Laos

As a largely 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

There are no gay villages in Laos.

Pride Festivals

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

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

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 entirely 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 adrenalline 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 nightmarkets and quiet day-to-day culture of a city that refuses to put on pretense.

Best Time to Visit: October through April is an ideal time to visit 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
Vaccinations: Based on the entry requirements, there are no vaccinations needed for entry. To determine if you should take preventative measures to reduce the risk of illness, consult with your doctor or a travel medical clinic.
Visas: Can be organized either in advance or on arrival. Check with your embassy or consulate, and allow about three weeks for processing.