Here’s the best travelling in Laos guide for you!

Before visiting Laos in December 2024, I heard some of the best stories from other travellers while backpacking in Vietnam. Since then, Laos has been on my list of countries to visit. During our conversations, they shared the best things to do in each town. 

However, I was missing a lot of “hows” and “whats” when travelling in Laos. 

Here, I have developed and will share the best travelling in Laos guide to pre-empt you before travelling to Laos. This will help get you the best Laos experience. 

My friend and I at the top of Nam Xay viewpoint in Vang Vieng

DISCLOSURE
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Why visit Laos? 

Laos is the only landlocked country in Southeast Asia with a great mix of lush landscapes and rich cultural heritage. 

Travelling in Laos gave me another perspective on how travelling in a less developed country has its own challenges and taught me how I can easily adapt and overcome these challenges. This is despite being a common backpacking country in Southeast Asia. 

If you are looking for some adventure and off-the-beaten path escapes, Laos should definitely be on your travel bucket list. 

Exploring the outdoors in Vang Vieng on a tuk tuk

Must know when travelling in Laos

Immigration documents

Depending on your citizenship and the duration you will be in Laos, you may require a visa. It is best to check on visa requirements before entering the country. 

As a citizen of one of the ASEAN countries, you are most likely visa-exempted as Laos is a member state. 

For the rest of the countries, a visa on arrival is required. Alternatively, you may apply for the visa on arrival online on Laos immigration official website. For the online visa application process, passport photos are required. 

Upon arrival and departure from Laos, an entry and exit form must be completed. Both these forms are on the same form but can be easily separated. I recommend keeping the departure form with you for convenience. However, if you have misplaced it, you can get another form at the exit point.

Money

Fun fact: Lao Kip is only available in Laos!

In Laos, cash is king. Most shops do not accept card or QR payments. But, I also mentioned that Lao Kip is only available in the country. 

So, your next question is: “Where to get Lao Kip?”

Common currencies used in Laos are Lao Kip, Thai Baht, US Dollars and Euros. 

In December 2024, when travelling to Laos, I brought USD cash notes with me. This is in case I am unable to find ATMs for cash redrawal. With the USD notes I have, I exchanged my US notes at money changers. They are available in town. 

A tip I have: consider exchanging USD to Lao Kip at gold jewellery shops as I found the foreign exchange rates to be slightly cheaper than bank exchange rates. However, you will not get an official receipt.

I recommend spending in Lao Kip as it is convenient. Thai Baht is accepted but it will be more costly. 

US dollars are accepted at larger shops and tour agencies as only big US notes are accepted. Additionally, for US notes to be accepted, the US cash notes must not be crumpled or look new.

I have made payments with US notes I have run out of Lao Kip. Constantly, I have been requested to change the old-looking notes to new-looking ones. 

Gold shops in Vientiane. It is busy but it is worth the queue

eSIM, SIMcard and data plan

Common telecom service providers: Unitel and Lao Telecom

eSim can be purchased in advance. My go-to has been with Airalo as I can activate the eSIM immediately after purchase! Here’s USD3 credit for you! 

Alternatively, local SIM cards can easily be purchased at a reasonable price upon arrival at train stations, airports or town centres.

Here’s the list of SIM card prices at one of the shops in Laos

Is Laos safe for solo female travellers?

I’m sure this is a question you have. Throughout my time in Laos, I felt safe. I did not feel threatened. 

I’d say just be aware of your surroundings and continue to practice the usual safety practice of travelling. 

In November 2024, a methanol poisoning incident involving 6 international tourists caught the world’s attention. While it is easy to point fingers at the responsible individuals for this incident, to look at the broad picture, typical safety precautions to not drink drinks from strangers may also not be practised by the casualties.

Tubing in Vang Vieng

How to Travel in Laos?

Although the country is less developed compared to the neighbouring countries such as China, Thailand and Vietnam, the modes of transportation to Laos and within Laos are similar. However, one mode of transport that differentiates Laos from the others is to travel by slow boat! 

