This quiet and thinly populated nation is among the most underrated in Asia. In case you’re into wilderness, distant riverside cities, and scenic bike loops, then Laos is a real gem.
I had a few of my favourite journey experiences whereas backpacking Laos, together with motorbiking across the Bolaven Plateau and ziplining over the jungle cover on the Gibbon Expertise.
In distinction to Thailand or Vietnam, Laos doesn’t have any seashores and isn’t the place it is best to go for buzzing cities. I’ve often heard travellers accuse Laos of being ‘boring’, maybe having had the mistaken expectations.
To every their very own, however should you ask me, many different features make Laos a real spotlight of Southeast Asia. Travelling round this light nation is all about exploring its rural villages, having fun with its Buddhist calm and awe-inspiring nature, and sampling its scrumptious and underrated meals.
On this information, I’ll inform you every part it’s good to know!
Some Laos updates
Laos is all the time altering and older journey guides may provide you with an outdated image. Listed below are a number of (considerably) latest issues to know:
1. The brand new railway line
Nice information: Laos has turn into rather a lot simpler to journey! Once I first visited Laos method again in 2013, you continue to needed to cross the border by bamboo raft and take care of chaotic crowds at a single immigration hut — these days, there’s a bridge and crossing the border is simple peasy.
The Boten–Vientiane high-speed railway additionally opened in 2022, making the north rather more linked. This line connects China with Laos, however extra essential for travellers is that it runs between Luang Prabang, Vang Vieng, and Vientiane. You may get from Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng in about 1,5 hours in nice consolation, which is significantly better than the 7 hours it used to absorb a rickety bus by way of horribly potholed roads.
Ease of journey does additionally deliver extra mainstream tourism to Luang Prabang and Vang Vieng. Taking facet routes within the north or exploring the south will be very rewarding and these areas might really feel extra distant or untouched.
2. Inflation
Laos has suffered from extreme inflation currently — a lot moreso than within the West. Simply in 2023 the inflation price was over 30%! This doesn’t essentially have an effect on travellers, besides that costs in older journey guides are inaccurate in the event that they have been listed within the native foreign money kip.
It’s simply one thing to know!
3. Not essentially a celebration place
Within the early 2010s, Vang Vieng was a infamous social gathering city, however these days it’s principally a nature vacation spot. You possibly can find out about a few of the chill issues to do in Vang Vieng in our information.
You possibly can nonetheless go river tubing and cease at a number of bars, however the social gathering state of affairs is pretty civilized. Laos is definitely fairly sleepy total and most bars shut earlier than midnight. In Luang Prabang, the one spot you’ll be able to nonetheless go after 11.30pm is the bowling alley simply outdoors of city.
Thailand or Vietnam are extra recognized for nightlife, although you’ll be able to nonetheless have enjoyable in Laos.
4. Methanol poisoning
In November 2024, six a number of backpackers died in Vang Vieng as a result of methanol poisoning. Homebrew alcoholic drinks the place ethanol was substituted for poisonous methanol are the suspected trigger — and arrests have been made. Chances are you’ll need to take further precautions and drink from bottles or keep away from any spirits that might be moonshine.
Don’t fear, Laos is a protected nation total. However I nonetheless wished to focus on this incident.
When to go to Laos
It’s finest to keep away from the moist season in Laos between Might and October. The dry dry season is between November and April.
I’ve travelled in Laos in November and in February-March. The landscapes have been a bit lusher in November as this month follows the monsoon rains. However there actually wasn’t that a lot distinction although and I imagine wherever between November and April ought to be preferrred.
Regardless of the time of 12 months, remember the mountainous north can get chilly at evening. Pack for the tropics, however remember to deliver a jumper as nicely.
Laos routes and itineraries
The traditional Laos route
Need an easy-to-follow itinerary for Laos? Then merely deal with Luang Prabang and Vang Vieng.
This has lengthy been the tried-and-true Laos itinerary if in case you have restricted time (round one week). You’ll hit up a few of the highlights and also you’ll see the UNESCO World Heritage-recognized metropolis of Luang Prabang.
You are able to do this route in per week should you preserve tempo, however it’s higher to have a minimum of 10 days. This provides you time for some enjoyable facet excursions alongside the way in which or to take the 2-day sluggish boat alongside the Mekong River to Luang Prabang as an alternative of the sooner bus.
