Laos

Laos in brief:

Capital : Vientiane
Wide : 236 800 km²
Border countries : Burma, Cambodia, China, Thailand, Vietnam
Official language : lao
Currency : Kip (LAK, in 2019: 1 € = 10 K about)
Religion : 67% Buddhists, 2% Christians, 1% Muslims and the rest animists
Independence : from France in 1949
Diet : republic (but one-party communist state)
Administration : 17 provinces + 1 prefecture (Vientiane)
Population : 7,2 million inhabitants
Visa for French people : 30 days (visa fee $30 depending on nationality)
Average daily budget : 21 € / person
Time difference with France : +5h (summer time)
Best period : mainly from November to April
Flight duration : 16h minimum (flight Paris → Vientiane, with at least one stopover)
Electrical outlets : voltage – 230 V; socket type(s): A, B, C, E, F
Telephone code : + 856

Why visit Laos?

Laos has a heavy historical past linked to the Kingdom of Siam, France and then the Laotian Civil War which lasted nearly 20 years. This opposed the Pathet Lao, a supporter of a communist and anti-royalist regime, and the Kingdom of Laos, in a conflict which began after the Indochina War and jointly with the Vietnam War.

Today, like Vietnam, the country is a one-party communist regime often described as Thailand 20 or 30 years ago, because much poorer than its powerful neighbor.

Despite all this, oThey say Thailand is the land of smiles, so Laos would be the country of the double smile! Despite these more rustic living conditions, Laos exudes the joy of living.

Laotians are very welcoming and the country offers a range of superb places, mostly in mountainous areas, and despite, it is true, the absence of the sea.

And I'm not the only one to praise it, Laos attracts few, but those who go there never regret their choice and appreciate its side defined as more GENUINE (see an example 10 good reasons to visit Laos).

Traveling in Laos requires timeIt is a country that is appreciated gently, through contact with its inhabitants.

The road network is often disastrous, infrastructure is developing slowly and the country still does not have a railway, for example. (even though China is seriously putting a strain on it whip).

Most of the sites visited are located along the Mekong, a mythical river which acts as a natural border over a good part of the 1 km of common borders between Laos and Thailand.

“Sunset on the banks of the Mekong in Pakse”

“A family on a motorbike burst out laughing when they saw me”

Laos being a neighbor of Thailand, it is a country to which I go regularly. If I have never made long stays (because I'm usually there for visa renewals), I still have a good overview of the country from north to south and always enjoy coming back.

In the north, it's a bit like Thailand, we'll find different ethnicities distributed in mountain villages. This area is where the most popular city in the country is located, luang Prabang, a city listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site (one of the few in Laos).

Going down, you can find various sites mixing mountains, caves, waterfalls, temples, villages. It is especially a nature-oriented country, we don't really visit Laos to visit historical sites (even if the latter has just had a new site of historical value registered with UNESCO, the plain of jars).

WE love

Laos also largely deserves the same title of country of smiles.
Cheap cost
Authenticity due to mass tourism which is still not very present.

We are less of a fan

Lack of infrastructure.
Road networks in poor condition (long journeys).
Mainly mountainous country (so landscape seems repetitive).

Preparing your trip: advice before you leave

Here is a summary of some essential information to know before any stay in Laos.

Do I need a visa for Laos?

Yes. That's the short answer. But it should be noted that this concerns holders of a French passport, which is above all the most representative nationality on this blog.

Because there are variations depending on the country, including the cost of the visa. And I'll start with this:

French passport: cost of visa = $30
Belgian passport: cost of visa = $35
Canadian passport: visa cost = $42

So sorry Canadian friends, but you pay the most in Laos, all nationalities combined... (what do you have for them??).

And there you could tell me, and if I am Swiss, or from Luxembourg, how much is it? Well, that's the whole subtlety of advantages based on nationality, because we come into the case of two exceptions.

The Laotian visa.

Laos has concluded visa exemption agreements with some partner countries, most of them part of ASEAN. (Association nations of Asia South East, a political, economic and cultural organization bringing together ten countries in Asia South East), the rest being former USSR countries like Ukraine, Armenia, etc.

And in this list of "lucky" countries, we find at the very bottom the 2 exceptions, Swiss and Luxembourgers who benefit from 15 days of visa exemption. If however this is not long enough, you can always apply for the 30-day visa, in which case you will be charged $35.

In any case, your passport must not expire within six months of the date of entry into Laos.

Apply for a visa for Laos at the Embassy

If you are the forward-thinking type, you can apply for your visa in advance via a Laotian embassy in your country of residence.

In France, there is only one in Paris:

Paris | Embassy of Laos

74, Raymond Poincaré Avenue

75116 Paris

Website : http://www.ambalaos-france.com/home/

To apply, it's pretty simple. Equip yourself and complete the downloadable form on the embassy website.

You must provide an ID photo and amount indicated by the embassy depending on your nationality (in this case, the fees are €35 for France). count 48 hours after receiving the file to obtain your visa.

It is possible if the embassy is too far away, do the procedure by mail (see information on the process here). In this case, an additional fee of €5 applies and the delay will then be between 7 and 10 days.

La The validity period of the visa is 3 months., this means that upon receipt of your visa, you have up to 90 days to arrive in Laotian territory.

E-visa for Laos

Laos is modernizing a bit, it is now possible to obtain an electronic visa online. To do so, go to the official website: https://laoevisa.gov.la/ (English version only to date).

Unfortunately, its use remains limited to only 3 entry points to date:

Vientiane Airport (Wattay International Airport)
Luang Prabang Airport
The Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge (number 1, the one connecting Nong Khai to Vientiane)

Screenshot of the official website for e-visa applications in Laos.

Obtaining a visa on arrival in Laos (Visa on arrival)

This is usually the most common option, as the process is quick and easy. This is the cheapest option unfortunately the entry points will be reduced.

To do this, if you arrive by air, there are only three international airports:

Wattay International Airport, the one in the capital, Vientiane
Luang Prabang International Airport
Pakse International Airport

At land borders, it is possible between Laos and Cambodia, Vietnam, Thailand or China. On the other hand, there is no land border open to foreigners between Laos and Burma.

immigration crossing lao-thai friendship bridge mukdahan-savannakhet

At the immigration crossing between Mukdahan (Thailand) and Savannakhet (Laos) before crossing the Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge.

The authorized crossing points are as follows (crossed out were the borders where it was previously possible to obtain a visa for Laos on site but for which the service has been stopped):

Thailand-Laos border

~~Ban Na Kra Seng – Kenethao (Loei province towards Sayabouly province)~~ (no longer available)
~~Huai Kon – Muang Ngeun (Nan province towards Sayabouly province)~~ (no longer available)
Tha Naleng Station in Vientiane (if you cross the bridge below by train)
Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge I (between Nong Khai and Vientiane)
Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge II (between Mukdahan and Savannakhet)
Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge III (between Nakorn Phanom and Thakhek)
Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge IIII (between Chiang Khong and Huay Sai)
Chong Mek – Vangtao (province of Ubon Ratchathani towards Champassak)

Cambodia-Laos border

Dong Calor – Veun Kham (Trapaingkriel International Border Checkpoint, Stung Treng Province in Cambodia to Champassak Province in Laos) Attention, particularly corrupt border!