When I was travelling in Laos, I travelled by minivans, train or tuk-tuks. When I was entering and exiting Laos, I travelled by train and slow boat. 

Slow Boat

Travelling by slow boat is one of the common ways for travellers in North Thailand to travel to Laos and vice versa. Travellers can easily cross the Laos-Thailand border without advance reservations.

The slow boat operates daily and sails along the Mekong River and is not just for local villages!

I had a unique once-in-a-lifetime experience on the slow boat from Laos to Thailand. This experience is one that I very much recommend! 

If you get anxious about not having a ticket on hand before travelling, many tour operators in Laos and Thailand can assist in making the travel arrangements. However, if you are keen on some adventure, here is how to get the ticket yourself!

Slow boat at Pak Beng jetty

Flight

There are 3 main airports serving international and domestic flights. They are: 

Wattay International Airport (VTE)

This airport is located in Vientiane and serves most international routes. It is located 3 to 4 km (2 to 2.5 miles) away from Vientiane town. 

If you are travelling from Malaysia, Air Asia has a direct flight from Kuala Lumpur to Vientiane twice a week. As I researched my travel itinerary, I noticed most flights arriving in Vientiane are departing from the main cities of the neighbouring Southeast Asia countries.  

Luang Prabang International Airport (LPQ)

This airport is located in Luang Prabang, which is located in northern Laos and about 20 minutes tuk tuk ride from Luang Prabang UNESCO town.

Pakse International Airport (PKZ)

Compared to the other two airports on the list, Pakse International Airport has the least international flights. This airport is located in the southern region of Laos. 

Travelling by flight is very costly but will save you a lot of travel time. In my opinion, I will recommend travelling to Laos by flight if:

• Have no budget constraint
• Are on a tight time-schedule 
• Have motion sickness on long travel by road

Tuk-tuks

Tuk-tuks are the easiest to get in each of the town areas in Laos. Depending on the size of the tuk-tuks, a tuk-tuk can fit up to 8 pax, depending on the amount of luggage. 

There are occasions when the tuk-tuk driver will load the luggage at the top of the tuk-tuk. This will help with having more passengers for each trip. 

In my experience in Vang Vieng and Luang Prabang, most tuk-tuk drivers charge a fixed rate despite having a small group of people. Hence, I will recommend to group up to have better negotiation power with the tuk-tuk driver. 

Took a tuk tuk from Vang Vieng town to the train station

Taxis

Taxis are not very common in Laos. Grab, the equivalent of Uber in Southeast Asia, has less presence in Laos. 

As far as I noticed, taxis are only available in Vientiane. Apps available to book a taxi are Grab and Loca. Through interactions with expats in Vientiane, prices quoted on the Loca app are slightly cheaper than Grab. 

Train

As the Laos-China Railway (LCR) trains started operation in late 2021, trains are an option when travelling in Laos. Tickets can be purchased via the app or through a tour agent. 

As of December 2024, train tickets within Laos can only be booked up to 3 days in advance. A reservation through the app requires a Laos, Thai or Chinese mobile number. I had purchased an ESIM card before my arrival in Laos. Hence, I bought my train ticket from Vang Vieng to Luang Prabang via a travel agent. 

Train stations in Laos are not within walking distance to town and a tuk-tuk ride is required. This will add up to your overall cost of travelling if you are travelling on a shoestring budget. 

One tip: do not leave your ticket booking towards the last minute as these tickets sell out very quickly!

Opted for the 1st class seat for my 1.5 hour train journey from Vang Vieng to Luang Prabang

Minivans

Minivans are a common way of travelling between the cities in Laos. Tickets can be purchased through a travel agent in town or your accommodation. 

I opted for the minivan when travelling in Laos as they are more convenient as the minivan picks up from my accommodation. Additionally, they are more affordable compared to taking the LCR trains or flights. 

I would be not telling the truth about travelling in Laos if I did not comment on my minivan travel experience in Laos. Most minivan services are provided by private companies and do not operate very frequently. Thus, there will be instances when the minivan will be very packed. 

