A Complete Guide to Backpacking Laos

Laos is a country that many backpackers visit “for the sake of it” because it conveniently borders the more popular Southeast Asian countries of Thailand, Vietnam and Cambodia. Given this, lots of people choose to skip it altogether, likely under the assumption that it doesn’t compare to its more popular neighbours.

Take it from me: Laos is absolutely worth a visit.

It may be small and landlocked, but Laos is home to fascinating traditions, ancient history and delicious food. Its lush countryside will treat you to waterfalls, rice paddies, caves, mountains and lagoons, while its cities and towns are laid-back, charming and rich with character.

From the epic riverside sunsets at Vang Vieng to the incredible waterfalls at the Bolaven Plateu, this wonderful country has so much to experience.

This backpacking Laos travel guide aims to teach you everything you need to know about budget travel in this beautiful country, including the best places to visit, suggested itineraries, travel tips, typical costs and more.

Quick Laos travel tips

Currency: The official national currency of Laos is the Lao Kip but Thai Baht and US Dollars are accepted in some places. Typically, transactions over 100 USD will be charged in dollars. At the time of writing, 1 USD = 11,450 Lao Kip.

Capital: The capital city of Laos is Vientiane.

Voltage: The electrical voltage is 230V.

Language: Laos’ official language is Lao, although other languages such as Tai Daeng, Phu Thai, Tai Dam and Nyaw are also spoken.

Do I need a visa for Laos?

Citizens from the United Kingdom, Europe, United States, Canada, Australia and New Zealand do not need to acquire a visa in advance to enter Laos and can purchase one at the border. This costs about $35. Your passport must have at least two blank pages in it, and be valid for a minimum of six months. You’ll need to supply two passport photos along with the fee for your visa, so remember to bring them with you!

That being said, I would be cautious if you’re arriving overland from a neighbouring country. There are known to be scams whereby tourists have been charged excessive amounts for a visa at the border or have had to wait at the border overnight until the appropriate personnel comes to issue a visa. I would recommend acquiring an eVisa in advance to avoid complications if you’re travelling overland.

The eVisa may be used to enter Laos through the following entry points:

• Wattay International Airport
• Thai–Lao Friendship Bridge
• Luang Prabang International Airport

Both eVisas and visas acquired on arrival allow you to stay in Laos for up to 30 days. However, you are able to extend your visa twice, up to a total of 90 days. If you do want to extend your stay in Laos, you’ll need to visit the immigration office in the Ministry of Public Security Building in Vientiane.

Here is an official list from the Lao Government website listing countries whose citizens can apply for an eVisa.

Many nationalities can visit Laos visa-free for up to 30 days, including citizens from Cambodia, Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, South Korea and more.

When is the best time to go backpacking in Laos?

Laos’ weather is typically warm and dry from October to April, making this the best time to visit. However, temperatures in Laos do vary from region to region. The country has a mountainous north which can get chilly while lowland temperatures are pleasant, usually hovering between 20 and 30 Celcius. The south of Laos can reach 35 Celcius at this time of year.

The hottest months are April and May, where temperatures can reach 40 Celcius. Obviously, the weather isn’t always predictable – I visited Laos in December and it was 35 Celcius in Vientiane.

The ‘green season’ falls between May and October. During this time, you’ll experience bursts of heavy showers but these showers don’t usually last long and shouldn’t ruin your trip.

Best places to visit in Laos

Nong Khiaw

For those looking to enjoy some natural scenery away from the crowds, Nong Khiaw in northern Laos is the perfect destination. You’ll find caves, trails and waterfalls, with plenty of opportunities to go rock climbing, kayaking and trekking.

Luang Prabang

Considered by many to be the heart of Laotian culture, Luang Prabang is a spectacular city. Laos was previously colonised by the French, and this is very evident in Luang Prabang, where French charm and Laotian culture intertwine beautifully. Couple this with the hazy green mountains that surround the city, and you’ve got one hell of a destination.

As Luang Prabang is a UNESCO heritage city, you’ll find it to be full of culture and history, with temples, markets and museums galore. Wat Xieng Thong and Wat Visoun are the two best temples, in my opinion. A Night Market is on every night from 5pm onwards, so be sure to check it out for handicrafts and delicious food.

One of the most iconic things to do in Luang Prabang is to watch the early morning procession of monks. At about 6am, thousands of monks will walk the streets and accept offerings of food from locals. Foreigners can also make offerings, so be sure to pick up some bananas or sticky rice!

As the sun starts to set, I recommend you hike up Mount Phousi one evening. You’ll share the summit with lots of other tourists, but it’s worth it for the beautiful sunset view over the Mekong.

Just outside of Luang Prabang are a scattering of waterfalls and pools known as Kuang Si Falls. I was seriously impressed by just how blue the pools were, and there are lots of little hiking trails around the falls to enjoy, too.

Vang Vieng

Wild backpacker parties and booze-fuelled days on the river, to mountain biking and zip-lining in the jungle; Vang Vieng has something for everyone.

Vang Vieng used to be famous for its raging tubing parties along the river. If you’re not sure what tubing is, it’s where you float down the river in an inflatable inner tube, stopping off at riverside bars on route.

