Laos is a beautiful country with jaw-dropping landscapes and a rich culture. From misty mountains and remote villages to bustling cities and peaceful rivers, there’s a lot to capture here. Whether you’re traveling with a high-end DSLR or just your smartphone, you can come away with stunning photos and videos to remember your journey.
This guide will help you find the best locations to shoot, the optimal times for great lighting, and offer some practical tips for getting the most out of your camera or phone.
The Best Locations for Photography in Laos
Luang Prabang
Luang Prabang is a UNESCO World Heritage site and has no shortage of photo opportunities. The orange-robed monks, golden temples, and French-style architecture make for incredible images. Start with the temples—Wat Xieng Thong is one of the most famous. If you’re looking for that “classic” shot, go early in the morning and capture the monks as they collect alms.
Kuang Si Falls
Just outside Luang Prabang, Kuang Si Falls is one of Laos’ most Instagrammed spots. The multi-tiered waterfall with its turquoise pools is a dream to photograph. The best time to go is early morning, right when the park opens, to avoid crowds. The softer morning light adds to the magic. You can also hike to the top for panoramic views.
The Plain of Jars
This mysterious site in Xieng Khouang province is where ancient stone jars dot the landscape. The contrast of the rolling hills and the prehistoric jars makes for some surreal photos. Go in the late afternoon for softer light. The shadows cast by the jars give them even more of an ancient, otherworldly vibe.
Vang Vieng
Vang Vieng is known for its limestone karst mountains and beautiful rivers. The Nam Song River offers excellent photo ops, especially at sunset when the golden hour light hits the cliffs. If you’re feeling up for an adventure, you can capture great aerial shots by renting a hot air balloon.
The Mekong River
The Mekong is the lifeblood of Laos, cutting through much of the country. You’ll find tons of photo-worthy scenes by just sitting by its banks. Sunset is a particularly magical time. Head to spots like the riverside areas in Don Det, Luang Prabang, or Pakse for perfect sunset shots over the water. You can also take a boat trip to get different perspectives.
The Best Time of Day to Shoot
The key to great travel photography is finding the right light. In Laos, the optimal time to shoot is usually during the “golden hour”—the hour just after sunrise or the hour before sunset. The light is softer and creates a beautiful glow that can give your photos a dreamy look, especially when combined with the natural scenery around rivers and mountains.
Avoid shooting during mid-day when the sun is directly overhead. It creates harsh shadows and flattens your images. This is especially true in Laos, where the sun can feel quite strong. If you can only shoot at noon, look for shaded areas or use buildings, trees, or natural formations to create softer light.
Cultural Considerations for Photography in Laos
The Monks
In Laos, monks are deeply respected. While photographing them is okay in many places like Luang Prabang, always do so from a respectful distance. Avoid interrupting any rituals, especially when they are collecting alms in the morning. It’s also good to ask permission if you’re aiming for a close-up shot.
Temples
Laos is home to many beautiful Buddhist temples. Most are open to visitors, but always pay attention to signs about photography. Some temples may prohibit photos inside, or they may request that visitors dress modestly. Always remove your shoes before entering religious sites and avoid pointing your feet at the Buddha statues or anyone during ceremonies.
Locals
Laotians are generally very friendly, but always ask permission before taking someone’s photo, especially in remote or rural areas. A simple smile and a gesture towards your camera can go a long way in avoiding misunderstandings. If they say no, respect it and move on. Many people might even ask to see the photo once you’ve taken it, which can be a fun way to engage with locals.
Recommended Gear for Capturing Beautiful Photos and Videos
Camera Gear
If you’re serious about photography, bringing a DSLR or mirrorless camera is a good idea. A zoom lens with a range (e.g., 24-105mm) is versatile enough for landscapes, portraits, and street photography. For night shots at temples or long exposures at waterfalls, consider a tripod—a lightweight, portable one is best for traveling.
Smartphone Photography
If you’re traveling light and using a smartphone, don’t worry! You can still take amazing shots. Newer smartphones have excellent cameras, but you should get familiar with the manual settings. Adjusting things like ISO, focus, and shutter speed will give you better control, especially in tricky lighting.
Drone Shots
Laos has stunning scenery and is an incredible place to use a drone. The mountains, waterfalls, and rivers will give you amazing aerial footage. However, be super cautious when flying a drone near cultural or religious sites. Avoid buzzing too close to temples or houses, and look for any local regulations before sending it into the air.
Smartphone Tips for High-Quality Images
Use HDR Mode
Most current smartphones have an HDR (High Dynamic Range) mode that helps balance the light and dark elements in your photos. This feature works well in bright outdoor settings, like when you’re shooting at Kuang Si Falls or the Mekong River.
Play with the Exposure
If the scene looks too bright (in Laos, that happens a lot), tap the screen on the subject. Then drag your finger to adjust the exposure. This helps you control how light or dark the image turns out.
Shoot in RAW
Many smartphones now allow you to shoot in RAW rather than JPEG. RAW files retain more data, meaning you have more flexibility when editing later on. This feature can come in handy, especially when you’re shooting in varied lighting, like when you’re at a sunset or in a dimly-lit temple.
Keep Your Lens Clean
It seems like a no-brainer, but we often forget. Our phones go in pockets, bags, and hands all day. Keeping your camera lens clean ensures sharper photos, especially when shooting in sunlight.
Try Burst Mode for Moving Subjects
Whether you want to capture a monk walking through Luang Prabang or the movement of water flowing at a waterfall, Burst Mode is a great option. Just hold down the shutter button and your phone will snap multiple pictures in seconds. This gives you a better chance of getting that perfect action shot.
Editing Your Photos
Apps for Editing
If you’re not using a computer to edit your photos, there are some great mobile apps available for quick edits. Adobe Lightroom and Snapseed are two great options. They allow you to adjust exposure, colors, shadows, and highlights to make your photos pop even more.
Don’t Overdo Filters
It’s tempting to go crazy with filters, but try to keep it simple. Laos already offers you rich scenery and colors, so a light touch when editing is often all you need. Aim to enhance your photo rather than change it completely.
Final Tips for Photography in Laos
Be Patient
Some of the best shots come from waiting a little longer for the right moment. Whether you’re waiting for a boat to move into your frame on the Mekong or for the light to change at a waterfall, patience pays off in travel photography.
Learn a Bit of the Language
Knowing a few words of Lao can help you communicate better with locals, especially when requesting photos. A simple “Sabaidee” (hello) or “Khop Chai” (thank you) can go a long way in earning someone’s trust.
Respect the Scene
As you explore Laos’ stunning landscapes and cityscapes, remember to leave the areas as you found them. Avoid trampling on delicate forest floors or interrupting religious ceremonies. Always ask for permission before taking someone’s photo and be considerate of the local culture.
Happy shooting!
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