travel laos 2022

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Laos reopens borders to all fully vaccinated travellers on 9th May; an update on your favorite destinations and what to expect travelling in Laos post-covid.

According to the most recent assembly on 26/4/2022 by the Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism, Laos will be completely open to the country to fully welcome travelers from all over the world starting from May 1st, 2022 onwards with the following specifics:

Conditions for tourists entering Laos

Before entering Lao PDR:

• Welcoming all tourists, whether traveling to Laos through a travel agency or on their own.
• Must have a full vaccination certificate with at least two doses at least 14 days before departure. or have a covid infection history (except for travelers under 18 years of age, travel certificates are not required).
• Tourists who have received full-dose vaccinations and children under the age of five will not be screened for RT-PCR before entering Lao PDR. Those who have not received a full-dose vaccination must obtain an RT-PCR certificate 72 hours before departure; upon arrival in Lao PDR, everyone must be tested for COVID by RDT/ATK. If negative test results are permitted to proceed as planned.
• Borders tourists arriving in the morning and returning in the evening (1-day tripper) must have a vaccination certificate and pass an RDT / ATK test. Those without a vaccination certificate must have a negative RT test within 48 hours before entering Laos.
• Tourists can apply for a visa at a checkpoint or E-Visa. Citizens of countries that have visa exemption agreements with Lao PDR, either bilateral or unilateral. able to enter the PDR Laos without a visa.
• Tourists must purchase health insurance or life insurance with a guaranteed limit of at least $10,000, which can be purchased from the country of origin or from an insurance company in Lao PDR.

After arriving in Lao PDR:

• Rapid examination (RDT/ATK) by medical personnel for tourists using tour operator services. Samples can be taken for testing and await results at the hotel provided by the tour operator. For travelers traveling on their own, the test results must wait no more than 1 hour.
• If the result of the test is negative, tourists can travel around. If the test is positive, tourists must comply with the measures determined by the working group, and once the treatment is finished, tourists will be able to travel as normal.
• For those who have not received the full dosage of the COVID vaccination, even if the RDT/ATK test is negative, tourists must be quarantined for 7 days.

Traveling within Lao PDR:

• Tourists are required to wear masks, maintain their distance, and wash their hands with soap or alcohol gel frequently.
• Tourists must take note of their symptoms; if there are any concerns or risks, tourists must immediately take a COVID test. If the result is positive, the hotel or place where tourists stay must be notified as soon as possible so that the hotel can call each province's emergency number.

Before leaving the country:

Check RT-PCR or according to the conditions of the destination country.

Visitors are welcome to travel to all provinces throughout Laos; Outstanding natural, cultural, historical, and agricultural attractions can be visited in the capital city of Vientiane and the provinces across the country.

Rank 1: Luang Prabang

The most favourite city in Laos, famous for 

Rank 2: Vang Vieng

Rank 3: Vientiane

Rank 3: Pakse 

Rank 4: Oudomxai

Rank 5: Khammouane

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Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/discoverlaostoday/ Youtube:  https://www.youtube.com/c/DiscoverLaosToday To find latest tours/hotels/air tickets/packages/tickets/restaurants, please check out  www.discoverlaos.today

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Having honed her skills in social work through the handicraft sector, Aon is now part of the social media and content creation team. She is skilled in researching and discovering unique strategies to reach out to larger audiences/followers on many platforms such as Facebook and Instagram.

Find more about me at DiscoverLaos.Today

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Travel Advisory July 24, 2023

Laos - level 2: exercise increased caution.

Reissued with obsolete COVID-19 page links removed.

Exercise increased caution to Laos due to  civil unrest . Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.

Reconsider travel to:

• Xaisomboun Province due to  civil unrest.

Exercise increased caution in:

• Remote areas along the border with Burma due to  crime.
• Areas of Savannakhet, Xieng Khouang, Saravane, Khammouane, Sekong, Champassak, Houaphan, Attapeu, Luang Prabang, and Vientiane provinces, as well as along Route 7 (from Route 13 to the Vietnam border), Route 9 (Savannakhet to the Vietnam border), and Route 20 (Pakse to Saravane) due to  unexploded bombs.

Read the  country information page  for additional information on travel to Laos.

If you decide to travel to Laos:    

• Do not touch unknown metal objects and avoid traveling off well-used roads, tracks, and paths due to risk of unexploded ordnance.
• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program  ( STEP ) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on  Facebook  and  Twitter.
• Review the  Country Security Report  for Laos.
• Visit the CDC page for the latest  Travel Health Information  related to your travel.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the  Traveler’s Checklist .

Xaisomboun Province – Level 3: Reconsider Travel

There is a continued threat of violence in Xaisomboun Province.

The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in Xiasomboun Province as U.S. government employees must obtain special authorization to travel there.

Visit our website for  Travel to High-Risk Areas .

Areas on the Border with Burma – Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution

Bandits, drug traffickers, and other people pursuing illegal activities operate in these areas, as do armed groups opposed to the Burmese government.

Areas of Savannakhet, Xieng Khouang, Saravane, Khammouane, Sekong, Champassak, Houaphan, Attapeu, Luang Prabang, and Vientiane provinces, as well as along Route 7 – Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution

There are large numbers of unexploded bombs in these areas left over from the Indochina War.

Embassy Messages

View Alerts and Messages Archive

Quick Facts

Six months.

2 (endorsement pages are not considered blank).

The import of local currency is not permitted. 2,500 USD or equivalent in foreign currency must be declared.

The export of local currency is not permitted. 2,500 USD or equivalent in foreign currency must be declared.

Embassies and Consulates

U.s. embassy vientiane.

Thadeua Road, Km 9 Ban Somvang Thai Hatsayphong District Vientiane, Lao PDR Telephone: +(856) (21) 48-7000 Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(856) (21) 48-7600 Fax: +(856) (21) 48-7040 Email:   [email protected]

Destination Description

Learn about the U.S. relationship to countries around the world.

Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements

Your passport must have at least six months validity remaining from the date of entry and at least two blank visa pages.

Tourist visas are required.  Tourist visas on arrival are available at certain ports of entry, and generally permit a stay of 30 days. You can extend the visa up to an additional 60 days through the Department of Immigration in Vientiane. At certain ports of entry, you can use an eVisa. See  laoevisa.gov.la  for more information.

To obtain a visa in advance, and for other information about Lao entry requirements, please contact the  Embassy of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic , 2222 S St. NW, Washington DC 20008, tel: 202-332-6416, fax: 202-332-4923.

For a business visa:  Business visas can only be arranged in advance. After you arrive, you can generally extend your business visa for one month. Please contact the  Embassy of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic  for specific information.

You must have a valid entry stamp and be within your authorized period of stay, or have an exit visa, to depart Laos. Otherwise, you will be fined and may be arrested.

If your U.S. passport is lost or stolen in Laos, you must obtain both a replacement passport and an exit visa.  The U.S. Embassy can issue a limited validity replacement passport expeditiously; however, the Lao government requires 3 to 5 working days to issue an exit visa. Contact the Foreigner Control Office at the Department of Immigration in Nong Buek for an exit visa. The office is located on NongBuek-Dongnaxok Rd. Phone: +856 21 212 520. If your lost passport causes you to exceed your authorized period of stay in Laos, you may be subject to overstay fines unless you make prior arrangements with Immigration.

Laos does not allow its citizens to have dual nationality.  Under Lao law, Lao citizens who have been outside of Laos for extended periods or who have taken a second nationality are no longer considered to be Lao citizens. Lao immigration officials may deny entry to or exit from Laos for individuals using multiple passports.

Traveling with children:  Travelers with children are advised to have documentary evidence of your relationship to the child, such as the child’s birth certificate or permission for the child’s travel from the parent(s) or legal guardian, if they are not present.  U.S. citizen children born out of wedlock to a Lao national and a U.S. citizen may experience difficulty departing Laos.

Travelers with HIV/AIDS:  The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to or foreign residents of Laos.

Find information on  dual nationality ,  prevention of international child abduction , and  customs regulations  on our websites.

Safety and Security

The Embassy recommends U.S. citizens reconsider travel to all of Xaisomboun   Province . U.S. Embassy personnel are restricted from traveling to Xaisomboun Province due to past incidents of violence.

There are large amounts of unexploded ordnance (UXO)   in Laos  left over from the Indochina War.  UXO is found in some parts of Savannakhet, Xieng Khouang, Salavan, Khammouane, Sekong, Champassak, Houaphan, Attapeu, Luang Prabang, and Vientiane provinces. In particular, UXO is found along Route 7 (from Route 13 to the Vietnam border), Route 9 (Savannakhet to the Vietnam border), and Route 20 (Pakse to Salavan). Never pick up unknown metal objects and avoid traveling off well-used roads, tracks, and paths.

Exercise caution in remote areas along the border with Burma.  Bandits, drug traffickers, and other people pursuing illegal activities operate in these border areas.

Find information on  Travel Advisories  on our website.

• Petty thieves target foreigners  for pickpocketing (especially in tourist hubs) and theft of unattended property, including in vehicles. Thieves on passing motorcycles snatch purses. Petty theft increases during major Lao holidays. Residential break-ins also occur.
• Scams:  In tourist areas, shop owners may rent motorbikes to tourists, have someone “steal” the motorbike, and charge the tourist for the cost of the “stolen” motorbike. Be cautious of rental arrangements and never provide your passport as collateral.
• See the  Department of State  and the  FBI  pages for information on scams.

Victims of Crime:  U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault are encouraged to contact the U.S. Embassy for assistance. Report crimes to police in the place where the incident took place. You may also contact the Tourist Police at 021-251-128. Tourist Police generally speak English. Contact the U.S. Embassy at 856-21-48-7000; after hours call 856-21-48-7600. Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting the crime.

See our webpage on  help for U.S. victims of crime overseas .

• Help you find appropriate medical care;
• Assist you in reporting a crime to the police;
• Contact relatives or friends with your written consent;
• Explain the local criminal justice process in general terms;
• Provide a list of local attorneys;
• Provide our information on  victim’s compensation programs in the U.S. ;
• Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support in cases of destitution;
• Help you find accommodation and arrange flights home;
• Replace a stolen or lost passport.

Domestic Violence:  U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence are encouraged to contact the Embassy for assistance.

Tourism:  Laos’ tourism industry infrastructure is very limited, especially outside major cities. Tourists participate in activities at their own risk. Emergency response and subsequent appropriate medical treatment is not available in-country. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance. See our webpage for more  information on insurance providers for overseas coverage .

Local Laws & Special Circumstances

Criminal Penalties:  You are subject to local laws. If you violate local laws, even unknowingly, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. Individuals establishing a business or practicing a profession that requires additional permits or licensing should seek information from the competent local authorities, prior to practicing or operating a business.

Furthermore, some laws are prosecutable in the United States, regardless of local law. For examples, see our website on  crimes against minors abroad  and the  Department of Justice  website.

Arrest Notification:  Laos does not routinely inform the U.S. Embassy of the arrest of U.S. citizens in a timely fashion and does not always allow consular access to arrested individuals. If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy immediately. See our  webpage  for further information

Police and legal system bribes and informal procedures:  It is common for police to target foreigners to pay bribes for alleged traffic offenses. The Embassy is not usually able to provide assistance in these cases. Foreigners arrested for unruly conduct or damaging private property will often be held in police custody without formal charges being brought against them until they pay an indemnity to the injured party. This process usually takes a minimum of two to three weeks.

Relationships with Lao citizens:  Lao law prohibits cohabitation or sexual contact between foreign citizens and Lao nationals except when the two parties have been married in accordance with Lao Family Law. Any foreigner who cohabitates with or enters into a sexual relationship with a Lao national risks being interrogated, detained, arrested, or fined. Foreigners are not permitted to invite Lao nationals of the opposite sex to their hotel rooms, and police may raid hotel rooms without notice or consent. Foreigners, including U.S. citizens of Lao descent, are not allowed to stay in the homes of Lao nationals, even family, without the prior consent of the village chief and local police.

Foreigners who married a Lao national outside of Laos should have their marriage certificate authenticated at a Lao Embassy in the country where the marriage took place before traveling to Laos.

Possession of, trafficking in, and manufacture of drugs are serious offenses in Laos  and result in lengthy prison sentences or the death penalty. Some restaurants offer “happy” or “special” menu items -- particularly “pizzas” or “shakes” -- that may contain opiates or unknown substances. Consuming these items is illegal.

Adventure Tourism:  Laos has a developing adventure tourism industry that includes, but is not limited to, zip-lining, bungee jumping, rock climbing, and off-road bikes and buggies. Safety standards and training requirements for personnel operating these activities and safety inspections of the equipment may not be equivalent to those required for similar activities in the United States. We recommend that travelers check the safety records of adventure tourism operators. Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for more information about  adventure travel .

Water Safety:  Travel by speedboat on rivers in Laos is dangerous, especially when water levels are low. White water rafting, kayaking, tubing, and other water-based activities, including swimming in the Mekong, are dangerous. Foreigners have drowned or been seriously injured. Do not participate in any water-based activities while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Please be aware that safety advice will be minimal, and there may not be warning signs at tourist sites.

Hotel Safety:  Some hotels in Laos do not meet U.S. safety standards for security and fire safety.

Faith-Based Travelers:  See our following webpages for details:

• Faith-Based Travel Information
• International Religious Freedom Report  – see country reports
• Human Rights Report  – see country reports
• Hajj Fact Sheet for Travelers
• Best Practices for Volunteering Abroad

LGBTQI+ Travelers:  There are no legal restrictions on same-sex sexual relations or the organization of LGBTI events in Laos.

See   our  LGBTQI Travel Information   page and section 6 of our  Human Rights report  for further details.

Travelers Who Require Accessibility Assistance:   There are no special provisions for persons with mobility issues.  Sidewalks and street crossings are not accessible for people in wheelchairs. Buildings, medical facilities, public transportation, etc. are generally not accessible .

Students:  See our  Students Abroad  page and  FBI travel tips .

Women Travelers:  See our travel tips for  Women Travelers .

For emergency services in Laos, dial 0192 (tourist police) or 0195 (ambulance).

Medical facilities and services in Laos are extremely limited and may not meet basic international standards.

Contact information for hospitals/clinics is found here .

We do not pay medical bills. Be aware that U.S. Medicare does not apply overseas. Most hospitals and doctors overseas do not accept U.S. health insurance.

Medical Insurance: Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas. Most care providers accept only cash payments. See our webpage for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage .

We strongly recommend  supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation. Every year the Embassy sees cases of U.S. citizens who fall ill in Laos and are unable to get necessary health care because they don’t have adequate insurance. Serious medical cases frequently require medical evacuation to private hospitals in Thailand by ground ambulance or air ambulance. Hospitals in Thailand and Laos require large deposits prior to treating patients. The State Department does not pay medical bills.

Border Crossing Hours: All of the land border crossings between Laos and neighboring countries close during the night hours. The Friendship Bridge that connects Vientiane to Nong Khai, Thailand, closes from 10 p.m. – 6 a.m. daily. While it is generally possible for ambulances to cross the Vientiane friendship bridge after hours, it sometimes takes several hours to arrange for the crossing to be opened, even in cases of severe medical emergencies. Travelers should inquire locally about the hours of other border crossings . 

Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription. Check with the Lao Ministry of Foreign Affairs to ensure the medication is legal in Laos.

Air Quality: Visit AirNow Department of State for information on air quality at U.S. Embassies and Consulates.

Vaccinations: Be up-to-date on all vaccinations recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Further health information:

• World Health Organization
• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Travel and Transportation

Road Conditions and Safety:

• Road accidents are a major cause of death.  Defensive driving is imperative; many drivers pay little attention to traffic laws.
• Poor driving conditions:  Traffic is chaotic, and road conditions can be rough. Few roads have lane markings, road signs, and stoplights. Drivers widely ignore those that exist. Speeding, reckless passing, and failure to obey traffic laws are common. Many drivers are underage, unlicensed, inexperienced, or uninsured. Driving under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs is common. Motorcycles carry as many as five people, greatly impeding the drivers' ability to react to traffic. Road conditions worsen during the rainy season and landslides are common, including on major routes connecting provincial capitals.
• Avoid driving at night . Road construction sites are poorly marked, appear with no warning, and can be difficult to see at night. Roads are poorly illuminated, many vehicles have no operating lights, few bicycles have reflectors, and trucks without reflectors commonly park on unlighted roads.
• Motorcycles and motorbikes:  The U.S. Embassy prohibits  Embassy personnel in Laos from using motorcycles, motorbikes, and scooters due to a high incidence of accidents and lack of available medical care. You should also consider not using these vehicles.
• Emergency vehicles:  There are no government ambulance services, and a scarcity of private ambulances makes it difficult for accident victims to receive timely medical attention.
• Intoxicated drivers:  Drunk driving is rampant, especially in the evening.

