LAOS
Backpacking Guide
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Laos Travel Guides
Click on an area of Laos that interests you for a more detailed overview
Things To Do In Laos
There is always something exciting to do when backpacking Laos.
To get you inspired, I have provided some suggestions below.
GO SWIMMING AT KUANG SI FALLS
30 kilometers from Luang Prabang lies an impressive three-tiered waterfall perfect for swimming. The area offers scenic hiking trails, picnic spots and the opportunity to visit a nearby bear resue centre. This is a must see attraction when travelling Laos!
RIDE A HOT AIR BALLOON
A hot air balloon ride in Vang Vieng offers a spectacular way to experience the natural beauty of Laos. Many rides are scheduled at sunrise or sunset, providing a magical experience. Rides cost as little as £35!
LEARN TO FISH LIKE A LOCAL
Fishing classes in Nong Khiaw offer a fun and educational experience whilst supporting the local economy and promoting cultural exchange. Classes offer the chance to take a boat trip down the Nam Ou river, learn about traditional fishing equipment and get hands on experience with fishing methods like casting nets and setting traps. The trip finishes with the opportunity to cook and enjoy the fish you catch! I Recommend booking with Evergreen Adventures.
Watch my Fishing Experience in Nong Khiaw for a more detailed overview
RIDE THE FAMOUS SLOW BOAT
Embark on a 2 day boat trip through Laos along the Mekong River! Whilst the pace of the slow boat is leisurely allowing a relaxing experience, it can also be an adventure with unpredictable elements adding to the excitement. This is a unique opportunity to observe and interact with local Lao people and fellow travellers.
Visit the nagi of mekong website and watch my slow boat experience on Youtube!
RENT A MOTORBIKE
Renting a motorbike can be an excellent way to explore the country at your own pace. Laos is known for its stunning landscapes, including mountains, rivers, and rural countryside and renting a motorbike offers a great way to explore these hidden gems.
If you have time, I recommend riding the Thakhek Motorbike Loop and Pakse Motorbike Loop
GO TIPSY TUBING IN VANG VIENG
Tipsy Tubing in Vang Vieng has become a popular activity amongst backpackers. Floating down Nam Song River in an inflatable tube while stopping at riverside bars is a unique and memorable experience. This is a fun and unconventional way to enjoy the natural beauty of the area. Renting a tube costs around £2!
Getting Around Laos
Bus
While bus travel in Laos is affordable and offers a way to see the countryside, the condition of the buses and roads can vary. It’s not uncommon for journeys to take longer than expected.
Local buses tend to be older and operate within cities and nearby towns. They are budget-friendly, but can be crowded, stuffy and slow.
VIP Buses are much more comfortable offering air-con and reclining seats. These are great for longer journeys between major cities.
Sleeper buses are a good option for long overnight journeys, allowing passengers to lie down.
Train
Travelling by train in Laos has recently seen significant development, primarily with the introduction of the Laos-China Railway.
The Laos-China Railway is a high speed railway line that connects Kunming in China to the Laos capital Vientiane. The service offers passengers a comfortable and faster alternative to travel between northern and southern regions of Laos, stopping at popular destinations like Vang Vieng and Luang Prabang.
You can buy tickets online, at the station or through travel agencies. Whichever option you choose I would advise booking in advance!
Boat
A popular way to see Laos is by boat. Taking a slow boat down the Mekong River is a great way to enjoy the scenery and make friends with fellow travellers. There are various travel operators offering the two day journey between Huay Xai and Luang Prabang, some more comfortable than others.
Watch the full Slow Boat Experience on Youtube
Taxi
I would recommend downloading the app ‘Grab’ which is essentially Asia’s version of Uber. It is a widley used and conventient transportation service offering a reliable and cheap way of getting around cities.
Motorbike
Renting a motorbike provides freedom and flexibility to explore the country at your own pace. But make sure to do your research first! Check out reviews to ensure who you are renting from are reliable and ensure they provide you with a helmet. If it is your first time riding a motorbike or scooter, take it for a short test ride to ensure you are comfortable with the bike and its controls.
It is really important to ensure that your travel insurance covers you for any motorbike accidents. Check your coverage as some will only cover you if you have purchased an international driving license.
Travel Tip
Do not give your passport as a deposit - always give cash!! I have first hand experience of returning a motorbike and finding out they have lost my passport. Disaster.
