Laos is known for its heat, so it’s no surprise that a refreshing swim is a tempting escape. In fact, swimming is popular among locals, and there’s no shortage of inviting spots to take a dip. However, before you dive in, remember that there are some things to be cautious about. We’ll tell you everything you need to know, when swimming in Laos.
Where you can swim in Laos
Since Laos is a landlocked country there’s no ocean to swim in. However, you have plenty of options to take the plunge, including:
- Natural pools
- Swimming pools
- Lakes
- Rivers
- Waterfalls
To give you a better understanding, we want to take a closer look at all of the mentioned options. They all are a great option to swim in Laos, but there are some things you should be aware of.
Natural pools
Laos offers some beautiful natural pools that usually aren’t too big, but are still great for a swim. One of our personal favorites are the Blue Lagoons in Vang Vieng. There are six different ones, some more touristy and others more remote. A great thing about natural pools is that they’re very safe compared to some other swimming locations. Most of them are neither deep nor do they pose any other risks. They‘re even suitable for kids, as long as there’s an adult supervising them.
Swimming pools
There’s not much to say about swimming pools. As in any other country, there are plenty of hotels in Laos, and some of them offer one or several pools to swim in. At some of the more luxurious resorts you might even find infinity pools with amazing views. Although swimming pools are regularly cleaned, they’re also full of chlorine, which makes them unappealing for some people.
Lakes
Actually, Laos is famous for its picturesque lakes, both artificial and natural ones. Usually, people just enjoy the scenery, instead of swimming in them. That doesn’t mean you can’t swim, but no one can tell you if there are specific dangers like strong currents or whirlpools. Therefore it’s important to be cautious. Here are 5 of the most beautiful lakes in Laos:
- Nong Fa Lake
- Nam Ngum Lake
- Nong Nok Lake
- Nong Tang Lake
- Xe Champone Lake
While not all of those lakes are suitable for swimming or at least you should exercise caution, they are very beautiful and still worth visiting. In fact, some of them are great for other activities like birdwatching, fishing, or boating.
Rivers
With the Mekong, Laos has one of the largest rivers. What most people don’t know is that there are also plenty of other waterways. To be more precise: Laos offers over 1,000 different rivers in different regions. Their total length is 2,850 miles/4,600 kilometers. If the rivers are suitable for swimming or not, depends on the location. You can definitely swim in the Mekong, but it depends on the section. The potentially strong currents in rivers are always a risk.
Waterfalls
Swimming in waterfalls is one of the greatest experiences anyone can have. You just have to find a waterfall that doesn’t pose a danger. One of our recommendations is the Kuang Si Falls in Luang Prabang. The Kuang Si Falls offer different sections, and basically, all of them are great for swimming. There’s just one downside: Tourists and locals alike flock to the area. Therefore, you won‘t have a peaceful time.
What to consider when swimming in the Mekong and other waters
From all the rivers, you’re probably the most interested in swimming in the Mekong. That’s understandable since the river flows through Laos and is basically part of the cultural identity. However, you should know that there are some things to consider before you jump in. That also applies to most other waters in the country.
Laws
Usually, no one is going to stop you from swimming, but there are certain waters in Laos where it’s prohibited, and you might get serious problems. A good example is the Mekong in Vientiane. Technically, you can swim there unless you are close to the border. Another exception is protected areas. While some of them allow swimming, in others it‘s strictly forbidden.
Pollution
Not all bodies of water are clean. Unfortunately, that also applies to the Mekong. Many parts of the Mekong are dirty or even heavily contaminated. The situation is by far not as bad as with the Ganges in India, the Yangtze River in China, or other highly polluted rivers. Still, you should be cautious before swimming. If you aren’t sure about the water quality, just check areas where the locals are swimming. You can assume that if they swim there regularly, it’s relatively safe.
Diseases
One risk that’s closely related to pollution is diseases. For example, you might get rashes, stomach infections, or parasites. However, it’s not only pollution that poses a risk. Even clean lakes, rivers, or waterfalls can carry natural hazards like certain types of bacteria. While this is technically a possibility, you shouldn’t overstress about it. As long as you choose well-known swimming spots and take precautions, most waters are safe for swimming.
Wildlife
Of course, you should be aware of wildlife, as Laos is home to some dangerous animals. The good news is that the real dangers mainly come from crocodiles and snakes. While it may sound frightening, it’s not as bad as it seems, since Siam crocodiles are rare and usually not aggressive. Saltwater crocodiles, however, are much more dangerous. Fortunately, encounters with them are virtually nonexistent, unless you’re swimming near the border regions of Myanmar or Vietnam, and even then the chance is miniscule. Snakes, on the other hand, pose a greater risk, as some are venomous and may be lurking near the water or even in it.
Hidden obstacles
You should never blindly jump into any body of water without checking the area first. There might be hidden obstacles like rocks, and such a reckless action could cost you your life. In fact, this is one of the leading causes of serious injuries among tourists in Laos. Be careful, especially when jumping from higher distances or with your head first.
Currents and whirlpools
Probably the biggest risk for swimmers in Laos are currents and whirlpools. Currents can be strong and unpredictable and whirlpools can form unexpectedly. Both are dangerous, even for highly experienced swimmers. The best way to stay safe, is to avoid swimming in areas with strong currents or where whirlpools are known to form. If you‘re unsure, don’t hesitate to ask locals or expats.
The best time to swim in Laos
Technically, you can swim in Laos all year round, but we recommend swimming outside of the rainy season. The reason for that is simple: If you’re not swimming in a swimming pool, a natural lagoon, or a similar place with a low risk of strong currents, the water masses can become unpredictable. During the rainy season, a calm river can turn into a dangerous torrent. Therefore, we recommend swimming during the dry season from November to April.
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