Best Laos Travel Guides of 2025

Wilson Cook Avatar
Wilson Cook
Last Updated: May 12, 2023

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Laos travel guides are an essential tool for anyone planning a trip to this beautiful Southeast Asian country. These guides provide comprehensive information about the country's history, culture, and attractions, along with practical tips for navigating its unique customs and traditions. From the bustling capital city of Vientiane to the tranquil countryside dotted with ancient temples and stunning waterfalls, Laos offers a wealth of experiences for travelers of all interests. Laos travel guides offer detailed maps, recommendations for lodging and dining, and insider tips for getting the most out of your trip. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, a Laos travel guide is an indispensable resource for planning an unforgettable journey.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Lonely Planet Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos & Northern Thailand 6 (Travel Guide) Cover #TOP 1
Lonely Planet Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos & Northern Thailand 6 (Travel Guide)
ftb score rating icon 9.9
Fodor's Essential Thailand: with Cambodia & Laos (Full-color Travel Guide) Cover #TOP 2
Fodor's Essential Thailand: with Cambodia & Laos (Full-color Travel Guide)
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Burma Superstar: Addictive Recipes from the Crossroads of Southeast Asia [A Cookbook] Cover #TOP 3
Burma Superstar: Addictive Recipes from the Crossroads of Southeast Asia [A Cookbook]
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Laos Travel Guides

Lonely Planet Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos & Northern Thailand 6 (Travel Guide)

Bloom, Greg
Bush, Austin
Eimer, David
Evans, Bruce
Harding, Paul
Harper, Damian
Harrell, Ashley
Johanson, Mark
Mahapatra, Anirban
Mayhew, Bradley
McCrohan, Daniel
Ray, Nick
Stewart, Iain
Lonely Planet
Nov 23, 2021
Lonely Planet Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos & Northern Thailand 6 (Travel Guide) Cover
Lonely Planet Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos & Northern Thailand 6 (Travel Guide)

Lonely Planet Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos & Northern Thailand 6 (Travel Guide) is an up-to-date and comprehensive guidebook that provides travelers with all the essential information they need to explore these countries. The book includes insider tips, cultural insights, and honest reviews for all budgets, making it a perfect choice for both exploring top sights and taking roads less traveled. The book also features improved planning tools for family travelers, a 'Just Landed' card with wi-fi, ATM, and transport info, and a 'What's New' feature that taps into cultural trends. Overall, this guidebook is highly recommended for anyone planning to visit Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, and Northern Thailand.

Fodor's Essential Thailand: with Cambodia & Laos (Full-color Travel Guide)

Fodor’s Travel Guides
Apr 19, 2022
Fodor's Essential Thailand: with Cambodia & Laos (Full-color Travel Guide) Cover
Fodor's Essential Thailand: with Cambodia & Laos (Full-color Travel Guide)

Fodor's Essential Thailand: with Cambodia & Laos is a comprehensive travel guidebook that provides readers with everything they need to know to plan their trip and maximize their time in the region. With detailed itineraries, maps, and recommendations from local experts, this guidebook is an excellent resource for anyone interested in exploring the rich culture and natural beauty of Thailand, Cambodia, and Laos. The book is also filled with stunning color photos and features special sections on topics such as Bangkok street food and silk-making in Thailand. Overall, Fodor's Essential Thailand is an excellent choice for travelers looking to make the most of their trip to Southeast Asia.

Burma Superstar: Addictive Recipes from the Crossroads of Southeast Asia [A Cookbook]

Tan, Desmond
Leahy, Kate
Ten Speed Press
Mar 28, 2017
Burma Superstar: Addictive Recipes from the Crossroads of Southeast Asia [A Cookbook] Cover
Burma Superstar: Addictive Recipes from the Crossroads of Southeast Asia [A Cookbook]

Burma Superstar: Addictive Recipes from the Crossroads of Southeast Asia is a Pacific Rim Cooking, Food & Wine book that presents nearly 90 mouthwatering recipes from the beloved San Francisco restaurant, Burma Superstar. The book includes stunning photographs and essays about the country and its food, demystifying the ingredients and cooking techniques of Myanmar. The book is a must-read for anyone who loves Burmese cuisine and wants to cook it at home. The concise historical background and informative recipes make it approachable for all experience levels. Overall, this book is a seductive glimpse of the unique blend of flavors that make Burmese food so addictive.

Lonely Planet Southeast Asia Planning Map 1

Lonely Planet
Lonely Planet
Dec 17, 2019
Lonely Planet Southeast Asia Planning Map 1 Cover
Lonely Planet Southeast Asia Planning Map 1

The Lonely Planet Southeast Asia Planning Map 1 is a must-have for anyone looking to explore the beauty of Southeast Asia. This full-color map comes with a handy slipcase and an easy-fold format, making it easy to use and carry around. It includes tailored itineraries, can't-miss highlights, and detailed town indexes of Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Timor-Leste, and Vietnam. The map also features themed lists and beautiful imagery to help you plan your trip better. Lonely Planet is a leading travel media company, and this map is a testament to their commitment to providing inspiring and trustworthy information for every kind of traveler.

