Consult our guide to start organizing your trip to Laos to take full advantage of the wonders that the country has to offer you and ensure that it is a successful trip, without unpleasant surprises. Formalities, vaccines, health, electricity, money, tips... we tell you everything!

Visa

To enter Laos, Americans, Europeans and Canadians must have a visa and a passport valid for 6 months after the planned date of exit from the territory. Exception for Swiss people who do not need a prior visa for a stay not exceeding 15 days.

The tourist visa, valid for one month ($30, plus an ID photo), is issued on arrival at the international airports of Vientiane, Luang Prabang and Pakse, and at the mainland border crossings between Laos and Cambodia, Thailand or Vietnam.

You can also obtain a visa from the Laos consulate in your country of origin, which is more expensive than obtaining a visa on arrival.

Money

The national currency is the kip which is made up of notes of 500, 1,000, 2,000, 5,000, 10,000, 20,000, 50,000 and 100,000 kips.

Exchange rate: 1 USD = approximately 20,000 KIP.

In all major cities, you will find ATMs where you can withdraw dollars. Consider withdrawing large amounts as the commissions are quite high. You will also find exchange offices where you can convert your dollars.

During your stay in Laos, you can use your payment card in most hotels, luxury restaurants, luxury boutiques, etc. Keep in mind that an additional commission (around 3%) will be charged to you.

Budget

Laos is a very cheap country. Here are some examples to give you an idea.

 Room in a 2 or 3-star hotel: $15 to $50    
Meal in a local restaurant: $2 to $5
A Lao beer in a 65cl bottle: $1    
A tuk-tuk ride: $0.50 per kilometre

Tip

Tipping is not obligatory but it testifies to the quality of the service and your satisfaction, especially in high-end establishments, for the taxi, your guide and driver. Because wages are very low in Laos, tips are a good supplement for the people who receive them.

Hotel

In recent years, the hotel offering in Laos has considerably expanded and improved, especially in tourist sites. You will find a wide range of hotels that will meet all your comfort requirements and your budget. Generally, the quality/price ratio is very good. In low season, from May to November, you can benefit from very advantageous rates. Note that Vientiane and especially Luang Prabang offer a great range of charming accommodations. Also, note that you can sleep with locals who will give your trip a very special flavour.

Luggage and clothing

Don't overload your suitcase. It is very easy, inexpensive and very quick to have your laundry washed at your hotel. Furthermore, you can buy some clothes on-site at a very reasonable price.

As Laos is a tropical country, we advise you to bring light cotton clothing, a hat, sunglasses and, for hikers, shoes suitable for the walking terrain. However, during December and January, it is very cool in the plains in the morning and it is sometimes very cold in the morning and evening in the mountainous regions. If you travel during this period, remember to bring some warm clothes, you won't regret it!

Health

We strongly advise you to be vaccinated against typhoid, tetanus, hepatitis A and B. Malaria measures are not necessary for major tourist destinations, but recommended if travelling to remote areas. We advise you to consult your doctor before leaving for Laos.

To protect yourself from mosquitoes, remember to wear long clothing and use insecticides or DEET-based repellents (Five by Five type) on uncovered parts of the body.

Be careful not to drink tap water. On the other hand, as a general rule, you can consume drinks with ice cubes which are made from sterilized water.

Also, pay attention to the choice of local restaurants. Take care to choose restaurants with acceptable hygiene.

We recommend that you bring a small bag of essential medicines as there are many fake medicines in Laos.

Finally, consider buying a travel insurance. In the event of a serious health problem, it will be preferable to take the first plane to Bangkok, which has the best hospitals in the region, or to repatriate you to your country of origin.

Security

Violence against foreigners is extremely rare, however, be vigilant and use common sense to avoid arousing the desire of thieves. Do not wear jewellery that is too flashy when visiting Laos.

Due to the possible presence of mines and explosive devices, never leave marked trails in remote areas of Laos, especially those along the Vietnamese border that were heavily bombed during the Vietnam War.

Transportation

The road network in Laos is constantly evolving and improving. The main roads are asphalted and in good condition while the rest of the road network consists of gravel or dirt roads. Many bus companies offering good comfort serve the main cities of the country. To save time you can take the plane to make the Luang Prabang – Pakse connection. A beautiful two-day cruise takes you from the town of Houai Xay on the border with Thailand to Luang Prabang.

Practical life

Regarding the time difference, Laos is 12 hours ahead of the USA. When it is noon in the USA, it is midnight in Vientiane.

For electricity, in the United States, you have plugs A and B. You need a power plug adapter in Laos for sockets type A, C, E and F. Sockets type B can fit your plugs, but may not always be available locally. Always pack a 3-to-2 prong adapter to fit your plugs B into sockets type A.

Internet and Wi-Fi are available free of charge in almost all hotels and most restaurants, cafes and bars. You can also buy a SIM card on site which can be recharged using prepaid cards. It will allow you to connect to the Internet in 2G, 3G, or even 4G, depending on the rate chosen and the part of the country where you are travelling.

Regarding the telephone, if you wish to call from the USA to Laos: 011 + 856 + city code (without the “0”) + correspondent number. From Laos to the USA: 00 + 1 + correspondent number (9 digits: do not dial the initial 0).

We hope you have a good preparation and a good stay!

Related articles:

>> Top 10 tips and tricks for a successful trip to Cambodia

>> Best things to do in Vietnam

>> Tour 3 weeks in Vietnam, an exciting tour of the Dragon

>> Vietnam tour 15 days: What to do? What itinerary ideas do you have?

>> Tour 1 week in Vietnam: Good deals for a 7-day tour in Vietnam