Photo © Tim Mossholder

Laos

Laos

The only landlocked country in Southeast Asia, Laos offers a serene escape for travelers seeking authenticity and adventure. From the timeless charm of Luang Prabang’s UNESCO-listed temples to the Mekong River’s tranquil flow, Laos is where tradition meets nature. With fewer crowds than neighboring countries, it invites deeper connection—to culture, landscapes, and self. Whether you’re trekking through misty mountains, exploring sacred caves, or simply sipping coffee in a riverside village.

Not sure where to go?

Explore the options for a responsible trip

GOOD PLACES TO VISIT

Explore destinations that were awarded for their sustainability efforts

Luang Prabang
Niseko

GOOD BUSINESSES

Discover accommodations, restaurants, shops and attractions that are commited to responsible development
Kamaishi
Niseko

GOOD PRACTICE STORIES

Get inspired with stories from places and people that are acting for a fair and responsible tourism

Diamantina

Diamantina’s carnival is a strong cultural reference for the people of Diamantina and popularly appropriated by the national tourism market. Carnival brought many important social, environmental, cultural and economic impacts to the municipality as a recreation of its characteristics from mass tourism to prioritizing family tourists and valuing the local community and culture.
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Bombinhas

A small Bombinhas municipality ensured the livelihood by agriculture and artisanal fishing of mullet for a long time. Several actions and public policies have been developed to safeguard the heritage of artisanal fishing and now it is in the identity of the people and the pride of belonging is present in the daily life of the community.
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Corguinho

Started its constriction in 1997, The city Cidade Zigurats showcase sustainable city model and resilience to climate change. They have own economic system, produce their own food within the community and each unique buildings are designed based on research in architecture. Tourism in this city is based on what nature offers.
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Capitólio

A story of small city that used tourism as a means to eliminating illegal activities and protect their restored environments. Capitólio is a small town where Quartzite was formerly extracted now known for the several tourist complexes with waterfalls and the boat rides on Furnas Lake.
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Itá

The implementation of hydroelectric plant of Itá made residents completely relocate and demolite all existing historical buildings. The relocated historical buildings are now playing role as a cultural reference of Itá to tourists and promoting community integration and valuing the trajectory of their ancestors.
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Orleans

The Princess Isabel Outdoors Museum, located in the town of Orleans in Southern Brazil. It is the first open air museum in Latin America, presenting a traditional characteristics of small colonial industries while also encouraged cultural projects and actions involving the community.
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Pedro Gomes

Pedro Gomes, famous for its beautiful waterfall and trail, adapted a Mude 1 Hábito (change 1 habit) program to make environmental preservation part of their life. The program involved the entire population of Pedro Gomes with actions aimed at raising awareness and preserving the environment.
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Tibau

The city of Tibau located in the State of Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil is famous for its 7 km of coastline that guarantees bathers safety and tranquility, Which is now under reinforcement by a joint effort at schools to strengthen the environmental awareness of the community and the actors involved in the tourism activity.
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Epitaciolândia

The Seringal Nova Esperanza Reserve, which straddles the cities of Epitaciolândia and Chapulí, is a sustainable use reserve created to protect the Brazil nut and rubber trees. Rubber is still an important activity today, not only because it supports many families, but also because it is a strategic activity for conservation and protection of forests.
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Treze Tilias

Created by a group of 85 immigrants from Austria, Treze Tirias is now one of the main tourist cities in Brazil. It is the progress, development, and employment opportunities provided by the preservation of those cultures made it possible for the city to continue its orderly development without losing the city’s character of being clean, quiet, and safe.
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Galinhos

Galinhos for tourists is a privileged places contemplated by the fauna and flora. Local schools host tourism and environmental awareness project which made it possible to provoke an awareness of the local community regarding the responsibility towards the cultural, natural, social and economic aspects of the destination.
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Sustainability

Laos is embracing sustainable tourism through eco-lodges, community-based tourism, and conservation programs. National parks and heritage sites often collaborate with local communities to ensure that tourism benefits both nature and people. Travelers are encouraged to respect local customs, reduce plastic use, and support ethical businesses. Your visit can contribute directly to preserving Laos’ cultural and environmental integrity.

Nature and Wildlife

From lush rainforests to karst mountains and the mighty Mekong, Laos is teeming with biodiversity. National protected areas such as Nam Et-Phou Louey and Xe Pian shelter rare wildlife including clouded leopards, sun bears, and the elusive saola. Waterfalls like Kuang Si and Tad Fane offer stunning views and cool respite, while river journeys unveil untouched landscapes rich with life and legend.

Travel tips from our editors

Dress modestly when visiting temples; shoulders and knees should be covered.

Respect local customs—remove shoes before entering homes or temples

Be patient. Things move slowly here—embrace the laid-back pace.

Ride the most common form of local transport: Tuk-tuks and jumbos (larger tuk-tuks). They're inexpensive but rarely metered—so agree on a price before starting your ride. In smaller towns, motorbike taxis or bicycle rentals are popular options.

Travel by slow boat or speedboat along the Mekong to experience in a scenic way rural Laos.

Tourism & People

Laotians are known for their gentle demeanor and deep-rooted hospitality. Buddhism shapes daily life, and visitors are often welcomed with genuine curiosity and kindness. Whether you’re joining a Baci ceremony or chatting with a weaver in a village market, cultural exchange is a highlight of any trip. Laos is also developing responsible tourism strategies that ensure local voices guide tourism growth.

Sustainability Recognitions

Brazil has 9 destinations featured in the Top 100 Sustainable Destinations 2021.

Visit other destinations in Asia

Thailand
Philippines