The Ultimate Guide To Traveling Around Laos

Laos is one of Southeast Asia’s most underrated countries. With stunning landscapes, thrilling adventures, kind-hearted people, and incredible vibes, Laos is a hidden gem. If you find yourself overwhelmed by the crowds of Thailand or tired of over-touristy destinations where the authentic experience is hard to find, you’ll fall in love with Laos. The country is traversed by the Mekong River, which runs through much of Laos, meaning that despite being landlocked, you’ll often find yourself near the water. Laos has a timeless feel to it—while Chinese influence is growing, much of the country still feels like it hasn’t moved forward in the same way as the rest of the world.

This lack of development extends to tourism as well. Laos has not seen the same influx of tourism infrastructure as neighboring countries, making it a bit more challenging to navigate. But this also means it’s an incredibly immersive experience filled with adventure. After spending 25 days in Laos and falling completely in love with it, I’m excited to share everything you need to know about traveling in this beautiful country, including where to go and how to get around. There’s so much to see, and it’s worth visiting before external influences start to erode the authenticity of Laos.

How Much Time Do You Need in Laos?

Many travelers pass through Laos as a quick stopover between Thailand and Vietnam, visiting the northern cities before continuing their journey. However, I promise you that you’ll be missing out on so much if you don’t explore the southern part of the country as well. In my opinion, three weeks is the perfect amount of time to experience Laos in full. I’ll provide a range of suggested durations for each place in my itinerary, depending on how much time you have in the country. But remember—don’t rush! Laos is a country you’ll want to savor, with so much to offer.

Visa

Most travelers will need a visa to enter Laos. You can either get a visa in advance or opt for a visa on arrival, which is what I did. I arrived at the Thai border, and the process was very easy. All you need is a passport photo, a valid passport, and a clean US dollar (make sure it’s not wrinkled or torn). The cost is $40 USD, and the border officers will ask for a small “service fee” of around 1-3 USD. Overall, the process is straightforward and hassle-free.

Cash

Laos is a largely cash-only country, especially in smaller towns and villages. While you might find some restaurants, hotels, and hostels in larger cities that accept cards, using them often comes with a hefty service fee—usually at least 3%. More often than not, the card readers may not even work. For this reason, it’s best to carry cash with you. ATMs are plentiful, and withdrawing local currency (Lao Kip) is easy. However, keep in mind that the currency is quite weak, so you might find yourself carrying a thick stack of bills. Most ATMs will only let you withdraw up to 2 million kips at a time, so you’ll need to make several withdrawals.

Transportation and Roads

Traveling around Laos requires a mix of trains, buses, and minivans. While transportation options are growing, thanks to Chinese investment, the roads still pose some challenges. The country is the most bombed in history, so many of the roads are in poor condition. Expect bumpy rides with potholes aplenty. In fact, it adds to the adventurous spirit of the country, but if you’re prone to motion sickness, I recommend bringing medication with you. Despite the rough roads, transportation is relatively easy to book. You can arrange transport at bus stations, hotels, or hostels, and the staff is more than happy to help.

The train system in Laos is improving, and there’s even a bullet train connecting some of the major cities. However, buses and minivans are still the most common form of transportation. Just remember to be prepared for long, sometimes bumpy journeys!