Southeast Asia
Laos
Slow, quiet and cheap: Luang Prabang, Vang Vieng, the Mekong and limestone countryside. The China railway cuts travel times; expect limited healthcare, patchy English and a weak, inflation-hit kip.
- US travel advisoryLevel 2Exercise increased cautionDetails
- Visa22 of 198passports can visit visa-freeDetails
- CurrencyLAKUS$1 ≈ ₭22,287.30Details
- Price level23%of US prices (World Bank PPP)Details
- English2/5LimitedDetails
- PlugsType A, B, C, E, F230 V, 50 HzDetails
- Emergency1191Police 1191 · Ambulance 1195 · Fire 1190
- Tap waterNo, drink bottledDrink bottled or filtered water; many guesthouses have refill dispensers.Details
- LGBTQ+LegalQuietly tolerant, with a small scene in Vientiane and a local advocacy group, Proud To Be Us Laos.Details
- Internet60 MbpsMedian fixed broadband · mobile 45 MbpsDetails
- DrivingOn the rightCarry a 1949 IDP and your home licence; in any crash, foreigners usually pay compensation regardless of fault.
Where to go in Laos
8 places with full guides. Comfortable monthly budget for one person, rent included.
| Place | Safety | Month, comfortable | Best months | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Luang PrabangTown | 4/5 | $538–897 | Nov–Feb | 91/100 |
| Vang ViengTown | 3/5 | $404–673 | Nov–Feb | 95/100 |
| VientianeCapital city | 4/5 | $538–987 | Nov–Feb | 90/100 |
| 4000 IslandsIslands | 4/5 | $314–538 | Nov–Feb | 99/100 |
| PakseCity | 4/5 | $359–628 | Nov–Feb | 98/100 |
| Nong KhiawTown | 4/5 | $269–449 | Nov–Feb | 100/100 |
| ThakhekTown | 4/5 | $359–628 | Nov–Feb | 98/100 |
| PhonsavanTown | 4/5 | $337–583 | Nov–Mar | 99/100 |
When to visit Laos
November–February is dry and pleasant. March–April is hot with heavy smoke from burning in the north; May–October rains make rivers high and roads slow.
Good to know
Entry
- Fill in the Lao Digital Immigration Form (LDIF) within 3 days before arrival and before departure at main airports and Friendship Bridge I.
- Get an e-Visa at laoevisa.gov.la at least 5 days ahead, or a visa on arrival at main airports and borders.
- Tourist visas last 30 days and can be extended twice in-country, up to 60 extra days; overstays bring heavy fines.
- Passport needs 6 months' validity and 2 blank pages.
Laws visitors break by accident
- Sex with a Lao national outside a registered marriage is illegal; fines up to US$5,000.
- Vapes, e-cigarettes and heated tobacco are illegal to bring, buy or use.
- Drug offences carry long sentences, and trafficking can bring the death penalty.
Etiquette
- Cover shoulders and knees at temples; don't wear swimwear away from the water.
- At Luang Prabang's dawn alms giving, watch quietly from a distance without flash.
- Don't touch heads or point your feet at people or Buddha images.
- Women should not touch monks or hand things to them directly.
Tipping
Not customary; leaving small change is appreciated. Tip guides and drivers at the end of a tour.
Neighbouring countries
Sources
- US State Department travel advisory
- Lao e-Visa (Department of Immigration)
- UK FCDO travel advice: Laos
- Speedtest Global Index: Laos
- Tourism Laos
- World Bank open data
Country facts are researched by SoloSquare; advisory levels, crime, health and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.