Midsize Woman

When I told friends I was going to Laos, most of them blinked and said, “Why not Thailand or Vietnam?”

It’s a fair question. Thailand has the beaches. Vietnam has the food. Laos… well, most people aren’t even sure what’s there. But after spending three weeks traveling through the country, I can tell you: Laos isn’t just worth visiting, it’s unforgettable.

My journey followed the classic loop: Pakse, Thakhek, Luang Prabang, Vang Vieng, and Vientiane. It wasn’t fast-paced. It wasn’t packed with tourists. But that was the point.

And yet… looking at the numbers, Laos is still way behind its neighbors when it comes to tourism. So the question is: Are travelers actually missing out?

The Numbers Don’t Lie: Laos Is the Underdog

If you’ve traveled in Southeast Asia, you know the usual suspects: Bangkok, Hanoi, Phuket, Ho Chi Minh. They’re packed and the stats prove it.

In 2025 alone:

Country	International Visitors (2025)	Year-on-Year Growth	Vibe
Thailand	~33–35 million forecast / actual mid-year data	—7% to –6%* (decline compared to 2024)	Beaches, parties, temples, tourist-ready cities, but slower growth than peers.
Vietnam	~19–21 million (record high)	~+21% YoY	Food, cities, culture, strong growth post-pandemic.
Laos	~3.7–4.3+ million (2025 target)	+13–15% (so far)	Quiet, nature, culture, slow travel & rising interest.

📌 What This Means for Travelers

• Thailand still draws massive crowds but is not growing as fast as its neighbors.
• Vietnam is exploding in popularity, setting new tourism records with rapid growth.
• Laos remains smaller but is growing steadily, making it ideal for travelers seeking less crowded, nature-focused experiences.

But here’s what makes that interesting: Laos is growing faster than most people realize. In the first quarter of 2025, Laos saw about 1.2 million visitors, a 28 % increase compared to the same period in 2024 and by the first 10 months of 2025 the country had welcomed nearly 3.8 million international tourists, up ~13 % year-on-year. It’s one of the region’s rising travel markets, even if it’s not trending on TikTok (yet).

The result? Fewer crowds. More space. A chance to experience a country that’s still genuine, before it becomes just another stop on the backpacker circuit.

Why Travelers Skip Laos and Why That Might Be a Mistake

Laos doesn’t market itself as aggressively as its neighbors. There are no “Eat Pray Love” scenes filmed here. No island full of full moon parties. No mega-cities with rooftop bars 50 floors high.

So when people plan a Southeast Asia trip, Laos often ends up as a “maybe” and usually gets cut.

Here’s why most travelers skip it:

• It’s landlocked. No beaches, no ocean so it loses out to Thailand or Vietnam right away.
• Flight access is limited. There are fewer international flights, and many people enter by land from neighboring countries.
• It feels “less developed.” Some assume that means less comfort or fewer things to do.
• It doesn’t go viral. Let’s be honest: Laos isn’t exactly trending on your feed.

But here’s the thing: “What Laos lacks in hype, it makes up for in heart.“

The slower pace isn’t a flaw, it’s the feature. You’re not rushing from one bucket-list item to the next. You’re wandering through temples, watching sunsets over rivers, sharing sticky rice with locals, or just sitting in a café watching life go by.

The experience feels more real, because it’s not built around tourists. It’s built around everyday life and if you’re willing to embrace the slow travel mindset, that’s where Laos shines.

Why Laos Might Actually Be the Smartest Choice in 2026

Here’s the thing: while everyone is booking flights to Vietnam and Thailand, Laos is quietly leveling up.

In 2024, the country launched a massive tourism campaign, upgraded travel infrastructure, and saw record-breaking growth. Now in 2025, it’s on pace to surpass 4.5 million visitors, its highest ever.

So what’s changing?

1. Better Access

One of the biggest shifts is the Laos–China Railway, connecting northern Laos to China and beyond. It’s made cities like Luang Prabang and Vang Vieng way more accessible. And with improved bus routes and border crossings, traveling overland fromThailand or Vietnam is smoother than ever.

2. Easier Entry

Laos has expanded visa exemptions and simplified e-visas for many countries, including parts of Europe and Asia. For regional travelers, it’s becoming one of the most affordable and accessible countries to enter.

3. Sustainable & Untouched

While other destinations wrestle with overtourism, Laos still offers quiet towns, uncrowded temples, and real cultural immersion. Places like Luang Prabang are being recognized globally for sustainable tourism efforts and preserving their heritage, all while welcoming visitors in a more mindful way.

4. Tourism Is Booming, But It’s Not Too Late

Tourist arrivals are climbing fast up 28% in early 2025 alone but it’s still early days. Laos is in that rare sweet spot: developing, but not overdeveloped. You can explore without fighting crowds, and still enjoy decent infrastructure, cozy guesthouses, local guides, and great food.

So while the rest of the region is bracing for peak season chaos, Laos is quietly becoming the best decision you didn’t realize you were about to make.

Is Laos Right for You? Here’s Who Will Love It Most

Before you book your ticket, ask yourself: Is Laos the right fit for my travel style?

Laos isn’t for everyone and that’s okay. But if you’re reading this, you might already have a hunch.

You’ll probably love Laos if you:

• Prefer slow travel and enjoying in moments over rushing from one attraction to the next.
• Enjoy being surrounded by nature, rivers, mountains, and local culture without the crowds.
• Like discovering hidden gems and chatting with locals more than chasing tourist hotspots.
• Want an experience that’s authentic and unfiltered, not polished or overrun.
• Don’t mind basic accommodations or slower transport if it means more peace and quiet.

Laos might not be your vibe if you:

• Crave non-stop nightlife and party scenes every night.
• Need fast Wi-Fi and tons of Western-style amenities on hand.
• Like a tightly packed itinerary full of famous landmarks and Instagrammable hotspots.
• Prefer big cities with tons of shopping, dining, and nightlife options.

Laos isn’t trying to compete with Thailand or Vietnam’s crowds or nightlife. Instead, it offers something rare these days: space to breathe, a slower pace, and moments of genuine connection. If that sounds like your kind of trip, Laos is waiting for you.

Final Thoughts

Laos isn’t flashy. It doesn’t shout for attention or promise nonstop action. But sometimes, the best travel memories come from places that let you slow down.

If you’ve been tempted by Thailand’s beaches or Vietnam’s vibrant cities, I get it. But Laos offers something different, a quieter pace, stunning nature, and a chance to connect with a culture that feels authentic and unhurried.

After three weeks exploring Laos, I can say this: Laos surprised me in the best way. So next time you’re planning Southeast Asia, maybe don’t skip Laos. You might just find it’s exactly what you were looking for.