laos safe to travel

Update April 12, 2024

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Laos Travel Advisory

Travel advisory july 24, 2023, laos - level 2: exercise increased caution.

Reissued with obsolete COVID-19 page links removed.

Exercise increased caution to Laos due to  civil unrest . Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.

Reconsider travel to:

• Xaisomboun Province due to  civil unrest.

Exercise increased caution in:

• Remote areas along the border with Burma due to  crime.
• Areas of Savannakhet, Xieng Khouang, Saravane, Khammouane, Sekong, Champassak, Houaphan, Attapeu, Luang Prabang, and Vientiane provinces, as well as along Route 7 (from Route 13 to the Vietnam border), Route 9 (Savannakhet to the Vietnam border), and Route 20 (Pakse to Saravane) due to  unexploded bombs.

Read the  country information page  for additional information on travel to Laos.

If you decide to travel to Laos:    

• Do not touch unknown metal objects and avoid traveling off well-used roads, tracks, and paths due to risk of unexploded ordnance.
• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program  ( STEP ) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on  Facebook  and  Twitter.
• Review the  Country Security Report  for Laos.
• Visit the CDC page for the latest  Travel Health Information  related to your travel.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the  Traveler’s Checklist .

Xaisomboun Province – Level 3: Reconsider Travel

There is a continued threat of violence in Xaisomboun Province.

The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in Xiasomboun Province as U.S. government employees must obtain special authorization to travel there.

Visit our website for  Travel to High-Risk Areas .

Areas on the Border with Burma – Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution

Bandits, drug traffickers, and other people pursuing illegal activities operate in these areas, as do armed groups opposed to the Burmese government.

Areas of Savannakhet, Xieng Khouang, Saravane, Khammouane, Sekong, Champassak, Houaphan, Attapeu, Luang Prabang, and Vientiane provinces, as well as along Route 7 – Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution

There are large numbers of unexploded bombs in these areas left over from the Indochina War.

Travel Advisory Levels

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COVID-19: travel health notice for all travellers

Laos travel advice

Latest updates: The Need help? section was updated.

Last updated: April 16, 2024 08:01 ET

On this page

Safety and security, entry and exit requirements, laws and culture, natural disasters and climate, laos - exercise a high degree of caution.

Exercise a high degree of caution in Laos due to ongoing security concerns related to banditry, crime, spiked food and drinks, and unexploded munitions.

Xaisomboun Province - Avoid all travel

Avoid all travel to Xaisomboun Province due to the tense security situation and random shooting incidents.

Bokeo Province - Avoid non-essential travel

Avoid non-essential travel to Bokeo Province along the borders with Myanmar, Thailand and around the Golden Triangle Special Economic Zone due to criminal activity.

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Xaisomboun Province

There have been random shooting incidents near Xaisomboun town, in Xaisomboun Province, since late 2015.

If you must travel to this region despite our advisory, avoid travel after dark, be extremely cautious and follow the advice of local authorities.

Bokeo province

Criminals operate in the Golden Triangle Special Economic Zone, in the Ton Pheung district of Bokeo province bordering Thailand and Myanmar. The criminal activity includes drug and human trafficking as well as employment scams.

If you travel to this area despite the advisory:

• exercise extreme caution
• follow the instructions of local authorities

Street crime is prevalent in cities and towns, including Vientiane, Luang Prabang and Vang Vieng, and occasionally involves violence.

Bag theft occurs frequently. Thieves on motorcycles grab bags and other valuables from pedestrians, other motorcycle drivers and their passengers.

Ensure that your personal belongings, including your passport and other travel documents, are secure at all times.

Do not show signs of affluence, and avoid travelling late at night.

Break-ins at hotels and guesthouses occur. Armed robberies occur occasionally. 

Local police may not have the capacity to respond to crimes, especially at night.

Be wary of money counting scams (currency exchange). Don’t exchange large sums of money in one transaction. Get local currency from the bank or an ATM instead of a currency exchange kiosk.

Report any incident of crime or scams to the local tourist police in the jurisdiction where the incident occurred, before you leave the country.

Overseas fraud

Spiked food and drinks

Never leave your food or drinks unattended or in the care of strangers. Be wary of accepting snacks, beverages, gum or cigarettes from new acquaintances, as they may contain drugs that could put you at risk of sexual assault and robbery.

Some food and drinks, such as “happy pizzas” and “special shakes,” may contain unspecified amounts of opium and other unknown substances. These items are sold in areas frequented by tourists, particularly in Vang Vieng. While these items may be easily accessible, taking any amount of opiates can be dangerous. Foreigners, including Canadians, have died as a result of drug overdoses.

Women’s safety

Sexual assaults occur, particularly in Vientiane, Luang Prabang and Vang Vieng. Be particularly vigilant along hiking trails.

Advice for women travellers

Adventure tourism

Only undertake adventure sports, such as zip-lining and rock climbing, with a well-established and reputable company that has insurance.

Tour operators may not adhere to international standards. If you have any doubt concerning the safety of the installation or equipment, refrain from using them. Ensure that the recreational activities you choose are covered by your travel insurance. 

Exercise extreme caution and carefully consider your safety when engaging in river-based sporting activities, including in Vang Vieng. Travellers have died or been seriously injured while taking part in river-based activities such as tubing or jumping/diving into the river. River levels can fluctuate considerably and debris can make river-based activities dangerous.

If engaging in adventure tourism:

• never do so alone and always hire an experienced guide from a reputable company
• buy travel insurance that includes helicopter rescue and medical evacuation
• ensure that your physical condition is good enough to meet the challenges of your activity
• ensure that you’re properly equipped and well informed about weather and other conditions that may  pose a hazard
• inform a family member or friend of your itinerary, including when you expect to be back to camp
• know the symptoms of acute altitude sickness, which can be fatal
• obtain detailed information on each activity before setting out and do not venture off marked trails

Tourist facilities

Tourist facilities outside Vientiane and Luang Prabang are limited.

Security officials may place foreigners under surveillance. Hotel rooms, telephones, fax machines and email messages may be monitored. Personal possessions in hotel rooms may be searched.

Public transportation

Public transportation is unreliable and limited after dark. River travel is common in Laos. Safety standards are minimal. Speedboat travel is especially dangerous during the dry season (November to May). Lifejackets and helmets should be provided to and worn by passengers.

Do not travel on or across the Mekong River after dark. In some areas, the Laotian military has been known to shoot at boats after dark.

Landmines and unexploded ordnance constitute a risk across the country, particularly in the Plain of Jars, in Xiengkhouang Province, as well as in the Laotian-Vietnamese border areas, including those traversing the former Ho Chi Minh Trail. Follow the advice of local authorities, and only travel on well-used roads and paths.

Road safety

Road travel in Laos can be hazardous, as vehicles are often poorly maintained and road conditions are poor, especially during the rainy season.

Drivers have little regard for traffic regulations and do not follow safe driving practices.

Livestock often stray onto the roads, causing accidents.

Travel should be undertaken only during daylight hours.

Travellers involved in traffic accidents have been required to pay compensation for property damage or injury, regardless of who the police determine to be at fault. Laotian insurers will generally only meet a small proportion of the costs of an accident and refuse to cover compensation, which can be the largest expense.

Rental vehicles

Do not leave your passport as collateral when renting vehicles, including motorcycles. Read rental contracts thoroughly to ensure that the vehicle is correctly insured to cover damages and theft. Only rent from reputable companies, as some companies have been known to “steal” the vehicle, particularly motorcycles, and claim for the loss.

We do not make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards.

Information about foreign domestic airlines

Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.

We have obtained the information on this page from the Laotian authorities. It can, however, change at any time.

Verify this information with the  Foreign Representatives in Canada .

Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you use for travel.

Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country’s entry rules.

Regular Canadian passport

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the date you expect to leave Laos.

Passport for official travel

Different entry rules may apply.

Official travel

Passport with “X” gender identifier

While the Government of Canada issues passports with an “X” gender identifier, it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries. You might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the “X” gender identifier. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Other travel documents

Different entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Useful links

• Foreign Representatives in Canada
• Canadian passports

Tourist visa: required Business visa: required Student visa: required

Electronic tourist visas can be obtained in advance by travellers planning to enter Laos through the Wattay International Airport or the Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge I.

Tourist visas can be obtained upon arrival at Wattay International Airport, Luang Prabang International Airport, Pakse International Airport and some “international” (that is, open to all foreign nationals) border crossings. Contact the nearest Laotian embassy or consulate to confirm where you can get a tourist visa. A passport photo and US$42 are required to obtain a visa upon entry.

Electronic tourist visa – Lao Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Entry stamp

Immigration offices at some border crossings are difficult to identify. Ensure that you obtain an entry stamp into Laos. Failure to do so can result in serious fines, detention and deportation.

Travel to Xaisomboun

Travellers are required to obtain permission from local authorities prior to travel to certain parts of Xaisomboun Province. You may be refused entry to some areas of the province, particularly around Long Tieng.

Children and travel

Learn more about travelling with children .

Yellow fever

Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).

Relevant Travel Health Notices

• Global Measles Notice - 13 March, 2024
• Zika virus: Advice for travellers - 31 August, 2023
• COVID-19 and International Travel - 13 March, 2024

This section contains information on possible health risks and restrictions regularly found or ongoing in the destination. Follow this advice to lower your risk of becoming ill while travelling. Not all risks are listed below.

Consult a health care professional or visit a travel health clinic preferably 6 weeks before you travel to get personalized health advice and recommendations.

Routine vaccines

Be sure that your  routine vaccinations , as per your province or territory , are up-to-date before travelling, regardless of your destination.

Some of these vaccinations include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, varicella (chickenpox), influenza and others.

Pre-travel vaccines and medications

You may be at risk for preventable diseases while travelling in this destination. Talk to a travel health professional about which medications or vaccines may be right for you, based on your destination and itinerary. 

Yellow fever is a disease caused by a flavivirus from the bite of an infected mosquito.

Travellers get vaccinated either because it is required to enter a country or because it is recommended for their protection.

• There is no risk of yellow fever in this country.

Country Entry Requirement*

• Proof of vaccination is not required to enter this country.

Recommendation

• Vaccination is not recommended.

* It is important to note that country entry requirements may not reflect your risk of yellow fever at your destination. It is recommended that you contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the destination(s) you will be visiting to verify any additional entry requirements.

About Yellow Fever

Yellow Fever Vaccination Centres in Canada

There is a risk of hepatitis A in this destination. It is a disease of the liver. People can get hepatitis A if they ingest contaminated food or water, eat foods prepared by an infectious person, or if they have close physical contact (such as oral-anal sex) with an infectious person, although casual contact among people does not spread the virus.

Practise  safe food and water precautions and wash your hands often. Vaccination is recommended for all travellers to areas where hepatitis A is present.

Measles is a highly contagious viral disease. It can spread quickly from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.

Anyone who is not protected against measles is at risk of being infected with it when travelling internationally.

Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are fully protected against measles.

Japanese encephalitis is a viral infection that can cause swelling of the brain.  It is spread to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. Risk is very low for most travellers. Travellers at relatively higher risk may want to consider vaccination for JE prior to travelling.

Travellers are at higher risk if they will be:

• travelling long term (e.g. more than 30 days)
• making multiple trips to endemic areas
• staying for extended periods in rural areas
• visiting an area suffering a JE outbreak
• engaging in activities involving high contact with mosquitos (e.g., entomologists)

  Hepatitis B is a risk in every destination. It is a viral liver disease that is easily transmitted from one person to another through exposure to blood and body fluids containing the hepatitis B virus.  Travellers who may be exposed to blood or other bodily fluids (e.g., through sexual contact, medical treatment, sharing needles, tattooing, acupuncture or occupational exposure) are at higher risk of getting hepatitis B.

Hepatitis B vaccination is recommended for all travellers. Prevent hepatitis B infection by practicing safe sex, only using new and sterile drug equipment, and only getting tattoos and piercings in settings that follow public health regulations and standards.

 The best way to protect yourself from seasonal influenza (flu) is to get vaccinated every year. Get the flu shot at least 2 weeks before travelling.  

 The flu occurs worldwide. 

•  In the Northern Hemisphere, the flu season usually runs from November to   April.
•  In the Southern Hemisphere, the flu season usually runs between April and   October.
•  In the tropics, there is flu activity year round. 

The flu vaccine available in one hemisphere may only offer partial protection against the flu in the other hemisphere.

The flu virus spreads from person to person when they cough or sneeze or by touching objects and surfaces that have been contaminated with the virus. Clean your hands often and wear a mask if you have a fever or respiratory symptoms.

Malaria  is a serious and sometimes fatal disease that is caused by parasites spread through the bites of mosquitoes.   There is a risk of malaria in certain areas and/or during a certain time of year in this destination. 

Antimalarial medication may be recommended depending on your itinerary and the time of year you are travelling. Consult a health care professional or visit a travel health clinic before travelling to discuss your options. It is recommended to do this 6 weeks before travel, however, it is still a good idea any time before leaving.    Protect yourself from mosquito bites at all times:  • Cover your skin and use an approved insect repellent on uncovered skin.  • Exclude mosquitoes from your living area with screening and/or closed, well-sealed doors and windows. • Use insecticide-treated bed nets if mosquitoes cannot be excluded from your living area.  • Wear permethrin-treated clothing.    If you develop symptoms similar to malaria when you are travelling or up to a year after you return home, see a health care professional immediately. Tell them where you have been travelling or living. 

In this destination, rabies is commonly carried by dogs and some wildlife, including bats. Rabies is a deadly disease that spreads to humans primarily through bites or scratches from an infected animal. While travelling, take precautions , including keeping your distance from animals (including free-roaming dogs), and closely supervising children.

If you are bitten or scratched by a dog or other animal while travelling, immediately wash the wound with soap and clean water and see a health care professional. In this destination, rabies treatment may be limited or may not be available, therefore you may need to return to Canada for treatment.  

Before travel, discuss rabies vaccination with a health care professional. It may be recommended for travellers who are at high risk of exposure (e.g., occupational risk such as veterinarians and wildlife workers, children, adventure travellers and spelunkers, and others in close contact with animals). 

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious viral disease. It can spread from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.

It is recommended that all eligible travellers complete a COVID-19 vaccine series along with any additional recommended doses in Canada before travelling. Evidence shows that vaccines are very effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalization and death from COVID-19. While vaccination provides better protection against serious illness, you may still be at risk of infection from the virus that causes COVID-19. Anyone who has not completed a vaccine series is at increased risk of being infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 and is at greater risk for severe disease when travelling internationally.

Before travelling, verify your destination’s COVID-19 vaccination entry/exit requirements. Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are adequately protected against COVID-19.

Safe food and water precautions

Many illnesses can be caused by eating food or drinking beverages contaminated by bacteria, parasites, toxins, or viruses, or by swimming or bathing in contaminated water.

• Learn more about food and water precautions to take to avoid getting sick by visiting our eat and drink safely abroad page. Remember: Boil it, cook it, peel it, or leave it!
• Avoid getting water into your eyes, mouth or nose when swimming or participating in activities in freshwater (streams, canals, lakes), particularly after flooding or heavy rain. Water may look clean but could still be polluted or contaminated.
• Avoid inhaling or swallowing water while bathing, showering, or swimming in pools or hot tubs. 

Travellers' diarrhea is the most common illness affecting travellers. It is spread from eating or drinking contaminated food or water.

Risk of developing travellers' diarrhea increases when travelling in regions with poor standards of hygiene and sanitation. Practise safe food and water precautions.

The most important treatment for travellers' diarrhea is rehydration (drinking lots of fluids). Carry oral rehydration salts when travelling.

Typhoid   is a bacterial infection spread by contaminated food or water. Risk is higher among children, travellers going to rural areas, travellers visiting friends and relatives or those travelling for a long period of time.

Travellers visiting regions with a risk of typhoid, especially those exposed to places with poor sanitation, should speak to a health care professional about vaccination.  

There is a risk of schistosomiasis in this destination. Schistosomiasis is a parasitic disease caused by tiny worms (blood flukes) which can be found in freshwater (lakes, rivers, ponds, and wetlands). The worms can break the skin, and their eggs can cause stomach pain, diarrhea, flu-like symptoms, or urinary problems. Schistosomiasis mostly affects underdeveloped and r ural communities, particularly agricultural and fishing communities.

Most travellers are at low risk. Travellers should avoid contact with untreated freshwater such as lakes, rivers, and ponds (e.g., swimming, bathing, wading, ingesting). There is no vaccine or medication available to prevent infection.

Insect bite prevention

Many diseases are spread by the bites of infected insects such as mosquitoes, ticks, fleas or flies. When travelling to areas where infected insects may be present:

• Use insect repellent (bug spray) on exposed skin
• Cover up with light-coloured, loose clothes made of tightly woven materials such as nylon or polyester
• Minimize exposure to insects
• Use mosquito netting when sleeping outdoors or in buildings that are not fully enclosed

To learn more about how you can reduce your risk of infection and disease caused by bites, both at home and abroad, visit our insect bite prevention page.

Find out what types of insects are present where you’re travelling, when they’re most active, and the symptoms of the diseases they spread.

There is a risk of chikungunya in this country.  The risk may vary between regions of a country.  Chikungunya is a virus spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. Chikungunya can cause a viral disease that typically causes fever and pain in the joints. In some cases, the joint pain can be severe and last for months or years.

Protect yourself from mosquito bites at all times. There is no vaccine available for chikungunya.

• In this country,   dengue  is a risk to travellers. It is a viral disease spread to humans by mosquito bites.
• Dengue can cause flu-like symptoms. In some cases, it can lead to severe dengue, which can be fatal.
• The level of risk of dengue changes seasonally, and varies from year to year. The level of risk also varies between regions in a country and can depend on the elevation in the region.
• Mosquitoes carrying dengue typically bite during the daytime, particularly around sunrise and sunset.
• Protect yourself from mosquito bites . There is no vaccine or medication that protects against dengue.

Zika virus is a risk in this country. 

Zika virus is primarily spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. It can also be sexually transmitted. Zika virus can cause serious birth defects.

During your trip:

• Prevent mosquito bites at all times.
• Use condoms correctly or avoid sexual contact, particularly if you are pregnant.

If you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, you should discuss the potential risks of travelling to this destination with your health care provider. You may choose to avoid or postpone travel. 

For more information, see Zika virus: Pregnant or planning a pregnancy.

Animal precautions

Some infections, such as rabies and influenza, can be shared between humans and animals. Certain types of activities may increase your chance of contact with animals, such as travelling in rural or forested areas, camping, hiking, and visiting wet markets (places where live animals are slaughtered and sold) or caves.

Travellers are cautioned to avoid contact with animals, including dogs, livestock (pigs, cows), monkeys, snakes, rodents, birds, and bats, and to avoid eating undercooked wild game.

Closely supervise children, as they are more likely to come in contact with animals.

Human cases of avian influenza have been reported in this destination. Avian influenza   is a viral infection that can spread quickly and easily among birds and in rare cases it can infect mammals, including people. The risk is low for most travellers.

Avoid contact with birds, including wild, farm, and backyard birds (alive or dead) and surfaces that may have bird droppings on them. Ensure all poultry dishes, including eggs and wild game, are properly cooked.

Travellers with a higher risk of exposure include those: 

• visiting live bird/animal markets or poultry farms
• working with poultry (such as chickens, turkeys, domestic ducks)
• hunting, de-feathering, field dressing and butchering wild birds and wild mammals
• working with wild birds for activities such as research, conservation, or rehabilitation
• working with wild mammals, especially those that eat wild birds (e.g., foxes)

All eligible people are encouraged to get the seasonal influenza shot, which will protect them against human influenza viruses. While the seasonal influenza shot does not prevent infection with avian influenza, it can reduce the chance of getting sick with human and avian influenza viruses at the same time.

Person-to-person infections

Stay home if you’re sick and practise proper cough and sneeze etiquette , which includes coughing or sneezing into a tissue or the bend of your arm, not your hand. Reduce your risk of colds, the flu and other illnesses by:

•   washing your hands often
• avoiding or limiting the amount of time spent in closed spaces, crowded places, or at large-scale events (concerts, sporting events, rallies)
• avoiding close physical contact with people who may be showing symptoms of illness 

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) , HIV , and mpox are spread through blood and bodily fluids; use condoms, practise safe sex, and limit your number of sexual partners. Check with your local public health authority pre-travel to determine your eligibility for mpox vaccine.  

Tuberculosis is an infection caused by bacteria and usually affects the lungs.

For most travellers the risk of tuberculosis is low.

Travellers who may be at high risk while travelling in regions with risk of tuberculosis should discuss pre- and post-travel options with a health care professional.

High-risk travellers include those visiting or working in prisons, refugee camps, homeless shelters, or hospitals, or travellers visiting friends and relatives.

Medical services and facilities

Medical facilities throughout Laos are scarce and operate below the standards you might expect in Canada.

To obtain suitable treatment, medical evacuation to Thailand is required, except for basic medical conditions and injuries. Such evacuations are very expensive and difficult to organize, but you may have to consider leaving if you experience medical problems while in Laos.

Seek immediate assistance in Vientiane at the French Medical Clinic on Rue Simeuvang, off Khouvieng (tel. +856 21 214 150), or the Alliance International Medical Centre Route Luang Prabang, on the way to the airport (tel. +856 21 513 095).

Make sure you get travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.

Travel health and safety

You must abide by local laws.

Learn about what you should do and how we can help if you are arrested or detained abroad .

Identification

Travellers are subject to search, detention and the possibility of fines by authorities if they can’t show suitable identification, such as a passport, and for not having an entry stamp in your passport.

Always carry ID, and comply with requests to stop at checkpoints and roadblocks.

Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are strict and may include the death penalty.

Drugs, alcohol and travel

Illegal or restricted activities

Non-marital sexual relationships between foreigners and Laotian citizens are against the law, as are various forms of cohabitation with Laotian nationals. Convictions for such offences can lead to prison sentences and large fines. Improper registration of a relationship to a Laotian national can lead to similar penalties. Permission for marriage or engagement to a Laotian citizen must be submitted in a formal application to Laotian authorities.

Photography of government buildings and vehicles, as well as bridges, airfields and military installations or personnel, is prohibited. Violators may be arrested and their equipment, seized.

Laos is tolerant of a diversity of religions. Religious proselytizing or distributing of religious material, however, is strictly prohibited. Violators may be arrested or deported.

Panhandling is illegal and can lead to fines or imprisonment.

Dual citizenship

Dual citizenship is not legally recognized in Laos.

If local authorities consider you a citizen of Laos, they may refuse to grant you access to Canadian consular services. This will prevent us from providing you with those services.

Travellers with dual citizenship

International Child Abduction

The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction is an international treaty. It can help parents with the return of children who have been removed to or retained in certain countries in violation of custody rights. It does not apply between Canada and Laos.

If your child was wrongfully taken to, or is being held in Laos by an abducting parent:

• act as quickly as you can
• consult a lawyer in Canada and in Laos to explore all the legal options for the return of your child
• report the situation to the nearest Canadian government office abroad or to the Vulnerable Children’s Consular Unit at Global Affairs Canada by calling the Emergency Watch and Response Centre.

If your child was removed from a country other than Canada, consult a lawyer to determine if The Hague Convention applies.

Be aware that Canadian consular officials cannot interfere in private legal matters or in another country’s judicial affairs.

• International Child Abduction: A Guidebook for Left-Behind Parents
• Travelling with children
• Canadian embassies and consulates by destination
• Emergency Watch and Response Centre

You must carry an international driving permit.

International Driving Permit

Public displays of affection, such as kissing, whether between opposite or same-sex couples, are not considered proper or polite.

The currency is the kip (LAK).

The LAK is not easily obtained or exchanged outside of Laos. U.S. dollars and Thai baht are commonly accepted.

ATMs are widely available. Major credit cards are accepted at some international hotels and tourist establishments. Cash advances can be obtained from some banks, although the bank commission rates are high.

Typhoons and Monsoons

The rainy (monsoon) season extends from May to November. During the rainy season, provinces along the Mekong River in southern Laos are especially prone to severe rainstorms that can cause flooding and landslides, resulting in significant loss of life, extensive damage to infrastructure and hampering the provision of essential services. Keep informed of regional weather forecasts, avoid disaster areas and follow the advice of local authorities.

Tornadoes, cyclones, hurricanes, typhoons and monsoons

Local services

In case of emergency, dial:

• police: 191
• medical assistance: 195
• firefighters: 190

Consular assistance

Thailand, Cambodia, Laos

For emergency consular assistance, call the Office of the Embassy of Canada in Laos and follow the instructions. At any time, you may also contact the Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa.

The decision to travel is your choice and you are responsible for your personal safety abroad. We take the safety and security of Canadians abroad very seriously and provide credible and timely information in our Travel Advice to enable you to make well-informed decisions regarding your travel abroad.

The content on this page is provided for information only. While we make every effort to give you correct information, it is provided on an "as is" basis without warranty of any kind, expressed or implied. The Government of Canada does not assume responsibility and will not be liable for any damages in connection to the information provided.

If you need consular assistance while abroad, we will make every effort to help you. However, there may be constraints that will limit the ability of the Government of Canada to provide services.

Learn more about consular services .

Risk Levels

  take normal security precautions.

Take similar precautions to those you would take in Canada.

  Exercise a high degree of caution

There are certain safety and security concerns or the situation could change quickly. Be very cautious at all times, monitor local media and follow the instructions of local authorities.

IMPORTANT: The two levels below are official Government of Canada Travel Advisories and are issued when the safety and security of Canadians travelling or living in the country or region may be at risk.

  Avoid non-essential travel

Your safety and security could be at risk. You should think about your need to travel to this country, territory or region based on family or business requirements, knowledge of or familiarity with the region, and other factors. If you are already there, think about whether you really need to be there. If you do not need to be there, you should think about leaving.

  Avoid all travel

You should not travel to this country, territory or region. Your personal safety and security are at great risk. If you are already there, you should think about leaving if it is safe to do so.

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Laos Traveler View

Travel health notices, vaccines and medicines, non-vaccine-preventable diseases, stay healthy and safe.

• Packing List

After Your Trip

Be aware of current health issues in Laos. Learn how to protect yourself.

Level 1 Practice Usual Precautions

• Dengue in Asia and the Pacific Islands April 18, 2024 Dengue is a risk in many parts of Asia and the Pacific Islands. Some countries are reporting increased numbers of cases of the disease. Travelers to Asia and the Pacific Islands can protect themselves by preventing mosquito bites. Destination List: Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Singapore, Sri Lanka

⇧ Top

Check the vaccines and medicines list and visit your doctor at least a month before your trip to get vaccines or medicines you may need. If you or your doctor need help finding a location that provides certain vaccines or medicines, visit the Find a Clinic page.

Routine vaccines

Recommendations.

Make sure you are up-to-date on all routine vaccines before every trip. Some of these vaccines include

• Chickenpox (Varicella)
• Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis
• Flu (influenza)
• Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)

Immunization schedules

All eligible travelers should be up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines. Please see  Your COVID-19 Vaccination  for more information. 

COVID-19 vaccine

Hepatitis A

Recommended for unvaccinated travelers one year old or older going to Laos.

Infants 6 to 11 months old should also be vaccinated against Hepatitis A. The dose does not count toward the routine 2-dose series.

Travelers allergic to a vaccine component or who are younger than 6 months should receive a single dose of immune globulin, which provides effective protection for up to 2 months depending on dosage given.

Unvaccinated travelers who are over 40 years old, immunocompromised, or have chronic medical conditions planning to depart to a risk area in less than 2 weeks should get the initial dose of vaccine and at the same appointment receive immune globulin.

Hepatitis A - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Hep A

Hepatitis B

Recommended for unvaccinated travelers younger than 60 years old traveling to Laos. Unvaccinated travelers 60 years and older may get vaccinated before traveling to Laos.

Hepatitis B - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Hep B

Japanese Encephalitis

Recommended for travelers who

• Are moving to an area with Japanese encephalitis to live
• Spend long periods of time, such as a month or more, in areas with Japanese encephalitis
• Frequently travel to areas with Japanese encephalitis

Consider vaccination for travelers

• Spending less than a month in areas with Japanese encephalitis but will be doing activities that increase risk of infection, such as visiting rural areas, hiking or camping, or staying in places without air conditioning, screens, or bed nets
• Going to areas with Japanese encephalitis who are uncertain of their activities or how long they will be there

Not recommended for travelers planning short-term travel to urban areas or travel to areas with no clear Japanese encephalitis season. 

Japanese encephalitis - CDC Yellow Book

Japanese Encephalitis Vaccine for US Children

CDC recommends that travelers going to certain areas of Laos take prescription medicine to prevent malaria. Depending on the medicine you take, you will need to start taking this medicine multiple days before your trip, as well as during and after your trip. Talk to your doctor about which malaria medication you should take.

Find  country-specific information  about malaria.

Malaria - CDC Yellow Book

Considerations when choosing a drug for malaria prophylaxis (CDC Yellow Book)

Malaria information for Laos.