Vietnam-Laos border

~~Nậm Can Border Station (Nghệ An to Xieng Khouang province)~~ (no longer available)
~~Nam Phao Intl. Checkpoint (Khammouane province)~~ (no longer available)
~~Phou Keua Border (Attapeu province)~~ (no longer available)
Na Mèo – Ban Na Mang (Thanh Hoa towards Houaphan province)
Cau Treo Border Pass (Hà Tinh to Nam Phao, Borikhamxay province)
Lao Bao Border (Dansavanh towards Savannakhet province)

China-Laos border

Boten Border Crossing (Mohan, Yunnan Province to Boten, Luang Namtha Province)

In case of excess

In the event of exceeding the legal duration, you will have to pay a fine of $10 per day exceeded before being able to leave the country.

Rather than to find yourself in this situation, it is best to go to the immigration offices and extend your visa, which costs while $2 per additional day.

Transportation in Laos

Coming to Laos

The two international points you are most likely to arrive at are the capital and luang Prabang, the most visited city and region in the country.

Your best options, assuming you are arriving by air, will be with the airlines Vietnam Airlines (which stops in Hanoi) and Thai Airways (stopover in Bangkok).

Given that prices are around €700, it may be even more interesting to come somewhere other than Laos first, as there will probably be few of you making the round trip from the same point in Laos.

Given that we find prices around €500 for a Paris – Bangkok flight and that a Bangkok – Vientiane flight can be done for less than €60 with local companies like Nok Air ou Air Asia (which also serves Luang Prabang), this comes to at least €100 or even €150 cheaper.

In this case, it is possible to land in Bangkok, take a flight to Luang Prabang and visit Laos from North to South, returning to Bangkok by bus from Paksé for example.

Lao-Thai cross-border bus Nakhon Phanom - Thakhek

Cross-border bus between Nakhon Phanom (Thailand) and Thakhek (Laos).

If you are on a trip to Asia, you can simply arrive by land via one of the above-mentioned posts accepting foreigners (outside Asia). There are Lao-Thai cross-border buses, notably between Nakhon Phanom and Thakhek, Mukdahan and Savannakhet, or even Bangkok – Paksé buses for example.

Search for a flight to Laos

Getting around Laos

The choices are actually quite limited. Assuming two target areas are far enough apart, it is still possible to take the plane (for example to do Luang Prabang – Pakse or vice versa), otherwise, the bus will remain your only option, as Laos does not have (again) of railway network.

The only train to hit Laotian soil to date is the one crossing the Friendship Bridge of No Khai in Thailand to the train station Thanaleng (west of Vientiane), either… just over 2 km.

Road transport

Laos is a country where much remains to be done in terms of transport management. Lacking budget, the country is also largely mountainous, so the roads are winding or, failing that, longer and more expensive to build. There are therefore many unpaved roads as soon as you leave the main roads and roads undergoing endless expansion and therefore dusty.

As a result, on average, it is necessary to count 5 hours of road for a journey of 150 km, a journey which, in Thailand for example, with better infrastructure, would typically take 2 or even 3 hours Max.

road under construction luang namtha - muang singh north laos

But there too, Laos is trying to improve its network, with the help of neighboring countries (China in the lead) in order to improve trade.

Thus, no less than 6 highways are currently planned, most of them starting from one border to join another on the other side of the country.

An example being the one, partially in progress. A highway is under construction between Vientiane and Catch Vieng. The latter, 30% complete, should open by 2021. This will reduce the journey time to 1h30 from at least 5h at present.

Eventually, just like the train line, this road should reach the border with China at Boats.

The buses

There are no specific companies I can recommend, as I just took the bus every time, going between this city and that.

The choice being mainly on the schedule, we still distinguish two types of transport: local buses and so-called “VIP” buses. These are often buyouts of Chinese or Korean buses, so old models, but not rotten either and therefore more comfortable than local buses.

If you do any long journeys, there are bus berths. An example, the journey luang Prabang - wow Xai, which I took when returning from the cruise (see below). It is necessary to count 12 hours to cover the 475 km, and this can be done at night.

sleeper night bus luang prabang - huay xai - laos

Night bus between Luang Prabang and Huay Xai.

The shortest journeys can be made with mini vans. (this was the case between Vientiane and Catch Vieng withaller).

It is possible to book trips, either via 12go which I offer below (and earns me a welcome commission), or via this site, which I have not personally tested but seems reliable for popular destinations: https://www.laosbuses.com

Bus terminal in Thakhek.

Tuk-tuk or samlo

In the local version, we find our friends on 3 wheels or other homemade “sidecars”. And as all over is hard to know the exact rates, on the other hand it can be easy and economical to share your journey with other people to reduce the cost. A common case is to reach the city from the bus terminal, often a few kilometers outside the city, as if on purpose...

transport between bus terminals city center laos

A concrete example, between the bus terminal just after the border at Huay Xai and the center, 7 km away, you are asked for a minimum of 80 baht per person.

Another example being the tuk tuk after the border between Mukdahan and Savannakhet. Typically they will wait for you just after the border crossing; whereas the Mukdahan – Savannakhet bus, which normally goes to the terminal which is well into town, often (intentionally) omits to wait.

And there, they don't hesitate to charge you up to 200 Bahts to go to the Thai consulate (which many expats like me do), to go 4 km. Speaking Thai (very close to Lao), it is generally possible to ask for 100 Bahts. A more realistic rate would be 60 Bahts.

Motorcycle rental

As everywhere in Asia, Motorbike rental is a convenient way to get around independently and popular since it is easy to get a two-wheeler and for next to nothing (generally around 70 Kips, or €000).

However, if you will rarely be asked (not to say never) a license to rent, it's not something I particularly recommend. Get an international license even if the latter is not sufficient since to drive in full compliance, you must have a valid A license in good and due form.

My little petrol boat wandering towards the Thakhek caves.

The risk is not necessarily the fine itself, but rather the fact of not being covered in the event of an accident, regardless of your insurance (who will cover you if you drive illegally??).

If you are a biker and are looking for good, well-maintained motorcycles for a trip to Laos, a good address:

http://www.rideinlaos.com/fr

Rail transport

As I mentioned above, There is currently no railway network in Laos.. However, given China's ambitions in the region, a line is currently under construction.

The latter must join Thailand at the level of No Khai and crosses the country from Mohan on the Chinese side (in Yunnan) and Boten on the Laos side.

There are 4 major cities planned in the stops: Luang Namtha – Luang Prabang – Vang Vieng and Vientiane.

unique laos railway lao-thai friendship bridge

The only railway currently operational in Laos, crossing the Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge.

