Unlike its popular neighbours Thailand and Vietnam, Laos often isn’t on a lot of travellers’ radars when visiting South East Asia, but it should be. What it may lack in beaches it makes up for in culture, scenery and tranquillity. If you are planning a trip to South East Asia, Laos should be part of your itinerary. This is our ultimate Laos travel guide!
- Laos, a brief introduction
- Why travel to Laos?
- How to get to Laos
- Where to go and what to see in Laos: The must see places and attractions
- Our Laos itineraries
- Getting around in Laos: Transport Options
- Travel costs in Laos: How to save money
- Best time to visit Laos
- How to stay safe in Laos
- Staying healthy in Laos
Laos, a brief introduction
Laos is a small landlocked country in South-East Asia, sandwiched between China, Thailand, Vietnam, Myanmar and Cambodia. This small nation of around 7 million people has a rich cultural history and many diverse ethnic groups. From vast mountain ranges in the North, remote jungle national parks in the West to quaint riverside towns on the Mekong in the South, Laos has everything a nature lover could want.
Why travel to Laos?
Travelling in Laos is like stepping back in time to a slower, more peaceful pace of life. Unlike its neighbours of Thailand and Vietnam, Laos is relatively unvisited by travellers. Laos still feels truly “authentic” in every way. Not developed for tourism and not overcrowded, with bustling streets and bars. There is only one large city, the capital of Vientiane, which in our opinion you can safely skip if you don’t have time.
Laos is home to a number of truly unique experiences in South East Asia. The Thakhek and Bolaven motorbike loops, Konglor Cave, the UNESCO heritage site of Luang Prabang, and the beautiful mountainous northern area around Nong Khiaw. These are places we think can’t be missed on a trip to South East Asia.
How to get to Laos
Entry Requirements and Visas
Most nationalities arriving in Laos can get a VISA on arrival, valid for up to 30 days. This costs between $20-50 USD depending on your nationality. You can extended twice up to a maximum stay of 90 days.
You can apply for an e-VISA online, but we found this to be more expensive than applying on arrival. For your VISA on arrival, you need to bring a passport photo for the application form. If you don’t have one the border officials will charge you an extra $5 USD to take a copy of the photo in your passport.
Depending on where you enter the country from, you can either pay in Laotion KIP, USD or the currency of the country you are departing from. When we took the land border crossing from Thailand to Laos we paid for the visa in Thai Baht (THB), but travellers crossing from Vietnam can expect to be able to pay in Vietnamese Dong (VND). ATMs are available at all border crossings, so don’t be worried about bringing enough cash with you.
For the most up to date information, check the official Laos Government VISA website here.
Arriving by Plane
Laos has 2 international airports, served by neighbouring countries. Luang Prabang international airport in the north, and Wattay International airport near Vientiane. There are a number of smaller domestic airports in the country, but in general Laos is not very well connected by air travel.
There are daily flights to both Vientiane and Luang Prabang from Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok and Hanoi, as well as some airports in Southern China. You can check flight information to and from Laos here.
Arriving by Bus / Land Crossing
Laos has a number of land crossings with both Thailand and Vietnam. You can book sleeper buses to and from large cities in Thailand and Vietnam that will connect you to Laos. To see a list of popular routes and ticket prices for sleeper buses into Laos, click here.
In the south, Laos has one land border crossing with Cambodia. This is also a popular route for travellers and you can book buses and sleeper buses to and from major cities like Phnom Penh. Check prices and availability here.
At the time of writing this article, the border crossings in the north and the west between China and Myanmar (Burma) are closed to tourists but this may change in the future.
Taking the Slow Boat from Thailand
The slow boat to Luang Prabang down the Mekong in Laos really is an experience not to be missed. From the northern Thai city of Chiang Mai, you travel north to the border town of Chiang Khong. From here you can cross over land into Laos via the Thailand – Laos friendship bridge into the neighbouring border town of Huay Xai where the slow boat departs from.