Traffic Laws:

• Traffic accidents:  A driver involved in a traffic accident should remain at the scene and attempt to contact the police or wait for the police to arrive to prepare an accident report. If renting a car or motorcycle, contact the rental company and its insurance agent.
• Traffic moves on the right, but vehicles use all parts of the road.

Public Transportation:

• Public transportation  is scarce and the transportation available is very limited after sunset. There are a limited number of buses and shared van/covered pick-up truck services.
• Inter-city transport  is provided by buses, vans, pickups, and trucks, any of which may be in poor repair.
• For-hire vehicles:  Taxis or cars-for-hire are available only at major transit hubs such as border crossings and airports. “Tuk-tuks” -- three-wheeled, open-sided vehicles -- are available in tourist areas, but are frequently in poor repair, and drivers generally speak little to no English. Car taxis are also available by phone.

Visit the website of Laos’  national tourist office  and our  road safety page  for more information

Aviation Safety Oversight:  As there is no direct commercial air service to the United States by carriers registered in Laos, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not assessed the Lao civil aviation authority [DLP1]  for compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of Laos’ air carrier operations. Further information may be found on the   FAA safety assessment page .

For additional travel information

• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Call us in Washington, D.C. at 1-888-407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1-202-501-4444 (from all other countries) from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
• See the  State Department’s travel website  for the  Worldwide Caution  and  Travel Advisories .
• Follow us on  Twitter  and  Facebook .
• See  traveling safely abroad  for useful travel tips.

For additional IPCA-related information, please see the  International Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act (ICAPRA)  report.

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EXPLORE LAOS

Covid-19 laos travel information.

Like many countries, Laos is in lockdown during this time. Laos had a rapid response to Coronavirus making it a safe place to travel.

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Laos borders are open. From 9 May 2022 entry requirements to Laos are:

• All international checkpoints will be open for entry and exit by Lao citizens, foreign residents, tourists, and other types of visitors.
• Citizens of countries that have bilateral or unilateral visa waiver agreements with Laos may now enter Laos without the need for a visa.
• Citizens of countries that do not have a visa waiver agreement with Laos may now apply for a visa at a Lao embassy or consulate abroad or via the e-Visa online system. Visa on arrivals will also be reinstated at certain international checkpoints.
• Fully vaccinated foreigners or Lao citizens carrying a vaccination certificate may enter Laos without any screening or testing for Covid-19 when arriving by land, air, or water.
• Non-vaccinated citizens of Laos, foreign citizens, or residents aged 12 years and over must take a Rapid Antigen Test (ATK) not more than 48 hours prior to departure and present the results upon arrival.
• Foreign arrivals in Laos that become infected with Covid-19 must bear responsibility for any and all medical costs involved in treatment.
• Private vehicles may now enter and exit the territory of Laos via checkpoints as prior to the pandemic. Guidelines regarding this measure will be drafted and publicized by the Ministry of Public Works and Transport.

Safety measures in Laos

All tourism establishments in the zones must be  certified with the LaoSafe certification .

LaoSafe, a health and hygiene program for the tourism and hospitality sector, has received official approval from the Ministry of Health (MoH) and the Ministry of Information, Culture, and Tourism (MICT).

The LaoSafe program comprises a  series of health and hygiene standards  for different subsectors of the tourism and hospitality industry, including accommodation providers, food and beverage outlets, airlines, tourist attractions, tour guides, and drivers.

Travelers can expect to follow standard COVID-19 hygiene measures such as wearing masks in public places, in vehicles, and frequent hand-sanitizing. We have implemented a COVID-19 safety procedure for staff, guides and drivers who will wear masks and hotels will practice contactless check-ins.

See the Laos Travel Guide for more information.

Past Updates on Laos COVID-19 information

We kept this page up to date over the pandemic closure, below are historical updates.

15 April 2022: The National Taskforce for COVID-19 prevention and control has said that they are actively preparing for a full reopening. Under new regulations, travellers will need two tests, one RT-PCR test 72 hours before departure and one rapid antigen test on arrival. Those with negative antigen tests will be able to travel freely in the country. The PM has agreed “in principle” to a reopening and that they should “draw upon lessons from neighbouring countries”. Tourists who have recovered from COVID-19 will not need to take a RTPCR test before entering Laos.

01 Apr 2022: 505 international tourists from 26 countries travel to Laos under Green Travel Zone scheme as of 1 Apr. Domestic tourists in 2021 reach just 831,493, down from 2020’s 1,581,100./ Laos starting 4th dose of vaccine. 24 Mar 2022: The border gates between Son La in Vietnam and Houaphanh province in Laos are set to reopen on 1 Apr. 17 Mar 2022: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has eased entry requirements for Lao nationals and foreigners with multiple-entry visas, labor visas or spouse visas. They will no longer need to apply for a Certificate of Entry from the Lao Ministry of Foreign Affairs and can instead use the Green Pass online visa portal to apply for a QR code for entry. 8 Mar 2022: Foreigners who want to enter Laos must register for a QR code (Vaccine ID) at the Lao Green Pass website. As of 4 Mar, 22 applications were approved, with 156 pending, and 1 rejected. 2 Mar 2022: Laos has launched a new online portal that is authorized to issue the Lao Green Pass visas for certain visitors, including diplomats, employees of international organizations, business people and investors, foreigners residing in Laos and overseas Lao people. 3 Feb 2022: Quarantine rules have been relaxed. Government representatives, Lao nationals, foreign nationals who are technical experts, students and overseas Lao returning from abroad will now be able to undertake a facility quarantine for 48 hours, whilst awaiting their RT-PCR test result, and can then self-quarantine at home for 7 days. Group tours under the Green Travel Zone will also need to wait for 48 hours at an approved hotel before starting tourism activities. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has now been authorized to grant tourist visas for group tourists under the Green Travel Zone plan, so long as tourists create vaccine IDs under the Lao app, Lao KYC. The government has said that Laos is in talks with neighboring countries for the reopening of borders

24 Jan 2022: 118,880 Cases, 437 deaths. 53% fully vaccinated.

21 Jan: A new notice issued by the Prime Minister’s Office has instructed authorities to consider easing certain Covid measures, including restrictions on entry to the country. The Prime Minister’s Office has authorized the Green Travel Zone reopening plan to continue while ensuring that the country’s health system will be able to cope in case of an influx of cases. Certain groups are being considered, including businesspeople, employees, entrepreneurs, and others, in order to better encourage business and investment to help the economy recover.

15 Jan: Laos is to increase production of its Molacovir medication used to treat Covid-19 in order to meet rising demand

13 Jan: Australia has donated 905,580 doses of the Pfizer BioNTech Covid-19 vaccine and 100,000 doses of the AstraZeneca/Oxford vaccine.

9 Jan 2022: 129,536 Cases, 524 deaths. 50% fully vaccinated.

On 31 Dec, Laos added 14 more countries to its Green Travel Zone Plan, including Brunei, Indonesia, the Philippines, Norway, Switzerland, Finland, Israel, Ireland, Hungary, Austria, New Zealand, Poland, Denmark, and Belgium. This now brings it to a total of 31 countries permitted to enter.

28 Dec: Thai Smile starts twice weekly flights to Laos from Bangkok to Vientiane in February 2022.

17 Dec 2021: Laos Announces Travel Conditions for 2022 Reopening

Green Travel Zones include provinces that have at least a 70% vaccination rate among the eligible adult population, while Green Travel Trails have not yet achieved this level of vaccine coverage. During Phase 1, tourists may visit Vientiane Capital, Luang Prabang Province, and Vang Vieng District in Vientiane Province. Five provinces will be authorized for Green Travel Trails, including Oudomxay, Xayaboury, Xieng Khouang, Khammouane, and Champasack.During Phase 2, the Green Travel Zones will consist of 9 provinces: Vientiane Capital, Vientiane Province, Luang Prabang, Oudomxay, Xayaboury, Xieng Khouang, Khammouane, Savannakhet, and Champasack.

During Phase 2, four provinces will be authorized for Green Travel Trails including Houay Xay District in Bokeo Province, Luang Namtha Province, Sekong Province, and Salavanh Province. Tourism sites, hotels, and restaurants in the zones must ensure that at least 95% of their staff are fully vaccinated. All tour guides and drivers must be completely vaccinated. At least 95% of the population within the travel zones must be fully vaccinated.

28 Nov 2021: 71,518 Cases, 159 deaths. 42% fully vaccinated.

Lao Airlines will operate weekly flights to Bangkok from Jan 2022. Travellers will be allowed to enter Thailand by sea, land and air as part of the Test & Go and Sandbox schemes, from the province of Nong Khai which borders Laos, from 24 Dec 2021.

Laos is considering a new reopening plan, Lao Travel Green Zone. This would designate Vientiane Capital, Vang Vieng, and Luang Prabang as “green zones”. A green zone must have 70-80% of its population vaccinated, and 90-95% of its service providers vaccinated. International arrivals would need to be vaccinated, and have a negative test within 72 hours of departure. Tourists would be taken to hotels via designated vehicles certified with the LaoSafe scheme, and undertake an RT-PCR test on arrival, self-isolating at their home until they receive the results. Once the test comes back negative, they will be able to explore the Green Zone. A “Lao Green Trail” would also be launched, which would allow visitors to travel outside of the Green Zones, but they would need to use services of LaoSafe service providers and stay at all-inclusive accommodation. It also proposes launching a new contact tracing app, LaoStaySafe, to monitor tourists during their stay, and provide information.

25 Oct 2021: 36,248 Cases, 53 deaths

Lockdown measures extended until 14 Nov, with entertainment venues, tourist attractions and schools closed. Stricter measures are implemented across country, depending on virus severity. Laos has launched a new vaccination certificate with a QR code which will allow for digital verification. The Tourism Ministry has requested permission to allow vaccinated South Koreans to enter Vientiane on luxury golf tour packages. This plan would see Lao Airlines, AirAsia, T’way Air and Jeju Air operate charter flights to Incheon airport, and travellers could undertake a 9-day golfing package. Tourists would be limited to one hotel and one restaurant, and they would be transferred between the hotel and the golf course.

15 Oct 2021: 30,615 Cases, 36 deaths

A number of provinces have been locked down and now Luang Prabang is imposing lockdown restrictions through to 21 Oct due to COVID-19 activity. Stay-at-home orders are in effect; exemptions are in place for reasons such as medical emergencies. Entry into Luang Prabang is prohibited. Essential sectors like medical, pharmaceutical, electricity, and telecommunications, among others, may operate.

11 Sep 2021: 17,140 Cases, 16 deaths

A large number of cases of Covid-19 recorded in Luang Prabang Province have been traced to quarantine centers and residents returning from other provinces. Laos conducted 4,440 tests over the last 24 hours, confirming 204 new cases of Covid-19.

9 May 2021: 1,233 Cases, 1 death.

Over one year into the pandemic, the southeast Asian country Laos has recorded its first Covid-19 related death. A 53-year-old Vietnamese karaoke club worker died from the virus in the capital Vientiane, the National Taskforce for Covid-19 Prevention and Control reported. The woman’s condition was complicated by diabetes and other medical issues. Laos reported 1,233 cases, of which 1,184 were reported in the last month.

4 May 2021: 933 Cases, 0 deaths.

Following 2 Thai nationals entering Laos illegally during Lao New year, cases of COVID-19 have risen rapidly. 31 of the newly infected are from the capital Vientiane, while 54 are from Champassak province, 13 from Savannakhet province, seven from Bokeo province, two from Oudomxay province, two from Phongsaly province, and one each from Vientiane, Luang Prabang, Xayaburi, and Sekong provinces. The 113 new cases follow announcements of 76 cases on Sunday and 88 cases on Saturday in the nation with a population of around 7.2 million people.

Phouthone Muongpak, Vice-Minister of Health, said infections have been identified in 13 out of 17 provinces in Laos and the capital. “The virus is also spreading quickly in the capital and Champassak province in the south,” he added. The number of provinces included in the lockdown, which requires that people stay in their homes unless they are experiencing an emergency, is now at 15.

24 April 2021: 88 Cases, 0 deaths.

26 new cases occurred in the capital Vientiane, and all of them had close contact with a case discovered recently. Lao citizens and foreign residents should comply with COVID-19 prevention and control measures, as well as remaining vigilant and being mindful of the dangers posed by the COVID-19. The cases occurred over Lao New Year during celebrations at entertainment venues.

17 April 2021: 58 Cases, 0 deaths.

Laos recorded four new cases of COVID-19. The four new cases include a 25-year-old woman who returned to southern Laos’ Khammuan province from Thailand. Another two cases are a 32-year-old man and a 24-year-old man who returned to southern Laos’ Savannakhet province from Thailand. The last case is a 25-year-old Lao woman who returned to central Laos’ Bolikhamxay province from Thailand.

1 April 2021: 49 Cases, 0 deaths.

Second batch of China-donated COVID-19 vaccines arrived.

17 March 2021: 49 Cases, 0 deaths.

A total of 40,732 people including medical workers, officials tourism workers have received their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.

01 March 2021:45 Cases, 0 deaths.

Laos has extended its COVID-19 prevention measures and required all foreign citizens entering Laos to purchase COVID-19 insurance. According to a notice issued by the National Taskforce Committee for COVID-19 Prevention and Control, COVID-19 insurance is now mandatory in addition to other travel documents and requests for permission to enter the country. Non-Lao citizens wishing to enter Laos must contact their embassy concerning COVID-19 insurance, which will cover the cost of any medication prescribed in the event that the policy holder contracts the virus. The special cover is now required because ordinary health and travel insurance policies do not provide cover against pandemics, including any incidents relating to COVID-19.

14 Jan 2021: 41 Cases, 0 deaths.

According to a notice issued by the National Taskforce for Covid-19 Prevention and Control yesterday, returning residents who test negative will be allowed to complete their quarantine in their homes or at their place of employment instead of the previous requirement for a 14-day quarantine in a designated quarantine center or hotel. International travelers, both Lao and foreign, must produce a medical certificate proving they are free of Covid-19 within 72 hours before travel. All arrivals must first wait at official quarantine hotels or centers authorized by the government to receive a Covid-19 test result within 48 hours. Following this step, arrivals will then be allowed to undertake self-isolation for 14 days at their home, office, or other authorized locations after receiving a negative test result.

According to the notice, tour groups must carry certification of a 14-day pre-flight quarantine, including a Covid-19 medical test with a negative result within 72 hours before arrival in Laos. Anyone arriving from a country with a Covid-19 outbreak must enter quarantine for 14 days at an authorized quarantine hotel or center provided by the Government of Laos.

April-June 2020: 19 Cases, 0 deaths.

On 1 April one more case was confirmed, bringing a total to 10.On 5 April the 11th case was reported as a 55-year-old man from Papua New Guinea.On 20 March all land borders closed and the last flights departed from Luang Prabang and Vientiane occurred on On 18 May domestic travel allowed.On 2 June students returned to schools.On 4 June the government allowed foreigners into the country, except tourish visas.

24 March 2020: 2 Cases, 0 deaths.

Laos confirmed its first two COVID-19 cases, becoming the last Southeast Asian country infected with coronavirus.

By David Allan

Posted: April 15, 2022

Tags: Laos , Luang Prabang , Tiger Trail , Tour , Visa

Laos Travel Advice 2022: Things to know before traveling to Laos

1. Travel restriction

2. visa policies, 3. see and do in laos.

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Laos Travel Restrictions

Traveler's COVID-19 vaccination status

Traveling from the United States to Laos

Open for vaccinated visitors

COVID-19 testing

Not required

Not required for vaccinated visitors

Restaurants

Not required in public spaces.

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Can I travel to Laos from the United States?

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Laos.

Can I travel to Laos if I am vaccinated?

Fully vaccinated visitors from the United States can enter Laos without restrictions.

Can I travel to Laos without being vaccinated?

