WHEN TO TRAVEL TO Laos

Location

Climate

Located in Southeast Asia, Laos is a country full of charm and tradition, attracting thousands of visitors every year.

Low and high season periods

Laos has two distinct tourist seasons: low season and high season. Each has its advantages and disadvantages, depending on your preferences and expectations.

Low season (April to October)

The low season extends from April to October, during the rainy season. During this period, the climate is generally hot and humid, with average temperatures around 30°C. Rainfall can be heavy, especially between June and September. However, don't let this discourage you, as showers are often short-lived and cool the atmosphere. What's more, the landscape is particularly lush and green at this time of year. One of the main advantages of traveling during the low season is that tourist sites are less crowded, allowing you to enjoy the attractions and appreciate the beauty of the country more fully. Accommodation rates are also more affordable at this time of year, which is a big plus for travellers on a tight budget.

High season (November to March)

The high season in Laos runs from November to March, during the dry season. Temperatures are cooler and more pleasant, averaging between 20°C and 25°C, and the climate is generally dry and sunny. This is the ideal time to visit the country and enjoy all its activities without being bothered by rain. However, due to high tourist numbers, accommodation and transport prices can be higher than in low season. It is important to note that the weather can vary from one region to another in Laos.This is particularly true between the Mekong plains and the mountain plateaus. It is therefore essential to find out about the climatic conditions specific to the regions you wish to visit.

Major cultural events

Laos is rich in age-old culture and ancestral traditions, and several major cultural events punctuate the year. Participating in these festivities is an excellent opportunity to discover Laotian culture and enjoy unforgettable experiences. Here are some of the main events not to be missed:

• Laotian New Year (April) Also known as "Pi Mai" or "Songkran", it is celebrated over three days and marks the start of the Lunar New Year. Festivities include processions, offerings to monks, and water fights in the streets.
• Rocket Festival (May) The Rainy Day: this traditional ceremony aims to encourage rain by launching handmade rockets into the sky. It takes place mainly in the Vientiane region, with competitions, shows and entertainment.
• Boat festival (September/October) Mekong: this sporting and cultural event celebrates the end of the rainy season with pirogue races on the Mekong and folklore events throughout the country.

Public holidays and closures

Finally, it's important to take national holidays into account when planning your trip to Laos, as some tourist sites and services may be closed. Here is a non-exhaustive list of the main Laotian public holidays:

• January 1: New Year's Day
• March 8: International Women's Day
• March 22: Laotian People's Day
• April 14: Laotian New Year (Pi Mai)
• May 1: Labour Day
• December 2: Laos National Day

Visa requirements for Laos

Before looking at the statistics on the most popular visas in Laos, it's worth briefly outlining the different types of visa available to foreigners wishing to visit or settle in the country.

• Tourist visa : Valid for a maximum of 30 days, this visa is intended for tourists wishing to discover Laos. It can be obtained on arrival at certain border crossings, or in advance from a Laotian embassy.
• Business visa: reserved for professionals on temporary assignments in Laos, this visa is generally valid for 30 days, but can be extended if necessary.
• Work visa: issued to expatriates employed by a Laotian company or an international organization based in the country, this visa enables them to work legally in Laos for up to 1 year.
• Long-stay visa : intended for foreigners wishing to settle permanently in Laos for family, professional or other reasons, this visa requires a more complex procedure and a solid file.

Statistics on the most popular visas in Laos

According to data provided by the Laotian Ministry of Tourism, the tourist visa is by far the most popular type of visa for foreigners visiting Laos. In fact, around 80 % of international arrivals are tourists to discover the country's cultural and natural riches. Among them are travelers from other Asian countries such as China, Thailand and Vietnam.

Tourist visa applications

In recent years, statistics show a significant increase in the number of tourist visas issued in Laos. According to figures for the first quarter of 2019, almost 1.9 million tourists visited the country, an increase of 9 % compared to the same period in 2018. This growth looks set to continue over the following years, with a steady improvement in the national economy and diversification of tourism-related revenue sources.

Other types of visa

Business, work and long-stay visas account for a smaller share of international arrivals in Laos. Nevertheless, these visa categories are also growing steadily, reflecting the country's economic development and the growing attraction of the professional opportunities it offers.

International tourism figures for Laos

Statistics on international tourism in Laos highlight the growing importance of this sector for the national economy. Indeed, tourism now accounts for around 5 % of gross domestic product (GDP) in the country, with estimated sales of nearly $450 million for 2019.

Geographical origin of tourists

As mentioned above, the majority of tourists visiting Laos come from Asia, notably from Chinaof Thailand and Vietnam. These three countries alone account for over 50 % of international arrivals in Laos. Other visitors come mainly from Europe, Asia and Latin America.Australia or North America.

Seasonality of tourism in Laos

Tourism in Laos is characterized by a certain seasonality, with an increase in the number of visitors during the dry season, which generally runs from November to April. This period also corresponds to the high tourist season in neighboring countries such as Thailand and Cambodia, which partly explains the increase in the number of visitors to Laos during these months.

Main tourist attractions

Laos boasts an exceptional cultural and natural heritage that attracts thousands of travellers every year. Highlights include the historic city of Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the impressive Kuang Si Falls and the mysterious Plain of Jars, a unique archaeological site.