can explore vast limestone caves filled with stalactites and stalagmites, carved over time by the Hin Bun River as it winds through the central Laotian hills.
Language: Lao is the official language, belonging to the Tai language family, and is spoken by just over half of the population. The rest speak various minority languages. French, a legacy of colonial times, is still used, while English is increasingly common among younger generations.
Religion: The majority of Laotians practice Theravada Buddhism, with smaller communities adhering to other religions, and a small Christian minority.
Time Zone: UTC +7 — that’s +6 hours compared to Italy, and +5 hours when Italy observes daylight saving time.
Documents: A valid passport is required, and a visa is mandatory for entry, valid for 30 days.
Currency: Lao Kip (LAK).
Sports: The national sport is Muay Lao, a traditional form of kickboxing. Another popular game is Sepak Takraw, locally known as kator, similar to volleyball but played without using the arms. The ball is woven from rattan fibers.
Curiosity
Traditional Laotian dining takes place while sitting on a red mat spread on a wooden floor around a slightly raised tray called ka toke. Although modern households rarely follow this custom today, the tradition is still maintained by Buddhist monks.
Spoons are traditionally used only for soups and plain rice, while chopsticks are reserved for noodle dishes. Most food, however, is eaten with the hands — a habit born from the country’s staple dish, sticky rice, which is easy to roll and dip into sauces.
Meals are served at room temperature, and dishes are shared rather than eaten in sequence. Soup is sipped throughout the meal, and drinks, including water, are typically not served at the table.
Thanks to the lingering French influence, Laos offers excellent croissants and baguettes, and its Beerlao is considered one of the best beers in the world — brewed with hops using techniques imported from Germany in the last century.
Our advices
What to Read: Laos, Customs and Traditions by Mauro Proni. This insightful book describes a small country nestled between Vietnam and Thailand, beloved by backpackers and travelers seeking authenticity. Proni captures the essence of Lao life, its Buddhist faith, animist beliefs, and quiet resistance to Westernization, portraying a nation still rooted in the past yet full of spiritual freedom. Through personal experiences and humorous anecdotes, the author reveals the hidden soul of one of Asia’s least-known countries.
What to Listen To: The khèn is a traditional Lao wind instrument with free reeds, often associated with rural life. Its sound, soft yet haunting, embodies the spirit of the Laotian countryside.
What to Watch: Lost in Laos by Alessandro Zunino tells the story of two friends who travel to Vang Vieng for an adventurous holiday of rafting and fun. After a tubing trip goes wrong, they lose their belongings and find themselves wandering through a Laos far different from the one they imagined. Hosted by a small village, they experience care, hospitality, and friendship. As their parents wait anxiously back in Italy, the two discover not just the country, but also a deeper sense of self — finding, perhaps, a new kind of “home.”
What to Eat: Laotian cuisine is rich in herbs and vegetables like galangal and lemongrass, with dishes often based on rice or noodles paired with fish, pork, or beef and flavored with padaek (a traditional fermented fish sauce).
A staple of Lao cuisine is sticky rice, rolled into small balls and dipped into various dishes — eaten with the hands as tradition dictates. A favorite everyday meal is feu (or pho), a noodle soup with meat and vegetables.
Laap, meaning “luck,” is a typical festive dish served at weddings and celebrations, made of minced meat or fish mixed with lime juice, fish sauce, coriander, spring onions, chili, and toasted rice powder. Other popular dishes include green papaya salad, a spicy blend of papaya, lime juice, fish sauce, chili, and peanuts, as well as grilled meats, steamed fish, and chicken wrapped in banana leaves.