Unvaccinated visitors from the United States can enter Laos without restrictions.

Do I need a COVID test to enter Laos?

Visitors from the United States are not required to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test or antigen result upon entering Laos.

Can I travel to Laos without quarantine?

Travelers from the United States are not required to quarantine.

Do I need to wear a mask in Laos?

Mask usage in Laos is not required in public spaces.

Are the restaurants and bars open in Laos?

Restaurants in Laos are open. Bars in Laos are .

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COVID-19: travel health notice for all travellers

Laos travel advice

Latest updates: Health – Travel health notice for dengue added.

Last updated: May 6, 2024 10:33 ET

On this page

Safety and security, entry and exit requirements, laws and culture, natural disasters and climate, laos - exercise a high degree of caution.

Exercise a high degree of caution in Laos due to ongoing security concerns related to banditry, crime, spiked food and drinks, and unexploded munitions.

Xaisomboun Province - Avoid all travel

Avoid all travel to Xaisomboun Province due to the tense security situation and random shooting incidents.

Bokeo Province - Avoid non-essential travel

Avoid non-essential travel to Bokeo Province along the borders with Myanmar, Thailand and around the Golden Triangle Special Economic Zone due to criminal activity.

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Xaisomboun Province

There have been random shooting incidents near Xaisomboun town, in Xaisomboun Province, since late 2015.

If you must travel to this region despite our advisory, avoid travel after dark, be extremely cautious and follow the advice of local authorities.

Bokeo province

Criminals operate in the Golden Triangle Special Economic Zone, in the Ton Pheung district of Bokeo province bordering Thailand and Myanmar. The criminal activity includes drug and human trafficking as well as employment scams.

If you travel to this area despite the advisory:

• exercise extreme caution
• follow the instructions of local authorities

Street crime is prevalent in cities and towns, including Vientiane, Luang Prabang and Vang Vieng, and occasionally involves violence.

Bag theft occurs frequently. Thieves on motorcycles grab bags and other valuables from pedestrians, other motorcycle drivers and their passengers.

Ensure that your personal belongings, including your passport and other travel documents, are secure at all times.

Do not show signs of affluence, and avoid travelling late at night.

Break-ins at hotels and guesthouses occur. Armed robberies occur occasionally. 

Local police may not have the capacity to respond to crimes, especially at night.

Be wary of money counting scams (currency exchange). Don’t exchange large sums of money in one transaction. Get local currency from the bank or an ATM instead of a currency exchange kiosk.

Report any incident of crime or scams to the local tourist police in the jurisdiction where the incident occurred, before you leave the country.

Overseas fraud

Spiked food and drinks

Never leave your food or drinks unattended or in the care of strangers. Be wary of accepting snacks, beverages, gum or cigarettes from new acquaintances, as they may contain drugs that could put you at risk of sexual assault and robbery.

Some food and drinks, such as “happy pizzas” and “special shakes,” may contain unspecified amounts of opium and other unknown substances. These items are sold in areas frequented by tourists, particularly in Vang Vieng. While these items may be easily accessible, taking any amount of opiates can be dangerous. Foreigners, including Canadians, have died as a result of drug overdoses.

Women’s safety

Sexual assaults occur, particularly in Vientiane, Luang Prabang and Vang Vieng. Be particularly vigilant along hiking trails.

Advice for women travellers

Adventure tourism

Only undertake adventure sports, such as zip-lining and rock climbing, with a well-established and reputable company that has insurance.

Tour operators may not adhere to international standards. If you have any doubt concerning the safety of the installation or equipment, refrain from using them. Ensure that the recreational activities you choose are covered by your travel insurance. 

Exercise extreme caution and carefully consider your safety when engaging in river-based sporting activities, including in Vang Vieng. Travellers have died or been seriously injured while taking part in river-based activities such as tubing or jumping/diving into the river. River levels can fluctuate considerably and debris can make river-based activities dangerous.

If engaging in adventure tourism:

• never do so alone and always hire an experienced guide from a reputable company
• buy travel insurance that includes helicopter rescue and medical evacuation
• ensure that your physical condition is good enough to meet the challenges of your activity
• ensure that you’re properly equipped and well informed about weather and other conditions that may  pose a hazard
• inform a family member or friend of your itinerary, including when you expect to be back to camp
• know the symptoms of acute altitude sickness, which can be fatal
• obtain detailed information on each activity before setting out and do not venture off marked trails

Tourist facilities

Tourist facilities outside Vientiane and Luang Prabang are limited.

Security officials may place foreigners under surveillance. Hotel rooms, telephones, fax machines and email messages may be monitored. Personal possessions in hotel rooms may be searched.

Public transportation

Public transportation is unreliable and limited after dark. River travel is common in Laos. Safety standards are minimal. Speedboat travel is especially dangerous during the dry season (November to May). Lifejackets and helmets should be provided to and worn by passengers.

Do not travel on or across the Mekong River after dark. In some areas, the Laotian military has been known to shoot at boats after dark.

Landmines and unexploded ordnance constitute a risk across the country, particularly in the Plain of Jars, in Xiengkhouang Province, as well as in the Laotian-Vietnamese border areas, including those traversing the former Ho Chi Minh Trail. Follow the advice of local authorities, and only travel on well-used roads and paths.

Road safety

Road travel in Laos can be hazardous, as vehicles are often poorly maintained and road conditions are poor, especially during the rainy season.

Drivers have little regard for traffic regulations and do not follow safe driving practices.

Livestock often stray onto the roads, causing accidents.

Travel should be undertaken only during daylight hours.

Travellers involved in traffic accidents have been required to pay compensation for property damage or injury, regardless of who the police determine to be at fault. Laotian insurers will generally only meet a small proportion of the costs of an accident and refuse to cover compensation, which can be the largest expense.

Rental vehicles

Do not leave your passport as collateral when renting vehicles, including motorcycles. Read rental contracts thoroughly to ensure that the vehicle is correctly insured to cover damages and theft. Only rent from reputable companies, as some companies have been known to “steal” the vehicle, particularly motorcycles, and claim for the loss.

We do not make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards.

Information about foreign domestic airlines

Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.

We have obtained the information on this page from the Laotian authorities. It can, however, change at any time.

Verify this information with the  Foreign Representatives in Canada .

Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you use for travel.

Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country’s entry rules.

Regular Canadian passport

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the date you expect to leave Laos.

Passport for official travel

Different entry rules may apply.

Official travel

Passport with “X” gender identifier

While the Government of Canada issues passports with an “X” gender identifier, it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries. You might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the “X” gender identifier. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Other travel documents

Different entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Useful links

• Foreign Representatives in Canada
• Canadian passports

Tourist visa: required Business visa: required Student visa: required

Electronic tourist visas can be obtained in advance by travellers planning to enter Laos through the Wattay International Airport or the Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge I.

Tourist visas can be obtained upon arrival at Wattay International Airport, Luang Prabang International Airport, Pakse International Airport and some “international” (that is, open to all foreign nationals) border crossings. Contact the nearest Laotian embassy or consulate to confirm where you can get a tourist visa. A passport photo and US$42 are required to obtain a visa upon entry.

Electronic tourist visa – Lao Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Entry stamp

Immigration offices at some border crossings are difficult to identify. Ensure that you obtain an entry stamp into Laos. Failure to do so can result in serious fines, detention and deportation.

Travel to Xaisomboun

Travellers are required to obtain permission from local authorities prior to travel to certain parts of Xaisomboun Province. You may be refused entry to some areas of the province, particularly around Long Tieng.

Children and travel

Learn more about travelling with children .

Yellow fever

Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).

Relevant Travel Health Notices

• Global Measles Notice - 13 March, 2024
• Zika virus: Advice for travellers - 31 August, 2023
• COVID-19 and International Travel - 13 March, 2024
• Dengue: Advice for travellers - 6 May, 2024

This section contains information on possible health risks and restrictions regularly found or ongoing in the destination. Follow this advice to lower your risk of becoming ill while travelling. Not all risks are listed below.

Consult a health care professional or visit a travel health clinic preferably 6 weeks before you travel to get personalized health advice and recommendations.

Routine vaccines

Be sure that your  routine vaccinations , as per your province or territory , are up-to-date before travelling, regardless of your destination.

Some of these vaccinations include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, varicella (chickenpox), influenza and others.

Pre-travel vaccines and medications

You may be at risk for preventable diseases while travelling in this destination. Talk to a travel health professional about which medications or vaccines may be right for you, based on your destination and itinerary. 

Yellow fever is a disease caused by a flavivirus from the bite of an infected mosquito.

Travellers get vaccinated either because it is required to enter a country or because it is recommended for their protection.

• There is no risk of yellow fever in this country.

Country Entry Requirement*

• Proof of vaccination is not required to enter this country.

Recommendation

• Vaccination is not recommended.

* It is important to note that country entry requirements may not reflect your risk of yellow fever at your destination. It is recommended that you contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the destination(s) you will be visiting to verify any additional entry requirements.

About Yellow Fever

Yellow Fever Vaccination Centres in Canada

There is a risk of hepatitis A in this destination. It is a disease of the liver. People can get hepatitis A if they ingest contaminated food or water, eat foods prepared by an infectious person, or if they have close physical contact (such as oral-anal sex) with an infectious person, although casual contact among people does not spread the virus.

Practise  safe food and water precautions and wash your hands often. Vaccination is recommended for all travellers to areas where hepatitis A is present.

Measles is a highly contagious viral disease. It can spread quickly from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.

Anyone who is not protected against measles is at risk of being infected with it when travelling internationally.

Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are fully protected against measles.

Japanese encephalitis is a viral infection that can cause swelling of the brain.  It is spread to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. Risk is very low for most travellers. Travellers at relatively higher risk may want to consider vaccination for JE prior to travelling.

Travellers are at higher risk if they will be:

• travelling long term (e.g. more than 30 days)
• making multiple trips to endemic areas
• staying for extended periods in rural areas
• visiting an area suffering a JE outbreak
• engaging in activities involving high contact with mosquitos (e.g., entomologists)

  Hepatitis B is a risk in every destination. It is a viral liver disease that is easily transmitted from one person to another through exposure to blood and body fluids containing the hepatitis B virus.  Travellers who may be exposed to blood or other bodily fluids (e.g., through sexual contact, medical treatment, sharing needles, tattooing, acupuncture or occupational exposure) are at higher risk of getting hepatitis B.

Hepatitis B vaccination is recommended for all travellers. Prevent hepatitis B infection by practicing safe sex, only using new and sterile drug equipment, and only getting tattoos and piercings in settings that follow public health regulations and standards.

 The best way to protect yourself from seasonal influenza (flu) is to get vaccinated every year. Get the flu shot at least 2 weeks before travelling.  

 The flu occurs worldwide. 

•  In the Northern Hemisphere, the flu season usually runs from November to   April.
•  In the Southern Hemisphere, the flu season usually runs between April and   October.
•  In the tropics, there is flu activity year round. 

The flu vaccine available in one hemisphere may only offer partial protection against the flu in the other hemisphere.

The flu virus spreads from person to person when they cough or sneeze or by touching objects and surfaces that have been contaminated with the virus. Clean your hands often and wear a mask if you have a fever or respiratory symptoms.

Malaria  is a serious and sometimes fatal disease that is caused by parasites spread through the bites of mosquitoes.   There is a risk of malaria in certain areas and/or during a certain time of year in this destination. 

Antimalarial medication may be recommended depending on your itinerary and the time of year you are travelling. Consult a health care professional or visit a travel health clinic before travelling to discuss your options. It is recommended to do this 6 weeks before travel, however, it is still a good idea any time before leaving.    Protect yourself from mosquito bites at all times:  • Cover your skin and use an approved insect repellent on uncovered skin.  • Exclude mosquitoes from your living area with screening and/or closed, well-sealed doors and windows. • Use insecticide-treated bed nets if mosquitoes cannot be excluded from your living area.  • Wear permethrin-treated clothing.    If you develop symptoms similar to malaria when you are travelling or up to a year after you return home, see a health care professional immediately. Tell them where you have been travelling or living. 

In this destination, rabies is commonly carried by dogs and some wildlife, including bats. Rabies is a deadly disease that spreads to humans primarily through bites or scratches from an infected animal. While travelling, take precautions , including keeping your distance from animals (including free-roaming dogs), and closely supervising children.

If you are bitten or scratched by a dog or other animal while travelling, immediately wash the wound with soap and clean water and see a health care professional. In this destination, rabies treatment may be limited or may not be available, therefore you may need to return to Canada for treatment.  

Before travel, discuss rabies vaccination with a health care professional. It may be recommended for travellers who are at high risk of exposure (e.g., occupational risk such as veterinarians and wildlife workers, children, adventure travellers and spelunkers, and others in close contact with animals). 

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious viral disease. It can spread from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.

It is recommended that all eligible travellers complete a COVID-19 vaccine series along with any additional recommended doses in Canada before travelling. Evidence shows that vaccines are very effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalization and death from COVID-19. While vaccination provides better protection against serious illness, you may still be at risk of infection from the virus that causes COVID-19. Anyone who has not completed a vaccine series is at increased risk of being infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 and is at greater risk for severe disease when travelling internationally.

Before travelling, verify your destination’s COVID-19 vaccination entry/exit requirements. Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are adequately protected against COVID-19.

Safe food and water precautions

Many illnesses can be caused by eating food or drinking beverages contaminated by bacteria, parasites, toxins, or viruses, or by swimming or bathing in contaminated water.

• Learn more about food and water precautions to take to avoid getting sick by visiting our eat and drink safely abroad page. Remember: Boil it, cook it, peel it, or leave it!
• Avoid getting water into your eyes, mouth or nose when swimming or participating in activities in freshwater (streams, canals, lakes), particularly after flooding or heavy rain. Water may look clean but could still be polluted or contaminated.
• Avoid inhaling or swallowing water while bathing, showering, or swimming in pools or hot tubs. 

Travellers' diarrhea is the most common illness affecting travellers. It is spread from eating or drinking contaminated food or water.

Risk of developing travellers' diarrhea increases when travelling in regions with poor standards of hygiene and sanitation. Practise safe food and water precautions.

The most important treatment for travellers' diarrhea is rehydration (drinking lots of fluids). Carry oral rehydration salts when travelling.

Typhoid   is a bacterial infection spread by contaminated food or water. Risk is higher among children, travellers going to rural areas, travellers visiting friends and relatives or those travelling for a long period of time.

Travellers visiting regions with a risk of typhoid, especially those exposed to places with poor sanitation, should speak to a health care professional about vaccination.  

There is a risk of schistosomiasis in this destination. Schistosomiasis is a parasitic disease caused by tiny worms (blood flukes) which can be found in freshwater (lakes, rivers, ponds, and wetlands). The worms can break the skin, and their eggs can cause stomach pain, diarrhea, flu-like symptoms, or urinary problems. Schistosomiasis mostly affects underdeveloped and r ural communities, particularly agricultural and fishing communities.

Most travellers are at low risk. Travellers should avoid contact with untreated freshwater such as lakes, rivers, and ponds (e.g., swimming, bathing, wading, ingesting). There is no vaccine or medication available to prevent infection.

Insect bite prevention

Many diseases are spread by the bites of infected insects such as mosquitoes, ticks, fleas or flies. When travelling to areas where infected insects may be present:

• Use insect repellent (bug spray) on exposed skin
• Cover up with light-coloured, loose clothes made of tightly woven materials such as nylon or polyester
• Minimize exposure to insects
• Use mosquito netting when sleeping outdoors or in buildings that are not fully enclosed

To learn more about how you can reduce your risk of infection and disease caused by bites, both at home and abroad, visit our insect bite prevention page.

Find out what types of insects are present where you’re travelling, when they’re most active, and the symptoms of the diseases they spread.

There is a risk of chikungunya in this country.  The risk may vary between regions of a country.  Chikungunya is a virus spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. Chikungunya can cause a viral disease that typically causes fever and pain in the joints. In some cases, the joint pain can be severe and last for months or years.

Protect yourself from mosquito bites at all times. There is no vaccine available for chikungunya.

• In this country,   dengue  is a risk to travellers. It is a viral disease spread to humans by mosquito bites.
• Dengue can cause flu-like symptoms. In some cases, it can lead to severe dengue, which can be fatal.
• The level of risk of dengue changes seasonally, and varies from year to year. The level of risk also varies between regions in a country and can depend on the elevation in the region.
• Mosquitoes carrying dengue typically bite during the daytime, particularly around sunrise and sunset.
• Protect yourself from mosquito bites . There is no vaccine or medication that protects against dengue.

