Newlyweds who wish to go off the beaten track will enjoy a Laos honeymoon. Laos, the only landlocked country in Southeast Asia, is a serene place where couples can explore ancient temples and immerse themselves in breathtaking natural beauty, whether it be through sightseeing, trekking, or kayaking.
Table of Contents
Is Laos a Good Place for a Honeymoon?
When you think of an Asian honeymoon, the idyllic images of the tropical paradise that is the Maldives may first come to mind. But in the southeast region of the continent, you’ll find one of the most exotic honeymoon destinations: Laos.
Laos has lush forests and verdant rice paddies and takes pride in a laid-back lifestyle. It provides the perfect setting for a relaxing or adventure-filled post-nuptials getaway. Rich in history, the nation was formerly part of French Indochina, together with Cambodia and Vietnam. Geographically, it’s traversed by the Mekong River, which splits East and Southeast Asia.
What Activities Can You Do on a Honeymoon in Laos?
- Embrace Laos’ unforgettable beauty. A trip to Laos is a chance to slow down and admire stunning views of nature, including mountains, rivers, rice fields, and unique limestone formations called karst.
- Kayak the Mekong River. Though the country is landlocked, it still boasts many bodies of water. The most notable of which is the mighty Mekong River. If you’re looking for adventure, you can kayak parts of the river. Or, if you want to be surrounded by its calming beauty, you can book a river cruise tour.
- Explore Kuang Si Waterfall. Laos also has its share of majestic waterfalls, with Kuang Si as the waterfall that attracts the most tourists. Breathe in the refreshing air, be in awe at its white limestone tiers, or swim in its lower pools. If you go early, you can also find a spot for a picnic breakfast.
- Climb the stairs of Mount Phousi. At 100 meters, Mount Phousi (technically a hill) is an easy climb that rewards unparalleled views of Laos. If you want to challenge yourself to a more challenging hike or trek, Pak Ou Caves on the west side of the Mekong River is a great tourist attraction.
- Get acquainted with the culture. Laos has several Buddhist temples where you can observe monks and learn more about the religion. Apart from visiting temples, indulging in local cuisine is also a must. Once the sun sinks, visit a night market for a unique shopping experience.
- Visit a neighboring country. If you want to make the most of your romantic getaway, why not visit a neighboring country? You can book a flight from Laos to Cambodia, take a minibus tour from Siem Reap to Angkor Wat or Vietnam and Thailand, and explore major cities like Ho Chi Minh and Bangkok.
What Is the Best Month to Visit Laos?
From November to January, you can enjoy Laos’s dry season and pleasant temperatures. This kind of weather will give you plenty of opportunities to go outdoors and explore the country’s quaint natural charm.
Is a Honeymoon in Laos Expensive?
Laos is an inexpensive but memorable honeymoon destination. For a one-week trip, you and your new spouse will only have to spend around $700 to $1,200. This amount doesn’t include airfares, which tend to be costly since it’s a relatively small market.
How To Plan a Budget Honeymoon in Laos
- If you don’t mind encountering rain during your travel, travel during the low season, September to October.
- Stay at cheaper accommodations for most days during your vacation.
- Book your own activities since most tourist attractions are easily accessible from major cities. Be sure to visit free attractions.
- Opt for local food instead of Western cuisine. Local prices for Western food are steep.
- As for transport options, you can save money by hiring a tuk-tuk (auto rickshaw) or riding the bus.
5 Best Cities to Stay In Laos
Vientiane
Vientiane is the country’s charming capital city and is also the largest. It’s situated in northern Laos and shelters some of the most beautiful temples in the country, including Wat Si Saket.
You can also explore Buddha Park (an open-air sculpture park) and colonial-style museums, such as Ho Phra Keo and the Laos National Cultural Hall (where you can catch classical performances and French movies). After a long day, make sure to try a Lao-style massage.
Where to stay: Ban Haysoke
Luang Prabang
One of your Laos getaway highlights is your stay in this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Since it was once the royal capital of Laos, you can find many spots and artifacts that will introduce you to the Laos Kingdom (visiting the Royal Palace Museum is a wonderful experience).
Wat Xieng Thong is also a must-visit because it’s one of the most popular monasteries in the country. Another must-do is a trek to Kuang Si Waterfall.
Where to stay: Old Town
Vang Vieng
Being a tourist-oriented town, Vang Vieng offers a lot to honeymooners. Rent a motorbike and have a scenic ride, or relax in the town’s dreamy lagoons.
Drive 30 minutes from the town center and arrive at the beautiful Kaeng Nyui Waterfall. The Pha Tang Bridge offers postcard-ready views if you want to take romantic snaps. You can ride on a hot air balloon if you want to see the area’s beauty from above.