Popular motorbike routes include the Thakhek Loop and the Pakse Loop.
Best Time To Visit Laos
Laos has a nice tropical climate with three distinct seasons:
Dry Season: November to February
Generally, this is the best time to visit Laos as the days are clearer and cooler with temperatures ranging between 20-25 degrees Celsius.
Hot Season: March to April
March and April are the hottest months to visit Laos with temperatures soaring to 40 degrees Celsius and humidity making travel uncomfortable.
Monsoon Season: May to October
Laos experiences frequent daily showers between the months of May and October, making the scenery a lush green paradise. If you don’t mind the rain, travel during this time can be cheaper than other months.
Travel Tip
BURNING MONTHS: During the hot season in March, April and early May, ‘slash and burn’ farming takes place in northern Laos. The burning rice paddies can cause smog and hazy skies and can make it harder to breathe. I have travelled to Laos in April and the air was very smoky, making what should have been beautiful viewpoints disappointing because of the poor visibility. I would advise against travelling during the hot season!
Visa Requirements (updated 2025)
IT IS IMPORTANT TO CHECK VISA REQUIREMENTS SPECIFIC TO YOUR HOME COUNTRY. THE FOLLOWING ADVICE IS FOR UK CITIZENS
British citizens traveling to Laos need a visa.
Visa On Arrival (VOA)
A Visa on Arrival (VOA) allows a 30-day stay and costs around £32. It can be obtained at international airports and most land border crossings. To apply, your passport must be valid for at least six months, and you’ll need one passport-sized photo (if you don’t have one, you may be charged a small fee). Proof of onward travel is sometimes requested but not always required.
eVisa
Another option is the eVisa, which can be applied for online through the official eVisa website. It also grants a 30-day stay, costs around £40, and takes 3-5 working days to process. I would advise applying at least 5 days in advance. However, eVisas are only accepted at certain entry points, so it’s important to check before applying.
See a full list of the entry points that accept e-visas and visas on arrival.
Visa Extensions
If you need to extend your stay, you can visit the immigration office in Vientiane, where visa extensions cost around £1.60 per extra day. If you fail to renew your visa within 90 days, you will be fined in Lao Kip equivalent to $2000, deported to your home country and banned on returning to Laos.
More Laos Visa Information:
Travel Vaccinations
Before setting off on your backpacking adventure, I would highly recommend speaking to your GP or visiting a travel vaccine clinic to get the latest information on what vaccines to get. Make sure to leave plenty of time as some vaccines require multiple jabs over several months. If you plan on doing certain activities that may increase the risk of disease, such as jungle trekking, make sure to mention this to your health advisor. I have listed below the vaccinations I was advised to get. Remember to check your vaccination record as you may have had some as an infant or during secondary school.
Recommended Vaccinations:
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis B
Tetanus, Diphtheria and Polio
Typhoid
Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR)
Rabies
A Yellow Fever vaccine is not essential for travelling Laos. However, if you are planning on traveling to South or Central America, Africa or the Caribbean, be sure to get this vaccine - Yellow Fever Map
Dengue Fever and Zika Virus
A common illness amongst backpackers is dengue fever which is contracted through mosquito bites. Whilst most people who contract the illness don’t know they have it, symptoms can include a high fever (hence the name dengue fever), severe headaches, muscle and joint pain, nausea and vomiting, a rash and swollen glands. Sounds nasty right?!
Laos is also a country where Zika Virus can be contracted. This is also transmitted through mosquito bites as well as unprotected sex. Symptoms tend to appear 3-14 days after contraction and can include a rash, itching, headaches, a fever, red eyes, muscle and joint pain.
Make sure you pack a bottle of insect repellent before you arrive in Laos along with some longer layers to cover your legs and arms in the evening. The best products are chemical based repellents like DEET, Picaridin and Permethrin. I have also used natural repellents such as lemongrass, which, to my surprise, did work, however its effectiveness was not as good as the chemical products.
Malaria Tablets
There is a risk of malaria in certain areas of Laos, with rural, forested areas along the border of Cambodia, Vietnam and Thailand posing a higher risk. If you are travelling to areas with a higher risk of malaria it is recommended to take preventative measures. These include taking antimalarial medication before, during and after your trip, applying insect repellent containing DEET or picaridin, wearing protective clothing during the evening and sleeping under a mosquito net.