River transport

Since there is no sea, there is obviously no maritime transport. On the other hand, with the Mekong River crossing the country on both sides, it offers the possibility of moving around by boat, generally in the form of a cruise in the possible sections (and in the possible seasons).

There are actually two types of boats. Long barges called " slow boat » (slow boat) as opposed to the " speed boats"

slow boat cruise mekong huay xai luang prabang laos

On our slow boat between Huay Xai and Luang PrabanG.

Boats parked in Pakbeng, at the end of the first day.

For example, I used the slowboat to get me from Huay Xai to Luang Prabang, a two-day “cruise” along the Mekong (which stops overnight in Pakbeng).

Fares vary depending on the company and type of comfort. For my part, being there with my parents, I had opted for a more comfortable version (with Shampo Cruise if you are interested), including meals but the night in Pakbeng is to be paid separately ($155 for the boat and $80 for the triple room at the Mekong River Lodge).

Landscape along the Mekong.

The cheapest version ($25 or 170 ₭), classic of backpackers, do not guarantee depending on the season that you will have a seat.

During this cruise, I saw these streamlined racing boats pass by, the " speed boats" It's so sporty that passengers often wear helmets. (not sure if this helps if falling into water at that speed).

A speedboat passing on the Mekong.

These latter, for example, connect these same cities (wow Xai - luang Prabang) in only 5-6h for 1500 Baht. On the other hand, you are exposed to the rain and there are no benches to sit on, it is on the ground so quite uncomfortable. (and you have to find a way to fit your bags somewhere).

There are also ferries to cross the river in areas where the bridges are easily separated from each other. This is what I did with my small motorbike to return to the left bank from Champassak.

Mekong crossing to Champassak - southern Laos

Crossing the Mekong from Champassak.

ferry crossing mekong luang prabang - laos

Ferry carrying cars crossing the Mekong at Luang Prabang to reach a village on the other bank.

Air transport

Until recently, domestic flights within Laos were prohibitively expensive and therefore limited only to those with a comfortable travel budget.

To my great surprise in writing this page, I realize that it is becoming a little more democratic and we are arriving at prices similar to domestic flights in Thailand. However, given the limited number of airports and airlines, you will have not much choice for domestic flights.

Lao Airlines, la national company. Besides domestic connections, you also have connections to Cambodia, China, South Korea, Thailand and Vietnam.. Included in the fare, 20 kg checked baggage + 7 kg cabin baggage. The fares remain quite high, around $120 for a Vientiane – Paksé flight.
Lao Skyway (formerly Lao Air), to my knowledge, the only other Laotian company. It was they who had a surprise in store for me in terms of prices with flights from Vientiane to Paksé starting at €40!

There are currently seven airports throughout the country:

Houay Xai (Houeisay)
Luang Namtha.
Luang Prabang
Oudomxay (Oudomsai)
Pakse
Vientiane
Xieng Khouang

Book a hotel in Laos

Hotels in Laos are slowly starting to develop. I'm not saying there weren't housing options before, just that the choices were more limited between small guest houses simplistic or the larger, more luxurious hotels.

It is therefore a range of intermediate hotels that we can describe as "charming", or in any case, guest houses decorated and furnished with more taste than before.

For many travelers to Laos (I am obviously thinking of the backpackers), which keeps this “adventure” side, it will only have little of importance, but for others, having more choice is always appreciable since it covers a wider range of prices, so everyone can find something within their budget.

Returning regularly to Laos, I am not going to list here all the hotels that I have tested (you have that on the page dedicated to hotels in asia). However, I offer you my 2 favorites below.

Inthira Thakhek

Budget: from €24

As proof of its success, it expanded between my first visit and my second. Beyond the pretty rooms, certainly a little small but clean and comfortable, it is its location, next to the square leading to the edge of the Mekong and its restaurant which gives it its charm. I actually came back to the latter on purpose to eat his excellent chocolate mousse again!

Learn more and book the Inthira Thakhek

Amandra Villa

Budget: from €14

Alors certainly, luang Namtha will probably not be in your itinerary by default Laos, but if ever, theAmndra Villa is a good choice. Located next to the small night market (really small), the welcome was great, good little already and very decent, comfortable room with air conditioning for a more than reasonable price.

Learn more and book the Amandra Villa

Book your hotel in Laos with Agoda

Health and Safety in Laos

Do I need travel insurance?

Knowing that many of you will rent a motorbike in Laos at some point or another, being covered in the event of an accident makes perfect sense. And in any case, travel insurance, especially if you are going to Asia for several months, can be more than welcome in the event of a problem, because credit card insurance is limited.

The maximum amount for healthcare costs covered by traditional credit cards may prove insufficient (around €10 compared to €000 for dedicated travel insurance) and does not cover civil liability.

I advise you ACS Travel & Expatriation Insurance Solutions.

I would like to point out that if you subscribe to the insurance via the link, I will receive a small commission. This is a simple way to help keep the site running, because insurance is preferable anyway and it will therefore be beneficial for both you and me.

What vaccines and what do I need to know for my health?

We find the same recommendations as for many Asian countries, with the idea being that there is no compulsory vaccination, but a whole series remains recommended.

Starting with being up to date on your standard vaccinations (DTP for adults, MMR for children). Then, depending on local travel conditions (extended stay in the countryside, close to borderetc.). :

Recommended vaccines:

HEPATITIS A
HEPATITIS B
RAGE
TYPHOID
ANTITUBERCULOSIS

The Japanese encephalitis vaccine is especially necessary in the event of a prolonged stay in rural areas. Since the latter is transmitted by mosquitoes, protection against them is particularly vital, because there are many other not-so-great diseases to catch in these regions.

Against mosquitoes

The most important thing is to protect yourself with a good mosquito repellent, because in Laos, there is a risk of contracting several diseases transmitted by these insects. Starting with malaria, particularly during the rainy season from May to the end of October, which is conducive to the proliferation of mosquitoes.

Apart from malaria, dengue fever, chikungunya or even the zika virus can hang around (pregnant women are particularly vulnerable to it). In short, mosquitoes are not our friends, protect your skin, but also your clothes, by also impregnating them with repellents and preferring light colors.

If you develop a fever during your trip, do not hesitate to contact medical services.

Hygiene in Laos

Hygiene conditions obviously do not have the same standards as in France, so if you have a sensitive stomach, it is better to take some precautions.

Wash your hands frequently before each meal (possibly with an antimicrobial solution since it is used without water).
Tap water is not drinkable. Drink only capped bottled water or, if this is not possible, water boiled for 30 minutes and then filtered (Lifestraw straws can be an alternative).
Avoid drinking fruit juices squeezed in the street. Avoid eating food from street stalls (well, this is an official recommendation, but if you are used to traveling, it is not necessarily worse than elsewhere).
Meat and fish/shellfish must be thoroughly cooked before consumption.

At the Pakse market, the meat section is on the right.

And general hygiene rules:

Avoid swimming in stagnant water (risk of parasitic infection).
Avoid walking barefoot on sand and wet ground.
Do not pet animals you meet on the street, even if they do not seem aggressive.
Remember to wear a seat belt (if possible), wear a helmet on two wheels, this is valid everywhere in the world (don't try to imitate the locals to appear "cooler").