Cases of measles are on the rise worldwide. Travelers are at risk of measles if they have not been fully vaccinated at least two weeks prior to departure, or have not had measles in the past, and travel internationally to areas where measles is spreading.

All international travelers should be fully vaccinated against measles with the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, including an early dose for infants 6–11 months, according to  CDC’s measles vaccination recommendations for international travel .

Measles (Rubeola) - CDC Yellow Book

Rabid dogs are commonly found in Laos. If you are bitten or scratched by a dog or other mammal while in Laos, there may be limited or no rabies treatment available. 

Consider rabies vaccination before your trip if your activities mean you will be around dogs or wildlife.

Travelers more likely to encounter rabid animals include

• Campers, adventure travelers, or cave explorers (spelunkers)
• Veterinarians, animal handlers, field biologists, or laboratory workers handling animal specimens
• Visitors to rural areas

Since children are more likely to be bitten or scratched by a dog or other animals, consider rabies vaccination for children traveling to Laos. 

Rabies - CDC Yellow Book

Recommended for most travelers, especially those staying with friends or relatives or visiting smaller cities or rural areas.

Typhoid - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Typhoid

• Avoid contaminated water

Leptospirosis

How most people get sick (most common modes of transmission)

• Touching urine or other body fluids from an animal infected with leptospirosis
• Swimming or wading in urine-contaminated fresh water, or contact with urine-contaminated mud
• Drinking water or eating food contaminated with animal urine
• Avoid contaminated water and soil

Clinical Guidance

Schistosomiasis

• Wading, swimming, bathing, or washing in contaminated freshwater streams, rivers, ponds, lakes, or untreated pools.

Avoid bug bites

Chikungunya

• Mosquito bite
• Avoid Bug Bites
• Mosquito bite
• An infected pregnant woman can spread it to her unborn baby

Airborne & droplet

Avian/bird flu.

• Being around, touching, or working with infected poultry, such as visiting poultry farms or live-animal markets
• Avoid domestic and wild poultry
• Breathing in air or accidentally eating food contaminated with the urine, droppings, or saliva of infected rodents
• Bite from an infected rodent
• Less commonly, being around someone sick with hantavirus (only occurs with Andes virus)
• Avoid rodents and areas where they live
• Avoid sick people

Tuberculosis (TB)

• Breathe in TB bacteria that is in the air from an infected and contagious person coughing, speaking, or singing.

Learn actions you can take to stay healthy and safe on your trip. Vaccines cannot protect you from many diseases in Laos, so your behaviors are important.

Eat and drink safely

Food and water standards around the world vary based on the destination. Standards may also differ within a country and risk may change depending on activity type (e.g., hiking versus business trip). You can learn more about safe food and drink choices when traveling by accessing the resources below.

• Choose Safe Food and Drinks When Traveling
• Water Treatment Options When Hiking, Camping or Traveling
• Global Water, Sanitation and Hygiene | Healthy Water
• Avoid Contaminated Water During Travel

You can also visit the Department of State Country Information Pages for additional information about food and water safety.

Prevent bug bites

Bugs (like mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas) can spread a number of diseases in Laos. Many of these diseases cannot be prevented with a vaccine or medicine. You can reduce your risk by taking steps to prevent bug bites.

What can I do to prevent bug bites?

• Cover exposed skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats.
• Use an appropriate insect repellent (see below).
• Use permethrin-treated clothing and gear (such as boots, pants, socks, and tents). Do not use permethrin directly on skin.
• Stay and sleep in air-conditioned or screened rooms.
• Use a bed net if the area where you are sleeping is exposed to the outdoors.

What type of insect repellent should I use?

• FOR PROTECTION AGAINST TICKS AND MOSQUITOES: Use a repellent that contains 20% or more DEET for protection that lasts up to several hours.
• Picaridin (also known as KBR 3023, Bayrepel, and icaridin)
• Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) or para-menthane-diol (PMD)
• 2-undecanone
• Always use insect repellent as directed.

What should I do if I am bitten by bugs?

• Avoid scratching bug bites, and apply hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion to reduce the itching.
• Check your entire body for ticks after outdoor activity. Be sure to remove ticks properly.

What can I do to avoid bed bugs?

Although bed bugs do not carry disease, they are an annoyance. See our information page about avoiding bug bites for some easy tips to avoid them. For more information on bed bugs, see Bed Bugs .

For more detailed information on avoiding bug bites, see Avoid Bug Bites .

Stay safe outdoors

If your travel plans in Laos include outdoor activities, take these steps to stay safe and healthy during your trip.

• Stay alert to changing weather conditions and adjust your plans if conditions become unsafe.
• Prepare for activities by wearing the right clothes and packing protective items, such as bug spray, sunscreen, and a basic first aid kit.
• Consider learning basic first aid and CPR before travel. Bring a travel health kit with items appropriate for your activities.
• If you are outside for many hours in heat, eat salty snacks and drink water to stay hydrated and replace salt lost through sweating.
• Protect yourself from UV radiation : use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15, wear protective clothing, and seek shade during the hottest time of day (10 a.m.–4 p.m.).
• Be especially careful during summer months and at high elevation. Because sunlight reflects off snow, sand, and water, sun exposure may be increased during activities like skiing, swimming, and sailing.
• Very cold temperatures can be dangerous. Dress in layers and cover heads, hands, and feet properly if you are visiting a cold location.

Stay safe around water

• Swim only in designated swimming areas. Obey lifeguards and warning flags on beaches.
• Practice safe boating—follow all boating safety laws, do not drink alcohol if driving a boat, and always wear a life jacket.
• Do not dive into shallow water.
• Do not swim in freshwater in developing areas or where sanitation is poor.
• Avoid swallowing water when swimming. Untreated water can carry germs that make you sick.
• To prevent infections, wear shoes on beaches where there may be animal waste.

Schistosomiasis, a parasitic infection that can be spread in fresh water, is found in Laos. Avoid swimming in fresh, unchlorinated water, such as lakes, ponds, or rivers.

Keep away from animals

Most animals avoid people, but they may attack if they feel threatened, are protecting their young or territory, or if they are injured or ill. Animal bites and scratches can lead to serious diseases such as rabies.

Follow these tips to protect yourself:

• Do not touch or feed any animals you do not know.
• Do not allow animals to lick open wounds, and do not get animal saliva in your eyes or mouth.
• Avoid rodents and their urine and feces.
• Traveling pets should be supervised closely and not allowed to come in contact with local animals.
• If you wake in a room with a bat, seek medical care immediately. Bat bites may be hard to see.

All animals can pose a threat, but be extra careful around dogs, bats, monkeys, sea animals such as jellyfish, and snakes. If you are bitten or scratched by an animal, immediately:

• Wash the wound with soap and clean water.
• Go to a doctor right away.
• Tell your doctor about your injury when you get back to the United States.

Consider buying medical evacuation insurance. Rabies is a deadly disease that must be treated quickly, and treatment may not be available in some countries.

Reduce your exposure to germs

Follow these tips to avoid getting sick or spreading illness to others while traveling:

• Wash your hands often, especially before eating.
• If soap and water aren’t available, clean hands with hand sanitizer (containing at least 60% alcohol).
• Don’t touch your eyes, nose, or mouth. If you need to touch your face, make sure your hands are clean.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
• Try to avoid contact with people who are sick.
• If you are sick, stay home or in your hotel room, unless you need medical care.

Avoid sharing body fluids

Diseases can be spread through body fluids, such as saliva, blood, vomit, and semen.

Protect yourself:

• Use latex condoms correctly.
• Do not inject drugs.
• Limit alcohol consumption. People take more risks when intoxicated.
• Do not share needles or any devices that can break the skin. That includes needles for tattoos, piercings, and acupuncture.
• If you receive medical or dental care, make sure the equipment is disinfected or sanitized.

Know how to get medical care while traveling

Plan for how you will get health care during your trip, should the need arise:

• Carry a list of local doctors and hospitals at your destination.
• Review your health insurance plan to determine what medical services it would cover during your trip. Consider purchasing travel health and medical evacuation insurance.
• Carry a card that identifies, in the local language, your blood type, chronic conditions or serious allergies, and the generic names of any medications you take.
• Some prescription drugs may be illegal in other countries. Call Laos’s embassy to verify that all of your prescription(s) are legal to bring with you.
• Bring all the medicines (including over-the-counter medicines) you think you might need during your trip, including extra in case of travel delays. Ask your doctor to help you get prescriptions filled early if you need to.

Many foreign hospitals and clinics are accredited by the Joint Commission International. A list of accredited facilities is available at their website ( www.jointcommissioninternational.org ).

In some countries, medicine (prescription and over-the-counter) may be substandard or counterfeit. Bring the medicines you will need from the United States to avoid having to buy them at your destination.

Malaria is a risk in some parts of Laos. If you are going to a risk area, fill your malaria prescription before you leave, and take enough with you for the entire length of your trip. Follow your doctor’s instructions for taking the pills; some need to be started before you leave.

Select safe transportation

Motor vehicle crashes are the #1 killer of healthy US citizens in foreign countries.

In many places cars, buses, large trucks, rickshaws, bikes, people on foot, and even animals share the same lanes of traffic, increasing the risk for crashes.

Be smart when you are traveling on foot.

• Use sidewalks and marked crosswalks.
• Pay attention to the traffic around you, especially in crowded areas.
• Remember, people on foot do not always have the right of way in other countries.

Riding/Driving

Choose a safe vehicle.

• Choose official taxis or public transportation, such as trains and buses.
• Ride only in cars that have seatbelts.
• Avoid overcrowded, overloaded, top-heavy buses and minivans.
• Avoid riding on motorcycles or motorbikes, especially motorbike taxis. (Many crashes are caused by inexperienced motorbike drivers.)
• Choose newer vehicles—they may have more safety features, such as airbags, and be more reliable.
• Choose larger vehicles, which may provide more protection in crashes.

Think about the driver.

• Do not drive after drinking alcohol or ride with someone who has been drinking.
• Consider hiring a licensed, trained driver familiar with the area.
• Arrange payment before departing.

Follow basic safety tips.

• Wear a seatbelt at all times.
• Sit in the back seat of cars and taxis.
• When on motorbikes or bicycles, always wear a helmet. (Bring a helmet from home, if needed.)
• Avoid driving at night; street lighting in certain parts of Laos may be poor.
• Do not use a cell phone or text while driving (illegal in many countries).
• Travel during daylight hours only, especially in rural areas.
• If you choose to drive a vehicle in Laos, learn the local traffic laws and have the proper paperwork.
• Get any driving permits and insurance you may need. Get an International Driving Permit (IDP). Carry the IDP and a US-issued driver's license at all times.
• Check with your auto insurance policy's international coverage, and get more coverage if needed. Make sure you have liability insurance.
• Avoid using local, unscheduled aircraft.
• If possible, fly on larger planes (more than 30 seats); larger airplanes are more likely to have regular safety inspections.
• Try to schedule flights during daylight hours and in good weather.

Medical Evacuation Insurance

If you are seriously injured, emergency care may not be available or may not meet US standards. Trauma care centers are uncommon outside urban areas. Having medical evacuation insurance can be helpful for these reasons.

Helpful Resources

Road Safety Overseas (Information from the US Department of State): Includes tips on driving in other countries, International Driving Permits, auto insurance, and other resources.

The Association for International Road Travel has country-specific Road Travel Reports available for most countries for a minimal fee.

Maintain personal security

Use the same common sense traveling overseas that you would at home, and always stay alert and aware of your surroundings.

Before you leave

• Research your destination(s), including local laws, customs, and culture.
• Monitor travel advisories and alerts and read travel tips from the US Department of State.
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) .
• Leave a copy of your itinerary, contact information, credit cards, and passport with someone at home.
• Pack as light as possible, and leave at home any item you could not replace.

While at your destination(s)

• Carry contact information for the nearest US embassy or consulate .
• Carry a photocopy of your passport and entry stamp; leave the actual passport securely in your hotel.
• Follow all local laws and social customs.
• Do not wear expensive clothing or jewelry.
• Always keep hotel doors locked, and store valuables in secure areas.
• If possible, choose hotel rooms between the 2nd and 6th floors.

Healthy Travel Packing List

Use the Healthy Travel Packing List for Laos for a list of health-related items to consider packing for your trip. Talk to your doctor about which items are most important for you.

Why does CDC recommend packing these health-related items?

It’s best to be prepared to prevent and treat common illnesses and injuries. Some supplies and medicines may be difficult to find at your destination, may have different names, or may have different ingredients than what you normally use.

If you are not feeling well after your trip, you may need to see a doctor. If you need help finding a travel medicine specialist, see Find a Clinic . Be sure to tell your doctor about your travel, including where you went and what you did on your trip. Also tell your doctor if you were bitten or scratched by an animal while traveling.

If your doctor prescribed antimalarial medicine for your trip, keep taking the rest of your pills after you return home. If you stop taking your medicine too soon, you could still get sick.

Malaria is always a serious disease and may be a deadly illness. If you become ill with a fever either while traveling in a malaria-risk area or after you return home (for up to 1 year), you should seek immediate medical attention and should tell the doctor about your travel history.

For more information on what to do if you are sick after your trip, see Getting Sick after Travel .

Map Disclaimer - The boundaries and names shown and the designations used on maps do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. Approximate border lines for which there may not yet be full agreement are generally marked.

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Latest update

Exercise normal safety precautions in Laos overall.

Higher levels apply in some areas.

Laos (PDF 349.8 KB)

Asia (PDF 2.21 MB)

Local emergency contacts

Road accidents or life-threatening medical emergencies.

Call 20 5666 8825 (Vientiane Rescue Team).

Ambulance and emergency services

Call 1623 or 1624.

Other medical emergencies

Where possible, go to a hospital in Thailand.

Call 21 251 128 for the Vientiane Tourist Police.

Call 21 212 520 for the Foreigner Control Police.

Call 1191 for the regular police or visit a police station.

Advice levels

Reconsider your need to travel to Xaisomboun Province, east of Vang Vieng.

Reconsider your need to travel to Xaisomboun Province, east of Vang Vieng due to the high risk of armed attacks.

See Safety .

Exercise a high degree of caution in Bokeo Province along the border with Myanmar, Thailand and around the Golden Triangle Special Economic Zone (GTSEZ). 

Exercise a high degree of caution in Bokeo Province along the border with Myanmar, Thailand and around the Golden Triangle Special Economic Zone (GTSEZ). Criminals, drug traffickers and other people pursuing illegal activities, including employment scams, operate in these border areas.

• Opportunistic violent crime, such as robbery, occasionally occurs in urban areas. Muggings and sexual assaults are reported. Pay attention to your personal security, especially at night.
• Petty crime, such as theft and bag snatching, is common in tourist areas. Theft and violent crime increase in the lead-up to festivals, such as Lao New Year in April. Safeguard your belongings in crowded areas.
• Several fatal shootings and explosions have occurred in Xaisomboun province, east of Vang Vieng.
• Some restaurants sell food and drink containing potentially harmful drugs. Travellers have been assaulted after accepting spiked food or drinks. Some have died from drug-related incidents. Never accept food or drinks from strangers. Don't leave food or drinks unattended.
• Scams and fraud are common in Laos. 
• Exercise caution in relation to offers of employment that appear 'too good to be true'. Before signing an employment contract, verify the true nature of the work offered. Employment scams targeting foreigners have occurred in Bokeo Province along the border with Myanmar, Thailand and around the Golden Triangle Special Economic Zone (GTSEZ). 
• Some motorbike rental companies run scams that could cost you thousands of dollars. Use a well-known hire company. Don't use your passport as a deposit or guarantee. Check for skimming machines before using ATMs and keep credit cards protected at all times. 
• Protests and demonstrations are illegal in Laos. Avoid any protests, demonstrations or political activity.

Full travel advice: Safety

• The standard of medical facilities is generally poor. Medical evacuation to another country will be difficult.
• Malaria is a risk in southern provinces. Dengue is a risk everywhere in Laos, especially in the wet season from May to November. Other insect-borne diseases include Zika virus and Japanese encephalitis. Take precautions and protect yourself from disease.
• There's currently an outbreak of anthrax in Southern Laos (Champasak province). Do not eat raw or undercooked meat.
• Common waterborne, foodborne and other infectious diseases include cholera, hepatitis and tuberculosis. Drink only boiled or bottled water. Avoid raw or undercooked food.
• HIV/AIDS is more common in Laos than in Australia. Take precautions if you engage in high-risk activities. Dogs throughout Laos carry rabies. Rabies is fatal if you don't get vaccinated or don't get medical treatment quickly. See a doctor straight away if an animal scratches or bites you.
• Tropical storms, typhoons, flooding and landslides happen during the wet season from May to November. Follow the advice of local officials.

Full travel advice: Health

• Don't use or carry illegal drugs. Severe penalties for drug offences include the death sentence.
• Intimate relationships between Lao citizens and foreigners who are not married are illegal. This includes sexual relationships and living together. Marriages between Lao citizens and foreigners must be pre-approved. If you don't register a relationship, authorities could fine or jail you.
• Be careful when taking photos. It's illegal to photograph or visit military sites.
• Preaching religion without permission, including giving out religious material, is illegal. It's also illegal to visit temples or cultural sites after 10.30pm.
• Speaking or publishing material critical of Laos is illegal.
• Don't camp in public spaces, along riverbanks or near forests. Public nudity is also illegal.
• Laos doesn't recognise dual nationality. Always travel on your Australian passport.

Full travel advice: Local laws

• You can obtain visas-on-arrival and e-visas. Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. You should contact the nearest embassy or consulate of Laos for the latest details.
• The local currency is the Lao Kip (LAK). Only exchange money at official outlets. ATMs are available in major cities. High-end hotels and restaurants accept credit cards.
• Many parts of Laos have unexploded ordinance. High-risk areas include Xieng Khouang province and the Lao-Vietnamese border areas along the former Ho Chi Minh Trail. Always stay on established walking paths and roads. Don't touch unknown objects.

Lao New Year (or Pi Mai) celebrations will take place from 13 to 18 April, with large crowds expected throughout the major cities and tourist locations. Many businesses are closed over this period. Exercise precaution as there may be an increase in petty crime during major festivals.

Full travel advice: Travel

Local contacts

• The Consular Services Charter details what we can and can't do to help you overseas.
• For consular help, contact the Australian Embassy in Vientiane .
• To stay up to date with local information, follow the Embassy’s social media accounts

Full travel advice: Local contacts

Full advice

Violent opportunistic crime such as robbery occurs in Laos, including in:

• Luang Prabang
• Bokeo Province along the border with Myanmar, Thailand and around the Golden Triangle Special Economic Zone (GTSEZ).

Petty crime

Petty crime is common, especially in tourist areas. It may include:

• thieves on motorbikes snatching bags
• theft from guesthouses

In the lead-up to local festivals, there's an increase in theft and violent crime. This includes Lao New Year in April.

Thieves often operate in pairs, with one person creating a distraction while the other steals unguarded items.

Thieves sometimes target foreigners in rural and remote locations, especially along:

• Route 6 (near the town of Sam Neua, Huaphan Province)
• Route 7 (Phou Khoun to Phonsavanh)

To protect yourself against petty crime:

• carry only what you need — leave valuables in a safe location
• don't place bags or valuables in the basket of your bicycle or motorbike
• be aware of pickpockets in tourist areas and crowds

Violent crime

Local media has reported violent muggings involving guns and knives in Vientiane.

Gun ownership is illegal. However, illegal guns are sometimes used, causing deaths and injuries.

The region east of Vang Vieng in Xaisomboun province has historically seen several shooting incidents and explosions. This has led to multiple deaths and injuries, including among civilians.

To protect yourself against violent crime:

• be aware of how much alcohol you consume
• be conscious of your surroundings
• pay attention to your personal security, especially at night and when riding a bike or motorbike
• be alert to people trying to distract you

When you're out at night:

• stick to well-lit public areas, especially in tourist cities and towns
• avoid travelling alone
• use well-travelled, well-lit roads
• be alert to crime along rural roads, especially Routes 6 and 7

Drugs and drink spiking

Travellers have died from drug-related incidents in Laos.

Some food and drinks sold in popular tourist spots may contain harmful and unknown substances.

Travellers have been assaulted after accepting spiked food or drinks.

To protect yourself against spiking:

• never accept food or drinks from strangers
• never leave food or drinks unattended
• if you're not sure if something is safe to eat or drink, leave it
• if you're drinking alcohol, stick with people you trust
• look out for the people you're with

Sexual assault

Travellers have been sexually assaulted, including in Vientiane, Vang Vieng and Luang Prabang.

Learn about reducing the risk  of sexual assault overseas before you travel. Know what help is available to victims.

HIV/AIDS is more common in Laos than in Australia. If you're a victim of violent crime, especially rape, get immediate medical help. Contact the Australian Embassy in Vientiane as soon as possible. See  Local contacts .

More information:

Partying safely

Scams and fraud

Australians have reported hire companies demanding high payments for existing damage to motorbikes.

Hire companies sometimes arrange for motorbikes to be stolen from the renter. The renter is forced to pay thousands of dollars to compensate. This can amount to the value of a new motorbike plus lost earnings.

To avoid these scams:

• use a well-known vehicle hire company
• take date-stamped photos of your vehicle before you hire it to record any existing damage
• don't provide your passport as a deposit or guarantee for hiring a motorbike

ATM and credit card fraud are also common. To protect yourself against this kind of fraud:

• check for skimming machines before using ATMs
• take care not to expose your PIN
• keep your credit card in sight at all times, including during transactions
• monitor your bank statements

Employment Scams 

Employment scams have occurred in Bokeo Province along the border with Myanmar, Thailand and around the Golden Triangle Special Economic Zone (GTSEZ). 

Before signing an employment contract for work, verify the true nature of the work you're offered.

Cyber security

You may be at risk of cyber-based threats during overseas travel to any country. Digital identity theft is a growing concern. Your devices and personal data can be compromised, especially if you're connecting to Wi-Fi, using or connecting to shared or public computers, or to Bluetooth. 

Social media can also be risky in destinations where there are social or political tensions or laws that may seem unreasonable by Australian standards. Travellers have been arrested for things they have said on social media. Don't comment on local or political events on your social media. 

More information:  

• Cyber security when travelling overseas  

Civil unrest and political tension

One-off incidents of civil unrest, including armed attacks and bombings, have occurred in the past in Laos. Foreigners, including Australians, are not often targeted.

Curfews may be enforced and can include:

• spot roadside checks
• raids on premises

Always follow the advice of local authorities.

Demonstrations and protests

Protests and demonstrations are illegal in Laos. Avoid any protests, demonstrations or political activities that happen.

Public protests and events that draw large groups of people can turn violent.

Demonstrations and civil unrest

There's a low threat of terrorism in Laos. However, terrorism is a threat worldwide.

Terrorist threats

Climate and natural disasters

Laos experiences severe weather .

The rainy season is normally from May to November, bringing:

• tropical storms

The Mekong River Commission website has news on flood levels for the Mekong River.

Earthquakes and tremors have happened in the border areas of Laos, Burma and Thailand.

If there's a natural disaster :

• keep your passport in a safe, waterproof place
• keep in contact with friends and family
• monitor the media and other sources such as the Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System
• follow the advice of local authorities
• check with tour operators before going to affected areas

Tours and adventure activities

Transport and tour operators don't always follow safety and maintenance standards. This includes activities such as river tubing, zip lining, bungee jumping and riding in fast boats.

'Fast boat' river travel, in particular, can be dangerous due to:

• excessive speed
• natural hazards

If you plan to do an adventure activity :

• check if your travel insurance policy covers it
• check weather conditions, river levels and other factors that may affect safety
• cancel or change your plans if it seems unsafe
• ask about and insist on minimum safety requirements
• always use available safety gear, such as life jackets or seatbelts
• do not mix alcohol and adventure activities, especially water-based activities.

If proper safety equipment isn't available, use another provider.

Vang Vieng river activities

At Vang Vieng, Australians have been injured or killed while:

• jumping into the river
• diving into shallow water

River levels can vary during the year.

Take care when diving or jumping into the river. Debris can make it very dangerous. Do not consume excessive alcohol at riverside bars while river tubing. Australians have died doing this.

Unexploded weapons

Unexploded remnants of war are still found in many parts of Laos, particularly in:

• Xieng Khouang province (near the Plain of Jars)
• the Lao–Vietnamese border areas along the Ho Chi Minh Trail

Affected areas are often unmarked.

To stay safe:

• never stray from established walking paths and roads
• don't touch or pick up unknown metal objects

Travel insurance

Do not travel without comprehensive  travel insurance . 

Your policy needs to cover all overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation. The Australian Government won't pay for these costs.

If you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. This applies to everyone, no matter how healthy and fit you are.

If you're not insured, you may have to pay many thousands of dollars up-front for medical care.

• what activities and care your policy covers
• that your insurance covers you for the whole time you'll be away

Physical and mental health

Consider your physical and mental health before you travel, especially if you have an existing medical condition. 

See your doctor or travel clinic to:

• have a basic health check-up
• ask if your travel plans may affect your health
• plan any vaccinations you need

Do this at least 8 weeks before you leave.

If you have immediate concerns for your welfare or the welfare of another Australian, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 or contact your  nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate  to discuss counselling hotlines and services available in your location.

• General health advice
• Healthy holiday tips  (Healthdirect Australia)

Medications

Not all medication available over the counter or by prescription in Australia is available in other countries. Some may even be considered illegal or a controlled substance, even if prescribed by an Australian doctor.

If you plan to bring medication, check if it's legal in Laos  (License - Druglist).  Take enough legal medication for your trip.

Carry a copy of your prescription and a dated letter from your doctor stating:

• what the medication is
• your required dosage
• that it's for personal use

Health risks

The standard of medical facilities is generally poor, with hospital facilities outside of Vientiane extremely limited in their capabilities. Medical evacuation to another country can be difficult. Ensure you have appropriate travel insurance.

Insect-borne diseases

Malaria is a risk in southern provinces. Take precautions.

Dengue fever is endemic throughout the country and year-round. Outbreaks are common in the rainy season (May to November). There's no vaccination or specific treatment for dengue.

Other insect-borne diseases are common, especially during the rainy season. These include:

• Japanese encephalitis

Get vaccinated against Japanese encephalitis before you travel.

If you're pregnant, discuss any travel plans with your doctor. Avoid non-essential travel to areas with Zika virus. 

To protect yourself from disease:

• make sure your accommodation is insect-proof
• use insect repellent
• wear long, loose, light-coloured clothing
• consider taking anti-malaria medicine

Get medical advice if you develop a fever, muscle pain, a rash or a bad headache.

Infectious diseases

If you engage in high-risk activities, you risk catching HIV/AIDS . High-risk activities include unprotected sex and injecting drugs.

Take precautions during activities that may expose you to the virus. HIV/AIDS is more common in Laos than in Australia.

Dogs throughout Laos carry rabies .

Rabies is a deadly virus that passes to humans from mammals, such as:

Rabies is fatal if you don't get vaccinated or don't get medical treatment quickly.

Take care when dealing with any animal in Laos.

If an animal bites or scratches you:

• wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water right away
• get urgent medical help

Bird flu (avian influenza)

Human cases of avian influenza  have been confirmed.

To reduce your risk of infection:

• avoid contact with infected birds, including at live bird markets
• wash your hands after handling uncooked poultry and eggs
• cook poultry and eggs thoroughly before eating

There's currently an outbreak of anthrax in Southern Laos (Champasak province). Avoid dead animals or carcasses. Purchase meat from reputable sources, and do not eat raw or undercooked meat. Avoid animal products that could have been sourced from animals that may have died of natural causes. If you suspect that you may have come into contact with anthrax, seek urgent medical advice.

Other health risks

Waterborne, food-borne and other infectious diseases are common. They include:

• tuberculosis
• bilharzia (schistosomiasis)

Serious outbreaks sometimes occur.

To protect yourself from illness:

• drink boiled or bottled water
• avoid ice cubes
• avoid raw and undercooked food, such as salads
• don't swim in fresh water

Get medical advice if you develop a fever or diarrhoea.

Medical care

Medical facilities.

Medical facilities are generally basic in Laos. Hospitals don't provide meals for patients.

Many doctors and hospitals require a cash payment before providing services, even for emergency care.

Avoid local provincial medical facilities if you can. Travel to medical services in Vientiane or Thailand instead.

If you become seriously ill or injured, you'll need to seek evacuation to another country, such as Thailand. Medical evacuation can be very expensive.

You're subject to all local laws and penalties, including those that may appear harsh by Australian standards. Research local laws before travelling.

If you're arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you under our Consular Services Charter . But we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.

Penalties for drug offences are severe and include the death penalty.

Carrying or using drugs

Surrogacy and adoption

If you're visiting Laos for paid surrogacy or adoption, get legal advice first.

• Going overseas for international surrogacy
• Going overseas to adopt a child

Intimate relationships

Intimate relationships between Lao citizens and foreigners who are not married are illegal. This includes sexual relationships and living together.

Marriages between Lao citizens and foreigners must be pre-approved by Lao authorities. This is the case if you are in Laos or another country.

Marriage certificates issued outside of Laos need to be checked by a Lao embassy. This needs to happen in the country where the marriage took place.