I would strongly advise to consult with your healthcare provider when making a choice about antimalarial tablets. The tablets are often quite expensive and side effects can be uncomfortable. Therefore, given the low risk, many travellers don’t bother. I have backpacked all over Southeast Asia and I am yet to take a malaria tablet (or get malaria). However, like I said, it is still worth doing some research and speaking to a medical professional so that you are happy with whatever decision you make.
For more information about travel vaccinations, check your local government travel advice.
More UK Vaccination Advice:
Costs and Budgets (updated 2024)
As a backpacker, I know how important it is to keep costs low whilst still having an amazing travel experience. I have provided a rough idea of what costs look like per day so that you can plan your trip according to your budget. Whilst I have included the basics, try to also factor in a separate budget for emergencies (e.g. unexpected medical costs) and any bucket list activities that may cost a little more.
The currency in Laos is Laotian Kip (LAK).
Low Range Budget
Accommodation: £4-6 for a dorm bed in a hostel.
Food: £4-6 for street food and a few drinks.
Activities: £3-£5 for cheap activities like hiking.
Transport: £2-5 for public transport or renting a bike.
Average Daily Spend:
£13 - £22
Mid Range Budget
Accommodation: £6-10 for a private room in a hostel or budget hotel/homestay.
Food: £7-10 for low cost restaurant meals and alcohol.
Activities: £6-12 for rock climbing or tipsy tubing.
Transport: £6-8 for scooter rental or Grab ride.
Average Daily Spend:
£25 - £40
High Range Budget
Accommodation: £18-25 for a private room in a luxury accommodation.
Food: £20-£25 for upmarket restaurant food and drinks.
Activities: £14-16 for any activity you fancy.
Transport: £10-£15 for private transfers/taxis.
Average Daily Spend:
£60 - £80
Sim Cards / Wifi
Staying connected in Laos is generally not very reliable and internet speeds can be poor. There are 4 network operators in Laos: Laotel, Tplus, ETL and Unitel. Different areas of Laos are covered by different carriers, making it difficult to stay consistently connected. Therefore, purchasing multiple SIMs can provide the option of swapping carries when moving around the country.
I would recommend Unitel - I have used this one before and it worked very well.
Option 1: Buy an eSIM
Purchasing an eSIM is a great way to access the internet whilst overseas. Personally, this is the easiest option and the option I choose whenever I am travelling outside of my home country. It is simple, affordable and hassle-free. Instead of finding a store and physically swapping out your home SIM for a travel SIM, you can download a data plan to your phone and instantly connect to a mobile network when you land in the country!
The app I use for buying an eSIM is called Airalo. After downloading the app and choosing the SIM you want, it will walk you through how to install and activate the eSIM.
Option 2: Buy a physical SIM in store
There are mobile booths at major airports that you can purchase a physical SIM from, however, prices tend to be higher here. Street vendors often sell them for cheaper, so if you can wait until you are out of the airport that would save you a few bucks. It is also recommend to purchase a couple of SIM cards so that you can swap between them when moving around the country as network coverage changes throughout the country.
Plug Type
Laos has 3 plug types: A, B and C. Therefore, an invaluable item to pack is a universal travel adaptor that can offer conversion to multiple plug types. If you plan on taking any styling tools (hairdryer/curling tong) a converter is worth taking to avoid power surges.
Pack an extension lead! That way you can plug in one adapter for this and still have multiple plugs available!
DOWNLOAD A VPN!
A VPN stands for Virtual Private Network and offers a safer, freer and more secure online experience.
What does a VPN do?
1. It keeps your personal data like passwords, search history, account details and credit card details private.
2. It allows access to home content abroad as well as content from other countries. This is great when you want to watch Netflix shows only available in certain countries.
3. It can be cheaper to book flights and accommodation when connected to a different country.
Click here to give the Surfshark VPN 30 day free trial a go!
Religion
The main religion in Laos is Theravada Buddhism and is practised by the majority of the population playing a significant role in the country’s culture and daily life. Many Laotians participate in Buddhist practices such as almsgiving to monks, meditation and temple ceremonies. Other religions in Laos include Animism, Christianity and Islam.
Religious freedom in Laos is officially protected by the government, but in practice, there are some restrictions, especially on religious activities that are considered threatening to the political system.
When visiting places of worship in Laos, it is important to dress modestly and respectfully: Cover your shoulders and knees, remove your shoes, avoid tight or revealing clothing and remove hats and sunglasses before entering a temple.
