TRAVELING IN LAOS → GUIDE FOR BEGINNERS

Traveling to Laos for the first time? Wondering how to plan your entire Laos Travel, whether you need to know about best places to visit, or what to pack for Laos? If so, you’ve come to the right place! I created this Laos Travel Guide for beginners, and I tried to include all the possible tips and advices.

Laos is a chill & welcoming destination – unlike all tourist packed cities such as Ho Chi Minh City, Bangkok, or even Hanoi. Life is slow in Laos and locals are a reason to visit this land-locked country. If you’re still planning your trip & need some ideas on places to go, where to stay, and things to do, follow this post.

Traveling in Laos? In this guide, i will share with trip planner advices plus the local tips and things to know for the first-timers.

Travel Laos the way suits you best! Explore highlights + local lifestyles & travel in style on a deluxe tour, or explore your own way on a Laos Private Tours

Best Time to travel to Laos

Laos’s weather ranges from tropical to sub-tropical, and temperatures vary accordingly between north and south as well as from season to season. The best time for Laos travel is from November to February/March when the weather is dry and warm without being too hot. It can however get quite chilly in the north of the country during these months.

From March, the temperature starts to warm up significantly, peaking in April/May, just before the rains come to signal the beginning of the humid wet season which runs until mid-October. Slightly lower rainfall occurs in the north of the country and as a result, Vientiane tends to be wetter than Luang Prabang.

During most of the rainy season, daytime temperatures average around 29 degrees Celsius in the lowlands and 25 degrees Celsius in the mountain valleys. Rainy season falls between June to October. Traveling during the peak rainy season can be slow and or, flagged as an impossible due to the road condition in most of Laos.

In general, the best time of the year to visit Laos is between November and February. Peak tourist months are December to February and during August, although there are relatively few visitors at any time.

In addition to the weather & best time to go, there is a period between the month of March and May known as the slash-and-burn season in Laos. This occurs when farmers in the north, particularly rice and sugarcane farmers, burn their fields after harvest to get rid of the stumps. This method, while cost-saving, creates huge environmental pollution.

Do I need a visa to travel to Laos?

Laos visa is simple, passport holders of most countries will get between 15-30 days of free visa on arrival on international airports and land-borders. Your passport must have beyond 6 month validity from the time of arrival into Laos.

Entry requirements for Laos

Members of ASEAN will get 30 days Laos visa on arrival: Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.

Citizens of Japan, South Korea, Switzerland, Luxembourg, Russia and Mongolia also granted with 15to 21 days visa-free upon arrival.

Other nationalities would need to apply a visa before traveling and that is now a simple procedure through the online official Laos Visa On Arrival website. Make sure to have enough blank page left in your passport, details of where will you be stay and visa fee USD 50. The officers May, or May Not, ask for the return ticket.

In addition to apply for a visa on the official website, most nationalities can get visa at the border, fill out the form, pay the visa fee and welcome.

All International Checkpoints & Land borders

Laos eVisa can be used to enter through these following international checkpoints /  airports:

1. Wattay International Airport (Vientiane Capital)

2. Lao – Thai Friendship Bridge I (Vientiane Capital)

3. Luang Prabang International Airport (Luang Prabang)

4. Lao – Thai Friendship Bridge II (Savannakhet Province)

5. Pakse International Airport (Champasack Province)

6. Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge IV (Bokeo Province)

7. Boten International Checkpoint (Luang Namtha Province)

8. Boten Railway Station (Luang Namtha Province)

Travelling into Laos

Destination Laos is surrounded by China, and Myanmar in the north, Vietnam at the east, Thailand at the west, and Cambodia at the south. The mighty Mekong River, the longest freshwater in south east of Asia crossing through Laos, and this resulting a variety of transport options From / To Laos to the neighboring countries.

There are currently no direct flights into Laos from outside of Asia – most visitors fly via Bangkok, Singapore, or even Hanoi in Vietnam.

Flights

There are several flight options from all the neighboring countries into Laos. Several daily flights departs from Bangkok, there are also 3-4 times / week direct flights from KL and Singapore as well as 3 flights weekly from Hanoi via Vietnam Airline. If you are in Bangkok and looking for a budget flight, there is an option to fly into Luang Prabang  via AirAsia.