The slow boat leaves once a day in peak season, and will carry you down the Mekong river over 2 days. You will stop overnight in the middle at a small riverside town, and the second day you will arrive at the UNESCO heritage city of Luang Prabang. The slow boat is a very relaxing way to take in the remote Laotian countryside as you cruise down the river surrounded by nature and fellow travellers.
Where to go and what to see in Laos: The must see places and attractions
Thakhek Motorbike Loop
The Thakhek loop is a breathtaking set of roads situated in central Laos that’s best experienced on a motorbike. This 450 kilometre loop can be completed over 3-4 days (or longer if you have the time and want to see and experience everything). 4 days of riding with the wind in your hair, flanked by towering limestone cliffs with occasional stop offs to swim in natural lagoons or delve deep into some of the most impressive cave systems you’ll find anywhere in Asia (especially Kong Lor cave, more info below).
Bolaven Plateau / Pakse Motorbike Loop
The Bolaven plateau is an elevated mountainous region of southern Laos full of breathtaking waterfalls, local villages and coffee plantations. The Bolaven plateau loop, also known as the Pakse loop, is a 200-300 kilometre loop of roads that you can experience on a motorbike over a number of days. Second only to the Thakhek loop, this loop is one of the best things you can do during your time in Laos.
Kong Lor Cave
Kong Lor cave is a cave system in the remote Laotian countryside. One of the longest and largest caves in all of southeast Asia. The cave is 7.5km long and takes around 45 minutes on a boat to go from one end to the other. At points the cave is 100m tall and your journey through it in darkness will have bats swooping past your face in the dark. Kong Lor cave and the surrounding area is absolutely breathtaking in every way, with towering limestone cliffs and remote farmland stretching in all directions.
The Slow boat from Thailand to Luang Prabang
Most travellers wanting to travel from Thailand into Laos to continue their backpacking journey will have heard of the slow boat to Laos. This popular route is practically a rite of passage for backpackers following the banana pancake trail up through northern Thailand and into Laos.
The slow boat in Laos takes a leisurely pace down the Mekong river, taking 2 days to reach the cultural capital of Laos, and UNESCO world heritage site, Luang Prabang. The first day of the slow boat will be about 7 hours long, while the second day will last about 8 hours. It sounds like a lot, but for us the hours flew by! The slow boat will give you the opportunity to relax and soak in the scenery of the world-famous Mekong River.
Luang Prabang
The UNESCO heritage city of Luang Prabang is situated in Northern Laos. This city offers a plethora of charming cafes, art galleries and attractions, surrounded by well preserved French colonial architecture, as well as some of the most impressive waterfalls in all South East Asia. We spent a total of 1 week here soaking up everything the city has to offer.
Vang Vieng
Vang Vieng is a haven for backpackers in Laos. This small town flanked by spectacular limestone rock formations is known by many as a party town. However, because of the natural beauty Vang Vieng has to offer, the town’s reputation has grown in recent years, making it a must-visit place for those visiting the beautiful country of Laos.
Nong Khiaw
Nong Khiaw is situated in the far North of Laos, about 4 hours from Luang Prabang. This calming riverside town is a hotspot for nature and hiking enthusiasts. With stunning mountain views in all directions and no shortage of viewpoints for sunset, this is a must see for people visiting Laos.
4000 Islands
Situated on the Mekong river, the 4000 Islands are a group of (you guessed it) 4000 small islands situated at the foot of Laos on the Cambodian border. There are a number of different islands that are populated, with no shortage of places to stay and things to do. Life on the 4000 islands is slow, laid back and relaxed, and it is the perfect place to finish your tour of Laos.
