Laos Travel Tips: Everything You Need to Know Before Visiting Laos

Planning a trip to Laos?

Laos is one of Southeast Asia’s most peaceful and rewarding destinations.

With golden Buddhist temples, French-colonial towns, the Mekong River, dramatic mountains, waterfalls, traditional villages and a slower pace of life, Laos offers a completely different experience from the busier tourist destinations of Southeast Asia.

But before you travel, there are a few things worth knowing.

When is the best time to visit Laos?

Do you need a visa?

What currency should you use?

Is Laos safe?

How much time should you spend in Luang Prabang?

What should you wear when visiting temples?

How do you travel between Luang Prabang, Vang Vieng and Vientiane?

What food should you try?

And can you combine Laos with Vietnam and Cambodia?

This complete Laos travel guide answers the most important questions before your trip.

At Vietnam Women Travel – Premium Private Tours Led by Women, we believe Laos is best experienced slowly — with time for local food, meaningful conversations, cultural discovery and authentic experiences.

Laos Travel Tips at a Glance

Travel Question	Quick Answer
Best time to visit	November–February
Hot season	March–May
Rainy season	June–October
Official currency	Lao Kip (LAK)
Time zone	GMT+7
Official language	Lao
Capital	Vientiane
Most famous destination	Luang Prabang
Best cultural destination	Luang Prabang
Best adventure destination	Vang Vieng
Best for Mekong experiences	Luang Prabang
Best for temples	Luang Prabang
Best for waterfalls	Luang Prabang region
Best for relaxed city travel	Vientiane
Best for slow travel	Laos countryside
Ideal first trip	5–8 days
Vietnam + Laos	Excellent combination
Laos + Cambodia	Excellent combination

Laos uses GMT+7, the same time zone as Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand.

1. When Is the Best Time to Visit Laos?

Laos has a tropical monsoon climate with a distinct dry season and rainy season.

For most travelers, the most comfortable period is:

November to February

This period generally offers cooler and drier conditions and is particularly good for:

Luang Prabang
Vang Vieng
Vientiane
Mekong cruises
Temple sightseeing
Cycling
Hiking
Countryside exploration

2. Visiting Laos in March to May

March to May is generally hotter.

Temperatures can become uncomfortable in the middle of the day, particularly when sightseeing in cities.

However, this can still be a rewarding time to visit if you:

Start sightseeing early
Take afternoon breaks
Stay hydrated
Choose hotels with swimming pools
Include waterfalls and nature
Plan shorter outdoor activities

Vietnam Women Travel Tip

Don’t build a Laos itinerary that requires you to walk outdoors for six hours in the hottest part of the day.

A private itinerary lets you slow down and adjust the schedule.

3. Visiting Laos During the Rainy Season

The rainy season generally runs from around June to October.

Rain can be heavy, but it does not necessarily mean continuous rain all day.

The countryside becomes especially green.

Waterfalls can also be impressive after rainfall.

For travelers who don’t mind occasional showers, the rainy season can offer:

Fewer tourists
Lush landscapes
Dramatic skies
Green rice fields
Lower-season atmosphere
More peaceful sightseeing

4. What Is the Best Month to Visit Laos?

For a first trip, consider:

November

Cooler weather and beautiful landscapes.

December

One of the most comfortable months.

January

Excellent for sightseeing and outdoor activities.

February

Still generally pleasant before temperatures rise.

If your priority is comfortable weather rather than avoiding crowds, December and January are particularly attractive.

5. Do You Need a Visa for Laos?

Visa requirements depend on your nationality.

Many international travelers can obtain a tourist visa on arrival at designated entry points, while eligible travelers can apply for an official Laos eVisa before traveling. The Lao Department of Immigration states that tourist visas generally allow stays of up to 30 days, subject to the applicable rules.

The official Laos eVisa website is:

Official Laos eVisa Portal

Important

Visa rules can change.

Always check the official requirements for your passport nationality before booking or traveling.

6. Laos eVisa

The official Lao eVisa platform allows eligible travelers to apply online before arrival.

The application process is designed around three basic steps:

Apply → Pay → Download

The official eVisa authority states that processing is usually around 3 working days after application and payment when the information provided meets the requirements.

Vietnam Women Travel Tip

Don’t wait until the last day.