As medical standards are not as high as in neighbouring Thailand, it may be advisable to be evacuated to Thailand if necessary, although there is a local branch of Bangkok Hospital in luang Prabang (hospital with a very good reputation).

For your safety

The biggest risk in Laos remains road accidents, due to the generally poor condition of road infrastructure.

three young motorcycle pakse - south laos

Isn't life beautiful? An example not to follow anyway...

Although northern Laos is prone to earthquakes, they remain quite rare and should not exceed 6 on the Richter scale, but I wanted to point this out.

Scams, fraud and crime

Crime remains low in Laos. After that, as everywhere, there are snatch thefts (especially by motorcyclists, stealing your bag placed next to you on the tuk tuk), and several thefts sometimes violent or armed are reported but this is especially true for tourist cities like Vientiane, Paksé or Luang Prabang and for many at night.

Personally, I had heard of a resurgence of attacks targeting buses between Vientiane and Catch Vieng (surtout in the sense Catch Vieng – Vientiane). The Ministry of Foreign Affairs website does not mention it, so I don't know if it's because the problem has been resolved or not made too public.

Risk areas

Laos still bears the scars of the Vietnam War. The Americans aimed to cut off the supply lines of the North Vietnamese fighters, allied with the communist Laotians, Laos was heavily bombed, even worse, this made it the most bombed country In Action .(for information, it is estimated that 1/3 of the bombs dropped are unexploded, or around 1 million tons of bombs!).

As a result, there are still a lot of unexploded ordnance in the border areas of Vietnam. (especially in the north, like the province of Xieng Khouang). There are regular explosions killing or seriously injuring farmers and children playing with found objects whose dangers they are unaware of.

For these reasons, avoid venturing off the roads bordering Vietnam, especially without being accompanied.

Pratical information

– Emergency numbers –

POLICE EMERGENCY: 191
VIENTIANE POLICE: +856 21 21 27 06
TOURIST POLICE: +856 21 24 36 47
FIREFIGHTERS: 190
FRENCH MEDICAL CENTER: +856 21 21 41 50
Bangkok Hospital branch in Luang Prabang : +856 20 2864 1240, +856 20 2864 1248 or +856 30 200 9379
Aek Hospital in Udon Thani (Thailand) for emergencies : +66 42 34 25 55 or +66 42 34 10 33

Ministry of Foreign Affairs website on Laos

What to see and do in Laos?

Let us summarize here the main attractions in Laos, which can be divided into 4 regions.

Luang Prabang and the Northern Region

This is the region with the most attractions in Laos, with Luang Prabang in the lead.The mountains surrounding the city, with its waterfalls, ethnic villages, and old-world charm sum up much of Laos's tourist appeal.

If we add the presence of the mythical mekong river here serpente in the region and moves on to luang Prabang, we have all the ingredients for an idyllic setting making northern Laos an unmissable destination.

A charming street in Luang Prabang.

The ancient royal capital and its temples, its royal palace and its streets lined with French-style houses is part of the Unesco World Heritage since 1995 and remains one of the most charming and romantic cities in all of Asia.

Among the unmissable things to do is the climb to the Mount Phousi, in order to obtain a breathtaking view of the whole city and the Mekong, making it a popular spot for sunrise and sunset lovers. Wat Xieng Thong, founded in 1560, is a typical example of northern Laotian architecture. It is around this latter that early risers come to observe the monks lining the street to collect offerings from the inhabitants.

View of Luang Prabang from Mount Phousi.

In the surrounding area 30 km to the south, don't miss the superb Kuang Si Falls, a real challenger to the falls in the Kanchanaburi region of Thailand. In a similar genre and closer to the city, you also have the Tat Sae Falls.

Usually included in the cruise or any boat trip on the Mekong In the area you will have the opportunity to take a look at the Buddha cave of Pak Or.

To get to Luang Prabang, many will cross the border from Chiang No in Thailand, thus finding themselves at wow Xai. From there, travelers have two choices.

Or take a “slow boat” and take the two-day cruise along the Mekong (with a stop at Pakbeng), or, by being curious, by taking stops on the land.

Buses can be found from wow Xai leading to the sleepy, but also charming, little town of luang Namtha, from where it is also possible to go to Muang Singh, close to the Chinese border.

Landscape in Luang Namtha.

Another intermediate stage for those with time, Oudomxay (called Muang Xay), suitable for treks. Others will prefer a relaxing moment in the Muang La countryside. The "trendy" spot is Nong Khiaw, a small town located along the Mekong and surrounded by mountains, from where it is possible to visit the small haven of peace that is the village of Muang Ngoi, only accessible by boat.

If you want to be more original, go deeper until the province of Houaphan, bordering Vietnam. The province is best known for being home to the small town of Vieng Xai, where the caves that served as shelter for prominent members of the Pathet Lao including Souphanouvong, often represented on banknotes.

Le Pathet Lao being a political and paramilitary organization that took power following a long civil war after the end of the French protectorate in the mid-50s. Not far from Vieng Xai is Sam Neua, from where you can go to the Nam Et – Phou Louey National Park and some waterfalls like that of Tad Koud.

Hmong women on one of the famous jars. Photo credit Oliver Spalt

On the way back down to the capital, you can visit one of the rare Laotian sites of a historical nature, the plain of jars. The latter can be visited from the small town of Phongsavan. As its name suggests, this plain, in fact more of a plateau located at an altitude of 1 m, is dotted with large jars sculpted in stone. Spread over 200 sites, these constructions measure between one and three meters in height on average and can reach up to eight meters in circumference for a weight of 3 kg.

To this day, the mystery as to their function and their exact dating remains, this has not prevented the site from being newly registered in the Unesco World Heritage since July 2019.

The North-West, around the capital, Vientiane

Vientiane Province, distinct from the Vientiane prefecture, is best known for Catch Vieng, formerly a place of debauchery and refuge of backpackers.

If a priori the backpackers are still present, the authorities have finally managed to bring some order to this small town where alcohol and drugs circulated freely. Surrounded by karst rock cliffs where caves are nestled and at the foot which There are perfect lagoons for bathing, Catch Vieng It is nonetheless a beautiful region that deserves a little visit.

View of the Vang Vieng mountains.

Vientiane, the capital, has a unique atmosphere. Much like a big village, many find it a bit sleepy and boring. Probably because many of the tourists visiting northern Laos are backpackers looking for thrills and are looking for more festive places. Khao San. Bok, I'm a little mean there, but that was still the case for quite a few years, hence the popularity of Vang Vieng, 160 km away.

The city is home to several places of interest. Starting with his walk along the Mekong, allowing you to say hello to your Thai neighbors (It obviously remains an image, especially since here the width of the river reaches 1 m!). One of its main attractions is the temple where the Phra That Luang is located, this golden chedi with a square base dating from the 000th century.