This traditional route works nicely as an add-on to a Thailand journey. You possibly can enter from Northern Thailand (e.g. from Chiang Rai) and exit once more at Nong Khai, throughout the river from Laos’ capital of Vientiane, then looping your method again to Bangkok.
This provides you a pleasant slice of Laos, however if you wish to be extra unique, there are different routes in Laos to contemplate.
Different arguably higher routes
I like the mountainous north of Laos. You are able to do an awesome loop beginning and ending in Luang Prabang, which incorporates some smaller cities like Luang Namtha and Nong Khiaw.
These cities are wonderful should you’re into issues like kayaking, trekking, biking, or caving. There are nationwide parks with huge unbroken jungles and it’s straightforward to search out guided treks by way of the jungles or to waterfalls. In case you like homestays then there are many alternatives for this as nicely.
One other cool journey is to weave your method by way of the very south of Laos. It’s dwelling to a number of pleasant small cities alongside the Mekong River, some unbelievable riverine island-hopping at Si Phan Don, and the prettiest waterfalls I’ve seen in Laos.
When you have time, you’ll be able to after all mix all of those into one huge (3 to 4 week) Laos route.
Must you take the sluggish boat?
When touring from northern Thailand to Laos, you’ve gotten an fascinating alternative between a sluggish boat alongside the Mekong River or a bus by way of Nam Ha Nationwide Park. Each choices present completely different experiences.
I did a full evaluate of each journey strategies right here, however in a nutshell…
Sluggish Boat Journey:
- A traditional 2-day journey recognized for its scenic views of the Mekong River. It’s a extra leisurely expertise the place you see some stunning landscapes alongside the way in which.
- Vacationers initially take a bus from Chiang Mai to the border, then proceed by boat from Huay Xai.
- The boat has fairly primary seating, stopping in a single day in Pakbeng, a transit city with restricted choices.
Bus Journey:
- Buses are an easier, faster various, particularly because the Huay Xai border has modernized.
- Choices embrace sleeper buses to Luang Prabang taking a minimum of 16 hours with reclining seats.
- Day buses to Luang Namtha allow you to keep on this city recognized for trekking and mountain climbing, providing a scenic route by way of nationwide parks.
Every possibility has its advantages, and no matter your alternative, you’ll expertise the great thing about Laos.
Different entry factors are additionally doable, after all. You possibly can take the practice from Bangkok to Vientiane, enter by way of Vietnam, or fly in.
North or south Laos?
Laos is sort of a protracted nation and travelling all of it overland takes time; for instance, from the capital within the middle to the southern metropolis of Pakse takes about 15 hours by bus. Relying in your journey, you could be pressured to determine between the north or south.
I may inform you that each one components of Laos are equally stunning however — sshhh — I feel the north is very worthwhile. It’s an ethnically various area with some wonderful mountain surroundings.
If pressured to decide on, I’d positively do a visit within the north. Nonetheless, some travellers want the south and each are value visiting!
As you make your method south, the mountains step by step make method for flat farmlands. You’ll see extra rice fields and farmers carrying conical hats, very like in Vietnam. The Mekong River swells in measurement, stretching far and large when it will get to Pakse.
The south has loads of worthwhile points of interest together with the temples of Wat Phu, the riverine archipelago of Si Phan Don, and the Bolaven Plateau with its many waterfalls and conventional villages.
When you have the time, then visiting each the north/middle and the south of Laos is unquestionably not redundant, since each have a really completely different vibe and completely different landscapes.
Exploring by scooter/bike
It’s best to journey round Laos by bus or practice. However having your personal transport gives you a really completely different expertise.
I beloved exploring the countryside by bike. It’s straightforward to hire a motorcycle or moped/scooter in lots of locations and it typically prices little or no. (I keep in mind renting one for about $7 a day.) You are able to do quite a lot of native sightseeing independently on this method (then get on a bus to your subsequent hub).
In case you can’t drive a moped your self, attempt to make associates with somebody who can and hop on the again! There’s nothing like driving previous lush inexperienced rice fields and pastoral villages backed by karst hills. You’ll get to see a special facet of Laos for positive.
Moreover native sightseeing, a motorcycle/moped will even allow you to do multi-day highway journeys inside Laos:
- The Bolaven Loop (or Pakse Loop) within the south is among the finest recognized. I wrote about the expertise and highlights right here. It takes 2 days for the “small loop” and three to 4 days for the massive loop.
- The Thakek Loop beginning within the central Laos metropolis of Thakek is one other well-liked experience, taking 3 to five days.
