Travel Guide: All you need to know about money in Laos
Here’s the lowdown on dealing with money in Laos. Kip is King: The local currency is the Lao Kip. As of May 2025, about 21,430 Kip gets you a US dollar, but check BCEL Rates closer to your trip. You’ll need cash for most things. Get it from ATMs, but it’s a pain to change […]
Travel Guide: Luang Prabang – An Insider’s Perspective
Luang Prabang a UNESCO World Heritage town nestled at the confluence of the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers is, without exaggeration, the jewel in Laos’ crown. Let me share what I’ve learned about this magical place that effortlessly blends French colonial charm with traditional Lao architecture and spirituality. Getting to Luang Prabang By Air Luang […]
Travel Guide: Health and Safety in Laos
I thought I’d share some straightforward advice about staying healthy and safe in this lovely corner of Southeast Asia. It’s a brilliant country with genuinely warm people, but there are a few things worth knowing before you visit. Jabs and Medications I recommend getting these vaccinations: As for malaria, it’s mostly been eradicated here – […]
Travel Guide: Getting Around Laos
Let me share what I’ve learned about getting from A to B in this laid-back nation, with plenty of insights about crossing those borders. The Reality of Booking Transport Forget what you might be used to back home. Laos operates largely offline when it comes to transport. Those handy booking sites like 12go.Asia simply don’t […]
A Comprehensive Guide to Travelling in Laos
So, you’re dreaming of Laos? Excellent choice! This Southeast Asian gem offers a unique blend of stunning landscapes, rich culture, and laid-back charm. I will walk you through everything you need to know to prepare for your Lao adventure. Why Laos? Discovering the Allure Laos has something for everyone. Whether you’re seeking spiritual solace in […]
Laotian city becomes tourist hotspot, but residents lament loss of serenity
The old Laotian royal city of Luang Prabang, which is a Unesco World Heritage site, has long been a quiet tourist destination. But with recent Chinese investments, including a new high-speed railway, it has become easier for tourists to admire the city’s golden temples. While more tourist money is welcome, many residents are unhappy with […]
Viewpoint Cafe: A Culinary Journey with a View
Nestled in the heart of Luang Prabang, Laos, Viewpoint Cafe offers an unforgettable dining experience that combines stunning scenery with fantastic Lao cuisine. As the name suggests, the cafe boasts breathtaking views of the Nam Khan and Mekong rivers converging, creating a mesmerizing spectacle of colors as the two waterways intertwine. However as of now, […]
The charm of Tuk Tuks in Laos
Laos has a unique mode of transportation that has captured the hearts of both locals and travelers alike: the tuk tuk. This three-wheeled vehicle is not just a means of getting from point A to point B; it embodies the spirit of adventure of the Lao people. Tuk tuks are small, motorized vehicles typically featuring […]
Navigating the Laos-China Railway
A Guide to Security Screening and What Not to Bring Traveling on the Laos-China railway is a good experience. However, tales of difficulties at security checks can cause potential travelers to feel anxious. This blog will guide you on how to navigate the security screening effortlessly while informing you about prohibited items to ensure a […]
Refuge of the Last Dreamers
Luang Prabang, a city in Laos, is a refuge for those seeking peace and tranquility. It is a place where time seems to stand still, and the worries of the modern world fade away. The city is steeped in history and culture, with numerous Buddhist temples and monasteries dotting the landscape. The Mekong River winds […]
Why People Travel to Laos
One issue Laos struggles with for tourisn, is that most people have never heard of Laos. So why would people go to Laos? Laos, is a landlocked country in Southeast Asia, it is often overshadowed by its more famous neighbors like Thailand and Vietnam. However, those who venture into this serene and culturally rich nation […]
The Rich Tapestry of Lao Culture
I am aware not so many people know much about laos so I will write a little about the culture and history in coming posts. Laos, a landlocked country in Southeast Asia, is a treasure trove of cultural richness and diversity. The culture of Laos is deeply influenced by its history, geography, and the various […]
The Old Bailey Bridge
The Old Bailey Bridge in Luang Prabang, Laos, often referred to simply as the Old Bridge, dates back to the 1920s. During this period, Laos was under French colonial rule, and the French colonial government invested in infrastructure projects to improve trade links and accessibility within the region. According to most information available, this seems […]
Great off-the-beaten-path destinations for families
More articles featuring Laos as a wonderful destination such as this article by Gina Kramer In the shadows of popular bucket list destinations like Paris, Tuscany and Santorini are some lesser-known places that make family travel on a budget easy—and are equally dream-worthy. Freshen up your travel wish list with my eight top picks for […]
