Angkham Sports & Wellness Centre (ASW)
Ban Chommany Tay, Saysettha District, 01000 Vientiane, Lao Peoples Democratic Republic
Explore Laos
Laos may be landlocked, but it offers intriguing freshwater diving for adventurous explorers. Rivers, reservoirs, and flooded quarries near Vientiane and other urban centers provide calm settings for recreational training and relaxed dives. Visibility varies with season, often best in the dry months, while warm tropical temperatures allow comfortable year-round diving.
More experienced divers are drawn to Laos’ dramatic karst landscapes, where submerged caves and spring-fed systems create opportunities for cavern and technical exploration under proper guidance. Altitude considerations may apply in mountainous regions. Though not a mainstream dive destination, Laos rewards curious divers with quiet sites, striking limestone scenery, and the rare chance to dive in the heart of Southeast Asia’s rugged interior.
Power Plug Type
A, B, C, E, F
Payment Method
Cir, Plus
Tipping
not traditionally expected
Currency
Lao Kip (LAK)
Dial Code
+ 856
Electricity
230V, 50Hz
Time
ICT (Indochina Time) – UTC +7
Dive Centers
Top Laos Dive Sites
Nam Ngum Lake
Laos’ largest reservoir offers calm freshwater diving with submerged trees, old village remnants, and freshwater fish. Suitable for beginners to intermediate divers. Scuba and freediving possible. Depths and occasional thermoclines add interest in this scenic mountain setting.
Tham Nam (Water Cave), Vang Vieng
Set in dramatic karst terrain, this cave system features limestone formations and clear spring-fed water. Recommended for advanced and technical cave divers. Scuba diving only. Guided cavern routes provide a rare inland cave-diving experience.
Xe Bang Fai River Cave
One of the world’s longest river caves, known for vast submerged passages and striking rock formations. Advanced to technical level. Scuba diving required. Strong currents and overhead environments demand specialized training and equipment.
Blue Lagoon Area, Vang Vieng
Crystal-clear pools surrounded by jungle and limestone cliffs host small freshwater fish and aquatic plants. Easy conditions suit beginners. Scuba and freediving possible. While more known for swimming, select deeper sections allow controlled dive training.
Hinboun Reservoir
A quiet freshwater site with rocky slopes, submerged vegetation, and seasonal visibility changes. Suitable for recreational divers. Scuba diving only. Its remote setting and ecological importance within central Laos make it an off-the-beaten-path option.