Apply early enough to allow for:

Weekends
Public holidays
Application corrections
Unexpected processing delays

7. Check Your Passport Before Traveling

Before traveling to Laos, make sure your passport has sufficient validity and blank pages.

As a general travel rule, many authorities recommend at least six months of passport validity.

For example, current U.S. government travel information lists six months of passport validity and two blank pages as requirements for U.S. travelers.

Always verify the rules applicable to your nationality.

8. What Currency Is Used in Laos?

The official currency is:

Lao Kip (LAK)

Banknotes include several denominations, with the kip used for everyday transactions.

Official Lao information identifies the kip as the national currency and notes that US dollars, euros and Thai baht are commonly useful for currency exchange.

Travel Tip

Carry:

Lao Kip

for everyday purchases,

and some:

USD

or another major currency

for situations where exchanging money is necessary.

9. Should You Bring Cash to Laos?

Yes.

Cash remains useful, especially outside major hotels and larger businesses.

Carry cash for:

Local restaurants
Markets
Small shops
Tuk-tuks
Tips
Rural areas
Small attractions

Don’t keep all your money in one place.

10. Can You Use Credit Cards in Laos?

Credit cards are increasingly accepted in:

Hotels
Higher-end restaurants
Tour companies
Larger businesses
Some shops

However, card acceptance is less reliable in rural areas and small local businesses.

Best strategy

Use:

card + cash

rather than relying on only one payment method.

11. What Language Is Spoken in Laos?

The official language is:

Lao

English is commonly used in major tourist areas.

Thai is also widely understood because of the close cultural and linguistic relationship between Laos and Thailand.

Official Lao tourism information notes that English is commonly used in major tourist centers and that Thai and Vietnamese are also widely understood in some contexts.

12. Learn a Few Lao Words

A few words can make your trip more enjoyable.

Hello

Sabaidee

Thank you

Khop chai

Yes

Jao

No

Delicious

Saep

You don’t need to speak Lao fluently.

Just making an effort can create a warmer interaction.

13. Is Laos Safe for Tourists?

Laos is a popular destination for international travelers, but normal Southeast Asia travel precautions still apply.

Take particular care with:

Passports
Phones
Wallets
Cameras
Bags
Valuables

Keep important documents secure.

For some remote regions, travelers should also pay attention to official safety advice because unexploded ordnance from past conflicts remains a risk in parts of Laos. Current U.S. government guidance specifically warns about unexploded bombs in several provinces and along certain routes.

Important

Never touch:

Old metal objects
Unknown ammunition
Unexploded ordnance
Suspicious objects in rural areas

Stay on established paths.

14. Is Laos Safe for Female Travelers?

Laos can be a rewarding destination for women traveling alone, as couples, with friends or with family.

Simple precautions are still recommended:

Choose reputable accommodation
Use reliable transportation
Keep your belongings secure
Avoid isolated areas late at night
Share your itinerary when traveling into remote areas
Keep emergency contacts available

For travelers who prefer additional support, a private female-led travel experience can provide more local assistance and cultural connection.

15. What Should Women Wear in Laos?

Laos is warm for much of the year, so lightweight clothing is ideal.

For normal sightseeing:

T-shirts
Loose trousers
Long skirts
Comfortable dresses
Sandals
Walking shoes

When visiting temples, dress more conservatively.

Cover:

shoulders + knees

when appropriate.

A lightweight scarf is useful for temple visits.

16. How Should You Behave at Lao Temples?

Temples are active religious places.

Remember to:

Dress respectfully
Speak quietly
Remove shoes where required
Follow local instructions
Avoid touching religious objects
Ask before taking photographs
Respect monks and worshippers

Don’t treat temples as simply photo locations.

Take time to observe.

17. Can You Photograph Monks?

Ask first.

This is particularly important during:

Morning alms ceremonies
Religious ceremonies
Private prayer
Temple activities

A respectful gesture asking permission is better than photographing someone without consent.

18. Should You Participate in the Luang Prabang Alms Giving Ceremony?

The morning alms ceremony in Luang Prabang is one of Laos’ best-known cultural experiences.

But remember:

it is a religious practice, not a tourist performance.

If you observe it:

Keep your distance
Dress respectfully
Stay quiet
Do not use flash
Do not block monks
Don’t touch monks
Avoid intrusive photography

The best experience is often simply watching respectfully.