Travel for Less Than $30 a Day
It’s great to see Laos getting publicity and slowly discovered as in this article by Evie Carrick on August 25, 2024 In case you haven’t noticed, everything from groceries to rent is getting more expensive. Since 2021, the inflation rate has remained at or more than three percent, with the high being a seven percent increase in […]
Life Between Two Worlds
“Slow” Living in Luang Prabang and Reconnecting in New Zealand My home has been the charming UNESCO World Heritage city of Luang Pang, nestled along the banks of the Mekong River in northern Laos. It’s a far cry from the rolling green hills and coastal vistas of New Zealand, although at times the landscape does […]
Laotian city transformed by investment
The old Laotian royal city of Luang Prabang, which is a Unesco World Heritage site, has long been a quiet tourist destination. But with recent Chinese investments, including a new high-speed railway, it has become easier for tourists to admire the city’s golden temples. While more tourist money is welcome, many residents are unhappy with […]
Laos, Luang Prabang, News, Travel, Video
Lao Peoples Army Museum
Recently I had the pleasure of visiting the Lao People’s Army Museum, and was it an experience! The museum boasts a grand exterior that is just as impressive as the exhibits found within. From the get-go, I was struck by the contemporary exhibits, the interactive displays, and the captivating narratives that brought Laos’s intricate tale […]
Unwind on a Mekong River cruise
He’s aiming for luxury travel with a dose of education, history and first-hand insights into how some of the most traditional (and poorest) people in this region live.
The result is a fascinating and, at times, hilarious experience that is not only, yes, relaxing and tranquil, but also a sobering reality check.
Wat Pa Phon Phao: A hidden gem in Luang Prabang
Wat Pa Phon Phao is perched atop a small hill, offering stunning views of the surrounding town
From Bangkok to Vientiane
Richard Barrow has been a writer of online Thai travel guides and travel news for nearly 30 years. He writes about his recent experience on getting the train from Bangkok, Thailand to Vientiane, Laos. He has also taken so many great photos so we can follow his experience, thanks Richard. “I recently embarked on a train journey […]
Lao New Year 2023 is here
Lao New Year, also known as Pi Mai Lao, is a traditional festival celebrated in Laos in mid-April, marking the start of the Lao calendar year. The celebration usually lasts for three days, from April 14 to 16, and is a time for family reunions, paying respects to elders, and splashing water on each other. […]
Worst Ever Air Pollution in Laos 2023
Smog caused by the annual burning off of fields has hit all-time highs in 2023. The annual burn-off runs from Dec to April with March traditionally being the peak. From Jan to Feb large particles of ash fell from the sky and by March the particles below PM2.5 caused the air to become hazardous – […]
Enjoying the Mekong River in Laos
Over January I got the chance to enjoy a taste of life on the Mekong River a few times. The first was to take the dogs out for a trip with my friend past cucumber island to the island near the new China-Laos railway bridge. It was the most relaxing day I have had in […]
Banksy in Vientiane
I realized it’s been a while since I have blogged. Life has been incredibly busy the past few years despite the pandemic. How at times I longed to have nothing to do but secretly I think it would bore me to death. After my time with family and working remotely from New Zealand, I made […]
Laos Inflation hits 12.8%
The rate of inflation in Laos reached 12.8% in May, the highest point in 15 years. In reality it seems the rate of inflation is over 250% on many items. However, according to information provided by the Bank of Laos, inflation has now increased to a five-year high after reaching 10% in January 2016. Increases […]
Nong Khai-Laos border checkpoints finally reopen after two years
From 9 May the Laos borders fully open Three border checkpoints in Nong Khai were reopened on Sunday, more than two years after they were sealed in March 2020 to prevent the spread of Covid-19. The main checkpoint is the First Thai–Lao Friendship Bridge in Nong Khai’s Muang district, which connects with the Laos capital […]
COVID-19 Vaccination rates in Laos
A total of 5,136,399 people have received a first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine in Laos, (70% of the country’s population), according to the Lao Ministry of Health. A total of 4,367,592 people had been given a second dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, equal to 59.52% of the population. In addition, 953,825 people have had […]
Laos Cuts Quarantine times
Quarantine times slashed as health system no longer under pressure
224 new species in Mekong region identified
A monkey with ghostly white circles around its eyes is among 224 new species listed in the World Wildlife Fund’s latest update on the greater Mekong region.