- The Northeast Loop isn’t as established however goes by way of some amazingly scenic areas, beginning in Luang Prabang. The route is properly described right here.
I additionally did a beautiful day journey by bike from Luang Namtha to Muang Sing that I can extremely suggest. It goes proper by way of Nam Ha Nationwide Park and ends with a number of rice fields and rural scenes.
Prime locations to go to in Laos
Luang Prabang
Atmospheric metropolis and UNESCO world heritage web site
The small metropolis of Luang Prabang is the tourism crown jewel of Laos — and whereas it shouldn’t be overhyped, it’s nonetheless extremely value together with in your journey. Located on the confluence of the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers, it earned UNESCO World Heritage standing due to its well-preserved structure that blends conventional Laos and French colonial types.
Within the two instances that I’ve been, Luang Prabang has struck me as a unusual, contradictory place. It’s in all probability the one place in Laos which may get featured in The New York Instances or in in-flight magazines, given how a few of the eating places and motels attraction partly to a extra upscale clientele. Some vacationers additionally go to Luang Prabang as an Asian metropolis journey (flying out and in) and received’t actually be seen elsewhere in Laos.
This could make Luang Prabang really feel a tad synthetic at instances, although beneath all of it it’s nonetheless completely Laos. Take the evening market as an example, which supplies you an awesome probability to check out the standard avenue meals. In case you’re a backpacker, you additionally don’t have to be delay by Luang Prabang’s fame for higher-end lodging, as you’ll be able to nonetheless discover loads of low-cost meals and $5-a-night hostels.
Luang Prabang may be very touristy, however I feel it’s fairly tastefully so. It’s straightforward to like this city for its cute cafes with fairy lights, conventional teak wooden buildings, and small golden-roofed temples. And regardless of the presence of quite a few luxurious boutique motels and a few fancy eating places with French names, the city will welcome you irrespective of your finances.
Do anticipate a few of the sights round Luang Prabang to be fairly rammed in excessive season (like December and January). Climbing Mount Phousi, a temple-topped hill proper in the midst of city, gives you some great sundown panoramas, however you’ll be always jockeying for house. The multi-tiered Kuang Si Waterfalls with their shimmering azure swimming pools are phenomenal, however it’s finest to go right here within the morning or late afternoon to keep away from the mid-day rush.
In case you’re on the lookout for just a little slice of untamed Laos, it’s not far-off. Simply take the 2-minute ferry throughout the Mekong from the docks in downtown. It’s all simply jungle and scattered rural villages round right here.
It’s additionally value taking a ship up the river north to Pak Ou, the place you’ll be able to go to caves and Buddhist temples. The wonderful web site Travelfish has a nice advised bike loop protecting many nice highlights round Pak Ou. In case you don’t have your personal transportation, you’ll be able to go to a number of waterfalls and caves on a day journey.
“What’s the massive take care of Luang Prabang?”
Some love Luang Prabang, some are a tad underwhelmed. Possibly it’s as a result of the UNESCO label is so typically related (in lots of traveler’s minds) with epic sights like Angkor Wat or the Nice Barrier Reef, whereas Luang Prabang is notable merely for its well-preserved colonial architectural types.
To set expectations: it’s a surprisingly small place (feeling extra like a small city) and also you received’t see imperial grandeur or mind-blowing sights. Luang Prabang’s attraction is usually in its cute wood Lao homes and former colonial mansions, and the riverside location makes it a beautiful spot to unwind.
Nong Khiaw
Charming city surrounded by beautiful limestone mountains
Only a three-hour drive from the developed tourism of Luang Prabang you’ll discover Nong Khiaw, a quiet city surrounded by knobbly karst mountain peaks.
Nong Khiaw isn’t as well-known as different locations in Laos, however its rustic charms are simply my cup of tea — and possibly yours as nicely. The surroundings is considerably akin to the higher recognized Vang Vieng, however I feel Nong Khiaw is prettier and has a extra of a low-key vibe. It’s a tranquil place with just a few riverside bungalows, some good eating places, and a neighborhood bar or two. It’s simply considered one of my most favourite spots in Laos.
Kayaking, trekking, caving, and waterfall excursions are a few of the high issues to do right here. Don’t additionally miss mountain climbing as much as one of many three epic viewing factors trying down in town — or why not hike to all three.
The tiny village of Muang Ngoi Neua is in a shocking location one hour by boat north of Nong Khiaw, and is nicely value a keep. There’s not a lot to do there however to swing in a hammock by the river, however it’s a beautiful spot to get away from all of it.
