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Is Laos Worth Visiting? Our Honest Verdict

Historic street in Luang Prabang, Laos, lined with traditional buildings, shops and pedestrians.

Laos is probably one of the easier countries to overlook when planning a holiday in Southeast Asia. With popular destinations such as Thailand and Vietnam offering frequent flights, modern conveniences and plenty of attractions, it can be difficult to justify spending more time and money travelling somewhere less familiar.

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We know that feeling. For years, Laos was somewhere we wanted to visit, but relatively expensive flights and less convenient connections meant that we kept postponing the trip. Eventually, we decided to stop waiting for the perfect opportunity.

 

In April 2026, we finally spent six days exploring Luang Prabang and Vientiane, travelling between the two cities on the Laos-China Railway. What we discovered was a country that offered a different kind of Southeast Asian holiday, combining beautiful natural attractions, cultural heritage and a more relaxed atmosphere than we were accustomed to.

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But was the experience worth the relatively expensive flights from Singapore? And would we recommend Laos to travellers who have already explored destinations such as Thailand, Vietnam or Cambodia? Here's our honest verdict.

Our Quick Verdict: Is Laos Worth Visiting?

Yes, Laos is absolutely worth visiting, especially if you enjoy nature, cultural heritage and travelling at a slower pace.

 

After spending six days exploring Luang Prabang and Vientiane, we came away feeling that Laos offered an enjoyable holiday, with welcoming people, interesting attractions and more modern conveniences than we had initially expected. Luang Prabang was undoubtedly our favourite destination, although we also enjoyed the quieter atmosphere of Vientiane.

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Here's how we'd summarise our experience:

Question
Verdict
Would we visit again?
Yes, particularly for nature, heritage and relaxation
Is Laos expensive?
Reasonably affordable once you arrive, although flights can be costly
How many days do you need?
Ideally 6 days and 5 nights for both cities
Is Vientiane worth visiting?
Yes, if your schedule allows
Is Laos worth visiting?
Yes, particularly for nature, heritage and relaxation
Best destination for first-time visitors?
Luang Prabang

Our biggest reservation was the cost of getting there. We paid approximately S$1,200 for two return flights from Singapore, considerably more than we would normally spend on a short-haul Southeast Asian trip. Nevertheless, we returned home glad that we had finally visited.

 

Our recommendation: If you've already explored some of Southeast Asia's more popular destinations and are looking for somewhere different, Laos deserves a place on your travel list.

Why We Finally Decided to Visit Laos

For years, Laos was one of those destinations we had always wanted to explore but never quite got around to visiting. The biggest obstacle was the cost and convenience of getting there.

 

When we were younger and had a smaller travel budget, it was easier to prioritise destinations such as Bangkok or Ho Chi Minh City, where flights were generally cheaper and more frequent. And even as our travel budget grew, we continued falling into the same pattern. Whenever we considered visiting Laos, somewhere else would take priority.

 

The opening of the Laos-China Railway made the idea more appealing. Previously, one of our concerns had been how to visit both Vientiane and Luang Prabang without spending too much time travelling between them. With the railway connecting both destinations, that was one less reason to keep postponing the trip.

 

Eventually, during a conversation about travelling around Southeast Asia, we realised that Laos was still somewhere we hadn't visited despite wanting to go for years. And so we decided to book the flights, even though they were more expensive than we'd have liked. Otherwise, we suspected we'd simply end up choosing somewhere else again.

What Is Laos Actually Like?

Before visiting Laos, we had expected it to feel noticeably less developed than neighbouring Thailand and Vietnam, perhaps even Cambodia. And in some respects, that was exactly what we found. Vientiane, in particular, felt noticeably smaller and less developed than major cities such as Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi. Its skyline was relatively modest, major commercial buildings were fewer, and some roads were dusty.

Elevated view of a wide boulevard in Vientiane, Laos, with trees, traffic and mid-rise buildings.