19. What Is Laos Famous For?

Laos is famous for:

Luang Prabang
Buddhist temples
Mekong River
Kuang Si Waterfalls
Vang Vieng
Traditional Lao food
Buddhist culture
Mountains
Caves
Rice fields
French-colonial architecture
Slow travel
Traditional villages

But Laos’ greatest attraction may simply be:

Its pace of life.

20. Visit Luang Prabang

The Best Place to Experience Laos

Luang Prabang is the cultural heart of Laos.

The city combines:

Buddhist temples
French-colonial architecture
Mekong scenery
Traditional markets
Cafés
Local food
Craft shops
Mountains
Waterfalls

For many first-time visitors, Luang Prabang is the highlight of Laos.

Don’t Miss

Wat Xieng Thong

Mount Phousi

Night Market

Mekong River

Kuang Si Waterfalls

Royal Palace Museum

Morning market

21. Visit Kuang Si Waterfalls

One of the most beautiful natural attractions near Luang Prabang is Kuang Si Waterfall.

The turquoise pools and surrounding forest make it ideal for:

Swimming
Photography
Nature
Hiking
Relaxation

Vietnam Women Travel Tip

Visit early if possible.

Later in the day, the pools can become busy.

A private vehicle also allows you to combine the waterfall with nearby villages and local experiences.

22. Explore Vang Vieng

Vang Vieng was once famous mainly as a backpacker party destination.

Today it has evolved into a much broader adventure destination.

Enjoy:

Limestone mountains
Caves
Rivers
Kayaking
Cycling
Hiking
Hot-air balloon experiences
Viewpoints
Rural landscapes

Best For

Adventure + nature + couples + active travelers

23. Visit Vientiane

Laos’ Relaxed Capital

Vientiane is quieter than many Southeast Asian capitals.

That is part of its charm.

Visit:

Pha That Luang
Patuxai
Wat Si Saket
COPE Visitor Centre
Mekong riverside
Local markets

How Long?

1–2 days

is enough for many first-time travelers.

24. See Pha That Luang

Pha That Luang is one of the most important national and religious symbols of Laos.

Its golden stupa is one of Vientiane’s most recognizable landmarks.

Combine it with:

Patuxai + Wat Si Saket + local lunch

for an easy city itinerary.

25. Visit Patuxai

Patuxai is one of Vientiane’s most recognizable monuments.

Its architecture reflects a mixture of Lao and French influences.

Climb up for views over the city.

26. Take a Mekong River Cruise

The Mekong is central to life in Laos.

A river experience can introduce travelers to:

Riverside villages
Fishing
Agriculture
Temples
Local communities
Sunset landscapes

A private or small-group boat can create a much more peaceful experience.

27. Explore the Mekong by Slow Boat

The slow boat experience is one of the classic ways to experience northern Laos.

Rather than rushing between destinations, spend time watching:

mountains → villages → forests → river life.

It is particularly appealing to travelers who enjoy slow travel.

28. Explore Lao Villages

Leave the major tourist centers and you will find a quieter Laos.

You may see:

Rice fields
Wooden houses
Small temples
Local farms
Children playing
Traditional crafts
Buffalo
Mountain landscapes

Always visit villages respectfully.

29. Try Lao Food

Lao cuisine deserves much more attention.

Must-try dishes include:

Laap

A famous Lao meat or fish salad with herbs and seasonings.

Sticky Rice

A staple of Lao cuisine.

Tam Mak Hoong

Lao-style green papaya salad.

Khao Piak Sen

A comforting Lao noodle soup.

Mok Pa

Fish wrapped with herbs and steamed.

Grilled Fish

Fresh fish is often served with herbs and sticky rice.

Or Lam

A traditional Luang Prabang-style stew.

30. Eat Sticky Rice Like a Local

Sticky rice is more than a side dish.

It is central to Lao meals.

Traditionally, sticky rice is eaten by hand.

Take a small amount, shape it into a ball and use it with other foods.

Ask your guide or host to show you.

31. Try Lao Coffee

Southern Laos is particularly associated with coffee production.

The Bolaven Plateau around Pakse offers opportunities to explore:

Coffee plantations
Waterfalls
Highland villages
Rural landscapes

Coffee lovers should consider adding southern Laos to their itinerary.

