Places / Oceania / Papua New Guinea
Lae
Not been yet
At a glance
- Country
- Papua New Guinea
- Region
- Morobe Province
- Population
- 100,000
- Best time to go
- Year-round, with rain any month
- Main airport
- Lae Nadzab (LAE)
- Coordinates
- 6.72°S, 147.00°E
Visited Still to go Click a pin or country to read more. Zoom with + and −, a double-click or a pinch.
Overview
Lae is Papua New Guinea's second city and main industrial port, at the mouth of the Markham River on the Huon Gulf. It is the start of the Highlands Highway, which carries goods up into the mountains.
Few tourists linger, but there is enough to fill a day or two. Security is a concern here too, so arrange transport through your hotel and seek local advice before exploring.
Things to see
-
Photo: Phenss, CC BY-SA 3.0 Lae War Cemetery
The largest war cemetery in the country, set in landscaped grounds near the botanic gardens.
-
Photo: Phenss, CC BY-SA 3.0 Lae Botanic Gardens
Overgrown but atmospheric gardens with huge rainforest trees and orchids.
-
Photo: U.S. Navy photo by Seaman Isabel Mendoza, Public domain Rainforest Habitat
A walk-through enclosure at the university with birds of paradise, tree kangaroos and crocodiles.
Tickets and tours
Things to do
-
Photo: U.S. Marine Corps photo by Gunnery Sgt. Charles McKelvey, Public domain Morobe Show
An annual agricultural show with traditional dance groups in elaborate costume.
-
Photo: L.H.Q, (Austalian) Cartographic Company, 1942, CC BY-SA 4.0 Salamaua
A peaceful former gold-rush settlement on a peninsula, reached by boat, with Second World War relics.
-
Photo: Hiart, CC0 Main market
Browse betel nut, fresh produce and bilum bags woven by women from across the province.
Where to stay
Top Town
The commercial centre, with the main hotels and banks.
Hotels in Top TownNear Nadzab
A few quieter lodges out of town, convenient for early flights.
Hotels in Near Nadzab
Getting around
Use hotel vehicles or arranged drivers; avoid walking in the city at night.
Nadzab airport is around 40 km northwest of the city, roughly 45 minutes by car.
When to go
Lae is one of the wettest cities in the country, and heavy rain can fall in any month, so pack a waterproof whenever you go. It is hot and humid all year round.
Plan your trip to Lae
Guide last checked October 2026. Opening times and prices change, so check before you go.