Zika virus is a risk in this country. 

Zika virus is primarily spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. It can also be sexually transmitted. Zika virus can cause serious birth defects.

During your trip:

• Prevent mosquito bites at all times.
• Use condoms correctly or avoid sexual contact, particularly if you are pregnant.

If you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, you should discuss the potential risks of travelling to this destination with your health care provider. You may choose to avoid or postpone travel. 

For more information, see Zika virus: Pregnant or planning a pregnancy.

Animal precautions

Some infections, such as rabies and influenza, can be shared between humans and animals. Certain types of activities may increase your chance of contact with animals, such as travelling in rural or forested areas, camping, hiking, and visiting wet markets (places where live animals are slaughtered and sold) or caves.

Travellers are cautioned to avoid contact with animals, including dogs, livestock (pigs, cows), monkeys, snakes, rodents, birds, and bats, and to avoid eating undercooked wild game.

Closely supervise children, as they are more likely to come in contact with animals.

Human cases of avian influenza have been reported in this destination. Avian influenza   is a viral infection that can spread quickly and easily among birds and in rare cases it can infect mammals, including people. The risk is low for most travellers.

Avoid contact with birds, including wild, farm, and backyard birds (alive or dead) and surfaces that may have bird droppings on them. Ensure all poultry dishes, including eggs and wild game, are properly cooked.

Travellers with a higher risk of exposure include those: 

• visiting live bird/animal markets or poultry farms
• working with poultry (such as chickens, turkeys, domestic ducks)
• hunting, de-feathering, field dressing and butchering wild birds and wild mammals
• working with wild birds for activities such as research, conservation, or rehabilitation
• working with wild mammals, especially those that eat wild birds (e.g., foxes)

All eligible people are encouraged to get the seasonal influenza shot, which will protect them against human influenza viruses. While the seasonal influenza shot does not prevent infection with avian influenza, it can reduce the chance of getting sick with human and avian influenza viruses at the same time.

Person-to-person infections

Stay home if you’re sick and practise proper cough and sneeze etiquette , which includes coughing or sneezing into a tissue or the bend of your arm, not your hand. Reduce your risk of colds, the flu and other illnesses by:

•   washing your hands often
• avoiding or limiting the amount of time spent in closed spaces, crowded places, or at large-scale events (concerts, sporting events, rallies)
• avoiding close physical contact with people who may be showing symptoms of illness 

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) , HIV , and mpox are spread through blood and bodily fluids; use condoms, practise safe sex, and limit your number of sexual partners. Check with your local public health authority pre-travel to determine your eligibility for mpox vaccine.  

Tuberculosis is an infection caused by bacteria and usually affects the lungs.

For most travellers the risk of tuberculosis is low.

Travellers who may be at high risk while travelling in regions with risk of tuberculosis should discuss pre- and post-travel options with a health care professional.

High-risk travellers include those visiting or working in prisons, refugee camps, homeless shelters, or hospitals, or travellers visiting friends and relatives.

Medical services and facilities

Medical facilities throughout Laos are scarce and operate below the standards you might expect in Canada.

To obtain suitable treatment, medical evacuation to Thailand is required, except for basic medical conditions and injuries. Such evacuations are very expensive and difficult to organize, but you may have to consider leaving if you experience medical problems while in Laos.

Seek immediate assistance in Vientiane at the French Medical Clinic on Rue Simeuvang, off Khouvieng (tel. +856 21 214 150), or the Alliance International Medical Centre Route Luang Prabang, on the way to the airport (tel. +856 21 513 095).

Make sure you get travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.

Travel health and safety

You must abide by local laws.

Learn about what you should do and how we can help if you are arrested or detained abroad .

Identification

Travellers are subject to search, detention and the possibility of fines by authorities if they can’t show suitable identification, such as a passport, and for not having an entry stamp in your passport.

Always carry ID, and comply with requests to stop at checkpoints and roadblocks.

Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are strict and may include the death penalty.

Drugs, alcohol and travel

Illegal or restricted activities

Non-marital sexual relationships between foreigners and Laotian citizens are against the law, as are various forms of cohabitation with Laotian nationals. Convictions for such offences can lead to prison sentences and large fines. Improper registration of a relationship to a Laotian national can lead to similar penalties. Permission for marriage or engagement to a Laotian citizen must be submitted in a formal application to Laotian authorities.

Photography of government buildings and vehicles, as well as bridges, airfields and military installations or personnel, is prohibited. Violators may be arrested and their equipment, seized.

Laos is tolerant of a diversity of religions. Religious proselytizing or distributing of religious material, however, is strictly prohibited. Violators may be arrested or deported.

Panhandling is illegal and can lead to fines or imprisonment.

Dual citizenship

Dual citizenship is not legally recognized in Laos.

If local authorities consider you a citizen of Laos, they may refuse to grant you access to Canadian consular services. This will prevent us from providing you with those services.

Travellers with dual citizenship

International Child Abduction

The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction is an international treaty. It can help parents with the return of children who have been removed to or retained in certain countries in violation of custody rights. It does not apply between Canada and Laos.

If your child was wrongfully taken to, or is being held in Laos by an abducting parent:

• act as quickly as you can
• consult a lawyer in Canada and in Laos to explore all the legal options for the return of your child
• report the situation to the nearest Canadian government office abroad or to the Vulnerable Children’s Consular Unit at Global Affairs Canada by calling the Emergency Watch and Response Centre.

If your child was removed from a country other than Canada, consult a lawyer to determine if The Hague Convention applies.

Be aware that Canadian consular officials cannot interfere in private legal matters or in another country’s judicial affairs.

• International Child Abduction: A Guidebook for Left-Behind Parents
• Travelling with children
• Canadian embassies and consulates by destination
• Emergency Watch and Response Centre

You must carry an international driving permit.

International Driving Permit

Public displays of affection, such as kissing, whether between opposite or same-sex couples, are not considered proper or polite.

The currency is the kip (LAK).

The LAK is not easily obtained or exchanged outside of Laos. U.S. dollars and Thai baht are commonly accepted.

ATMs are widely available. Major credit cards are accepted at some international hotels and tourist establishments. Cash advances can be obtained from some banks, although the bank commission rates are high.

Typhoons and Monsoons

The rainy (monsoon) season extends from May to November. During the rainy season, provinces along the Mekong River in southern Laos are especially prone to severe rainstorms that can cause flooding and landslides, resulting in significant loss of life, extensive damage to infrastructure and hampering the provision of essential services. Keep informed of regional weather forecasts, avoid disaster areas and follow the advice of local authorities.

Tornadoes, cyclones, hurricanes, typhoons and monsoons

Local services

In case of emergency, dial:

• police: 191
• medical assistance: 195
• firefighters: 190

Consular assistance

Thailand, Cambodia, Laos

For emergency consular assistance, call the Office of the Embassy of Canada in Laos and follow the instructions. At any time, you may also contact the Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa.

The decision to travel is your choice and you are responsible for your personal safety abroad. We take the safety and security of Canadians abroad very seriously and provide credible and timely information in our Travel Advice to enable you to make well-informed decisions regarding your travel abroad.

The content on this page is provided for information only. While we make every effort to give you correct information, it is provided on an "as is" basis without warranty of any kind, expressed or implied. The Government of Canada does not assume responsibility and will not be liable for any damages in connection to the information provided.

If you need consular assistance while abroad, we will make every effort to help you. However, there may be constraints that will limit the ability of the Government of Canada to provide services.

Learn more about consular services .

Risk Levels

  take normal security precautions.

Take similar precautions to those you would take in Canada.

  Exercise a high degree of caution

There are certain safety and security concerns or the situation could change quickly. Be very cautious at all times, monitor local media and follow the instructions of local authorities.

IMPORTANT: The two levels below are official Government of Canada Travel Advisories and are issued when the safety and security of Canadians travelling or living in the country or region may be at risk.

  Avoid non-essential travel

Your safety and security could be at risk. You should think about your need to travel to this country, territory or region based on family or business requirements, knowledge of or familiarity with the region, and other factors. If you are already there, think about whether you really need to be there. If you do not need to be there, you should think about leaving.

  Avoid all travel

You should not travel to this country, territory or region. Your personal safety and security are at great risk. If you are already there, you should think about leaving if it is safe to do so.

Nomadic Matt's Travel Site

Travel Better, Cheaper, Longer

Laos Travel Guide

Last Updated: April 29, 2024

Laos is a landlocked country steeped in nature, food, history, and Buddhism. The country is wrapped in a mountainous landscape, making it one of the most beautiful places in all of Southeast Asia .

While it lacks the beautiful beaches of neighboring countries, adventure travel is big here. You can go zip-lining, kayaking, hiking, and cave tubing all in one day.

I loved my time there and, while the country is no longer a “secret,” it’s still a lot less visited than its neighbors.

From the bustling night markets and stunning waterfalls of Luang Prabang to the epic mountain sunsets in Vang Vieng , I’m always amazed that more people don’t make the journey to this beautiful country.

This travel guide to Laos can help you plan your trip, save money, and make the most of your time in this stunning country.

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budget
• Money-Saving Tips
• Where to Stay
• How to Get Around
• How to Stay Safe
• Best Places to Book Your Trip
• Related Blogs on Laos

Click Here for City Guides

Top 5 things to see and do in laos.

1. Visit Vang Vieng

Backpackers “discovered” this little town in the late 1990s. It didn’t take long to develop into a crazy, hedonistic city. There’s still a party scene but now it’s focused on a handful of bars. It’s definitely not like the old days but I think that’s a good thing. Nowadays, things have calmed down and the center of Vang Vieng is thriving, with boutique hotels and high-end restaurants replacing some of the party-laden backpacker bars that used to pack the waterfront. The town has also become a hub for outdoor adventure, jungle hikes, and lazy days on the river. It’s worth spending a few days here.

2. Explore the 4,000 Islands

Located in Southern Laos, the 4,000 Islands (also known as ‘Si Phan Don’ in Lao) is an area of tiny, largely uninhabited islands in the Mekong River in Champasak Province near the Cambodian border. They are popular with backpackers and the vibe is laid-back and chill. Accommodation is only available on three of the islands: Don Khong, Don Kon, and Don Det. What’s available is cheap and you can spend a few days here reading in hammocks and slowly exploring by bike. Other than that, there’s really not much to do here besides chill in the river and relax at night. To reach the islands you need to take a boat from Pakse.

3. Relax in Luang Prabang

Luang Prabang is a slow-paced city. There is not much to do here other than enjoy epic sunsets over the Mekong River, wander the streets filled with colonial French architecture, spend time at the incredible Kuang Si Waterfalls, and shop at the bustling night market. You can also take a river tour, or explore some of the dozens of temples in town. Every morning at sunrise, the monks walk through the main streets receiving alms from the local residents. I went for two days but actually stayed for a week because I enjoyed it so much!

4. Trek to the Kuang Si Falls

This gorgeous waterfall near Luang Prabang is breathtaking. Turquoise waters flow over rock ledges into dramatic tiered limestone pools perfect for swimming. You can float about in some of these natural infinity pools or jump from trees into others. It’s a really cool place to visit. Admission is 20,000 LAK, and a shared tuk-tuk from Luang Prabang costs 30,000-40,000 LAK per person.

5. See the Plain of Jars

The UNESCO-recognized Plain of Jars has thousands of stone jars scattered around three different sites. Believed to be part of the burial practices from the Iron Age, this is one of the biggest and most important prehistoric sites in Southeast Asia. Legend has it that the jars were made by a race of giants to store alcohol. Take care not to stray too far from the cleared areas as there are still some landmines in the area. There are eight sites open for visiting: sites 1, 2, and 3 are all close to each other at Phonsavan so they are easy to visit together. Admission to Site 1 (with the best-preserved jars) is 15,000 LAK while entry to Sites 2 and 3 is 10,000 LAK.

Other Things to See and Do in Laos

1. explore the vieng xai cave city.

Located close to Sam Nua (near the Vietnamese border), Vieng Xai Cave City served as living quarters for Laotian soldiers during the 1960s. You can see the living quarters as they were; the Kaysone Phomvihane Cave even has a working air-circulation pump. Guided tours are found at the Vieng Xai Caves Visitor Centre. Admission is 60,000 LAK and includes an audio tour. The bus there is 20,000 LAK while a tuk-tuk is 150,000 LAK.

2. Try the Gibbon Experience

This is one of the best activities in Laos. It’s a series of zip lines connecting the world’s highest treehouses in Bokeo Forest, where you can stay for one or two nights. You’re completely off the grid there, surrounded by gibbons, and it has some intense nature hikes. The three-day, two-night “Classic” package costs around 5,600,000 LAK per person.

3. See the Great Stupa (Pha That Luang)

The Great Stupa in Vientiane is a 45-meter (148-foot) gold-covered stupa (a dome-shaped Buddhist shrine). It’s considered the greatest monument in the country. Its exterior looks like a fortress with high walls, but the inside has numerous Buddhist, floral, and animal imagery throughout. You can admire the stupa from outside for free.

4. Head to Vientiane

The capital and largest city in Laos is full of important national monuments and temples, like the Great Stupa and the Sisaket Temple. While there, be sure to check out Buddha Park, a sculpture garden full of giant Buddha statues. It’s the most cosmopolitan city in the country, and there’s an up-and-coming foodie scene there as well. It’s worth spending a few days here exploring.

5. Visit the Elephant Conservation Center

Located in Sainyabuli, the ECC was launched in 2011 by a team of elephant specialists working towards protecting the elephant population in Laos. It’s the best way to see elephants in a responsible way that doesn’t harm them or involve exploitation. You can stay for one, two, or three nights and prices start at 3,800,000 LAK. A 7-day volunteering session costs around 8,500,000 LAK.

6. Take the slow boat on the Mekong

Drift down the Mekong River on a long, narrow boat with comfortable seating, home-cooked meals, and a unique view of the countryside. You can find a ride typically from the border at Huay-Xai that drops you off in Luang Prabang. Slow boats take two to three days. Prices vary depending on the quality of your tour company. There’s also a public boat that leaves daily at 11am.

7. Trek through Phou Hin Poun Conservation Area

Mountains, a limestone forest, rivers full of rapids, and caves await you in the protected Phou Hin Poun area of Laos. The entire area is filled with unique species of flora and fauna, including macaques, tigers, and gibbons. (Yes, tigers.) It’s a stunning area for guided treks, which usually last a couple of days. Your accommodation can help you book a guide on arrival.

8. Get outdoors in Nong Kiew (Muang Ngoi)

Life in this quaint village on the Nam Ou River is slow and peaceful, but Nong Kiew is a popular draw for outdoor lovers. The towering limestone cliffs are ideal for experienced climbers, and there are many hiking trails leading to nearby waterfalls and caves. To get there, take a bus from Luang Prabang to Pak Mong and then a tuk-tuk the rest of the way.

9. Chat with a monk

On the first Sunday of every month, monks gather at the Sangha College in Vientiane to chat with tourists. You’re able to ask them about their practice and daily life, and in return, they can practice their English. It’s a fun and eye-opening way to learn about the culture and the religion from someone whose daily life is much different than yours.

10. Visit the Buddha Caves

The Buddha Caves (Pak Ou Caves) hold over 6,000 Buddha statues that the locals still use for worship. There are standing Buddhas, sitting Buddhas, reclining Buddhas — you name it! To get there you take a scenic 25-kilometer (16-mile) boat trip up the Mekong River or you can take a songthaew (a truck converted into a shared taxi). From there, you’re able to explore the two main caves on foot. It’s about 20,000 LAK to enter the caves, and a shared boat costs 65,000 LAK round-trip (the boat takes two hours there and one hour to get back).

11. Take a Lao cooking class

Take a cooking class to learn how to make traditional dishes like laap (salad with minced meat and spices), orh (spicy stew), and mok pa (steamed fish in banana leaf). Most classes include a visit to the market and include several dishes, ending with everyone feasting on the food they have just cooked. Prices vary but expect to pay between 250,000-400,000 LAK for a class. If you’re in Vientiane, I recommend taking Madam Phasouk’s class. She’s an amazing cook and her private classes are 150,000 LAK, which includes making 3-4 dishes.

