10 tips and advice for a successful trip to Laos

Plan on visiting Laos? Take a look at our guide to make the most of the trip without any unpleasant surprises. Formalities, vaccinations, health, electricity, money, tips... this article tells you everything!

Laos Visa

To enter Laos, American, European and Canadian tourists must have a visa and a passport valid for 6 months after the date on which they plan to leave the country. There is an exception for Swiss nationals, who do not need a visa for a stay not exceeding 15 days.

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

You can also obtain a visa for Laos from the Laos consulate in your home country, however, this is more expensive than obtaining a visa on arrival.

Money

The national currency of Laos is the Kip, which comes in notes of 500, 1 000, 2 000, 5 000, 10 000, 20 000, 50 000 and 100 000 kips.

Exchange rate: 1 USD = about 22 000 KIP.

In all major cities, you will find ATMs where you can withdraw dollars. Consider withdrawing large amounts, as commissions are fairly 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 affordable country. Here are a few examples to give you an idea.

Tipping

Tipping is not mandatory, but it shows your satisfaction with the service quality, especially in luxury establishments, for the taxi, your guide and your driver. Since wages are meagre in Laos, tips are a good supplement for those who receive them.

Hotels

In recent years, the range of hotels in Laos has expanded and improved considerably, especially in tourist areas. You will find a wide range of hotels that will meet all your comfort requirements and budget. Generally, the value for money is very good. In the low season, from May to November, you can benefit from very advantageous rates. You will find that Vientiane and especially Luang Prabang offer a great range of charming accommodations. You can also stay with local people, which will give your trip a very special touch.

Luggage and clothing

You don't need to pack too much. It is simple, inexpensive, and quick to have your laundry washed at the hotel. Furthermore, you can purchase some clothing on-site at a very reasonable cost.

As Laos is a tropical country, you should bring light cotton clothing, hats, sunglasses and as for hikers, shoes suitable for the walking terrain. However, during December and January, it is very cool in the plains in the morning, while in the mountainous regions, it is sometimes cold in the morning and evening. If you travel during this period, remember to bring warm clothes.

Health

We strongly advise you to get vaccinated against typhoid, tetanus, hepatitis A and B. Measures against malaria are not necessary for the main tourist destinations, but are recommended if you are travelling to remote areas. We advise you to consult your doctor before travelling to 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.

Do not drink tap water. However, generally, it is safe to consume drinks with ice cubes, which are made from sterilized water.

Also, pay attention to the choice of local restaurants. Be sure to choose restaurants with acceptable standards of hygiene.

We suggest that you bring a small first-aid kit with you, as there are many counterfeit 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 flight to Bangkok, which has the best hospitals in the region, or to repatriate you to your home country.

Security

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

Due to the possible presence of unexploded 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 US resistance war.

Transports

The Laotian road network 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 comfortable bus companies serve the country's main cities. To save time, you can take a flight to get to Pakse from Luang Prabang. A nice two-day cruise will take you from the town of Houai Xay on the Thai border to Luang Prabang.

Information regarding practical life in Laos

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 Laos, you will need a power plug adapter for sockets type A, C, E and F. Sockets type B can fit your plugs, but they may not always be available in this country. Always pack a 3-to-2 prong adapter to fit your plugs B into sockets type A.

Most hotels, restaurants, cafes, and bars in Laos provide free Internet and Wi-Fi. You can also buy a SIM card on-site, which can be recharged using prepaid cards. This will allow you to connect to the Internet at 2G, 3G, or even 4G, depending on the rate of your choice and the part of the country where you are travelling.

Concerning 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 good preparation and a good stay!

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