If you’re drawn to the warmth and colour of Southeast Asia but prefer somewhere quieter and less commercial, Laos might be exactly what you’re looking for. It’s calm, kind, full of natural beauty and offers children the kind of adventure that feels genuine rather than manufactured. Families who visit often say it reminds them what travel used to feel like before everything got so fast.

Getting there and getting around

There are no direct flights from the UK to Laos, but it’s easy to connect via Bangkok, Hanoi or Kuala Lumpur. Flights to Luang Prabang or Vientiane usually cost between £550 and £800 return, depending on the route and season.

Laos is long and thin, stretching along the Mekong River, and journeys can take time. For most families, focusing on one or two regions works best. The road network is improving, but it’s still a country made for slow travel.

• Private drivers are the easiest option for families, and prices are reasonable.
• Boats on the Mekong can take you between towns — slow, scenic and peaceful.
• Domestic flights connect Vientiane, Luang Prabang and Pakse if you’re covering long distances.
• Within towns, tuk-tuks and bicycles are simple ways to get around.

The pace of life in Laos is famously relaxed. It’s not the place to rush, and that’s exactly what makes it so rewarding.

Budget and accommodation

Laos is still one of the most affordable destinations in Asia. A family-run guesthouse with breakfast might cost around £25–£35 per night, and boutique hotels with pools start from £60–£90.

Many properties are small and independently owned, often overlooking rivers or mountains. Families are warmly welcomed — you’ll find staff happily chatting to children, and meals adapted to their tastes.

Food is simple, fresh and influenced by Thai and Vietnamese cooking. Sticky rice, noodle soups, barbecued meats and tropical fruit are everywhere. In Luang Prabang, the night market is full of stalls selling crepes, dumplings and fruit shakes that children love. A family meal out can easily come to under £15.

Where to go and what to do

Luang Prabang is the perfect starting point for families. A UNESCO-listed town surrounded by mountains, it feels safe, walkable and full of gentle charm. Mornings begin with monks collecting alms, and days can be spent visiting temples, cycling through quiet lanes or climbing the steps to Mount Phousi for sunset views.

Children will love a visit to the Kuang Si Waterfalls, where turquoise pools are perfect for paddling and picnics. The Bear Rescue Centre nearby is another favourite, offering a positive, educational experience.

If you have longer, take a slow-boat journey along the Mekong — an unforgettable way to see rural life unfold along the riverbanks. Villages, fishing boats and children playing in the water create a sense of calm you rarely find elsewhere.

Further south, Vang Vieng has reinvented itself from a backpacker hub into an adventure base for families, with gentle kayaking, caves and mountain hikes. In the far south, Si Phan Don (Four Thousand Islands) offers simple riverside lodges, with hammocks.

Safety and well-being

Laos is known for being safe and peaceful. Crime against tourists is rare, and the local people are famously kind and welcoming. The biggest risks tend to be practical ones — bumpy roads, hot weather and the occasional upset stomach.

Travel insurance is essential, and it’s sensible to carry a basic first-aid kit and plenty of bottled water. If you’re travelling by road, try to avoid driving after dark.

The country’s gentle pace actually makes it easier to travel with children. There’s little traffic in smaller towns, and the atmosphere is calm and respectful.

Health, vaccinations and essentials

As with other countries in the region, check with your GP or a travel clinic at least four weeks before departure. Most families will need routine vaccinations up to date — MMR, tetanus, diphtheria and polio — along with Hepatitis A and Typhoid.

If you’re heading into rural areas, discuss Hepatitis B, Japanese Encephalitis or Rabies. Malaria risk varies depending on the region, so ask for current advice.

Bottled or filtered water is safest, and mosquito repellent is a must, particularly in the evenings. Long, loose cotton clothing helps with both the heat and insect protection.

Family travel tips

• Plan shorter journeys; roads can be slow and winding.
• Choose accommodation with a pool where possible — they’re great for cooling off.
• Bring light rain jackets if travelling between May and October.
• Visit early in the day to avoid heat when exploring temples or waterfalls.
• Carry snacks and water, as food options can be limited on long drives.
• Encourage children to learn a few Lao phrases — locals really appreciate it.

Laos has a slower rhythm than its neighbours, which actually makes it easier to enjoy as a family. There’s no pressure to tick off endless sights; it’s more about absorbing the calm and kindness around you.

Final thoughts

Travelling to Laos with children isn’t about theme parks or flashy resorts. It’s about drifting along rivers, exploring waterfalls, watching the sunset over golden temples and discovering how peaceful life can feel when you slow down.

Families often leave Laos feeling re-set — less hurried, more connected and full of shared stories. It’s not the loudest destination in Asia, but it’s thought to be one of the most meaningful.