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South-Eastern Asia

LaosTravel guide

Explore Laos visa rulesCommon scams in Laos

Laos is the only landlocked country in Southeast Asia. It offers mountain scenery, river journeys, traditional Buddhist culture and a relaxed pace of life. Vientiane is the capital.

Why go

  1. Watch the sunset over the Mekong River.

  2. Explore mountain trails and stay in village homes in northern Laos.

  3. Visit temples and experience Lao Buddhist traditions.

  4. Discover waterfalls and coffee plantations on the Bolaven Loop.

  5. Try sticky rice, spicy Lao dishes and locally grown coffee.

Best time to go: November to March is the dry season, with little rain and cooler weather. Mountain nights can reach freezing, and northern Laos can become very hazy towards the end of the dry season.

Getting there

By air

  • Vientiane is the main international airport, with flights from several Asian cities. Direct flights to Laos are limited and often expensive.
  • Luang Prabang has international flights from places including Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Hanoi and Siem Reap.
  • Pakse has international flights listed from Guangzhou, Siem Reap and Ho Chi Minh City.

By land

  • The Laos–China Railway connects Vientiane with Kunming in China. Within Laos, it passes through places including Vang Vieng, Luang Prabang and Boten.
  • Train tickets sell out quickly and are released only three days before travel. Your accommodation or a travel agent can help buy them for a fee.
  • The Friendship Bridge near Nong Khai provides a land route from Thailand to Vientiane.

Customs

  • The source states that all nationalities must complete an online arrival form before entering Laos, from September 1, 2025.
  • You may be refused entry if you cannot show that you have enough money for your stay.
  • If you have two nationalities, use the same passport to leave the previous country and enter Laos, especially at land crossings.

Getting around

  • Train

    The northern railway links Vientiane, Vang Vieng, Luang Prabang, Muang Xay and Boten. High-speed trains provide fast, comfortable travel. Ask your accommodation or a travel agency to arrange tickets if buying them yourself is difficult. Tickets are scarce, and first class may have better availability. Expect strict identity and baggage checks. Sharp objects, aerosol sprays and alcohol may be confiscated; liquids may also face checks. Bring food and drinking water because station facilities and onboard sales are limited. Keep your ticket until you leave the destination station or you may be fined.

  • Bus and minibus

    Minibuses are usually quicker and more expensive than buses. Larger buses often have more legroom, but may be old and prone to breakdowns. Air conditioning does not always work. Allow extra time for delays, cancellations and breakdowns, especially away from main routes. Some buses include water, a snack and a meal stop. The Vientiane–Luang Prabang bus journey takes about 10 hours.

  • Domestic flights

    Lao Airlines and Lao Skyway operate domestic flights. Flying is a fast way to reach many parts of the country. Remote routes and small-aircraft flights can be cancelled without warning because of weather or low passenger numbers. Confirm schedules with the airline because routes can change with little notice. Lao Airlines lists WhatsApp contact during business hours at +856 20 55 541 626.

  • Car with driver

    Tour agencies, tourist hotels and rental companies can arrange a car with a driver. The source gives a price of around US$95 a day. This lets you stop for photos, village visits or breaks whenever you want.

What to see and do

  • Mekong River

    Enjoy river scenery, boat journeys and sunsets along the water.

  • Temples in Luang Prabang and Vientiane

    Experience the country's strong Buddhist traditions. Many Luang Prabang temples charge a small entry fee.

  • Bolaven Plateau

    See coffee-growing country in southern Laos, with waterfalls and scenic stops on the Bolaven Loop.

  • Northern limestone landscapes

    Vang Vieng, Nong Khiaw and Mung Ngoi have limestone formations that attract climbers.

  • Thakhek Loop

    This southern route offers caves, rivers, pools and scenic drives, including access to Xe Bang Fai Cave.

  • Try a herbal sauna

    These simple saunas are often run by temples and usually open in the evening. Wash first, wear the provided sarong and take breaks with tea.

