Traveling to Laos with Children: Do's and Don'ts

Created by Mai PHAM at 2024-07-31 12:03:38 , Updated by Mai PHAM at 2024-07-31 14:51:33
You are planning a trip to Laos but are still unsure because you have a young child. This article will answer the question of whether you should travel to Laos with children

Laos is a destination with a leisurely pace of life, warm-hearted people, and many captivating natural landscapes. It is not hard to find many families choosing Laos as their travel destination, as there are many exciting experiences awaiting them, and even families who have traveled to Laos are very satisfied. However, there are also certain limitations when traveling with children in Laos.

Our article will analyze for tourists whether they should travel to Laos with children or not.

Many families choosing Laos as their travel destination

Many families choosing Laos as their travel destination (Cre: discoverLaos)

Why Laos is a suitable destination for traveling with children

Today, Laos has opened up to the world with many attractions that appeal not only to independent travelers but also to groups and families. 

Laos is recognized for its safety, which provides reassurance for parents traveling with their families. The Laotian people are renowned for their warmth and friendliness, especially towards children. In Laotian culture, there is a strong focus on family and community, with children being considered a vital part of both.

Therefore, Laos is a suitable destination with many family-friendly activities and offers beautiful memories for your family.

Laos is a suitable destination with many family-friendly activities

Laos is a suitable destination with many family-friendly activities (Cre: where is the world) 

Some activities for kids when traveling in Laos

Visiting famous destinations

Vientiane

For a capital city, Vientiane is quite small. However, it is a great place to explore by tuk-tuk, with many destinations blending tradition and modernity.

Here, your family can visit the Patuxai Victory Monument, one of the most famous landmarks in the capital; the well-known and sacred temples such as That Luang Stupa, Ho Phra Kaew, and Wat Si Saket; as well as the Lao National Museum. 

For a capital city, Vientiane is quite small

For a capital city, Vientiane is quite small (Cre: mundojoven)

Luang Prabang

Luang Prabang is an ancient town recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. Today, it is one of the wealthiest provinces in the country.

While you're here, you shouldn't miss Wat Xieng Thong, the Royal Palace Museum, Mount Phousi, and Kuang Si Falls.

Let the kids join in the almsgiving ceremony. Every morning at dawn, monks leave the temples to collect donations from people. Your child can watch the monks in their robes as they walk through the streets collecting alms before going back to the temple to study and pray. 

This experience will help children understand and appreciate Laotian culture better. 

Luang Prabang is an ancient town recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site

Luang Prabang is an ancient town recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site (Cre: Hashtag Legend)

Vang Vieng

With its perfect location between mountains and the river, Vang Vieng is known for its peaceful countryside and cool, fresh air.

According to The Laotian Times, the town has welcomed over 1 million visitors in the last 5 years, including more than 700,000 international tourists.

Located between Vientiane and Luang Prabang, Vang Vieng is famous for its amazing limestone landscapes and large cave systems. It is a great place for your family to visit.

Vang Vieng is known for its peaceful countryside and cool, fresh air

Vang Vieng is known for its peaceful countryside and cool, fresh air (Cre: getyourguide)

Read more: Laos excursions

Some activities for children

Bathing with Elephants

The Elephant Village Sanctuary near Luang Prabang is a place that focuses on helping and protecting Asian elephants in Laos. It offers a hands-on experience and a rare chance to see these amazing animals up close. 

You and your child can do fun activities like feeding and bathing the elephants. This will help children learn about animal conservation.

You and your child can do fun activities like feeding and bathing the elephants

You and your child can do fun activities like feeding and bathing the elephants (Cre: Inside Sources)

Exploring markets in Laos

Walking through the markets in Laos will give your family a feel for the local lifestyle. Fresh markets, such as the morning markets in Luang Prabang, are filled with a variety of fruits, vegetables, spices, fish, and other colorful foods. 

You can shop for souvenirs from your trip to Laos at the Luang Prabang Night Market, where you will find toys, jewelry, crafts, clothing, and more. To enjoy traditional Laotian food, visit the Vangthong Night Market in Vientiane.

Walking through the markets in Laos will give your family a feel for the local lifestyle

Walking through the markets in Laos will give your family a feel for the local lifestyle (Cre: adventureinyou)

Participate in a Laotian cooking class

Learning to cook local dishes is always a valuable experience. In a traditional cooking class, you will go to a local market where you and your child can pick fresh ingredients and herbs for your meal.

A professional chef will then show you how to prepare different dishes. After cooking the meal yourself, it's time to sit down and taste what you've made.

This is a precious moment with your child, as it can increase their appreciation for international food or expand their taste buds.

Learning to cook local dishes is always a valuable experience

Learning to cook local dishes is always a valuable experience (Cre: Tripadvisor) 

Things to consider when traveling to Laos with children

Health and safety for children in Laos

Laos may not be highly rated for medical equipment and healthcare. However, if your itinerary includes Vientiane, Luang Prabang, or Vang Vieng, there is no need to worry too much, as you are never too far from a decent hospital in these major cities in case of an emergency.

As with any trip to Southeast Asia, you should bring your own complete medical kit and any medications specifically for children. It is essential to carry oral rehydration solutions in case of diarrhea, which can be quite dangerous for young children. 

 You should bring your own complete medical kit and any medications

You should bring your own complete medical kit and any medications (Cre: discoverlaostoday)

Food for children in Laos

If you’re traveling to Laos with children who are used to familiar foods, it can be important to find nutritious options for them. Laotian food is tasty and healthy, but many dishes can be quite spicy.

Some child-friendly options include fried rice, porridge, noodle soup (pho), and grilled chicken.

In Vientiane, Luang Prabang, and Vang Vieng, you’ll also find many familiar Western dishes. Even local restaurants often have these options, so you can enjoy local food while still finding choices that are suitable for your children.

Laotian food is tasty and healthy, but many dishes can be quite spicy

Laotian food is tasty and healthy, but many dishes can be quite spicy (Cre: flyingfourchette)

People's attitudes toward children

Laotian people are especially fond of children, so be prepared to receive a lot of attention if you are traveling with a baby. Many people may engage in affectionate gestures like pinching cheeks, feeding the baby, or tickling. 

While this attention might feel excessive at times, it is meant with genuine care and warmth. Embrace this attention and the sincerity of the people here. 

Laotian people are especially fond of children

Laotian people are especially fond of children (Amanda Webber)

Conclusion

Every country has children and values them, and Laos is no different.It is an excellent family vacation spot that gives you the chance to see a beautiful country in Southeast Asia.

In reality, traveling in Laos with children does come with some limitations that your family may encounter, but don’t let these affect your trip. We have shared what to do and what to avoid when traveling to Laos with children. Have you found your answer? Should you travel to Laos with children: do or don’t?

Read more: Laos tours 5 days

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