Our Laos itineraries
1 week itinerary for Laos
If time is of the essence and you only have 1 week to visit Laos, we recommend flying into Luang Prabang International airport, and spending a few days there. From Luang Prabang you can then head north to Nong Khiaw (if you enjoy hiking and nature), or south to Vang Vieng if you want more of the party backpacker vibes Laos has to offer. After this you can fly back home from either Luang Prabang airport or Vientiane Airport
- Day 1 – Arrive in Luang Prabang International Airport
- Day 2 – Visit the Kuang Si waterfalls, climb mount Phousi and watch the alms giving ceremony
- Day 3 – Travel to Nong Khiaw or Vang Vieng by bus
- Day 4 and 5 – Explore Nong Khiaw or Vang Vieng
- Day 6 – Travel to Vientiane by bus and explore
- Day 7 – Fly home from Vientiane International Airport or Luang Prabang International Airport
2 week itinerary for Laos
With 2 weeks you can allot some time to drive one of the motorbike loops (if you only have time for 1 we recommend the Thakhek loop!).
- Day 1 – Arrive in Luang Prabang International Airport
- Day 2 – Visit the Kuang Si waterfalls
- Day 3 – Climb mount Phousi and watch the alms giving ceremony
- Day 4 – Travel to Nong Khiaw by bus
- Day 5 – Hiking and exploring Nong Khiaw
- Day 6 – Day trip to Muang Ngoi
- Day 7 – Take a bus to Vientiane
- Day 8 – Explore Vientiane
- Day 9 – Take a bus to Thakhek
- Day 10 to 12 – Thakhek Loop
- Day 13 – Take a bus back to Vientiane
- Day 14 – Fly home from Vientiane International Airport
1 month itinerary for Laos
We think 1 month is the perfect time to see everything Laos has to offer. If you are constrained for time you may be reluctant to do the motorbike loops, as they can take up to a week or two for both. In one month you have time to take the slow boat from Thailand, and start your journey in Luang Prabang, then make your way down south taking in all the sights and experiences on the way, including both motorbike loops and finishing in the laid back paradise of the 4000 islands. You can read our full write up of spending one month in Laos here in our article.
Getting around in Laos: Transport Options
Laos is one of the lesser developed countries in the region for public transport. Roads are often poorly maintained and covered in potholes, so caution should be exercised at all times.
Bus
The majority of your travel around Laos will involve buses; often slow and bumpy this can be a strenuous way to get around, so we advise not travelling too far in a single day. Sleeper buses are available but with the road quality I wouldn’t count on getting a good night’s sleep! Buses are, however, extremely cheap in Laos. Far less than neighbouring Thailand and Vietnam. You can expect to pay just a few euros or dollars for a 5+ hour bus ride. Check out bus times and prices here.
Train
In Vientiane, Vang Vieng and Luang Prabang, there is the newly opened high speed rail system now in operation. This railway, built by the Chinese, massively reduces the time to get around in the north of the country, but you can expect to pay a premium for this privilege. Tickets for the rail system sell out in advance so make sure you book if you intend to use it. Check out train times and prices here.
Motorbike
Renting a motorbike is possible all over Laos, and is a must for those riding the Thakhek or Bolaven Plateau loops. You can expect to pay between 5-10 USD / EUR per day for a motorbike, and it’s a great way to explore the more rural and “off the beaten path” areas of this beautiful country.
Travel insurance is a must for any motorbike rentals abroad, especially in south east asia. Although problems rarely arise, you want to be covered in the case that they do. We use SafetyWing nomad insurance and recommend it for anyone travelling around the world. You can pause coverage at any time and it covers you for everything from health issues to losing a laptop or having a flight cancelled!
Travel costs in Laos: How to save money
In general, Laos is a very cheap country to travel in. Compared to its neighbours of Thailand and Vietnam, prices are considerably lower in Laos. We averaged a budget of 10-15 euros a day per person, but we stayed in the cheapest accommodations possible and ate at the cheapest restaurants.
You can expect to pay 5-10 euros per night for a budget accommodation. 10-20 for mid range and 20+ for something really luxurious. A plate of noodles can be had for as little as 1 euro from some of the local restaurants or night markets.