Food and drink

  • Sticky rice

    The main Lao staple, served in small baskets. Use your right hand to pinch off a piece, shape it and dip it.

  • Laap

    The national dish mixes minced meat or fish with herbs, spices, lime and plenty of chilli. Some versions use raw meat; 'suk' means cooked and 'dip' means raw.

  • Tam maak hung

    A spicy green papaya salad, often made with fermented crab and a strong fermented fish sauce.

  • Ping kai and mok pa

    Ping kai is spicy grilled chicken. Mok pa is fish steamed in a banana leaf.

  • Lao sausages

    Sai oua is a grilled pork sausage with sticky rice and herbs. Sai gork and naem use fermented raw pork and taste sour.

  • Khao chī pate and foe

    Pâté-filled baguettes and noodle dishes are common breakfast foods and snacks.

Money

Lao kip (LAK), written ₭.

  • Exchange spare kip before leaving Laos. It is difficult to exchange outside the country, except in some border towns.
  • Banks generally offer good exchange rates. Private exchange booths are common in major tourist areas.
  • US dollars are the easiest currency to exchange at competitive rates. Other currencies may receive worse rates or may not be accepted.
  • Bring clean, undamaged banknotes. US dollar notes must be dated 2009 or later.

Typical costs

  • A general budget is about US$40 a day. The source says US$15 a day is possible when transport is excluded.
  • Early 2025 accommodation prices: hostel dorm beds US$5–10 and private hostel rooms US$20–30 per night.
  • Early 2025 hotel prices: a mid-range room with a fan up to US$30, or with air conditioning up to US$50 per night.
  • Early 2025 food prices: street meals US$1–2, or about US$10 for two courses and a drink in a restaurant.
  • Early 2025 local transport prices: tuk-tuk rides US$1–5.
  • Early 2025 boat price: the two-day slow boat from Huay Xai to Luang Prabang US$30.
  • Temples in Luang Prabang typically charge US$1–2. In Vientiane, only the better-known temples charge entry.
  • The source lists herbal saunas at around 10,000 kip, plus around 40,000 kip for a massage, in a November 2016 entry.

Language

  • Lao is the official language.
  • Thai is widely understood.
  • English is becoming more common, but ability is often limited; speak slowly and clearly.
  • French appears on signs and is used in government, commerce and some professions.
  • Chinese is increasingly used in large cities and tourist services; railway signs and staff use Lao and Chinese.
  • Northern communities also speak local languages, including Hmong.
Kaafeh thung
Brewed coffee.
Kaafeh dam
Black coffee.
Kaafeh nom
Coffee with milk, which may be non-dairy creamer.
Suk
Cooked, when describing meat in laap.
Dip
Raw, when describing meat in laap.

Staying safe

  • Laos is generally a low-crime country, but petty crime remains a concern.
  • Carry an identity document or a copy of your passport or national identity card. Police can ask to see it, and failure to produce it can lead to a fine.
  • Police assistance after a crime can be limited, especially if you do not speak Lao. Remain respectful when dealing with officers.
  • Road accidents are common, particularly among people using tuk-tuks, motorcycles and scooters. Night driving is especially dangerous.
3 common scams in Laos, and how to avoid them

Local customs

Do

  • Wear long trousers and a sleeved shirt when visiting temples.
  • Remove your shoes before entering temple buildings and private homes.
  • Stay calm when plans run late. Anger will not speed things up and can embarrass everyone involved.
  • Use your right hand to eat sticky rice.
  • Address people by a title and their given name, rather than their family name.

Don't

  • Do not point the soles of your feet towards people.
  • Do not touch anyone on the head.
  • Avoid public drunkenness, which is considered disrespectful.
  • Do not mistake temple swastikas for Nazi symbols. In this setting they are sacred Buddhist symbols.