Pha That Luang is the most sacred monument in the country because it is supposed to contain a hair of Buddha. It is found on the coat of arms of Laos and appears on banknotes.

The That Luang of Vientiane.

The curiosity of the capital is its incomplete triumphal arch, called Patuxai, located along the avenue leading to the That luang on one side, and the presidential palace on the other. You can always stroll around the morning market (Talat Sao) before stopping in one of the small cafes or restaurants in the city, on Setthathilath Street or Nokeokoummane Street, both close to the old town chedi black in the middle of a roundabout (That Dam).

Outside of That luang, there are several temples worth a look in Vientiane. Starting with the vat Phra Keo, an ancient royal temple dating from the 16th century century. If the name sounds familiar, it's because, transliteration aside, it's the same name as Bangkok's Wat Phra Kaew, and for the same reason. In fact, Wat Phra Kaew once housed the famous Emerald Buddha statue, and this for 200 years!

Now converted into a museum of religious art, it is a must-see despite the fact that the current building is modern. The latter was rebuilt in 1936, during the Indochina era, based on original plans found by the French School of the Far East. It is supposed to reproduce exactly the old royal temple destroyed by the Siamese during the punitive expedition of 1828.

The only temple spared from the sacking of Vientiane is the vat Sisaket, known for its many Buddha statuettes nestled in the walls surrounding the cloister built shortly before the destruction of the city (so to the 18th century).

Another notable temple, the Wat Simuong, built on the site of an ancient Hindu site from the XVIᵉ, it marks the location of the South-Eastern gate of the city. If the current building is more recent (the original was not spared by the Siamese), it includes the ruins of an ancient laterite structure (the only one in all of Vientiane) and a very local atmosphere.

Outside the city you can see the Buddha Park (Buddha Park or Xieng Khuan), located 25 kilometers west of Vientiane. Initiated in 1958 by a local shaman named luang Pu Bunleua Sulilat, he built 200 Buddhist and Hindu statues in concrete, mixing Hinduism and Buddhism. For the record, after the 1975 revolution and the seizure of power by Pathet Lao, Bunleua Sulilat fled the country to Thailand, where he continued his “work”. So there is a park similar to No Khai, called Sala Keoku.

The central region

The central part of the country is best known for its stopover in Thakhek, in the province of Khammouane. This is the starting point of the motorcycle loop to go see the caves in the region. The famous Thakhek's "loop" having as its main attraction the beautiful Kong Lor Cave, located 180 km from the city bordering the Mekong, facing Nakhon Phanom in Thailand.

For the adventurous, this is an opportunity, in addition to the caves, to explore a little-visited region surrounded by karst cliffs and peaceful villages. A route going up to Vieng Kham, then branching off towards Na Hin, from where a 40 km "detour" leads to the Kong Lor cave before returning to the main road and continuing towards Phontan, Lak Sao and Nakai before returning to Thakhek.

Landscape on the Thakhek loop.

In the Nang Ene Cave.

This loop is generally done over 4 days and 3 nights in order to cover the 430 km. Continuing towards the south of the country, as an intermediate stage, you can stop at Savannakhet. The small town seems quiet, with a small neighborhood still housing a good number of colonial houses, around the Cathedral Sainte-Therese. However, it is the second largest city in the country, with 2 inhabitants.

This makes it an important economic center in the lower part of the country. Its growth has accelerated since the construction of a friendship bridge in 2006, joining Mukdahan Thai side. It is also a city widely visited by the latter. (making it the 2nd most touristic city in the country), to go to the city's casino in particular, since gambling and therefore casinos are prohibited in the land of smiles.

It is also a city located on an important east-west axis leading to Vietnam, 240 km away. Among the important religious buildings, the What Sainyaphum, named after the village at the time the temple was founded, before the French settled on the banks of the Mekong melting Savannakhet in 1894.

Another important site, the That Ing Groin, located 12 km northwest of the city center, this ancient stupa is said to house an important relic of Buddha. If you go exploring the area a bit, you can take a look at the photogenic What Chanthasaro in the locality of Lamchan, an old wooden building and its floating religious bookstore (Hotay Pidok Library).

The South region

The region where its main attractions revolve around water. There you will find the Bolovens plateau, appreciated for its many waterfalls that can be encountered while traveling a loop (typically by motorbike) from the town of Paksé.

The latter is a little shorter than Thakhek and will therefore be more suitable for those with less time to spend in Laos. There are 2 variants, the small and large loop, which can be done in 2 days or 3 days respectively.

View of Pakse.

For the small loop, this goes through Thateng then Paksong before returning to Paksé, allowing you to see the Pha Suam, Tad Lo and Tad Yuang waterfalls among others (I only mention the most important ones).

For the big loop, this extends the journey after Thateng to Sekong, allowing you to see the Tad Faed, Tad Houa Khon and Tad Tayicseua falls, before returning to Paksé through the mountain area where there is a preservation zone (Dong Hua Sao National Bio-Diversity Conservation Area).

It is also an opportunity, if you have not yet seen one, to go to a coffee plantation. There are several to visit along the loop. You will also have the opportunity to meet people from different ethnic groups.

traditional house ethnic laos bolaven plateau

woman ethnic tribe bolaven plateau - laos

If you are not satisfied, you also have the falls of Leave Pong Lai and Leave For Waterfall 110 km south-east of Pakse. Two impressive water walls located in the province ofAttapeu, not far from the border with Cambodia.

Finally, since we are still on the subject of water, I can mention the other main attraction in southern Laos, The 4 Islands (Si Phan Don). These islands are formed by the rapids of the Mekong River flowing down its course over a width of up to 10 km, before flowing towards neighbouring Cambodia. It is a particularly popular place for backpackers and people looking for a corner of nature where they can relax while admiring the work of Mother Nature, before continuing their stay in Asia and reaching Cambodia.

In fact, out of 4, there would actually be more like a hundred. Most of them are uninhabited and form small rocky islets. But the main one, Don Khong, is still 18 km long and 4 km wide! There is even a village there, Muang Khong.

The impressive Sae Pong Lai waterfall to the south-east of Pakse.

But it is on the most small island of Don Det, further south, is where the concentration of accommodation in the area is located, due to its proximity to one of the main attractions, the Li Phi Falls. Nearby, there is the old French bridge, south of Don Det, where an old French locomotive is stored nearby.

A little further south, you have the sandy beach of Khongyai from where boats leave to take people to observe dolphins of theIrrawaddy, on the lower part of the Mekong just after the falls. Another iconic fall of the place, Khone Phapheng, located east of Don The and finally, also worth a look, the falls from the suspension bridge of Khone Pa Am.

With all this, I still have to talk about a historical site of importance in the Champassak regionThe main village itself already has a certain charm, with its row of old houses dating from the colonial era, but it is its old temple that attracts first and foremost.

A house in Champassak.

Le Vat Phou is built at the foot of Mount Pasak and the current structure dates back to the 12th century when the site had religious importance as early as the 5th century. Originally Hindu, it was a temple dedicated to Shiva and then became a Buddhist place of worship. It remains an important place in the region today and hosts a pilgrimage every year.