If you don't register a relationship, authorities could fine you or send you to prison.

The death penalty can result from serious crimes such as:

• drug possession

Activities that are illegal in Laos include:

• taking photos of or visiting military sites
• making false statements to police
• wildlife trafficking
• damaging public property
• nudity in public or religious places

It's also illegal to:

• preach religion, including passing out religious material, without permission
• visit temples or other religious or cultural sites after 10:30pm
• speak or publish material against Laos

It's also illegal to sleep or camp in:

• public spaces
• areas along riverbanks
• near forests

In some areas night-time curfews apply after certain hours. Pay close attention to your personal security at all times and follow the instructions from security forces.

Curfews may be enforced with short notice or without notice and can include roadblocks, spot roadside checks and occasional raids on premises.

Australian laws

Some Australian criminal laws still apply when you're overseas. If you break these laws, you may face prosecution in Australia.

Staying within the law and respecting customs

Dual citizenship

Laos doesn't recognise dual nationality. If you're a dual citizen, this may limit the consular services  we can give if you're arrested or detained.

Always travel on your Australian passport .

Dual nationals

Visas and border measures

Every country or territory decides who can enter or leave through its borders. For specific information about the evidence you'll need to enter a foreign destination, check with the nearest embassy, consulate or immigration department of the destination you're entering. 

You can, for a fee, obtain visas-on-arrival and e-visas.

Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. Contact the nearest  embassy or consulate of Laos  for details about visas, currency, customs and quarantine rules.

Department of Immigration of Laos

Departing Laos

If your return journey to Australia transits another country, you should check Smartraveller and your airline for advice on transiting.

Other formalities

Only use official border crossing points to enter Laos.

Make sure you get an entry stamp on arrival. If you don't, authorities could fine or detain you.

Some countries won't let you enter unless your passport is valid for 6 months after you plan to leave that country. This can apply even if you're just transiting or stopping over.

Some foreign governments and airlines apply the rule inconsistently. Travellers can receive conflicting advice from different sources.

You can end up stranded if your passport is not valid for more than 6 months.

The Australian Government does not set these rules. Check your passport's expiry date before you travel. If you're not sure it'll be valid for long enough, consider getting a new passport .

Lost or stolen passport

Your passport is a valuable document. It's attractive to people who may try to use your identity to commit crimes.

Some people may try to trick you into giving them your passport. Always keep it in a safe place.

If your passport is lost or stolen, tell the Australian Government as soon as possible:

• In Australia, contact the Australian Passport Information Service .
• If you're overseas, contact the nearest Australian embassy or consulate .

If your passport is lost or stolen in Laos, you also need to:

• get a police report from the nearest police station
• show the police report to the Department of Immigration of Laos in Vientiane to get a Certificate of Loss
• get a replacement passport at the Australian Embassy in Vientiane
• get an exit visa from the Lao Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Vientiane (which can take 2 working days)

If you don't take all these steps, immigration authorities could fine or detain you.

Passport with 'X' gender identifier

Although Australian passports comply with international standards for sex and gender, we can't guarantee that a passport showing 'X' in the sex field will be accepted for entry or transit by another country. Contact the nearest  embassy, high commission or consulate of your destination  before you arrive at the border to confirm if authorities will accept passports with 'X' gender markers. 

• LGBTI travellers  

The local currency is the Lao Kip (LAK).

You can't buy or exchange Lao Kip outside Laos. Only exchange money at official outlets.

ATMs are available in major cities in Laos, including:

High-end hotels and restaurants accept credit cards.

Contact your bank to ensure your cards will work in Laos.

Local travel

Lao new year, mekong riverbank, vientiane.

The Mekong Riverbank in Vientiane is a border of Laos and Thailand. It's a known smuggling route. Lao and Thai border security strictly patrol it. Anyone suspected of smuggling will be questioned and may be detained.

Take extra care along the Mekong Riverbank in Vientiane.

The riverbank has a 10.30pm curfew. If you're in the area after 10.30pm, you could face:

• questioning

Driving permits

You can drive in Laos with a valid:

• International Driving Permit (IDP). An Australian driver's licence is not valid

You must get your IDP before leaving Australia.

Australian Embassy, Vientiane

Road travel.

Road travel in Laos can be dangerous. Hazards include:

• poorly maintained roads and vehicles
• local driving practices and drink driving
• livestock on roads
• a lack of road lighting

The number of road accidents and deaths has increased in recent years. Accidents at night and those involving motorcycles are common.

Police often check drivers in towns and in rural areas. If you don't provide identification (ID) when asked, police could fine or detain you.

Before driving:

• check your travel insurance policy covers you
• learn about local traffic laws and practices

While you're on the road:

• always carry photo ID
• drive carefully and legally
• don't drink and drive
• take only well-used, well-lit roads
• be alert to bandits along rural roads, especially Routes 6 and 7
• obey curfews

Avoid driving at night if you can, especially on rural roads.

• Driving or riding

Motorcycles

Traffic in Laos does not operate on the same rules as Australia. It may appear chaotic and unpredictable. Riding motorcycles is one of the riskiest activities for travellers. Always wear a helmet and sensible clothing. Never ride or drive while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

If you plan to ride a motorcycle:

• check your travel insurance policy covers motorcycle
• use a well-known hire company with a good reputation
• check the rental contract to make sure the vehicle is insured for damage and theft
• don't provide your passport as a deposit or guarantee

Always wear a helmet . See Safety

There are few taxis in Laos. Where possible, use official taxis or reputable ride-sharing companies that can be booked by phone, app or at major hotels or inside airports. Don't share taxis with strangers.

Be alert to possible scams and safety risks. Riding in tuktuks (motorised 3-wheel vehicles) or on motorcycle 'taxis' brings extra safety and security risks.

Make sure you agree on both the fare and route before taking:

• an unmetered taxi
• a motorcycle taxi

Secure your belongings while travelling in tuktuks or on motorcycles.

Public transport

Local vehicles and roads don't always meet Australian safety standards. Serious accidents do happen.

Inter-city bus networks are the main public transport option in Laos. However, the service isn't reliable in some parts of the country.

• Transport and getting around safely

Boat travel

Boats travelling on the Mekong River in the area between China, Laos, Myanmar and Thailand have been robbed and shot at. 

• Travelling by boat

DFAT doesn't provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths.

Check Laos's air safety profile with the Aviation Safety Network.

Travelling alone

If you're travelling on your own and not part of a tour group, find out about travelling to specific areas. Provincial or district offices can provide this advice.

If you want to camp , get permission from local authorities in advance.

Authorities may set and strictly enforce curfews in some provinces. Contact provincial or district authorities about where and when curfews are in place.

Follow instructions of local authorities. If you don't, they could fine, arrest or detain you.

Emergencies

Depending on what you need, contact your:

• family and friends
• travel agent
• insurance provider

Call 1623 (Vientiane Rescue Team).

Always get a police report when reporting a crime.

There have been reports of foreigners finding that:

• police stations are closed
• emergency phone numbers go unanswered
• police don't have the resources to look into crimes

Contact the embassy  if you face these problems.

Consular contacts

Check the Consular Services Charter for what the Australian Government can and can't do to help you overseas.

For consular help, contact the Australian Embassy, Vientiane.

KM4, Thadeua Road

Watnak Village

Sissatanak District

Vientiane, Lao PDR

Phone: (+856) 21 353800

E-mail:  [email protected]

Website: laos.embassy.gov.au

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/australiainlaos/

Check the Embassy website for details about opening hours and any temporary closures.

24-hour Consular Emergency Centre

In a consular emergency, if you can't contact an embassy, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:

• +61 2 6261 3305 from overseas
• 1300 555 135 in Australia

Travelling to Laos?

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• Passports, travel and living abroad
• Travel abroad
• Foreign travel advice

Safety and security

There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. You should remain vigilant at all times.

UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe abroad and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad .

Terrorism in Laos

Although there’s no recent history of terrorism in Laos, attacks cannot be ruled out.

Political situation

Specific events or political disputes may trigger violent protests. You should avoid any demonstrations or large gatherings of people. Keep yourself informed of local developments.

Protecting yourself and your belongings

Petty crime can occur in tourist areas and around ATMs. Try to have someone with you and do not carry passport, bank cards and cash in the same bag.

Travellers regularly report random bag snatches, often by people on motorcycles. Hold your bags on the side away from the road, and do not have valuables on display.

People have reported incidents where they are approached and followed when alone. Be alert to your surroundings, trust your instincts and if you think you’re being followed move to an area where there are other people. Consider sharing your planned route in advance and avoid quiet or sparsely travelled areas.

Safes in hotels and guesthouses are not necessarily secure. Use your own lock where possible. Take care of your possessions if you’re travelling overnight, on public transport.

Be particularly vigilant travelling at night by bicycle or motorcycle. Stick to well-used, well-lit roads and carry a personal alarm if possible, especially if you’re alone.

Motorcycle scams

Do not leave your passport as a deposit or guarantee when hiring motorcycles. There have been reports of rental companies arranging for their motorcycles to be deliberately stolen from you or damaged, then keeping passports and demanding high fees. Make sure your travel insurance covers medical and other costs that arise from motorcycle accidents.

Reporting a crime

Call the Tourist Police in Vientiane on 021 251 128.

Local law enforcement responses to crimes, even violent crimes, are often limited. Foreigners attempting to report crimes have reported finding police stations closed, emergency telephone numbers unanswered, or police with no transport or authorisation to investigate crimes at night. If the police do attend, they may ask you to pay fuel and telephone costs. Ask the staff at your accommodation for help with reporting a crime.

Drink and food spiking

Both male and female tourists have reported having their drink or food spiked with drugs and in some cases been assaulted. Never leave food or drink unattended. Be cautious about accepting drinks from strangers at bars, clubs, restaurants and parties.

Laws and cultural differences

Illegal drugs and the death penalty.

The possession and use of all drugs including marijuana are illegal in Laos and penalties are harsh. These include life sentences and the death penalty, with a number of Lao nationals having been sentenced to death in 2019.

For confidential support and guidance for dealing with officials, call the British Embassy in Vientiane (24 hours).

Using cameras and binoculars in secure areas

Photographing or entering any military site without an official invitation is prohibited and you may be arrested or detained. Avoid photographing bridges or airfields.

Relationships with Lao nationals

The Lao government prohibits sexual relationships between foreign and Lao nationals, except when the parties have been married in accordance with Lao family law. You must ask permission for marriage or engagement to a Lao national in a formal application to the Lao authorities.

Penalties for failing to register such a relationship can be up to 5,000 US dollars fine and possible imprisonment. It is not unknown for Lao authorities to demand entry into hotel rooms or guesthouses where they suspect this regulation is being broken.

Dress codes

When you visit any temples and religious sites, your shoulders and knees should be covered, whether you are male or female.

It is not considered appropriate to walk around in public wearing swimming costumes after leaving waterfalls, rivers or swimming pools.

LGBT+ travellers

There are no legal restrictions on same-sex sexual relations in Laos. Proud To Be Us Laos raises awareness about LGBT+ rights and HIV/AIDS among the LGBT+ community. More information can be found on the Proud To Be Us Laos Facebook page .

Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers .

Outdoor activities and adventure tourism

River rafting and water activities.

Travel on the Mekong River by speedboat and even slow boat can be dangerous, especially when water levels are low and sandbanks may be close to the surface. Make sure you travel with a company that provides lifejackets.

White-water rafting, kayaking, tubing and other water-based activities, including swimming in the Mekong, are dangerous and there have been incidents of drowning and serious injuries. Operators may not give the necessary safety advice and you cannot expect warning signs to tell you about currents or rough stretches of water. Take great care and check your travel insurance covers you for these activities. Make use of buoyancy aids and if none are available reconsider whether you want to take part.

Transport risks

Road travel.

You need a 1949 international driving permit (IDP) to drive in Laos. You cannot buy an IDP outside the UK, so get one before you travel.

If you are planning to drive in Laos, see information on driving abroad . Roads in Laos are in poor condition and vehicles are not maintained to UK standards. Travel after dark significantly increases the risk of an accident, as vehicles often do not have lights. Livestock including water buffalo also stray on to the roads causing accidents.

The recently opened Vientiane to Vang Vieng section of the China-Laos Expressway is the first contained high-speed road in Laos, with posted speed limits between 80 and 120km/h. Take care when using this road, as some local users will be unfamiliar with this type of carriageway.

Motorbike rentals may not supply helmets, so budget to purchase one locally. Take extra care when using public transport or shared vehicles, as they can be overcrowded and unsafe. You can report road accidents to a dedicated police number +856 20 5666 9090.

If you’re involved in a road accident you will have to pay compensation for third-party property damage and injury, even if you’re not at fault. As a general rule, the Lao authorities will overwhelmingly find in favour of Lao citizens, regardless of the situation. Lao insurers only meet a small proportion of the costs of an accident and will not cover this compensation.

You should get permission from the local district authorities for any travel seen as out of the ordinary, such as extensive photography, or scientific research of any kind.

Police may stop you at any time, particularly in the evening, and ask for ID. You should stop at checkpoints and roadblocks unless you are waved on.

Anti-personnel mines

Mines and other unexploded weapons are a hazard throughout Laos and kill a number of people each year. Keep to main routes in rural areas, and do not pick up metal objects. This risk is higher after flash floods or landslides during the monsoon season.

Extreme weather and natural disasters

The rainy season in Laos normally runs from May to October, at the same time as the typhoon season in south-east Asia. Mountain areas are vulnerable to landslides in the rainy season and the Mekong’s river basins and surrounding areas are likely to be flooded . The Mekong River Commission posts official updates on the Mekong River . Travel to some provinces can be seriously disrupted during this time. Monitor local news and check World Meteorological Association weather reports .

See more information on tropical cyclones .

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EXPLORE LAOS

Covid-19 laos travel information.

Like many countries, Laos is in lockdown during this time. Laos had a rapid response to Coronavirus making it a safe place to travel.

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Laos borders are open. From 9 May 2022 entry requirements to Laos are:

• All international checkpoints will be open for entry and exit by Lao citizens, foreign residents, tourists, and other types of visitors.
• Citizens of countries that have bilateral or unilateral visa waiver agreements with Laos may now enter Laos without the need for a visa.
• Citizens of countries that do not have a visa waiver agreement with Laos may now apply for a visa at a Lao embassy or consulate abroad or via the e-Visa online system. Visa on arrivals will also be reinstated at certain international checkpoints.
• Fully vaccinated foreigners or Lao citizens carrying a vaccination certificate may enter Laos without any screening or testing for Covid-19 when arriving by land, air, or water.
• Non-vaccinated citizens of Laos, foreign citizens, or residents aged 12 years and over must take a Rapid Antigen Test (ATK) not more than 48 hours prior to departure and present the results upon arrival.
• Foreign arrivals in Laos that become infected with Covid-19 must bear responsibility for any and all medical costs involved in treatment.
• Private vehicles may now enter and exit the territory of Laos via checkpoints as prior to the pandemic. Guidelines regarding this measure will be drafted and publicized by the Ministry of Public Works and Transport.

Safety measures in Laos

All tourism establishments in the zones must be  certified with the LaoSafe certification .

LaoSafe, a health and hygiene program for the tourism and hospitality sector, has received official approval from the Ministry of Health (MoH) and the Ministry of Information, Culture, and Tourism (MICT).

The LaoSafe program comprises a  series of health and hygiene standards  for different subsectors of the tourism and hospitality industry, including accommodation providers, food and beverage outlets, airlines, tourist attractions, tour guides, and drivers.

Travelers can expect to follow standard COVID-19 hygiene measures such as wearing masks in public places, in vehicles, and frequent hand-sanitizing. We have implemented a COVID-19 safety procedure for staff, guides and drivers who will wear masks and hotels will practice contactless check-ins.

See the Laos Travel Guide for more information.

Past Updates on Laos COVID-19 information

We kept this page up to date over the pandemic closure, below are historical updates.

15 April 2022: The National Taskforce for COVID-19 prevention and control has said that they are actively preparing for a full reopening. Under new regulations, travellers will need two tests, one RT-PCR test 72 hours before departure and one rapid antigen test on arrival. Those with negative antigen tests will be able to travel freely in the country. The PM has agreed “in principle” to a reopening and that they should “draw upon lessons from neighbouring countries”. Tourists who have recovered from COVID-19 will not need to take a RTPCR test before entering Laos.

01 Apr 2022: 505 international tourists from 26 countries travel to Laos under Green Travel Zone scheme as of 1 Apr. Domestic tourists in 2021 reach just 831,493, down from 2020’s 1,581,100./ Laos starting 4th dose of vaccine. 24 Mar 2022: The border gates between Son La in Vietnam and Houaphanh province in Laos are set to reopen on 1 Apr. 17 Mar 2022: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has eased entry requirements for Lao nationals and foreigners with multiple-entry visas, labor visas or spouse visas. They will no longer need to apply for a Certificate of Entry from the Lao Ministry of Foreign Affairs and can instead use the Green Pass online visa portal to apply for a QR code for entry. 8 Mar 2022: Foreigners who want to enter Laos must register for a QR code (Vaccine ID) at the Lao Green Pass website. As of 4 Mar, 22 applications were approved, with 156 pending, and 1 rejected. 2 Mar 2022: Laos has launched a new online portal that is authorized to issue the Lao Green Pass visas for certain visitors, including diplomats, employees of international organizations, business people and investors, foreigners residing in Laos and overseas Lao people. 3 Feb 2022: Quarantine rules have been relaxed. Government representatives, Lao nationals, foreign nationals who are technical experts, students and overseas Lao returning from abroad will now be able to undertake a facility quarantine for 48 hours, whilst awaiting their RT-PCR test result, and can then self-quarantine at home for 7 days. Group tours under the Green Travel Zone will also need to wait for 48 hours at an approved hotel before starting tourism activities. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has now been authorized to grant tourist visas for group tourists under the Green Travel Zone plan, so long as tourists create vaccine IDs under the Lao app, Lao KYC. The government has said that Laos is in talks with neighboring countries for the reopening of borders

24 Jan 2022: 118,880 Cases, 437 deaths. 53% fully vaccinated.

21 Jan: A new notice issued by the Prime Minister’s Office has instructed authorities to consider easing certain Covid measures, including restrictions on entry to the country. The Prime Minister’s Office has authorized the Green Travel Zone reopening plan to continue while ensuring that the country’s health system will be able to cope in case of an influx of cases. Certain groups are being considered, including businesspeople, employees, entrepreneurs, and others, in order to better encourage business and investment to help the economy recover.

15 Jan: Laos is to increase production of its Molacovir medication used to treat Covid-19 in order to meet rising demand

13 Jan: Australia has donated 905,580 doses of the Pfizer BioNTech Covid-19 vaccine and 100,000 doses of the AstraZeneca/Oxford vaccine.

9 Jan 2022: 129,536 Cases, 524 deaths. 50% fully vaccinated.

On 31 Dec, Laos added 14 more countries to its Green Travel Zone Plan, including Brunei, Indonesia, the Philippines, Norway, Switzerland, Finland, Israel, Ireland, Hungary, Austria, New Zealand, Poland, Denmark, and Belgium. This now brings it to a total of 31 countries permitted to enter.

28 Dec: Thai Smile starts twice weekly flights to Laos from Bangkok to Vientiane in February 2022.

17 Dec 2021: Laos Announces Travel Conditions for 2022 Reopening

Green Travel Zones include provinces that have at least a 70% vaccination rate among the eligible adult population, while Green Travel Trails have not yet achieved this level of vaccine coverage. During Phase 1, tourists may visit Vientiane Capital, Luang Prabang Province, and Vang Vieng District in Vientiane Province. Five provinces will be authorized for Green Travel Trails, including Oudomxay, Xayaboury, Xieng Khouang, Khammouane, and Champasack.During Phase 2, the Green Travel Zones will consist of 9 provinces: Vientiane Capital, Vientiane Province, Luang Prabang, Oudomxay, Xayaboury, Xieng Khouang, Khammouane, Savannakhet, and Champasack.

During Phase 2, four provinces will be authorized for Green Travel Trails including Houay Xay District in Bokeo Province, Luang Namtha Province, Sekong Province, and Salavanh Province. Tourism sites, hotels, and restaurants in the zones must ensure that at least 95% of their staff are fully vaccinated. All tour guides and drivers must be completely vaccinated. At least 95% of the population within the travel zones must be fully vaccinated.

28 Nov 2021: 71,518 Cases, 159 deaths. 42% fully vaccinated.

Lao Airlines will operate weekly flights to Bangkok from Jan 2022. Travellers will be allowed to enter Thailand by sea, land and air as part of the Test & Go and Sandbox schemes, from the province of Nong Khai which borders Laos, from 24 Dec 2021.

Laos is considering a new reopening plan, Lao Travel Green Zone. This would designate Vientiane Capital, Vang Vieng, and Luang Prabang as “green zones”. A green zone must have 70-80% of its population vaccinated, and 90-95% of its service providers vaccinated. International arrivals would need to be vaccinated, and have a negative test within 72 hours of departure. Tourists would be taken to hotels via designated vehicles certified with the LaoSafe scheme, and undertake an RT-PCR test on arrival, self-isolating at their home until they receive the results. Once the test comes back negative, they will be able to explore the Green Zone. A “Lao Green Trail” would also be launched, which would allow visitors to travel outside of the Green Zones, but they would need to use services of LaoSafe service providers and stay at all-inclusive accommodation. It also proposes launching a new contact tracing app, LaoStaySafe, to monitor tourists during their stay, and provide information.

25 Oct 2021: 36,248 Cases, 53 deaths

Lockdown measures extended until 14 Nov, with entertainment venues, tourist attractions and schools closed. Stricter measures are implemented across country, depending on virus severity. Laos has launched a new vaccination certificate with a QR code which will allow for digital verification. The Tourism Ministry has requested permission to allow vaccinated South Koreans to enter Vientiane on luxury golf tour packages. This plan would see Lao Airlines, AirAsia, T’way Air and Jeju Air operate charter flights to Incheon airport, and travellers could undertake a 9-day golfing package. Tourists would be limited to one hotel and one restaurant, and they would be transferred between the hotel and the golf course.

15 Oct 2021: 30,615 Cases, 36 deaths

A number of provinces have been locked down and now Luang Prabang is imposing lockdown restrictions through to 21 Oct due to COVID-19 activity. Stay-at-home orders are in effect; exemptions are in place for reasons such as medical emergencies. Entry into Luang Prabang is prohibited. Essential sectors like medical, pharmaceutical, electricity, and telecommunications, among others, may operate.

11 Sep 2021: 17,140 Cases, 16 deaths

A large number of cases of Covid-19 recorded in Luang Prabang Province have been traced to quarantine centers and residents returning from other provinces. Laos conducted 4,440 tests over the last 24 hours, confirming 204 new cases of Covid-19.

9 May 2021: 1,233 Cases, 1 death.

Over one year into the pandemic, the southeast Asian country Laos has recorded its first Covid-19 related death. A 53-year-old Vietnamese karaoke club worker died from the virus in the capital Vientiane, the National Taskforce for Covid-19 Prevention and Control reported. The woman’s condition was complicated by diabetes and other medical issues. Laos reported 1,233 cases, of which 1,184 were reported in the last month.

4 May 2021: 933 Cases, 0 deaths.

Following 2 Thai nationals entering Laos illegally during Lao New year, cases of COVID-19 have risen rapidly. 31 of the newly infected are from the capital Vientiane, while 54 are from Champassak province, 13 from Savannakhet province, seven from Bokeo province, two from Oudomxay province, two from Phongsaly province, and one each from Vientiane, Luang Prabang, Xayaburi, and Sekong provinces. The 113 new cases follow announcements of 76 cases on Sunday and 88 cases on Saturday in the nation with a population of around 7.2 million people.

Phouthone Muongpak, Vice-Minister of Health, said infections have been identified in 13 out of 17 provinces in Laos and the capital. “The virus is also spreading quickly in the capital and Champassak province in the south,” he added. The number of provinces included in the lockdown, which requires that people stay in their homes unless they are experiencing an emergency, is now at 15.

24 April 2021: 88 Cases, 0 deaths.

26 new cases occurred in the capital Vientiane, and all of them had close contact with a case discovered recently. Lao citizens and foreign residents should comply with COVID-19 prevention and control measures, as well as remaining vigilant and being mindful of the dangers posed by the COVID-19. The cases occurred over Lao New Year during celebrations at entertainment venues.

17 April 2021: 58 Cases, 0 deaths.

Laos recorded four new cases of COVID-19. The four new cases include a 25-year-old woman who returned to southern Laos’ Khammuan province from Thailand. Another two cases are a 32-year-old man and a 24-year-old man who returned to southern Laos’ Savannakhet province from Thailand. The last case is a 25-year-old Lao woman who returned to central Laos’ Bolikhamxay province from Thailand.

1 April 2021: 49 Cases, 0 deaths.

Second batch of China-donated COVID-19 vaccines arrived.

17 March 2021: 49 Cases, 0 deaths.

A total of 40,732 people including medical workers, officials tourism workers have received their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.

01 March 2021:45 Cases, 0 deaths.

Laos has extended its COVID-19 prevention measures and required all foreign citizens entering Laos to purchase COVID-19 insurance. According to a notice issued by the National Taskforce Committee for COVID-19 Prevention and Control, COVID-19 insurance is now mandatory in addition to other travel documents and requests for permission to enter the country. Non-Lao citizens wishing to enter Laos must contact their embassy concerning COVID-19 insurance, which will cover the cost of any medication prescribed in the event that the policy holder contracts the virus. The special cover is now required because ordinary health and travel insurance policies do not provide cover against pandemics, including any incidents relating to COVID-19.

14 Jan 2021: 41 Cases, 0 deaths.

According to a notice issued by the National Taskforce for Covid-19 Prevention and Control yesterday, returning residents who test negative will be allowed to complete their quarantine in their homes or at their place of employment instead of the previous requirement for a 14-day quarantine in a designated quarantine center or hotel. International travelers, both Lao and foreign, must produce a medical certificate proving they are free of Covid-19 within 72 hours before travel. All arrivals must first wait at official quarantine hotels or centers authorized by the government to receive a Covid-19 test result within 48 hours. Following this step, arrivals will then be allowed to undertake self-isolation for 14 days at their home, office, or other authorized locations after receiving a negative test result.

According to the notice, tour groups must carry certification of a 14-day pre-flight quarantine, including a Covid-19 medical test with a negative result within 72 hours before arrival in Laos. Anyone arriving from a country with a Covid-19 outbreak must enter quarantine for 14 days at an authorized quarantine hotel or center provided by the Government of Laos.

April-June 2020: 19 Cases, 0 deaths.

On 1 April one more case was confirmed, bringing a total to 10.On 5 April the 11th case was reported as a 55-year-old man from Papua New Guinea.On 20 March all land borders closed and the last flights departed from Luang Prabang and Vientiane occurred on On 18 May domestic travel allowed.On 2 June students returned to schools.On 4 June the government allowed foreigners into the country, except tourish visas.

24 March 2020: 2 Cases, 0 deaths.

Laos confirmed its first two COVID-19 cases, becoming the last Southeast Asian country infected with coronavirus.

By David Allan

Posted: April 15, 2022

Tags: Laos , Luang Prabang , Tiger Trail , Tour , Visa

Laos Announces Travel Conditions for 2022 Reopening

Laos has officially announced it will reopen for tourism on 1 January 2022, providing more information on travel conditions during a press conference held at the Lao National Convention Center today.

According to the Ministry of Information, Culture, and Tourism, the reopening will be implemented in three phases.

The first phase will be from 1 January to 30 March 2022, the second phase from 1 April 2022 to 30 June 2022, and the third phase from 1 July 2022 onward.

According to the ministry, tourists from an initial list of countries will be allowed to travel to the country during the first phase.

The list of countries includes China, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea, Japan, France, United Kingdom, Germany, the Netherlands, Spain, Italy, United States, Canada, and Australia.

Tourism will be restricted to group tours at first, with tours arranged by authorized tour operators under the Lao Travel Green Zone Plan.

Tourists will be required to have been fully vaccinated against Covid-19 no less than 14 days prior to arrival. Other conditions include a health insurance policy with coverage no less than USD 50,000 and a negative RT-PCR test taken within the last 72 hours.

Arrivals will be tested for Covid-19 and placed in a 24-hour quarantine in their hotel until a negative result is found.

Tourists will be required to download and register via the  LaoKYC  and the LaoStaySafe mobile applications prior to arriving in the country, as well as uploading their relevant vaccination certification and Covid-19 test results.

Travel Zones & Travel Trails

Under the reopening scheme, tourists will be authorized to travel within two zones, namely  Green Travel Zones  and  Green Travel Trails .

Green Travel Zones include provinces that have at least a 70% vaccination rate among the eligible adult population, while Green Travel Trails have not yet achieved this level of vaccine coverage.

During Phase 1, tourists may visit Vientiane Capital, Luang Prabang Province, and Vang Vieng District in Vientiane Province.