Luang Namtha & Nam Ha Nat’l Park
Pristine rainforests and hill tribe villages
The city of Luang Namtha itself is possibly not the most scenic in Laos, however it’s a reasonably nice city with an evening market and a Buddhist temple or two. (And I a lot loved staying in a guesthouse off the primary highway and among the many rice fields, pictured beneath.)
However the city isn’t what you’re right here for: you see, Luang Namtha is true subsequent to the Nam Ha Nationwide Park, which makes it an ideal base for exploring Laos’ stunning nature.
A number of the jungle treks provided right here embrace visits to (or homestays in) indigenous hill tribe villages. In Vietnam and Thailand, such hill tribe treks appear to have a little bit of a combined fame, as some villages get exploited or overrun with vacationers. In Luang Namtha, it appears they’ve tried to handle issues extra sustainably, with not more than two visits allowed per village per week and a most group measurement of 8. Do examine in case your trekking company has a superb fame for benefiting the native communities, in an effort to assist accountable neighborhood tourism.
Muang Sing province
A sleepy area close to the Chinese language border
This small village is only a stone’s throw from China’s Yunnan province. It’s in all probability not a spot that many will go to, being in a northern nook of Laos that almost all would think about a dead-end. However that is precisely what makes it very interesting if you wish to get a special style of Laos, away from the standard vacationer sights.
Going to Muang Sing is very value it should you go by bike from Luang Namtha. At a leisurely tempo, it would take simply half a day, however the drive is extremely scenic, passing by way of a piece of Nam Ha Nationwide Park in addition to a number of waterfalls on the way in which.
The city of Muang Sing is located in the midst of a valley with rice fields stretching out to distant mountain ranges. There’s little or no vacationer infrastructure, however there’s simply sufficient to get by. You’ll discover a number of guesthouses, a museum, a bicycle rental, and a government-run trekking company that may take you out to a few of the ethnic villages across the province. It’s an awesome little place to go should you’re into off-the-beaten-track exploration.
Gibbon Expertise in Nam Kan Nat’l Park
Dwell within the forest cover for a few days
The Gibbon Expertise is a long-running ecotourism venture based mostly inside Nam Kan Nationwide Park. It invitations you to sleep on the earth’s highest tree huts and zipline throughout jungled valleys utilizing a mixed 15 kilometers (!) of cables. In case you’re fortunate, you’ll hear the gorgeous tune of gibbons within the morning as mist nonetheless shrouds the decrease components of the forest.
It’s a bit expensive should you’re on a backpacker finances — a 3-day bundle prices about $300 — however it’s additionally an exhilarating and distinctive expertise. Not solely that, however it’s completely a feel-good venture, because the Gibbon Expertise genuinely helps to guard the forests and supplies sustainable livelihoods to lots of the villages.
Whereas you’ll find loads of ziplining experiences world wide, I can’t consider many that allow you to really sleep inside tree huts and be so at one with the forest. Once I had a bathe on the lavatory deck with panoramic sundown views of the cover and tropical birds zipping previous, I felt this was almost definitely worth the worth of admission alone. You possibly can learn extra in regards to the Gibbon Expertise in my report.
Phonsavan and the Plain of Jars
A mysterious archaeological web site
Little is understood in regards to the historical civilization that created the 1000’s of stone jars strewn throughout the Xiangkhoang Plateau, however it makes for an fascinating web site to discover. The megalithic archaeological panorama will be finest reached from the provincial capital of Phonsavan. Jar Web site 1 is essentially the most spectacular one, although there are over 100 jar websites.
The world round Phonsavan was additionally a lot affected by the US in the course of the Vietnam Conflict, affected by heavy bombardment and conflicts instigated by the CIA. Native museums can inform you in regards to the battle and the problems with unexploded ordnance that also persist right this moment.
Sadly, Phonsavan is annoyingly far-off from different key sights. It takes an entire day to get to from Luang Prabang, for instance. This makes it in all probability solely value it should you’re already on the way in which to elsewhere, for instance to Viang Xai or onwards to Vietnam, as it would assist break up the journey.
Vang Vieng
Laos’ reborn journey tourism hotspot
I suppose it may well take perpetually for the fame of a spot to show round. Each description of Vang Vieng nonetheless has to start out by saying with what it as soon as was, not what it’s right this moment. So right here goes: Vang Vieng was as soon as recognized for its completely out-of-control events, however then it cleaned up its act method again in 2012. Nonetheless, so a few years later, the previous fame lingers, and a few folks nonetheless keep away from it based mostly on dangerous data.