32. Visit the Bolaven Plateau

The Bolaven Plateau is one of southern Laos’ most attractive regions.

It is known for:

Coffee
Waterfalls
Cool highland scenery
Plantations
Villages
Rural landscapes

Best For

Nature + coffee + road trips

33. Visit Pakse

Pakse is an important gateway to southern Laos.

It works well as a base for exploring:

Bolaven Plateau
Wat Phou
Waterfalls
Mekong islands
Coffee plantations

34. Explore Wat Phou

Wat Phou is an ancient Khmer temple complex in southern Laos.

Its architecture provides an interesting connection between Laos and the wider Khmer cultural world.

It is particularly appealing to travelers who plan to combine:

Laos + Cambodia.

35. Visit Si Phan Don – The 4,000 Islands

The 4,000 Islands region sits along the Mekong in southern Laos.

Popular places include:

Don Det

Don Khon

Don Khong

Expect:

Mekong sunsets
Cycling
Small islands
Waterfalls
Hammocks
Slow travel

This is Laos at its most relaxed.

36. Explore Laos by Train

The Laos-China Railway has transformed travel between several major destinations.

For travelers moving between:

Vientiane → Vang Vieng → Luang Prabang

the train can be considerably faster than traveling entirely by road.

Vietnam Women Travel Tip

Book ahead during busy travel periods.

Train schedules and ticket procedures can change, so check current information close to your travel date.

37. How Do You Get Around Laos?

Common transportation options include:

Train

Best for selected major routes.

Private Car

Best for:

Families
Couples
Luxury travelers
Flexible itineraries

Minivan

Useful for regional travel.

Tuk-Tuk

Excellent for short local journeys.

Motorbike

Good for experienced riders exploring appropriate routes.

Boat

Essential for certain Mekong experiences.

38. Should You Rent a Motorbike in Laos?

Motorbikes can be a wonderful way to explore rural Laos.

However:

only ride if you are properly licensed and experienced.

Mountain roads can be challenging.

Watch for:

Potholes
Animals
Trucks
Poor lighting
Wet roads
Sharp bends

Always wear a helmet.

39. Is Laos Expensive?

Laos can be relatively affordable compared with many Western destinations, although costs vary significantly depending on your travel style.

You can travel:

budget

mid-range

luxury private.

The biggest difference is usually accommodation, transportation and private experiences.

40. Is Laos Cheaper Than Vietnam?

Both countries offer good value, but the actual cost depends on:

Hotel category
Transportation
Restaurants
Activities
Season
Private vs group travel

For a premium private journey, don’t compare only the price of a hotel.

Consider:

transport + guide + experiences + flexibility + service.

41. How Much Should You Tip in Laos?

Tipping is not always mandatory, but it is appreciated for good service.

You may consider tipping:

Guides
Drivers
Hotel staff
Spa therapists
Restaurant staff

For a private tour, a tip is a thoughtful way to recognize excellent service.

42. Should You Bargain in Laos?

Bargaining can be common in markets.

But keep it friendly.

Don’t turn a small purchase into an aggressive negotiation.

A smile and respectful conversation are much more appropriate.

43. What Should You Pack for Laos?

Clothing

T-shirts
Lightweight trousers
Shorts
Long skirt
Light dress
Underwear
Sleepwear

Temple Visits

Long trousers
Long skirt
Shoulder-covering top
Scarf

Outdoor Activities

Walking shoes
Sandals
Hat
Sunglasses
Lightweight rain jacket

Health & Comfort

Sunscreen
Insect repellent
Personal medication
Reusable water bottle

Technology

Phone
Charger
Power bank
Travel adapter

Documents

Passport
Visa/eVisa if required
Travel insurance
Hotel information
Transportation tickets

44. What Shoes Should You Bring?

Bring:

comfortable walking shoes

for temples, cities and waterfalls.

Also bring:

sandals

for hotels and casual evenings.

If you plan to hike, choose shoes with good grip.

45. Can You Drink Tap Water in Laos?

For most international travelers, bottled or properly filtered water is the safer choice.

Use bottled or purified water for:

Drinking
Brushing teeth when appropriate
Making baby formula
Taking medication

Avoid untreated water unless you know it has been properly purified.

46. Is Street Food Safe in Laos?

Street food can be one of the highlights of Laos.