Staying healthy

  • Do not drink tap water anywhere in Laos. Bottled water is widely available, though quality varies between brands.
  • Communal water jars in temples, hotels and some public buildings contain safe drinking water. Ask before using them.
  • Bring insect repellent containing at least 25% DEET, an insect-repelling chemical, because it is difficult to find locally. Sleep with mosquito protection, such as a net or at least a fan.
  • Dengue is a risk, including in Vientiane. Malaria outbreaks still occur, especially in Savannakhet and farther south.

Phone and internet

  • Local prepaid SIM cards are sold in shops and at Vientiane airport. The source says they can be bought without paperwork.
  • TPlus and M-phone, also called Laotel, are popular with visitors. Unitel and ETL Mobile are other options.
  • ETL Mobile is known for better rural coverage, but no network covers everywhere.
  • A Lao phone number is needed to register for some useful local apps.

Where to stay

  • Vientiane and Luang Prabang have budget, mid-range and more expensive accommodation. Outside the main Mekong Valley tourist areas, choices are mostly basic hotels and guesthouses.
  • Many places have little or no online presence. A short list of online rooms does not mean there are few places to stay.
  • You can look for accommodation after you arrive. If you want reassurance, book the first night and then explore local guesthouses.
  • Booking.com and Agoda have listings, though the source says these tend towards more expensive, corporate-owned properties.

Outdoor adventures in Laos

Laos has mountain treks, forest walks, limestone caves and river trips. Travellers can stay in village homes, climb near Vang Vieng or explore the Bolaven and Thakhek road loops. The dry season runs from November to March, but mountain nights can be very cold.

  • Nam Song river tubing

    More to doCentral Laosnear Vang Vieng

    Go tubing on the Nam Song at Vang Vieng. You float down the river in a large inflatable tube.

    • Tourist deaths led to closures of many riverside bars, rope swings and other attractions.

  • Vang Vieng limestone climbing

    ClimbingCentral Laosnear Vang Vieng

    Use Vang Vieng as your base for climbing its limestone cliffs.

  • Vang Vieng limestone caves

    CaveCentral Laosnear Vang Vieng

    Explore limestone caves from Vang Vieng.

  • Ban Nalan Trail

    TrekNorthern Laosnear Luang Namtha

    2 days

    Use Luang Namtha as your trekking base. Local agencies arrange village treks in the area.

  • The Gibbon Experience

    WildlifeBokeo Nature Reserve, Northern Laosnear Huay Xai

    2 days / 1 night or 3 days / 2 nights

    Book at the Gibbon Experience office in Huay Xai or by email. A truck journey of about 3.5 hours reaches the village where the hike starts.

    • Cost: May 2015 listed prices: 1,400,000 kip for 2 days / 1 night; 2,450,000 kip for 3 days / 2 nights.
    • Tree houses are more than 40 metres above the ground and are reached by cable.

  • Bolaven Loop

    More to doBolaven Plateau, Southern Laos

    Easy 3–8 days; commonly 4 days. Day trips are possible. November–February

    Follow the loop on a self-guided road trip, usually by motorbike. Stop for waterfalls, hiking trails and coffee plantations.

    • Cost: Guesthouses and motels were listed at 100,000–150,000 kip in January 2025.
    • Some dirt roads can be difficult for new riders.
    • Take a riding course or get plenty of practice before attempting the loop.

  • Thakhek Loop

    More to doSouthern Laosnear Tha Khaek

    4–10 days; commonly 7 days. Day trips are possible. November–February

    Follow the loop on a self-guided road trip, usually by motorbike. Stops include caves, rivers, pools and climbing areas.

    • Take a riding course or get plenty of practice if you are new to motorbikes.
    • Road conditions vary, so ride in sections of 20–80 minutes with frequent breaks.

  • Luang Namtha village and jungle treks

    TrekNorthern Laosnear Luang Namtha

    Trips of varying lengths; Green Discovery offers up to 3 days and the Tourism Department up to 4 days.

    Compare agencies along the main road near the night market. Options include Green Discovery, the Tourism Department's Eco-Guide Service and The Hiker.

    • Cost: The Tourism Department lists an average of US$30 per day, with groups of 4–8 people. The price per person falls as more people join.
    • Check the condition of equipment, including sleeping bags and sleeping pads.