The three international airports in Laos including Wattay International Airport in Vientiane, Luang Prabang in the north, or Pakse International Airport in the south.

Slow boat

The Slow Boat in Laos is the river taxi that runs from the border in Thailand to Luang Prabang and many travelers consider taking the slow boat through the Mekong a bucket list item. This popular 2 days/1 night mode of transport known as slow boat can be arranged through the tour companies and or at your hotel.

The Laos travel journey via the slow boat departs from Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, or Pai in Thai side to the Huay Xai and Luang Prabang in Laos.

Bus

Bus travel is a very common way of traveling on a among the backpackers visiting Laos. sleeper buses are efficient, cheap and services are available for traveling through the major towns and cities. To book, go directly to the bus terminal in Vientiane, Luang Prabang, Pakse or anywhere else or go easy and book it through your hotel desk.

Train

The newly launched, high-speed Laos-China Railway – Known as Boten railway, is the main railway network that links the Vientiane capital of Laos with the border of China. Trains depart from Vientiane Railway Station bound to Boten Station in Kunming in China. The major cities served by the line include Vang Vieng, Luang Prabang, Muang Xay and Luang Namtha.

The two types of ordinary and high-speed trains are operating by electric locomotives at a speed of 120-160 km/h.

You can also take a sleeper train from Bangkok, Thailand, to Laos via the Friendship Bridge over the Mekong River. The train journey offers on several different class based on your budget.

And, unfortunately, there isn’t any train network between Vietnam and Laos (Although there’s a talk about it).

Laos Travel: The ultimate guide to traveling Laos for beginners

Money & Costs

Cash is everything in Laos, even though traveling in country isn’t that expensive – Traveler’s reported the daily budget of US$20 to US$150, depending on traveling style, accommodation taste & what you expect.

The best (even not the only), way is to carry clean and crisp new USD bank notes, or Thai Baht and change them into KIP, Laos Currency at money changers, hotels and or on arrival at the airport. In addition, the old ripped or damages banknotes may be changed with lower rate.

Try to spend all the Lao Kip while in Laos or you may not be able to easily change them to other currencies once you fly out. However, the best tip is to exchange them before departure to either Thai Baht or USD , or even VND in case you’re traveling to Vietnam.

ATM & credit card in Laos

Shops in tourist areas, or restaurants and bigger hotels accepts credit card with additional fee of 3-5% depend on your bank.

To withdraw cash from ATMs, i suggest you to do it in larger amount to avoid the bank and ATM fees. For Mastercard, the best ATM is BCEL that allows 2 million  Lao Kip at once with the fee of 30k (1.5%). For Visa cards, the best ATM is Indochina Bank, for 3 million LAK, the fee is 40,000 (1.33%).

Can i withdraw USD directly from ATMs in Laos? No. Use your home-issued credit card to withdraw LAK

Can i use Revolut while traveling in Laos?

Can you use Revolut, Wise, Monese, etc? Yes, Revolut cards work in Laos. Both VISA and Mastercard are accepted. You can use your Revolut card to withdraw cash from ATMs and make payments at POS terminals.

As a tourist, pay using your phone, easy and efficient, Simply download the EzyKip App on iOS & Android, register, and top it up with some money and pay as you go.

Best Laos SIM Cards for Tourist

Prepaid data Laos sim-cards are cheap and available at any check-points and of course at the airports. Get one and avoid using roaming that costs you an arm and leg later.

Buying a SIM card is easy, I got one right after I cross from Na Meo in Vietnam to Laos at a roadside supermarket in the middle of no where. Usually, the 5 GB data package Lao SIM cost only 30k kip, this was prepaid and you can top it up once you need more data. With a Lao SIM, you’re able to sign up for transport services, and, most importantly, the Lao-China Railway app. dial *123# to check the remaining balance on your sim.

Travelling within Laos [Guide to transportation]

Ride Hailing/ Taxi

LOCA is the equivalent to Grab or Uber and works the same way. This Thai-owned Ride-Hailing Service Application. Give you the most convenient way to get a taxi or private car.

