Everything You Need to Know About Traveling to Laos

Located in Southeast Asia, Laos is a landlocked country that shares a border with Cambodia, Thailand, Myanmar, China, and Vietnam.  Not only is Laos an absolutely beautiful country, but its affordable, the people are friendly, its clean, and it receives much fewer visitors than some of its counterparts in Southeast Asia.  After spending one month exploring Laos, I’ve compiled everything you need to know about traveling to Laos.

 

Is Laos Worth Visiting?

Is Laos worth visiting?  Picture yourself drifting down the Mekong River, surrounded by lush landscapes and traditional villages that seem untouched by time.  In Laos, it seems as though time slows down, allowing you to enjoy the simple pleasures of life.  Explore the ancient temples of Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Heritage site.  Trek through the jungle in Northern Laos.  Hang out with Gibbons in the tallest treehouses in the world.  Laos isn’t just a destination; it’s an immersive experience where tranquility and culture come together, creating a unique, one of a kind, experience.

So is Laos worth visiting?  I would say absolutely.

 

Don’t miss:

• The Best 1 Week Laos Itinerary

 

Brief History of Laos

Laos boasts a rich history dating back to the ancient Khmer Empire.  The region saw various kingdoms and principalities rise and fall until the Lan Xang Kingdom emerged in the 14th century, uniting the territories that would become modern Laos.  French colonization in the late 19th century shaped the nation’s destiny until it gained independence in 1954.  The Vietnam War cast a shadow on Laos as it became a battleground, leading to heavy bombing.  Since then, Laos has pursued a path of neutrality and development, blending its ancient traditions with a growing appreciation for its natural beauty, making it a captivating destination for those seeking a unique blend of history and tranquility.

 

I VISITED LAOS AS PART OF AN 8-MONTH ITINERARY THROUGH SOUTHEAST ASIA – YOU CAN SEE MY ITINERARY HERE

 

Safety Tips for Visiting Laos

Laos ranks 46th out of 163 countries and territories on the Global Peace Index (for reference, the United States holds the 131st spot).  In my experience traveling through Laos with my boyfriend, I felt perfectly safe.  However, here are some general safety tips to follow when traveling through Laos.

• Make two copies your passport; keep one copy in a separate place from where you keep your passport, and leave the second copy at home with a loved one
• Forward all hotel reservations to a family member/friend so they can track where you’re supposed to be at all times
• Know the number and address of the US Embassy (or whatever country you’re from).  In this case, the US Embassy is located in Vientiane, the number is +856 21 487 000 and the address is Thaduea Road KM 9 Vientiane, Laos
• Know how to dial out – the code for Laos is +856
• Know how to contact the police – 191; firefighters -190; medical emergency service -195

 

Scams

One of the most well-known scams that in Laos is a motorbike scam that takes places in Luang Prabang.  Apparently, it can be quite common for tourists who rent motorbikes to have their motorbikes stolen.  When I asked the staff at the hotel I was staying at about this, they said that in the past, rental companies find out where you’re going and then follow you with another key and take the bike when you park it.  They then ask you for a hefty sum (in the thousands of dollars) because you “lost” the bike.  Thankfully, this didn’t happen to me, but I would recommend that if you’re in Luang Prabang to make sure that when you rent a bike, it comes with a lock.

Another common scam (if you can call it that), is tuk-tuk drivers charging an exorbitant amount of money to take you somewhere.  You can negotiate prices so know that the first price quoted to you will be much higher than what you should actually be paying.  (For example, one tuk-tuk driver quoted me 150,000 LAK and we ended up paying 40,000 LAK – he wanted to charge more than double what it actually costs to hire him).

Lastly, getting your visa on arrival CAN be another scam in Laos.  I talk more about this under the “visa” section.

 

Vaccines to Get Before Visiting Laos

I highly recommend checking out the CDC recommendations for vaccines to get before visiting Laos, and making an appointment with an infectious disease doctor before traveling.

 

Travel Insurance

Another way to ensure safety during a trip is by purchasing travel insurance.  Travel insurance can cover illness, theft, airplane and hotel cancellation, and emergency evacuation services if something arises (each plan is different so make sure to see what your insurance covers before purchasing).  I used SafetyWing while traveling through Laos and would highly recommend it.

 

Read more about why I recommend travel insurance…

• Why You Need Travel Insurance… From a Nurse’s Perspective

 

GET YOUR TRAVEL INSURANCE HERE!

 

Visa Requirements for Visiting Laos

While there are exceptions to some countries, Laos does require a visa to travel to the country.  In my experience, the easiest way to obtain a visa is online using iVisa.  Make sure to apply at least 10-days before traveling to Laos to ensure your visa arrives on time.

 

E-Visa vs Visa on Arrival

If you don’t want to get an e-visa, another option is to get a visa on arrival.  Depending on where you’re entering in Laos, a visa on arrival is an option.  (Make sure that you research this ahead of time because some entry points into Laos don’t allow visa on arrival and instead require you to have an e-visa.  Alternatively, some entry points don’t allow e-visa and you must get a visa on arrival).