There is nonetheless nightlife in Vang Vieng. It’s one of many few locations the place bars keep open after 11pm, ignoring the strict curfew that’s usually imposed all through the nation. You too can nonetheless go down the river in a tractor tube, and cease by a handful of bars alongside the way in which, however it is a rather more laidback affair than the loopy riverside raves and wild full moon events that existed right here up to now.
A bit north of Vang Vieng, you’ll be able to go on kayaking and cave tubing journeys within the Tham Xang and Tham Nam caves.
At this time, Vang Vieng capabilities primarily as a base for outside actions like kayaking, ziplining, and caving. You possibly can even go scorching air ballooning at dawn, which supplies you spectacular views of the encompassing karst formations. Different points of interest round Vang Vieng embrace a small leisure swimming gap known as the Blue Lagoon, and the Tham Phu Kham Cave.
Vang Vieng is fairly touristy (and I feel Nong Khiaw has extra appeal) however it’s an awesome base for exploring the character round it.
Vientiane
A key transit hub (however not a lot else…)
Once I first visited Laos I used to be warned to not anticipate an excessive amount of of Vientiane, and my expectations have been suitably met. The Lao capital (pronounced ‘Viangchan’ within the unique Lao) merely doesn’t have the bustle of different Asian capitals like Hanoi or Bangkok. It additionally solely has a handful of mildly fascinating sights. The Golden Stupa (or Pha That Luang temple), the nationwide image of Laos, is possibly value a glance.
The Buddha Park additionally makes for an honest day-trip from Vientiane. This sculpture park in a meadow by the Mekong River comprises tons of of latest Hindu and Buddhist statues.
To be sincere although, Vientiane is alright should you’re simply passing by way of, however I wouldn’t exit of my method for it. I obtained caught in Vientiane for a number of days whereas awaiting my Vietnam visa and felt like there was not a lot to do. As with all metropolis, you’ll be able to definitely discover fascinating issues hidden inside it, however I feel different locations in Laos are just a little simpler to sink your tooth into.
Pakse and the Bolaven Plateau
Espresso farms, homestays, and spectacular waterfalls
The town of Pakse is an ideal launching pad for exploring the southern area of Laos. Whereas the town isn’t that fascinating itself, it has a small backpacker district with some guesthouses the place you’ll be able to keep the evening and plan your excursions into the encompassing space.
The close by Bolaven Plateau is a flat elevated area (at 1000 to 1300m) recognized for its many espresso farms, beautiful waterfalls, and conventional villages. You possibly can drive round right here in a small loop (minimal 2 days) or an enormous loop (minimal 3 days). The roads aren’t all the time scenic the entire method — a few of them simply go by way of flat farmland — however the stops alongside the way in which are wonderful and fully definitely worth the drive.
The waterfalls of Tad Tayicsua and Tad Fane are particularly spectacular, and it’s beautiful to remain the evening within the little city of Tad Lo. (For extra suggestions, you’ll be able to learn my publish about exploring the Bolaven Plateau.)
The Bolaven Plateau is finest explored by bike. The Belgian/Lao managed Miss Noy Bike in Pakse supplies glorious data and every day briefings on these two loops — and motorbikes for hire, after all. In case you can’t drive a scooter, then you possibly can take a public bus as much as Tad Lo and see some waterfalls and occasional farms there, although ideally it is best to have your personal transportation to see the very best of Bolaven.
Wat Phu
Khmer temples off the overwhelmed monitor
The traditional spiritual advanced of Wat Phou makes for an awesome cease in southern Laos. Not like lots of the Khmer temples in Cambodia, Wat Phu is much less visited and rather more tranquil.
Okay, it may be no Angkor Wat, however the two temple buildings from the eleventh century are nonetheless very properly intact. You possibly can climb the hills to discover one other hilltop sanctuary, and to get some stunning views of the temples and landscapes beneath. Once I visited, there have been just a few handfuls of vacationers, and in any other case there have been simply Laotians coming right here to hope or to have a picnic. Wat Phu will be finest reached from Pakse (about 45 min).
The 4000 Islands
Stress-free rural river islands
In southern Laos the mighty Mekong River splits into many smaller tendrils when it hits the riverine archipelago known as the 4000 Islands (or Si Phan Don).