Choose stalls with:

High customer turnover
Fresh ingredients
Food cooked to order
Good hygiene
Properly stored ingredients

If you have a sensitive stomach, begin with:

hot, freshly cooked food.

47. Laos Travel Tips for Families

Laos can be excellent for families.

Children may enjoy:

Waterfalls
Mekong boat trips
Tuk-tuk rides
Local markets
Cooking classes
Villages
Cycling
Nature

Best strategy

Don’t schedule activities all day.

Use:

morning activity → lunch → hotel/pool → evening experience.

48. Laos Travel Tips for Couples

Laos is particularly appealing for couples who want a slower Southeast Asian experience.

Consider:

Luang Prabang
Mekong sunset cruise
Kuang Si Waterfalls
Boutique hotels
Private cooking class
Vang Vieng
Bolaven Plateau
4,000 Islands

Romantic Laos Idea

Temple morning → local lunch → waterfall → hotel spa → Mekong sunset → private dinner

49. Laos Travel Tips for Luxury Travelers

Luxury in Laos is less about huge resorts and more about:

privacy + location + service + experience.

Choose:

Boutique hotels
Private guides
Private cars
Mekong cruises
Premium restaurants
Private cooking experiences
Wellness treatments
Carefully selected local encounters

50. Laos Travel Tips for Female Travelers

For women travelers, Laos offers many opportunities for meaningful cultural experiences.

Travel comfortably by:

Choosing reputable hotels
Using trusted transportation
Keeping valuables secure
Dressing respectfully
Staying aware in remote areas
Using a local guide where helpful

A private female-led itinerary can also make it easier to connect with local women, artisans, cooks and entrepreneurs.

51. Meet Lao Women Through Travel

Travel Beyond the Tourist Attractions

At Vietnam Women Travel, we believe women travelers can experience Laos in a more meaningful way by meeting the women behind local life.

Instead of simply:

visiting a market

meet a local woman selling her products.

Instead of simply:

eating Lao food

meet the woman who prepares it.

Instead of simply:

buying handicrafts

meet the woman who makes them.

Depending on the experience, travelers can meet:

Female artisans
Home cooks
Local entrepreneurs
Market vendors
Craftswomen
Women guides
Family business owners

These encounters create memories that no standard sightseeing itinerary can provide.

52. Responsible Travel in Laos

Travel responsibly.

Support local businesses

Choose:

Local restaurants
Local guides
Family-run accommodation
Local artisans
Community experiences

Respect villages

Ask before taking photographs.

Respect temples

Dress appropriately and follow local rules.

Protect nature

Take your rubbish with you.

Protect wildlife

Never feed or touch wild animals.

Respect people

Local communities are not tourist attractions.

53. How to Respect Lao Culture

A few simple habits go a long way.

Do

Smile.

Be patient.

Dress modestly.

Speak quietly in temples.

Ask permission before photographing.

Remove shoes where appropriate.

Respect monks.

Avoid

Touching someone’s head unnecessarily.

Pointing rudely.

Shouting.

Entering restricted religious areas.

Taking intrusive photographs.

54. How Many Days Do You Need in Laos?

3 Days

Luang Prabang

Best for:

temples + waterfalls + Mekong

5 Days

Luang Prabang + Vang Vieng

Best for:

culture + nature + adventure

7 Days

Luang Prabang + Vang Vieng + Vientiane

This is one of the best first-time Laos itineraries.

10 Days

Add:

Pakse + Bolaven Plateau

Nong Khiaw / northern Laos

depending on your interests.

14 Days

A slower journey can combine:

Luang Prabang → Vang Vieng → Vientiane → Pakse → Bolaven Plateau → 4,000 Islands

55. Best Places to Visit in Laos

Luang Prabang

Best for:

culture + temples + food

Vang Vieng

Best for:

adventure + mountains

Vientiane

Best for:

city culture + temples

Nong Khiaw

Best for:

mountains + slow travel

Pakse

Best for:

southern Laos + coffee

Bolaven Plateau

Best for:

waterfalls + coffee

Wat Phou

Best for:

history + Khmer architecture

4,000 Islands

Best for:

Mekong + relaxation

56. Laos for First-Time Visitors

If this is your first Laos trip, prioritize:

1.

Luang Prabang

2.

Kuang Si Waterfalls

3.

Mekong River

4.