During peak seasons accommodations often are booked up weeks in advance, especially in popular tourist destinations like Luang Prabang. Don’t be left in the cold! We use booking.com for all our hotel bookings abroad. Check availability in Laos before you arrive.
Compared to Thailand, Laos ATM withdrawal fees are a very economical 1 euro per withdrawal. (Thai ATMs cost 5-6 euros per withdrawal!). We had issues with some ATMs, so you might need to try a few before you a working one.
When spending money abroad, your bank will often charge you fees to withdraw money from an ATM. You will also usually pay conversion fees on all transactions not in your native currency. When travelling we use the WISE international debit card. You can withdraw up to 200 euros in cash per month free of charge and won’t pay any conversion fees on transactions.
Transport costs are also some of the lowest in the region, with multiple hour bus journeys only costing 5-10 euros. Booking in person at the bus station is always the cheapest option, but you can book bus tickets from most hotels and travel agencies you see around for a small amount more.
We use 12go Asia to book all our bus and train tickets in Asia, and recommend it for anyone traveling in the region. They charge a small booking fee but it saves you having to travel to bus and train stations in person to check times and prices. Check out 12go Asia here.
Best time to visit Laos
Laos is best visited between the months of October and April when the weather is pleasantly warm and there is minimal rain. We visited in November and found the weather to be pretty much perfect.
Travelling in Laos outside this period is still possible. The “green season” is between May and September where the rain returns to the country. Whilst you can expect more humidity and rainfall in this period, rain usually only comes in short bursts. Temperatures can be high but visiting areas of higher altitude such as the mountains in the north or the Bolaven plateau can bring a respite from the heat. This period also brings the least amount of tourists, and therefore cheaper hotel and hostel prices. You can experience this beautiful country year round! Decide when is best for yourself.
How to stay safe in Laos
Laos is a safe country, and petty crime is rare and infrequent and for the most part your travels should be without incident. There are however a few tips you should follow to ensure you stay safe.
You should carry your passport and identification with you at all times. If issues arise and you may need to prove your identity to the police or other services. Never leave your passport with a hotel or rental company, and insist they keep only a photocopy.
When renting a motorbike or car you should ensure you have a valid international driver’s permit with you. Whilst rental shops might not check, you can be fined by the police for not having one if stopped. Travel insurance is also a must for rentals abroad in case you get into trouble or an accident.
We use SafetyWing nomad insurance and recommend it for anyone travelling around the world. You can pause coverage at any time and it covers you for everything from injuries to losing a laptop or having a flight cancelled!
When hiking or trekking in Laos, you should always stick to the marked path. Laos has a lot of unexploded landmines and cluster bombs left over from the “Secret War” in the 60s. Walking in areas that have not been cleared can put you at risk of detonating some of these explosives. You can read more about the war in Laos on Wikipedia here. We also recommend visiting the COPE visitors centre in Vientiane if you have the time.
Staying healthy in Laos
If you need emergency medical assistance in Laos you can call 195, and for the police you can call 191. Medical services in Laos often aren’t equipped to western standards. If you need any emergency medical care you will have to be sent to Thailand. Ensure you have an active SIM card in Laos so you can call these services if you need to.
When travelling we use an Airalo eSIM to stay connected with our phones. They offer data plans often cheaper than buying the overpriced tourist SIM cards you find at the airports, and activate instantly after purchase. It also works in multiple countries all over South East Asia, making it perfect for a longer trip in the region. Check out the Airalo Asia eSIM here.
Malaria can be a problem in some parts of Laos. Make sure you bring anti malarial medication if you intend to spend time in these areas. You can view high risk areas on the FitForTravel map of Laos here
Conclusion
Laos is an incredibly diverse and underrated country and well worth your time visiting. If you’re planning a trip in Laos, or have been before, leave a comment below! We hope you enjoyed our Laos ultimate travel guide!
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