Train exports potash fertilizer and rubber
VIENTIANE, Jan. 4 (Xinhua) — Just after one month’s operation, the China-Laos Railway has demonstrated its advantages and favorable effects in passenger and freight transportation. The China-Laos Railway, which connects Kunming, the capital city of southwestern China’s Yunnan Province, and Vientiane, the capital of Laos, was opened on Dec. 3. In the past month, the […]
Laos, Laos Train, News, Travel
Laos Launches Covid-19 Vaccination Certificate
Health authorities in Laos have launched a new enhanced Covid-19 vaccination certificate with a QR Code that will allow for greater authenticity and digital verification. According to a report by the Center of Information and Education for Health, the QR code on the Covid-19 vaccination certificate will ensure that the certificates are authentic and can be more […]
Man is Electrocuted Cutting Cables on Laos-China Railway
A man has died after being electrocuted while cutting cables at a Naxaythong section of the Laos-China Railway in Vientiane Capital. It is believed the man had been attempting to steal electrical cables. The incident occurred in Chengsavang Village, Naxaythong District yesterday when a local man attempted to cut cables, presumably stealing for sale as […]
Laos First Train Gets Name – Langxang
The Lao flag symbol with it’s three colors inspires the new passenger train design for the Laos-China Railway. The passenger train has been named Lanxang and is due to arrive this week, ahead of the grand opening on 2 December 2021. The Prime Minister’s Office on Monday issued a notice that named the historic passenger […]
Laos-China Railway on Track for December
The 6 US Billion Laos-China railway which was started in December 2016 is a year early and set up open on Lao National day this year, 2 December. The railway runs from the town of Boten on Laos’s border with China to the capital Vientiane and is now 93.82% complete according to the Miniter of […]
My COVID Journey: Quarantine-Day 12-14
Today is Saturday, the final day of the current week-long NZ lockdown. I have Sunday to go and then leave Monday (day 15). Today is also my day 12 COVID-19 test. This is my 4th test in total. One in Laos on the 18th and 3 in NZ Day 0, 3 and 12. I got […]
My COVID Journey: Quarantine-Day 11
Today started with a 7.1 earthquake at 2.27am followed by more with another 8.1 at 8.30am. I hadn’t slept well and while I didn’t feel it it is what perhaps woke me. A tsunami warning was issued for numerous areas to evacuate. I was okay in Auckland as were friends and family. Evacuation advice overrides […]
My COVID Journey: Quarantine-Day 10
Thursday 4 March wow. It’s actually my 11th day today but until the day turns over I guess it’s Day 10 since I started at Day 0. I escaped my room briefly today to take my 7 items of laundry down, my slot was 7.30 to 7.35. Why I \don’t know as it was actually […]
My COVID Journey: Quarantine-Day 9
I have to think about today as the days are blending into one another. Six books by famed children’s author Dr. Seuss have been pulled from publication by the company that manages the author’s legacy. According to Dr. Seuss Enterprises, titles such as “And to Think That I Saw It on Mulberry Street” and “If […]
My COVID Journey: Quarantine-Day 8
I spent some time today listening to music while pottering about. Daft Punk have split and it was announced by them posting an epilogue video. They were so influential in the early 1990s with early house. The best eroa of music!
