Laos may not offer long white beaches or turquoise blue waters, but its breathtaking mountain scenerys, bright green rice fields and fascinating temples make Laos one of the most beautiful countries in Southeast Asia.
But Laos is still a country that is less frequently visited by tourists than its neighbors Thailand or Vietnam. The result: no overcrowded tourist spots and low prices, which can make traveling much more relaxed.

You also want to explore Laos, but don’t know how to get there? When is the best time to visit the country? How you get to all these beautiful destinations? Or what you can experience in the country? Then I would like to help you to plan your adventure in Laos in detail with this ultimate Travel Guide.

Which visa do you need

If you travel to Laos as a tourist or backpacker, you have to get a tourist visa. You can either apply for the e-visa in advance. This costs $50 USD and is not valid at all border crossings. The processing time is three days.
Alternatively, you can also get the visa on arrival. The Visa on Arrival is issued to you when you cross the country’s border by bus or when entering the country at the airport and costs $40 USD. Before you travel, be sure to find out which border crossings or airports accept or issue which visas.

You can extend your visa if you like. There is a fee of 20,000 kip (approx. €1.50) per day you want to stay longer.

How to get there

The easiest way to get to Laos is by plane. Laos has four international airports: Vientiane, Luang Prabang, Pakse and Suvannakhet where you can enter. If you are planning a tour of Laos, the easiest way is to enter Pakse (southern city) or Luang Prabang (northern city). Then you can either travel from the south up to the north or from the north down to the south.

If you are traveling through Southeast Asia and are coming from Thailand, Vietnam or Cambodia, you can easily enter Laos by bus. The buses to Laos run daily. Crossing the border into Laos is uncomplicated in most cases.

If you come from Thailand, the alternative to the bus or plane is the slowboat. Many backpackers take the slowboat from the border down to Luang Prabang. The slowboat is therefore particularly suitable for solo travelers to make their first friends in Laos.

First you have to cross the border from Thailand to Laos in Ban Houayxay by bus. Once you’re in Laos, you’ll hop on the slowboat and then travel two days down the Mekong River to Luang Prabang. You will NOT cross the border into Laos with the slowboat, but will only be taken to the boat after border control. The slowboat therefore only serves as a transportation to get to Luang Prabang. I myself didn’t travel by slowboat, but by bus. Since the bus journey is very long and tiring and not faster than traveling by boat, I would subsequently recommend the slowboat.

How long will you need

Laos is a big country that has a lot to offer. If you want to travel all the way from the north to the south (or the other way around), I would recommend to stay 28 – 30 days (that’s how long your visa is). During this time you have enough time to see all the highlights of Laos without feeling like you have to stress out and travel from one place to the next as quickly as possible.

Best time to visit

The best time to travel Laos is between November and March. There is little to no rain falls during these months. Temperatures are also warm but not humid.

The rainy season in Laos runs from May to October. During these months heavy rains can occur several times a day. The humidity is higher during this time, which means the perceived temperature is also higher and traveling can be a little more difficult.

However, it is not a problem to visit Laos during the rainy season. Because the rainy season does not mean that it rains for six months in a row. It can happen that it rains three days in a row. But in most cases, however, it does not rain at all or only rains for a few hours a day.
The rainy season also has a great advantage for travelers. Since there are not as many tourists in Laos during this time, accommodation, tours and similar activities are usually cheaper. In addition, you don’t have to expect fully booked buses or hostels, so you don’t have to plan and book anything too far in advance.

However, in Laos you should note that the roads are not well developed. While you have to expect a lot of dust in the dry season, you have to expect muddy and slippery roads and hiking trails during the rainy season. This can sometimes be dangerous, especially when riding a scooter.

How to get around

The best way to get from one place to the next place is by bus or mini van. Depending on the distance there are also sleeper busses you can take. These busses go overnight. While taking a sleeper bus you safe money for one night at a hostel and you cover a lot of distance while you can sleep in a comfortable bed.
Just note, in Laos there are only small double beds in the sleeper busses. So if you are traveling alone you will probably share a bed with a stranger. But they only put woman and woman and man and man together.