  • Nong Khiaw outdoor activities

    More to doNorthern Laosnear Nong Khiaw

    Use Nong Khiaw as a base for kayaking, cycling, climbing, tubing and visits to nearby hill villages.

  • Mung Ngoi climbing and tubing

    More to doNorthern Laosnear Mung Ngoi

    Climbing and river tubing are possible at Mung Ngoi.

  • Si Phan Don tubing

    More to doSouthern Laos, near the Cambodian border

    Tubing is available in Si Phan Don, the island area within the Mekong.

  • Mekong kayaking from Luang Prabang to Vientiane

    KayakingBetween Luang Prabang and Vientianenear Luang Prabang

    The Mekong between Luang Prabang and Vientiane is described as a possible kayaking journey for ambitious travellers.

  • Chompet riverside hike or bicycle ride

    HikeAcross the Mekong from Luang Prabangnear Luang Prabang

    Take the ferry from the riverside beside the national museum, where the slow boats arrive. Walk or cycle along the river through small Hmong villages, past temples and a cave.

    • Cost: May 2020 listed prices: ferry 5,000 kip; temple admission 10,000 kip.
    • Keep backpacks and money secure around temple ticket areas; thefts are reported.

  • MandaLao Elephant Conservation

    WildlifeLuang Prabang areanear Luang Prabang

    Morning, afternoon or full-day tours

    Book a tour through MandaLao, which has an office in Luang Prabang. A hotel shuttle and an English-speaking guide are provided.

    • Cost: US$80–150, listed January 2024.

  • Elephant Village

    WildlifeLuang Prabang areanear Luang Prabang

    1 or 2 days for the elephant-handler course

    Contact Elephant Village through its office on Sisavangvong Road beside the Royal Palace.

  • Mekong Elephant Camp

    WildlifePakbengnear Pakbeng

    Contact Mekong Elephant Camp in Pakbeng.

  • Chom Ong Cave

    CaveNorthern Laosnear Muang Xay

    50-minute walk from Ban Chom Ong; guided village-and-cave tours run for 1–3 days.

    Book a tour with transport through the Tourism Office in Muang Xay. If travelling independently, arrange in advance to meet a guide at the cave.

    • Cost: A 1-day tour is listed at 1,400,000 kip for one person, or 360,000 kip per person for a group of eight.
    • A guide must be arranged even if you reach the cave independently.
    • The 40-kilometre dirt road from Muang Xay to Ban Chom Ong is described as very difficult.

  • Ban Nam Heeng to Ban Chom Ong

    HikeNorthern Laosnear Muang Xay

    Hard About 5 hours; 16 kilometres

    Take a shared vehicle to Ban Nam Heeng from the transport station near Muang Xay's regular bus station. Ask villagers for the walking direction to Ban Chom Ong.

    • Cost: Transport to Ban Nam Heeng is listed at about 35,000 kip.
    • The walk is described as challenging.

  • Nam Kad Waterfall and Forest

    HikeMuang Xay area, Northern Laosnear Muang Xay

    A 5–6-kilometre journey inside the site, followed by a 30-minute walk to the waterfall

    Follow signs for Nam Kad from Muang Xay and turn right at Ban Faen. At the conservation area's entrance, buy a ticket and continue by the site's open minibus or mountain bike. Walk the final section.

    • Repeated river crossings can be difficult in the rainy season.
    • The walking route crosses small gorges on suspension bridges.

  • Muang Xay village homestay hikes

    TrekNorthern Laosnear Muang Xay

    Includes overnight stays

    Arrange a hike through the Provincial Tourist Office in Muang Xay.

  • Vieng Xai caves

    CaveCentral Laosnear Vieng Xai

    Visit the caves at Vieng Xai. Booking and access arrangements are not detailed.

  • Nam Ngum Lake island cruise

    More to doVientiane areanear Vientiane

    A couple of hours

    Ask your hotel, guesthouse or a travel agency to book a cruise among the islands. The lake is about 90 kilometres from Vientiane.

