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.
When to do this: 6 months before your trip
Stage one of your how to plan a trip to Laos journey is to give yourself plenty of time to do broad stroke research that will serve as the foundation for the fine details of your plans and itinerary.
So, alongside taking inspiration from reading up on the best things to do in Laos, here are big-picture questions to consider around six months before you’re thinking of traveling.
Factors to consider when planning a trip to Laos:
How to plan a trip to Laos step one: look at the big picture. © Shutterstock
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.
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.
Song River, Laos © Shutterstock
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.
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.
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.
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.
Plain of Jars, Laos © Shutterstock
When to do this: 4-6 months before
Step 2 of your how to plan a trip to Laos process is when you research (and decide) what you most want to see and do during your trip.
During the process, note down anything that’s of interest, perhaps pinning destinations on a digital map.
Traveling in a group? Create a shared Google Doc or Google Map so everyone can add their personal must-visit places.
What to consider when creating your Laos wish-list:
Covering a range of experience types — culture, adventure, nature and wellness — here’s an overview of the best things to do in Laos, and the best places to visit in Laos in order to enjoy them.
© Shutterstock
Wat Phra That Luang, Vientiane © Gaid Kornsilapa/Shutterstock
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.
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.
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 are widely available in cities and towns for short rides. It’s wise to negotiate prices in advance.
Though commonly available and friendly on of the pocket, use motorbikes with caution as road conditions can be tricky.
Ideal for exploring flat towns like Luang Prabang and Don Det (4,000 Islands).
Laos mountain view © Kjetil Taksdal/Shutterstock
When to start: 5 months before
Around 5 months before your trip, it’s a good idea to book your flights to Laos, and to get your accommodation sorted.
That way, you stand a better chance of securing your favored schedule and places to stay, while spreading the costs, and perhaps also saving money.
At this stage, book:
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.
Elephant in Laos' Bolaven plateau © Herbert Boeck/Shutterstock
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.
Ziplining in the Bolaven Plateau, Laos © LERDSAK THONGSAWATWONG/Shutterstock
When to do this: at least 4 months before
To make sure you don’t miss out, and to save yourself stress when you arrive, look to pre-book any must-do activities and tours for your Laos vacation.
Questions to consider and take action on: what trips, tours and experiences should be booked in advance of my trip to Laos?
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.
So, if any of the following have made it onto your Laos itinerary, we suggest booking them before you travel. That way, you stand a better chance of bagging your preferred dates, and you’ll avoid last-minute disappointments.
When to do this: 2-3 months ahead of your trip
To give yourself time to weigh up different options, it’s wise to attend to admin matters that’ll give you peace of mind and keep stress to a minimum as departure day approaches.
What to do:
The truth is, even the most well-planned trips don’t always go to plan, so you really should invest in travel insurance that covers medical emergencies, trip cancellations and lost luggage.
While wi-fi is usually available in the likes of big hotels, that’s not always the case in rural locations, and if you opt to stay in hostels or homestays.
As a result, it’s worth buying a local SIM card when you arrive, or you else arm yourself with an eSIM from someone reliable like Travelsim ahead of traveling.
Kuang Si waterfall, Luang Prabang, Laos © Ana Flasker/Shutterstock
When to do this: one week before
Around a week before your trip to Laos, take time to check you have all your documents and itinerary details to hand, get some local currency, and give thought to packing.
What to do:
It’s best to take digital and physical copies of your booking confirmations. We also suggest compiling all the details of your day-to-day itinerary — plus booking confirmations, addresses and useful contact details — into one handy document.
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.
Wat Xieng Thong buddhist temple, Luang Prabang, Laos © Shutterstock
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.
That way, all the work of booking transfers, accommodation and tours will have been handled for you. If that wasn’t enough, you’ll have access to expert support throughout your trip.
From travel safety to visa requirements, discover the best tips for visiting Laos
written by
Joanne Owen
updated 28.04.2025