My COVID Journey: Quarantine-Day 7
The day passed quickly. I heard a rustle at the door, the sound of a brown paper bag and a knock-knock. A delicious roast pork loin came for dinner – perfect.
My COVID Journey: Quarantine-Day 6
When will this be over? Another sleepless night. Went to bed at 11pm feeling tired but then I was wide awake and not comfortable. I had about 203 hours sleep. The nurse knocked at my door “CHECK”, she said. I got out of bed and put some clothes on. “TEST” she shouted again. I put […]
My COVID Journey: Quarantine-Day 5
I had a terrible sleep, I was wide awake and so got up at 1am and did some work until 6am. I grabbed a few hours kip then. Felt a bit crappy when I rose. The carpark outside seems empty. There are 150 rooms here so would expect to see more people. Maybe it’s to […]
My COVID Journey: Quarantine-Day 4
The day started with my breakfast pack (a massive service of granola), followed by a nurse taking my temperature with a gun. The phone ran to confirm my menu for tomorrow. With the amount of food, perhaps they think there are two people in my room. I heard the familiar noise of food arriving and […]
My COVID Journey: Quarantine-Day 3
I woke at 2am and again at 7am. I’m still not sleeping well. I feel a bit down in the evenings, it’s weird being locked up. I did some exercise before eating breakfast, an egg muffin. The NZ Defence Force lady called the phone in my room asking me to come for my day 3 […]
My COVID Journey: Quarantine-Day 2
I woke at 6am to see tomorrow’s food menu under the door. Enchiladas and Roast Pork Belly are on the menu. My back is sore from not being used to such a soft bed! The Sebel Manukau Hotel is a fine location to be help in Quarantine. The staff are nice, the room is clean […]
My COVID Journey: Quarantine-Day 1
After feeling to exhausted yesterday it wasn’t until midnight that I got to sleep. This is good though as I get used to the NZ time difference which is 6 hours ahead. It’s day 2 really now isn’t it. I wonder if they call it day 0 so try and make us think we haven’t […]
My COVID Journey: Quarantine-Day 0
I didn’t think I was going to make it out of Laos. I got to the Vientiane airport 3 hours early and after 3 hours I still didn’t have a boarding pass. I was getting anxious. I went to the airport at 7pm with two friends, one has been helping people exit Laos over the […]
My COVID Journey: Prologue
In the future, I may look back on this and remember what is was like to travel during COVID-19. Of course, unless one really had to, you would not choose to travel at such a time. I will summarize my two-week quarantine in New Zealand. In the meantime here is a prologue while I remain […]
Anouluck Xang – Protect our Elephants
Laos has been known as Lan Xang, the Land of a Million Elephants, since it was a remote, reclusive, ancient kingdom. Elephants are part of Lao peoples’ blood, bones and essential beings – as important as roots are to trees. It is with the understanding and respect for this connection that we share with you […]
Helping victims of bomb accidents
Up to a third of the bombs dropped did not explode. In 2008, 300 people a year were injured or killed and today that figure is closer to 50. Uncleared land still poses a threat to farmers and villages and sadly people still suffer injuries today, often lost limbs or eyesight.
Exhibition, Health, Laos, Luang Prabang, Poverty, Travel, UXO
Is there enough parking in Luang Prabang?
Luang Prabang is located in northern Laos at the heart of a mountainous region built on a peninsula formed by the Mekong and the Nam Khan Rivers. They say Buddha would have smiled when he rested there during his travels, prophesying that it would one day be the site of a rich and powerful city. […]
Business, China, Community Development, Laos, Luang Prabang, Monks, Nam Khan, Travel
Novice Monks paint Wat Mano
As I passed, Wat Mano, this morning on the way to work, I noticed a swarm of Novices up bamboo scaffolding busy painting the temple. Wat Manorom, known as Wat Mano, was built to inter the ashes of King Samsenthai (1373-1416) so it is one of the oldest sites in town and quite a large […]
Education, French, Laos, Monks, Painting, School, Temple, Travel
Getting around Luang Prabang
I was back at the motorbike shop this week. I’ve had a good run lately. I was going to the shop every few months since I got my fake Honda motorbike in 2016. I’ve changed shops during the last few years, from one Vietnamese shop to another. I decided bypassing the fuse to fit the […]
Secret train streets in Hanoi?