But Vang Vieng isn’t all about the party. It also has some seriously beautiful natural scenery. Hire a bicycle (or a motorbike, if you prefer) and head out into the countryside. You’ll bike past limestone karst mountains, caves, rivers and farming villages. Climb to the top of Mount Phousi to admire the view, before setting off towards a nearby lagoon to relax in the afternoon sun.

There are also a ton of fun outdoor activities to try in Vang Vieng, such as kayaking, rock climbing, zip-lining and quad biking.

Vientiane

Vientiane is incredibly laid-back and quiet – an extreme contrast from other Asian capitals such as Bangkok or Hanoi. Throughout the city, you’ll find museums, temples and interesting architectural pieces all over – I recommend a visit to Patuxai which you can climb to the top of via a stairwell for panoramic views of the city.

The promenade along the Mekong River gets quite lively as evening approaches and there’s usually a night market on. The Night Market is full of clothes, food and handmade goods – be sure to pick up some coconut pancakes and watch the sunset over the river!

I also highly recommend a visit to the COPE Centre. This is a museum that displays exhibits about the bombings from the Vietnamese war, and how Lao people are still affected by the bombs today. The museum focuses specifically on those who have lost limbs due to mines, and the incredible work in prosthetics and rehabilitation that’s being done to help them.

Pakse and the Bolaven Plateau

Pakse is a former French fort that blends Lao and European culture beautifully. Pakse is best explored at leisure, so you can enjoy the many coffee shops and markets that pepper the town.

During your time in Pakse, I recommend planning a day trip to visit the nearby ancient Khmer temples of Wat Phou. The temple complex is dedicated to the Hindu deity Shiva, and dates back to the 5th century, making it even more ancient than Angkor Wat!

I also recommend getting out of town to make a visit to the stunning Bolaven Plateau. Here, you’ll find beautiful villages, coffee plantations and waterfalls.

Thakhek

If you’re up for an adventure, head to the town of Thakhek. From here, you can complete the legendary Thakhek Loop, which is a beautiful 475 kilometre, 3-day motorbike route that’ll take you through the mountains and farmlands of central/southern Laos.

If you do choose to complete the Thakhek Loop, I recommend you stay at a hostel called Bike & Bed the night before you set off. Its convenient location is perfect for backpackers looking to explore the small town centre and prepare for the ride. It provides storage for your belongings while you’re off on the ride and the staff can give you lots of information on the Loop. It’s also a great place for solo travellers to meet travel buddies to complete the Loop with.

Si Phan Don (aka The 4000 Islands)

The 4000 Islands are beautiful and peaceful tropical islands on the Mekong River. Stay on the island of Don Det if you’re up for a bit of partying, or opt for slower-paced Don Som or Don Khong if relaxing on a hammock is more your style.

If you can will yourself away from the chilled-out atmosphere here, I suggest you visit Khonephapheng, the largest waterfall in Southeast Asia. Or, you could even find a boat to take you out onto the Mekong, where if you’re lucky, you’ll spot the rare Irrawaddy dolphins.

Sample itineraries for Laos

You could easily spend a month or more backpacking Laos, although time isn’t always on our side. Fortunately, Laos is small enough to travel around relatively quickly, meaning you can see a lot in a short space of time. Here are some sample itineraries for 1 week, 2 weeks and 1 month in Laos:

1 week (banana pancake trail)

• Luang Prabang
• Vang Vieng
• Vientiane

2 weeks (northern Laos)

• Luang Prabang
• Nong Khiaw
• Vang Vieng
• Vientiane

2 weeks (southern Laos)

• Vientiane
• Thakek
• Pakse
• Si Phan Don

1 month (complete Laos)

• Luang Prabang
• Nong Khiaw
• Vang Vieng
• Vientiane
• Thakek
• Pakse
• Si Phan Don

Costs of backpacking Laos

If you’re visiting Laos as a backpacker or budget traveller, you’ll be hard-pressed to break your bank. While Laos isn’t as cheap as neighbouring countries Vietnam and Cambodia, you can still expect low prices and great value for money.

Accommodation

Dorm rooms are typically 5-10 USD per night as standard, although cheaper rooms can be found. Popular tourist areas are more expensive, although there will be more choice. Budget hotels and guesthouses are widely available, usually starting at roughly 10 USD per night. Rural areas usually do not have hostels but are generally much cheaper, where you can find guesthouses for as low as 4 USD per night.

Food can be incredibly cheap in Laos, with street food costing as little as 1.50 USD per meal. If you eat locally, you can easily get by on 2-3 USD a day. Restaurants, particularly in tourist areas, will be a little more expensive, and restaurants selling Western food will be more expensive still. A meal at a Westernised restaurant could cost 10-15 USD.

Transport

Transport within Laos is cheap, albeit often a little slow and uncomfortable. Local buses within cities typically start at 0.60 USD and increase with distance. Tuk-tuks will be more expensive and you may need to haggle to get a fair price – I would recommend a metered taxi instead. Buses and minivans can be used to travel between cities, ranging from 10-30 USD for a 5-6 hour journey.

