Laos travel guide

Getting there

Main international airports are in Vientiane and Luang Prabang, with some flights to Pakse. Land crossings connect with Thailand (including the Friendship Bridge near Vientiane), Vietnam, Cambodia and China, and the railway links Vientiane with Kunming.

Best time to visit: Nov–Feb – dry, cooler weather.

Flights: see the cheapest month to fly to Vientiane, with live one-way and return fares from your nearest airport.

Tougher months: April-May for intense heat, and July-September when heavy monsoon rains can disrupt rural roads.

Weather by month in Vientiane

• 28°J
• 31°F
• 33°M●
• 34°A●
• 33°M●●
• 32°J●●●
• 31°J●●●
• 31°A●●●
• 31°S●●●
• 31°O●
• 30°N
• 28°D

Average daytime highs in °C; dots show how rainy the month is (one dot dry, three dots wet).

Time zone: Asia/Vientiane. Compare with your local time.

Visas: in our passport dataset, 170 of 198 other passports can enter Laos without arranging a visa first (visa-free or visa on arrival), 0 need an e-visa or electronic authorisation, and 28 need a visa in advance. Check your passport.

Background: Visa policy of Laos (Wikipedia).

Official advisory: Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution (U.S. Department of State, updated 2026-07-28). Read the advisory.

Stay

Most trips to Laos are based around Luang Prabang, Vientiane or Vang Vieng. Pick a base for your main interest, then add day trips rather than moving hotels every night.

Typical daily budget: about US$25–35 for a backpacker and US$50–100 mid-range, per person.

Connect

Plug types: A, B, C, E, F. Voltage: 230 V. Check your own devices on the plug and currency checker.

Calling code: +856.

Mobile data: set up a travel eSIM or check your roaming plan before you fly, so data works as soon as you land.

Do

• Luang Prabang (North · UNESCO town): A serene former royal capital of gilded temples, French-colonial houses and night markets.
• Vientiane (Central · capital): A laid-back riverside capital with That Luang, Patuxai and lively Mekong sunset promenades.
• Vang Vieng (Central · adventure): Stunning karst scenery and outdoor activities from tubing to hot-air balloons.
• Nong Khiaw & Muang Ngoi (North · river valley): Dramatic peaks above the Nam Ou river, great for trekking and hikes to viewpoints.
• Plain of Jars (Xieng Khouang · archaeology): A UNESCO site of mysterious megalithic jars on rolling hills.
• Si Phan Don (4,000 Islands) (Far south · Mekong islands): Tranquil river islands with waterfalls and a slow island rhythm.
• Bolaven Plateau (South · coffee & waterfalls): Cool highlands full of coffee farms and spectacular waterfalls such as Tad Fane.
• Kong Lor Cave (Khammouane · river cave): A 7 km river cave you travel through by longtail boat.

Things to do

• Watch the dawn alms giving. See lines of monks walk silently through Luang Prabang at sunrise – respectfully, from a distance.
• Swim at Kuang Si Falls. Plunge into turquoise limestone pools cascading through the jungle near Luang Prabang.
• Slow boat down the Mekong. Spend two days drifting between Huay Xai and Luang Prabang past villages and forested hills.
• Kayak and climb in Vang Vieng. Paddle the Nam Song River, explore caves and hike to viewpoints above karst peaks.
• Explore the Plain of Jars. Wander among giant ancient stone jars on cleared paths in Xieng Khouang.
• Relax in the 4,000 Islands. Swing in a hammock on Don Det or Don Khon, cycle the islands and see Khone Phapheng falls.
• Ride the Thakhek Loop. Motorbike through limestone landscapes to the vast Kong Lor river cave.
• Visit Wat Phou. Climb the stone stairway of this UNESCO-listed Khmer-era temple near Champasak.

Eat and drink

• Larb – minced chicken or fish salad with herbs and lime
• Sticky rice – eaten by hand with most meals
• Tam mak hoong – spicy green papaya salad
• Khao piak sen – comforting rice noodle soup

Money and safety

Currency: Lao kip (LAK). Currency and plug checker.

Tipping: Not expected; small tips are appreciated.

Emergency numbers: 1191 police · 1190 fire · 1195 ambulance.

• The currency is the Lao kip; US dollars and Thai baht are sometimes accepted in tourist areas.
• ATMs are available in larger towns, but carry cash for rural areas and islands.
• Unexploded ordnance remains in some rural areas – stay on marked paths, especially around the Plain of Jars.
• Road conditions can be poor, especially in the rainy season; avoid night travel by road.