Wanderlust magazine has published its list of the top 20 places to visit in January 2023. The leading UK travel magazine is a reference for many independent travelers. Many looking for their first 2023 destination will be paying close attention to this latest list of recommendations.

The list includes countries from all continents. Several Asian countries have made it onto the list for this edition, including Vietnam and Laos. According to Wanderlust, Laos has been selected thanks to its excellent weather during January and interesting places to visit, some of which are explained in this article.

Travelers considering a trip to Laos in 2023 should check the entry restrictions and visa requirements.

Some COVID-19 restrictions remain in place for Laos although these are likely to be reviewed in the coming months. Current restrictions include holding a certificate of full vaccination or getting tested before departure. You must check the latest requirements before traveling.

Most foreign visitors need a visa to travel to Laos, just a few nationalities can enter visa-free. Citizens of many countries can get a Laos visa online. The application form is online and travelers receive the approved visa by email.

With these documents arranged, tourists can start planning their 2023 Laos trip.

Visiting Laos

Laos is a country located in Southeast Asia. It has borders with China to the north, Vietnam to the east and northeast, Cambodia to the south, Thailand to the west, and Myanmar to the northwest.

The terrain of this landlocked nation is mostly mountainous; however, there are some plains along major rivers such as the Mekong River.

There are many interesting places to visit in Laos, including cities and places of great natural beauty. These are some of the most popular places for tourists and are recommendable for anyone planning a trip in early 2023.

Luang Prabang

Luang Prabang is a World Heritage Site and the former capital of Laos with several impressive temples. It’s also one of the most beautiful cities in Southeast Asia, with its tree-lined streets and French colonial buildings.

UNESCO has designated Luang Prabang as one of the best-preserved traditional urban areas in Southeast Asia blending traditional architecture with European colonial buildings.  It’s an amazing place to visit and should not be missed by international visitors.

Vientiane

Vientiane, the capital city of Laos, is known for its Buddhist monuments. The famous Wat Si Saket temple with thousands of Buddha statues and Pha That Luang stupa are just two examples of this heritage. That Luang is a tentative UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The city is a great place to visit for its beautiful riverside, French colonial buildings, and temples. It has a charming vibe thanks to its slower pace, peacefulness, and relaxed way of life.

Vang Vieng

Vang Vieng is a small town on the Nam Song River, which has become a major tourist destination. Despite its popularity among travelers, Vang Vieng still maintains a small-town atmosphere and is an excellent base for exploring the surrounding region.

The town is famous for its spectacular limestone cliffs and caves, which are ideal for rock climbing. There are many waterfalls in the area that are popular among tourists. The surrounding countryside offers plenty of opportunities for hiking, biking, and river rafting.

Savannakhet

Savannakhet is the second largest city in Laos and one of the most important, it is the capital of Savannakhet Province. It’s located along the Mekong River, which forms its northern border with Thailand.

Top attractions for visitors in Savannakhet include visiting That Ing Hang, Wat Xayaphoum, the Savannakhet night market, and several museums.

Phonsavan

Located in the Xieng Khouang province, Phonsavan is known as the gateway to the Plain of Jars. The term ‘Plain’ actually refers to a cluster of thousands of ancient stone jars believed to date back to before the Iron Age. The jars have been used for burial, storage, and religious purposes by different cultures over time.

Laos in January

As highlighted by the Wanderlust report, Laos enjoys pleasant temperatures throughout January. Travelers can expect warm, sunny days, and little rainfall. Average temperatures in Vientiane and Luang Prabang are around 24ºC and a few degrees warmer in the south.

Travelers in Laos can make the most of their trip to visit Vietnam, the other Southeast Asian nation named in the top 20. There are direct flights from Vientiane and Luang Prabang to Hanoi. There are also land border crossings. Travelers must check the entry requirements for every country they plan to visit.