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Laos.
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Travelling to Laos: what to know before you go

Laos is South-East Asia's only landlocked country: a slow, green land of Mekong river towns, Buddhist monasteries, limestone karst and forested mountains. It suits travellers who like an unhurried pace, river journeys and countryside over nightlife, and it pairs easily with Thailand, Vietnam or Cambodia.

Where to go

• Luang Prabang. The old royal capital sits on a peninsula where the Nam Khan meets the Mekong, and its townscape of temples and French-era shophouses is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Kuang Si Falls. About an hour south of Luang Prabang, a series of turquoise limestone pools steps down through the forest, ending in a tall main cascade.
• Vang Vieng. Once known for river-tubing parties, the town has turned towards the outdoors: kayaking on the Nam Song, caves, lagoons and hot-air balloon flights over a dramatic landscape of karst peaks.
• Plain of Jars. Around Phonsavan in Xieng Khouang province, hundreds of large stone jars, many over a thousand years old, lie scattered across the hills.

Best time to visit

November to February is the dry, cooler season and the most comfortable time to visit, with clear skies and pleasant evenings, though nights in the northern mountains can be cold. March to May is very hot, and in the north farmers' burning can leave a smoky haze over the hills.

Staying online in Laos

Mobile coverage is good in Vientiane, Luang Prabang, Vang Vieng, Pakse and along the main roads, and 4G is common in towns. In the mountains, on long stretches of the Mekong and in remote river valleys signal drops out for long periods, so download offline maps before slow boat trips or motorbike loops. Guesthouses and cafés in tourist towns almost all offer Wi-Fi, though speeds vary. Install an eSIM before you fly and switch it on when you land, so you can call a ride and check maps from the airport or border.