It’s a truly superb historical site with a view of the Mekong, on the edge of which stood an ancient city which has now disappeared. It fully deserves its place in the Unesco World Heritage, to which he has been registered since 2001.

vat phou at the foot of mount pasak champassak

view of champassak plain from vat phou - laos

Destinations

Luang Prabang

Vang Vieng

Vientiane

Thakhek

Pakse

Champasak

si pha don

Things to see / things to do

Ancient royal capital, Xieng Thong Temple, Phousi Mountain, Pak Ou Cave, Kuang Si Waterfall.

Karst cliffs, caves, lagoons, Laotian countryside

Capital of Laos, on the banks of the Mekong, That Luang, Patuxai, Vat Sisaket and Vat Phra Kèo

Motorcycle loop allowing you to see multiple caves including the unmissable Khong Lor.

Motorcycle loop to the Bolovens plateau and its many waterfalls (Tad Phouasam, Tad Yuang etc.)

Vat Phou (ancient temple), Laotian countryside, colonial houses, banks of the Mekong.

``4 Islands`` (Don Khong, Don Det). Mekong Rapids, Countryside and Rice Fields, Irrawaddy Dolphins

Laos points of interest on a map

Here is a map to locate and summarize all the destinations and places of interest in Laos:

laos map - points of interest to see and do

Route suggestions

Although the journeys can be long, I wouldn't say that Laos is a demanding country in terms of time spent there. Afterwards, it's like everything else, everyone will have their own pace, but to get a good overview of the country, 2 to 3 weeks should be enough.

If you only have one week:

With only one week, it's best to focus on one area. Unless you're flying, transportation is long and given the duration, it would be a shame to waste time just to absolutely see another region by flying over it.

If I had to choose, I would therefore distinguish two possibilities:

In the north of Laos: around Luang Prabang

Assuming a direct arrival in Luang Prabang by plane, a one-week tour in northern Laos could be divided as follows:

Luang Prabang (3 nights) – Nong Khiaw (2 nights) – Muang Ngoi (1 night) – Luang Prabang (1 night)

If I detail a little, a day at luang Prabang is necessary to soak up the place. See the royal palace, the view of the city from the mountain Phousi, wander through these streets with an old-fashioned feel, along the Mekong, these old temples. You get the picture.

A second day to be dedicated to the sites around luang Prabang, the cave of Pak Or, the village of Xieng Man and its small temples, with partial view of luang Prabang and the Mekong.

A last day can finally be devoted to the waterfalls in the surroundings, the most famous being that of Kuang Si, similar in idea to the Erawan waterfalls in Thailand. And while you're there, you can also go see those of Tat Sae.

Then, direction No Khiaw, a peaceful village on the banks of the Mekong bordered by mountains. You can isolate yourself even more from the daily life of the Laotians by going by boat to the village of Muang Ngoi before returning by boat to luang Prabang (6 hours, normally including a stop at Pak Ou Cave).

At Wat Xieng Thong in Luang Prabang.

In the south of Laos: Paksé and the Bolovens plateau

Pakse (2 nights) – Champassak (1 day) – Thateng (1 night) – Sekong (1 night) – Paksong (1 night) Pakse (1 night)

If I were to choose a destination more focused on the south of Laos, I would tend to recommend the plateau des Bolovens and its many waterfalls.

On the other hand, the ideal is to do it on two wheels, make sure you are in order, or failing that, try to find a driver who can accompany you for the duration of the loop. This takes at least 2 days for the small loop, and 3 days for the large loop.

Before proceeding to discover the waterfalls, you can visit the Vat Phou, a Khmer temple built against a hill overlooking the region of Champasakor a 1h South of Pakse.

The latter can be visited for the day from Pakse to avoid having to move your things from the hotel and be ready the next day to tackle the loop, but it is still entirely possible to stay there for a night.

Thateng, sekong et Paksong are small towns that can serve as places of accommodation, but are only indicated for reference. The division of the distances between the waterfalls means that the timing of overnight stays does not necessarily fall in one of these cities, but nearby.

Another completely different, and probably more relaxing, possibility would be, again from Pakse, to visit Champasak always, but then to go and devote the rest of the stay to the 4 islands, in the very south of the country.

On the banks of the Mekong towards Champassak.

If you have two weeks in Laos:

From this duration, it appears feasible to see a little of the north of the country and the south. The transition is ideally done by direct plane, because otherwise, it would be necessary to plan at least three weeks to see both parts of the country.

In the north of Laos:

A first possibility is a loop, possible from Chiang Khong in Thailand, crossing towards Huay Xai Laotian side and the following steps thereafter:

Huay Xai (1 night) – Mekong Cruise (1 night) – Luang Prabang (3 nights) – Nong Khiaw (2 nights) – Muang Ngoi (2 nights) – Luang Namtha (2 nights) – Huay Xai (1 night)

This is a convenient option if you want to get a good overview of northern Laos without spending too much time there, as doing so should take around 12-13 days.

Without making a loop, it is still possible to do the same start as for the week-long stay and continue further south afterwards, reaching Vang Vieng and then Vientiane, the capital.

A street in Luang Prabang.
In the south of Laos:

Over a period of slightly less than two weeks, there is the possibility of combining the Bolaven Plateau as mentioned above and the 4 Islands, giving a good overview of what southern Laos has to offer.

From north to south of Laos:

Luang Prabang (3 nights) – Phônsavan (2 nights) – Vang Vieng (2 nights) – Vientiane (2 nights) – Vieng Kham (1 night) – Thakhek (2 nights) – Paksé (2 nights)

Start by exploring the Luang Prabang region, before reaching Phônsavan, the small town closest to the Plain of Jars.

Continue to Vang Vieng , known for its caves and lagoons (and the party...) before joining the capital, Vientiane.

It is possible to take a morning bus to the village of Kong Lo, next to the famous cave of the same name. Failing that, before or after visiting the cave, spend a night in Vieng Kham before continuing your journey to the south of the country, towards Thakhek.

Without embarking on the multi-day motorcycle loop, it is still entirely possible to visit some caves during the day since Thakhek.

Finally, join Paksé from where you can also see some waterfalls during the day without straying too far from the city and complete the visit of the area with Champassak.

This option provides a global overview of the country, visiting the main attractions without the adventurous side of motorbike loops, and is therefore accessible to families.

For those who do not plan to leave Laos without exploring it on their own on two wheels, a combination of the Thakhek and Paksé (Boloven Plateau) loops seems like a good option, adding the 4 islands to arrive at a duration of 000 weeks on site.

A lagoon suitable for swimming at the foot of a cave in Vang Vieng.

From three weeks in Laos:

The basic idea is to combine the one-week northern itinerary with the two-week north/south overview. In order to set a route To be precise, I'm going with a concrete and common example, many people traveling to Laos as part of a world tour or a trip of several months in Asia.