Meanwhile, five provinces will be authorized for Green Travel Trails, including Oudomxay, Xayaboury, Xieng Khouang, Khammouane, and Champasack.

During Phase 2, the Green Travel Zones will consist of 9 provinces: Vientiane Capital, Vientiane Province, Luang Prabang, Oudomxay, Xayaboury, Xieng Khouang, Khammouane, Savannakhet, and Champasack.

Four provinces will be authorized for  Green Travel Trails  during Phase 2, including Houay Xay District in Bokeo Province, Luang Namtha Province, Sekong Province, and Salavanh Province.

According to the Ministry of Health, tourism-related establishments such as tourism sites, hotels, and restaurants in the zones must ensure that at least 95% of their staff are fully vaccinated. All tour guides and drivers must be completely vaccinated. At least 95% of the population within the travel zones must be fully vaccinated.

The Ministry of Health has stated that it will improve the quality of quarantine centers, treatment centers, and field hospitals in the event of hospitalization or seriously symptomatic cases for tourists. Asymptomatic and mild cases will be allowed to be quarantined and treated at their designated hotel.

International Borders

During Phase 1, tourists will be able to enter Laos by air via Wattay International Airport and by land across the First Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge in Vientiane Capital.

More borders will reopen in Phase 2, including Luang Prabang International Airport, Boten-Bohan border with China in Luang Namtha Province, the Third Friendship Bridge in Thakhek, the Second Friendship Bridge in Savannakhet, the Chongmek border in Pakse, the Lao Bao border with Vietnam in Savannakhet Province, and Nam Phao border (Luk Xao) with Vietnam in Bolikhamxay Province.

Safe and Clean

It is recommended that all tourism establishments in the zones be  certified with the LaoSafe certification .

LaoSafe, a health and hygiene program for the tourism and hospitality sector, has  received official approval from the Ministry of Health  (MoH) and the Ministry of Information, Culture, and Tourism (MICT).

The LaoSafe program comprises a  series of health and hygiene standards  for different subsectors of the tourism and hospitality industry, including accommodation providers, food and beverage outlets, airlines, tourist attractions, tour guides, and drivers.

Procedures for Tour Companies

Tour companies and relevant businesses who wish to participate in the Green Travel Zones and Green Travel Trails must register with the Lao National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LNCCI).

Tour companies in Laos must prepare the following documentation in order to request permission for tourists to enter: a proposal from the company, a tour itinerary, hotel reservations, and copies of tourists’ passports, vaccination certificates, and tourists’ insurance policies.

These documents must be presented to the Tourism Management Department of the Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism. After approval, the documents are sent to the Immigration Police Department to process entry authorization.

Returnees and Foreign Nationals in Laos

The Ministry has not yet provided information on requirements for Lao nationals or foreign residents returning to Laos, or if the issuance of visitor visas would resume.

Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2021/12/17/laos-announces-travel-conditions-for-2022-reopening/

You may also be interested in:

• Trade & Media Resources
• Southern Laos – charming by nature
• Ecotourism Laos
• Visit SE Asia

Tourism Marketing Department Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism Lane Xang Avenue Hatsadi Village Chanthabouly District Vientiane Capital

Tel/Fax: +856-21-212248 Website: www.tourismlaos.org

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Is Laos Safe? Crime Rates & Safety Report

• Laos : Safety by City

Laos is a landlocked country, officially referred to as the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, that shares its borders with Vietnam to the east, Cambodia to the south, Thailand to the west, and Myanmar and China to the north.

This mountainous country is known to be one of the poorest nations in Southeast Asia.

However, its biggest appeal is that it is, undoubtedly, the least Westernized country of all Indochinese nations.

It’s relaxed and, with that, authentic vibe attracts more and more tourists every year, though Laos, until recently could’ve been described as a forgotten Asian country.

Though it’s so poor, it offers a bunch of natural wonders to visitors: the wonderful Mekong River and its tributaries create what could be described as the most popular and attractive geographic attraction of Laos.

If you continue further north, you will encounter the more hilly part of the country, where the remote jungle is less explored.

North is where the nature lovers will find their paradise – visit Luang Namtha, the far-northern town where you can truly remote Lao wilderness, and see firsthand the culture of the many hill tribes of this region.

• Warnings & Dangers in Laos

OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM

Overall, Laos is relatively safe, but there are extremely high rates of both petty crime and violent crime due to the poverty of the population. You should be vigilant and take all possible precaution measures in order to minimize the risk of something going wrong.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: MEDIUM

Transportation conditions have improved a lot in the past couple of years in Laos. The highways of Laos have improved a lot and taking buses and trucks have become popular with travelers. Just be careful when it comes to pickpockets and always negotiate the fees before entering the vehicle.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: HIGH

There is an extreme threat to petty crime. Pickpockets are practically an everyday occurrence and you should be extremely careful when handling your valuables and never carry your money in a purse or a pocket. The riskiest locations are crowded places such as markets, public transport and bus, and train stations.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: HIGH

There are many natural disasters that Laos is exposed to throughout the year, such as droughts, flooding, cyclones, and various disease epidemics. However, the most dangerous natural disasters are floods due to tropical storms that, in the past years, have been causing serious damage and hundreds of thousands of deaths.

MUGGING RISK: MEDIUM

Violent crime is not unheard of in Laos. The chances of getting mugged or kidnapped are low, but there are areas that are best avoided. Recently, this country has seen a rise in robberies and muggings, so keep your belongings tightly by your side.

TERRORISM RISK: LOW

There haven't been any terrorist attacks in Laos' recent history but they shouldn't be ruled out. Be aware of your surroundings at all times.

SCAMS RISK: MEDIUM

There are a couple of scams in Laos, the most popular being the bus drivers stalling their driving routes and then dropping you off to a "good guest house they know" where your only option is to spend the night.Actually, most scams take place at bus or train stations where only the locals know the real fees. Always negotiate your prices before getting into vehicles.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: MEDIUM

Laos is relatively safe for female solo travelers. Sexual harassment does occur, though rarely, but you should still be careful. Apply basic precaution measures - avoid wearing purses and do not walk alone or roam around deserted or poorly lit streets and areas.

• So... How Safe Is Laos Really?

Laos is relatively safe to visit.

Crime levels are low in Laos, but you should expect instances of pickpocketing and bag snatching since this is a poor country with an authority that doesn’t have the power to stop these petty crimes.

Violent crime is also not unheard of and there were reports of a robbery at gunpoint in the big cities.

Bear in mind that Laos is one of the world’s most corrupt countries, though it doesn’t affect tourists that much.

Corruption in this country has been getting worse during the last four years, and the appalling cases involving the police include people getting arrested simply for sitting near someone who had drugs on them.

Having drugs planted on you is also an issue, and authorities in Laos don’t seem to mind the difference between using drugs and dealing them.

This happens not just in Vang Vieng, but also in Vientiane and Luang Prabang.

Be sure to always have your passport with you When in Laos, as you may be asked to show your ID at any time and if you don’t have it, you may have to pay a fine of 100,000 kips.

Copies of your passport and visa will do, and it is actually recommended you carry them instead of the originals.

Avoid allowing hotels to make the copies of your passport or visa as they might sell them for extra money, and use them in illegal money laundering operations.

• How Does Laos Compare?
• Useful Information

Travelers that don't have a passport from Japan or one of the ASEAN member states will need a visa to enter Laos. However, the good thing is that the procedure is not complicated at all. The Lao government issues 30-day tourist visas upon arrival at all international airports so you don't have to think about your visa before your trip. If you are not sure about your visa status, visit www.doyouneedvisa.com which will let you know whether or not you need a visa based on your nationality and the country you want to visit.

Lao kip is the official currency in Laos, however, Thai baht and US dollars are also used and accepted. ATMs can now be found all over Laos and a growing number of establishments accept credit cards.

Laos has a tropical monsoon climate, characterized by a distinctive rainy season lasting from May until October, a cool and dry season from November to February, and a hot and dry season in March and April. The monsoons hit all parts of the country at about the same time.

Wattay International Airport is the busiest international airports in Laos, out of the few ones serving this country. It is located about 3 km outside of the Vientiane city center.

Travel Insurance

Just like anywhere else, we recommend getting travel insurance when traveling to Laos, since it covers not only the costs medical problems but also theft and loss of valuables.

Laos Weather Averages (Temperatures)

• Average High/Low Temperature

Laos - Safety by City

• Where to Next?

3 Reviews on Laos

Carry spare cash.

Carry some spare cash in their local currency as a lot of times from my experience, they don’t accept card unless its a big establishment like the hotel. I think smaller bed and breakfasts wouldn’t have that option either. I traveled around northern Laos and Luang Prabang and it was enjoyable.

Is it safe to go to northern Laos. Taking a river cruise on a small boat down the Mekong river. Then continuing on to either southern Laos or to Vietnam or Thailand for a beach holiday but not too touristy. Want some thing small and interesting place to stay. No big hotels. Have also never been to Laos. Have been to Three Halong Bay, Da Nang and Hue and Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai. Three people in their sixties looking for a quiet and beautiful places to stay. Also did a cooking school in Chiang Mai two years ago.

Don't drink like a pig.

Don’t get a HookA from a sketchy place, don’t drink like a pig and no one will rob you or mug you. Most Laotians physically not capable to mug you even if they wanted to. Very nice people, poor but nice. Lived 2 years in Vientiane.

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Article Contents

• Overall Risk
• Transport & Taxis Risk
• Pickpockets Risk
• Natural Disasters Risk
• Mugging Risk
• Terrorism Risk
• Women Travelers Risk
• Weather Averages (Temperatures)
• User Reviews
• Share Your Experience

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Laos Travel Guide

Last Updated: September 2, 2023

Laos is a landlocked country steeped in nature, food, history, and Buddhism. The country is wrapped in a mountainous landscape, making it one of the most beautiful places in all of Southeast Asia .

While it lacks the beautiful beaches of neighboring countries, adventure travel is big here. You can go zip-lining, kayaking, hiking, and cave tubing all in one day.

I loved my time there and, while the country is no longer a “secret,” it’s still a lot less visited than its neighbors.

From the bustling night markets and stunning waterfalls of Luang Prabang to the epic mountain sunsets in Vang Vieng , I’m always amazed that more people don’t make the journey to this beautiful country.

This travel guide to Laos can help you plan your trip, save money, and make the most of your time in this stunning country.

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budget
• Money-Saving Tips
• Where to Stay
• How to Get Around
• How to Stay Safe
• Best Places to Book Your Trip
• Related Blogs on Laos

Click Here for City Guides

Top 5 things to see and do in laos.

1. Visit Vang Vieng

Backpackers “discovered” this little town in the late 1990s. It didn’t take long to develop into a crazy, hedonistic city. There’s still a party scene but now it’s focused on a handful of bars. It’s definitely not like the old days but I think that’s a good thing. Nowadays, things have calmed down and the center of Vang Vieng is thriving, with boutique hotels and high-end restaurants replacing some of the party-laden backpacker bars that used to pack the waterfront. The town has also become a hub for outdoor adventure, jungle hikes, and lazy days on the river. It’s worth spending a few days here.

2. Explore the 4,000 Islands

Located in Southern Laos, the 4,000 Islands (also known as ‘Si Phan Don’ in Lao) is an area of tiny, largely uninhabited islands in the Mekong River in Champasak Province near the Cambodian border. They are popular with backpackers and the vibe is laid-back and chill. Accommodation is only available on three of the islands: Don Khong, Don Kon, and Don Det. What’s available is cheap and you can spend a few days here reading in hammocks and slowly exploring by bike. Other than that, there’s really not much to do here besides chill in the river and relax at night. To reach the islands you need to take a boat from Pakse.

3. Relax in Luang Prabang

Luang Prabang is a slow-paced city. There is not much to do here other than enjoy epic sunsets over the Mekong River, wander the streets filled with colonial French architecture, spend time at the incredible Kuang Si Waterfalls, and shop at the bustling night market. You can also take a river tour, or explore some of the dozens of temples in town. Every morning at sunrise, the monks walk through the main streets receiving alms from the local residents. I went for two days but actually stayed for a week because I enjoyed it so much!

4. Trek to the Kuang Si Falls

This gorgeous waterfall near Luang Prabang is breathtaking. Turquoise waters flow over rock ledges into dramatic tiered limestone pools perfect for swimming. You can float about in some of these natural infinity pools or jump from trees into others. It’s a really cool place to visit. Admission is 20,000 LAK, and a shared tuk-tuk from Luang Prabang costs 30,000-40,000 LAK per person.

5. See the Plain of Jars

The UNESCO-recognized Plain of Jars has thousands of stone jars scattered around three different sites. Believed to be part of the burial practices from the Iron Age, this is one of the biggest and most important prehistoric sites in Southeast Asia. Legend has it that the jars were made by a race of giants to store alcohol. Take care not to stray too far from the cleared areas as there are still some landmines in the area. There are eight sites open for visiting: sites 1, 2, and 3 are all close to each other at Phonsavan so they are easy to visit together. Admission to Site 1 (with the best-preserved jars) is 15,000 LAK while entry to Sites 2 and 3 is 10,000 LAK.

Other Things to See and Do in Laos

1. explore the vieng xai cave city.

Located close to Sam Nua (near the Vietnamese border), Vieng Xai Cave City served as living quarters for Laotian soldiers during the 1960s. You can see the living quarters as they were; the Kaysone Phomvihane Cave even has a working air-circulation pump. Guided tours are found at the Vieng Xai Caves Visitor Centre. Admission is 60,000 LAK and includes an audio tour. The bus there is 20,000 LAK while a tuk-tuk is 150,000 LAK.

2. Try the Gibbon Experience

This is one of the best activities in Laos. It’s a series of zip lines connecting the world’s highest treehouses in Bokeo Forest, where you can stay for one or two nights. You’re completely off the grid there, surrounded by gibbons, and it has some intense nature hikes. The three-day, two-night “Classic” package costs around 5,600,000 LAK per person.

3. See the Great Stupa (Pha That Luang)

The Great Stupa in Vientiane is a 45-meter (148-foot) gold-covered stupa (a dome-shaped Buddhist shrine). It’s considered the greatest monument in the country. Its exterior looks like a fortress with high walls, but the inside has numerous Buddhist, floral, and animal imagery throughout. You can admire the stupa from outside for free.

4. Head to Vientiane

The capital and largest city in Laos is full of important national monuments and temples, like the Great Stupa and the Sisaket Temple. While there, be sure to check out Buddha Park, a sculpture garden full of giant Buddha statues. It’s the most cosmopolitan city in the country, and there’s an up-and-coming foodie scene there as well. It’s worth spending a few days here exploring.

5. Visit the Elephant Conservation Center

Located in Sainyabuli, the ECC was launched in 2011 by a team of elephant specialists working towards protecting the elephant population in Laos. It’s the best way to see elephants in a responsible way that doesn’t harm them or involve exploitation. You can stay for one, two, or three nights and prices start at 3,800,000 LAK. A 7-day volunteering session costs around 8,500,000 LAK.

6. Take the slow boat on the Mekong

Drift down the Mekong River on a long, narrow boat with comfortable seating, home-cooked meals, and a unique view of the countryside. You can find a ride typically from the border at Huay-Xai that drops you off in Luang Prabang. Slow boats take two to three days. Prices vary depending on the quality of your tour company. There’s also a public boat that leaves daily at 11am.

7. Trek through Phou Hin Poun Conservation Area

Mountains, a limestone forest, rivers full of rapids, and caves await you in the protected Phou Hin Poun area of Laos. The entire area is filled with unique species of flora and fauna, including macaques, tigers, and gibbons. (Yes, tigers.) It’s a stunning area for guided treks, which usually last a couple of days. Your accommodation can help you book a guide on arrival.

8. Get outdoors in Nong Kiew (Muang Ngoi)

Life in this quaint village on the Nam Ou River is slow and peaceful, but Nong Kiew is a popular draw for outdoor lovers. The towering limestone cliffs are ideal for experienced climbers, and there are many hiking trails leading to nearby waterfalls and caves. To get there, take a bus from Luang Prabang to Pak Mong and then a tuk-tuk the rest of the way.

9. Chat with a monk

On the first Sunday of every month, monks gather at the Sangha College in Vientiane to chat with tourists. You’re able to ask them about their practice and daily life, and in return, they can practice their English. It’s a fun and eye-opening way to learn about the culture and the religion from someone whose daily life is much different than yours.

10. Visit the Buddha Caves

The Buddha Caves (Pak Ou Caves) hold over 6,000 Buddha statues that the locals still use for worship. There are standing Buddhas, sitting Buddhas, reclining Buddhas — you name it! To get there you take a scenic 25-kilometer (16-mile) boat trip up the Mekong River or you can take a songthaew (a truck converted into a shared taxi). From there, you’re able to explore the two main caves on foot. It’s about 20,000 LAK to enter the caves, and a shared boat costs 65,000 LAK round-trip (the boat takes two hours there and one hour to get back).

11. Take a Lao cooking class

Take a cooking class to learn how to make traditional dishes like laap (salad with minced meat and spices), orh (spicy stew), and mok pa (steamed fish in banana leaf). Most classes include a visit to the market and include several dishes, ending with everyone feasting on the food they have just cooked. Prices vary but expect to pay between 250,000-400,000 LAK for a class. If you’re in Vientiane, I recommend taking Madam Phasouk’s class. She’s an amazing cook and her private classes are 150,000 LAK, which includes making 3-4 dishes.

  For more information on specific destinations in Laos, check out these guides:

• Luang Prabang Travel Guide
• Vang Vieng Travel Guide
• Vientiane Travel Guide

Laos Travel Costs

Accommodation – Accommodation in Laos is cheap. Hostel dorm rooms start at around 65,000 LAK per night, although they average closer to 80,000 LAK. Hostels in Vientiane start at slightly higher prices. Private rooms with air-con start at 190,000 LAK but average around 350,000 LAK. Almost every hostel offers free Wi-Fi and most also include free breakfast. It’s very rare for a hostel to have a kitchen, so don’t count on cooking your meals.

Budget hotels and guesthouses are widely available, usually starting around 150,000 LAK for a twin or double room. If you’re looking to splurge on a four-star hotel with a pool, expect to pay at least 400,000 LAK per night.

Airbnb is also available in Laos, with private rooms starting from around 200,000 LAK. An entire home or apartment goes for as little as 500,000 LAK, although prices are generally closer to 1,000,000 LAK. Book early to find the best deals.

Food – Food in Laos has many similarities to its neighbors, with rice and noodle dishes forming the backbone of most meals. Prominent staples include green papaya salad and laap (also known as larb ) (a minced-meat salad that is the national dish, usually featuring fermented fish). Grilled meats, such as chicken, pork, and duck are also very popular, as is feu , the local version of pho.

Most street food and cheap meals of local cuisine cost less than 22,000 LAK, especially in the night market where you can find things like barbecued meats, spicy papaya salad, and noodle soup.

If you want to splash out on a fancy meal, expect to pay around 150,000 LAK for a three-course meal with a drink.

Beer is very cheap here, costing around 14,000 LAK. If you want a latte or cappuccino, expect to pay around 30,000 LAK. Bottled water is around 5,000 LAK.

If you have access to a kitchen, a week’s worth of groceries costs around 250,000-300,000 LAK for basic staples like rice, pasta, produce, and some meat.

Backpacking Laos Suggested Budgets

On a backpacker budget, expect to spend around 300,000 LAK per day. This budget covers staying in a hostel dorm, eating street food, drinking a couple beers, renting a bicycle to get around, and enjoying mostly cheap activities like hiking and swimming. Add another 15,000-30,000 LAK to your daily budget if you plan on drinking more.

On a mid-range budget of 650,000 LAK per day, you can stay in a private hostel dorm or Airbnb, drink more, enjoy lots of street food, take some taxis or tuk-tuks, and do more activities like go rock climbing or ATV riding.

On a “luxury” budget of around 1,800,000 LAK per day, you can stay in a hotel, eat all your meals out anywhere you want, enjoy lots of drinks, hire tuk-tuks or rent a motorbike/scooter, and do whatever activities you want. This is just the ground floor for luxury though. The sky is the limit!

You can use the chart below to get some idea of how much you need to budget daily, depending on your travel style. Keep in mind these are daily averages — some days you’ll spend more, some days you’ll spend less (you might spend less every day). We just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in LAK.

Laos Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

Laos is very affordable so it’s hard to save tons of money if you are already traveling on a budget. Sticking to hostels or inexpensive guest houses, public transportation, and street food will ensure you don’t break the bank. It’s hard to spend a lot when you just do normal travel. That said, here are some ways to save money in Laos:

• Buy from market stalls – Buying your own food is infinitely cheaper than going to restaurants (not that they are even that expensive, however). If you’re on a budget, though, stick to the local markets. Fresh food is the cheapest there.
• Use public transportation – Taxis and tuk-tuks may be convenient, but they slowly ruin your budget. Stick to public transportation if you need to get around. If you do need to take a tuk-tuk or taxi, ask your hotel/hostel staff what you should expect to pay to make sure you don’t get ripped off!
• Avoid western food – Western food is always more expensive than local cuisine. While the prices aren’t that high, it slowly adds up throughout your trip.
• Bring a reusable water bottle – The tap water here isn’t safe to drink. To save money and reduce your plastic use, bring a reusable water bottle with a filter. LifeStraw makes a reusable bottle with a built-in filter so you can be sure your water is always safe and clean.

Where to Stay in Laos

Laos has plenty of budget-friendly hostels around the country. Here are my suggested places to stay:

• Indigo House Hotel (Luang Prabang)
• Nana Backpackers Hostel (Vang Vieng)
• Vang Vieng Freedom Hostel (Vang Vieng)
• Dream Home Hostel (Vientiane)
• Vongkham Eco Village (Vientiane)
• Sanga Hostel (Pakse)

How to Get Around Laos

Getting around Laos can be a challenge. The roads are poor, and you have to navigate several mountain passes to get almost anywhere. Nothing is ever on time, and even short trips can turn into endless journeys.

Public transportation – Public transportation is available in some of the larger cities, with prices starting around 5,000 LAK and going up from there based on distance.

Bus – Buses are the most common way to get between cities in Laos. Ticket prices vary between 80,000-130,000 LAK for a 4-6-hour ride. Buses are pretty uncomfortable and many don’t have air conditioning, but they get you from point A to point B around the country without breaking the bank.

In busier towns, you can purchase your ticket from just about any tour operator. This includes transit from your hotel/hostel to the station. Otherwise, you can show up at the city’s bus station. A trip from Vientiane to Luang Prabang or Pakse shouldn’t cost more than 100,000 LAK.

There are also plenty of air-conditioned “VIP” buses. A “VIP” trip from Vientiane to Luang Prabang costs 410,000 LAK. Overnight buses cost 170,000-400,000 LAK depending on the distance. You can usually buy tickets for these buses from your hostel/hotel. You can use 12go.asia to compare prices.

If you’re looking to head into a neighboring country, a bus from Vientiane to Hanoi costs around 500,000 LAK. There is also a direct route between Luang Prabang and Chiang Mai starting from 425,000 LAK, but keep in mind the ride is at least 15 hours. A bus from Vientiane to Bangkok also takes about 15 hours and costs about 425,000 LAK.

Boat – One of the most popular ways to see Laos is via a slow boat between Huay Xai and Luang Prabang on the Mekong River. The journey takes two days. For short trips (like Luang Prabang to the Pak Ou Caves), you can get a river taxi for about 65,000 LAK.

Flying – I don’t recommend flying unless you are super pressed for time. Domestic flights are costly, and there are frequent cancellations. Even booking far in advance, a flight from Vientiane to Luang Prabang costs upwards of 500,000 LAK for a 50-minute flight. But if you must, these are Laos’ airlines:

• Laos Airlines

Car rental – Car rentals in Laos aren’t super affordable, costing around 750,000 LAK per day for a multi-day trip. Renters need to be at least 23 and have an International Driving Permit (IDP).

For the best car rental prices, use Discover Cars .

When to Go to Laos

October to April is the best time to visit Laos. This is when the country’s weather is consistently warm and dry. (Keep in mind the mountainous areas experience much cooler temperatures year-round compared to the other parts of Laos.) It’s also the high season, so you can expect bigger crowds and inflated prices. That said, the crowds here are much smaller than in neighboring Thailand and Vietnam.

Elsewhere, April and May tend to be the hottest months, with temperatures as high as 40°C (104°F). The humidity can be extremely uncomfortable during this time too.

The rainy season lasts from late May to October. It’s still a pleasant time to visit as rainfall each day never lasts long. During this time, the waterfalls flow heavier and wildlife becomes more active. There are also fewer tourists around during this time as well.

How to Stay Safe in Laos

Laos is a very safe country to backpack and travel around as violent crime against travelers is rare. Pickpocketing is your biggest concern. It often occurs in busy market areas (especially in Vang Vieng) and on transportation. Keep your valuables close and out of reach at all times just to be safe.

If you’re worried about getting ripped off, you can read about common travel scams to avoid here.

If you’re hiking or sightseeing, always stay on the marked trail. Some places are strictly prohibited because of unexploded landmines. This is especially true around the Plain of Jars. You shouldn’t have a reason to wander off into a dangerous area but pay attention to signs and markers.

When people get into trouble here, it’s mostly because they’re tangled up with drugs or the sex industry. Laos is strict about punishment when it comes to these offenses, so avoid them at all costs!

Solo female travelers should generally feel safe here, however, the standard precautions apply (never leave your drink unattended at the bar, never walk home alone intoxicated, etc.).

If you experience an emergency, dial 191 to contact the police.

When in doubt, always trust your instincts. If a taxi driver seems shady, get out. If your hotel or accommodation is seedier than you thought, go somewhere else. Make copies of your personal documents, including your passport and ID, in case of an emergency.

The most important piece of safety advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance protects you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you:

Laos Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Agoda – Other than Hostelworld, Agoda is the best hotel accommodation site for Asia.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.

Laos Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written on Laos travel and continue planning your trip:

Is Southeast Asia Safe for Travelers?

The Secret Pool of Kuang Si Waterfall

The Cost of Traveling Laos

Vang Vieng: A Hedonistic Backpacker Town Reborn

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Laos Travel Guide: Complete 10-Day Itinerary

Travel through Laos on an unforgettable 10-day journey. Drive through bright green paddy fields, on empty jungle roads, and only stopping to gaze at the forest-covered cliffs above. Despite sharing a border with Thailand , Cambodia , and Vietnam , Laos is still under the radar as a travel destination. Luckily this gives it serenity and peace, which is the perfect accompaniment to the natural wonders of blue lagoons, epic caves, and crashing waterfalls.

Travelling in Laos: a 10-day Itinerary

Travel in Laos at a slow pace: 10 days allows for relaxation, as well as being able to fit in all the things to see and do. If you have less time and want to do the route faster, it could be easily done in 7-8 days. Here is the day-to-day itinerary to travel in Laos.

* Note that this travel route covers northern Laos.

Day 1-4: Luang Prabang

Fly into the enchanting town of Luang Prabang . The town is a UNESCO World Heritage site due to its architectural significance and excellent preservation of spiritual practices and customs.

Read: Things to do in Luang Prabang

Discover all the stunning gold-detailed temples, surrounded by vibrant purple and pink flowers. The spirituality of the town is at dawn, during the alms-giving ceremony, where orange-robed monks march together through the streets, receiving flowers and food from the town residents.

Hotels in Luang Prabang 😴

Day 5-8: Vang Vieng

Vang Vieng is a town for adventure lovers. Limestone karsts, providing awesome hikes and panoramic viewpoints, surround the town. Hire a motorbike and drive to one of the many turquoise lagoons and caves nearby.

Read: Vang Vieng – Things to do guide

The town, nestled on the banks of the beautiful Nam Song river, provides the perfect water playground for tubing or kayaking. Fill your days with exciting activities and end them by wandering in the stunning paddy fields at sunset.

Hotels in Vang Vieng 😴

From Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng

The drive by car from Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng takes around 5 hours. Traveling in Laos is a bit difficult as the roads are not (yet) well-developed. There are plenty of shared minivans you can take from the Luang Prabang bus station, leaving either in the morning or the afternoon.

A brand-new train track has opened and now provides a faster travel alternative between destinations.

Find the train or bus timetable and tickets here

Day 9-10: Vientiane

End your Laos travels in the capital city of Vientiane! Although it has the status of a city, it feels more like a town. As a result, you will only need a day or two to see all the things to do in Vientiane. Home to the grand presidential palace and plenty of impressive temples, the city is the perfect place to get your fix of culture and history. 

Laos during the war

During the Vietnam war, 2 million tonnes of bombs were dropped on Laos. Still to this day, some remain unexploded, and many Laotians have been hurt or killed as a result.

The COPE visitor center displays artifacts and films to explain the history, and they also work to help rehabilitate victims who have been affected. A very powerful experience and an essential visit in order to better understand the history of this resilient country.

Buddha Park, Vientiane

If you have time, take the morning to travel 25km outside of the city to the incredible Buddha Park. Here you will find a park filled with over 200 giant buddha statues, all with a slightly weird and wonderful look about them. It is a 40-minute bus journey but worth it to see a more unusual attraction.