I’m unsure if it’s precisely 4000 of them, however the area is definitely stuffed with numerous stunning river islands. It’s a tranquil and rural space that’s excellent for locating a hammock and simply watching the world go by. The Mekong sunsets are unbelievable. Different actions round these components embrace bicycling, dolphin watching, and kayaking.
You possibly can learn extra suggestions in my information to Si Phan Don, which covers principally the islands of Don Det and Don Khon. It’s positively one of many hotspots should you’re backpacking Laos; notably Don Det attracts a backpacking crowd, however the different islands have extra of a mixture of guests, together with unbiased vacationers staying in guesthouses or homestays.
Stepping into Laos
Flights
Laos isn’t that well-connected by air, although there are some flights to Luang Prabang and Vientiane from regional hubs like Bangkok, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, or Hanoi. Lao Airways has rare home flights to different locations round Laos.
As an alternative of flying on to Laos, you may need to fly into you may also fly into northern Thailand or Vietnam and head into Laos overland from there.
There’s a tiny airport on the border city of Huay Xai however it’s getting upgraded this 12 months so it’s closed. In any other case you could discover regional flights going to this handy place to begin to your Laos itinerary.
Arriving by bus
Approaching from northern Thailand, you can begin your Laos journey in Huay Xai in Bokeo Province. In truth it is a fairly unremarkable border city, so it may be skipped if in case you have no different journey plans on this area. (Huay Xai is the place you need to be for the Gibbon Expertise although and you may journey onwards from there.)
You possibly can examine the buses from Huay Xai to Luang Namtha or Huay Xai to Luang Prabang.
You possibly can examine the bus timetables from Chiang Mai (Thailand) to Luang Prabang or Chiang Rai (Thailand) to Luang Prabang.
Approaching from the south, you’ll be able to cross the border from Thailand to the capital of Vientiane. One other widespread route is to journey between Siem Reap or Kratie in Cambodia to the 1000 Islands within the south tip of Laos.
The boat from Thailand
A well-liked journey with backpackers is the well-known sluggish boat, which travels alongside the Mekong River from Huay Xai to Luang Prabang.
It takes two days and offers you a relaxed introduction to Laos. You’ll sleep the evening in a riverside village known as Pakbeng and this lodging is included.
I entered Laos each with the slowboat and by way of the overland bus route. Take a look at my comparability between the sluggish boat and bus should you’re making an attempt to determine!
Entry visas
Most nationalities get a 30-day visa on arrival on the border. The price is dependent upon your nationality however ranges from $20 to $40. Vacationers from Nordic international locations can journey visa-free for as much as 15 days.
Getting round in Laos
Laos continues to be one of many least developed international locations within the area. The roads in Laos aren’t all the time precisely wonderful. Some distant roads require a lot consciousness of potholes and stray goats to navigate. Generally it’s actually historical and sluggish buses that may complicate issues.
However infrastructure is slowly enhancing. In case you’re a minimum of fairly affected person then touring round Laos actually isn’t that arduous. As of 2022, a single-track railway line now hyperlinks China to Thailand by way of Laos. It gives a speedy and handy solution to journey throughout northern Laos.
It’s best to e book buses and trains by way of 12Go Asia.
Lodging in Laos
There’s quite a lot of low-cost lodging in Laos. In case you’re backpacking Laos and like to remain in hostels, then Hostelworld is after all the location to examine.
Even once I travelled on a finances, I didn’t discover it vital to remain in hostel dorms fairly often. Exterior of just about simply Luang Prabang, locations to remain are simply very low-cost in Laos. It’s doable to get a primary bungalow or a personal room in a guesthouse for underneath $10 an evening.
Reserving.com is all the time a superb web site to examine for budget-friendly locations, however it’s additionally value checking Agoda, which is specialised within the Asia area, though lots of the listings are the identical as on Reserving.
Journey prices in Laos
Laos is among the inexpensive international locations in Southeast Asia, comparable in price to northern Thailand or Vietnam.
Throughout my journey in 2019 once I stored monitor, I spent an common of $24 a day.
This determine doesn’t embrace my 3-day Gibbon Expertise, however it does embrace all different lodging, excursions, meals, and transport in Laos. I stayed in non-public rooms in bungalows (with out A/C), wasn’t choosy about what I ordered, and in addition purchased a number of souvenirs.
In the intervening time (writing in 2024), I feel $25 to $35 a day is an affordable backpacker’s finances for Laos.
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