But that wasn't necessarily a bad thing, nor was it something that particularly bothered us. What surprised us was that, despite these differences, we still found many of the modern conveniences we had become accustomed to elsewhere in Southeast Asia.

More Modern Conveniences Than We Expected

One of the pleasant surprises was the number of modern cafés we encountered. Whether we were in Luang Prabang or Vientiane, we had little difficulty finding places serving good coffee, pastries and brunch. Some were contemporary establishments that wouldn't have felt out of place in cities such as Bangkok or Ho Chi Minh City. We also came across modern shopping malls in Vientiane, offering familiar restaurants and comfortable places to spend time indoors.

 

Getting around was relatively straightforward too. We relied extensively on Loca, Laos's ride-hailing service, and found it convenient and reasonably priced. Many of the vehicles we travelled in were modern Chinese-brand cars, which made getting around both cities particularly comfortable. Considering how affordable the rides were, we felt that Loca offered excellent value for money. It was another example of how we could enjoy modern conveniences in Laos without spending very much.

 

Meanwhile, the Laos-China Railway made travelling between Luang Prabang and Vientiane considerably more convenient than we had initially imagined.

 

Overall, although Laos felt less developed in certain respects, we rarely found ourselves struggling to enjoy the everyday comforts we appreciate when travelling.

Friendly People and a Relaxed Atmosphere

Another aspect of Laos that left a positive impression was the friendliness of the people we encountered. We had already experienced warm hospitality during our travels around Vietnam and Cambodia, and Laos felt similarly welcoming.

 

What stood out was that this wasn't limited to Luang Prabang, where tourism plays an important role in the local economy. We experienced the same friendliness in Vientiane, whether we were visiting cafés, taking Loca rides or spending time around the city. The atmosphere was also noticeably relaxed.

 

Luang Prabang was particularly charming, with its heritage streets, temples and cafés overlooking the Mekong River. Although the town clearly caters to international visitors, we rarely felt overwhelmed by crowds during our stay. Vientiane, meanwhile, felt more like an everyday capital city than a major tourist destination. There were commercial areas, government buildings and modern establishments, but the overall pace felt considerably quieter than in many other Southeast Asian capitals.

Quiet road in Luang Prabang, Laos, with traditional buildings, a white temple wall and parked vehicles.

Of course, these impressions reflect our experience of just two destinations over six days. Other parts of Laos may feel quite different.

 

Laos felt different from the more developed and bustling destinations we frequently visit, but without requiring us to sacrifice the everyday comforts that make travelling enjoyable.

What Makes Laos Worth Visiting?

For us, Laos was worth visiting because we could enjoy beautiful natural attractions, explore Luang Prabang's heritage surroundings and still have plenty of time to relax. We didn't need to pack our six days with activities to feel that we'd had an enjoyable holiday.

Beautiful Natural Attractions

One of the biggest highlights of our Laos holiday was visiting Kuang Si Waterfalls, located outside Luang Prabang. The waterfalls were genuinely beautiful, with several levels of cascading turquoise pools surrounded by lush greenery. Each level seemed to have its own waterfall, making the experience particularly enjoyable as we explored the area.

Turquoise pool and cascading waterfall at Kuang Si Waterfalls near Luang Prabang, with a wooden footbridge and surrounding forest.

What surprised us was how clear the surroundings appeared. Despite the haze we had encountered around Luang Prabang, it was much less noticeable at Kuang Si Waterfalls. And although there were plenty of tourists around, we found something rather calming about listening to the sound of the cascading water. It was easily one of our favourite experiences during the entire trip. We also visited the nearby bear rescue centre, which made for another interesting stop during our excursion.

 

Another memorable experience was visiting the Buffalo Dairy Farm, where we had the opportunity to learn about the farm and interact with its animals. We particularly remember trying to feed one of the buffaloes, only for it to effortlessly pull the bunch of leaves away from us. It was a simple but memorable experience, and something quite different from the temples, museums and urban attractions we frequently visit elsewhere.