Hotels in Vientiane 😴

From Vang Vieng to Vientiane

The journey to Vientiane takes approximately 1-2 hours by minibus on the new highway. You can also opt for traveling by the new train; this takes around 2 hours to the city center.

Tip: There is also an international airport in Vientiane, so depending on whether your flight arrives into Vientiane or Luang Prabang, you can reverse this itinerary.

Costs of Traveling in Laos

The cost of travel in Laos is very cheap. This is mainly because all activities are centered around nature. For example hiking to cliff points, exploring caves, or swimming in lagoons or waterfalls. Entrance to caves, lagoons, and also to cross bridges are not normally more than 1-2 USD. On a budget, travelers can expect to spend about 10-20 USD a day. If you’re able to spend a bit more you can stay in more high-end accommodation for a very reasonable price.

Travel on a budget in Laos, from $180 − $270 USD weekly per person, mid-range $300 − $950 USD, and high-end from $930 − $1640 USD. However, costs depend on factors like accommodation, transportation, and activities. We did not include flights. Check flight prices here

• Hotels: $15 − $200 USD Check available hotels
• Hostels: $7 − $25 USD Check available hostels
• Transport: $5 − $10 USD Book public transport
• Food: $5 − $15 USD
• Activities: $5 − $10 USD See tickets & tours
• Sim: $1 − $3 USD Get an eSIM or SIM here
• Travel Insurance: $2 − $6 USD Get Travel Insurance

How to Get Around Laos

The infrastructure in Laos is not yet well developed. Roads are often dirt or unfinished which can make bus journeys slow, especially in the wet season when the roads can flood. Although this makes traveling in Laos more difficult, it is also what gives Laos its charm!

The new train between destinations is very convenient and fast but is also a lot more expensive if you are traveling on a budget.

You can travel through Laos by train or bus. Once at your destination, it is very easy to get around, either on foot or by hiring a motorbike. Songthaews are also widely available- a pick-up truck-style taxi.

Tickets: Book your train or bus tickets and flight tickets here.

Best Time to Visit Laos

To see the lagoons at their most turquoise blue, visit in the dry months between October to March. Keep in mind that October- February is the cooler part of the dry season. After this, temperatures can be hot, and the farmers start burning season in the fields which can cause the sky to be hazy and smoky.

October is a beautiful month to travel to Laos. This is just after the rainy season ends, when the rice fields will still be lush and green, the waterfalls will be running and the lagoons will be starting to look bluer.

Seasons in Laos

Laos has very different seasons, which can be difficult to navigate. You should choose which time of year you visit based on what you want to see. For instance:

Dry Season : if you are hoping for cooler temperatures, it’s a good idea to visit between October to March. However, at this time, it is likely the waterfalls may be dry and rice won’t be growing. Keep in mind that in March/April farmers begin burning season, which may create smoke that can cause problems for allergy sufferers. 

Rainy season : is from March-October and Laos sees it’s hottest temperatures in the first few months of the season. It can also be difficult to travel due to the rain and sometimes dangerous. The rice paddies will be green and luscious though, and it is the best time to see the waterfalls.

Tip: A good month to visit is October because it’s at the start of the dry season. The countryside will still be green and lush from the rainy season which has just ended.

Do I Need a Visa to Travel to Laos?

To travel to Laos, you will need to apply for an e-visa. The e-visa permits travelers to stay in Laos for 30 days and normally costs between 45 USD to 60 USD, depending on your country of residence. It is valid for single entry only to 5 different entry points in Laos and is valid for 60 days after receiving the approval letter.

Easily order your visa online here

Safety in Laos

Laos is very safe to travel in, and people are exceptionally friendly. Crime is very low, although some minor theft does occur. For this reason, it is good to carry your valuables with you, especially when you’re traveling on buses, as there have been cases of tourists having things taken from their bags.

Travel Insurance Don't forget a travel insurance for your Laos trip! Heymondo covers medical emergencies, theft, delays, cancellations, lost luggage, and more, with 24/7 worldwide assistance and medical chat. As a Salt in our Hair reader, we've got you 5% off! Check Heymondo here

Due to Laos’ history, there are still unexploded bombs in the countryside. Because of this, it is absolutely essential to always stay on the path when hiking. If you are trekking, it is essential to go with a guide.

Here’s how to:   find the right travel insurance

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11 Best Things To Do in Luang Prabang

9 best things to do in vang vieng, laos.

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Thank you so much for your detailed itinerary. I will probably follow it for my first visit to Laos. The inclusion of train details was really helpful as were the things to do in each place. Once again many thanks

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Is Laos safe to visit?

Dangers & annoyances in laos, 18 top safety tips for traveling in laos, is laos safe to travel alone, is laos safe for solo female travelers, is laos safe to travel for families, is it safe to drive in laos, is uber safe in laos, are taxis safe in laos, is public transportation in laos safe, is the food in laos safe, can you drink the tap water in laos, is laos safe to live, how is health care in laos, popular tourist scams in laos, general tips to avoid scams in laos, what to do if you’re a victim, helpful laos travel phrases, hiking safety guidelines, government travel advice, frequently asked questions.

For most visitors, travel in Laos is safe and should pose no serious problems. 

Over the last couple of decades, Laos has earned a reputation among visitors as a remarkably safe place to travel, with little crime reported and few of the scams often found in more touristed places such as Vietnam , Thailand , and Cambodia . 

While the vast majority of Laotians remain honest and welcoming, we have seen a rise of petty crimes, such as theft and low-level scams. These are more annoying than dangerous and can be easily avoided by following our insider tips further down in this article.

The main danger in Laos is related to road travel and conditions. This is even more true for motorcycle drivers which are much more exposed to potential severe accidents compared with car drivers. 

There are a whole lot of things that we are going to be covering in our epic guide, from whether it’s safe to visit Laos right now (fair question), if you should go there as a solo female traveler, to whether or not the food is safe or not. Our guide will have you covered.

So you may be wondering about the safety of Laos in general, or you may be wondering about the state of the healthcare in Laos – whatever your concerns may be, we are here to help you travel smart and stay safe so you can get the most out of your Laos voyage.

Always arm yourselves with good behaviors and sense of keeping things right as you do at your home countries, then you are good to go.

Let’s check it out more detail below

Yes, Laos is a safe place for independent travel, and many find it much safer than their hometowns in the west. There are occasional reports of petty theft, and the occasional bag snatching, but these can be avoided by being cautious with your belongings. 

It is a good idea to leave expensive jewelry and watches at home. You also may consider NOT carrying that  laptop as there are internet shops all around the country.  And never,ever leave cash or valuables unattended in your hotel room. 

Some travelers opt for money belts that can be worn inside the clothing or hanging around the neck under the shirt.

Though it is safe, there are still number of dangers and annoyances that you may encounter in Laos

The Lao people follow the usual Southeast Asian method of queuing for services, which is to say they don't form a line at all but simply push en masse towards the counter or doorway. The system is 'first seen, first served'. Learn to play the game the Lao way, by pushing your money, passport, letters or whatever to the front of the crowd as best you can. That said, it is nowhere near as chaotic as in some of the bigger neighboring countries.

Road & River Travel

Better roads, better vehicles and fewer insurgents mean road travel in Laos is quite safe, if not always comfortable. However, while the scarcity of traffic in Laos means there are far fewer accidents than in neighbouring countries, accidents are still the main risk for travellers.

As motorbikes become increasingly popular among travellers, the number of accidents is rising. Even more likely is the chance of earning yourself a Lao version of the 'Thai tattoo' – that scar on the calf caused by a burn from a hot exhaust pipe.

The speedboats that careen along the Mekong in northern Laos are as dangerous as they are fast. We recommend avoiding all speedboat travel unless absolutely necessary.

Armed Attacks

With the Hmong insurgency virtually finished, travel along Rtes 7 and 13, particularly in the vicinity of Phu Khoun and Kasi, is considered safe, although there was a deadly attack on a Chinese national in this area in early 2016. Ask around in Vientiane or Luang Prabang to make sure the situation is secure before travelling along Rte 7 to Phonsavan or Rte 13 between Vang Vieng and Luang Prabang. Rte 1 from Paksan to Phonsavan is still considered a risk due to occasional banditry.

While theft is much less common than elsewhere in Southeast Asia, it has been on the rise in recent years. Most of the reports we've heard involve opportunistic acts that are fairly easily avoided.

Money or items going missing from rooms is becoming more common, particularly in rural bungalows, so don't leave cash or other tempting belongings on show. If you're on a crowded bus, watch your luggage and don't keep money in loose trouser pockets. When riding a bicycle or motorcycle in Vientiane, don't place anything of value in the basket, as thieving duos on motorbikes may ride by and snatch a bag.

Motorcycle theft is a growing problem. Always lock up your bike when out in the countryside or at night, and pay for parking whenever you can.

Unexploded Ordnance (UXO)

Large areas of eastern and southern Laos are contaminated by unexploded ordnance (UXO). According to surveys by the Lao National UXO Programme (UXO Lao) and other nongovernment UXO clearance organisations, the provinces of Salavan, Savannakhet and Xieng Khuang are the most severely affected provinces, followed by Champasak, Hua Phan, Khammuan, Luang Prabang, Attapeu and Sekong.

Statistically speaking, the UXO risk for the average foreign visitor is low, but travellers should exercise caution when considering off-road wilderness travel in the aforementioned provinces. Stick only to marked paths. And never touch an object that may be UXO, no matter how old and defunct it may appear.

Most of the more obvious drugs are found in Laos, but are also illegal, carrying the risk of stiff fines or, in the case of stronger substances, a lengthy prison sentence. Travellers may commonly dabble in a happy shake (a shake made with marijuana or magic mushrooms) and occasionally opium where it is still found in remote areas. However, police set-ups and police busts are not unknown, leading to large fines and deportation or imprisonment. So proceed with caution or stick to the Beerlao.

Laos isn’t super dangerous, but it’s also not the safest place in the world. Tourists can be seen as easy targets because they’re (always) comparatively rich. Even backpackers can seem like kings.

However, that doesn’t mean you can’t travel around Laos safely – not at all. To make sure you stay safe, we’ve got a few travel tips for Laos to help you on your way.

• Keep belongings close to you in tourist areas – this is where petty theft is likely to occur. Motorbike thieves exist also, so be aware.
• Don’t walk around looking like a tourist – designer clothes, SLRs, wearing expensive jewelry all screams “I’M RICH”. An advert for thieves.
• Be careful of pickpockets – especially walking around crowded streets and tourist areas. Consider investing in a money belt if you need ultimate protection.
• Dress appropriately – it’s not ultra-conservative at all, but in temples, you need to be covering your shoulders and knees.
• Be vigilant in the run-up to festivals – robberies increase as people get desperate for money. Take care.
• Walking around with a smartphone isn’t advised – you’ll probably be ok, but still… Smartphones are expensive.

• Watch out for overfriendly strangers – Laotians are friendly. But if something seems weird and the friendliness is TOO much they may not have the best intentions. Scams DO happen.
• Be careful of drugs – cannabis may be easy to get hold of, but yaba is a different story. A HORRIBLE drug to get involved with. Research if you’ve never heard of it.
• On the subject… – drugs mean you’ll have to deal with sketchy individuals and the police WILL ask for bribes if they catch you. You may even get set up.
• Kids of the Laotian elite carry a lot of sway – and some carry guns. If you’re out at night, DON’T get into any scuffles.
• Be wary of other travelers and expat s – the lawless reputation of Laos attracts some shady characters. Be careful who you get involved with.
• Keep all important things WITH you on a bus – this is the best way to prevent ANYONE getting to ’em.
• Children will come up to you – it’s your choice if you give them money, but there are loads of NGOs that you could help out instead. Good idea to read up about the effects of appeasing panhandlers. 
• Don’t lose your temper – causing a scene in Laos is likely to CAUSE A SCENE. Don’t let a situation get heated.

• Careful where you take photos – military installations, airports = not ok. It’s also important to ask before you take pictures of ANYBODY.
• Walking alone at night in rural areas isn’t advised – increased risk of robbery.
• Protect against mosquitoes – cover up, use repellent, burn coils. Not nice to get bitten.
• Watch out for dangerous wildlife – snakes are definitely present. When walking around rural areas keep your eyes peeled.

Laos can definitely be sketchy, but that doesn’t mean it’s ALWAYS unsafe. Millions of tourists visit the country every year and getting around the country is relatively easy.

Laos is an awesome place. That said, you should be travelling smart anyway. Watching out what’s going on with your surroundings and not getting yourself into silly situations is going to help you travel Laos safely.

Top safety topics for Laos

If you’re thinking about solo travel in Laos and you’ve never done it before, well all we can say is you’re in for a treat. There are plenty of reasons why solo travel is pretty much amazing. Mainly: It’s YOUR trip and YOUR trip only!

BUT it is a challenge, of course, and there are always things to keep in mind when you’re solo travelling anywhere in the world. So even though travelling alone to Laos is relatively safe, here are a couple of notes to keep in mind when you’re out there.

• We’d recommend staying in hostels where you can meet other travellers . It’s not only cool to meet people who are doing the same thing as you, but it’s also a good way to beat the solo travelling blues (it CAN get lonely sometimes). You may even get to make some proper travel buddies and move onwards with them, or plan to meet them in another destination.
• When you’re looking for a social hostel, make sure you find one with good reviews . You’ll be amazed at the prices in Laos, but don’t automatically go looking for the cheapest accommodation possible. You’ll want somewhere you’ll feel secure AND that’s good for meeting people.

• Knowing a few new people is always great for sharing tours . This is handy, for example, when you want to see Luang Prabang or do a day tour of Vientiane or something.
• Don’t go getting crazy drunk , even on Pub Street. We know, it sounds lame – there are so many places to party in Laos’s most popular towns – but you’re MUCH less likely to be aware of you’re surroundings if you’re blind drunk. There’s a reason it’s called ‘blind drunk’, you know. Things can be more sketchy at night too, which is when you’ll be walking home.
• And whilst we’re on the subject, don’t drink and swim. It’s stupid.
• We’d recommend leaving your stuff in your guesthouse . Don’t take your valuables with you when you go out for the day. Leave it locked up in the safe if there is one.
• Get yourself a data sim. This is a good way to keep in touch with people you meet on your trip. It’s also a good way to let your parents and your friends back home know you’re still safe. Checking in every few days will stop people worrying about you, but it’s also better to NOT go off-grid entirely.
• Pick up your hotel’s business card before you head out. You can just show it to a taxi or tuk-tuk driver to help you get back. Alternatively, sticking the address into a maps app should work if you’re walking.
• Speaking of which, get yourself Maps.me. Google Maps may work offline, but not always. Maps.me is a reliable, offline maps app that’ll help you pinpoint where you are in case you find yourself lost in the city. We also find that it has some pretty cool hidden gems highlighted, which is great if you feel like getting off the backpacker trail.

• Learn some Lao language . It’s not the easiest language, but it’s not tonal. Simple phrases will go a long way in impressing locals and building up relationships. Also knowing a BIT of the script is helpful – numbers and placenames especially for money and buses.
• Don’t get temple burnout! Also known as “temple blindness” or “temple boredom”. There is a whole load of temples to see in Laos, so we’d recommend doing research on the best, most fascinating, historically relevant temples or the ones that will interest you the most. Seeing every single one is just impossible and likely to get you feeling jaded unless you’re nuts about temples.

Travelling around Laos by yourself is going to be great! That’s for sure. A lot of the time, especially if you stay in social hostels, you’ll get the benefits of solo travel whilst hanging out with cool people.

At the end of the day, YOU are the only one looking out for yourself. So being responsible and keeping your wits about you is going to go a long way.

There’s solo travel, then there’s solo FEMALE travel. And unfortunately, being a woman makes the world a whole lot more unsafe. However, Laos is a relatively safe country for women travelling alone. 

Although there have been a few reports of harassment, foreign women are generally respected by Laotians. If you solo travel in Laos keep your bag close to you in the city and on motorbikes. Aside from Luang Prabang there are not as many tourists as you would find in Laos and the children you encounter may overwhelm you with their curiosity for your attention and desire to touch your skin.

The sad thing is women are often at more risk. So travelling smart around Laos is going to make it a lot less stressful. Just to be sure, here are a few ways you can maximize your experiences as a solo female traveler in Laos.

• Make friends with other female travelers, especially if it’s your first-time solo travelling. Not only do you get to meet some nice, like-minded people, but you’ll also get some extra backpacking tips. Maybe for more countries than just Laos. You may even get yourself a travel buddy!

• And the best way to get chatting to fellow travelers is by staying in a well-reviewed hostel. With a female-only dorm, if you want. For safety and security, you’ll want those reviews to be very good and for the hostel to have a lot of them as well. For peace of mind, if nothing else.
• Laos’s pretty conservative country so covering up is respectful.  This is important mainly at temples but wearing clothes that consistently cover your knees and shoulders just feels a lot more fitting. Look at what the local women are wearing – especially in more remote areas.
• Don’t touch monks! No, seriously. They’re not allowed contact with women and they’ll have to go through all sorts of rituals if you touch them.
• If you’re wandering around at night it’s relatively safe BUT stick to busy, well-lit areas. Would you wander down quiet, dark backstreets at home?
• Be extra vigilant if you’re travelling alone at night by motorbike or bicycle.
• Drink spiking has been on the rise lately so be careful. Only drink the drinks you buy for yourself.

• At the same time, getting crazy drunk means losing your senses. As a female in a club or bar environment, or simply trying to get home, being wasted is not always safe.
• Use your common sense. If a situation is getting weird, if someone seems sketchy, remove yourself or don’t get involved at all. Find somewhere busy.
• You may be seen as an easy target for bag snatchers, so keep things like that close to you. This has been reported as happening as women are riding in a tuk-tuk, so be extra careful in that sort of situation.

Regardless if you’re a solo man or woman travelling in Laos, there are always risks. As a woman, you might have to be more cautious, even of other travelers.

Don’t let this put you off – you just have to be VIGILANT. Keeping an eye on your surroundings, being sensible at night time, and making some good friends will definitely help.

Luckily, the lack of macho culture in Laos is a positive note for lone female travelers. This in addition to several other factors, makes Laos safe for solo female travelers on the whole.

Laos is a great place to take your children!

There are ancient temples here that your kids will freak out about. They’re like something straight out of a film or a videogame. Sometimes they actually are from fiction!

And sights aside, Lao people are very friendly, especially to children. This will make a big difference and will make it pretty easy for your kids to find local playmates.

There are a bunch of good homestays where you can get to know a local family for a different sort of travel experience. In summary, Laos is safe to travel for families.

But obviously, there are some things you need to bear in mind:

• One of these is long journeys on unreliable buses. You may want to pay a little more for a VIP bus or even a private driver. Safety often isn’t the priority on a bus; driving fast and not putting on the air-con is the norm. Plus, you never know how long a journey is really going to take.
• Laos can get HOT. Make sure everyone stays hydrated and keeps out of the sun. Bring plenty of water bottles.
• It’s also not always the cleanest of places, the infrastructure is sometimes lacking, and the healthcare isn’t amazing…

So, whilst Laos is safe to travel for children, it’s better if you’re an adventurous family. It’s better too if your children are older than toddler age – the older they are, the more they’ll get out of their time in Laos.

No – we wouldn’t call driving “safe” in Laos.

Road accidents are the leading cause of death in Laos.

You may be tempted to hire your own car to avoid those sometimes very pirate-like minibuses, but it’s really not worth it. Distances are, however, fairly short. Relative to LONGER countries nearby like Thailand and Vietnam.

Let’s go through a few of the hazards though.

• The roads themselves are pretty atrocious. They’re often not sealed and there are a ton of things to watch out for: cows crossing, dogs and children running out into the road – that sort of thing.
• Laotian drivers are pretty crazy. You can never be sure what they’re going to do next…
• If you DO want to hire your own motorcycle, just be sure you stick to a well-known part of the country and limit your drive times. Hiring one for a day or two of exploration, such as the area between the relatively chilled Luang Prabang and Vang Vieng., is a reasonable idea.
• Motorbike theft does occur. Luang Prabang is a hotspot for this (amongst other crimes). Be aware of this as it can be a very expensive day out if you have to recompense the motorbike rental place for a lost bike.

But when it boils down to it, we wouldn’t recommend driving in Laos. And driving at night? No way.

If you’re looking for more autonomy and to get off the backpacker trail, a private driver is a good option. It’s a good way to meet a local as well.

Check out how to get around in Laos

Both UBER and GRAB are not available in Laos at the moment.

The local app named LOCA, which is an application that provides on-demand transportation similar to two worldwide applications. LOCA represents the revolution of transport in Laos since LOCA is the first company to introduce a transport application that is convenient and cashless for the country.

It’s reliable and cheap and a good way to get around Vientiane. 

To be honest, taxis aren’t very popular in Laos. There just aren’t many around, at all!

You may find them around the airport, and there are a handful of metered operators in Vientiane. The cars are all yellow, all blue, white-red-and-blue, white with a blue stripe, any color combination really that resembles the flag. If you’re worried, arrange transport with your hotel. 

You can get a shared taxi, though this basically entails you and some travel buddies splitting the price of a private driver.

Honestly, taxis are barely a thing in Laos. Really, in Laos, it’s all about tuk-tuks. They are used all across the country and are safe.

First things first, they’re slow. Not being able to speed helps them not feel like an overly reckless way to get around, which is good because they’re open-air with a top cover.

You’ll be hassled in pretty much every town with “tuk-tuk?” as you pass an idling driver. They’re usually friendly enough and will leave you alone the instant you decline.

But if you DO get a tuk-tuk off the street negotiate the price before you get in.

Watch out for theft. Bag snatching isn’t completely uncommon and happens from the back of tuk-tuks, so keep your belongings close to you. Similarly, we wouldn’t recommend sitting in the back playing on your phone.

The best way to get a tuk-tuk driver is through your hotel/guesthouse. These will be reliable drivers trusted by your accommodation and are often really friendly.

And a tuk-tuk is the best way to see Luang Prabang. Hands down.

Honestly, there isn’t much public transport in Laos. The stuff that does exist is mainly safe though.

Booking transport through wherever you’re staying is the usual way to get around. More often than not this comes in the form of a minibus. You’ll sit on a minibus packed full of other travelers (mostly) and get ferried between towns.

The minibuses drive fast and recklessly and aren’t always in the best condition either. They also tend to take AGES and can be run by some dodgy companies. So ask beforehand and do some research.

That said, large air-conned buses DO exist and these travel between large cities – the route between Vientiane and Luang Prabang or Vientiane and Pakse for instance. This is about as public as it gets. 

These buses are used by locals and stop randomly to let people on. Sometimes food vendors. But they’re generally comfier than minibuses and they’re safe.

We’re not going to lie: Laos isn’t exactly famed for its food. Most people probably wouldn’t be able to even name a Laotian dish. Let us be the first tell you – it’s pretty tasty. There are larbs and tam mak hoong to enjoy here, milder and richer than their Thai counterparts, amongst other things. 

Food sanitation isn’t as common here as in the Western World though. Refer to the following tips to help you avoid illness while on a gourmet tour of Laos.

• If you’re going to try a happy pizza, don’t underestimate it. We can confirm that these definitely work. They can take a while to kick in, but when they do… Boy. Be careful.
• Salads that are unwashed, vegetables and fruit you can’t peel; avoid this stuff. This could make you ill.
• If you’re worried, go somewhere that looks busy. Usually, this means that it’s going to a) be pretty tasty and b) not make you feel sick straight after you’ve eaten.
• That said, don’t just find somewhere and stick to it. Spread your attention around, do a bit of research, get on Google, TripAdvisor read some blogs – this is 2020, people! Good reviews are usually there for a reason. Even if it’s ‘just’ Western food, if the reviews are good, go check it out.

• Similarly, if you’re a vegetarian – go online. There are plenty of vegetarian restaurants, mainly in the cities, who offer dishes ranging from traditional Lao vegetarian food to more Westernized bean burgers.
• Take snacks for long bus journeys. We assure you, the journeys are LONG and the snackage on offer when the vendors come on is… questionable. Go to a convenience store and stock up on some goodies.
• However, make sure you check the sell-by date on said goodies. Even the imitation Oreos might have sat on the shelves for quite some time.
• Feeling like some street food? Awesome! There are plenty of offers on spot and are pretty safe and delicious. But anything that looks like it’s been lying around all day UNCOVERED, you should probably pass.
• You might want to consider NOT eating a load of meat in Laos. You’re never quite sure where it’s come from. Unless it’s chicken, other meats could be something you don’t necessarily want to be eating. Not exaggerating.
• Wash your hands! It’s very dusty and dirty. The last thing you want is for your own hygiene to be ruining your trip.

So all in all, you’re in for a treat in Laos. Just follow our tips and trust your own instincts when it comes to food. Funny smells, old-looking food, places with bad reviews; all of that stuff is best avoided. Most dishes in Laos are freshly cooked and, for that matter, DELICIOUS.

Whilst SOME of the water MAY be ok to drink in Laos (and mainly in Vientiane), we wouldn’t advise it.

Boiling tap water for 1 minute should make it safe to drink, however. For these purposes, you can also bring along your own refillable water bottle. If you really want to, bring a Grayl Geopress or some water purification tablets too.

To be totally safe, we’d recommend bottled water. It’s not exactly good for the environment but it’s widely available and reliable.

Make sure you drink a lot of it because it really does get hot.

If you want to explore the country side, we’d suggest boiling and filtering your water or using The GRAYL GEOPRESS.

It’s very safe to live in Laos but all of what we’ve said before still applies. Living in Laos doesn’t automatically make the roads safe after dark.

Remember: Laos is still a developing country. You’ll have to put up with crazy streets, power outages, and cockroaches in your apartment.

Having a secure place to live is really going to be something you’ll want. Making sure you have locks that work and windows that can be secured (have locks of their own and/or bars).

The main thing that you’ll need to be concerned about is government corruption. Bribery isn’t uncommon and putting up with this can not only be a pain but downright depressing when you think about it.

The cost of living in Laos is low but living like a Westerner in a non-Western country is always going to be more expensive. If you want to cut costs while shopping, you need to shop at local markets and buy local markets instead of Western ones.

When it comes to work, Vientiane has more in terms of jobs. If you’re entrepreneurial and want to open up your own shop or restaurant, Luang Prabang has a healthy bunch of Western immigrants doing just that. Surrounding yourself with like-minded people is bound to make your experience not only safer but saner. 

Be aware that prostitution is Illegal in Laos but there are many active places in the cities such as Vientiane or Luang Prabang, and that HIV is widespread. Be mindful of this if you intend on taking a local home or having unprotected sex.

Laos health care is not great. It’s pretty basic at best, shoddy at worst.

Public facilities are actually very bad. It’s best to use private clinics and hospitals that you’ll find in Vientiane and Luang Prabang. 

Even then, these don’t have ALL the facilities required for ALL procedures. So if you have something that’s even mildly serious, like appendicitis, you will have to be flown to neighbouring Thailand, specifically Bangkok, for emergency treatment.

In these cases, health insurance is obviously very helpful – so get it.

If you’re feeling bad, see a doctor rather than go to the hospital. Pharmacies in bigger towns have a wide range of medication you can get your hands on. You can even get antibiotics without a prescription.

But to reiterate, healthcare in Laos isn’t great. Staying out of any situation that could end up in injury or illness is the best cure.

Laos tourist scams

Here are some of the typical scams and tourist traps that tourists in Laos should be wary of:

Long boat tours

Many of the long boat tours to Luang Prabang or similar destinations have plenty of stops on the way, and even rest up for the evening. This scam starts by having someone claiming to be a representative of the longboat company saying the stopping points along the river only have a few guesthouses and encourages the tourist about to board the longboat to book ahead of time through him to avoid having nowhere to stay for the night.

But, on arriving at the small village for the mandatory overnight stop, they find there is in fact plenty of accommodation and the prices are significantly cheaper than what was paid up front.

How to avoid: it rarely benefits to simply accept the recommendation of a tour official because they will inevitably offer a much higher price because they will be receiving a commission.

Drivers or guides not delivering

Drivers or guides not delivering what they promised is a common type of scam that can take place all over SE Asia. But in some situations it can simply be a result of poor communication.

A typical scenario is when a tour guide is taking you to a particular destination with several stops on the way. However, the tour can end quite abruptly and not include every stop that was agreed at the time of organising the trip.

How to avoid: to minimize the risk of the shorter than expected trip it is best to clearly state and agree the travel route before setting off, and even have this written down. Alternatively, it is possible to agree a payment method that increases after reaching every stopping point. This is certain to encourage the guide to go the full distance when they know this is the only way to get the full payment.

Not getting Change

A simple scam that takes place is not automatically getting change when you buy something. Even though this isn't likely to amount to much if it happens once or twice, but it can soon start to add up if it is left to continue for the duration of the Laos holiday.

Many times the clerk will simply wait for tourists to ask for their change in the hope that they will simply walk away. Also, there is the risk of being short changed which many travellers failing to notice with the more confusing and high currency notes in SE Asia.