  For more information on specific destinations in Laos, check out these guides:

• Luang Prabang Travel Guide
• Vang Vieng Travel Guide
• Vientiane Travel Guide

Laos Travel Costs

Accommodation – Accommodation in Laos is cheap. Hostel dorm rooms start at around 65,000 LAK per night, although they average closer to 80,000 LAK. Hostels in Vientiane start at slightly higher prices. Private rooms with air-con start at 190,000 LAK but average around 350,000 LAK. Almost every hostel offers free Wi-Fi and most also include free breakfast. It’s very rare for a hostel to have a kitchen, so don’t count on cooking your meals.

Budget hotels and guesthouses are widely available, usually starting around 150,000 LAK for a twin or double room. If you’re looking to splurge on a four-star hotel with a pool, expect to pay at least 400,000 LAK per night.

Airbnb is also available in Laos, with private rooms starting from around 200,000 LAK. An entire home or apartment goes for as little as 500,000 LAK, although prices are generally closer to 1,000,000 LAK. Book early to find the best deals.

Food – Food in Laos has many similarities to its neighbors, with rice and noodle dishes forming the backbone of most meals. Prominent staples include green papaya salad and laap (also known as larb ) (a minced-meat salad that is the national dish, usually featuring fermented fish). Grilled meats, such as chicken, pork, and duck are also very popular, as is feu , the local version of pho.

Most street food and cheap meals of local cuisine cost less than 22,000 LAK, especially in the night market where you can find things like barbecued meats, spicy papaya salad, and noodle soup.

If you want to splash out on a fancy meal, expect to pay around 150,000 LAK for a three-course meal with a drink.

Beer is very cheap here, costing around 14,000 LAK. If you want a latte or cappuccino, expect to pay around 30,000 LAK. Bottled water is around 5,000 LAK.

If you have access to a kitchen, a week’s worth of groceries costs around 250,000-300,000 LAK for basic staples like rice, pasta, produce, and some meat.

Backpacking Laos Suggested Budgets

On a backpacker budget, expect to spend around 300,000 LAK per day. This budget covers staying in a hostel dorm, eating street food, drinking a couple beers, renting a bicycle to get around, and enjoying mostly cheap activities like hiking and swimming. Add another 15,000-30,000 LAK to your daily budget if you plan on drinking more.

On a mid-range budget of 650,000 LAK per day, you can stay in a private hostel dorm or Airbnb, drink more, enjoy lots of street food, take some taxis or tuk-tuks, and do more activities like go rock climbing or ATV riding.

On a “luxury” budget of around 1,800,000 LAK per day, you can stay in a hotel, eat all your meals out anywhere you want, enjoy lots of drinks, hire tuk-tuks or rent a motorbike/scooter, and do whatever activities you want. This is just the ground floor for luxury though. The sky is the limit!

You can use the chart below to get some idea of how much you need to budget daily, depending on your travel style. Keep in mind these are daily averages — some days you’ll spend more, some days you’ll spend less (you might spend less every day). We just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in LAK.

Laos Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

Laos is very affordable so it’s hard to save tons of money if you are already traveling on a budget. Sticking to hostels or inexpensive guest houses, public transportation, and street food will ensure you don’t break the bank. It’s hard to spend a lot when you just do normal travel. That said, here are some ways to save money in Laos:

• Buy from market stalls – Buying your own food is infinitely cheaper than going to restaurants (not that they are even that expensive, however). If you’re on a budget, though, stick to the local markets. Fresh food is the cheapest there.
• Use public transportation – Taxis and tuk-tuks may be convenient, but they slowly ruin your budget. Stick to public transportation if you need to get around. If you do need to take a tuk-tuk or taxi, ask your hotel/hostel staff what you should expect to pay to make sure you don’t get ripped off!
• Avoid western food – Western food is always more expensive than local cuisine. While the prices aren’t that high, it slowly adds up throughout your trip.
• Bring a reusable water bottle – The tap water here isn’t safe to drink. To save money and reduce your plastic use, bring a reusable water bottle with a filter. LifeStraw makes a reusable bottle with a built-in filter so you can be sure your water is always safe and clean.

Where to Stay in Laos

Laos has plenty of budget-friendly hostels around the country. Here are my suggested places to stay:

• Indigo House Hotel (Luang Prabang)
• Nana Backpackers Hostel (Vang Vieng)
• Vang Vieng Freedom Hostel (Vang Vieng)
• Dream Home Hostel (Vientiane)
• Vongkham Eco Village (Vientiane)
• Sanga Hostel (Pakse)

How to Get Around Laos

Getting around Laos can be a challenge. The roads are poor, and you have to navigate several mountain passes to get almost anywhere. Nothing is ever on time, and even short trips can turn into endless journeys.

Public transportation – Public transportation is available in some of the larger cities, with prices starting around 5,000 LAK and going up from there based on distance.

Bus – Buses are the most common way to get between cities in Laos. Ticket prices vary between 80,000-130,000 LAK for a 4-6-hour ride. Buses are pretty uncomfortable and many don’t have air conditioning, but they get you from point A to point B around the country without breaking the bank.

In busier towns, you can purchase your ticket from just about any tour operator. This includes transit from your hotel/hostel to the station. Otherwise, you can show up at the city’s bus station. A trip from Vientiane to Luang Prabang or Pakse shouldn’t cost more than 100,000 LAK.

There are also plenty of air-conditioned “VIP” buses. A “VIP” trip from Vientiane to Luang Prabang costs 410,000 LAK. Overnight buses cost 170,000-400,000 LAK depending on the distance. You can usually buy tickets for these buses from your hostel/hotel. You can use 12go.asia to compare prices.

If you’re looking to head into a neighboring country, a bus from Vientiane to Hanoi costs around 500,000 LAK. There is also a direct route between Luang Prabang and Chiang Mai starting from 425,000 LAK, but keep in mind the ride is at least 15 hours. A bus from Vientiane to Bangkok also takes about 15 hours and costs about 425,000 LAK.

To find bus routes and prices, use BusBud .

Boat – One of the most popular ways to see Laos is via a slow boat between Huay Xai and Luang Prabang on the Mekong River. The journey takes two days. For short trips (like Luang Prabang to the Pak Ou Caves), you can get a river taxi for about 65,000 LAK.

Flying – I don’t recommend flying unless you are super pressed for time. Domestic flights are costly, and there are frequent cancellations. Even booking far in advance, a flight from Vientiane to Luang Prabang costs upwards of 500,000 LAK for a 50-minute flight. But if you must, these are Laos’ airlines:

• Laos Airlines

Car rental – Car rentals in Laos aren’t super affordable, costing around 750,000 LAK per day for a multi-day trip. Renters need to be at least 23 and have an International Driving Permit (IDP).

For the best car rental prices, use Discover Cars .

When to Go to Laos

October to April is the best time to visit Laos. This is when the country’s weather is consistently warm and dry. (Keep in mind the mountainous areas experience much cooler temperatures year-round compared to the other parts of Laos.) It’s also the high season, so you can expect bigger crowds and inflated prices. That said, the crowds here are much smaller than in neighboring Thailand and Vietnam.

Elsewhere, April and May tend to be the hottest months, with temperatures as high as 40°C (104°F). The humidity can be extremely uncomfortable during this time too.

The rainy season lasts from late May to October. It’s still a pleasant time to visit as rainfall each day never lasts long. During this time, the waterfalls flow heavier and wildlife becomes more active. There are also fewer tourists around during this time as well.

How to Stay Safe in Laos

Laos is a very safe country to backpack and travel around as violent crime against travelers is rare. Pickpocketing is your biggest concern. It often occurs in busy market areas (especially in Vang Vieng) and on transportation. Keep your valuables close and out of reach at all times just to be safe.

If you’re worried about getting ripped off, you can read about common travel scams to avoid here.

If you’re hiking or sightseeing, always stay on the marked trail. Some places are strictly prohibited because of unexploded landmines. This is especially true around the Plain of Jars. You shouldn’t have a reason to wander off into a dangerous area but pay attention to signs and markers.

When people get into trouble here, it’s mostly because they’re tangled up with drugs or the sex industry. Laos is strict about punishment when it comes to these offenses, so avoid them at all costs!

Solo female travelers should generally feel safe here, however, the standard precautions apply (never leave your drink unattended at the bar, never walk home alone intoxicated, etc.).

If you experience an emergency, dial 191 to contact the police.

When in doubt, always trust your instincts. If a taxi driver seems shady, get out. If your hotel or accommodation is seedier than you thought, go somewhere else. Make copies of your personal documents, including your passport and ID, in case of an emergency.

The most important piece of safety advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance protects you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you:

Laos Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Agoda – Other than Hostelworld, Agoda is the best hotel accommodation site for Asia.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.

Laos Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written on Laos travel and continue planning your trip:

Is Southeast Asia Safe for Travelers?

The Secret Pool of Kuang Si Waterfall

The Cost of Traveling Laos

Vang Vieng: A Hedonistic Backpacker Town Reborn

Get my best stuff sent straight to you, pin it on pinterest.

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AUTHENTIC ASIA

Alive with the traditions now lost elsewhere in the region

UNTOUCHED BEAUTY

Awe-inspiring landscapes filled with wonder, waiting to be explored

UNIQUELY LAIDBACK

An ancient land of timelessness, serenity and tranquility

Discover Laos

From the rolling mountains of the north to the river islands of the south, ours is a land of untouched wonder and rare beauty. Rich in history, traditions, diverse landscapes and cultures, Laos is sure to captivate your inner explorer. 

When will you begin your journey of discovery? 

Storied History

Spanning thousands of years, with archaeological finds, recent war ruins, and living heritage to show for it.

Sense of Time

We focus on living in the moment, rather than the rush-rush-rush of hectic schedules.

Cultural Diversity

49 ethnicities and 160 ethnic groups

Fascinating Nature

From limestone karsts and misty mountains to the great Mekong, underground caves and jade-green waters…

What would you like to

ANCIENT MYSTERIES

WONDERS OF NATURE

BUDDHISM & BELIEF

AUTHENTIC CULTURE

THE SECRET WAR

LEGENDARY LANDMARKS

What kind of person are you?

What Kind of Travel do you Love?

Action & adventure.

Rest & Relaxation

Novelty & Discovery

Exploration & Variety

Laos Launches Forest Carbon Credit Initiative to Combat Climate Change

Forging Forward: ASEAN, EU Launch Blue Book 2024-2025

Laos Embraces Online Shopping via Social Media, Cross-Border Innovation

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Tourism Marketing Department Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism Lane Xang Avenue Hatsadi Village Chanthabouly District Vientiane Capital

Tel/Fax: +856-21-212248 Website: www.tourismlaos.org

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• Health & Environment

Laos has officially announced it will reopen for tourism on 1 January 2022, providing more information on travel conditions during a press conference held at the Lao National Convention Center today.

According to the Ministry of Information, Culture, and Tourism, the reopening will be implemented in three phases.

The first phase will be from 1 January to 30 March 2022, the second phase from 1 April 2022 to 30 June 2022, and the third phase from 1 July 2022 onward.

According to the ministry, tourists from an initial list of countries will be allowed to travel to the country during the first phase.

The list of countries includes China, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea, Japan, France, United Kingdom, Germany, the Netherlands, Spain, Italy, United States, Canada, and Australia.

A secondary list of countries including Brunei, Indonesia, the Philippines, Norway, Switzerland, Finland, Israel, Ireland, Hungary, Austria, New Zealand, Poland, Denmark, and Belgium has been proposed and is currently being considered.

Tourism will be restricted to group tours at first, with tours arranged by authorized tour operators under the Lao Travel Green Zone Plan.

Tourists will be required to have been fully vaccinated against Covid-19 no less than 14 days prior to arrival. Other conditions include a health insurance policy with coverage no less than USD 50,000 and a negative RT-PCR test taken within the last 72 hours.

Arrivals will be tested for Covid-19 and placed in a 24-hour quarantine in their hotel until a negative result is found.

Tourists will be required to download and register via the LaoKYC mobile application prior to arriving in the country, as well as uploading their relevant vaccination certification and Covid-19 test results.

Travel Zones & Travel Trails

Under the reopening scheme, tourists will be authorized to travel within two zones, namely Green Travel Zones and Green Travel Trails .

Green Travel Zones include provinces that have at least a 70% vaccination rate among the eligible adult population, while Green Travel Trails have not yet achieved this level of vaccine coverage.

During Phase 1, tourists may visit Vientiane Capital, Luang Prabang Province, and Vang Vieng District in Vientiane Province.

Meanwhile, five provinces will be authorized for Green Travel Trails, including Oudomxay, Xayaboury, Xieng Khouang, Khammouane, and Champasack.

During Phase 2, the Green Travel Zones will consist of 9 provinces: Vientiane Capital, Vientiane Province, Luang Prabang, Oudomxay, Xayaboury, Xieng Khouang, Khammouane, Savannakhet, and Champasack.

Four provinces will be authorized for Green Travel Trails during Phase 2, including Houay Xay District in Bokeo Province, Luang Namtha Province, Sekong Province, and Salavanh Province.

According to the Ministry of Health, tourism-related establishments such as tourism sites, hotels, and restaurants in the zones must ensure that at least 95% of their staff are fully vaccinated. All tour guides and drivers must be completely vaccinated. At least 95% of the population within the travel zones must be fully vaccinated.

The Ministry of Health has stated that it will improve the quality of quarantine centers, treatment centers, and field hospitals in the event of hospitalization or seriously symptomatic cases for tourists. Asymptomatic and mild cases will be allowed to be quarantined and treated at their designated hotel.

All eligible tourism establishments are encouraged to submit an application to operate in the travel zones via this link .

International Borders

During Phase 1, tourists will be able to enter Laos by air via Wattay International Airport and by land across the First Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge in Vientiane Capital.

More borders will reopen in Phase 2, including Luang Prabang International Airport, Boten-Bohan border with China in Luang Namtha Province, the Third Friendship Bridge in Thakhek, the Second Friendship Bridge in Savannakhet, the Chongmek border in Pakse, the Lao Bao border with Vietnam in Savannakhet Province, and Nam Phao border (Luk Xao) with Vietnam in Bolikhamxay Province.

Safe and Clean

It is recommended that all tourism establishments in the zones be certified with the LaoSafe certification .

LaoSafe, a health and hygiene program for the tourism and hospitality sector, has received official approval from the Ministry of Health (MoH) and the Ministry of Information, Culture, and Tourism (MICT).

The LaoSafe program comprises a series of health and hygiene standards for different subsectors of the tourism and hospitality industry, including accommodation providers, food and beverage outlets, airlines, tourist attractions, tour guides, and drivers.

Procedures for Tour Companies

Tour companies and relevant businesses who wish to participate in the Green Travel Zones and Green Travel Trails must register with the Lao National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LNCCI).

Tour companies in Laos must prepare the following documentation in order to request permission for tourists to enter: a proposal from the company, a tour itinerary, hotel reservations, and copies of tourists’ passports, vaccination certificates, and tourists’ insurance policies.

These documents must be presented to the Tourism Management Department of the Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism. After approval, the documents are sent to the Immigration Police Department to process entry authorization.

Returnees and Foreign Nationals in Laos

The Ministry has not yet provided information on requirements for Lao nationals or foreign residents returning to Laos, or if the issuance of visitor visas would resume.

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Laos Travel Guide: Complete 10-Day Itinerary

Travel through Laos on an unforgettable 10-day journey. Drive through bright green paddy fields, on empty jungle roads, and only stopping to gaze at the forest-covered cliffs above. Despite sharing a border with Thailand , Cambodia , and Vietnam , Laos is still under the radar as a travel destination. Luckily this gives it serenity and peace, which is the perfect accompaniment to the natural wonders of blue lagoons, epic caves, and crashing waterfalls.

Travelling in Laos: a 10-day Itinerary

Travel in Laos at a slow pace: 10 days allows for relaxation, as well as being able to fit in all the things to see and do. If you have less time and want to do the route faster, it could be easily done in 7-8 days. Here is the day-to-day itinerary to travel in Laos.

* Note that this travel route covers northern Laos.

Day 1-4: Luang Prabang

Fly into the enchanting town of Luang Prabang . The town is a UNESCO World Heritage site due to its architectural significance and excellent preservation of spiritual practices and customs.