Where to stay: Town center
Champasak
Champasak is a gorgeous town situated on the riverbank of the Mekong River. One of the best places to visit is Wat Phou Ruins, considered the blueprint for the world-famous Angkor Wat in Cambodia.
From the town, cross the river and enjoy the sandy beach of Don Daeng Island (the largest of the 4,000 Islands).
Where to stay: Ancient City
Pakse
Pakse is the capital city of Champasak province. Here, you will find several temples and the iconic statue, Golden Buddha.
Pakse is also home to the Phou Asa Mountain, a former ancient temple site. You can meander down the Mekong River from this town via a colonial-style boat called Vat Phou.
Where to stay: Mekong Riverside
What Is the Best Way to Travel to Laos?
There are no direct flights from the US to Laos. Depending on which state you’re coming from, you’ll fly into Luang Prabang International Airport or Wattay International Airport in Vientiane. Layovers are located in either Asia or Middle Eastern countries.
From the airport, you can hire a car service to your accommodation.
Traveling Within Laos
Getting around Laos is easy: You can ride the bus, train, or hire vehicles depending on your budget. Options include tuk-tuk, motorbikes, and private cars.
What Types of Honeymoon Accommodations Are Available in Laos?
Laos has both luxury and budget-friendly honeymoon accommodations.
Choose luxury hotels such as Amantaka and Belmond for comfort and convenience. Rosewood Luang Prabang is another high-end hotel. It’s located in the said UNESCO World Heritage Site, boasting French colonial-style architecture.
Stay in a boutique hotel or an Airbnb property to reduce accommodation costs.
If you want to spend a few nights in unique lodging, the country also has riverside eco-lodges and traditional-style Laotian bungalows.
3 Local Foods to Try in Laos
- Sai gok or Lao sausage. Served with Laos’ signature sticky rice, this sausage is made of chopped pork meat. Elevating its flavors are spices and herbs such as lemongrass, galangal, and kaffir leaves, among others.
- Or lam or Lao stew. This hearty stew delivers a mildly spicy kick. It has dried buffalo, beef, or chicken meat with beans, eggplant, basil, lemongrass, cilantro, chilies, green onion, and wood ear mushrooms. It also contains a local vine called mai sa kaan (be careful not to eat it as it’s not edible, you must only chew and spit it out afterward).
- Tam Mak Hoong or papaya salad. This healthy meal combines shredded unripe papaya, garlic, tomatoes, lime juice, palm sugar, fermented fish sauce, and shrimp paste.
Are There Any Cultural Experiences to Include in a Laos Honeymoon?
When curating your tailor-made honeymoon tour, you should include experiences that will bring you closer to the vibrant and interesting Laos culture.
Apart from visiting ancient temples and ruins, you can book cooking classes and visit ethnic culture parks. Also, you can go on an agricultural tour and count on a local tour guide to take you through the process of rice farming in Laos.
What to Pack For a Honeymoon in Laos
With Laos’ laid-back vibe, you mostly need to pack casual clothes (think cotton shirts and dresses, shorts, and jeans). Also, bring some long sleeves that you can wear in places where you need to cover up and swimwear for waterfalls and swimming pools.
Don’t forget to bring hiking shoes if you’re doing outdoor adventures. Comfortable walking shoes and sandals are essential when strolling around Loatian streets. Don’t forget your sunscreen, hat, insect spray, and rain protection.
Is Laos Safe to Visit?
It’s generally safe, but here are some travel safety tips to consider:
- Keep your valuables safe since petty crimes can be common in tourist areas.
- As there’s still civil unrest in the country, monitor local news and avoid any affected areas.
- Don’t leave your meals unattended when dining out, as spiked food and drinks are a persisting issue in the country.
- When booking adventure-filled activities, only book them with a reputable company. Always follow your tour guide’s instructions.
Do You Need a Visa to Visit Laos?
Yes, for your honeymoon trip to Laos, you need a visa. You can apply for it online, visit a Laos embassy near you, or get it upon arrival. This single-entry document grants you a 30-day stay in the country.
Bonus: Laos Honeymoon Travel Tips
- Make sure to bring a reusable water bottle because tap water in Laos is not potable.
- Laos’ official currency is Lao Kip, though US dollars are also accepted in many establishments. $1 is about ₭ 16,980 as of writing.
- When exchanging money, be wary of money-counting scams. Doing it in the bank or an ATM instead of a kiosk is best.
- While many locals can communicate in English, most of them use it on a basic and tourist-oriented level. A few Lao people can also speak French.
- Tipping is not customary in Laos. If you feel it’s necessary, round up your bill.