Water buffalo standing inside a wooden enclosure at a buffalo dairy farm near Luang Prabang, Laos.

Even the journey through the countryside around Luang Prabang was enjoyable. On our way back from Kuang Si Waterfalls, we passed stretches of farmland and greenery, including cafés set among the natural surroundings.

 

Unfortunately, we didn't have enough time to stop at some of these places. If we had another day in Luang Prabang, exploring more of the surrounding countryside would certainly be something we'd consider.

A Slower Pace That Makes It Easy to Unwind

Another aspect of Laos we particularly enjoyed was how naturally it lent itself to a more relaxed holiday. Luang Prabang was a wonderful destination for this. Rather than waking up early every morning and rushing between attractions, we could take our time.

 

Some days began with a late brunch and coffee, followed by a little sightseeing before returning to our hotel for a break. In the evenings, we would head out again, wander through the heritage streets, enjoy dinner or relax at a café overlooking the Mekong River. And despite taking things slowly, we never felt bored. There were temples to explore, Phousi Hill to visit and excursions outside the town whenever we wanted something more active. The difference was that we didn't feel pressured to fit everything into our itinerary.

View of the Mekong River and hazy hills from a relaxed riverside café terrace in Luang Prabang, Laos.

Interestingly, we enjoyed a similar experience in Vientiane, although in a very different setting. We treated part of our stay almost like a staycation, spending time at our hotel's swimming pool, enjoying massages and visiting cafés and restaurants around the capital. It was a relaxing way to conclude our holiday, particularly after spending the first few days exploring Luang Prabang.

Luang Prabang vs Vientiane: Should You Visit Both?

If you're planning your first trip to Laos, one question you may have is whether it's worth visiting both Luang Prabang and Vientiane. Having spent three nights in Luang Prabang and two nights in Vientiane, we'd recommend visiting both if your schedule allows. However, if you can only visit one destination, our choice would undoubtedly be Luang Prabang.

Luang Prabang: Our First Choice for a Laos Holiday

Luang Prabang was easily our favourite destination during our six-day holiday. Its UNESCO-listed heritage town, riverside setting and nearby natural attractions offer an excellent combination of sightseeing and relaxation.

 

We particularly enjoyed being able to explore the town at our own pace, whether that meant visiting a temple, stopping for brunch or simply wandering through its heritage streets. And with attractions such as Kuang Si Waterfalls nearby, there's plenty to experience beyond the town itself. For a first visit to Laos, Luang Prabang would be our recommendation if you have to choose just one destination.

Vientiane: Don't Dismiss the Capital

Vientiane offered a different experience. Unlike Luang Prabang, it felt more like an everyday capital city, with government buildings, commercial areas and relatively fewer major tourist attractions. But we didn't find that disappointing. In fact, we treated our time in Vientiane almost like a staycation within our Laos holiday.

 

We enjoyed our hotel's facilities, went for massages, explored cafés and restaurants, and spent time relaxing rather than rushing between attractions. We also visited some of the city's landmarks, including Patuxai, which we'd recommend seeing. And this brings us to something we found rather interesting.

Patuxai Monument in Vientiane, Laos, viewed across landscaped grounds on a hazy day.

Travellers often praise Luang Prabang for its cafés, relaxed atmosphere and slower pace of life. Yet when similar experiences are available in Vientiane, the capital is sometimes described as boring. We don't entirely agree with that distinction. If enjoying coffee, relaxing and taking things slowly is part of Luang Prabang's appeal, why should those same experiences automatically count against Vientiane?

 

Of course, Vientiane doesn't have Luang Prabang's distinctive heritage-town atmosphere or the same concentration of nearby natural attractions. But we enjoyed it for what it offered, and spending two nights there was a lovely way to conclude our holiday.

So, Should You Visit Both?