By the way, an e-visa is a visa that you obtain online.  A visa on arrival is a visa that you obtain once you arrive.  As of 2023, it costs $40 to get a one-month visa on arrival (IF you already have passport photos with you; if not it’s an extra $5).  From what I’ve heard from other travelers, some entry points into Laos charge more than $40 as part of a scam.

Lastly – you MUST have USD for your visa on arrival, and depending on where you enter, there may not be an ATM so some airlines require you to show proof of your $40 USD before going to Laos.

In my experience, I traveled from Siem Reap to Luang Prabang with the intention of getting a visa on arrival.  In Siem Reap I had to show my $40 in order to obtain my boarding pass.  The flight to Luang Prabang had one stop in the town of Pakse, a border city in Southern Laos.  Everyone was required to de-plane (with luggage), get your visa at the airport, go through security, and get on the exact same airplane in order to make it to Luang Prabang.

 

TRAVELING TO LAOS?  GET YOUR E-VISA HERE!

 

The Best Time to Visit Laos

Laos has a tropical climate characterized by dry season and monsoon season.  Monsoon season, or rainy season, lasts from May-mid-October; and dry season lasts from mid-October-April.

During Laos’s coldest months of December and January, temperatures hang out around 70 F (this can vary if you’re north in the mountains vs south).  During Laos’s hottest months of March and April, temperatures hang out around 90 F.  The average temperature in Laos throughout the year is 80 F.

December sees the highest number of tourists coming to visit Laos.

 

Cost of Visiting Laos

Laos is a very affordable country in Southeast Asia, and depending on where you are in the country some areas are more expensive than others.  For instance, Luang Prabang is perhaps the most expensive place in Laos – while the north and south are both cheaper.  Even in Luang Prabang, however, its still very affordable.

If you’re planning a trip to Laos, I would say that you can expect to spend (on food, accommodation, and tours)…

• Budget:  $10-20/day
• Mid-Range:  $30-$50/day
• Luxury:  $80-$100+/day

As for food, depending on what restaurant you’re at the price of a meal generally ranges from $2-$15 (with western restaurants being much more expensive than Laotian restaurants).  Transportation is very cheap in Laos, and you’re able to negotiate with tuk-tuk drivers to bring costs down.  If you need to travel through Laos, taking a bus is very affordable or there’s also a high speed train that runs through the northern part of Laos with 10 passenger stations that’s also affordable.  Tours can be cheap (if you join a group) or more expensive if you want a private guide.  Lastly, hotels, hostels, and homestays are pretty affordable throughout Laos.  I used Booking.com to compare hotel prices throughout the country.

 

Currency in Laos

Laos operates on the Laotian Kip (₭) or LAK.  At time of writing, 1 USD = 20,000 LAK.

 

Cash vs Credit/Debit

When you visit Laos, I highly recommend getting cash out when you arrive.  I don’t suggest bringing your own currency and exchanging it at the airport because you generally won’t get a good exchange rate.  Instead, use the ATM and make sure that you’ve notified your bank of travel so that you can access your account.  The ATM fees in Laos were cheap around $1-2/transaction.

As far as using a credit/debit card, there are some opportunities for you to use a card, mainly at bigger restaurants or when booking buses/hotels.  Sometimes you will be charged a 3% additional fee, but you will be notified of this before being charged.

 

Pro tip:  If you’re using a credit card while traveling, make sure that you’re using one that doesn’t charge any foreign transaction fees!  if you need a recommendation, send me a DM on IG.

 

Tipping Practices

Tipping is not common in Laos.  Of course, tipping is greatly appreciated but it’s not expected.  There are some instances you will notice a “tip” jar at places.  If you feel inclined, of course you can leave some money but don’t feel obligated.

 

How to Get to Laos

Laos has two international airports, one in Luang Prabang and the other in Vientiane.  These will most likely be the two airports you will be flying into if you travel to Laos.  I recommend using Skyscanner and Expedia to compare flight options and prices.

If you’re coming from another country in Southeast Asia like Thailand, Cambodia, or Vietnam you can also explore the option to travel by land and take a bus into Laos.  Use Bookaway or 12Go filter through options and compare prices.

 

Tips for Getting to Laos from the USA

If you’re planning a trip to Laos from the USA your journey can be pretty long!  To make your journey more comfortable, and maybe even more affordable, here are some simple tips…

• If you live in a small city, buy a flight out of a bigger city to save money
  • For example, I live in Omaha, NE so I use Southwest points to fly to Chicago in the morning, then get a night flight out of Chicago to my destination
• Compare prices when it comes to arriving/departing from Luang Prabang vs Vientiane
• Look at flight prices/times if you fly from the East Coast vs the West Coast
• Open a travel credit card to earn points to potentially use for your flight
• Compare flight prices on Expedia and Skyscanner
• Purchase travel insurance (before traveling) in case anything goes wrong with your flight

 

BOOK A FLIGHT TO LAOS HERE!

