Laos
Complete Travel Guide
Laos is one of the least populated countries in Asia, with a good seven million inhabitants. There are not many big cities; the majority of the population lives in rural areas and is engaged in agriculture. Tourism has not yet fully taken off here, so the country has largely retained its authenticity.
It has recently become increasingly popular among travellers. The people are incredibly friendly and warmly welcome all travellers.
- Explore more about Laos
Popular Destinations
As the most atmospheric city in Laos, Luang Prabang offers plenty of fascinating sights.
📍Other destinations in Laos
☀️ Best Travel Time
- Huay Xai
- Nong Kiau
- Don Det
- Vang Vieng
- Vientiane
- Pakse
The conclusion is that the best time to travel to Laos is from November to February. Make sure you avoid Burning Season
🎒 Backpacking in Laos
Backpacking in Laos became possible relatively recently, as the country was isolated from the rest of the world for a long time. Only since 1990 have tourists been allowed to cross the Laos border. Since then, the country has quickly gained ground as a popular destination for travellers, mainly because of its beautiful nature and really friendly people. Even if you are travelling solo, you will never be alone, as the backpacker atmosphere is everywhere.
🗺️ Route Laos
The route through the country is fairly standard, whether you follow it from north to south or vice versa; you probably will meet the same people again. Most backpackers enter Laos by land, either from the north of Thailand or via Cambodia, the south. Via Thailand, the Slowboat is a popular way of travel among backpackers.
Once in a life time experiences
Ziplining through the jungle of Laos and sleeping in a treehouse 30 meters high!
Motorbike Loop
This multiple day trekking through Laos with a motorbike is adventurous and beautiful
Home Stay Huay Bo
Stay with a family to experience Laos in the most pure and authenthic way.
💸 Budget
The currency is Laotian Kip.
- 1 EUR is worth 22.500 KIP*
- 1 GBP is worth 26.000 KIP*
Your budget per day depends on your way of traveling. Average budget would be 32 EUR / 27 GBP per day
🛂 Visa
To visit Laos as a tourist, you can use a Visa on Arrival (VOA).
Laos offers Visa on Arrival facilities for citizens of many countries arriving by air at international airports or land border checkpoints. Citizens of Australia, Canada, the United States and European Union member countries can obtain a visa on arrival for Laos.
This is a tourist visa and allows you to stay 30 days. There are possibilities to extend your visa.
Food in Laos
As a giant foodie, I have to discuss this at length in on this website. Below some amazing dishes from Laos.
💬 Basic Laotian
Lao people generally speak enough English to communicate. The further you go from the city the less it becomes. So some words can help or, of course, Google Translate. Besides, it is of course incredibly fun to surprise the Lao people with some knowledge of their language.
- Hello = Sabaidi
- Goodbye = Lakkon
- Thank you = Khob Chai!
➕ Combine with other countries
Many travellers combine traveling in Laos with other countries. Such as Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam. These are Laos’ neighbours countries and are easy to combine and cross the border by land.
For example, you can start your trip in Thailand and cross the border into Laos via the north. And end up in Luang Prabang via slowboat. You can travel south through the whole country and then choose to go back to Thailand or continue to Cambodia. Or cross over to Vietnam.
Or the other way around. Start your journey in Vietnam and head to Laos. Or visit Cambodia first and arrive in southern Laos via Cambodia. A lot of options.
🇱🇦 Traveling in Laos
Laos has beautiful unspoilt nature. Everything in Laos is still very authentic. The locals are hugely friendly and helpful. They are incredibly happy that you are visiting their country. Everyone is incredibly relaxed and cheerful. There is a really nice atmosphere throughout the country. Besides that it is the cheapest country to visit in Southeast Asia.
❓ FAQ
Laos is generally considered a safe destination for travelers. Laos has a relatively low crime rate compared to many other countries. Violent crime against tourists is uncommon, and most visits are trouble-free. Laos has a stable political environment. Road conditions in some areas may be challenging, and traffic accidents can occur.
Laos is often considered a relatively budget-friendly destination for travelers. The cost of living and travel expenses in Laos are generally lower compared to the neighboring Southeast Asian countries. In my experience it was the cheapest country in South East Asia
The language they speak in Laos is called: Lao, or Laotian is the official language. The language is closely related to Thai. While Lao is the official language, various ethnic groups in Laos may speak their own languages or dialects. French and English are also used in some official and commercial capacities, and there is an effort to promote English language education in the country. However, in rural areas and among certain communities, local languages and dialects are more commonly spoken. Learn some Lao!
It’s advisable to avoid drinking tap water in Laos. The tap water may not be treated for consumption. It’s safer to drink bottled or filtered water. Make sure that the water you consume is from a reliable and sealed source to ensure its safety. Additionally, be cautious with ice in beverages, as it might be made from untreated water.
Yes they do! Not everyone. But there is definitely a basic knowledge of English. Communicating therefore goes quite well. Learn some words here in Laos and you can have a chat with anyone. Some older people even speak French from colonial times!
History
Laos, a hidden gem nestled in the heart of Southeast Asia, boasts a history as captivating and diverse as its landscapes. I will tell you a bit more about the history of Laos. Laos, with its ancient roots and complex history, stands as a testament to resilience and cultural richness. Laos displays resilience and cultural richness. From the wonders of Wat Phu to the struggle for independence, there is a lot involved in Laos’ history.
Currency
Lao Kip (LAK): The Kip is the official currency and is abbreviated as LAK. Banknotes come in denominations of 500, 1,000, 2,000, 5,000, 10,000, 20,000, 50,000 and 100,000 kip.
You often cannot pay by credit card, and withdrawing money yourself from an ATM can sometimes cause problems.
Religion
The religion in Laos is characterised by various faiths, with Buddhism being the dominant faith. Below is an overview of the religious landscape in Laos:
- Theravada Buddhism (60%)
- Phii Worship
- Christian
- Muslim
Geography
Laos is the only landlocked country located in Southeast Asia. It doesnt have direct acces to the sea. Laos’ diverse geography, marked by mountains, rivers, and fertile plains, contributes to its unique natural beauty and cultural richness. The Mekong River, in particular, plays a crucial role in shaping both the physical landscape and the way of life for the people of Laos.
Safety
Laos is a safe destination for travelers. But, it’s essential to keep in mind that safety conditions can change, and it’s advisable to check the latest travel advisories from reliable sources before planning a trip.
There is a relatively low crime rate in Laos compared to many other countries. Violent crime against tourists is uncommon, and most visits are trouble-free.
Laotian People
Laotian people are known for their warmth, friendliness, and hospitality. The culture in Laos places a strong emphasis on community and family ties. Visitors often find the locals to be gentle, humble, and welcoming. The pace of life is generally relaxed, reflecting the laid-back attitude of the people.
Laotians are proud of their cultural heritage, and you’ll likely encounter a sense of tranquility and respect for traditions. Buddhism plays a significant role in the lives of many Laotians, influencing their way of life, customs, and festivals.