Yes. If you have around five to six days available, we think visiting both Luang Prabang and Vientiane makes for a more varied Laos holiday. Luang Prabang offers the stronger sightseeing experience, while Vientiane gives you an opportunity to explore the country's capital and enjoy a different atmosphere.

 

However, if your schedule is limited, we'd prioritise Luang Prabang rather than trying to squeeze both destinations into a short trip.

How Many Days Do You Need in Laos?

For a first trip covering both Luang Prabang and Vientiane, we'd recommend six days and five nights. That's how long we spent in Laos, and we felt it offered a good balance between sightseeing, travelling and relaxation. However, the ideal duration will depend on which destinations you want to visit and how much time you have available.

 

Here's how we'd approach a Laos itinerary:

Duration
Our Recommendation
8–10 days
Consider adding Vang Vieng
6 days / 5 nights
Our preferred duration for both cities
5 days / 4 nights
Luang Prabang and Vientiane, although relatively tight
4 days / 3 nights
Luang Prabang only, subject to flight and railway connections
2–3 days
Vientiane only, if convenient flights are available

Can You Visit Laos Over a Weekend?

Yes, although we'd recommend focusing on a single destination. For a short getaway from Singapore, Vientiane could be an enjoyable choice if flight schedules allow, particularly if you're looking for a relaxing weekend rather than an intensive sightseeing trip. However, flight schedules may be less convenient than those to popular destinations such as Bangkok or Ho Chi Minh City, so the available timings will largely determine whether a weekend trip makes sense.

 

For Luang Prabang, we'd recommend allowing at least four days, particularly if you need to travel through Vientiane. Attempting to visit both cities over a weekend would leave too little time to enjoy either destination properly.

Why Six Days Worked for Us

During our holiday, we spent three nights in Luang Prabang and two nights in Vientiane. This gave us enough time to explore Luang Prabang's attractions, enjoy the heritage town and still spend a couple of relaxing days in the capital. We didn't feel particularly rushed, nor did we feel that we had spent too much time in either destination.

 

Five days and four nights would probably be our minimum recommendation for visiting both cities, although this would likely mean shortening Vientiane to just one night. If we had an additional day, we'd probably spend it in Luang Prabang, particularly because much of our first day was taken up by travelling.

 

For readers planning a similar holiday, we've shared our actual route and experiences in our 6 Days in Laos Itinerary.

What If You Have More Time?

If you have eight to ten days available, we'd consider adding Vang Vieng to your itinerary. Located between Vientiane and Luang Prabang along the Laos-China Railway, it can be incorporated into a longer trip without requiring a complicated journey between destinations. One possible route would be to visit Luang Prabang first, travel south to Vang Vieng, and then continue to Vientiane before flying home.

 

We haven't visited Vang Vieng ourselves yet, so we can't comment on the experience firsthand. However, it's somewhere we'd like to explore on a future trip.

Getting Around Laos Is Easier Than You Might Think

One concern travellers may have when planning a holiday to Laos is how easy it will be to get around, particularly when visiting multiple destinations. Fortunately, we found travelling around Luang Prabang and Vientiane surprisingly straightforward.

 

During our six-day holiday, we relied primarily on the Laos-China Railway for travelling between the two cities and Loca for getting around locally. Both worked well, and transport was rarely something we had to worry about.

Travelling on the Laos-China Railway

We travelled between Luang Prabang and Vientiane on the Laos-China Railway, choosing Business Class for the journey. The experience was comfortable and straightforward, and we were pleased with our decision to pay extra for Business Class.

 

The stations were large and functional, while the trains were clean and well maintained. Boarding was organised, the staff were friendly, and our service departed on time.

 

We paid extra for Business Class because we wanted a more comfortable journey between the two cities. And having experienced it, we felt the additional cost was well justified. The fare was reasonably priced for the level of comfort we received, particularly with the spacious seats that allowed us to relax and read throughout the journey.