Activities

Laos is home to a ton of amazing, free activities. Think hiking, lounging by the river and exploring temples. However, it’s likely that you’ll want to do some activities which cost. For example, kayaking in Vang Vieng starts at about 25 USD, a day at an elephant sanctuary could cost around 100 USD and the incredible Flight of the Gibbon experience costs upward of 300 USD.

Backpacking Laos daily budget breakdown

I think 20-35 USD a day is a reasonable daily budget for backpacking Laos.

If you stay in hostels or inexpensive guesthouses, eat local food, take local transport, and go easy on the alcohol, you can get by on 20 USD per day. If you want your own private room and a little more luxury, look to spend closer to 30-35 USD per day.

Some other food and drink tips to bear in mind:

French cuisine: Laos was colonised by the French until 1953, which means that French influence can be seen all over the country – including the cuisine. You can sample French food and wine in most parts of Laos, which may or may not be a welcome break from the rice, noodles and soups of the region. Particularly in Luang Prabang, you’ll never be too far from a French cafe or bakery.

Vegetarian/vegan diet: Vegetarian and vegan options are easy to come by in Laos, but if in doubt, just order vegetables and rice – these are staple food items in Laos. You can also get your fill of fruit and fruit smoothies such as watermelon, pineapple and mango from markets all over the country.

Western food: Knowing that their target market is primarily Western tourists, restaurants selling Western food, such as pizza or pasta, will be very pricey in comparison to local food.

Water: You can’t drink from the tap in Laos, so always be sure to drink bottled water. A litre of bottled water will be roughly 0.60 USD from shops.

Alcohol: Laos’ local beer is BeerLao, which runs at about 1-1.25 USD. Lao Lao, which is a whiskey, is one of the cheapest alcohols in the world and can be found pretty much anywhere in Laos. Don’t be put off by the low price – it’s a wonderful whiskey!

Tea and coffee: Laos produces some excellent coffee; some Laotians even claim that it’s the best in the world! Those who like their coffee rich and strong might agree with this. Lao teas are a variety of green and black teas. Oolong, which has an earthy and herbal taste, is the most common.

Backpacker accommodation in Laos

In remote parts of Laos, you’ll likely only have a few options to choose from when it comes to accommodation. The options will be simple guesthouses, starting from about 4 USD per night for a double room.

However, in the popular backpacker hotspots of Luang Prabang, Vang Vieng, Vientiane and Pakse, there will be lots more choices. In general, hostels in Laos are clean, friendly, social and fantastic value for money.

In Luang Prabang, Smile Luang Prabang Hostel is a great choice.

In Vang Vieng, a highly recommend Pan’s Place. This gorgeous hostel is relaxed and friendly, with an outdoor hammock area and sweet cabins to sleep in.

If you make it as far south as Si Phan Don, I recommend the Souksan Sunset Bungalows. Located on the beachfront and boasting chilled-out vibes, this guesthouse gets you a lot of bang for your buck. It’s expensive for Laos at 15 USD per night, but it’s a good option if you’re looking to treat yourself.

Responsible travel in Laos

Laos is a conservative country, so it’s respectful to dress modestly. Both women and men should have their knees and shoulders covered, especially when visiting religious sites or remote villages.

Feet are thought to be the lowest part of the body and it is considered offensive to point your feet at someone. Be careful if you often sit with one leg resting over the knee of the other leg – as I often do – as you may be pointing your foot at someone unintentionally. You should also remove your shoes when entering private homes, Buddhist monasteries or any kind of living space.

I highly recommend you visit COPE (Cooperative Orthotic & Prosthetic Enterprise) in Vientiane to gain an understanding of the impact war still has today on the people of this peaceful country. The sheer number of unexploded bombs still poses a threat to local people and many now rely on prosthetics after being injured by bombs.

Travel safety in Laos

Laos is a very safe country to backpack through and violent crime against tourists is rare. Pickpocketing and tourist scams are the main things you’ll need to watch out for, but this is sadly the case in the majority of the world.

It’s important to note that Laos is the most heavily bombed country on the planet. From 1964 to 1973, the U.S deployed 580,000 bombing missions, resulting in 270 million (yes, million) cluster bombs being dropped on the country. An estimated 80 million of these did not explode at the time, so Laos is littered with unexploded bombs, posing a threat to people still today.

It’s unlikely that you’ll encounter unexploded bombs as a tourist – I’m sure you won’t stray that far off the beaten track. But always pay attention to signs that say an area is prohibited and if you go hiking, always stick to the marked trail. “No entry” signs and marked trails are there to keep you safe.

Travel insurance for Laos

While Laos is a very safe place to travel in, I always say that if you can’t afford travel insurance, then you can’t afford to travel. For backpacking trips, I always go with World Nomads.

And there we have it. A comprehensive guide to backpacking in Laos. Please don’t hesitate to drop a comment below if you have any questions or advice for your fellow travellers 🙂

Thank you for reading!

If you found this post useful, I’d be grateful if you would consider using the affiliate links below when planning your travels. I’ll make a small commission at no extra cost to you. This will help me to keep this blog running . Thanks for your support – Lauren.

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