And in this context, the most optimal is toarrive in Laos from the north, since Chiang No in Thailand to the southern border with Cambodia, which is usually the next stop after Laos (even if it is still possible to go from south to north and cross to Vietnam instead of Thailand for example).

Huay Xai (1 night) – Luang Namtha (1 night) / Pakbeng (1 night) – Nong Khiaw (2 nights) – Muang Ngoi (1 night) – Luang Prabang (3 nights) – Phônsavan (2 nights) – Vang Vieng (2 nights) – Vientiane (2 nights) – Thakhek (4-day / 3-night loop) – Paksé (1 night) – Champassak (1 night) – 4 islands (000 nights)

To clarify, if I mark luang Namtha / Pakbeng c'est un OU. In the sense that there is a choice between going through luang Namtha, or take a cruise along the Mekong (via Pakbeng SO) to join luang Prabang for wow Xai.

Then I mentioned the loop of Thakhek, more cave-oriented, but you can choose to do the plateau loop instead Bolovens for Pakse, more focused on waterfalls.

To be able to do both, you need at least have a month in Laos.

Sunset from a temple in Huay Xai.

Weather / When to go to Laos?

Climate:

Laos has a hot and humid tropical climate, similar to its neighbors. There are two seasons, a monsoon season from April to October and a dry period from November to March, with temperatures rising significantly in April/May, but it is not defined as a separate season as in Thailand because it is less marked throughout the country.

La dry season. It runs from November to April. Rainfall is rarer throughout the country, and the humidity is less oppressive.. In the northern part of the country, temperatures are more pleasant or even cool in the evening (frost possible at night at altitude). This is obviously the most favorable period to discover the country.
The rainy season (monsoon). She takes over between May and October. Rainfall can be heavy, but usually short-lived, otherwise it will be more moderate sustained rain. Days can still be intermittently sunny or just cloudy. The southern part of the country is more affected by the monsoon and receives larger amounts of rain compared to the north.

thakhek sun - laos may — It can be nice in May but very hot (here near Thakhek).

luang namtha colors - laos november — The colors of November, in the middle of the rice harvest season (here in Luang Namtha).

When is the best time to visit Laos?

The best time to discover Laos is the dry season, between the months of November and April.

The optimum being December to February because the temperatures will be pleasant throughout the country, and little or no rain. Around April/May, it can be noticeably warmer towards Vientiane and the south of the country, but the weather remains pleasant towards the north, especially in Luang Prabang.

During the monsoon, it is difficult to travel in Laos, because the road network is in poor condition, journeys can be hampered, it is already long even in dry weather so with mud...

For our part, it so happens that it was February the first time I had to go there, perfect weather with beautiful blue skies and acceptable heat. I also came there at various times like April or November, no complaints, I never really had heavy rain.

Luang Namtha.

Jan.

Feb.

Mars

Apr.

May

June

Jul.

August

Sep.

Oct.

Nov.

Dec.

Luang Namtha.

	Jan.	Feb.	Mars	Apr.	May	June	Jul.	August	Sep.	Oct.	Nov.	Dec.
T°C Max	25	28	31	32	32	30	30	29	30	29	26	24
T°C Min	11	12	14	18	21	22	22	21	21	19	15	12

	Jan.	Feb.	Mars	Apr.	May	June	Jul.	August	Sep.	Oct.	Nov.	Dec.
Rain*	4	4	5	11	17	20	23	25	18	12	7	4
Sun**	7	7	7	7	7	5	4	5	5	6	6	6

* Average number of rainy days
** Average daily sunshine (in hours)

Average precipitation per month (in mm)

LUANG NAMTHA Weather

Luang Prabang

Jan.

Feb.

Mars

Apr.

May

June

Jul.

August

Sep.

Oct.

Nov.

Dec.

Luang Prabang

	Jan.	Feb.	Mars	Apr.	May	June	Jul.	August	Sep.	Oct.	Nov.	Dec.
T°C Max	27	31	33	34	34	32	32	31	32	31	28	26
T°C Min	14	15	18	21	23	24	24	23	23	21	18	14

	Jan.	Feb.	Mars	Apr.	May	June	Jul.	August	Sep.	Oct.	Nov.	Dec.
Rain*	2	2	3	9	12	14	16	19	12	6	3	1
Sun**	6	7	6	7	6	5	4	5	6	6	6	6

* Average number of rainy days
** Average daily sunshine (in hours)

Average precipitation per month (in mm)

LUANG PRABANG Weather

Vientiane

Jan.

Feb.

Mars

Apr.

May

June

Jul.

August

Sep.

Oct.

Nov.

Dec.

Vientiane

	Jan.	Feb.	Mars	Apr.	May	June	Jul.	August	Sep.	Oct.	Nov.	Dec.
T°C Max	28	30	33	34	33	32	31	31	31	31	30	28
T°C Min	16	18	21	24	25	25	25	25	24	23	19	17

	Jan.	Feb.	Mars	Apr.	May	June	Jul.	August	Sep.	Oct.	Nov.	Dec.
Rain*	1	2	4	8	15	18	20	21	17	9	2	1
Sun**	8	8	7	8	7	5	5	4	5	8	8	8

* Average number of rainy days
** Average daily sunshine (in hours)

Average precipitation per month (in mm)

VIENTIANE Weather

Thakhek

Jan.

Feb.

Mars

Apr.

May

June

Jul.

August

Sep.

Oct.

Nov.

Dec.

Thakhek

	Jan.	Feb.	Mars	Apr.	May	June	Jul.	August	Sep.	Oct.	Nov.	Dec.
T°C Max	29	31	33	34	33	31	29	30	30	31	30	28
T°C Min	13	17	19	22	24	24	24	24	23	20	18	14

	Jan.	Feb.	Mars	Apr.	May	June	Jul.	August	Sep.	Oct.	Nov.	Dec.
Rain*	1	3	4	8	16	19	19	23	17	9	2	1
Sun**	9	9	8	8	7	5	6	5	6	7	8	9

* Average number of rainy days
** Average daily sunshine (in hours)

Average precipitation per month (in mm)

THAKHEK Weather

Savannakhet

Jan.

Feb.

Mars

Apr.

May

June

Jul.

August

Sep.

Oct.

Nov.

Dec.

Savannakhet

	Jan.	Feb.	Mars	Apr.	May	June	Jul.	August	Sep.	Oct.	Nov.	Dec.
T°C Max	29	31	33	35	33	32	31	31	31	30	29	28
T°C Min	15	18	21	24	25	25	24	24	23	21	18	15

	Jan.	Feb.	Mars	Apr.	May	June	Jul.	August	Sep.	Oct.	Nov.	Dec.
Rain*	1	3	4	8	16	19	19	23	17	9	2	1
Sun**	9	9	8	8	7	5	6	5	6	7	8	9

* Average number of rainy days
** Average daily sunshine (in hours)

Average precipitation per month (in mm)

SAVANNAKHET Weather

Pakse

Jan.

Feb.

Mars

Apr.

May

June

Jul.

August

Sep.

Oct.