How to avoid: this scam is possible to avoid by being more aware of your money and making sure to check you change after making each payment.

Boats and Buses

This scam can involve a tour representative saying a journey will be completed in a nice bus or boat, but in fact it turns out to be the complete opposite and is quite old and dirty. There is also the risk of too many people being on-board most types of transport which can be rather unsafe.

How to avoid: a simple step to take is to ask to see the boat or bus before agreeing to pay for the tour. Alternatively, you can do a little research by talking to other tourists or look at reviews online. It the transport appears to be unsafe, make sure to get your money back and make alternative arrangements.

Tuk Tuk Tour Scams

There are plenty of areas that have the tuk-tuk tour scams with prices that seem too good to be true. If the price quoted for a tour of the local area in Laos appears to be very cheap, this should be a red flag and you may want to further consider what you are likely to receive.

Most of the tours include prearranged stops at places the tuk-tuk driver will get a commission from. This can lead to tourists spending more money on the day trip than expected. Also, if you don't spend at these drop off points, there is the risk the tuk-tuk driver will simply abandon you because they aren't likely to be making much money for their efforts.

How to avoid: the best course of action is to simply avoid these types of tours and instead book through a recognized tour company. But, if you do decide to venture out, you must be prepared to buy something when the tuk-tuk stops at his chosen destination.

Children as Bait

Many attractions popular with tourist in Laos seem to have a high number of small children selling things or begging. It is fine to buy what they are offered, but they rarely get to keep any of the money given. Children are typically used as bait and the money is passed to their parents.

Also, the children may know several different ways to give assistance to tourist while on the Laos holiday, which may seem like it is simply a game, but will likely end with a demand for money. For instance, the small children can use leaves to fan you while walking up a steep set of steps, but on arriving at the top ask for money for their services.  

How to avoid: in most situations a simple no at the start of any interaction with the children will stop things from going any further

Be wary of anyone who approaches you to offer a service or goods. If you need something, like a taxi, it’s best to approach them. Be extra cautious when traveling solo and trust your instincts.

If something seems fishy, it probably is! Having internet access on your phone is also helpful. If something doesn’t feel right, take Honig’s advice and Google it: If it’s a scam, it’s likely happened to others and been widely reported.

And this goes without saying but watch your personal belongings and always lock your passport in the hotel safe. Theft may not always be accompanied by a complicated hustle, but it can still ruin your trip.

If you’ve been a victim of a serious scam, contact the tourist police immediately. Staff at your hotel may also be able to help.

Keep the following emergency numbers handy when traveling to Laos:

Emergency contact numbers

• Ambulance    195
• Fire                190
• Police             191
• Tourist Police 192

Embassy or Consular Assistance

In case you need the embassy or consular services, you may find the contact in our list of diplomatic mission in Laos .

List of hospitals in some tourist sites

If you need to consult the doctors, here is the list of good hospitals for tourists/foreigners in some tourist sites in Laos

Here are some Lao travel phrases for travelling around Laos. The locals will appreciate your attempt to speak their language with a huge smile on their faces.

• Yes – Jao
• No – Baw
• Maybe – Bangthi
• Please – Khâluna
• Thank you – Khãwp Ja̖i
• Sorry/excuse me – Khãw thôht
• Where is the restroom? – Hàwng nâm yuu sǎi?
• I need a doctor – Khoy tong kan Maw
• I’m lost – Khoy lohng taang
• Can you help me? – Suay khoy dai boh
• Never mind – Baw pen nyãng

Whether you are exploring Laos marvelous nature for a long trekking adventure or just for a day trip, there are a few points to consider before lacing up the boots:

• Hike with at least one companion. In most cases it is best to hire a guide.
• Do not venture by foot into areas restricted to foreigner ask around before taking off.
• Trail conditions can get slippery and dangerous, especially in the rainy season.
• Walk only in regions within your capabilities. You are not going to find a trishaw out there to bring you back.
• Due to the unexploded ordnance from the second Indochina war, it is advised to always stay on the trail. Moreover, you should check that your itinerary does not go through an unsafe zone.
• Mosquitoes are ubiquitous in this region. Bring repellent from home and cover yourself, especially at nighttime.
• Laos has a high incidence of deaths from snakebite. Watch your step-in brush, forest, and grasses.

The following government websites offer travel advisories and information on current hot spots.

• Australian Department of Foreign Affairs
• British Foreign Office 
• Canadian Department of Foreign Affairs
• New Zealand Foreign Affairs & Trade
• US State Department

Q. When is the best time to visit Laos?

The small, landlocked country of Laos is best visited between late October and early April, when the weather’s warm and dry throughout.

River travel is best between November and January, when high water levels make passage easy along Laos main waterway, the Mekong River. Visiting the Bolaven Plateau is also pleasant at this time of year.

Laos’ geography plays a major part in shaping its climate, and cool temperatures can still be found in the highlands, which lie mainly in northern, eastern and central regions.

The green season falls between late May and October, when the rains return to the country.

However, showers are usually short and sharp, having little impact on your exploration. At this time of year, the country comes to life, with waterfalls beginning to flow once more and the lush scenery attracting a variety of wildlife.

Here is the detailed Laos weather guide & best time to visit

Q. When is the cheapest time to visit Laos?

Logically, the cheapest time to fly to Laos is during the off-season from May until September. As there are not many tourists visiting the country, the airlines and hotels seem to offer promotion to attract more tourist and try to fill-up the plane. If you are ok with the heat and some sudden rain, this is the time for you.

According to cheapflights.com.au, the cheapest flights to Laos are usually found when departing on a Monday. The departure day with the highest cost is usually on a Friday.

Moreover, Laos flights can be made cheaper if you choose a flight at noon. Booking a flight in the morning will likely mean higher prices. Simply follow this, sometimes you can have the promotion of 40-50% discount.

Q. Do you need a visa to visit Laos?

Well, to visit Laos you must obtain a visa unless you come from one of the visa exempt countries. You must hold a passport valid for six months and one empty page.

Nevertheless, there is nothing to worry as it is very easy to apply for Laos visa as for most of the visitors. You can apply for either visa online (e-visa) or visa on arrival.

Here is our guide about Laos Visa Policy

• Luang Prabang & surrounds
• Northeastern
• Northwestern
• Vientiane & surrounds
• About 1 week
• About 2 weeks
• About 3 weeks
• About 4 weeks
• Cycling & Biking
• Family Vacation
• Honeymoon Vacation
• Luxury Holiday
• Trek & Hike
• Wellness & Leisure

We believe you have the right to arm yourselves with as much information as possible before making any decision.

Check below our detailed tips & guide for every places to visit in Laos , recommendation regarding the inclusion in each theme you prefer , and what you can do based on the time frame you have.

The ancient capital of Lane Xang Kingdom

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Taking a cruise on the fascinating Mekong River offers a unique and memorable travel experience. The Mekong River, one of the longest rivers in Asia, flows through several countries, including China, Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam. Each destination along the river offers its own distinct cultural, historical, and natural attractions. In this article, we will go over what you can expect when cruising the Mekong River. 

Despite being open to tourism for the past two decades, Laos remains a destination brimming with hidden treasures and unexplored gems, awaiting the arrival of curious adventurers.

Among these remarkable places is the Xe Champhone Loop, an enchanting location that captures the essence of Laos.

In early September 2022, we had the privilege of embarking on an Educational Tour organized by the esteemed Tetraktys Organization. Our objective was to delve into the wonders of this loop and promote its allure to international tourists.

During our expedition, we were awe-struck by the captivating sights and valuable insights we gained. The area boasts an abundance of captivating natural landscapes, rich traditional culture, and warm-hearted hosts.

We have compiled comprehensive information about this captivating region below.

Stay connected to discover more about this hidden gem!

The romance of train travel is alive and well in Laos. The recently-completed high-speed railway that stretches from Vientiane, through Laos, and into southern China is operating ‘full steam’ ahead. 

Luang Prabang will celebrate the boat racing festival (Boun Souang Heua) in Namkhan River during Buddhist Lent Period, on August 26th, 2022.

A notice issued by Luang Prabang provincial office says that Luang Prabang will arrange Boun Hor Khaopadapdin, an annual festival held to feed spirits with home-made parcels of food, and the boat racing activities along Namkhan River. 

The province intends to promote the traditional festival and practices in hopes of attracting more domestic and foreign tourists, generating revenue for locals.

Traditional racing boats are made of a single tree and can accommodate up to fifty rowers.

The boats are considered sacred, are cleaned, and are given offerings which are believed to bring victory to the team.

In the downtown heart of Luang Prabang, there will also be gatherings and markets.

The festival will be held on August 26th, 2022, the same day with Boun Khao Padapdine.

Covid-19 put a stop to traditional customs and festivals for almost three years, but now that the measurements have been relaxed, tourist destinations in Laos expect to recommence festivities and offer hope for travelers.

How long to spend in Laos may seem like a ridiculous question to address, but if you have plenty of time and aren’t sure how much to dedicate, this blog will definitely help you out. 

How long can you stay in Laos? 

Well, as long as you like! From 7 days to a month, there are various ways you can travel across Laos and uncover its secrets. Advising an ideal trip length for Laos is a bit of a complex challenge, as it depends on several factors such as the places you wish to visit, the activities you plan to join, or if you want to combine Laos with its neighbor countries. 

Stay tuned! We are going to sort all these things out including the step-by-step guide to create the best itinerary in Laos.

The Rocket Festival (Boun Bang Fai) is a merit-making ceremony traditionally practiced by ethnic Lao people near the beginning of the wet season in numerous villages and municipalities, in the regions of Northeastern Thailand and Laos. Celebrations typically include preliminary music and dance performances, competitive processions of floats, dancers and musicians on the second day, and culminating on the third day in competitive firings of home-made rockets. Local participants and sponsors use the occasion to enhance their social prestige, as is customary in traditional Buddhist folk festivals throughout Southeast Asia.

The festival in Thailand also includes special programs and specific local patterns like Bung Fai (Parade dance) and a Beautiful Bung Fai float such as Yasothon the third weekend of May, and continues Suwannaphum District, Roi Et on the first weekend of June, Phanom Phrai District Roi Et during the full moon of the seventh month in Lunar year's calendar each year. The Bung Fai festival is not only found in Isan or Northeasthern Thailand and North Thailand and Laos, but also in Amphoe Sukhirin, Narathiwat.

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More travel information for Laos

From travel safety to visa requirements, discover the best tips for traveling to Laos

• Visa and entry requirements Laos
• Eating and drinking in Laos
• How to get to Laos
• Getting around Laos: Transportation Tips
• Shopping tips for Laos
• Best time to visit Laos

Lao customs regulations limit visitors to 500 cigarettes and one litre of distilled alcohol per person upon entry, but in practice bags are rarely opened unless a suspiciously large amount of luggage is being brought in. A customs declaration form must be filled out along with the arrival form, but typically nobody bothers to check that the information is correct. There is no limit on the amount of foreign currency you can bring into Laos.

Electricity

Information, internet access, opening hours and public holidays, travellers with disabilities, health advice, alternative therapies, culture and etiquette, crime and safety, travelling with children, public holidays, tailor-made travel itineraries for laos, created by local experts.

22 days  / from 4799 USD

The Ultimate Southeast Asia Grand Tour

Explore the highlights of four countries in a bit over 3 weeks: Halong Bay & the Mekong Delta in Vietnam combined with the cities Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. Proceed to Cambodia with Angkor Wat before watching the monks in Luang Prabang/Laos. Your trip ends in Thailand with elephants and Bangkok.

6 days  / from 1550 USD

Historical Laos

One of Southeast Asia’s lesser-known countries, Laos is definitely off the beaten track, but it has retained its culture, charm and traditional village life, wild jungle and stunning countryside. Come here for tradition and mystery and a unique adventure.

21 days  / from 4545 USD

Impressions of Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos

Start and end your trip in Ho Chi Minh City and visit highlights such as the Mekong Delta, Phnom Penh with the Killing Fields, Angkor Wat, the historic city of Luang Prabang in Laos before heading back to Vietnam - Hanoi, Halong Bay and Hoi An await.

Laos is one of the world’s poorest nations, and consequently one of the cheapest Asian countries to travel in. Your largest expense is likely to be transport, with journeys usually costing between 60,000 and 120,000K; accommodation and food are very inexpensive.

By eating at noodle stalls and cheap restaurants, opting for basic accommodation and travelling by public transport, you can travel in Laos on a daily budget of less than $20. Staying in more upmarket hotels and resorts, and eating in the best restaurants will push your budget up to a very reasonable $40–60 a day – though you’ll struggle to find upmarket accommodation and restaurants in much of the country. Note, however, that prices are significantly higher in Vientiane and Luang Prabang.

While restaurants and some shops have fixed prices, in general merchandise almost never has price tags, and the lack of a fixed pricing scheme can take some getting used to. Prices, unless marked or for food in a market, should usually be negotiated, as should the cost of chartering transport (as opposed to fares on passenger vehicles, which are non-negotiable). Hotel and guesthouse operators are usually open to a little bargaining, particularly during off-peak months.

Bargaining is very much a part of life in Laos, and an art form, requiring a delicate balance of humour, patience and tact. It’s important to remain realistic, as vendors will lose interest if you’ve quoted a price that’s way out of line, and to keep a sense of perspective: cut-throat haggling over 1000K only reflects poorly on both buyer and seller. As the Lao in general – with the exception of drivers of vehicles for hire and souvenir sellers in Vientiane and Luang Prabang – are less out to rip off tourists than their counterparts in Thailand and Vietnam, they start off the haggling by quoting a fairly realistic price and expect to come down only a little. It’s worth bearing in mind that the country’s dependence on imported goods from its neighbours does push prices up – whether for food, toiletries or transport.

Supplied at 220 volts AC. Two-pin sockets taking plugs with flat prongs are the norm. Many smaller towns, including several provincial capitals, have power for only a few hours in the evening or none at all, so it’s worth bringing a torch.

Good, reliable information on Laos is hard to come by and, because everything from visa requirements to transport routes are subject to frequent change, your best bet is often to get the latest advice from internet forums, guesthouses and fellow travellers.

The government-run Lao National Tourism Administration (LNTA for short; w www.tourismlaos.org ), which has offices around Laos, including Vientiane and Luang Prabang, should be able to supply decent brochures and maps, including Destination Laos , a free mini-guidebook published annually.

Privately owned travel companies such as Green Discovery and Diethelm Travel can provide reliable tourist information in provincial capitals, as well as some free fold-out maps. For more detailed maps of the country, try one of the bookshops in Vientiane or Vang Vieng.

Online resources

w www.destination-laos.net Attractive province-by-province guide to Laos, featuring maps, pictures and plenty of useful information.

w www.vientianetimes.com Features news, accommodation listings and links to hundreds of other websites on Laos.

w www.catmekongexpress.com Huge general info site.

w www.laoembassy.com Website of the Lao embassy to the United States features tourist info and updated visa regulations.

w www.ecotourismlaos.com A slick, award-winning website by the Lao National Tourism Administration that features helpful tips on exploring Laos’s national parks.

w www.laos-travel.itgo.com Useful site (if a little dated) with province-by-province info.

w www.laosglobe.com Laos-related news from around the world is collated on this regularly updated site.

w www.tripadvisor.com User-generated reviews of hotels, guesthouses and tourist attractions in Laos.

w www.muonglao.com This locally run website includes travel tips and a list of tourist highlights.

w theboatlanding.com An excellent site on travel in Northern Laos. Features information on independent trekking and eco-tourism.

It is important to purchase a good travel insurance policy before travelling that covers against theft, loss and illness or injury. Good medical coverage is particularly important in Laos where the poor healthcare system means that any serious accident or illness while there would most likely require you to travel to Thailand for treatment.

Internet cafés are increasingly common in Laos, though there are still a fair few towns that don’t have access. Prices range between 6000 and 15,000K per hour; in most places, connections can be excruciatingly slow. Numerous cafés and many hotels and guesthouses in Vientiane and Luang Prabang now offer wi-fi – outside of these places wi-fi is limited to more upmarket accommodation and occasionally cafés in more touristy towns.

For unlimited Wi-Fi on the go whilst travelling Laos, buy a Skyroam Solis , which works in 130+ countries at one flat daily rate, paid for on a pay-as-you-go basis. You can connect up to five devices at once. Prices start from as little as €5 a day.

Most guesthouses and hotels offer a same-day laundry service, and in larger towns a few shops offer laundry service which can be cheaper than what you’ll be charged at your accommodation. In either situation, the charge is usually per kilogram. Your clothes will take a beating, so it’s best not to entrust prized articles to these services. If you want to wash clothes yourself, you can buy small packets of detergent in many general stores and markets around the country. Hang out your underwear discreetly – women should take particular care, as women’s undergarments are believed to have the power to render Buddhist tattoos and amulets powerless.

Lao currency, the kip, is available in 50,000K, 20,000K, 10,000K, 5000K, 2000K, 1000K and 500K notes; there are no coins in circulation.

Although a law passed in 1990 technically forbids the use of foreign currencies to pay for goods and services in local markets, many tour operators, and upmarket hotels and restaurants quote their prices in dollars (especially common when the price is above 350,000K). Many shops, especially those in more touristy towns, and tourist services will accept Thai baht or US dollars in place of kip, usually at a fairly decent exchange rate, though it makes little sense unless you’re paying for something that would require a large amount of kip.

Due to the high denominations of Lao money, it can be rather cumbersome to carry even relatively small amounts of money in kip. It’s far easier to carry large sums of money in dollars or baht and to change them as you need to – bear in mind though that larger US notes will get you better exchange rates. It’s not possible to convert money to or from kip outside of Laos.

Banks and exchange

Banking hours are generally Monday to Friday 8.30am to 3.30pm. Exchange rates are fairly uniform throughout the country, though marginally better in larger towns and cities. Most towns have a bank with at least the most basic of exchange facilities – usually dollars and baht – though travellers’ cheques (US dollars) are now accepted at many banks and a wide variety of international currencies can often be changed, including euros and sterling. Moneychangers are common in larger towns, and rates are generally a little lower, though not disproportionately so, than the banks.

Travellers’ cheques, cash and cards

The most convenient way to carry money in Laos is to take a good supply of US dollars or Thai baht with you. Travellers’ cheques are the safest way to carry larger amounts of money, and as they are now accepted at banks throughout the country they are a good option if you’re travelling for a few weeks, though cashing them will incur a charge of around $1 per cheque. ATMs are becoming more prevalent, but are still fairly rare, and even so it’s best not to rely on them. In addition, some travellers have had problems with receiving funds from ATMs, with reports that their accounts were debited despite not receiving cash at the end of the transaction. In such a situation, contact your bank as soon as possible.

Major credit cards are accepted at upmarket hotels and restaurants in Vientiane and Luang Prabang, and in a limited number of other tourist centres. Cash advances on Visa cards, and less frequently Mastercard, are possible in some banks in larger towns, though minimum amounts and commission are likely to be imposed. Bear in mind that electricity supply in much of the country can be somewhat temperamental, so paying by credit card or getting a cash advance on a card is not always possible even when the service is advertised – it’s important not to rely on plastic in Laos and to always have some cash as a fall-back option.

The Lao postal system can be slow and unreliable – mail takes seven to fourteen days in or out of Laos, depending on where you are. Post offices are open Monday to Friday from 8am to 5pm, sometimes with an hour break at lunchtime. When sending parcels, keep the package open for inspection.

Poste restante services are available in Vientiane and Luang Prabang. Post offices in both towns charge a small fee for letters (postcards received this way are free) and keep mail behind the counter for two or three months. Bring your passport on the off chance that you’re asked to show identification when picking up your mail. Mail should be addressed: name, GPO, city, Lao PDR.

Hours for government offices are generally Monday to Friday from 8am to noon and from 1 to 5pm. Private businesses usually open and close a bit later, with most opening on Saturday but almost all closed on Sunday. Details of banking and post office hours are given and above respectively.

The posted hours on museums are not always scrupulously followed outside of the major cities and on slow days (almost every day) the curators and staff are often tempted to pack up and head home. Unless a festival is taking place, monasteries should only be visited during daylight hours as monks are very early risers and are usually in bed not long after sunset.

Government offices, banks and post offices close for public holidays – a lot of shops, especially in smaller towns, also close for the day.

The majority of internet cafés now have facilities for international calling, usually through Skype. Alternatively, international calls can be made at the local Telecom Office, though prices are generally quite high.

Regional codes are given throughout the Guide: the “0” must be dialled before all long-distance calls. Some hotels have consecutively numbered phone lines – thus t 021/221200–5 means that the last digit can be any number between 0 and 5.

GSM or Triband mobile phones can be used in Laos, though call and text charges will be high, so if you’re planning on using your phone it’s worth buying a local SIM card. These are readily available from shops and markets and cost 20,000–30,000K, which will also give you an initial amount of credit to use. Mobile phone coverage is limited in more remote provinces – at the time of writing, the most comprehensive network was ETL. Top-up cards can be purchased in most towns and villages that have even the most basic shop – just look for the flag displaying the network’s name.

Most hotels and guesthouses in Laos now claim to have hot-water showers – though in reality the water is often disappointingly cold. Traditional Lao showers, sometimes found in accommodation in rural areas, consist of a large, ceramic jar or a cement tub resembling an oversized bathtub without a drain. Standing next to the tub, you use the plastic scoop provided to sluice water over your body. While it may look tempting on a hot day, don’t get into these tubs or try to use them for doing your laundry, as the water has to be used by others. In many towns villagers opt for an even more traditional technique – the river. Men usually bathe in their underwear, women in sarongs.

Hard to find outside Vientiane’s minimarkets, which have a very limited selection. Bring supplies.

Ignoring daylight-saving time abroad, Laos is 7 hours ahead of London, 15 hours ahead of Vancouver, 12 hours ahead of New York, 3 hours behind Sydney and 5 hours behind Auckland.

Squat toilets are the norm throughout Laos, although almost all hotels and guesthouses have Western-style porcelain thrones. Public toilets are not common in Laos though you’ll find them at airports and most bus stations; at the latter a small fee is usually collected. Not all toilets will have toilet paper, so it’s worth carrying some with you. Most squat toilets require manual flushing – you’ll find a bucket of water with a scoop floating on the surface for this purpose. In some small, rural villages people tend to take to the woods because of a lack of plumbing. On long road trips this is also a perfectly acceptable way to relieve yourself, though keep in mind that many parts of Laos have UXO, so it’s not wise to wade too far into the bush when the bus stops for a bathroom break.

For anyone with limited mobility, Laos is a difficult country to explore. Even in the big tourist cities of Luang Prabang and Vientiane, you’ll be met with uneven pavements, which lack ramps, and small sets of stairs leading into most restaurants and guesthouses. In smaller towns the situation is even worse – there are often no pavements and most of the roads are dirt tracks.

However, a handful of the newer hotels in Laos (especially in cities) have been built with some regard for disabled guests. The best places have ramps at the front of the building, lifts to all floors of the hotel, and wider doorways that at least allow wheelchair users to pass from one part of the building to another. That said, your chances of getting a room that’s been specially adapted for a wheelchair user, complete with grab-rails and a roll-in shower, are close to zero.

Hotels that do make specific allowances for disabled guests include the 3 Nagas by Alila in Luang Prabang and the Lao Plaza in Vientiane.

The best way to alleviate transport difficulties is to take internal flights and hire a private minibus with a driver. You should also consider hiring a local tour guide to accompany you on sightseeing trips – a Lao speaker can facilitate access to temples and museums. Flying an international carrier whose planes are suited to your needs is also helpful. Keep in mind that airline companies can cope better if they are expecting you, with a wheelchair provided at airports and staff primed to help.

When preparing for your trip, it’s a good idea to pack spares of any clothing or equipment that might be hard to find. If you use a wheelchair, you should have it serviced before you go and carry a repair kit. If you do not use a wheelchair all the time but your walking capabilities are limited, remember that you are likely to need to cover greater distances while travelling (often over rougher terrain and in hotter temperatures) than you are used to.

Healthcare in Laos is so poor as to be virtually nonexistent; the average life expectancy is just 57. Malaria and other mosquito-borne diseases are rife, and you’ll need to take a number of precautions to avoid contracting these, especially if you plan on spending long periods of time in rural regions. The nearest medical care of any competence is in neighbouring Thailand; if you find yourself afflicted by anything more serious than travellers’ diarrhoea, it’s best to head for the closest Thai border crossing and check into a hospital.

Plan on consulting a doctor at least two months before your travel date to discuss which diseases you should receive immunization against. Some antimalarials must be taken several days before arrival in a malarial area in order to be effective. If you are going to be on the road for some time, a dental check-up is also advisable.

Vaccinations

While there are no mandatory vaccinations for Laos (except yellow fever if you are coming from an infected area), a few are recommended. Hepatitis A, typhoid, tetanus and polio are the most important ones, but you should also consider hepatitis B, rabies and Japanese encephalitis. All shots should be recorded on an International Certificate of Vaccination and carried with your passport when travelling abroad.

Hepatitis A is contracted via contaminated food and water and can be prevented by the Havrix vaccine which provides protection for up to ten years. Two injections two to four weeks apart are necessary, followed by a booster a year later. The older one-shot vaccine only provides protection for three months. Hepatitis B is spread via sexual contact, transfusions of tainted blood and dirty needles. Vaccination is recommended for travellers who plan on staying for long periods of time (six months or more). Note that the vaccine can take up to six months before it is fully effective.

Rabies can be prevented by a vaccine that consists of two injections over a two-month period with a third a year later and boosters every two to five years. If you haven’t had shots and are bitten by a potentially rabid animal, you will need to get the jabs immediately.

Japanese encephalitis, a mosquito-borne disease, is quite rare, but doctors may recommend a vaccination against it. The course of injections consists of two shots at two-week intervals plus a booster.

General precautions

The average traveller to Laos has little to worry about as long as they use common sense and exercise a few precautions. The changes in climate and diet experienced during travel collaborate to lower your resistance, so you need to take special care to maintain a healthy intake of food and water and to try to minimize the effects of heat and humidity on the body. Excessive alcohol consumption should be avoided, as the dehydrating effects of alcohol are amplified by the heat and humidity.

Good personal hygiene is essential; hands should be washed before eating, especially given that much of the Lao cuisine is traditionally eaten with the hands. Cuts or scratches, no matter how minor, can become infected very easily and should be thoroughly cleaned, disinfected and bandaged to keep dirt out.

Most health problems experienced by travellers are a direct result of something they’ve eaten. Avoid eating uncooked vegetables and fruits that cannot be peeled. Dishes containing raw meat or fish are considered a delicacy in Laos but people who eat them risk ingesting worms and other parasites. Cooked food that has been sitting out for an undetermined period should be treated with suspicion.

Stomach trouble and viruses

Most travellers experience some form of stomach trouble during their visit to Laos, simply because their digestive system needs time to adapt to the local germs. To deal with travellers’ diarrhoea, it is usually enough to drink lots of liquids and eat lightly, avoiding spicy or greasy foods in favour of bland noodle soups until your system recovers. The use of Lomotil or Imodium should be avoided, as they just prevent your body clearing the cause of the diarrhoea, unless long-distance road travel makes it absolutely necessary. Diarrhoea accompanied by severe stomach cramps, nausea or vomiting is an indication of food poisoning. As with common diarrhoea, it usually ends after a couple of days. In either case, be sure to increase your liquid intake to make up for lost fluids. It’s a good idea to bring oral rehydration salts with you from home. If symptoms persist or become worse after a couple of days, consider seeking medical advice in Thailand.

Blood or mucus in the faeces is an indication of dysentery. There are two types of dysentery and they differ in their symptoms and treatment. Bacillary dysentery has an acute onset, with severe abdominal pain accompanied by the presence of blood in the diarrhoea. Fever and vomiting may also be symptoms. Bacillary dysentery requires immediate medical attention and antibiotics are usually prescribed. Amoebic dysentery is more serious: the onset is gradual with bloody faeces accompanied by abdominal pain. Symptoms may eventually disappear but the amoebas will still be in the body and will continue to feed on internal organs, causing serious health problems in time. If you contract either type of dysentery, seek immediate medical advice in Thailand.

Hepatitis A, a viral infection contracted by consuming contaminated food or water, is quite common in Laos. The infection causes the liver to become inflamed and resulting symptoms include nausea, abdominal pains, dark-brown urine and light-brown faeces that may be followed by jaundice (yellowing of the skin and whites of eyes). Vaccination is the best precaution; if you do come down with hepatitis A, get plenty of rest and eat light meals of non-fatty foods.

Another scatological horror is giardia, symptoms of which include a bloated stomach, evil-smelling burps and farts, and diarrhoea or floating stools. As with dysentery, treatment by a physician in Thailand should be sought immediately.

Occasional outbreaks of cholera occur in Laos. The initial symptoms are a sudden onset of watery but painless diarrhoea. Later nausea, vomiting and muscle cramps set in. Cholera can be fatal if adequate fluid intake is not maintained. Copious amounts of liquids, including oral rehydration solution, should be consumed and urgent medical treatment in Thailand should be sought.

