Laos, officially known as the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, is a landlocked country located in Southeast Asia. It borders Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, China, and Myanmar. Laos is known for its mountainous terrain, peaceful Buddhist culture, and beautiful rivers including the Mekong River, which flows through much of the country.
The capital city Vientiane is the political and economic center of Laos. Other famous destinations include Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Heritage city known for its temples, waterfalls, and French colonial architecture.
Laos has a strong cultural identity influenced by Buddhism, traditional villages, and centuries of history connected to the ancient kingdoms of Southeast Asia.
Current Time
Time Zone: Indochina Time (ICT)
UTC Offset: UTC +7
Daylight Saving Time: Not observed
IANA Time Zone: Asia/Vientiane
Laos keeps the same time throughout the entire year.
Quick Facts
- Capital: Vientiane
- Continent: Asia
- Population: ~7.5 million
- Official Language: Lao
- Currency: Lao Kip (LAK)
- International Dialing Code: +856
- Internet TLD: .laMajor Cities: Vientiane, Luang Prabang, Pakse, Savannakhet
Time Difference From Major Cities
| City | Time Difference |
|---|---|
| Sydney | Laos is 4 hours behind |
| London | Laos is 7 hours ahead |
| New York | Laos is 12 hours ahead |
| Dubai | Laos is 3 hours ahead |
| Tokyo | Laos is 2 hours behind |
(Time differences may change depending on daylight saving time in other countries.)
Daylight Saving Time
Laos does not observe Daylight Saving Time. The country remains on UTC +7 year-round.
Best Time to Call Laos
If calling Laos from other regions:
From Australia
- Best time: 12 PM – 6 PM Sydney time
From United Kingdom
- Best time: 6 AM – 11 AM London time
From United States
- Best time: 8 PM – 11 PM New York time
These time ranges generally fall within normal daytime working hours in Laos.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time zone is Laos in?
Laos uses Indochina Time (ICT) which is UTC +7.
Does Laos observe daylight saving time?
No, Laos does not change clocks for daylight saving time.
What is the capital of Laos?
The capital city is Vientiane.
What language is spoken in Laos?
The official language is Lao, though French and English are also spoken in some areas.
Which continent is Laos in?
Laos is located in Southeast Asia, part of the Asian continent.
Where Is Laos Located?
Laos is located in Southeast Asia and is one of the few countries in the region without a coastline.
Neighboring countries include:
What Is Laos Famous For?
Laos is known for:
- Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Heritage city
- Beautiful Buddhist temples and monasteries
- The scenic Mekong River
- Kuang Si Waterfalls, one of the most famous waterfalls in Southeast Asia
- Traditional Lao culture and festivals
Additional Note
Laos operates on a single time zone (UTC +7) across the entire country. Because it does not observe daylight saving time, the time in Laos remains consistent throughout the year.