Busses can get booked at almost every accomodation or Hostel or on 12go.asia, a website that allows you to plan your trip quickly and easily. 12go.asia is not only good for your trip in Laos, but also for many other countries in South east Asia.

When you arrive at a destination, the easiest and cheapest way to explore it is by scooter. In most cases you can rent a scooter for around 150 000 kip per day. The traffic in Laos is not as chaotic as in Vietnam or Bali, which is why driving in Laos traffic is not a big problem for less experienced drivers. However, the roads in Laos are often not very well developed. These are usually muddy and slippery, especially during the rain season. Riding a scooter in Laos is therefore often not without danger.

If you don’t feel comfortable driving a scooter, you can also take a TukTuk. The taxi app Grab does not work in Laos. Even in the larger cities you are dependent on TukTuks. Here it is worth negotiating with the drivers, as they often offer prices that are too high.

What is the local currency?

In Laos you pay with the local currency Kip. 100 000 Kip is approximately 4.60€. You can get the Lao Kip at every ATM in Laos. When traveling through Laos, you should always have enough cash with you, as card payments are often not accepted.

What is the national language?

The national language of Laos is laotian. Most people in Laos do not speak english, so it’s really hard for travelers to communicate with taxi drivers or bus drivers in Laos. To make it easier to communicate with the locals, here are a few helpful words and phrases:

Hello: sabaidi
Thank you: khob chai
Please: kaluna
Yes: aemnaelv
No: bo
Please bring the bill: kaluna aobai bin kha

Safety Tipps

• Never drink water from the tap. Always buy fresh water.
• Always wear sunscreen, even when it’s cloudy
• Always spray yourself with mosquito spray to avoid diseases like malaria or dengue fever
• Be careful where you eat and what you eat as there is a risk of food poisoning in Asia if food is not prepared properly
• Never leave your valuables unattended
• Always cover your knees and shoulders when visiting a temple
• Take care and pay attention when crossing the streets

Top Things to do in Laos

The activities listed here are listed in an order I recommend for a possible itinerary through Laos. Starting point is 4000 islands in the south. If you start your travels in the north of the country, just read the list from the bottom to the top 😉

Explore 4000 Islands

4000 Islands are located in the very south of Laos, on the border to Cambodia. These are located in the middle of the Mekong River. You can take the boat to the island of Don Det and spend a few days there. There are numerous accommodation options on Don Det.

You can easily explore the island itself by bike. The paths are flat and well developed, so you can drive very easily here. You can rent a bike for little money at almost any accommodation.

Particularly worth seeing on Don Det are the many waterfalls and the sunset over the water.

Note: There are no hostels on the island, but you can get a good guesthouse for little money. In addition, there are no ATMs on Don Det. If you are coming from Cambodia, bring some USD with you. These are also accepted as an payment option on the island. Otherwise, you can exchange USD for Kip at one of the many exchange offices.

Explore Wat Luang 

The city of Pakse doesn’t have much to offer apart from the Pakse Loop. But if you still have some time before you start the Pakse Loop or you just have a one-night stopover in Pakse, then it’s well worth visiting Wat Luang. Wat Luang is among the most important temple in Champasack Province. It is a small, colorful temple in the middle of the city center that is home to a few monks. The Entry is free.

Visit the Waterfalls along the Pakse Loop

The next city after 4000 Islands is Pakse. Many travelers come here to ride the Pakse Loop (also called Bolaven Loop) by motorbike. You can rent a motorbike in Pakse. The cost is around 100 000 kip (4,60€) per day.

There is a small and a large loop. Most people need 3 days and 2 nights for the small loop. For the big loop you need 1 – 2 days more. There are spectacular waterfalls to see along the Pakse Loop. The Pakse Loop is known for its numerous waterfalls, where you can stop off every now and then. But there are not only spectacular waterfalls along the loop, but also cute Laotian villages to visit and breathtaking nature to admire.