Visit Dec 2018 Hanoi, a city of many past names, was originally known as Long Biên ( “dragon edge”) during the CHinese ccupation. Long Biên Bridge, built during French colonial time just happened to be the highlight of my recent revisit to Hanoi. I’ve long had a love affair with Vietnam. It is the incredible […]
Luang Prabang Bamboo Bridge
Each year at the end of the rainy season the local village builds a Bamboo Bridge across the Nam Khan river. It is narrow and very sturdy. It washes away when the high waters come again in rainy season. For 5,000 kip you can cross from the peninsula side to Ban Phuang Luang (or vice […]
Bamboo bridge, Food, Laos, Luang Prabang, Nam Khan, School, Travel
Laos – Thailand: Free ticket
You don’tget much for free these days, especially as a foreigner in Laos. Recently when I crossed the Lao-Thai border across the Friendship bridge by bus, from Vientiane to Nong Khai I was surprised. It’s a simple crossing but I imagine it’s confusing for “1st time crossers” as there is little signage to what to […]
Wat Wisunarat (Wat Visoun) has a new watermelon
Wat Wisunarat is Luang Prabang’s oldest temple and was once home to the Prabang Buddhas. It also contains what is known as the “Watermelon stupa”, build in 1530, it’s shaped like a watermelon. It is one of my first memories when I arrived in 2011. It took me a few years to remember this temple […]
Sunday morning roadworks
One of my favourite sights in Luang Prabang … roadworks!!! It is not a sight seen often but a very welcome one. It seems the roads, including main roads and main tourist streets, were only repaired 6 months ago and already large potholes had reappeared causing traffic to grind to a halt. So imagine my […]
Food, Laos, Luang Prabang, Travel, Video
Road collapses in Luang Prabang
The road on the peninsula in UNESCO Heritage Zone 1 has collapsed further from the rain this past season. The road runs along the Nam Khan (the river that joins the Mekong River). It is a very beautiful part of Luang Prabang and teenagers love to ride their motorbikes round and round at night (much […]
Fishing on the border
Bokèo is a northern province of Laos. It is the smallest and least populous province in Laos. For most people they enter Bokeo when crossing via land from Thailand. I love going from Luang prabang up the Mekong River to Huay Xai, in Bokeo Province and into Thailand, it is a magic few days. I […]
Stunning Laos – Together we thrive
A beautiful video of Laos showing the stunning scenery and people that fill this magic country. Video by: Cedric Jean-Baptiste They say travelling is one of the best ways to grow and whilst true this only occurs if you reflect on the experience and learn from it. After going through hours of footage, this is what […]
Follow-your-dream, Laos, Luang Prabang, Travel, Vang Vieng, Video
Beautiful Laos – Paradise seen from Heaven
Filmed by: Christoph von Toggenburg Laos is covered in wild jungles, mirroring lakes, colourful rice paddies, beautiful temples, ancient ruins, amazing waterfalls and slow rivers. This short film takes you on a journey across Laos, captured from the air, showing this unique country from an entirely unseen perspective. Celebrating our engagement, my finacée Valentine and […]
Finding magic on Luang Prabang’s doorstep.
