Laos centres on Luang Prabang's UNESCO old town with monks' alms-giving at dawn, Vientiane's Pha That Luang stupa, the Plain of Jars in Xieng Khouang, and the Mekong River cruising upstream from Pakbeng.
Highlights
Luang Prabang
Vang Vieng
4000 Islands
Nong Khiaw
When to Visit
Nov-Feb
Cool dry season with Luang Prabang at peak photographic conditions, monk alms reliable at dawn, and Hmong New Year celebrations in late November-December.
Apr
Lao New Year (Pi Mai) mid-April fills the country with three days of water-throwing celebrations, Luang Prabang at year's most photogenic with banner-hung wat.
Mar-May
Hot dry season with northern Laos burning agricultural fields creating haze, but Luang Prabang's Mekong-side cafés and Si Phan Don in the south stay accessible.
Jun-Oct
Wet season with afternoon storms, Mekong at peak level for boat trips, and Boun Awk Phansa October full moon ending Buddhist Lent fills Vientiane with light boats.
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