How to plan a trip to Laos: a complete guide

Often overlooked by travelers who opt to visit neighboring Thailand and Vietnam, Laos — a peaceful, landlocked treasure of Southeast Asia — serves a spellbinding blend of slow-paced charm, lush landscapes and Buddhist culture. Ideal for travelers seeking off-the-beaten-path experiences, deeper cultural immersion and spiritual experiences — and for nature lovers who love the likes of jungle treks and river trips — here we share everything you need to know about how plan a trip to Laos. As a bonus, we’ve also come up with a suggested Laos itinerary to kickstart your planning process.

On balance the best time to visit Laos is between November and February, when the weather is cooler, dry, and less humid — conditions that are ideal for enjoying adventure activities in Laos’ lush jungle landscapes, immersive river cruises, and visiting temples.

Conversely, the June-September rainy season is the least favorable time to visit Laos, with heavy showers, especially in the south, likely to impact at least some of your plans. For example, downpours can cause flooding and render some rural roads impassable.

Also note that March to May can be very hot, and slash-and-burn farming in the north can impact air quality.

How long to spend in Laos

For a well-rounded Laos experience, 7-10 days is ideal for most travelers. This will give you enough time to visit the country’s highlights without feeling too rushed.

For example, with 7-10 days in Laos, you could spend a few days in Luang Prabang, exploring temples, taking a Mekong river cruise, and visiting Kuang Si Falls, followed by getting your adventure on (kayaking and hiking) in Vang Vieng for 2-3 days.

This itinerary could also include a day or two in Vientiane to see the capital’s Buddhist monuments and enjoy its laidback, welcoming café culture.

With a couple of extra days, you could explore the south, where waterfalls and friendly villages await. 

Conversely, shorter trips of 5–6 days can still be pretty rewarding if you focus on just one or two areas. For example, Luang Prabang alone can easily fill 3+ days.

Average costs of a mid-range Laos vacation 

While trip costs vary hugely depending on personal travel style, Laos is an eminently affordable country in which a modest budget goes very far.

Here’s a ballpark overview of average costs for a 7-night stay in Laos.

• Accommodation: this will be your biggest expense, with comfortable guesthouses or 3-star boutique hotels averaging $30 to $60 per night, totaling around $210 to $420 for the week.
• Food and drink: eating at a mix of local restaurants and cafés, plus a few more upscale spots will set you back just $10 to $20 per day, or $70 to $120 for the trip.
• Transport: transport costs are low in Laos, with tuk-tuks, shared minivans and buses between cities typically adding up to $50 to $100 over the week.
• Activities: a few organized excursions, entry fees to waterfalls, boat rides, and cultural experiences could amount $100 and $200 across the week.
• Miscellaneous: tips, coffee, souvenirs, or spa treatments might add another $30 to $60 to your budget.

Total: a comfortable, affordable mid-range trip to Laos can be done on under $500 if you're frugal, or up to $900 if you're more relaxed with your spending.

Do I need a visa to visit Laos?

Most travelers do need a visa to visit Laos, but the process is simple, with a visa on arrival (VOA) available for citizens of over 150 countries, including the US, UK, EU and Canada.

Issued at major land borders and airports (e.g. Luang Prabang and Vientiane), this is valid for 30 days, and extendable in-country for a fee.

You’ll need to have a passport that’s valid 6+ months, and the visa fee in cash. USD is preferred.

Alternatively, apply for an eVisa online before arrival. 

As always check visa requirements before travel as policies may change.

Safety considerations for traveling in Laos

Laos is generally safe and peaceful for tourists — it’s a low-stress, low-crime destination, and violent crime is very rare.

That said, like pretty much anywhere, bag snatching or pick-pocketing can occur in cities and touristy areas. While scams are uncommon, it’s best to agree the cost of tuk-tuk rides and boat trips before boarding.

When trekking and exploring remote areas, always stick to marked trails, especially in former conflict zones where UXOs (unexploded ordnance) remain a risk, especially in Xieng Khouang and the Plain of Jars.

Also note that mosquito-borne diseases (like dengue) are present in Laos, so use repellent, wear long sleeves, and come armed with travel insurance.

Best adventure activities in Laos

• Vang Vieng: once known for its party scene, this is now something of a hotspot for outdoor lovers — think kayaking, rock climbing, hot air ballooning, and tubing along the Nam Song River.
• Trekking in Luang Namtha: Guided hikes through jungles and hill tribe villages, with options for 1-day to multi-day treks.

Best places for wildlife and nature in Laos

• Kuang Si Falls, near Luang Prabang: stunning turquoise waterfalls and swimming pools, close to the Tat Kuang Si Bear Rescue Centre.
• Si Phan Don (4,000 Islands): these remote river islands on the Mekong are ideal for spotting Irrawaddy dolphins, cycling, and relaxing by the water.
• Nam Et-Phou Louey National Park: this remote conservation area invites visitors to learn about efforts to protect tigers and other wildlife. Night safaris are especially thrilling. 
• Gibbon Experience, Bokeo: this unforgettable eco-adventure deep in Laos’ forest offers jungle zip-lining, treehouse stays, and wildlife spotting.

Best spiritual and wellness activities in Laos

• Meditation retreats: join a silent meditation course or monk-led program in Luang Prabang, or forest monasteries like Wat Pa Phon Phao.
• Temple visits: sacred sites like the UNESCO-listed Wat Phou, a pre-Angkorian Khmer temple in Champasak, offer the chance to slow down and reconnect.
• Mekong River cruises: multi-day spiritual journeys from the Thai border to Luang Prabang often include visits to temples and remote villages.