Nov.

Dec.

Pakse

	Jan.	Feb.	Mars	Apr.	May	June	Jul.	August	Sep.	Oct.	Nov.	Dec.
T°C Max	31	33	34	35	33	31	30	30	30	31	30	30
T°C Min	16	21	24	25	25	24	24	24	24	23	22	20

	Jan.	Feb.	Mars	Apr.	May	June	Jul.	August	Sep.	Oct.	Nov.	Dec.
Rain*	0	1	2	7	15	21	22	25	13	12	10	0
Sun**	9	9	9	7	7	5	5	4	5	6	7	8

* Average number of rainy days
** Average daily sunshine (in hours)

Average precipitation per month (in mm)

PAKSE Weather

What budget for Laos?

Banknotes used in Laos: 500, 1, 000, 2, 000, 5, 000 will be the most common. There are also notes of 10, 000, 20, 000, 50, 000 for small amounts and 1 as a larger denomination.

It seems obvious that with a 100 note, you would quickly be in trouble with the exchange rate... If in Laos the Baht and the Dollar are accepted, this remains especially true in border towns and cities, in the countryside, you should favor not only the Kip, but also cash.

The few places that accept credit cards will charge a fee. 3% additional to your bill.

Hotels / Accommodations

Tourism is still relatively underdeveloped in Laos. With 4 million visitors, we are quite far from what our neighbors can attract. (except Burma which shows similar figures).

As a result, the hotel offering is not as substantial as in Thailand and the prices are therefore not as competitive. Above all, there is a clear lack of range between the 2/3 star hotels, with reasonable prices, and the comfort of the 4 stars, which directly increase the bill.

In summary, the prices are not as low as one might think, without being excessive.

SOME POINTS OF REFERENCE:

For guesthouses in dormitory or single room (fan and shared bathroom), possible from 30 ₭ (000 €) - more often around 3 ₭ (84 €)
For guesthouses with air-conditioned rooms and basic hotels, it varies around 90 – 000 ₭ (150-000 €)
For decent and mid-range hotels, expect to pay around 200 – 000 ₭ (250-000 €)
For the top of the range, it goes straight up, possible from 630 ₭ (000 €), many offers around 65 ₭ (1 €)

Meals / drinks

Like all Asian countries, it's not the food that will break the bank.

Between street food, present almost everywhere and offering simple dishes (noodles at 10 ₭ for example, or €000), small sandwiches at 1 ₭ (€6), and more "classic" restaurants, offering rice dishes at less than 000 ₭ in general (€0,6), you will be spoiled for choice.

Below, I remind you that these are averages, particularly for meals. Because those in restaurants more oriented towards international food (often offering dishes with French, Italian or even Indian influences), a dish often comes back in the 50 ₭ (€ 5).

A baguette stand for small street sandwiches in Laos.

SOME POINTS OF REFERENCE:

A small bottle of water costs on average 2₭ (000€)
A meal costs an average of 35₭ (000€) per person
Hot/cold coffee: 12/000 ₭
A local beer 10₭ (000 liters)

Transport

Transport is also inexpensive and should not pose too much of a problem for your budget, if you prefer buses and trains. tuk tuk locally (also called jumbo).

They often try to abuse the fares at the exits of the bus terminals and it is always better to share your "ride". Do not hesitate to negotiate and it is better to check the distances beforehand to verify the coherence of the given fare.

In addition to intercity buses, you will find, as in Thailand, shared taxis called songthaews, which will charge you around 10 to 000 ₭ per person (30 to 000 €) depending on the distance.

SOME POINTS OF REFERENCE:

Motorbike rental: usually 70₭ per day (000€) + 7₭ per litre
Local bus: for long journeys, expect to pay 80₭ to 000₭ (100-000€) per person
For tuk tuks (jumbos), expect to pay around 20 ₭ per trip (for a few kilometers)

Small budget
^€ 20
day
17 € for 2

5 € per person

5 € per person

1 € per person

Medium budget
^€ 35
day
23 € for 2

10 € per person

10 € per person

5 € per person

Comfortable budget
^€ 100
day
65 € for 2

12 € per person

45 € per person

10 € per person

Minimum daily budget suggestion / person - 21 € (Note: budget for a mid-budget holiday, with 1* or 2* hotel, otherwise mostly guesthouses; meals mainly in simple restaurants and use of public transport. Some paid visits but not too many).

Articles about Laos

My articles about my stays in Laos.

20/01/2024
Laos
Vientiane: a guide to the must-see places in Laos' peaceful capital
My Vientiane Guide: Explore the Laotian Capital's Tranquility, Temples, Culture and All the Info
Continue reading...
18/01/2024
Laos
Phou Phanang View Points: a little nature getaway near Vientiane
To put it in context, it was during my extended stay in Vientiane that I made this little outing
Continue reading...
09/01/2024
Laos
Buddha Park: A day of adventure along the Mekong
With almost a week to spend in Vientiane, I couldn't possibly miss the famous Parc du
Continue reading...
06/03/2017
Laos
Slow Boat on the Mekong: 2 days between Houai Sai and Luang Prabang
Reaching Luang Prabang from the Thai border at Chiang Khong can be done by boat, via a beautiful cruise on
Continue reading...
19/02/2017
Laos
Short visit to Houai Sai: starting point for cruises on the Mekong
A short visit to Houai Sai, in Laos, a town on the border with Thailand, which mainly serves as a starting point for
Continue reading...
05/09/2016
Laos
Luang Prabang: a unique blend of Lao culture and French influence
Located in northern Laos, at the confluence of the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers, Luang Prabang (which can be
Continue reading...

Any opinions, suggestions? Leave me a comment!

Asia Country Guide Laos

Roman

26/08/2019

Romain B.

When I discovered Thailand in 2006, I certainly didn't expect to settle down there 2 years later! Since then, I've been based in Bangkok and I regularly travel throughout Asia. I share my stories, photos, advice on expat life in Thailand and on Asian countries, for those who want to discover the land of smiles, who are looking for a bit of adventure and those who dream of Asia (or those who just want to dream ;-)

Comments:

over there
16/07/2022
Hello,
First of all, a big thank you for this page which is rich in explanations, information and good addresses.
I have a question :
My husband is Laotian and he dreams of discovering his parents' country. We want to leave in June 2023 to go see his brother who lives in Luang Namtha. We want to stay two to three days max, because afterwards we want to visit Thailand. What air travel do you recommend? The cheapest if possible and also the most optimized
Thank you in advance for your advice.
beautiful evening
Roman
18/07/2022
Hello,
Concretely, internal flights in Laos are rather expensive, so to avoid paying too much, it is better to go through Thailand first. In this case, you could arrive in Bangkok, from there, you have to go to Chiang Rai airport first, then take a bus to the border town of Chiang Khong, join Huay Xai on the Laos side and finally bus to Luang Namtha. Logically there will be no better in terms of time/cost, especially since if you then visit Thailand, it will be all profit to take a return flight to Bangkok.

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Laos

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