Like cholera, typhoid is also spread in small, localized epidemics. The disease is sometimes difficult to diagnose, as symptoms can vary widely. Generally, they include headaches, fever and constipation, followed by diarrhoea.

Mosquito-borne illnesses

Malaria, caused by the plasmodium parasite, is rife in much of Laos. Symptoms include chills, a high fever and then sweats, during which the fever falls; the cycle repeats every couple of days. These symptoms aren’t so different to those of flu, making diagnosis difficult without a blood test; if you think you’ve contracted malaria, check into a Thai hospital immediately.

Vientiane is said to be malaria-free, but visitors to other parts of Laos should take all possible precautions to avoid contracting this sometimes fatal disease. Night-feeding mosquitoes are the carriers, so you’ll need to take extra care in the evening, particularly at dawn and dusk. High-strength mosquito repellent that contains the chemical compound DEET is a necessity, although bear in mind that prolonged use may be harmful. A natural alternative is citronella oil, found in some repellents. Wearing trousers, long-sleeved shirts and socks gives added protection.

If you plan on travelling in remote areas, bring a mosquito net. Most guesthouses provide nets but some of these have holes; gather up the offending section of net and twist a rubber band around it. Many hotels have replaced nets with screened-in windows, which is fine if the room door remains shut at all times, but doors are usually left wide open when maids are tidying up the rooms between guests. If you can’t get hold of a mosquito net, try pyrethrum coils which can be found in most markets and general stores in Laos.

For added insurance against malaria, it’s advisable to take antimalarial tablets. Though doxycycline and mefloquine are the most commonly prescribed antimalarials for Laos, the plasmodium parasites are showing resistance to the latter drug. While none of the antimalarials guarantees that you will not contract malaria, the risks will be greatly reduced. Note that some antimalarials can have unpleasant side effects. Mefloquine in particular can sometimes cause dizziness, extreme fatigue, nausea and nightmares. Pregnant or lactating women are not advised to take mefloquine.

Day-feeding mosquitoes are the carriers of dengue fever. The disease is common in urban as well as rural areas, and outbreaks occur annually during the rainy season. The symptoms are similar to malaria and include fever, chills, aching joints and a red rash that spreads from the torso to the limbs and face. Dengue can be fatal in small children. There is no preventative vaccination or prophylactic. As with malaria, travellers should use insect repellent, keep skin covered with loose-fitting clothing and wear socks. There is no specific treatment for dengue other than rest, lots of liquids and paracetamol for pain and fever. Aspirin should be avoided as it can aggravate the proneness to internal bleeding which dengue sometimes produces.

Sun-related maladies

The Lao hot season, roughly March to May, can be brutal, especially in the lowlands. To prevent sunburn, fair-skinned people should wear sunblock and consider purchasing a wide-brimmed straw hat. UV protective sunglasses are useful for cutting the sun’s glare, which can be especially harsh during river journeys. The threat of dehydration increases with physical exertion. Even if you don’t feel thirsty, drink plenty of water. Not having to urinate or passing dark-coloured urine are sure signs that your system is not getting enough liquids.

Heat exhaustion, signified by headaches, dizziness and nausea, is treated by resting in a cool place and increasing your liquid intake until the symptoms disappear. Heatstroke, indicated by high body temperature, flushed skin and a lack of perspiration, can be life-threatening if not treated immediately. Reducing the body’s temperature by immersion in tepid water is an initial treatment but no substitute for prompt medical attention. Heat and high humidity sometimes cause prickly heat, an itchy rash that is easily avoided by wearing loose-fitting cotton clothing.

Critters that bite and sting

In Laos the bugs are thick, especially during the rainy season when they swarm round light bulbs and pummel bare skin until you feel like the trampoline at a flea circus. Fortunately, most flying insects pose no threat and are simply looking for a place to land and rest up.

Visitors who spend the night in hill-tribe villages where hygiene is poor risk being infected by scabies. These microscopic creatures are just as loathsome as their name suggests, causing severe itching by burrowing under the skin and laying eggs. Scabies is most commonly contracted by sleeping on dirty bedclothes or being in prolonged physical contact with someone who is infected. More common are head lice, especially among children in rural areas. Like scabies, it takes physical contact, such as sleeping next to an infected person, to contract head lice, though it may also be possible to contract head lice by wearing a hat belonging to someone who is infected.

The leeches’ most commonly encountered in Laos are about the size and shape of an inchworm, and travellers are most likely to pick them up while trekking through wooded areas. Take extra care when relieving yourself during breaks on long-distance bus rides. The habit of pushing deep into a bush for privacy gives leeches just enough time to grab hold of your shoes or trousers. Later they will crawl their way beneath clothing and attach themselves to joint areas (ankles, knees, elbows) where veins are near the surface of the skin. An anaesthetic and anticoagulant in the leaches’ saliva allows the little vampires to gorge themselves on blood without the host feeling any pain. Tucking your trouser-legs into your socks is an easy way to foil leeches. Wounds left by sucking leeches should be washed and bandaged as soon as possible to avoid infection.

Laos has several varieties of poisonous snakes, including the king cobra, but the Lao habit of killing every snake they come across, whether venomous or not, keeps areas of human habitation largely snake-free. Travelling in rural areas greatly increases the risk of snakebite, but visitors can lessen the chances of being bitten by not wearing sandals or flip-flops outside urban areas. While hiking between hill-tribe villages especially, take the precaution of wearing boots, socks and long trousers. If you are bitten, the number-one rule is not to panic; remain still to prevent the venom from being quickly absorbed into the bloodstream. Snakebites should be washed and disinfected and immediate medical attention sought – a challenge in most parts of Laos, making avoidance of the problem vital. Huge, black scorpions the size of large prawns lurk under the shade of fallen leaves and sting reflexively when stepped on, another solid reason to restrict flip-flop-wearing to urban areas. While the sting is very painful, it is not fatal and pain and swelling usually disappear after a few hours.

Animals that are infected with rabies can transmit the disease by biting or even by licking an open wound. Dogs are the most common carriers but the disease can also be contracted from the bites of gibbons, bats and other mammals. Travellers should stay clear of all wild animals and resist the urge to pet unfamiliar dogs or cats. If bitten by a suspect animal, wash and disinfect the wound with alcohol or iodine and seek urgent medical help; the disease is fatal if left untreated.

Sexually transmitted diseases

Prostitution is on the rise in Laos, and with it the inevitable scourge of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Gonorrhoea and syphilis are common but easily treated with antibiotics. Symptoms of the former include pain or a pus-like discharge when urinating. An open sore on or around the genitals is a symptom of syphilis. In women symptoms are internal and may not be noticed. The number of cases of AIDS is also rising in Laos, mostly the result of Lao prostitutes contracting HIV in Thailand.

Bring condoms from home; most sold in Laos are imported from Thailand, and are often defective.

What about the water?

The simple rule while travelling in Laos is not to drink river or tap water. Contaminated water is a major cause of sickness due to the presence of pathogenic organisms: bacteria, viruses and microscopic giardia cysts. These microorganisms cause diseases such as diarrhoea, gastroenteritis, typhoid, cholera, dysentery, polio, hepatitis A, giardia and bilharzia, and can be present even when water looks clean.

Safe bottled water is available almost anywhere, though when buying, check that the seal is unbroken as bottles are occasionally refilled from the tap. Water purifying tablets, carried with you from home, are an environmentally friendly alternative as they help to reduce the number of plastic bottles left behind after your travels.

Chinese tea made from boiled water is generally safe, but travellers should shun ice that doesn’t look factory-made. Some of the fanciest hotels have filtration systems that make tap water safe enough to clean your teeth with, but as a general rule, you’re best off using purified or bottled water.

Tightly controlled by the communist party since the Pathet Lao came to power in 1975, Laos’s minuscule media struggles to compete with flashy Thai TV gameshows and the multitude of channels offered by satellite dishes. With only one-tenth of the population of its neighbour, it’s very hard for Laos to compete with Thailand.

Newspapers and magazines

Laos has only one English-language newspaper, the Vientiane Times, established in 1994. Despite being somewhat thin, self-censored and nearly impossible to find outside the capital, it is nonetheless a good window on Laos. Published by the Ministry of Information and Culture, the Vientiane Times focuses primarily on business and trade issues, although interesting cultural pieces do slip in from time to time, and the occasional column showcasing people’s opinion on a selected social topic is a worthwhile read. You’ll also find ads for restaurant specials and local teaching jobs.

There are two Lao-language dailies and five weeklies. Of the two dailies, Wieng Mai and Pasason, the latter is more widely read. Both get their international news from KPL, the government news agency, and, for the most part, have their own reporters who file domestic news. Neither is known for independent-minded reportage. In fact it’s fair to say you’ll find much more news about Laos online (a list of recommended websites appears below) than you can in the country.

Foreign publications are extremely difficult to find outside Vientiane, and even in the capital there are scant copies. Newsweek, The Economist, Time and the Bangkok Post are all sold at minimarkets in Vientiane.

Online news about Laos

www.vientianetimes.org.la The official website of the Vientiane Times contains most of the stories from Laos’s only English-language newspaper.

www.laosguide.com News gathered from around the world, with a strong bias towards issues affecting Laos.

www.laosnews.net Daily news updates from Laos, including links to stories about its economy and tourist industry.

www.muonglao.com An online magazine running articles that focus on the people and culture of Laos.

www.bangkokpost.net The website of Thailand’s leading English-language daily, which often runs stories about Laos.

www.asianobserver.com This lively web forum has news and debates on all things Laos.

Television and radio

Lao television’s two government-run channels broadcast a mix of news, cultural shows and Chinese soaps for several hours a day, with no English programming. Reception is poor, however, in rural areas. One of the oddest sights in Laos is that of rickety bamboo and thatch huts and houses all over the country with huge, modern satellite dishes attached to the roofs. Many mid-range and top-end hotels provide satellite TV – though often these show only a handful of channels – as do a few coffee shops and bakeries in Luang Prabang and Vientiane.

Lao radio thrives, helped along by the fact that newspapers and TV stations are not available to many people in the countryside. The main radio station, Lao National Radio, can be picked up in the vicinity of Vientiane or on shortwave in roughly seventy percent of the country. LNR gets its international news from a number of sources, including CNN, BBC, Xinhua and KPL, and broadcasts news in English twice a day. Tuning into LNR will also give you a chance to hear traditional Lao music, which you otherwise may only get to hear at festivals.

During their period of colonization, the French regarded traditional Lao therapies as quaint and amusing, and this attitude was passed on to the Lao elite who studied in France. In an essay about traditional Lao medicine written in the 1950s by a former Minister of Health, the traditional Lao doctor is repeatedly referred to as “the quack”. But renewed interest, partially fuelled by a similar rekindling of enthusiasm in neighbouring China, has seen a resurgence of confidence in traditional techniques.

Tourism has been partially responsible for renewed interest in traditional massage and herbal sauna, though these alternative therapies are generally limited to larger towns and cities. Besides the obvious physical benefits the Lao massage and sauna afford the recipient, administering massage and sauna to others is believed to bring spiritual merit to those who perform the labour, making Lao massage and sauna a win-win proposition for all involved.

Lao massage

Lao massage owes more to Chinese than to Thai schools, utilizing medicated balms and salves which are rubbed into the skin. Muscles are kneaded and joints are flexed while a warm compress of steeped herbs is applied to the area being treated. Besides massage, Lao doctors may utilize other “exotic” treatments that have been borrowed from neighbouring countries. One decidedly Chinese therapy that is sometimes employed in Laos is acupuncture (fang khem), in which long, thin needles are inserted into special points that correspond to specific organs or parts of the body. Another imported practice is the application of suction cups (kaew dut), a remedy popular in neighbouring Cambodia. Small glass jars are briefly heated with a flame and applied to bare skin; air within the cup contracts as it cools, drawing blood under the skin into the mouth of the cup. Theoretically, toxins within the bloodstream are in this way brought to the surface of the skin.

Lao herbal saunas

Before getting a massage, many Lao opt for some time in the herbal sauna. This usually consists of a rustic wooden shack divided into separate rooms for men and women; beneath the shack a drum of water sits on a wood fire. Medicinal herbs boiling in the drum release their juices into the water and the resulting steam is carried up into the rooms. The temperature inside is normally quite high and bathers should spend no more than fifteen minutes at a time in the sauna, taking frequent breaks to cool off by lounging outside and sipping herbal tea to replace water that the body so profusely sweats out. The recipes of both the saunas and teas are jealously guarded but are known to contain such herbal additives as carambola, tamarind, eucalyptus and citrus leaves.

While history may have given them ample reason to distrust outsiders, the Lao are a genuinely friendly people and interacting with them is one of the greatest joys of travelling through the country. Always remember, though, that Laos is a Buddhist country and so it’s important to dress and behave in a way that is respectful.

Because of the sheer diversity of ethnic groups in Laos, it is difficult to generalize when speaking of “Lao” attitudes and behaviour. The dominant group, the so-called “Lao Loum”, or lowland Lao, who make up the majority in the valleys of the Mekong and its tributaries, are Theravada Buddhists and this has a strong effect on their attitudes and behaviour. The focus here is on dos and don’ts within that culture; customs among the hill-tribe peoples are often quite different from those of the lowlanders.

Dress and appearance

Appearance is very important in Lao society. Conservative dress is always recommended, and visitors should keep in mind that the Lao dislike foreigners who come to their country and dress in what they deem a disrespectful manner. This includes men appearing shirtless in public, and women bearing their shoulders and thighs. Be aware also that dreadlocks, tattoos and body-piercing are viewed with disfavour by lowland Lao, although hill-tribe people are usually more accepting. Dressing too casually (or too outrageously) can also be counterproductive in dealings with Lao authorities, such as when applying for visa extensions at immigration.

When in urban areas or visiting Buddhist monasteries or holy sites, visitors should refrain from outfits that would be more suited to the beach. Women especially should avoid wearing anything that reveals too much skin or could be conceived of as provocative – this includes shorts and sleeveless shirts. Sandals or flip-flops can be worn for all but the most formal occasions; in fact, they are much more practical than shoes, since footwear must be removed upon entering private homes, certain Buddhist monastery buildings or any living space. The habit of leaving your footwear outside the threshold is not just a matter of wanting to keep interiors clean, it is a long-standing tradition that will cause offence if flouted.

Lao social taboos are sometimes linked to Buddhist beliefs. Feet are considered low and unclean – be careful not to step over any part of people who are sitting or lying on the floor, as this is also considered rude. If you do accidentally kick or brush someone with your feet, apologize immediately and smile as you do so. Conversely, people’s heads are considered sacred and shouldn’t be touched.

Besides dressing conservatively, there are other conventions that must be followed when visiting Buddhist monasteries. Before entering monastery buildings such as the sim or wihan, or if you are invited into monks’ living quarters, footwear must be removed. Women should never touch Buddhist monks or novices (or their clothes), or hand objects directly to them. When giving something to a monk, the object should be placed on a nearby table or passed to a layman who will then hand it to the monk.

All Buddha images are objects of veneration, so it should go without saying that touching Buddha images disrespectfully is inappropriate. When sitting on the floor of a monastery building that has a Buddha image, never point your feet in the direction of the image. If possible, observe the Lao and imitate the way they sit: in a modified kneeling position with legs pointed away from the image.

The lowland Lao traditionally greet each other with a nop – bringing their hands together at the chin in a prayer-like gesture. After the revolution the nop was discouraged, but it now seems to be making a comeback. This graceful gesture is more difficult to execute properly than it may at first appear, however, as the status of the persons giving and returning the nop determines how they execute it. Most Lao reserve the nop greeting for each other, preferring to shake hands with Westerners, and the only time a Westerner is likely to receive a nop is from the staff of upmarket hotels or fancy restaurants. In any case, if you do receive a nop as a gesture of greeting or thank you, it is best to reply with a smile and nod of the head.

The Lao often feel that many foreign visitors seem to be a bit aloof. They have obviously spent a lot of time and money to get so far from home, but once they get to Laos they walk around briskly, looking at the locals, but rarely bothering to smile or greet those they have come so far to see. Foreign visitors who are not grin-stingy will find that a smile and a sabai di (hello) will break the ice of initial reservation some locals may have upon seeing a foreigner, and will invariably bring a smile in response.

It’s worth bearing in mind that, as in the rest of Asia, showing anger in Laos is rather futile – it’ll more likely be met with amusement or the swift departure of the person you’re talking to, in order to save face.

Social invitations

Lao people are very hospitable and will often go out of their way to help visitors. Especially in rural areas, you may find people inviting you to join them for a meal or to celebrate a birth or marriage. This is a real privilege, and even if you don’t wish to stay for long, it’s polite to join them and to accept at least one drink if it’s offered to you. More than anything, it gives you a chance to experience local life, and gives Lao people a good impression of the tourists that come to their country, and an opportunity to learn more about the world.

Sexual attitudes

Public displays of affection – even just hugging – are considered tasteless by the Lao and is likely to cause offence. Though the gay scene remains very underground in Laos, gay travellers are unlikely to be threatened or hassled. Sexual relations between an unmarried Lao national and a Westerner are officially illegal in Laos – in Vientiane especially, the law prohibiting Lao nationals from sharing hotel rooms with foreigners is sometimes enforced.

Laos is a relatively safe country for travellers, although certain areas remain off-limits because of unexploded ordnance left over from decades of warfare. As a visitor, however, you’re an obvious target for thieves (who may include your fellow travellers), so do take necessary precautions.

Carry your passport, travellers’ cheques and other valuables in a concealed money belt and don’t leave anything important lying about in your room, particularly when staying in rural bungalows. A few hotels have safes which you may want to use, although you should keep in mind that you never know who has access to the safe. A padlock and chain, or a cable lock, is useful for doors and windows at inexpensive guesthouses and budget hotels and for securing your pack on buses, where you’re often separated from your belongings. It’s also a good idea to keep a reserve of cash, photocopies of the relevant pages of your passport, insurance details and travellers’ cheque receipts separate from the rest of your valuables.

As tranquil as Laos can seem, petty theft and serious crimes do happen throughout the country – even on seemingly deserted country roads. Petty crime is more common in Vang Vieng than just about anywhere else in Laos, with drunk (or stoned) tourists often leaving themselves open to theft and robbery. Although crime rates in Vientiane are low, be on your guard in darker streets outside the city centre, and along the river. Motorbike-borne thieves ply the city streets and have been known to snatch bags out of the front basket of other motorbikes that they pass.

If you do have anything stolen, you’ll need to get the police to write up a report in order to claim on your insurance: bring along a Lao speaker to simplify matters if you can. While police generally keep their distance from foreigners, they may try to exact “fines” from visitors for alleged misdemeanours. With a lot of patience, you should be able to resolve most problems, and, if you keep your cool, you may find that you can bargain down such “fines”. It helps to have your passport with you at all times – if you don’t, police have greater incentive to ask for money and may even try to bring you to the station. In some instances police may puzzle over your passport for what seems like an awfully long time. Again, such situations are best handled with an ample dose of patience. If your papers are in order, you shouldn’t have anything to worry about.

With far more serious consequences than petty theft, banditry is still a possible threat in some parts of Laos. In the past, buses, motorcyclists and private vehicles on certain highways have been held up, their passengers robbed and, in some instances, killed. Because information in Laos is tightly controlled, no one knows exactly if rumoured bandit attacks have actually occurred or if other incidents have happened and gone unreported. Therefore it’s always good to ask at a Western embassy in Vientiane for any travel advisories before heading out into remote regions.

Security has improved greatly in recent years along Route 13 between Kasi and Luang Prabang, though the insurgent/bandit group generally thought to be responsible for the attacks in this area in the mid-1990s, the Chao Fa, is still active in parts of Xieng Khuang province. Back in 2004 two European tourists were killed, along with six Lao, when a shadowy group attacked a bus on Route 13 just north of Vang Vieng. After punitive attacks on nearby Hmong villages by the Lao army in 2004 and 2005, the road fell quiet. Though in February 2007 the US embassy in Vientiane reported small skirmishes just north of Vang Vieng, the situation didn’t escalate, and the road is now considered safe once again – bus drivers in the area have stopped carrying guns.

Although the chances of getting caught up in an incident are very small indeed, it’s a good idea to be aware of the potential risks, especially when travelling on Route 7 or the northern stretch of Route 13. Locally based expats in both Vientiane and Luang Prabang will often have the best idea of whether or not the routes are safe to travel.

Unexploded ordnance

The Second Indochina War left Laos with the dubious distinction of being the most heavily bombed country per capita in the history of warfare. The areas of the country most affected by aerial bombing are along the border of Vietnam – especially in southern Laos where the border runs parallel to the former Ho Chi Minh Trail; also heavily targeted was Xieng Khuang province in the northeast. Other provinces, far from the border with Vietnam, were the site of land battles in which both sides lobbed artillery and mortar shells at each other. A fair quantity of this ordnance did not explode.

These dangerous relics of the war, known as UXO (unexploded ordnance), have been the focus of disposal teams since the 1980s. According to the Lao government, most areas that tourists are likely to visit have been swept clean of UXO. That said, it always pays to be cautious when in rural areas or when trekking. UXO unearthed during road construction can be pushed onto the shoulder, where it becomes overgrown with weeds and forgotten. Disposal experts say that fast-growing bamboo has been known to unearth UXO, lifting it aloft as the stalk grows and then letting it fall onto a trail that was previously clean. Consequently, it’s best to stay on trails and beware any odd-looking metallic objects that you may come across. Picking something up for closer inspection (or giving it a kick to turn it over) can be suicidal. When taking a toilet break during long-distance bus journeys, it’s not a good idea to penetrate too deeply into the bush looking for privacy.

In some southern towns locals use old bombs, bomb cases, mortar shells etc for a variety of functions, from demarcating plots of land to decorating. These will have been checked by UXO disposal experts, and should pose no threat. Still, it pays to have a healthy respect for all UXO. After all, these are weapons that were designed to kill or maim.

In recent years Laos has seen a steady rise of drug tourism. Ganja (marijuana) is widely available in Laos, although it’s illegal to smoke it. Tourists who buy and use ganja risk substantial “fines” if caught by police, who do not need a warrant to search you or your room. As in Thailand, there have been many instances of locals selling foreigners marijuana and then telling the police. In Vang Vieng, mushrooms and weed are offered at most backpacker bars – either straight up or baked into a dizzying array of “happy” pizzas – but you should bear in mind that plenty of travellers get sick, or robbed, after indulging.

In northern towns, tourists are sometimes approached by opium addicts who, in return for cash, offer to take the visitors to a hut or some other private place, where opium pipes will be prepared and smoked. Many Westerners feel the romanticism of doing this all-but-extinct drug is just as appealing as the promise of intoxication, but the opium prepared for tourists is often not opium at all, but morphine-laden opium ash that has been mixed with painkillers. The resulting “high” is, for many, several hours of nausea and vomiting. While real opium is not as addictive as its derivative, heroin, withdrawal symptoms are similarly painful. Visitors caught smoking opium (or even opium ash) face fines, jail time and deportation.

In addition, it’s important to consider the local implications of using drugs in Laos. There remains a serious problem with drug addiction in some rural communities, which local organizations are working hard to address, and using drugs while in the country can encourage local people to do the same, thus undoing a lot of hard work.

Travelling through Laos with children can be both challenging and fun, but the rewards far outweigh any negatives. The presence of children can help break the ice with locals, especially as the Lao people are so family-focused, but long, bumpy journeys and poor sanitation can make things a struggle at times.

Laos’ s lack of adequate healthcare facilities is a major concern for parents, so sufficient travel insurance is a must for peace of mind. It’s worth taking a first aid set with you, as well as a rehydration solution in case of diarrhoea, which can be quite dangerous in young children. Rabies is a problem in Laos, so explain to your children the dangers of playing with animals and consider a rabies vaccination before departing.

In tourist areas it should be no problem finding food that kids will eat, and dishes like spring rolls, fried rice and fõe, where chilli is added by the diner, are a good choice for those who may not be used to the spiciness of Lao cuisine.

A major consideration will be the long journeys that are sometimes necessary when travelling around the country – these can be bone-numbing at the best of times, and young children may find them excruciatingly boring. That said, bus journeys are a real “local” experience that can make more of an impression than wandering around temples. It is easy, however, to see a fair amount of the country by sticking to journeys of less than six hours.

Most hotels and guesthouses are very accommodating to families, often allowing children to stay for free in their parents’ room, or adding an extra bed or cot to the room for a small charge.

If you’re travelling with babies, you’ll have difficulty finding nappies (diapers) throughout Laos. For short journeys, you could bring a supply of nappies from home; for longer trips, consider switching over to washables.

For more advice on travelling with children, consult The Rough Guide to Travel with Babies and Young Children.

Kip and dollars

In Laos, expect to see more expensive goods, services and accommodation (generally things that cost over $25) priced in dollars rather than kip. However, unless you’re staying in high-end accommodation, most of your transactions will be in kip.

January 1 New Year’s Day

January 6 Pathet Lao Day

January 20 Army Day

March 8 Women’s Day

March 22 Lao People’s Party Day

April 13–15 Lao New Year

May 1 International Labour Day

June 1 Children’s Day

August 13 Lao Issara

August 23 Liberation Day

October 12 Freedom from France Day

December 2 National Day

The Rough Guides to Laos and related travel guides

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How to Enter Laos

How to exit laos.

• Visit to website
• Fill the apllication form
• Pay your fees
• Download e-visa approval

• Fully vaccinated against Covid-19 no less than 14 days prior to arrival.
• A Negative RT-PCR test taken within the last 72 hours.
• A health insurance policy with coverage no less than USD 50,000.
• Tourists will be required to download and register via ‘Lao StaySafe’ before arrival and upload Vaccine Certificate and COVID-19 Test Results. Or register on Lao StaySafe E-Application website
• Arrivals will be tested for Covid-19 and placed in a 24-hour quarantine in their hotel until a negative result is found.

• Preparing documents following country destination.
• Open Lao StaySafe application and click ‘Exit Laos’.
• Fill in the travel information Purpose of exit, travel date, Travel by Air ,Train or Land etc. Add Supporting documents such as COVID test results, Hotel booking, VISA, Vaccination certificates.

How to Apply E-Visa

4 step to apply laos e-visa.

LaoSafe ensure tourism business safe and clean standard

Laosafe Project

LaoSafe, a health and hygiene programme for the tourism and hospitality sector, has just received official approval from the Ministry of Health (MoH) and the Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism (MICT), and will now be piloted in Vientiane. LaoSafe comprises a series of health and hygiene standards for different subsectors of the tourism and hospitality industry, including for accommodation providers, food and beverage outlets, airlines, tourist attractions, tour guides and drivers.

Laos Announces Travel Conditions for 2022 Reopening

The first phase will be from 1 January to 30 March 2022, the second phase from 1 April 2022 to 30 June 2022, and the third phase from 1 July 2022 onward. The list of countries includes China, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea, Japan, France, United Kingdom, Germany, the Netherlands, Spain, Italy, United States, Canada, and Australia.

A secondary list of countries including Brunei, Indonesia, the Philippines, Norway, Switzerland, Finland, Israel, Ireland, Hungary, Austria, New Zealand, Poland, Denmark, and Belgium has been proposed and is currently being considered. Tourism will be restricted to group tours at first, with tours arranged by authorized tour operators under the Lao Travel Green Zone Plan.

Travel Zones & Travel Trails

Under the reopening scheme, tourists will be authorized to travel within two zones, namely Green Travel Zones and Green Travel Trails.

During Phase 1, tourists may visit 3 Green Travel Zones, including - Vientiane Capital - Luang Prabang Province - Vang Vieng District in Vientiane Province

Meanwhile, 5 provinces will be authorized for Green Travel Trails, including - Oudomxa - Xayaboury - Xieng Khouang - Khammouane - Champasack.

During Phase 2, the Green Travel Zones will consist of 9 provinces: Vientiane Capital, Vientiane Province, Luang Prabang, Oudomxay, Xayaboury, Xieng Khouang, Khammouane, Savannakhet, and Champasack. Four provinces will be authorized for Green Travel Trails during Phase 2, including Houay Xay District in Bokeo Province, Luang Namtha Province, Sekong Province, and Salavanh Province.

International Borders

During Phase 1, tourists will be able to enter Laos by air via Wattay International Airport and by land across the First Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge in Vientiane Capital.

More borders will reopen in Phase 2, including - Luang Prabang International Airport - Boten-Bohan border with China in Luang Namtha Province - The Third Friendship Bridge in Thakhek - The Second Friendship Bridge in Savannakhet - The Chongmek border in Pakse - The Lao Bao border with Vietnam in Savannakhet Province - Nam Phao border (Luk Xao) with Vietnam in Bolikhamxay Province

Laos Travel Guide

Last updated on January 21, 2024 by Shannon

Snuggly situated between the neighboring countries of China, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, and Myanmar, is one of Southeast Asia’s most underrated places to visit.

A landlocked country often overlooked for the shiny beaches of Thailand , the renown cuisine in Vietnam , or the ancient temples in Cambodia , traveling through Laos remains among my favorite travel experiences in the world.