Read: Things to do in Luang Prabang

Discover all the stunning gold-detailed temples, surrounded by vibrant purple and pink flowers. The spirituality of the town is at dawn, during the alms-giving ceremony, where orange-robed monks march together through the streets, receiving flowers and food from the town residents.

Hotels in Luang Prabang 😴

Day 5-8: Vang Vieng

Vang Vieng is a town for adventure lovers. Limestone karsts, providing awesome hikes and panoramic viewpoints, surround the town. Hire a motorbike and drive to one of the many turquoise lagoons and caves nearby.

Read: Vang Vieng – Things to do guide

The town, nestled on the banks of the beautiful Nam Song river, provides the perfect water playground for tubing or kayaking. Fill your days with exciting activities and end them by wandering in the stunning paddy fields at sunset.

Hotels in Vang Vieng 😴

From Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng

The drive by car from Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng takes around 5 hours. Traveling in Laos is a bit difficult as the roads are not (yet) well-developed. There are plenty of shared minivans you can take from the Luang Prabang bus station, leaving either in the morning or the afternoon.

A brand-new train track has opened and now provides a faster travel alternative between destinations.

Find the train or bus timetable and tickets here

Day 9-10: Vientiane

End your Laos travels in the capital city of Vientiane! Although it has the status of a city, it feels more like a town. As a result, you will only need a day or two to see all the things to do in Vientiane. Home to the grand presidential palace and plenty of impressive temples, the city is the perfect place to get your fix of culture and history. 

Laos during the war

During the Vietnam war, 2 million tonnes of bombs were dropped on Laos. Still to this day, some remain unexploded, and many Laotians have been hurt or killed as a result.

The COPE visitor center displays artifacts and films to explain the history, and they also work to help rehabilitate victims who have been affected. A very powerful experience and an essential visit in order to better understand the history of this resilient country.

Buddha Park, Vientiane

If you have time, take the morning to travel 25km outside of the city to the incredible Buddha Park. Here you will find a park filled with over 200 giant buddha statues, all with a slightly weird and wonderful look about them. It is a 40-minute bus journey but worth it to see a more unusual attraction.

Hotels in Vientiane 😴

From Vang Vieng to Vientiane

The journey to Vientiane takes approximately 1-2 hours by minibus on the new highway. You can also opt for traveling by the new train; this takes around 2 hours to the city center.

Tip: There is also an international airport in Vientiane, so depending on whether your flight arrives into Vientiane or Luang Prabang, you can reverse this itinerary.

Costs of Traveling in Laos

The cost of travel in Laos is very cheap. This is mainly because all activities are centered around nature. For example hiking to cliff points, exploring caves, or swimming in lagoons or waterfalls. Entrance to caves, lagoons, and also to cross bridges are not normally more than 1-2 USD. On a budget, travelers can expect to spend about 10-20 USD a day. If you’re able to spend a bit more you can stay in more high-end accommodation for a very reasonable price.

Travel on a budget in Laos, from $180 − $270 USD weekly per person, mid-range $300 − $950 USD, and high-end from $930 − $1640 USD. However, costs depend on factors like accommodation, transportation, and activities. We did not include flights. Check flight prices here

• Hotels: $15 − $200 USD Check available hotels
• Hostels: $7 − $25 USD Check available hostels
• Transport: $5 − $10 USD Book public transport
• Food: $5 − $15 USD
• Activities: $5 − $10 USD See tickets & tours
• Sim: $1 − $3 USD Get an eSIM or SIM here
• Travel Insurance: $2 − $6 USD Get Travel Insurance

How to Get Around Laos

The infrastructure in Laos is not yet well developed. Roads are often dirt or unfinished which can make bus journeys slow, especially in the wet season when the roads can flood. Although this makes traveling in Laos more difficult, it is also what gives Laos its charm!

The new train between destinations is very convenient and fast but is also a lot more expensive if you are traveling on a budget.

You can travel through Laos by train or bus. Once at your destination, it is very easy to get around, either on foot or by hiring a motorbike. Songthaews are also widely available- a pick-up truck-style taxi.

Tickets: Book your train or bus tickets and flight tickets here.

Best Time to Visit Laos

To see the lagoons at their most turquoise blue, visit in the dry months between October to March. Keep in mind that October- February is the cooler part of the dry season. After this, temperatures can be hot, and the farmers start burning season in the fields which can cause the sky to be hazy and smoky.

October is a beautiful month to travel to Laos. This is just after the rainy season ends, when the rice fields will still be lush and green, the waterfalls will be running and the lagoons will be starting to look bluer.

Seasons in Laos

Laos has very different seasons, which can be difficult to navigate. You should choose which time of year you visit based on what you want to see. For instance:

Dry Season : if you are hoping for cooler temperatures, it’s a good idea to visit between October to March. However, at this time, it is likely the waterfalls may be dry and rice won’t be growing. Keep in mind that in March/April farmers begin burning season, which may create smoke that can cause problems for allergy sufferers. 

Rainy season : is from March-October and Laos sees it’s hottest temperatures in the first few months of the season. It can also be difficult to travel due to the rain and sometimes dangerous. The rice paddies will be green and luscious though, and it is the best time to see the waterfalls.

Tip: A good month to visit is October because it’s at the start of the dry season. The countryside will still be green and lush from the rainy season which has just ended.

Do I Need a Visa to Travel to Laos?

To travel to Laos, you will need to apply for an e-visa. The e-visa permits travelers to stay in Laos for 30 days and normally costs between 45 USD to 60 USD, depending on your country of residence. It is valid for single entry only to 5 different entry points in Laos and is valid for 60 days after receiving the approval letter.

Easily order your visa online here

Safety in Laos

Laos is very safe to travel in, and people are exceptionally friendly. Crime is very low, although some minor theft does occur. For this reason, it is good to carry your valuables with you, especially when you’re traveling on buses, as there have been cases of tourists having things taken from their bags.

Travel Insurance Don't forget a travel insurance for your Laos trip! Heymondo covers medical emergencies, theft, delays, cancellations, lost luggage, and more, with 24/7 worldwide assistance and medical chat. As a Salt in our Hair reader, we've got you 5% off! Check Heymondo here

Due to Laos’ history, there are still unexploded bombs in the countryside. Because of this, it is absolutely essential to always stay on the path when hiking. If you are trekking, it is essential to go with a guide.

Here’s how to:   find the right travel insurance

By purchasing through our links, you support us at no additional cost. Thank you for your support. ♥️

• Find Hotels via Booking.com
• Find a Rental Car via Sunny Cars
• Find Flights to Laos via Skyscanner
• Get a Travel Insurance via Heymondo
• Book Tours & Attractions via GetYourGuide
• Book a Bus/Train/Transfer via 12Go

9 Best Things To Do in Vang Vieng, Laos

11 best things to do in luang prabang.

Looking for more travel information? Plan a chat with us for personalised travel advice or get an answer from the Salt in our Hair Travel Community on Facebook.

Thank you so much for your detailed itinerary. I will probably follow it for my first visit to Laos. The inclusion of train details was really helpful as were the things to do in each place. Once again many thanks

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• Passports, travel and living abroad
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• Foreign travel advice

Entry requirements

This advice reflects the UK government’s understanding of current rules for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK, for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in Laos set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, send a message to the Lao Embassy London Facebook page .

Passport validity requirements

Your passport should have an ‘expiry date’ at least 6 months after the day you enter Laos.

Airlines only allow boarding of flights to and from Laos if you have 2 blank pages in your passport.

Check with your travel provider to make sure your passport and other travel documents meet their requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.

You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document, or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.

Visa requirements

Applying for a visa.

Visa on arrival is available at Vientiane’s Wattay International Airport, Luang Prabang’s and Paske airports but not at all land borders or Lao Immigration checkpoints.

You can  apply online for an e-Visa  - you must submit your application at least 3 days in advance of your entry to Laos.

Visa extensions

Tourist visas will only be extended twice in Laos. Be aware if you do not renew your visa within 90 days, you will face a fine in Lao Kip equivalent to 2,000 US Dollars, deportation to your home country and a ban on returning to Laos.

To stay longer (to work or study, for business travel or for other reasons), you must meet the Lao immigration department’s entry requirements .

Vaccination requirements

At least 8 weeks before your trip, check the vaccinations and certificates you need in TravelHealthPro’s Laos guide .

Customs rules

There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of country. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.

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Laos Travel Conditions for 2022 Reopening

Following the country’s announcement of their plans to re-open for fully vaccinated travellers starting 1 st of January 2022. Here are the conditions set by Lao government which will be implemented in three phases following the reopening scheme under two zones, namely Green Travel Zones and Green Travel Trails.

Entry Requirements

• Travellers are required to have been fully vaccinated against Covid-19 no less than 14 days prior to arrival.
• Negative RT-PCR test taken within the last 72 hours
• Health insurance policy with coverage no less than USD 50,000
• Travellers are required to download and register via the  LaoKYC and the LaoStaySafe mobile applications prior to arriving in the country, as well as uploading their relevant vaccination certification and Covid-19 test results.
• Upon arrival travellers are required to be tested for Covid-19 and placed in a 24-hour quarantine in their hotel while waiting for the results.

Initial list of countries allowed to travel to the country during the first phase includes:

• China, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea, Japan, France, United Kingdom, Germany, the Netherlands, Spain, Italy, United States, Canada, and Australia.

International Points of Entry:

• During the initial phase, travellers may enter Laos by air via Wattay International Airport and by land across the First Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge in Vientiane Capital.
• Phase 2 will include Luang Prabang International Airport, Boten-Bohan border with China in Luang Namtha Province, the Third Friendship Bridge in Thakhek, the Second Friendship Bridge in Savannakhet, the Chongmek border in Pakse, the Lao Bao border with Vietnam in Savannakhet Province, and Nam Phao border (Luk Xao) with Vietnam in Bolikhamxay Province.

For more information you may check LaoSafe or contact our General Manager for Diethelm Laos Ms. Georgie Walsh at  [email protected]

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Laos Travel Restrictions: Entry Conditions and General Advice

A trip to Laos promises visitors cultural encounters, scenic landscapes, and immersive experiences. However, like any international destination, there are certain entry travel restrictions for Laos you need to take into account before your trip

This article provides an overview of the Laos travel regulations, to ensure you're well-prepared for a smooth and hassle-free journey.

Are there any travel bans for Laos for any nationality at the moment?

Visitors to Laos can arrive from any nation. There are no travel bans currently in place for any nationalities

All remaining COVID-19 restrictions for Laos ended on December 28, 2022 . Visitors from across the globe can now enter, although they must apply for a Laos visa , unless from a visa-exempt country.

How can I find out if there are travel restrictions for my nationality?

Laos’ entry conditions largely depend on your nationality and the duration of your stay, you can find out the entry requirements to Laos for your country here . All foreign visitors are required to possess a passport with at least 6 months' validity remaining to enter Laos.

If your passport is due to expire 6 months or less from your intended arrival date, we strongly advise you to renew your passport before your trip. This reduces the likelihood of problems entering Laos at the border.

Are there any travel restrictions when applying for a visa?

Most nationalities need a visa to visit Laos no matter the length of the stay or travel purpose. It’s important to check the Laos visa policy before your trip to ensure you have the correct entry documents.

Health and Safety Precautions for Laos

When planning your trip, it's essential to stay updated on health and safety advisories for Laos . Changes in travel conditions, political unrest, or sudden weather changes are critical factors to consider.

We take a closer look at some of these considerations below.

Does the travel restrictions include being vaccinated to enter Laos?

Certain vaccinations may be recommended or required for Laos, depending on your travel plans . It's best to consult your healthcare provider for personalized advice.

Travel Insurance for Laos

While travel insurance is not a mandatory requirement for foreign travelers visiting Laos, we strongly advise that you secure a policy before embarking on your journey . This is because, as when visiting any destination, unforeseen circumstances can arise.

A comprehensive travel insurance policy can provide protection against:

• Medical emergencies
• Trip cancellations
• Lost luggage
• Stolen belongings
• Other unexpected events

When considering a policy, ensure it covers medical evacuation , given Laos' varying levels of medical facilities. Also, coverage for adventure activities is essential if you're planning to indulge in trekking or water sports.

It's always best to compare multiple insurance providers , and read reviews before you choose a policy. Make sure you check for any exclusions to find the best coverage for your trip.

Safety Measures for Laos

While Laos is generally safe for travelers, it’s essential to be cautious, particularly in remote areas . Stick to well-trodden paths and avoid venturing off into unknown territory.

Petty theft, such as bag snatching, can occur, particularly in crowded tourist spots. To mitigate the risk, avoid flashing expensive jewelry or electronics, and keep your belongings secure and within sight.

Travelers are also advised to avoid swimming in rivers due to strong currents and the presence of parasites in some areas. Stick to designated swimming areas and always heed local advice .

Political and Social Climate

While generally stable, Laos can have periodic protests and demonstrations. As such, it's advisable to stay informed about the current social and political climate .

Laotian Import and Export Restrictions

Laos has stringent customs regulations. Importation of narcotics, firearms, and ammunition is strictly prohibited.

Laos has a zero-tolerance policy towards drugs , and penalties for drug trafficking can be severe. Even possession of small amounts of drugs can lead to heavy fines and imprisonment.

Also, the export of antiques , Buddha images, and certain animal products without a special export permit is illegal. When shopping, remember that if an item seems suspicious, it probably is.

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Travel health notices, vaccines and medicines, non-vaccine-preventable diseases, stay healthy and safe.

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After Your Trip

Be aware of current health issues in Laos. Learn how to protect yourself.

Level 1 Practice Usual Precautions

• Updated   Dengue in Asia and the Pacific Islands May 16, 2024 Dengue is a risk in many parts of Asia and the Pacific Islands. Some countries are reporting increased numbers of cases of the disease. Travelers to Asia and the Pacific Islands can protect themselves by preventing mosquito bites. Destination List: Cambodia, Fiji, Indonesia, Laos, Samoa, Singapore, Sri Lanka

⇧ Top

Check the vaccines and medicines list and visit your doctor at least a month before your trip to get vaccines or medicines you may need. If you or your doctor need help finding a location that provides certain vaccines or medicines, visit the Find a Clinic page.

Routine vaccines

Recommendations.

Make sure you are up-to-date on all routine vaccines before every trip. Some of these vaccines include

• Chickenpox (Varicella)
• Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis
• Flu (influenza)
• Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)

Immunization schedules

All eligible travelers should be up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines. Please see  Your COVID-19 Vaccination  for more information. 

COVID-19 vaccine

Hepatitis A

Recommended for unvaccinated travelers one year old or older going to Laos.

Infants 6 to 11 months old should also be vaccinated against Hepatitis A. The dose does not count toward the routine 2-dose series.

Travelers allergic to a vaccine component or who are younger than 6 months should receive a single dose of immune globulin, which provides effective protection for up to 2 months depending on dosage given.

Unvaccinated travelers who are over 40 years old, immunocompromised, or have chronic medical conditions planning to depart to a risk area in less than 2 weeks should get the initial dose of vaccine and at the same appointment receive immune globulin.

Hepatitis A - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Hep A

Hepatitis B

Recommended for unvaccinated travelers younger than 60 years old traveling to Laos. Unvaccinated travelers 60 years and older may get vaccinated before traveling to Laos.

Hepatitis B - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Hep B

Japanese Encephalitis

Recommended for travelers who

• Are moving to an area with Japanese encephalitis to live
• Spend long periods of time, such as a month or more, in areas with Japanese encephalitis
• Frequently travel to areas with Japanese encephalitis

Consider vaccination for travelers

• Spending less than a month in areas with Japanese encephalitis but will be doing activities that increase risk of infection, such as visiting rural areas, hiking or camping, or staying in places without air conditioning, screens, or bed nets
• Going to areas with Japanese encephalitis who are uncertain of their activities or how long they will be there

Not recommended for travelers planning short-term travel to urban areas or travel to areas with no clear Japanese encephalitis season. 

Japanese encephalitis - CDC Yellow Book

Japanese Encephalitis Vaccine for US Children

CDC recommends that travelers going to certain areas of Laos take prescription medicine to prevent malaria. Depending on the medicine you take, you will need to start taking this medicine multiple days before your trip, as well as during and after your trip. Talk to your doctor about which malaria medication you should take.

Find  country-specific information  about malaria.

Malaria - CDC Yellow Book

Considerations when choosing a drug for malaria prophylaxis (CDC Yellow Book)

Malaria information for Laos.

