Is Laos worth visiting for tourists?

Which is better to visit, Cambodia or Laos?

Cambodia? Laos? Dude, it’s a toss-up like choosing between a spicy curry and a cold beer on a 100-degree day. Both are awesome, but for entirely different reasons.

Cambodia is all about ancient history – think Indiana Jones, but less whip-cracking, more sweating profusely in the jungle heat. Angkor Wat? It’s bigger than my apartment building, I swear. Seriously impressive.

Laos, on the other hand, is chill. Like, really chill. Think of it as a giant hammock strung between stunning waterfalls and lazy rivers. Kuang Si Falls? Picture turquoise water cascading down rocks; it’s like a giant, natural Slip N’ Slide—except way prettier.

So, which wins? Depends on your soul.

• History buffs: Cambodia’s your jam. Angkor Wat alone is worth the trip. Seriously. My buddy went, he’s still talking about it.
• Relaxation seekers: Laos is where it’s at. Think peaceful vibes, stunning scenery, and maybe a questionable noodle soup from a street vendor (worth it).
• Adventurers: Both offer adventures, but Laos leans more towards nature-based activities. Think kayaking, hiking… stuff that involves getting dirt on your nice shoes.
• Instagram Influencers: Both countries are photogenic AF. But for that perfect #wanderlust shot, Laos might edge out Cambodia. More jungle vibes. I’m totally jealous.

Bottom line? Flip a coin. You can’t lose. Both countries are ridiculously beautiful and offer unique experiences. Just pack sunscreen. Lots and lots of sunscreen. Trust me on this one. My last trip I almost melted. It was 2023, and it was hot. Really hot.

Why do tourists go to Laos?

The mountains, man. They call to you. A deep, quiet call. That’s why I went. Needed that silence. Needed to escape.

I kayaked the Mekong, remember? The current strong, pushing me along. Felt… insignificant. In a good way.

People crave that. That feeling. The disconnect.

Reasons for Tourism in Laos:

• Untamed nature. The jungles are thick. The air is different. Heavy. Fragrant.
• Adventure Activities: Trekking, mountain biking, kayaking… they’re not just activities, they’re escapes.
• Remote Villages. A glimpse into another way of life. A humbling experience. It changed me, I think.
• Tranquility: Finding peace, away from the noise. That’s what I sought. Still am.

It’s more than just pretty scenery. It’s a soul thing. I know. 2023 changed me. The emptiness felt…different there. The air was heavy with it. The emptiness. My own. And the jungle’s. They were one. It was like that.

How many days should I spend in Laos?

Ten days is a good starting point for Laos, but it truly depends on your priorities. A week might suffice if you laser-focus, say, solely on Luang Prabang’s serene temples and surrounding countryside. Think of the spiritual calm, a counterpoint to our frenetic lives.

However, to truly appreciate the diversity—from the north’s mountainous beauty to the south’s Mekong River charm—three weeks is ideal.

Four weeks allows for more leisurely exploration, including perhaps less-touristed areas. This extended timeframe facilitates deeper immersion. It’s about quality over quantity, you know?

Things to consider when planning your trip:

• Travel Style: Backpacker? Luxury traveler? This drastically impacts the time needed.
• Interests: Trekking? History buff? Party animal? Tailoring your itinerary is essential.
• Internal Transportation: Buses are cheap but slow. Flights are faster but pricier. Factor in travel time. I personally prefer the slower pace, though; I once spent three days just travelling between Vang Vieng and Pakse. It was an adventure.

My recommendation: For a balanced experience hitting major highlights in both northern and southern Laos, three weeks is the sweet spot. But if time is really tight, a well-planned two-week itinerary focusing on a single region will still be rewarding.

Last year, I spent 21 days there. A perfect length for me, my travel buddy, and my trusty Canon EOS R6. I wish I’d brought my drone though. Always something, right?

Does Laos have good nightlife?

Laos? Nightlife? It’s no Ibiza. Think mellow vibes, not raging parties.

• Laos isn’t really known for its pulsating nightlife. Think “chill”, not “thrill.”

• Beerlao, yes! Brewed in Vientiane, it is the lifeblood of many an evening. It may have just become my new favorite.

• Vang Vieng might still offer “happy shakes,” but proceed with caution. Remember when everyone went crazy over this one thing?

• Most towns offer a few bars, some with live music. My friend always said, “It’s about the company, not the lights!” What’s the point if no one cares?

• Don Det offers riverside bars. You can sip a drink watching the Mekong flow. Isn’t life funny?

Is Cambodia or Laos better to visit?

Okay, Cambodia or Laos… hmmm. Better to visit? That’s tough.

Cambodia’s air connectivity is definitely better. Like, way more flights. Easy access to Thailand, Vietnam… the land borders too, yup, smoother crossings.

• Cambodia wins on accessibility.
• Laos is maybe…more chill?

Is chill better? Is ease of travel better? Depends what you want, right? Thinking back to my trip to Siem Reap in 2023, the airport was a breeze.

What did my friend Maya say about Luang Prabang? Oh yeah, beautiful but getting there was a pain!

• Maya’s Laos trip = harder to get to.

Makes sense, Cambodia probably wins on pure logistics. Not sure what else matters though, really.