  • Nava Mekong Cruises

    More to doLuang Prabang areanear Luang Prabang

    Pak Ou cruise: 10:00–14:00; sunset cruise: 17:00–19:00

    Book with Nava Mekong Cruises. Choose an upstream trip to Pak Ou Cave or a downstream sunset cruise.

    • Cost: US$25–30, listed April 2018.

  • Vientiane countryside and Mekong cycling

    CyclingVientiane areanear Vientiane

    Bicycle rental is available by the day or longer.

    Join Vientiane ByCycle's guided tours, starting in front of Spirit House Cafe in Ban Sithan Neua. For an independent ride around the region, rent from Lao Bike on Setthathirath Road opposite Wat Ong Teu.

    • Cost: Lao Bike rental: US$2–6 per day, listed February 2025. Guided-tour prices are not given.
    • Dogs can be aggressive, including within the city.
    • At night, keep to well-lit, busy streets.

  • Fair Trek Project

    TrekVillages outside Luang Prabang, Northern Laosnear Luang Prabang

    Join an activity or trekking tour through the Fair Trek Project.

Airports, metros and trains in Laos

Airports with scheduled flights

  • LPQLuang Phabang International AirportLuang PhabangMain international airport
  • PKZPakse International AirportPakseMain international airport
  • VTEWattay International AirportVientianeMain international airport

Trains

Rail network
424 km
Electrified
414 km

People and safety in Laos

Religion

Most people are Buddhist. Mixed.

  • Buddhist66%
  • Folk religions31%
  • Christian2%
  • No religion<1%
  • Other<1%

LGBT+ travellers

Legal in law, risky in places

  • Same-sex marriage is not recognised.

Check your own government's travel advice before you go, and be careful with public displays of affection and dating apps.

Women travellers

Ranked #83 of 181 countries for women's safety, inclusion and justice.

56% of women say they feel safe walking alone at night where they live.

Who can visit without a visa

Travellers from 167 of 198 countries can visit Laos easily: no visa, a visa at the airport, or a short online form.

  • Visa not required21
  • Visa on arrival146
  • Visa required31

Who can visit easily, by part of the world

For each part of the world: how many countries' travellers can come easily. Easy means no visa, a visa at the airport, or a short online form.

  • Europe46 of 46 countries
  • Americas34 of 35 countries
  • Oceania12 of 14 countries
  • Asia41 of 49 countries
  • Africa34 of 54 countries

Questions

When is the best time to visit Laos?

November to March is the dry season, with cooler weather and little rain. Northern areas can become hazy towards the end of this period, and mountain nights can be very cold.

Can I find a room without booking online?

Yes. Many guesthouses have little or no online presence, and the source recommends looking after arrival; you can book just your first night for reassurance.

How can I buy train tickets without using an app?

Ask your accommodation or a travel agency to arrange them for a fee, or use a ticket office. Tickets sell out quickly and are released only three days before travel.

How much should I budget each day?

About US$40 a day is a general guide. The source says US$15 a day is possible when transport costs are excluded.

Can I drink the tap water?

No. Use bottled water, or ask before drinking from the safe communal water jars found in some temples, hotels and public buildings.

Will people understand English?

English ability is often limited, so speak slowly and clearly. Thai is widely understood, and French is also used in some settings.

What food should I expect?

Lao food often uses plenty of chilli, fresh herbs and raw vegetables. Sticky rice, laap, papaya salad, grilled chicken and steamed fish are common choices.

What should I wear to a temple?

Wear long trousers and a sleeved shirt. Take your shoes off before entering temple buildings.

Can I use Wi-Fi during my trip?

Many accommodations and Western-style cafés provide free Wi-Fi. Internet cafés are available in larger towns, but speeds are often slow.

What happens if I become seriously ill?

Medical care is limited, and serious cases may need treatment in Thailand. Travel insurance covering medical evacuation is strongly recommended.

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