Cases of measles are on the rise worldwide. Travelers are at risk of measles if they have not been fully vaccinated at least two weeks prior to departure, or have not had measles in the past, and travel internationally to areas where measles is spreading.

All international travelers should be fully vaccinated against measles with the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, including an early dose for infants 6–11 months, according to  CDC’s measles vaccination recommendations for international travel .

Measles (Rubeola) - CDC Yellow Book

Rabid dogs are commonly found in Laos. If you are bitten or scratched by a dog or other mammal while in Laos, there may be limited or no rabies treatment available. 

Consider rabies vaccination before your trip if your activities mean you will be around dogs or wildlife.

Travelers more likely to encounter rabid animals include

• Campers, adventure travelers, or cave explorers (spelunkers)
• Veterinarians, animal handlers, field biologists, or laboratory workers handling animal specimens
• Visitors to rural areas

Since children are more likely to be bitten or scratched by a dog or other animals, consider rabies vaccination for children traveling to Laos. 

Rabies - CDC Yellow Book

Recommended for most travelers, especially those staying with friends or relatives or visiting smaller cities or rural areas.

Typhoid - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Typhoid

• Avoid contaminated water

Leptospirosis

How most people get sick (most common modes of transmission)

• Touching urine or other body fluids from an animal infected with leptospirosis
• Swimming or wading in urine-contaminated fresh water, or contact with urine-contaminated mud
• Drinking water or eating food contaminated with animal urine
• Avoid contaminated water and soil

Clinical Guidance

Schistosomiasis

• Wading, swimming, bathing, or washing in contaminated freshwater streams, rivers, ponds, lakes, or untreated pools.

Avoid bug bites

Chikungunya

• Mosquito bite
• Avoid Bug Bites
• Mosquito bite
• An infected pregnant woman can spread it to her unborn baby

Airborne & droplet

Avian/bird flu.

• Being around, touching, or working with infected poultry, such as visiting poultry farms or live-animal markets
• Avoid domestic and wild poultry
• Breathing in air or accidentally eating food contaminated with the urine, droppings, or saliva of infected rodents
• Bite from an infected rodent
• Less commonly, being around someone sick with hantavirus (only occurs with Andes virus)
• Avoid rodents and areas where they live
• Avoid sick people

Tuberculosis (TB)

• Breathe in TB bacteria that is in the air from an infected and contagious person coughing, speaking, or singing.

Learn actions you can take to stay healthy and safe on your trip. Vaccines cannot protect you from many diseases in Laos, so your behaviors are important.

Eat and drink safely

Food and water standards around the world vary based on the destination. Standards may also differ within a country and risk may change depending on activity type (e.g., hiking versus business trip). You can learn more about safe food and drink choices when traveling by accessing the resources below.

• Choose Safe Food and Drinks When Traveling
• Water Treatment Options When Hiking, Camping or Traveling
• Global Water, Sanitation and Hygiene | Healthy Water
• Avoid Contaminated Water During Travel

You can also visit the Department of State Country Information Pages for additional information about food and water safety.

Prevent bug bites

Bugs (like mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas) can spread a number of diseases in Laos. Many of these diseases cannot be prevented with a vaccine or medicine. You can reduce your risk by taking steps to prevent bug bites.

What can I do to prevent bug bites?

• Cover exposed skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats.
• Use an appropriate insect repellent (see below).
• Use permethrin-treated clothing and gear (such as boots, pants, socks, and tents). Do not use permethrin directly on skin.
• Stay and sleep in air-conditioned or screened rooms.
• Use a bed net if the area where you are sleeping is exposed to the outdoors.

What type of insect repellent should I use?

• FOR PROTECTION AGAINST TICKS AND MOSQUITOES: Use a repellent that contains 20% or more DEET for protection that lasts up to several hours.
• Picaridin (also known as KBR 3023, Bayrepel, and icaridin)
• Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) or para-menthane-diol (PMD)
• 2-undecanone
• Always use insect repellent as directed.

What should I do if I am bitten by bugs?

• Avoid scratching bug bites, and apply hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion to reduce the itching.
• Check your entire body for ticks after outdoor activity. Be sure to remove ticks properly.

What can I do to avoid bed bugs?

Although bed bugs do not carry disease, they are an annoyance. See our information page about avoiding bug bites for some easy tips to avoid them. For more information on bed bugs, see Bed Bugs .

For more detailed information on avoiding bug bites, see Avoid Bug Bites .

Stay safe outdoors

If your travel plans in Laos include outdoor activities, take these steps to stay safe and healthy during your trip.

• Stay alert to changing weather conditions and adjust your plans if conditions become unsafe.
• Prepare for activities by wearing the right clothes and packing protective items, such as bug spray, sunscreen, and a basic first aid kit.
• Consider learning basic first aid and CPR before travel. Bring a travel health kit with items appropriate for your activities.
• If you are outside for many hours in heat, eat salty snacks and drink water to stay hydrated and replace salt lost through sweating.
• Protect yourself from UV radiation : use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15, wear protective clothing, and seek shade during the hottest time of day (10 a.m.–4 p.m.).
• Be especially careful during summer months and at high elevation. Because sunlight reflects off snow, sand, and water, sun exposure may be increased during activities like skiing, swimming, and sailing.
• Very cold temperatures can be dangerous. Dress in layers and cover heads, hands, and feet properly if you are visiting a cold location.

Stay safe around water

• Swim only in designated swimming areas. Obey lifeguards and warning flags on beaches.
• Practice safe boating—follow all boating safety laws, do not drink alcohol if driving a boat, and always wear a life jacket.
• Do not dive into shallow water.
• Do not swim in freshwater in developing areas or where sanitation is poor.
• Avoid swallowing water when swimming. Untreated water can carry germs that make you sick.
• To prevent infections, wear shoes on beaches where there may be animal waste.

Schistosomiasis, a parasitic infection that can be spread in fresh water, is found in Laos. Avoid swimming in fresh, unchlorinated water, such as lakes, ponds, or rivers.

Keep away from animals

Most animals avoid people, but they may attack if they feel threatened, are protecting their young or territory, or if they are injured or ill. Animal bites and scratches can lead to serious diseases such as rabies.

Follow these tips to protect yourself:

• Do not touch or feed any animals you do not know.
• Do not allow animals to lick open wounds, and do not get animal saliva in your eyes or mouth.
• Avoid rodents and their urine and feces.
• Traveling pets should be supervised closely and not allowed to come in contact with local animals.
• If you wake in a room with a bat, seek medical care immediately. Bat bites may be hard to see.

All animals can pose a threat, but be extra careful around dogs, bats, monkeys, sea animals such as jellyfish, and snakes. If you are bitten or scratched by an animal, immediately:

• Wash the wound with soap and clean water.
• Go to a doctor right away.
• Tell your doctor about your injury when you get back to the United States.

Consider buying medical evacuation insurance. Rabies is a deadly disease that must be treated quickly, and treatment may not be available in some countries.

Reduce your exposure to germs

Follow these tips to avoid getting sick or spreading illness to others while traveling:

• Wash your hands often, especially before eating.
• If soap and water aren’t available, clean hands with hand sanitizer (containing at least 60% alcohol).
• Don’t touch your eyes, nose, or mouth. If you need to touch your face, make sure your hands are clean.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
• Try to avoid contact with people who are sick.
• If you are sick, stay home or in your hotel room, unless you need medical care.

Avoid sharing body fluids

Diseases can be spread through body fluids, such as saliva, blood, vomit, and semen.

Protect yourself:

• Use latex condoms correctly.
• Do not inject drugs.
• Limit alcohol consumption. People take more risks when intoxicated.
• Do not share needles or any devices that can break the skin. That includes needles for tattoos, piercings, and acupuncture.
• If you receive medical or dental care, make sure the equipment is disinfected or sanitized.

Know how to get medical care while traveling

Plan for how you will get health care during your trip, should the need arise:

• Carry a list of local doctors and hospitals at your destination.
• Review your health insurance plan to determine what medical services it would cover during your trip. Consider purchasing travel health and medical evacuation insurance.
• Carry a card that identifies, in the local language, your blood type, chronic conditions or serious allergies, and the generic names of any medications you take.
• Some prescription drugs may be illegal in other countries. Call Laos’s embassy to verify that all of your prescription(s) are legal to bring with you.
• Bring all the medicines (including over-the-counter medicines) you think you might need during your trip, including extra in case of travel delays. Ask your doctor to help you get prescriptions filled early if you need to.

Many foreign hospitals and clinics are accredited by the Joint Commission International. A list of accredited facilities is available at their website ( www.jointcommissioninternational.org ).

In some countries, medicine (prescription and over-the-counter) may be substandard or counterfeit. Bring the medicines you will need from the United States to avoid having to buy them at your destination.

Malaria is a risk in some parts of Laos. If you are going to a risk area, fill your malaria prescription before you leave, and take enough with you for the entire length of your trip. Follow your doctor’s instructions for taking the pills; some need to be started before you leave.

Select safe transportation

Motor vehicle crashes are the #1 killer of healthy US citizens in foreign countries.

In many places cars, buses, large trucks, rickshaws, bikes, people on foot, and even animals share the same lanes of traffic, increasing the risk for crashes.

Be smart when you are traveling on foot.

• Use sidewalks and marked crosswalks.
• Pay attention to the traffic around you, especially in crowded areas.
• Remember, people on foot do not always have the right of way in other countries.

Riding/Driving

Choose a safe vehicle.

• Choose official taxis or public transportation, such as trains and buses.
• Ride only in cars that have seatbelts.
• Avoid overcrowded, overloaded, top-heavy buses and minivans.
• Avoid riding on motorcycles or motorbikes, especially motorbike taxis. (Many crashes are caused by inexperienced motorbike drivers.)
• Choose newer vehicles—they may have more safety features, such as airbags, and be more reliable.
• Choose larger vehicles, which may provide more protection in crashes.

Think about the driver.

• Do not drive after drinking alcohol or ride with someone who has been drinking.
• Consider hiring a licensed, trained driver familiar with the area.
• Arrange payment before departing.

Follow basic safety tips.

• Wear a seatbelt at all times.
• Sit in the back seat of cars and taxis.
• When on motorbikes or bicycles, always wear a helmet. (Bring a helmet from home, if needed.)
• Avoid driving at night; street lighting in certain parts of Laos may be poor.
• Do not use a cell phone or text while driving (illegal in many countries).
• Travel during daylight hours only, especially in rural areas.
• If you choose to drive a vehicle in Laos, learn the local traffic laws and have the proper paperwork.
• Get any driving permits and insurance you may need. Get an International Driving Permit (IDP). Carry the IDP and a US-issued driver's license at all times.
• Check with your auto insurance policy's international coverage, and get more coverage if needed. Make sure you have liability insurance.
• Avoid using local, unscheduled aircraft.
• If possible, fly on larger planes (more than 30 seats); larger airplanes are more likely to have regular safety inspections.
• Try to schedule flights during daylight hours and in good weather.

Medical Evacuation Insurance

If you are seriously injured, emergency care may not be available or may not meet US standards. Trauma care centers are uncommon outside urban areas. Having medical evacuation insurance can be helpful for these reasons.

Helpful Resources

Road Safety Overseas (Information from the US Department of State): Includes tips on driving in other countries, International Driving Permits, auto insurance, and other resources.

The Association for International Road Travel has country-specific Road Travel Reports available for most countries for a minimal fee.

Maintain personal security

Use the same common sense traveling overseas that you would at home, and always stay alert and aware of your surroundings.

Before you leave

• Research your destination(s), including local laws, customs, and culture.
• Monitor travel advisories and alerts and read travel tips from the US Department of State.
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) .
• Leave a copy of your itinerary, contact information, credit cards, and passport with someone at home.
• Pack as light as possible, and leave at home any item you could not replace.

While at your destination(s)

• Carry contact information for the nearest US embassy or consulate .
• Carry a photocopy of your passport and entry stamp; leave the actual passport securely in your hotel.
• Follow all local laws and social customs.
• Do not wear expensive clothing or jewelry.
• Always keep hotel doors locked, and store valuables in secure areas.
• If possible, choose hotel rooms between the 2nd and 6th floors.

Healthy Travel Packing List

Use the Healthy Travel Packing List for Laos for a list of health-related items to consider packing for your trip. Talk to your doctor about which items are most important for you.

Why does CDC recommend packing these health-related items?

It’s best to be prepared to prevent and treat common illnesses and injuries. Some supplies and medicines may be difficult to find at your destination, may have different names, or may have different ingredients than what you normally use.

If you are not feeling well after your trip, you may need to see a doctor. If you need help finding a travel medicine specialist, see Find a Clinic . Be sure to tell your doctor about your travel, including where you went and what you did on your trip. Also tell your doctor if you were bitten or scratched by an animal while traveling.

If your doctor prescribed antimalarial medicine for your trip, keep taking the rest of your pills after you return home. If you stop taking your medicine too soon, you could still get sick.

Malaria is always a serious disease and may be a deadly illness. If you become ill with a fever either while traveling in a malaria-risk area or after you return home (for up to 1 year), you should seek immediate medical attention and should tell the doctor about your travel history.

For more information on what to do if you are sick after your trip, see Getting Sick after Travel .

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The Cost of Travel in Laos: My 2024 Budget Breakdown

Laos is such an underrated country.

Sure, it doesn’t have Thailand’s beaches or Cambodia’s Angkor Wat, or even Vietnam’s food scene, but what it does have is beautiful scenery, friendly locals, wonderful architecture, and a laidback vibe. And seriously — I highly recommend visiting. Too many travellers overlook Laos, and that’s a huge mistake.

And hey, it’s inexpensive, too. While Laos is perhaps marginally pricier than Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia, it’s nothing that’s going to break the bank. Even as prices for travel have risen around the world since the pandemic, this is one country that remains very affordable to visit.

If you’re wondering how much it costs to travel in Laos, this is the post for you. I’ve been tracking every single cent I’ve spent while travelling around the world since 2011 and today, I’m excited to share how much I spent on my trips to Laos.

Let’s get started.

What to Know About Money in Laos

Laos’ currency is called the Kip (LAK) and one U.S. dollar is typically worth, um, 20,800 kip . There’s no need to worry too much about the conversion, however, as U.S. dollars are widely accepted throughout the country, as well as Thai Baht. You won’t have to pay with kip too often.

Yes, most people use U.S. dollars in Laos, so don’t be surprised to see many prices quoted in USD, although both currencies are accepted everywhere. In convenience stores and markets, you’ll most likely be quoted in kip . The ATMs dispense kip and can be found almost everywhere.

You can’t take any kip outside of Laos, so make sure you exchange any before leaving the country or you’ll be stuck with them. This also means you won’t be able to exchange your money into kip before you arrive in the country. But no worries — U.S. dollars will be more useful in Laos anyway. All of the prices in this post are quoted in USD.

How to Find Cheap Flights to Laos

If you’ll be entering Laos from anywhere outside of Southeast and East Asia, you’ll be doing so via an indirect route. Yes, direct flights to Laos simply don’t exist from Europe, the Americas, Africa, or Oceania.

To find cheap flights from any of these regions, then, my first recommendation is  Secret Flying  and my second is  Skyscanner .

Secret Flying is my number one flying trick and it’s rare for me to travel anywhere on a flight that wasn’t found through that website. It’s a flight deals site that shares some of the absolute best prices for airfare that’s recently gone on sale. It’s thanks to Secret Flying that I flew from Lisbon to Cape Town for €280 return, Rome to Japan for €350 return, London to Los Angeles for $120, and Singapore to London for $120. In short, regularly checking flights from your home country to Southeast Asia will help you save a lot of money.

First, check Secret Flying deals to Southeast Asia as a whole from the  U.S. ,  Canada ,  Australia , or  wherever else you’re from . You’ll likely be able to pick up a flight to  somewhere  nearby — most likely Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh City, Kuala Lumpur, or Singapore — for as little as  $350 return . From there, you can use  Skyscanner  to find flights to Laos.

Of course, if Secret Flying doesn’t have any great deals showing or you want to get to Laos with the least amount of hassle, you can use  Skyscanner  from the get-go. After 10 years of continuous travel, it’s my favourite way to search for flights. I love that you can look for flights from anywhere in an entire country to Laos, and that you can search for travel dates across a whole month to ensure you’re flying on the cheapest days.