DK Eyewitness Cambodia and Laos (Travel Guide)

DK Eyewitness
Dec 20, 2022
DK Eyewitness Cambodia and Laos (Travel Guide) Cover
DK Eyewitness Cambodia and Laos (Travel Guide)

DK Eyewitness Cambodia and Laos is a comprehensive travel guide that provides a detailed look at the two countries' unique cultures, natural beauty, and ancient temples. The guidebook is filled with stunning photographs, hand-drawn illustrations, and expert-led insights that transport readers to Cambodia and Laos, making it an ideal companion for anyone looking to explore the region. It includes color-coded chapters, practical tips, detailed maps, and itineraries that help travelers navigate the region with ease. Overall, DK Eyewitness Cambodia and Laos is a valuable resource for anyone planning a trip to these beautiful countries.

#TOP 6

A Dragon Apparent: Travels in Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam

Lewis, Norman
Eland Publishing
Dec 19, 2003
A Dragon Apparent: Travels in Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam Cover
A Dragon Apparent: Travels in Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam

A Dragon Apparent: Travels in Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam, originally published in 1951, is a captivating travel book that takes the reader on a journey through Indo-China during the last years of the French colonial regime. Norman Lewis's literary vividness brings to life the ancient native civilizations that survived until the devastation of the Vietnam War. From meeting a King of Cambodia and an Emperor of Vietnam to staying in spectacular longhouses of the highlanders, Lewis provides a fascinating glimpse into the region's culture and people. The book is a must-read for anyone interested in Southeast Asian travel guides.

A Fortune-Teller Told Me: Earthbound Travels in the Far East

Terzani, Tiziano
Crown
Apr 23, 2002
A Fortune-Teller Told Me: Earthbound Travels in the Far East Cover
A Fortune-Teller Told Me: Earthbound Travels in the Far East

"A Fortune-Teller Told Me: Earthbound Travels in the Far East" is an engaging travel book that takes readers on a journey through Asia. Tiziano Terzani's year-long adventure, where he traveled by foot, boat, bus, car, and train, resulted in a rediscovery of a place he had been reporting on for decades. Along the way, he consulted soothsayers, sorcerers, and shamans, and received much advice about his future. Terzani's reflections on subjects from astrology to political violence, from the depravity of Bangkok to the sterility of Singapore, make for a marvelous traveling companion. This book is unique in its thoughtful progression and openness to people, making it a must-read for anyone interested in travel writing."

#TOP 8

Lonely Planet Laos 10 (Travel Guide)

Bush, Austin
Evans, Bruce
Ray, Nick
Lonely Planet
Jul 21, 2020
Lonely Planet Laos 10 (Travel Guide) Cover
Lonely Planet Laos 10 (Travel Guide)

Lonely Planet Laos 10 (Travel Guide) is an ultimate travel companion for any traveler who wants to explore Laos. The guidebook is packed with up-to-date information, insider tips, and cultural insights that help travelers tailor their trips according to their needs and interests. The book covers the most popular and off-the-beaten-path experiences, including Bokeo Nature Reserve, Luang Prabang, and Bolaven Plateau. It also provides essential information such as hours of operation, phone numbers, websites, transit tips, and prices for all budgets. Overall, this is a comprehensive and trustworthy guidebook that is highly recommended for anyone planning to visit Laos.

Insight Guides Indonesia (Travel Guide with Free eBook)

Guides, Insight
Insight Guides
Mar 31, 2020
Insight Guides Indonesia (Travel Guide with Free eBook) Cover
Insight Guides Indonesia (Travel Guide with Free eBook)

Insight Guides Indonesia is a comprehensive travel guide that provides readers with a wealth of cultural insights, historical facts, and practical information about the country. The guide is packed with stunning photography that captures the beauty of Indonesia's top destinations, including Bali, Java, and Sumatra. The book also includes full-color maps, insider tips, and essential information on transportation, etiquette, and hours of operation. One unique feature of this guide is its free eBook and app, which allows travelers to access bonus content from their phone or tablet. Overall, Insight Guides Indonesia is a must-have for anyone planning a trip to this fascinating country.

#TOP 10

Welcome to el Sudeste Asiático

Delgado Olea, Belén
Barrios Álvarez, Julio
Jun 23, 2022
Welcome to el Sudeste Asiático Cover
Welcome to el Sudeste Asiático

Welcome to el Sudeste Asiático is a travel guidebook that takes the reader on a journey through eight countries of Southeast Asia, including Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Myanmar, Vietnam, Cambodia, and the Philippines. The book provides essential information on routes, destinations, and tips for an unforgettable adventure. However, what makes this book unique is the authors' personal stories, reflections on controversial topics, and anecdotes that arise from immersing themselves in the culture and customs of each country. Beln and Julio's passion for traveling and inspiring others to explore the world is evident throughout the book. Overall, Welcome to el Sudeste Asiático is a refreshing and insightful travel guide that offers a unique perspective on Southeast Asia.

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Editor's Notes

During our laos travel guide research, we found 1,000+ laos travel guide products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 7,786 customer reviews through our big data system to write the laos travel guides list. We found that most customers choose laos travel guides with an average price of $17.02.

Written by
Wilson Cook Avatar

Wilson Cook is a talented writer who has an MFA in creative writing from Williams College and has published more than 50 books acquired by hundreds of thousands of people from various countries by now. He is an inveterate reading lover as he has read a vast amount of books since childhood.