When you plan a trip to Laos, there are a few things you have to see, and then a number of places you can go that are fully led by your own interests. Laos offers diverse landscapes, from lush jungles and rugged mountains to sprawling plains, and, of course, the enchanting Mekong Delta.

It features a fair number of ancient temples, but really there are likely other reasons you’re planning to backpack through Laos. Perhaps you want to soak in the beauty of the Nam Song River by rock climbing or tubing trip in Vang Vieng , swing from the ziplines at the Gibbon Experience in the Bokeo Nature Reserve, or marvel at the remnants of French colonial architecture in Luang Prabang .

Or maybe you just plan to unwind and be captivated by the unparalleled tranquility of traveling in Laos—it’s the most laid-back and peaceful destination in the region. Reflecting on my own revelatory trip to Laos in 2009, I cannot stress enough the importance of delving deep into this remarkable country, discovering its cultural nuances, witnessing breathtaking sunsets over the Mekong, and simply savoring every moment.

Table of Contents

Laos’ Relevant History, Briefly

Laos, a country that was once recognized as one of Southeast Asia’s largest kingdoms for a span of four centuries, bore the name Lan Xang Hom Khao, which translates to the “Kingdom of a Million Elephants Under White Parasols.” It held a vital position as a bustling center for overland trade. However, due to a period of turmoil, the kingdom of Lan Xang fragmented into three distinct entities: Luang Prabang, Vientiane, and Champasak.

It was not until the conclusion of the 19th century, during the era of French colonial rule, that these kingdoms reunited to establish the present-day nation of Laos.

Laos takes pride in its extensive historical heritage, which transcends the boundaries of antiquity. Remarkably, it houses the oldest recovered human skull, estimated to be approximately 46,000 years old. Furthermore, evidence of stone artifacts from the Ice Age can still be found, alongside captivating relics from various epochs.

Within this tapestry of history lies the intriguing Plain of Jars, an archaeological site of substantial megalithic importance dating back to the Iron Age. Often underestimated by tourists, this is a hidden gem for history enthusiasts and warrants a visit for its exceptional allure.

Essential Information When Visiting Laos

You won’t need a converter when visiting Laos as it uses the 220V/50Hz (North American plug and two-prong round), and when you arrive you can pull a large amount of Lao Kip (LAK) ( current exchange rate ) from the ATM.

If you’re traveling with a good debit card (I swear by Schwab as the best travel debit card that exists), then you should have no problem pulling out cash regularly as you travel around Laos.

Note that many rural areas do not offer an ATM, nor do they readily accept credit cards in all areas, so you should travel with a fair bit of cash when venturing off the tourist travel.

Can You Drink the Water in Laos?

Water in Southeast Asia, in general, is not safe to drink. That is absolutely the case in Laos—you cannot and should not consume the local water. In fact, you should use bottled water to brush your teeth, and you should also steer clear of fresh vegetables unless at a tourist restaurant (note: not a tourist street cart—don’t eat fresh veggie sandwiches from the street cards).

In rural areas especially, use a  SteriPen  or  LifeStraw  if you can’t drink bottled water ( here’s why ) and if you’re lax about using sterile water to brush your teeth, be more vigilant if you go off the beaten path.

How to Book Accommodation in Laos

When you’re in Laos, use  Agoda  as your go-to. Agoda offers accommodation around the world, but its coverage and property reviews are best in SEA. Accommodation in Laos cheap enough that even budget backpackers can often afford a budget guesthouse and private room. That said, Laos has hostels! You can find those listed on Agoda or Booking.com — and Hostelworld covers Laos, too. 

If you’re used to using Airbnb or VRBO , these work a bit differently in  in Southeast Asia—although you can find private properties for rent, many hotels use it as well. I used Agoda ,  Booking.com , and a vacation rental site exclusively on my recent three-month Vietnamese backpacking trip and it worked flawlessly. Read these tips that share exactly how I research and book great hotels and guesthouses along my travels.

Is Laos Vegetarian Friendly?

It’s quite easy for vegetarian travelers to find vegetarian food in Laos. The only consideration is that fish or oyster sauce is used in most dishes. I suggest going with the flow; instead of worrying about the fish sauce, just learn some basic Laotian and ask for your food minus the meat and fish itself.

If you do this, you’re completely fine all throughout the country. Rice will always do in a pinch and fresh, gorgeous fruits abound. Try mangosteens if they’re in season when you’re in Laos!

How is the Internet Access in Laos?

Internet access in Laos has significantly improved in recent years, although it still varies depending on the location and infrastructure. In major cities and tourist areas such as Vientiane, Luang Prabang, and Pakse, you’ll find relatively reliable and faster internet connections.

Hotels, restaurants, and nearly all cafes in the touristy areas of Laos offer Wi-Fi access. But don’t arrive in Laos expecting Thailand-level internet speeds—even in urban areas, the internet speed is moderate to slow.

In more remote or rural areas, internet access is even slower and a lot less reliable. That means you may struggle to stream videos or hold video calls outside of a toursity hub. (Nomadic Notes has a fantastic collection of  wifi-friendly cafes across many cities in Southeast Asia .)

Where can you find internet in Laos? Look for Wi-Fi hotspots in hotels, guesthouses, and public places. You should also purchase a local SIM card for your smartphone or use mobile data services—this is so cheap that you should get a plan large enough that you can just hotspot yourself and use your mobile data when needed.

What to Read Before Visiting Laos

• Ant Egg Soup: The Adventures Of A Food Tourist In Laos : An entertaining read about a woman tracking down traditional recipes in every remote corner of Laos.
• Another Quiet American: Stories of Life in Laos : An informative and fascinating personal account of contemporary Laos.
• The River’s Tale: A Year on the Mekong : Solidly written travelogue shedding light on the importance of the Mekong to the people of Southeast Asia. 
• Lonely Planet : You’re likely not only backpacking in Laos, so if you’re in the north, this guide is good because it features Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, and Northern Thailand.

Is Laos Safe to visit?

Laos is a pretty safe country in terms of physical violence. However, it’s worth noting that there have been past incidents along Route 13 between Luang Prabang and Vang Vieng related to uprisings among the Hmong community. Stay informed about the current situation in the area before planning your journey along that route.

And like in any touristy area in the world, theft and scams are a possibility. Laos is a poor country and flashing valuables isn’t a great idea. Keep valuable items close to your body, use a cross-body bag to prevent snatch-and-grab incidents (happens surprisingly often as motorbikes whizz by), avoid walking alone late at night while intoxicated, and maintain situational awareness when handling your wallet during transactions.

If you plan to explore Laos independently on a motorbike, it is crucial to be aware of Laos’ unfortunate distinction as the world’s most heavily bombed country per capita ( here’s why ).

To stay safe in Laos, stick to established paths and avoid venturing off-road without the a local guide at your side. And also note that traffic accidents are one of the number one causes of fatalities for travelers abroad—learn the road rules in Laos and stay alert when motorbiking long distances, always wear a helmet and read  this piece to truly understand travel safety .

The fact is, while physical violence may not be a major concern, it is worth noting that getting sick from food handling practices is the most likely thing that will jeopardize your safety. Research and familiarize yourself with tips for staying healthy while traveling and read How to Shit Around the World if you’ve never traveled in developing countries before. It provides practical advice for maintaining good health in developing countries.

The sickest I’ve ever been in my life happened in Laos, and quality healthcare didn’t exist there—it’s still likely that you’d need to me medevaced to Thailand if something major happens. For that reason alone, you should absolutely have  travel insurance  like  IMG Patriot —it’s a must.

How to Get to and Around Laos

Most travelers explore the region overland, with Laos as a subsequent stop on the trip, rarely the place their international flight lands. That means you’ll be crossing overland between the countries, likely using long-distance buses, but that varies greatly depending on the border crossing and the topography. You may find “a bus to a boat to a truck” required for even the most “on-the-path” route to and through Laos.

That said, you can also use a budget airline to fly into Vientiane or Luang Prabang from nearby major cities like Siem Reap, Bangkok, Hanoi, and a few others. tances, you’ll find surprisingly cheap flights via the budget airlines, and this can cut significant time off of your travel days. I reliably find great flight deals on  Skyscanner  or  Expedia .

That’s because transportation in Laos has its unique quirks compared to neighboring countries. The transportation infrastructure in Laos is not as extensive or comfortable as in neighboring countries like Thailand or Vietnam, but it gets the job done. And in recent years there are a growing number of affordable “posh” options.

Let’s talk timelines. Road conditions vary in Laos, and traveling set distances usually takes longer than expected—travel is often sluggish. Most Southeast Asian backpackers rely on buses as the primary mode of transportation within the country, both public and private.

Along Route 13—which stretches from Luang Prabang to the Cambodian border via Vientiane and Pakse—there is a consistent flow of buses catering to travelers. Another popular option is taking a two-day boat ride from the Northern Thai border to Luang Prabang, a journey that many consider a quintessential experience in Laos. (This is where you can take the regular boat trip for roughly $35 or splurge on a post boat that serves lunch and stops at various towns along the way for ~$160.)

Regardless of your chosen mode of transportation—be it bus or boat—allow ample time to reach your destination. While there are schedules in place, sometimes buses and boats depart whenever the driver deems it appropriate.

While this trend is changing in recent years, as the infrastructure improves, it’s best to be prepared for delays. Carry something to read , pack snacks, bring a deck of cards, and most importantly, maintain patience and embrace the journey itself.

Once you’re within a city or town in Laos, tuk-tuks and motorcycle taxis are the most common way to get around—that’s if walking or a bicycle isn’t possible.

Pick out accommodation on Booking.com.

This is the only booking platform I use because it rewards you for loyalty, and I regularly score free breakfasts and 15% off my hotel.

How Much Does it Cost to Travel in Laos?

Budgets always vary greatly depending on individual preferences and travel styles. Theoretically you could travel in Laos for as little as $700 for a month, on a very low budget where you’re traveling slowly.

To cover the range of budget to mid-range travel styles, however, backpacking in Laos ranges between $700 and $1,500 per month. Compared to neighboring Thailand, Laos offers a lower daily budget for backpackers, typically around $26 per day .

This is primarily due to its less developed transportation infrastructure, smaller tourism industry, and the overall economy in Laos. So think about it as a range that varies on if it’s a travel day, wander around day, or a day you’re spending on a big activity. With that in mind, your daily expenses as a budget backpacker hits around $20 to $30 most days in Laos.

Let’s talk specifics on where you’re spending your travel budget in Laos. It’s easy to find basic accommodations for around $10 to $15 per night, especially in guesthouses and budget-friendly hostels. A bed in a dorm room though easily run as low as $5, while most regular private rooms without A/C should run well under $20 in any city or town in Laos.

Street food and local eateries provide affordable meal options ranging from $2 to $6 per meal. If you eat in a restaurant, or if you splurge on Western coffeeshops, then your food budget ticks up quickly (think $8 or up for a meal). These baseline costs give a good estimate of why and how your daily budget can come in so low when budget traveling in Laos.

Mid-range travelers who prefer slightly more comfortable accommodations, private rooms in guesthouses or small hotels, and a mix of street food and dining at local restaurants can expect to spend approximately $40 to $50 per day. Half of that goes toward accommodation—an air-conditioned private room is upwards of $18, as high as $35 for a nicer place (this is when traveling as a couple or in a group can really help cut costs).

Even those who prefer more comfortable accommodations, dining at restaurants (as well as street food), and indulging in some splurges can expect to spend around $55 to $70 per day. (Obviously note that true luxury travel exists in Laos, with rooms over $200 a night).

It’s worth noting that in Laos, there are limited opportunities to spend extravagantly, and your money will stretch further compared to other destinations. If you’re avoiding long overland journeys to save time or for comfort, factor in the cost of flights, which can be relatively expensive for entry and exit from Laos.

Although Southeast Asia has several budget airlines, the routes in and out of Vientiane and Luang Prabang are never rock-bottom—use these tips to find cheap flights on your travels .

With all of that said, Laos is a poor country, and tourism dollars are a pivotal part of the Laotian economy. Travelers should support the local economy whenever possible—that means avoiding excessive haggling and choosing locally-run businesses.

Don’t forget to  book travel insurance for your trip —a great policy provides coverage in case of medical emergencies, lost or stolen gear, adventure sports riders, and more. I’ve used  IMG Global  for more than a decade  highly recommend it !

What’s the Best Overland Route Through Laos?

Laos is often visited sandwiched between time traveling to other countries, thus your route will entirely depend on your entry point. As a broad generalization, you route through Laos could look something like one of these options, depending how where and how you enter.

Northern Thailand

Enter Laos from Thailand in the far north, through the Chiang Khong/Huay Xai border crossing and either head north by bus to the hill tribe and trekking region of Luang Namtha, or take the two-day  slow boat to Luang Prabang . 

From  Luang Prabang  bus to  Vang Vieng  and onward to Vientiane—then you can either leave back into Thailand, or head south to the 4,000 islands so you can see the endangered Irrawaddy dolphins and easily (ish) exit Laos into Cambodia or southern Thailand. You could also fly onward to Cambodia or Vietnam.

Central Thailand or Vientiane

Enter Laos from Thailand at the Thai–Lao Friendship Bridge and find yourself in Vientiane. From there, you’ll likely have northern Laos in your sights. It’s dead simple to bus to Vang Vieng and onward to Luang Prabang.

From there you have options: a two-day boat ride up the Mekong River to hiking or Northern Thailand, an eight-hour bus ride to trek from Luang Namtha, an off-the-path adventure with a bus ride to Muang Ngoi and pretty Nong Khiaw, or a winding bus ride to  Phonsavan to visit the mysterious Plain of Jars  (where you can easily exit Laos into Vietnam).

Southern Thailand or Cambodia

Enter southern Laos via a bus from Cambodia or Thailand (both have border crossings). Visit the Champasak Cultural Landscape, a Laos UNESCO site, explore the 4,000 Islands and say hi to the endangered Irrawaddy dolphins, and then prepare for long travel days as you bus into northern Laos. You can easily make it to Vientiane in a couple of days by bus, and then use the recommendations above to explore Northern Laos. 

Northern Vietnam

Enter Laos from the east by bus on a pretty rough (but pretty) northern overland route where you’re likely leaving Hanoi or Ninh Bình in Vietnam and heading to Sam Neua in Laos, or you’re leaving Hue, Vietnam bound for Phonsavan. From either of these spots, it’s easy to get to Luang Prabang and pick up the above recommendations.

Southeast Asia

Fly to Laos from pretty much anywhere else in the region into/out of Vientiane or Luang Prabang—flights won’t run every day between every nearby capital, but there are flights to/from Vietnam (Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City), Cambodia (Siem Reap and Phnom Penh), Thailand (Bangkok and Chiang Mai), and even further afield (like Malaysia, etc.) during certain times of year.

Flights in and out of Laos are often way more expensive than others in the region, so be sure you can swing the cost in your travel budget if you hope to skip the long bus rides. I recommend checking flight prices right now for a rough idea of if and how this fits your travel budget.

Best Foods to Try in Laos

The national dish of Laos is  larb  (also known as  laap ) which is marinated meat or fish prepared with herbs and greens, and can be quite spicy. Some dishes will have a similar profile to those found in Thailand, like spicy green papaya salad (known as  t am mak hoong ) and  kai yang  (grilled chicken). Most dishes will have elements of galangal, lemongrass, and  padaek  (fish sauce) and are served with sticky rice, which is eaten by hand.

Similar to other Southeast Asian countries, Laos has a strong street food culture.  Khao jee  is a popular street food, and very similar to  banh mì  in Vietnam—it’s a baguette sandwich prepared with fresh French-style white bread, fresh vegetables, and some sort of meat.  Khao piak sen  is also quite delicious—it’s a soup similar to Vietnam’s classic  pho .

Note that food sanitation standards in Laos are not up to par with neighboring Thailand, so eating fresh vegetables (like those in the sandwiches) carries a risk for waterborne illnesses.

Watch closely how the locals prepare your food (is it being washed in fresh water, or a communal water bucket, is it out of the sun and changed frequently? Many food issues in Laos (and the rest of Southeast Asia) can be solved when you heed the first  rule of street food : Eat where locals eat.

How to Travel Responsibly

Like other countries in Southeast Asia, Laos has some ethical quandaries facing responsible travelers. I recommend you completely skip  elephant experiences in Laos  (instead save that for Thailand, where there are  some great options ).

Laos is also among the more conservative countries in the region, so women should wear tops that cover their shoulders and bottoms to the knees. And the poverty here is very real—every dollar you spend locally and intentionally goes far in helping locals even something simple like medical treatment, which is scarce.

Lastly, the Lao people are quiet and have social rules about excessive public outburst—bargain respectfully.  

You should also limit your use of single-use plastic bottles—Laos’ infrastructure is not strong enough to guarantee it won’t just end up floating in the Mekong River. Bring your own bottle and a SteriPen , if possible, and a refillable water bottle so that you can at least buy huge jugs when you’ll be in one spot for a few days and just refill from it.

Positive actions you can take  include spending money with local tourism operators, including some fantastic  social enterprises operating in Laos . Read our complete guide to  Responsible Travel in Southeast Asia .

Book a day tour to maximize your time.

GetYourGuide has a phenomenal range of tours, and they’re affordable too. Maximize your time by booking your must-dos as a tour, and then slot in the rest as time permits.

Best Things to Do in Laos

1. Swim in the  Kuang Si Waterfalls  (Luang Prabang).

Immerse yourself in the refreshing waters at Kuang Si, a park outside of Luang Prabang filled with beautiful waterfalls and turquoise pools of water open for swimming. Take a tuk-tuk, which can be hired for around 180,000–200,000 kip, which is particularly affordable if you find other travelers keen to experience this day trip outside of the city.

2. Eat all the things.

Laos has a culinary history unique to the country and differing than neighboring Vietnam or Thailand. Although the sanitary conditions are less safe, overall, you can still safely eat a ton of amazing dishes. This  guide to food in Laos  will get you started, and Mark covers  even more essential eats here . Indulge in the unique culinary delights of Laos.

3. Find adventure in Vang Vieng.

Almost every backpacker traveling to Laos is on their way to Vang Vieng to  tube down the Nam Song River . You can also  rock climb nearby , eat pancakes at the mulberry farm, and generally enjoy the area. Tubing is rite of passage for SEA backpackers and it’s a fun way to spend a day, especially now that it’s not the massive party scene it used to be (it used to be culturally insensitive and dangerous, too).

4. Sleep in a treehouse and listen for Gibbons in the Bokeo forests. 

The Gibbon Experience is pricey but so worth it—I did the  Classic Gibbon Experience  and will remember it forever. The project has done phenomenal conservation work in the Nam Kan National Park and is a solid choice for responsible backpackers in Southeast Asia , nature lovers, and adventure lovers alike. As of 2023, prices for the Gibbon Experience run around €175 for the express package, and €290 and up for the Classic and Honeymoon packages.

5. Visit the enigmatic Plain of Jars.

And near Phonsavan, in central Laos, you’ll need to hire a tuk-tuk to see the enigmatic Plain of Jars, but it is well worth the trip. The jars date back to the Iron Age and are scattered throughout the upland valleys of the Xiangkhoang Plateau. Hire a tuk-tuk or join a tour to explore the different jar sites, and expect to pay around $10-15 for a half-day excursion.

6. Relax in the 4,000 Islands (Si Phan Don).

A gorgeous archipelago located in the Mekong Delta, Si Phan Don is a must see. It’s easily one of the best sites in Southern Laos. You can unwind in the serene beauty of the 4,000 Islands.

Enjoy laid-back island life, witness breathtaking waterfalls like Khone Phapheng, and spot the endangered Irrawaddy dolphins. Access the 4,000 Islands via bus or boat from Pakse, and budget around $20-30 per day for accommodation and meals.

7. Relax and temple-hop in Luang Prabang.

Easily the prettiest city in Southeast Asia,  Luang Prabang  is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has a low-slung charm and beauty you can’t stop enjoying. It’s also an easy spot to stop, take a cooking class, sip beers by the Mekong, and enjoy the Lao lifestyle.

Because of the French influence for so many years, the architecture is an intriguing combination of intricate European among the traditional Buddhist temples. You can also find delicious breads and sweets in town (also the French influence), and a general level of infrastructure that makes this a great place to recharge if you’ve been in the region for a while.

The city also has a rich spiritual heritage. Marvel at the exquisite temples, such as Wat Xieng Thong and Wat Mai, and witness the morning alms-giving ceremony.

And if you’re visiting in October or November. witness a traditional boat racing festival (Boun Suang Heua). You’ll have the opportunity to witness the excitement of traditional longboat races on the Mekong River. Join the festive atmosphere, cheer on the teams, and experience the vibrant culture of Laos.

8. Shopping at local markets.

Backpacking Laos is about more than the big sights, it’s about sinking into the country’s  fascinating pace of life . Immerse yourself in the vibrant local markets of Laos for an authentic and enriching cultural experience. From morning markets brimming with fresh produce to bustling night markets filled with handicrafts and local delicacies, these markets offer a glimpse into the country’s diverse traditions and flavors.

Discover the bustling morning market in Luang Prabang, where locals gather to purchase an array of fresh ingredients and exotic fruits. Engage with the friendly vendors, sample local snacks, and soak in the lively atmosphere.

In major towns like Vientiane and Luang Prabang, explore the vibrant night markets that come alive with rows of stalls showcasing traditional textiles, wooden crafts, silver jewelry, and pottery. Bargain for unique treasures while directly supporting local artisans and communities.

Shopping at these markets allows you to take home authentic souvenirs while contributing to the preservation of traditional crafts and sustainable livelihoods. Remember to bring cash in small denominations and embrace the art of negotiation, respecting local customs and avoiding restricted items.

9. Boat the Mekong River.

Rivers are an  essential part of life in Laos —be sure you enjoy the  slice-of-Laos seen from a river boat  at least once on your trip. If you’re not up for the two-day boat between Thailand’s border and Luang Prabang, consider something like a  day trip to the Pak Ou Caves  to still experience the magic of life along the banks of the Mekong. Spending time on the Mekong is an essential thing to do in Laos. It’s the best way to experience the tranquility of rural landscapes, observe traditional riverbank villages, and gain insights into local life.

10. Trek through the lush landscapes of Luang Namtha.

Head to Luang Namtha, located in the north of Laos, for an unforgettable experience. This region is renowned for its ethnic diversity and stunning natural landscapes, making it an ideal destination for an immersive adventure.

Join a guided trekking tour that will take you through lush jungles, cascading waterfalls, and remote hill tribe villages. Immerse yourself in the daily life of ethnic communities such as the Akha, Yao, and Lanten tribes, learning about their customs, traditions, and traditional crafts. Participate in activities like rice planting, handicraft making, and cooking traditional meals.

During the trek, you’ll have the opportunity to stay overnight in a traditional hill tribe village, experiencing the warmth of Lao hospitality firsthand. Engage in cultural exchanges, share meals with your host family, and gain a deeper understanding of the local way of life.

Luang Namtha is accessible by bus or flight from cities like Luang Prabang. Various tour operators in the area offer homestay and trekking packages that range in duration from one to several days. Prices for homestays and trekking tours can vary depending on the length and inclusions, but budget around $30-50 per day. If you’re keen to organize it before arriving, Viator has great options from of treks and homestays lasting from three to five days from Luang Namtha.

11. Spend a day in the historic capital city, Vientiane.

Explore the charming capital city of Laos, Vientiane, and discover its blend of French colonial architecture and Buddhist temples. Highlights include the iconic Pha That Luang, Patuxai Monument, and the lively night market along the Mekong River. Vientiane can be reached by air or bus, and budget approximately $30-40 per day for expenses.

12. Discover the cave landscapes of Tham Kong Lo.

Venture into the mesmerizing underground world of Tham Kong Lo, a colossal karst cave in Phu Hin Bun National Park. Hop on a long-tail boat to navigate the cave’s serene river, marvel at its massive chambers, and discover hidden stalagmites and stalactites. Access Tham Kong Lo from the town of Ban Kong Lo, and expect to pay around $15-20 for a boat tour.

13. Explore the picturesque villages of Muang Ngoi and Nong Khiaw.

Embark on a scenic journey to the charming villages of Muang Ngoi and Nong Khiaw, situated along the Nam Ou River in northern Laos. Immerse yourself in the tranquil atmosphere, surrounded by stunning limestone cliffs and lush greenery. Muang Ngoi offers a peaceful escape with limited electricity and motorized vehicles, while Nong Khiaw boasts truly stunning viewpoints and hiking trails.

In Muang Ngoi, take leisurely walks through the village, interact with friendly locals, and spend at least one day on a scenic trek to nearby caves and viewpoints. In Nong Khiaw, hike to the panoramic viewpoint of Pha Daeng, explore the Nam Ou River by kayak or boat, and visit the picturesque Nong Khiaw Bridge.

Bus to Nong Khiaw from Luang Prabang and then easily take a boat onward to Muang Ngo. Accommodation options in both villages range from guesthouses to riverside bungalows, with prices averaging around $10-20 per night.

14. Learn a traditional craft.

Discover the intricate art of weaving, pottery making, or other local crafts, and gain a deeper appreciation for the country’s artistic traditions. When I traveled Laos with my teenage niece, taking classes and learning local crafts was a real highlight for her. But it’s not only one of the best things to do with kids in Laos, it’s also a lot of fun for adults. I loved our weaving workshop where we learned to die silk and then wove our own placemat.

You can organize this throughout Laos, but you’ll have more options in and around Luang Prabang. The Traditional Arts and Ethnology Center is located just a short walk from the city center of Luang Prabang, and you can participate in workshops and demonstrations led by skilled artisans. Learn the techniques of traditional Lao weaving, creating vibrant textiles adorned with intricate patterns and motifs. Gain insight into the cultural significance of these crafts and their role in preserving Lao traditions.

In the town of Ban Xieng Lek, located a 30-minute drive from Luang Prabang, you can join pottery workshops and learn the art of shaping clay into beautiful ceramic pieces. Under the guidance of experienced potters, unleash your creativity and create your own unique pottery souvenirs.

To explore bamboo crafts, head to the village of Ban Nong Heo, just 30 minutes from Vientiane. Here, you can learn the art of bamboo weaving, crafting intricate baskets, mats, and other decorative items. Engage with local artisans, observe their meticulous techniques, and try your hand at this ancient craft.

How to Plan Your Time in Southeast Asia

📍 Navigate more effectively. Bookaway  is super handy to assess the full range of transport options between two cities—it shows everything from flights to trains, buses, minibuses, and more. If you’re booking a rental car, I’ve always found the best deals on  RentalCars.com .

🛏️  Find great accommodation . Agoda has the widest and most affordable selection in Southeast Asia. It’s part of the Booking.com family, but has better reviews for SEA. You can book hotels, hostels, and even vacation rentals.

❗ Yes, you need travel insurance . IMG Global  is the travel insurance I’ve used for well over a decade of traveling solo, and with kids.  Here’s why .

Book Tours Ahead of Time I use Get Your Guide to book locally run tours since I can assess the options, read reviews, and lock in a date.

✈️  Book affordable flights. Expedia and Skyscanner are the first places I look for  low-cost flights .

🧳 Smart packing can save your trip. Shop my favorite travel gear , including all of the packing essentials for traveling , gear to keep you safe in Southeast Asia, my favorite travel books , and more.

📖 Read up on any off-the-path activities. Travelfish is among my go-to resources for anything in Southeast Asia. It’s updated far more often than print guidebooks and has extensive local insight and a fairly active forum, too. If you head off-the-path, this should be the first place you check for tips, transport advice, etc.

☕ Peruse all of my tips for round the world travel , or learn how to move and live abroad .

Laos Travel Guide: Best Stories from the Blog

I traveled around Laos on multiple trips spanning several months in total during my time backpacking Southeast Asia . These stories featured across my travel blog represent my favorite places in Laos, the best moments of my trip, and more.

A Little Nostalgia… A Reason to Love Southeast Asia

A Little Photoessay… Stories of Culture & History in Luang Prabang, Laos

A Little Photoessay… A Slice of Life on the Mighty Mekong

A Little Tourism… A Laid-Back Laos, and Our Shrinking World

A Little Quandary… Ethics and the Elephants of Asia

A Little Trial… Travel Versus, Well, Travel

A Little Travel Memory… Please Sir, I Want Some More

A Little Reflection… Finding the Retired Buddhas at Laos’ Pak Ou Caves

A Little Discovery… 20 Neat Things I Learned By Traveling in Developing Countries

A Little Transportation… Figuring Out the Roads & Rules of Southeast Asia

A Little Village… Village Trekking and Elephant Experiences in Hongsa, Laos

A Little Adventure… Ziplines & Treehouses in the Laos Jungle with the Gibbon Experience

A Little Beauty… Visiting the Stunning Turquoise Waters at Laos’ Kuang Si Falls

A Little Confession… Facing Down the Worst Sickness of My Life

A Little Charm… My Favorite Things to Do in Luang Prabang

A Little Adventure… Learning to Rock Climb in Vang Vieng, Laos

A Little Adventure… On the Nam Song River in Vang Vieng, Laos

A Little Bus Ride… Laos Border Crossing in the Cold