As always, the more flexible your plans, the easier you’ll find it to save money on flights. If you’re happy to fly into and out of different airports, you may be able to pick up a deal (flying into Luang Prabang and out of Vientiane, for example), and if you’re happy to visit at any time of year, you’ll be able to pick and choose the best prices, too.

The Cost of Accommodation in Laos

Fun fact: the cheapest accommodation of my life was somewhere I stayed in Laos. I spent a whopping 75 U.S. cents a night to stay in a place that was… admittedly very, very grim. I absolutely wouldn’t recommend the experience, but it does show how cheap a bed for the night can be here!

When it comes to saving money on accommodation, let’s start with the options for budget travellers. If you’re backpacking through Southeast Asia on a tight budget, you’ll be impressed by how little money you can spend in this country.

The first option is hostels. Laos has hostels in all major tourist destinations, and they’re one of your best options for saving money while still making friends. I always recommend staying in hostels if you’re going to be travelling solo: I use Hostelworld to help me find the best prices and so I can check the reviews!

They’re similarly priced to elsewhere in Southeast Asia, so you can find somewhere to stay for not very much at all. You can expect to spend around  $5-10 a night for a dorm bed in a decent hostel, and  $20-30 for a private room . If you’re travelling with a friend or as part of a couple, you may find you end up spending a similar amount on a private room as for two beds in a dorm.

Housesitting is an option if you’re going to be trying to save as much money as possible but want to stay in nicer accommodation. The best option for Laos is  Trusted Housesitters , and there are usually a couple of options up for grabs in the country — although not a huge amount. Housesitting allows you to stay in somebody’s house for free, usually while taking care of their pets, and is a fantastic way to spend more time in Laos without breaking the bank.

Finally, when it comes to free accommodation, also check out WorkAway . This is a volunteering-based organisation that lists places which will give you a free stay in exchange for all kinds of work (think: teaching English, volunteering at a butterfly park, or helping to run an off-the-grid jungle farm).

Okay, but what if you’re not a budget traveller and just want to stay in a lovely, well-reviewed hotel or guesthouse that’s good value for money and has all the things you need from a place to lay your head? I’ve got you! I’ve visited Laos on all kinds of budgets, and was blown away by how much I could get for my money. For under $50 a night , you’ll be able to stay in a seriously impressive hotel.

Fan rooms are always cheaper than air conditioned rooms, so if you’re looking to save a little money and it isn’t too hot while you’re in town, go for the fan option — it’ll be about 40% less.

A note that you should ignore any accommodation-based touts. If somebody greets you off the bus or boat and tries to convince you to check out their guesthouse, don’t do it! I made this mistake in Luang Prabang and ended up staying in a place that was ranking 1298 out of 1350[!] on TripAdvisor.

After my most recent trip, here are a few of my favourite places to stay in Laos:

Luang Prabang: Sadakham Hotel ($45 per night)

The beautiful Old Town of Luang Prabang is by far the most popular place to visit in Laos, which can make hotels there quite expensive. That’s why I was so happy to find Sadakham Hotel , which was nicer than any of the other places I’ve stayed in this area, but still very reasonably priced. It’s a really peaceful spot despite being so close to the bustling old town, and my room was very clean, spacious, and modern. Breakfast was delicious (and huge!), and the staff were always friendly and happy to give restaurant recommendations or help me arrange day trips. I used the free bikes they offered to explore all around the city, and loved being so close to Mount Phou Si: I headed up there every evening for those epic sunset views!

4000 Islands: Dokchampa Guesthouse ($20 per night)

I’ve stayed in a lot of sleepy riverside places during my years in Southeast Asia, but I think Don Khon in the 4000 Islands is probably the most laid back of them all. The larger and quieter of the two main islands that tourists go to, I planned to stay for two nights on my first visit, and ended up staying for a week! Dokchampa Guesthouse was the ideal spot to relax and do a whole lot of not much for a few days: the hammocks on the balcony were the perfect spot to lie and watch the sun go down each evening with an ice-cold bottle of Beer Lao in hand. My room was huge and unusually nice for this part of Laos, and the air-con was definitely worth the extra money when it came time to sleep! There are a few good restaurants nearby, but I ended up eating at the guesthouse most nights: the local Laotian dishes that came out of the kitchen there were as good as any I had anywhere!

Vang Vieng: Vang Vieng Camellia Hotel ($26 per night)

Once an infamous backpacker hangout, Vang Vieng is now a much more chilled place for adventure sports or just enjoying the beautiful surroundings. I’ve stayed in a couple of different places here, and prefer Camellia Hotel : it’s an affordable hotel that’s right in the heart of things but on a quiet back street so there wasn’t any road noise. My room had great views of the mountains that surround the town, and was clean and more than big enough for two people. Breakfast was a simple but tasty affair, and there are a whole bunch of good restaurants within a few minutes’ walk. The hard-working staff were lovely and helpful, and we were able to rent a scooter from them to explore all around the area at a very reasonable price. I’d stay there again in a heartbeat.

The Cost of Transportation in Laos

Laos a small country, but getting around can be a pain the ass. Literally, if you’re planning to do so by minivan. And it can be time-consuming as hell if you decide to opt for the accurately-named slow boats.

If you’re on a tight budget, overland travel is always going to be least expensive, so I recommend travelling by bus or minivan, train, or boat, depending on where you’re heading. China has invested heavily in infrastructure projects in Laos recently, which if nothing else has meant the quality of the roads between some of the major centres has improved a lot in recent years.

The opening of the new railway in 2021 has also made a huge difference to how fast and comfortable it is to get around the north of the country. There are ten passenger stations, and if you’re travelling anywhere between Vientiane, Vang Vieng, and Luang Prabang, this is the best way to do it.

As an example, it now takes barely an hour to get between Vientiane and Vang Vieng on the high-speed train, versus 3-5 hours on the bus. Likewise, it’s around two hours between Vientiane and Luang Prabang, instead of a gruelling all-day journey on a bus or minivan.

If you’re heading down to Pakse and the 4000 Islands, though, or somewhere else away from the rail route, you’ll be using buses, minivans, or taxis. The condition of both the roads and the vehicles varies a lot: better on the main routes, worse (sometimes, much worse) in remote areas.

The easiest way to book both trains and buses online is with 12Go Asia, which is who I use for all my transport bookings in this part of the world.

If you have a little more cash to splash and want to cut down on some of those long, tiring travel days, you can opt to fly between destinations. I took a flight between Luang Prabang and Pakse to skip a 22-hour bus ride and it was more than worth the $60 I spent. It was under two hours by plane!

I wouldn’t recommend hiring a car in Laos. The roads are bad and dangerous, it’s tricky to get your hands on a Laotian driving license, and so it simply isn’t worth the effort and hassle it’ll take to get it all set up. Take the bus instead, or fly if you’re short on time.

You’ll find most towns and cities extremely walkable, so you can save on local transportation costs by travelling with your own two feet. Tuk-tuks are known as jumbos in Laos, and are a good option if you’re heading somewhere that’s too far to walk — expect to pay a few dollars for these. And negotiate! Always negotiate down to around 50% of the initial price, and if in doubt, walk away. If you’ve gone too low, the driver will just let you leave.

Here are several example prices from my most recent trips; they’re all correct as of March 2024.

• Vientiane to Pakse:  Overnight bus – $21
• Vientiane to Luang Prabang:  Train – $29, bus/minivan – $16
• Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng: Train – $18, bus – $18
• Pakse to 4000 Islands: Bus + boat – $11
• Luang Prabang to Huay Xai: Slow boat (two days with overnight in Pak Beng) – $30
• Pakse to Savannakhet:  Minivan – $15

The Cost of Food in Laos

Laotian food is often overlooked by travellers in Southeast Asia; mistakenly viewed as being bland and boring in comparison to fiery Thai dishes and complex Vietnamese soups. Don’t buy into the rumours: there’s plenty of delicious dishes to sink your teeth into in Laos. Also, baguettes!!!! The bread in Laos is some of the best I’ve ever had.

When in doubt, hit the streets for a tasty inexpensive treat. Street food is nearly always delicious and costs just a dollar or two . It makes saving money on food incredibly easy. If in doubt, look to the locals. They aren’t going to eat at places that will make them sick, so if you see a popular spot with a line of hungry people, that’s a good sign you should grab some of whatever they’re eating.

And as for restaurants, they’re everywhere and reasonably affordable compared to the street food goodness. A two-course meal with a beer will come to around $10 .

Speaking of beer, you can usually grab a can for around $1 — less if you’re buying it from a convenience store — so drinking is fairly cheap.

Laos’ tap water is unfortunately not safe to drink, so you’ll want to either buy bottled water or use a Steripen to safely purify the tap water and cut down on plastic. night market buffet luang prabang all can eat

In Laos, I don’t recommend cooking your own food unless you have a strict dietary requirement. Buying ingredients for meals is simply too expensive — you can easily spend  $10 or more on ingredients for a dish that you can get for $ 1 on the streets, and most accommodation doesn’t have cooking facilities anyway.

In general, I’d recommend expecting to spend around $7 a day if you’re on a tight backpacker budget eating exclusively street food, $15 a day if you’ll be occasionally eating in restaurants, and $50 a day if you plan on eating at higher-end places three times a day.

The Cost of Activities in Laos

There’s so much to keep you entertained in Laos, and even better, many of the activities are free or very cheap. In fact, I spent hardly any money on activities and entrance fees in Laos because there was so much to do that didn’t cost a Kip !

You’ll almost certainly be spending some time in Luang Prabang: it’s a popular place to visit, and one of my favourite spots in the country! There’s lots to keep you busy while you’re in town.

The temples in Luang Prabang are seriously beautiful, dwarfed only by the French colonial architecture in the Old Quarter. Expect to spend several hours just wandering through town, soaking up the vibe and taking dozens of photos.

Set your alarm for 5 a.m. one morning so that you can witness the magical morning alms-giving ceremony. Be wary of any locals that approach you during the ceremony and try to get you to participate, however — this is a scam! A, um, scam that I fell for.

When the sun starts to set, head up to the temple at the top of Mount Phousi for the best view in town! It’s not a difficult walk unless it’s an especially hot day, with steps the whole way: you can walk up from either side. There’s a small 20,000 LAK ($1) entry fee at the top.

You definitely won’t want to miss Kuang Si Falls either, which are pictured at the top of this section and are absolutely stunning. You’ll pay 25,000 LAK ($1.20 USD) to enter, and a few dollars for the tuk-tuk there and back, but it’s more than worth the money. My advice is to get there early, though, as the falls do get pretty busy from late morning onward.

Elsewhere in the country, you’ll want to head to the ridiculously chilled-out 4,000 Islands in the south. Here, your main activity will predominantly be lazing in a hammock and watching the Mekong drift by while wondering whether you can extend your stay another week. Before you head to the islands, I highly recommend a few days in the Boloven Plateau, which you can reach from Pakse. It’s a remarkably relaxed part of the country, less-visited by tourists, and well worth exploring — especially on two wheels.

Something I love to do when I travel is take tours! I always book mine through  GetYourGuide or Viator, no matter where I am in the world. Here’s an idea of the costs you can expect to be up for with these tours:

• Luang Prabang market tour with private cooking class : $92
• Guided mountain bike tour in the Luang Prabang countryside : $39
• Boloven Plateau full-day waterfall hike from Pakse : $155
• Two-Day Vang Vieng tour from Vientiane : $329

Miscellaneous Expenses for Laos

The Laotian visa: You can grab a 30-day tourist visa when you arrive for $40, providing you’re from a visa-exempt country. You can also buy a visa online at least three days in advance from the official government’s website , for $50. I crossed the border into Laos from Thailand and it was a quick, hassle-free process. Just remember to have some spare passport photos on you, as you’ll need two. I had to pay $1 at the border to get some taken, as I’d lost all of mine.

A Laos guidebook :  A good guidebook helps give you an in-depth look into Laotian culture, suggests the perfect itineraries for the amount of time you have, and offers recommendations for where to eat and what’s worth doing. I always opt for Lonely Planet guidebooks and their Laos offering is fantastic at $18 .

A Laotian SIM card: I don’t know about you, but one of my least favourite aspects of arriving in a new country is having to figure out how to get connected. Specifically: buying a local SIM card so that I have data to use while I’m in the country.

There’s locating a store that will sell you one, language barriers to deal with, various forms of ID you might need to bring, scams to navigate, and… well, it’s a headache.

This year, I started using  Airalo , which sells local e-SIM cards for travellers. What that means is that you can buy your SIM card online  before  you arrive in Laos, and then as soon as you land in the country, you can switch on your data and start using it. It’s worked flawlessly for me and now, I’ll never go back to physical SIM cards. You’ll pay  $9.50 for 1 GB of data for Laos and can also top-up through the Airalo app.

Just make sure you have an e-SIM compatible phone first — all recent iPhones and most Androids are.

If you don’t want to go down the e-SIM route, you can pick up a SIM card when you’re in the country. I recommend Unitel — you’ll need to show your passport in order to get set-up, so don’t forget to bring that with you. Speeds can be slow and coverage patchy, but it’ll still do the job.

Travel insurance : If you’ve read any of my other posts on Never Ending Footsteps, you’ll know that I’m a great believer in getting travel insurance. I’ve seen far too many Go Fund Me campaigns from destitute backpackers who are unexpectedly stranded in a foreign country after a scooter accident/being attacked/breaking a leg with no way of getting home or paying for their healthcare. If you can’t be treated in Laos, where the healthcare isn’t amazing, you’ll potentially need to be airlifted to Thailand, Singapore, or Hong Kong. These costs can quickly land you with a six-figure bill to pay at the end of it.

In short, if you can’t afford travel insurance, you can’t afford to travel.

Travel insurance  will cover you if your flight is cancelled and you need to book a new one, if your luggage gets lost and you need to replace your belongings, if you suddenly get struck down by appendicitis and have to be hospitalised, or discover a family member has died and you need to get home immediately. If you fall seriously ill, your insurance will cover the costs to fly you home to receive medical treatment. As somebody who developed an autoimmune disease that’s known to be one of the most painful conditions in the world while travelling in the U.S. , I strenuously recommend taking this seriously.

I use  SafetyWing  as my travel insurance provider, and recommend them for trips to Laos.

Firstly, they’re one of the few companies out there who will actually cover you if you contract COVID-19. On top of that, they provide worldwide coverage, don’t require you to have a return ticket, and even allow you to buy coverage after you’ve left home. If you’re on a long-term trip, you can pay monthly instead of up-front, and can cancel at any time. They’re the only travel insurance company I’ve found that covers travellers while riding scooters in Southeast Asia. Finally, they’re affordable, and have a clear, easy-to-understand pricing structure, which is always appreciated.

How Much Does it Cost to Travel in Laos?

With all that being said, how much can you expect to spend on a trip to Laos? How much should you budget if you plan to visit for a week, two weeks, or even a month?

I always end my budget breakdowns with the daily costs of my cumulative time spent within a country, as I know it’ll help you better plan out any upcoming travel expenses.

From my time in Laos, travelling on a mix of a backpacker budget with occasional mid-range splurges, my average daily costs looked like this:

Accommodation: $30/night between two ($15 per person) Transportation: $9 per day Food: $17 per day Activities: $16 per day

Total amount spent: $57 per day , plus $50 for the visa

Is the cost of travel in Laos more or less than you expected? Sound off in the comments below!

Lauren juliff.

Lauren Juliff is a published author and travel expert who founded Never Ending Footsteps in 2011. She has spent over 12 years travelling the world, sharing in-depth advice from more than 100 countries across six continents. Lauren's travel advice has been featured in publications like the BBC, Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and Cosmopolitan, and her work is read by 200,000 readers each month. Her travel memoir can be found in bookstores across the planet.

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Very useful travel information on Laos ! Thank you, Lauren ! Can I check with if you think Vientiane is worth visiting as many of my friends recommended Luang Prabang over Vientiane ? I have direct flights from my location to Vientiane and hence it is easier for me.

Yep, definitely worth visiting! It has a lovely vibe and is well-worth spending a couple of days in. If you had to choose one or the other, however, I’d choose Luang Prabang, as it has more to do and is prettier.

Thank you, Lauren. You have answered all the questions I wrote down as I started to think of my trip to Laos. I am excited about going and you have given me a great start!

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