 

How to Get Around Laos

Getting around Laos requires a certain level of patience.  Sometimes it feels easy (especially if you take the train), but if you’re only mode of transportation is a bus, sometimes the journey can be long and difficult.  Here are some great resources to use for getting around Laos…

• “LOCA” for affordable taxis/tuk-tuks for short distances
• Bookaway or 12Go for bus travel to different regions
• 12Go to book train tickets on the high speed train (the train isn’t available all over Laos but does stop in a Vientiane, Luang Prabang, and Vang Vieng; amongst a few other places)
• Motorbike – this is a great option if you want to explore a more remote destination that isn’t walkable
• Ask your hotel – hotels are more than happy to help you with accommodation, just make sure to ask what the price is ahead of time

 

BOOK A BUS OR TRAIN TICKET TO GET AROUND LAOS HERE!

 

Laos Food & Drink

I was thoroughly impressed with the food in Laos, and there are tons of flavor variety between each dish.  Laos cuisine focuses heavily on sticky rice, buffalo, cilantro, mint, lemongrass, larb, fish, eggplant, and more.  Each dish tastes fresh and can have a kick to it (if requested).  Because of its proximity to Thailand, I would also argue that many dishes have a Thai influence.

I believe that the best way to experience a country is through its food; if you plan to visit Luang Prabang I highly recommend checking out Cookly to experience a local cooking class.

As far as drinking, I don’t recommend drinking the tap water.  When you ask for water you’ll almost always get a bottle of water or you might get filtered water if it’s available.  To cut down on plastic waste, I suggest bringing a reusable water bottle with you and requesting filtered water when available.

 

BOOK A COOKING CLASS IN LUANG PRABANG HERE!

 

Language in Laos & Simple Phrases to Know

The main language in Laos is Laos with other dialects spoken amongst the various ethnic groups around the country.  English is also spoken with most people knowing at least enough English to get by.  All tour guides and hotel staff will know enough English to assist you in getting around and helping you out.

When traveling, I always think it’s polite to learn a few phrases in the language of the country that you’re visiting.  Here are a couple of Lao words that can help you get by…

• Thank you = Khob chai
• Hello = Sabaidi
• Goodbye = Sabaidi
• Toilet = Hong nam

 

What to Pack for Laos

Below you’ll find everything I suggest packing for a trip to Laos…

• Swimming suit (if you’re planning to chase waterfalls)
• Breezy dresses
• Linen outfits
• Sunglasses
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Shower shoes/beach shoes
• Eye mask for the airplane
• Reusable water bottle (to keep your water cool on hot days)
• Lock for suitcase
• Bug spray
• Sunscreen (face and body)

There are times in Laos where you’re required to cover your knees and shoulders.  I recommend bringing at least one outfit that does this.

 

 

For a more extensive packing guide, don’t miss:

• The Best Packing List for Laos

 

Accommodation in Laos

By far, the easiest way to book accommodation in Laos is by Booking.com.  Not only will you find a plethora of hotels but you’re also able to filter through options.  Before browsing accommodations, I always make sure that I have “free wifi”, “very good 8+ reviews”, “distance less than 1 km to center” toggled ON.  From there, I browse through accommodations and choose the best one for me.

 

BOOK YOUR STAY IN LAOS HERE!

 

Planning Your Route Around Laos

There’s enough things to see and do in Laos to entertain you for at least a month.  When planning your route around Laos, first figure out how long you have to spend – and go from there.

If it’s your first time to Laos, I would highly recommend prioritizing Luang Prabang; and Nong Khiaw and Vang Vieng if you like nature and adventure.  Depending on how much time you have in Laos, I’d also suggest looking into going west for the Gibbon experience and south to visit 4000 Islands.

Remember:  When traveling around Laos, the journey can be long at times.  Transportation isn’t great (if you’re traveling by bus) so make sure that you take that into account.

 

Laos Essentials – What You Need & Need to Know About Visiting Laos

 

Laos is truly a one of a kind country.  A beautiful place that has managed to retain its cultural charm and with plenty of locals waiting to welcome you.  If you’re traveling to Laos, I hope that this post helps in planning your travels.  And if you have any questions about Laos, let me know in the comments below!

 

To help plan your travels around Laos, don’t miss:

• The Best Luang Prabang Itinerary (1-3 Days)
• From Luang Prabang:  What You Need to Know About Visiting Kuang Si Waterfall
• A Complete Guide to Nong Khiaw, Laos
• Everything You Need to Know About Visiting Blue Lagoon 1 & 2 in Vang Vieng

 

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For more information on things to see and do in Laos, make sure to check out my Instagram page/highlight reel by searching “#ppinlaos” or under my highlights for “Laos”; alternatively, head to my TikTok and search for the saved “Laos” highlight

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