One key tip for you when travelling by minivan: if possible, arrive at the pick-up point early to pick the seat of your choice. 

When I was travelling from Luang Prabang to Nong Khiaw with a minivan, I saw one of the travellers being offered a “seat”. It was a makeshift seat, whereby it was just a piece of wooden stool tied to the neighbouring seat’s leg support. The experience was slightly worse when the traveller requested a slightly cheaper ticket fare but was not given any reimbursement. 

Comfortable seat on a minivan at the front row, notiing the dusty roads

Best time to travel to Laos

Generally, November to February are the best months to visit as there is less rainfall and the weather is more permitting. 

Best places when Travelling in Laos

Here are 2 lists of places to visit when travelling in Laos. The first list is the must-see places when travelling in Laos and if you are under a time constraint. 

The second list is an add-on to the first list, you have some additional time to spare. 

Must-See Places when Travelling in Laos

This will take approximately 7 to 10 days.

• Luang Prabang. A UNESCO town with cute French colonial-style buildings and coffee shops. 
• Vang Vieng. A town to take as a base to travel to various natural landscapes and adventurous activities. 
• Nong Khiaw. A local village with short day hikes to the best viewpoints and a more laid-back environment. 

Hiked to Phar Khew Lom and got the best view of Nong Khiaw. Here’s my guide to hiking in Nong Khiaw.

More Must-See Places when Travelling in Laos

• Vientiane. The capital of Laos with temples and Buddha Park. Visit Vientiane if you are planning to take an international flight or are keen to check out Laos administrative centre. 
• Thakek. The best place to discover your adventurous self through rock climbing and motorbike riding through Laos’s beautiful landscape.
• Pakse. A great stopover to travel from Thailand to Southern Laos and another motorbike riding loop known as The Bolaven Plateau Loop.
• Si Phan Don (4000 islands). The place to spot Irrawaddy Dolphins while kayaking and to visit the largest waterfall in Southeast Asia. 

Pha That Luang in Vientiane

Best Lao eats

Given the proximity of Laos to Thailand and Vietnam, it is not surprising for Lao food to be similar in one way or another. 

Local Laotion foor I thoroughly enjoyed:

• Pork or chicken laap. Meat is stir-fried with basil and local herbs and served with steamed sticky rice in a bamboo holder called khao lam. Other protein options include beef and tofu. 
• Mok pa. Steamed fish pieces in banana leaves served with steamed rice. A great option if you are looking for a less-oily food option
• Khao Jii Paté. Laos’ version of Banh Mi. Best takeaway food option mess-free, best for the slow boat journey from Laos to Thailand. 
• Lao Sausages. Herb-infused pork meat sausages. Good as a mid-day snack or served with steamed sticky rice. 
• Bia Laos. Laos local beer, enough said. 

Enjoyed a local Lao dinner, which includes a papaya salad, fish soup, and pork laap with steamed sticky rice (not pictured)

What to wear when travelling in Laos as a female

Laos is a Buddhist country with many temples. Dress conservatively and modestly when visiting the temples. Bring a scarf or shawl to cover your shoulders and a sarong to cover your legs. You may get them. 

Swimsuits and bikinis are the norm when visiting waterfalls and blue lagoons but change back before leaving the area. 

Tank tops and shorts are alright when walking in town. 

Common Phrases when Travelling in Laos

A handy practice I have when travelling is to learn common phrases. Here are a few:

• Sa bai dee. Hello.
• La Kone. Goodbye. 
• Khop Jai. Thank you.
• Khop Jai Lai Lao. Thank you very much. 

Sunset at Nam Song River, Vang Vieng

Conclusion

There you go! Here is the best travelling in Laos Guide before travelling to Laos. I particularly liked Laos as it has fewer tourists compared to the neighbouring countries, enabling me to enjoy a little more of the local lifestyle. 

While it takes a little more effort to prepare for the trip as it is a less common travel destination among my friend group, it is worth it!

The Best Travelling in Laos Guide