If you don’t have enough time, you can also start a day trip from Pakse and only visit the well-known waterfalls such as the I-Tou Waterfall, the Tad Fane Waterfall, the Gneuang Waterfall or the Tad Champee Waterfall. These are approximately 40 kilometers away from Pakse.

If you don’t feel comfortable driving a motorbike, you can also book a one-day TukTuk tour in Pakse, where you will be taken to the famous waterfalls.

Here you will also find a detailed guide for the Pakse Loop. Coming soon.

Drive the Thakhek Loop

The next stop behind the Pakse Loop is the Thakhek Loop. The Thakhek Loop is a very well-known motorbike loop in Laos. Unlike the Ha Giang Loop in Vietnam, you cannot do this with a tour group. Instead, you rent a motorbike or scooter for a few days in Thakhek, where you start the loop. These usually cost 300 000 (approx. 13.80€) Kip per day.

There are numerous caves and viewpoints to visit along the Thakhek Loop. The view you have of nature while driving is spectacular. So you definitely won’t get bored while driving.

Note: Some parts of the Thakhek Loop are heavily used by large trucks. So drive carefully and cautiously.

Hike up to the famous Nam Xay Top Viewpoint

When you think of Laos, the first image that comes to your mind is probably the famous viewpoint with the motorbike as a photo motiv and the breathtaking view of nature.
You can find this viewpoint in Vang Vieng and as the photos promise, the view is really fascinating.
It takes about 30 minutes to the viewpoint. The path is very steep, which is why you should not do the hike alone after heavy rain falls, the floor is then very slippery.
The entry fee costs 20,000 kip (approx. 1€).

Take a picture of yourself in a plane at Phapoungkham Viewpoint

In Vang Vieng there are numerous viewpoints, each of which has a Laos flag and an object placed that gives the viewpoint its charm and with which travelers can take photos. There are unicorns, motorcycles or at the Phapoungkham Viewpoint an airplane. The Phapoungkham Viewpoint is not far away from Nam Xay Top Viewpoint. But even though the two viewpoints are so close to each other, the view is different.
The hike to the viewpoint takes approximately 30 minutes. An entry fee of 20 000 Kip (approx. 1€) is required at the entrance.

Jump into the water at the blue lagoons

In Vang Vieng you will find a lot of Blue Lagoons. On a hot day it’s worth stopping by there and jumping into the cool turquoise blue water to cool off. There is also a diving board from which you can jump into the water.
The Blue Lagoons 1, 2 and 3 are particularly well-known. Personally, I liked the Blue Lagoons 2 and 3 better than the Blue Lagoon 1. But there are also the Blue Lagoons 4, 5 and 6, which are not so often visited by tourists.

Enjoy the sunset at Sunset Views of Mountains

In Vang Vieng, there is a place outside the town marked on Google Maps as Sunset Views of Mountains. Here you can observe the view of the landscape and country life. As the name suggests, this place is particularly suitable for watching the sun set behind the mountains.

Stroll around Wat Wisunnarat

Like all other cities in Laos, Luang Prabang also has some temples to offer. Personally, I liked Wat Wisunnarat the most. As you explore the center of Luang Prabang, be sure to stop at Wat Wisunnarat and admire the ancient temple, which is also home to some monks.
An entry fee is not required. However, remember to cover your knees and shoulders.

Visit the Kuang Si Waterfalls

A few kilometers outside of Luang Prabang is the famous Kuang Si Waterfall, which flows over several steps. The Kuang Si Waterfall is particularly impressive when the sun is shining, as the water shimmers turquoise blue. The waterfall therefore offers a really exciting photo opportunity. I recommend visiting the waterfall in the morning to avoid the large crowds. A small entrance fee is charged at the entrance.

Try the buffalo ice cream at the Buffalo Dairy

On the way back from Kuang Si Waterfall you will pass Laos‘ only Buffalo Dairy. Here, a variety of ice cream made from Buffalo milk is sold at a stand on the side of the road for 40 000 kip (approx. 1.85€) per scoop. You just have to try this delicious and interesting ice cream.