I have always enjoyed crossing the Mekong on the car ferry or boat to the ‘other side’. I often go for a walk over here in Chomphet District in the Village of Xiengmene. Chomphet district is a poor area and many projects are needed in this area. See recent posts for recent projects in this […]
Long Chieng – off-limits for 50 years
Abandoned in 1975 in one of the last acts of the war, Long Chieng was once the busiest airport in the world and has been off-limits for 50 years. Home to Lao Air Force T-28 bombers and Pilatus Porters, Helio Couriers and an assortment of helicopters, mostly flown by Air America and Continental Air Services. […]
China, Laos, Luang Prabang, News, Travel, UXO, Vang Vieng, Vientiane, Vietnam
Boun Lai Heua Fai (Festival of Light Boats) 2017
ພາບບັນຍາກາດບຸນໄຫຼເຮືອໄຟ ທີ່ຫຼວງພະບາງ 2017 Boun Lai Heua Fai (Festival of Light Boats) 2017, the most beautiful time of year in Luang Prabang with the temple all lit up to celebrate the end of Buddhist Lent.
Wat Pa Houak, Phousi Mountain, Luang Prabang
I have often seen this little temple at the base of the hill to the famous Phousi mountain. Phousi mountain is right in the middle of town and a popular place for tourists. There is a 150m walk to the top, a favourite spot for watching the sunset over a beautiful Luang Prabang. From the […]
Bus connects Nan and Luang Prabang from Oct 2017
Luang Prabang in Laos will be connected with Nan by a bus service from Oct 1. (Post Today photo) State-owned Transport Co will introduce a minibus service between Nan and Luang Prabang next month. General manager Jeerasak Yaowatsakul said the new minibus service starting on Oct 1 would take about eight hours on a 373-kilometre […]
Trip to Tad Sae waterfall
I got an unexpected invite to join friends and their neighbours for a trip to Tad Sae waterfall this Sunday. I had heard these waterfalls, one of two in Luang Prabang, had been dry but now as it’s the beginning of rainy season I thought there may be some water on this hot day. Unlike […]
Kayaking the Ou and Mekong river to Luang Prabang
I decided this week to take a day off and go kayaking down the Mekong River from just north of Pak Ou caves. I’ve visited the caves a few times before but never via the Mekong or kayaking. So I joined a tour and set out by tuk-tuk about an hour north of Luang Prabang. […]
Laos town known for drunkenness and tourist deaths cleans up its act
This great article by Claire Boobbyer gives a great overview of the town and beauty of Vang Vieng. “I want us to preserve the mountains of Vang Vieng, the river and the culture for the future,” Thanongsi Solangkoun told me as I sipped mulberry wine at his organic restaurant on the Nam Song river in Laos. […]
Unlocking Laos for the traveller
This article recently published By Harry Bedford shows what a wonderful place Laos is for tourists. It is the only country in South East Asia with no beaches but they make up for it with beautiful people, mountains and waterfalls. Did I mention the food? This short articles will give you a good taste of […]
Archaeologists just found human remains in the mysterious ‘jar plains’ of Laos
JOSH HRALA – 5 APR 2016 At first glance, the Plain of Jars in Laos looks like something out of an Indiana Jones film. The landscape is covered in clusters of stone jars, ranging in size from 1 to 3 metres tall, with some weighing in at over 10 tonnes. But what was their original purpose? […]
Magical Laotian Town Preserved by UNESCO Loses Its Soul
This article by DENIS D. GRAY: AP has been posted on so many sites including NZ news media. There is a lot of truth to this. it is sad that locals are gone and their places taken by outsiders and foreigners. I feel that foreigners living in Luang Prabang seem to respect the local customs and […]
Arriving Lao PDR
After much prep and planning the last month, I woke at 3.40am in Wellington, showered, dressed and walked my 30KG bag to the street to meet the taxi. It is a nice feeling not having to worry about too many things in the morning especially when it’s early. I had lived off lists this past […]
From Cambodia to Laos: A Journey of Inspiration and Purpose
Over a decade ago, a transformative trip to Cambodia ignited a flame within me, setting me on an unexpected path of discovery. It was a journey that forever altered my perspective and led me to the enchanting country of Laos. here I reflect on the profound impact of my travels, the loss of a dear […]
Education, Featured, Food, Health, Laos, Luang Prabang, Poverty, School, Travel, UXO, Volunteering