Spacious red reclining Business Class seat with individual console and reading light on the Laos–China Railway.

Booking and boarding were relatively straightforward. We purchased our tickets in advance and presented our passports and tickets at the station. After completing the security checks, we scanned our QR codes before boarding. Travellers should still allow sufficient time to reach the station and complete the necessary procedures before departure.

 

Overall, we thoroughly enjoyed travelling on the Laos-China Railway, and we'd happily use it again on a future trip. If you're travelling between Luang Prabang and Vientiane, we'd recommend considering Business Class if the additional cost fits your budget. For us, the extra comfort was well worth paying for.

Getting Around with Loca

For local transport, we relied extensively on Loca, Laos's ride-hailing service. If you're familiar with Grab in Singapore or elsewhere in Southeast Asia, the experience will feel relatively familiar. We used Loca to travel between our hotels, restaurants, cafés and attractions in both Luang Prabang and Vientiane.

 

Fares were reasonable, and many of the vehicles we travelled in were relatively modern Chinese-brand cars. We also appreciated not having to negotiate fares with individual drivers or arrange private transport for every journey. Having a convenient ride-hailing option made exploring both destinations considerably easier.

 

Between the Laos-China Railway and Loca, we found getting around our two destinations comfortable and convenient. While we can't speak for transport conditions throughout the rest of Laos, getting around Luang Prabang and Vientiane shouldn't be a major reason to hesitate about visiting.

Is Laos Expensive?

We found Laos reasonably affordable once we arrived, although getting there was considerably more expensive than we had hoped. During our six-day holiday, we stayed in comfortable upscale hotels, enjoyed cafés and restaurants, and relied on ride-hailing services to get around. Overall, we felt that Laos offered good value for the kind of holiday we enjoy.

 

However, there's an important distinction between the cost of travelling to Laos and the cost of travelling within the country.

Flights Were Our Biggest Expense

For our April 2026 holiday, we paid approximately S$1,200 for two return Scoot tickets between Singapore and Vientiane. That was considerably more than we would normally want to spend on flights to a nearby Southeast Asian destination.

 

For comparison, we've often found it easier to secure more affordable flights to popular destinations such as Bangkok and Ho Chi Minh City, where airlines operate more frequent services.

 

Admittedly, we booked our Laos flights relatively close to departure, which may have contributed to the higher airfare. Nevertheless, the cost of getting there was one of the main reasons we had postponed visiting Laos for so long.

 

For travellers departing from Singapore, we'd recommend checking flight prices before committing to a Laos holiday. Depending on when you travel, airfare could account for a substantial portion of your overall budget.

Hotels Offered Good Value

Accommodation was a more pleasant surprise. During our holiday, we stayed at two upscale hotels that offered comfortable experiences at prices we considered reasonable.

Hotel
Length of Stay
Total Cost
Approximate Nightly Rate
Crowne Plaza Vientiane
2 nights
US$200
US$100
3 Nagas Luang Prabang – MGallery
3 nights
US$341
US$114

In Luang Prabang, we stayed at 3 Nagas Luang Prabang – MGallery, a charming heritage property in the heart of town. Its central location made exploring Luang Prabang convenient, and we particularly appreciated the hotel's character and excellent service. Although it doesn't have its own swimming pool or gym, we thoroughly enjoyed our stay.

Heritage-style exterior of 3 Nagas Luang Prabang MGallery hotel, with trees and outdoor seating.

In Vientiane, we stayed at Crowne Plaza Vientiane, which offered a more modern experience, with spacious rooms, excellent service and a beautiful swimming pool. For that price, we had a spacious room, excellent facilities and a comfortable stay in the heart of Laos's capital. We would struggle to find a hotel offering a comparable experience at the same price in many other major cities. In terms of value for money, Crowne Plaza Vientiane was undoubtedly one of the highlights of our Laos holiday.

