Laos may not be the most talked-about country in Southeast Asia, but it’s a hidden treasure full of natural beauty, rich culture, and a laid-back atmosphere. Whether you’re floating down the Mekong River or exploring ancient temples, Laos has a charm that’ll make you want to kick back and stay a while.
Discover Fun Facts About Laos
Laos Has More Temples Than Traffic Lights
In Laos, the temple-to-traffic light ratio is seriously out of balance. With hundreds of temples (called “wats”) scattered across the country, you’ll have no shortage of places to explore your spiritual side. In fact, the capital, Vientiane, has just a handful of traffic lights but countless gorgeous temples, including the famous golden stupa, Pha That Luang. Who needs traffic lights when you’ve got Buddha watching over you?
Mekong River: Laos’ Lazy Highway
Laos is one of the few landlocked countries in Southeast Asia, but don’t worry—it’s got the Mekong River, which is basically the country’s watery highway. Locals use boats to get around, transport goods, and, of course, fish! If you visit, a leisurely boat trip down the Mekong is a must. Just don’t be surprised if you find yourself sharing the waterway with water buffalo cooling off in the river!
Sticky Rice: Laos’ National Obsession
If you think you know rice, think again. In Laos, sticky rice (known as “khao niao”) is the king of all carbs. It’s so central to the Lao diet that people refer to themselves as “children of sticky rice.” This glutinous rice is eaten with every meal, rolled into little balls, and dipped into sauces. You might even leave Laos feeling like you’ve turned into sticky rice yourself—it’s that much a part of the culture!
Laos’ Waterfalls are Straight Out of a Dream
Laos is home to some of the most stunning waterfalls you’ll ever see, and they look like they’ve been plucked from a postcard. Kuang Si Falls, near Luang Prabang, is a multi-tiered beauty with turquoise pools that are perfect for swimming. And if you thought that was magical, the Bolaven Plateau in southern Laos is home to even more jaw-dropping waterfalls, including Tad Fane, which plunges a whopping 120 meters!
The Laid-Back Capital, Vientiane, is the Opposite of a Big City
Forget bustling capitals with high-rises and traffic jams—Vientiane is the chillest capital you’ll ever visit. With its relaxed vibe, colonial-era architecture, and beautiful temples, it feels more like a peaceful town than a chaotic city. Strolling along the Mekong River at sunset or grabbing a coffee at one of its cozy cafes is a Vientiane must-do. It’s like hitting the pause button on life.
Laos is Home to the Mysterious Plain of Jars
The Plain of Jars in Laos is one of the world’s weirdest archaeological sites. Scattered across the landscape are thousands of huge stone jars, some weighing several tons. No one really knows why they’re there—maybe they were used for burials, or maybe ancient Laotians just really liked giant containers. Either way, it’s a mystery that’ll leave you scratching your head.
Laos’ New Year Celebration (Boun Pi Mai) is Basically a Giant Water Fight
If you visit Laos in mid-April, get ready to get soaked! The Lao New Year, called Boun Pi Mai, is celebrated with a nationwide water fight. It’s believed that splashing water brings good luck and washes away the bad, but really, it’s just a fun excuse to throw buckets of water at your friends and strangers alike. Don’t bother staying dry—just grab a water gun and join the fun!
Lao Coffee: The Best Kept Secret in Southeast Asia
Coffee lovers, rejoice! Laos produces some of the finest coffee in Southeast Asia, especially in the Bolaven Plateau region. Lao coffee is strong, rich, and usually served with sweetened condensed milk to give it that creamy kick. Whether you prefer it iced or hot, sipping on a cup of Lao coffee while soaking in the view of the surrounding coffee plantations is pure bliss.
Laos is the Most Bombed Country in History (But You’d Never Know It)
During the Vietnam War, Laos was heavily bombed, making it the most bombed country per capita in history. However, despite this dark past, the Laotians are some of the friendliest, most resilient people you’ll meet. Today, the country is peaceful, and many areas affected by unexploded ordnance (UXO) are safe for travelers. Laos is all about looking forward and living in the moment—something you’ll feel as soon as you arrive.
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