Language
Hello - Sabaidee
Thank you - Khop Chai
Thank you very much - Khop Chai Ly Ly
How are you? - Sabaidee baw
No - Bo
How much? - Theoa dai?
Not spicy - Bo Phed
I don’t understand - Baw Khowjai
I don’t know - Khony bo hu
Cheers! - Somsoeny
The official language in Laos is Lao, also known as Laotion. English and French are also widely spoken, but to impress the locals, here are some useful phrases:
SCAMS
Staying Safe
IMPORTANT NUMBERS
Police: 1191
Fire: 1190
Ambulance: 1195
Laos, like many other countries, may encounter various scams specifically targeted at tourists:
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Taxi drivers may take longer routes to increase the fare or use tampered meters. To avoid this, use reputable companies like Grab.
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Some tour operators may sell counterfit tickets or tours that don’t deliver what they promise, so make sure to always book through agencies with good reviews.
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Motorbike rental companies may claim damage to bikes that was already present - always take a full 360 video of the bike before renting it!.
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Pickpocketing can happen in crowded areas so make sure to stay vigilant and keep your belonging secure. This is a specific problem in market areas of Vang Vieng.
HAZARDOUS AREAS
If you are hiking or trekking, always make sure to stay to the marked paths. Due to Laos’ history, there are still unexploded bombs in the countryside. Consider going with a guide, especially during monsoon season as the risk is higher after landslides.
INSURANCE
Accidents can and do happen when backpacking and as someone who has crashed their motorbike, I can say that it’s not pretty, especially when you’re in shorts and a Tshirt. Make sure you have all the correct protective gear when taking part in any hazardous activities AND most importantly, get yourself covered with travel insurance. I recommend SafteyWing as the best backpacker travel insurance. You will also need to get yourself an International Driving Permit in order to legally drive here. Insurance will not cover you if you don’t have this.
FOOD AND WATER
Street food in Laos is generally safe to eat. However, to minimize the risk of food and waterborne illnesses make sure to:
1. Eat at well reviewed establishments and street vendors with a high turnover of customers.
2. Choose food that is hot and fresh and avoid raw or undercooked meats, seafood and eggs.
3. Stick to sealed, store-bought dairy products that have been pasteurized.
4. Always drink bottled water and ensure the seal is intact before drinking.
5. Wash your hands frequently and consider carrying hand sanitizer.
LGBTQ+ BACKPACKERS
There are no legal restrictions in Laos for same-sex relationships and people in Laos are welcoming of LGBTQ+ tourists. However, Laos is a conservative country and therefore travellers should be cautious with public displays of affection. For more information check your local government travel advice.
UK Government LGBTQ+ Travel Advice
For Up to Date UK Government Safety Advice: Click Here
Insider Tips
A great way to save money when backpacking is to eat local food. Street food in Laos is a great alternative to a restaurant meal. You can find delicious food including curry, rice, noodles and fresh fruit at half the price. I was hesitant to try food from street stalls at stalls, however, don’t always judge a book by its cover!
If you are going to Laos for a ‘backpacking’ experience, then make sure to do it properly! Book into hostels instead of hotels - this is a much better way to meet likeminded travellers and keeps to a lower budget. Not all hostels are party party party - if you want some down time to chill out, there are tons of more relaxed hostels to stay in. If you want more privacy but also want to socialise, booking a private room in a hostel is a good option!
When packing for Laos, you will need less than you think. Don’t bother buying multiple long skirts, baggy trousers and expensive swimwear; you can get these and more for as little as £2. Save your money for cool adventures like zip lining and hot air ballooning.
Whilst it is a great idea to have a plan of the kinds of activities you want to do, don’t tie yourself down to anything. With this I mean try not to book anything in advance - as a backpacker plans change ALL THE TIME. Travel agencies and tour companies are dotted all over Laos so wait until you arrive to book anything. Activities are often also cheaper when booking in person.
Many bars in Laos offer a ‘Happy Hour’ where certain deals are offered on alcohol. This is a great way to save money when drinking so make sure to check their happy hour times before going out.
Whilst having a phone full of photos is a great way to remember your time backpacking, I would highly reccommend packing a notepad and pen. Writing as little as a sentence a day is really good way of noting down what you got up too, how you felt, any friends you made etc. Putting the photos together with the diary makes an invaluable book to look back on years down the line.
Follow my travels on Instagram for fun and exciting reels!