 

Of course, accommodation prices will vary depending on your travel dates, room category and booking arrangements. But based on what we paid, we felt that comfortable, upscale accommodation in Laos could offer good value.

Infinity swimming pool at Crowne Plaza Vientiane overlooking the surrounding city buildings.

Food, Cafés and Transport Were Reasonably Affordable

We also found everyday spending in Laos manageable. We regularly visited cafés, enjoyed leisurely meals and used Loca to travel around Luang Prabang and Vientiane. While prices at tourist-oriented cafés and restaurants weren't necessarily as low as those at local eateries, we generally felt comfortable with what we were spending.

 

Naturally, your expenses will depend on how you prefer to travel. Someone eating mainly at local establishments and staying in budget accommodation could potentially spend considerably less than we did. But even with our preference for comfortable hotels, cafés and convenient transport, we didn't find Laos particularly expensive once we arrived.

So, Is Laos Good Value for Money?

Yes, particularly if you can secure reasonably priced flights. For us, the airfare was the biggest drawback. Once we arrived, however, we enjoyed comfortable accommodation, good food and convenient transport at prices we considered reasonable.

 

We wouldn't necessarily describe Laos as a cheaper alternative to every other Southeast Asian destination, especially when flights are included. But if you're comfortable with the cost of getting there, we think Laos can offer a very enjoyable holiday without requiring an excessive budget.

What Should You Know Before Visiting Laos?

Although we thoroughly enjoyed our six days in Laos, there are a few things we'd recommend considering before planning your holiday. These didn't change our overall verdict, but they did affect parts of our experience, particularly because we visited in April.

The Burning Season Can Affect Your Experience

One thing we hadn't fully appreciated before arriving in Laos was just how noticeable the haze could be during the burning season. We visited in early April, and the haze was particularly apparent during our trip. At times, the air looked visibly hazy, reducing the clarity of the surrounding scenery. This was unfortunate, especially around Luang Prabang, where the natural landscape is one of the main attractions.

Orange sun shining through thick haze above Luang Prabang rooftops, the Mekong River and surrounding hills in April.

Burning season generally falls within the drier months, when agricultural burning and other fires can contribute to poor air quality across parts of mainland Southeast Asia. Conditions vary from year to year and even from day to day, so visiting during this period doesn't necessarily mean you'll encounter the same conditions we experienced.

 

Nevertheless, if you're visiting Laos primarily for its natural scenery, we'd recommend checking seasonal air-quality conditions before deciding when to travel. For us, the haze was probably the biggest drawback of visiting in April.

Vientiane Can Be Extremely Hot

Another thing that stood out was the heat, particularly in Vientiane. Despite living in Singapore and being accustomed to travelling around Southeast Asia, we still found the capital uncomfortably hot at times. Spending extended periods outdoors wasn't particularly appealing, especially during the afternoon. Fortunately, we had planned a relatively relaxed itinerary.

 

Rather than forcing ourselves to spend the entire day sightseeing, we could return to our hotel, enjoy the swimming pool or spend time in air-conditioned cafés and restaurants. If you're travelling during the hotter months, we'd recommend planning outdoor activities around the weather and allowing time for breaks.

Lao Food May Not Suit Every Palate

Food was another area where our experience was somewhat mixed. Having travelled extensively around Vietnam and other Southeast Asian countries, we're accustomed to a wide variety of regional flavours. However, we found some traditional Lao dishes more challenging to appreciate. Certain dishes had stronger herbal flavours than we preferred, while others were considerably spicier than what we normally enjoy.

 

We did enjoy several local dishes, including sausages, fish and curries. We also had some excellent meals at cafés in Luang Prabang, although some of our favourites were Vietnamese-influenced rather than traditional Lao dishes. Fortunately, finding alternatives was never difficult.