In addition, the same app allow you to use it for payments at restaurants and hotels, order takeaway and use it for its primary purpose book for a ride and its only available for booking taxis in Vientiane and Luang Prabang.

Another ride-hailing option is the Vietnamese own and operated known as a Xanh SM. All the electric cars are made in Vin-Fast, Vietnam. The services launched in late 2023 and their primary aim is to offer green eco friendly ride.

To book taxi, simple download their app, sign up and enjoy ride-hailing taxis in Las.

Getting around with Tuk Tuk

Tuk-Tuk are the locally mods of transportation in Laos, these three -wheeled motorized rickshaw with seat at the back and a small roof can take you anywhere within the city and they’re best fit for groups of friends charter it for sighseeing. Remember to agree on a price before hop on one.

They usually cost 30-40k for less than 3KM ride, for longer distances, try to negotiate 2/3 of the offered price and the driver should be ok to accept and give you a ride.

Motorbike

Inexpensive motorbikes are available to rent for around 150K Lao Kip per day. They are easily found to rent from most restaurants and guest-houses, or small tour desk you see at any corner. To rent one, the owner ask for the copy of your passport, or a certain amount as a deposit.

Choose from manual transmission, if you’re an experienced rider, or automatic scooters, if you’re a newbie. Make sure to check the bike carefully before taking it out from the garage, or if any damage, the shop will not be accept it and you may require to pay for the damage.

Also, the shop will provide you with helmet and some of them even fill the tank for you.

Bicycle

For any reason, if you’re not interested or you may don’t want to rent a motorbike (Because anyway you need to have a license), there is a free bicycle option for you to rent and cycle around the lush countryside of Laos the way that suits you the best. All hotels and accommodations will certainly provide a free bicycle for their guest. Some larger hotels and resorts offer electric bicycle as well, ask them in advance.

What to wear in Laos

Bring clothing suitable for sun exposure and mild temperatures, and pack layers of warmer clothes for cooler evenings. Generally, opt for casual clothes during your trip. Choose loose-fitting, lightweight cotton materials for comfort in humid weather.

One of the concerns you’ll see on all Laos travel guides and Just be informed, there is a dress code in Laos, if you’re visiting temples & sacred sites, dress modest to cover knees, shoulders and avoid to wear tank-top.

Must-see places to visit in Laos

The popular places to include in your Laos travel planning-list would depends on your time, interests and budget in mind. However, The key & must-see places are Vientiane, Luang Prabang and Pakse.

Laos provides the traveller a chance to truly experience Asia as it once was. largely developing, devotedly Buddhist and blessed geographically with natural beauty, this country will forever leave a lasting impression on all travellers.

Vientiane

Weaving along the Mekong River, Vientiane capital of Laos, emits an atmosphere of timelessness. Vientiane, which translates as Sandalwood City, is a city of villas and boulevards. It is one of three classic Indochinese cities (including Saigon and Phnom Penh) that most strongly conjure up images of exotic Eurasian settings. Although Vientiane is the largest city in the country, it is still small enough to get to know easily. The tree-lined boulevards and old temples impart an old world charm in spite of passing traffic. This laid back town possesses a charisma that no one can resist.

Luang Prabang

Set amidst a striking mountainous skyline, Luang Prabang is a beautiful town retaining its original enchanting character. This UNESCO listed city is 397 km from Vientiane, is the crown jewel of Laos and royal residence of the last king Sisavan Vatthana. Luang Prabang is perhaps the best preserved traditional city in South East Asia. It is a sleepy town which has preserved its long-standing reputation as a stronghold of Lao culture set amongst splendid natural scenery. Magical and charming, Luang Prabang is one city that every traveller has to see in his lifetime.

Vang Vieng

Vang-Vieng is set amongst a backdrop of mountains and the tranquil Nam Song River, this breath-taking scenery captures the hearts of all who encounter the natural beauty of this town.

Other destination in Laos

The mysterious Plain of Jars is an undeveloped area near Phonsavan in Xieng Khuang Province where huge jars of unknown origin are scattered, the biggest weighing as much as six tonnes.