Not only can you try Buffalo ice cream, but you can also take a guided tour of the Buffalo Diary. One-hour tours are offered several times a day, during which visitors are shown the dairy farm and, in particular, told how the animals are kept and how the food is made from Buffalo milk.

Stroll around the old town of Luang Prabang

Luang Prabang is a big contrast to all the other cities in Laos or Asia. The buildings have a lot of French influence and there are cute cafes everywhere. Luang Prabang has a bit of a French village feel to it. The buildings along the Mekong River in particular are very different from all the other buildings in Asia.
It’s worth spending an afternoon strolling through the old town of Luang Prabang and admiring a different Laos.

Watch a Sunset over Luang Prabang

The Mekong River flows through the middle of Luang Prabang. There are numerous cafes and restaurants along the river. There you can end the day after a long exploration tour and enjoy the view of the sunset over the Mekong River with a delicious drink.

Watch a sunset at Mount Phousi

Mount Phousi is located right in the center of Luang Prabang. Mount Phousi means something like holy mountain. It is a popular destination for travelers. The climb up the steps to the Golden Stupa at the viewpoint takes no longer than 30 minutes. On the way you will occasionally pass Buddha statues that are worth visiting.
Especially at sunset, many people gather at the top of the mountain, as the mountain offers a great 360° panorama to watch the sunset. The entrance fee to Mount Phousi costs 20 000 Kip (approx. 1€).

Learn more about Laos‘ History at UXO Laos Visitor Center

Unexploded ordance (UXO) are explosive weapons that did not detonate when they were deployed during the wars in the 20th century. There are still numerous undetected bombs in Laos that continue to kill people.
Therefore the UXO Lao Visitor Center was opened in 2009 to educate people about unexploded ordance so they can recognize them. Entry to the Visitor Center is free, but a small donation will be asked for at the exit.

Watch a sunset at Som Nang Viewpoint

The city of Nong Khiaw is located in the very north of Laos and is for many travelers the last stop on their journey through Laos before continuing on to Vietnam or Thailand. Nong Khiaw is small and not heavily visited by tourists. Nong Khiaw is particularly known for its many viewpoints, from which you have an incredible view of nature and the town of Nong Khiaw.
The Som Nang Viewpoint is well known. The viewpoint is not very high up and can therefore be easily reached within 30 minutes. Som Nang Viewpoint is particularly good for watching the sunset. The entrance fee is 20,000 kip (approx. 1€).

Hike up to Nong Khiaw Viewpoint

Nong Khiaw Viewpoint is known for its 360 degree views from the top of the viewpoint. From high up on the mountain you have an excellent view on all sides: over Nong Khiaw, the Nam Ou River and the breathtaking nature.

The viewpoint is one of the highest in Nong Khiaw, which is why the hike can take up to 1.5 hours. But the view is worth the strenuous hike. The path is well developed and easy to walk on. Entry costs 30 000 kip (approx. 1.40€).

Join a trekking tour in Nong Khiaw

Not only is Nong Khiaw known for its many viewpoints, but travelers also come here to take a hike. Numerous trekking tours are offered in Nong Khiaw. From one day to three days. I recommend a trekking tour of at least two days and one night.‘
A guide leads the group through the forests and rice fields of Nong Khiaw. There are frequent stops to take pictures or eat in small villages. In the late afternoon the group reaches a village where they spend the night. The villages are so remote and traditional that they can’t even be found on Google Maps. The long hikes in high temperatures can be strenuous, but you can see and experience a lot on such a tour.

Have a view from Phanoi Viewpoint in Muang Ngoi

Muang Ngoi is a small Lao village north of Nong Khiaw. Muang Ngoi can only be reached by boat, which you can take from Nong Khiaw. It is a very small village, but also very traditional and less touristy, so there is a lot to discover there.Well-known in Muang Ngoi is the Phanoi Viewpoint, from which you have a spectacular view of the surrounding nature. The climb to Phanoi Viewpoint takes no more than 30 minutes. The path is also well developed with stairs and ladders. There is also a cave to explore halfway along the trail.