 

Both Luang Prabang and Vientiane had plenty of cafés and restaurants serving different cuisines, so we could always find something that suited our preferences. If you enjoy exploring unfamiliar flavours, Lao cuisine is certainly worth trying. But if you're particular about food, there's no need to worry that you'll struggle to find suitable dining options in the two cities we visited.

Who Should Visit Laos?

We think Laos is particularly worth considering if you've already explored some of Southeast Asia's more popular destinations and are looking for somewhere different. If you enjoy nature, heritage, cafés and travelling at a slower pace, there's plenty to appreciate in Luang Prabang and Vientiane. However, we wouldn't necessarily recommend Laos to everyone.

Who Might Find Laos Less Appealing?

If shopping, nightlife, theme parks or a packed schedule of urban attractions are your priorities, we think other destinations may suit you better. The same applies to families looking for a wide variety of organised activities to keep young children entertained throughout their holiday.

 

That doesn't mean Laos is unsuitable for families. Luang Prabang, in particular, has outdoor attractions that children may enjoy. But we'd recommend considering everyone's interests before deciding.

Is Laos Suitable for First-Time Visitors to Southeast Asia?

Yes, although we'd probably recommend Thailand or Vietnam first if you're completely unfamiliar with the region. Both offer extensive flight connections, accommodation choices and tourism infrastructure, which can make planning a first holiday easier.

 

That said, we found Luang Prabang and Vientiane straightforward to explore, so we wouldn't discourage anyone from choosing Laos if it genuinely interests them. For us, having already travelled extensively around Southeast Asia made visiting Laos particularly interesting. We were curious to discover what it offered that we hadn't experienced elsewhere, and we're glad we finally did.

Would We Visit Laos Again?

Yes, we'd happily return to Laos, although it probably wouldn't be our immediate priority. Our first visit gave us an enjoyable introduction to Luang Prabang and Vientiane, but there's still more of the country we'd like to explore. In particular, Vang Vieng would be high on our list for a future trip. Rather than simply repeating our previous itinerary, we'd be interested in discovering somewhere new.

 

We'd also be happy to spend another night or two in Vientiane, especially if our flights arrive and depart from the capital. We genuinely enjoyed our time there, and wouldn't mind returning for another relaxing stay. That said, there are still plenty of destinations elsewhere in Southeast Asia we'd like to explore, so another trip to Laos may have to wait.

 

Airfare would also influence our decision. Although we don't regret what we paid for our first visit, we'd probably wait for more attractive flight prices before planning another holiday. Ultimately, our first trip may have satisfied our curiosity about Luang Prabang and Vientiane, but it certainly hasn't exhausted our interest in exploring Laos.

Our Final Verdict: Is Laos Worth Visiting?

Yes, Laos is absolutely worth visiting, and we're glad we finally made the decision to go. For years, we'd found reasons to postpone visiting Laos. Flights were expensive, connections weren't particularly convenient, and there always seemed to be somewhere else we'd rather spend our holiday budget.

 

Luang Prabang was undoubtedly our favourite destination, particularly because of its beautiful natural attractions and charming heritage town. But Vientiane surprised us too. We didn't need a packed sightseeing itinerary to enjoy the capital, and spending a couple of days relaxing there turned out to be a lovely way to end our holiday.

 

Of course, Laos wasn't perfect. The haze affected our experience, the weather was sometimes uncomfortably hot, and we still wish the flights from Singapore had been cheaper. But none of those things made us regret visiting.

 

Laos doesn't need to compete with Thailand, Vietnam or Cambodia to be worth visiting. It has its own character, and that's precisely why we think it deserves a place on your travel list. Would we recommend it to everyone? Probably not. But if you're curious about Laos and have been postponing a visit for the same reasons we did, we'd encourage you to give it serious consideration. And while we may not return immediately, there's still more of Laos we'd like to discover.

 

If you're planning your first trip to Laos, we've shared our actual route and experiences in our 6 Days in Laos Itinerary. Looking back, our only real regret is that we took so long to visit.

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