For those interested in war history, the Ho Chi Minh Trail is a network of dirt paths and gravel roads littered with war junk running parallel to the Laos-Vietnam border. It is best accessed near Xepon. The trail was used by the North Vietnamese in the Vietnam War and by the Viet Minh against the French in the 1950s.

The Bolaven Plateau is a fertile area with coffee and tea crops, several interesting Mon-Khmer ethnic groups, and beautiful waterfalls. The Khmer-era ruins of Wat Phu are near Champasak.

Laos side of the Ho Chi Minh Trail

The infamous Ho Chi Minh Trail stretched between Vietnam and Laos is a network of gravel roads running parallel to the border between two countries.

Used by North Vietnamese in the war and by the Viet Minh against the French in the 1950s. Although USA denied bombing it, 1.1 million tons of explosives were dropped on the area between 1965 and ’69, as well as massive quantities of herbicides.

The Ho Chi Minh Trail Laos-Off Road Motorcycle Tours

Essential Phrases for Travelers

Just as landlocked Laos beckons with an adventure waiting to be unraveled, diving into the local language can feel like entering a maze and breaking the ice with some of the curious locals you meet along once traveling in Laos. Check out Lao, the official language of Laos

Here are some useful phrases comes handy in your visit:

Sai Bai Dee: Hello, Hi

La Kone: Goodbye

Khop Jai: Thank you

Doi/ Bow: Yes / No

Khaw Toot: Excuse me?

How much: Laka tao Dai?

How may days do i need in Laos?

If you’re traveling to Laos for the first time, the highlights and must see destination would probably do the country at a glance by visiting Vientiane, Luang Prabang, and Vang Vientiane , to which, its also considered as a classic laos travel itinerary.

In addition of how Long to Spend in Laos – most tourists with more time, or if they travel slow, a two weeks in Laos would be more than enough to mainly focus on the north to south during 14 days.

Is 1 week enough in Laos?

Yes and No for the “If 1 week is enough in Laos” – this is also depends on pretty much a few factors such as traveling style, is this your first time, or if you’re a return traveler. For one week, focus on must see such as Vientiane, Vang Vieng and Luang Prabang. Here is the detailed itinerary:

Day 1 & 2: Luang Prabang

Arrival and time for visa formality – take a taxi, or Tuk-Tuk to your hotel in the center of Luang Prabang. Depend on the arrival time, you may have some time to do a bit of exploration. if you arrival time is in the afternoon, or early evening. Then take some time to walk around the night-market.

The next day, rise early to witness the Takbat almsgiving ceremony. Ascend Phousi Hill for city vistas, visit Wat Xieng Thong, then cruise along the Mekong River to see the Pak Ou Caves. Return to Luang Prabang and visit Thin Hong and Ban Xang Khong Villages en route on back of a Tuk-Tuk.

Day 3 & 4: Vang Vieng

This day, time to relax while sip a Lao coffee at one of the relaxed coffee-shops in the center of Luang Prabang. Later, take a Bus, or Train to the Vang Vieng, arrive by afternoon and enjoy the town beautifully set in a spectacular karst landscape
that has become Laos’ adventure capital.

On day 4, head out to explore Vang Vieng Venture into the Tham Chang and Tham Loup caves before wandering through the dramatic limestone karst countryside beside the Nam Song River. Later, take a sleeper bus to Vientiane.

Day 5 & 6: Vientiane

Explore Vientiane Nestled in a languid bend of the Mekong, Vientiane is a delightfully quaint city, more a friendly backwater than chaotic capital. Visit the morning market, Wat Si Saket and hen head to visit Wat Phra Keo, the former Royal Temple.

Visit the COPE Visitor Centre before viewing That Luang Stupa and the Patuxai Victory Monument. Later, dine at the evening in one of the restaurants offers Lao traditional dance performance.

Is Traveling Laos Worth My Time?

Definitely worth to visit Laos for so many reasons – Here are just a few of them: Laos is a delightful destination to travel. The country offers a range of attractions and experiences, including the centuries old temples, travelers to the land of million elephants will enjoy rich culture and beautiful scenery without the tourist crowds common in other parts of Southeast Asia. For more luxury deluxe trip ideas, check out Luxury Laos Tours