Laos Gay Travel

As a predominantly Buddhist country, Laos is generally tolerant of homosexuality. However, legal rights and protections are often ambiguous at best (Same-Sex Adoption) and unrecognized at worst (Same-Sex Marriage). Gay travellers tend not to ruffle feathers, but avoiding public displays of affection, especially in sacred places, is recommended.

Gay Activity: Legal
Lesbian Activity: Legal
Gay Marriage: Unrecognized
Right to Change Gender: Ambiguous
Same-Sex Adoption: Ambiguous
LGBT Discrimination: No protections

Laos, and its capital of Luang Prabang, don’t have much of a scene. A few gay-owned bars and restaurants are known among locals; however, said spaces do not advertise themselves as ‘Gay.’

Gay Villages in Laos

There are no gay villages in Laos.

Pride Festivals in Laos

While it was reported, Laos celebrated its first Pride Festival in 2012 at the US Embassy, not much information is available on future events.

Best Gay Bars in Laos

Luang Prabang: Lao Lao Garden (Gay Owned and Operated but not a ‘Gay Bar’ per se)
Vientiane: The Lao Cafe (CCC Bar)

Best Lesbian Bars in Laos

There are no Lesbian Bars that we are aware of.

5. Vientiane

Rent a scooter, take a tuk-tuk or simply walk the historic French colonial streets of Vientiane.

4. Mekong River

While Laos is landlocked, the beautiful Mekong River snakes throughout the country. Take a riverboat upstream and appreciate stilt villages and floating markets.

3. Vang Vieng

After closing its River Rave Bars in 2012, what was once an alcohol-fuelled party town has become one of Laos’ premiere adrenaline destinations. Stunning cliffs and lush rice fields surround this exciting stop.

2. Kuang Si Falls

Easily the most photographed landmark in Laos, this series of waterfalls cascade into sapphire pools. Most of which you can still swim in.

1. Luang Prabang

Visitors to this relatively undiscovered Southeast Asian gem are immediately taken aback by its inimitable languor. All vehicles are barred from entering the pedestrian-only city centre. Meanwhile, a midnight curfew has long protected the UNESCO World Heritage City from becoming a party site. Take a walking tour of Luang Prabang and breathe in the elaborate temples, French colonial mansions, pagodas, buzzing night markets and quiet day-to-day culture of a city that refuses to put on pretense.

Best Time to Visit: October through April is ideal for visiting Laos, as the weather is warm and dry throughout. Travel with a light sweater and jacket, but keep summer essentials handy: midday temperatures can eclipse 30°C/85°F.

Electricity: A-, B-, C-, E-, and F-type sockets.

Time Zone: (GMT+07:00), Luang Prabang, Laos

Covid-19 Vaccination Requirements: We’re dedicated to ensuring our tours are safe for everyone, but it is our belief that each traveler has a responsibility to protect themselves and their fellow travellers from COVID-19. As of May 1, 2023, Out Adventures no longer requires guests to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination on most of our tours. If vaccination is a requirement for entry, or on select cruises, this will be communicated at the time a trip is confirmed to depart. Before booking, we recommend that you read our COVID-19 Information Page and our COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions to understand what we’re doing to minimize risk, and what will happen if you contract COVID-19 before or during an Out Adventures tour.

Other Vaccinations: Based on the entry requirements for Laos, there are no other vaccinations needed. To determine if you should take preventative measures to reduce the risk of illness, you should consult your doctor or a travel medical clinic, as Out Adventures cannot provide vaccination recommendations.

Visas: Can be organized either in advance or on arrival. Check with your embassy or consulate, and allow about three weeks for processing.