How to get around Laos

While getting around Laos takes more time — and requires a more flexible approach — in comparison with other Southeast Asian countries, that’s somehow all part of the country’s charm.

Here's an overview of how to travel between and within top destinations.

Intercity travel

• Minivans and local buses: connecting major towns (e.g., Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng, and Vientiane to Pakse), this is the most popular option for backpackers and budget travelers. Roads can be winding, though, so consider taking motion sickness meds.
• VIP buses: as the name suggests, these are more comfortable than standard buses, especially for long-distance routes.
• Night buses: available for longer routes (e.g., Vientiane to Pakse), these often come with sleeper options.

Domestic Flights

Lao Airlines and Lao Skyway operate domestic flights between major hubs like Luang Prabang, Vientiane, Pakse, and Savannakhet. 

While flying is convenient and saves time, it’s more expensive, and routes are limited, so book early.

Boats and ferries

Taking scenic slow boat trips between Thailand and Luang Prabang, and around Si Phan Don (4,000 Islands) is a wonderful great way to see rural life (and avoid bumpy roads!).

Tuk-tuks

Tuk-tuks are widely available in cities and towns for short rides. It’s wise to negotiate prices in advance.

Motorbike rental

Though commonly available and friendly on of the pocket, use motorbikes with caution as road conditions can be tricky.

Bike rental

Ideal for exploring flat towns like Luang Prabang and Don Det (4,000 Islands).

How to get to Laos

When it comes to getting to Laos, be aware that there are no direct flights to Laos from the US or the UK, so expect to have to travel for longer.

Getting there requires a stopover in a major Asian hub, with travelers from the US typically flying to Laos via Bangkok, Seoul, Tokyo, Singapore or Hanoi.

Common carriers include Korean Air, Thai Airways, Singapore Airlines, EVA Air and Vietnam Airlines, and you’re looking at a total travel time of 20 to 30 hours, depending on layovers and your departure city.

From the UK, most flights to Laos go via Bangkok, Hanoi or Singapore, with a flight time of 15-20 hours, including one or two layovers.

Many travelers enter Laos via a short flight or overland crossing from Thailand or Vietnam.

When booking flights, be aware that Laos has three main international airports — Vientiane, Luang Prabang and Pakse.

Where to stay in Laos

Good news — even some of the best accommodation in Laos is pleasingly affordable, and you can take your pick from basic backpacker hostels, through to fancier riverside eco-lodges, and even fancier boutique hotels. 

In cities like Luang Prabang, Vientiane and Vang Vieng, you’ll find plenty of well-rated mid-range guesthouses, charming boutique hotels in colonial buildings, and luxury resorts with mountain or river views.

Prices are generally affordable, with comfortable mid-range hotels averaging $30–$60 USD a night.

In more rural areas or less-touristy towns, accommodation tends to be simpler.

Homestays are also a great way to connect with local communities, especially in villages around the Bolaven Plateau in the far south or highlands of the far north.

Our advice is to check amenities in advance — don’t assume everywhere has the likes of wi-fi, hot water and air conditioning.

For more practical information, read our Laos travel advice.

In keeping with its laidback vibe, much of Laos can be explored flexibly, which means you can seize opportunities as they arise.

That said, it’s advisable to try to book some key tours and experiences in advance, especially during the November–February dry season. 

• Luang Prabang Mekong River cruises, including trips to Pak Ou Caves and sunset dinner cruises.
• Cooking classes in Luang Prabang or Vientiane.
• Multi-day treks or kayaking trips in Nong Khiaw or the Bolaven Plateau
• Gibbon Experience, Bokeo — this unique zipline and jungle treehouse adventure has very limited space.
• Stays in luxury eco-lodges in remote areas — these often have limited rooms.
• Domestic flights, especially around holidays or festival times.

Cash is essential when traveling in Laos. While credit and debit cards are accepted at some high-end hotels, restaurants, and travel agencies in major cities like Vientiane and Luang Prabang, most everyday transactions — especially in rural areas — are cash-based.

The local currency is the Lao kip (LAK), though US dollars and Thai baht are accepted in some places.

ATMs are available in cities and tourist towns, but may have withdrawal limits, so plan ahead before you venture off the beaten track, and look to carry small denominations for markets, tuk-tuks, entry fees, and tips.

You’ll need light, breathable clothing suitable for the tropical climate, ideally items that cover shoulders and knees for temple visits. For example, have a scarf or sarong to hand.

Comfortable walking shoes or sandals are also essential, and it’s wise to bring a rain jacket or poncho especially if you’re visiting in May–October.

You’ll also want sun protection (a hat, sunglasses, and high-SPF sunscreen), insect repellent, and small first aid kit.

A light sweater might be welcomed during cooler evenings in the mountains.

If you’re planning any boat or river trips, consider getting a dry bag.

Also note that Laos uses types A, B, C, E & F plugs, so you might want a travel adapter. 

Step 7: Savor every second!

If you’ve followed our tips for how to plan a trip to Laos, you’ll be well set to enjoy an unforgettable vacation, free from stressing over, for example, how you’re going to get around, and where to stay.

If, however, the planning process sounds like too much hard work, you could have our local Laos travel experts curate your perfect Laos itinerary.