Vang Vieng

5.

Vientiane

Then add southern Laos if you have more time.

57. Laos + Vietnam

Laos and Vietnam make an excellent combination.

A classic journey can include:

Vietnam

Hanoi → Ninh Binh → Halong Bay → Hoi An → Ho Chi Minh City

then

Laos

Luang Prabang → Vang Vieng → Vientiane

This combines:

Vietnamese food + Vietnamese culture + Laos temples + Mekong landscapes + mountain scenery.

Both countries are GMT+7, so travelers do not need to adjust their watches when crossing between them.

58. Laos + Cambodia

Laos and Cambodia can also be combined.

A classic route is:

Luang Prabang → Vientiane → Phnom Penh → Siem Reap

or:

Laos → Cambodia → Vietnam

This creates a beautiful Indochina journey through:

Buddhist culture + Mekong landscapes + Khmer civilization + Angkor Wat.

59. Vietnam + Laos + Cambodia

The Ultimate Indochina Journey

For travelers with 14–21 days, consider:

Vietnam

Hanoi → Ninh Binh → Halong Bay → Hoi An → Ho Chi Minh City

Laos

Luang Prabang → Vang Vieng

Cambodia

Phnom Penh → Siem Reap

This gives you three very different cultures within one journey.

60. Best Laos Itinerary for Women Travelers

For a premium private journey, we recommend slowing the itinerary down.

Day 1

Arrive Luang Prabang

Day 2

Temples + local market + female-led cultural experience

Day 3

Kuang Si Waterfalls + countryside

Day 4

Mekong experience + cooking class

Day 5

Train to Vang Vieng

Day 6

Mountain scenery + local village

Day 7

Vientiane

Day 8

Departure or continue to Vietnam/Cambodia

The focus isn’t on seeing everything.

It is on experiencing each destination properly.

Laos Travel FAQ

Is Laos worth visiting?

Absolutely.

Laos offers a slower and more peaceful experience than many other Southeast Asian destinations, with temples, mountains, rivers, waterfalls, villages and distinctive cuisine.

What is the best place to visit in Laos?

For first-time travelers, Luang Prabang is usually the best starting point.

How many days should I spend in Laos?

For a first trip, 5–8 days works well.

For a deeper journey, allow 10–14 days.

Is Laos expensive?

Laos can offer good value, although costs vary depending on accommodation, transport and whether you choose private experiences.

Is Laos safe for tourists?

Most travelers can enjoy Laos with normal precautions, but remote areas require additional awareness because unexploded ordnance remains a concern in parts of the country.

What currency should I bring to Laos?

The official currency is the Lao Kip. Major foreign currencies such as USD, EUR and Thai baht can also be useful for exchange.

Do I need a Laos visa?

Visa requirements depend on nationality. Many travelers can use visa on arrival at designated entry points or apply for an eVisa if eligible.

How long does the Laos eVisa take?

The official eVisa website says processing is usually around 3 working days, although it can take longer if additional review is required or during holidays.

What food should I try in Laos?

Start with:

Laap + sticky rice + Tam Mak Hoong + Khao Piak Sen + Mok Pa + Or Lam.

Is Laos good for families?

Yes. Waterfalls, boat trips, nature, markets and cultural experiences work particularly well for families.

Is Laos good for couples?

Yes. Luang Prabang, the Mekong, Vang Vieng and southern Laos offer excellent opportunities for romantic slow travel.

Can I combine Laos with Vietnam?

Yes. Vietnam and Laos are an excellent combination, particularly for travelers interested in culture, food, mountains and the Mekong region.

Laos Is About Slowing Down

Laos doesn’t compete with its neighbors by being louder.

It doesn’t need to.

The beauty of Laos is in:

a quiet temple at sunrise.

a Mekong sunset.

a bowl of noodle soup.

a village road.

a mountain covered in mist.

the sound of monks’ bells.

a conversation with a local woman.

a slow boat moving downstream.

This is a country best experienced without rushing.

At Vietnam Women Travel – Premium Private Tours Led by Women, we design private journeys around that philosophy.

Not simply:

See Laos.

But:

Feel Laos.

Vietnam Women Travel

Premium Private Tours Led by Women

Private journeys. Local women. Authentic Indochina.

Experience Laos through its people, food, temples, landscapes and stories — at your own pace.