Laos

Squeezed between vastly larger neighbours, the modern Lao state was created as an entity in 1353, when warlord Fa Ngum declared himself the king of Lan Xang ("Million Elephants"). Initially a Khmer vassal state, the kingdom emerged as one of the more powerful ones in Southeast Asia by the early 15th century after fending off a Vietnamese invasion and asserting control over a large part of the remnants of the declining Khmer Empire. After a succession dispute, the kingdom split in three in 1707, and was eventually devoured piece by piece by the Siamese, the last fragments agreeing to Siamese protection in 1885.

The area east of the Mekong, however, was soon wrenched back from Siam by the French in 1893, who wanted a buffer state to protect Vietnam. The three Laotian states were reunified as a single territory in 1907. In contrast to Vietnam, Laos remained a backwater of French Indochina and did not see much investment and Western influence with the exception of infrastructure projects mostly concentrated in Vientiane, schools in urban centres, and cuisine (especially baguettes and café culture). It was briefly occupied by Japan in 1945, and was then brought into a more or less continual three-decade-long conflict that first spilled over from North Vietnam when France moved in to reassert its colonial rule. After Laos was granted full independence in 1953, the war continued between a variety of factions, with the Communist and North Vietnam-allied Pathet Lao struggling to overthrow the French-aligned monarchy. During the Vietnam War (1964-1973), this alliance led the United States to dump 1.9 million tons of bombs on Laos, mostly in the northeast stronghold of the Pathet Lao: as a comparison 2.2 million tonnes were dropped on Europe by all sides during World War II.

In 1975, after the fall of Saigon, the Communist Pathet Lao took control of Vientiane and ended a six-century-old monarchy. Interestingly, one of the leaders of the Pathet Lao was Souphanouvong, who was prince of Laos. Most of the royal family was arrested and sent to reeducation camps and died by the 1980s. Some remnants of the royals managed to escape to France and establish a government-in-exile, where they remain to this day. Closer ties to Vietnam and socialization were replaced with a gradual return to private enterprise, an easing of foreign investment laws and admission into ASEAN in 1997.

Due to its landlocked location and difficult terrain, Laos has long been deeply impoverished due to the difficulty of building infrastructure. However, in the 21st century, Laos has developed a close relationship with China, who have invested substantially in infrastructure projects in the country. This improvement in infrastructure has led to tremendous economic growth, with more than 80% of the Lao people living above the poverty line as of 2024.

Despite being just one hour by air from the hustle and bustle of Bangkok, life in Laos has continued in much the same way it has for hundreds of years, although things have been changing since the 1990s. In the mid-1990s the government reversed its stance on tourism, and then declared 1998 "Visit Laos Year". Since then, tourist numbers in Laos have been on a steep upward trend.

In 2021, Laos and China completed the construction of an electrified railway line linking Kunming to Vientiane, with an extension to Bangkok under construction, and talks of extending the line to Singapore. The rail connection is expected to have a dramatic impact on the country, as it facilitates much cross-border trade and tourism. There has been a large boost in foreign tourists visiting Laos, and the word "forgotten" used to describe Laos will soon become a forgotten memory itself.

Despite its small population, Laos has over 160 ethnic groups, from which Lao, Khmer, and Hmong constitute approximately three-quarters of the population. Most groups are small, with some having just a few hundred members. The 49 major ethnic groups are divided into four linguistic branches: Lao-Tai language represented by 8 tribes, Mone-Khmer language with 32 tribes, Hmoung-Loumien language with 2 tribes, and Tibeto-Chinese language represented by 7 tribes. Because of this diversity, the demonym for a person from Laos is Laotian, and not Lao, which refers merely to the largest ethnic group.

Before 1981, the Laos government recognised only three ethnic groups, which were based on geographic and agricultural differences, rather than actual ethnic differences. Despite these groups no longer being officially recognised, many guidebooks and tourist references still break up Lao society into the Lao Loum (lowland dwellers – these were in the majority), the Lao Theung (people who live in the mid-altitude levels), and the Lao Soung (who inhabit the uplands)

Laos is officially Buddhist, and the national symbol, the gilded stupa of Pha That Luang, has replaced the hammer and sickle even on the state seal. Still, there is a good deal of animism mixed in, particularly in the baci (also baasi) ceremony conducted to bind the 32 guardian spirits to the participant's body before a long journey, after serious illness, the birth of a baby, or other significant events.

Lao custom dictates that women must wear the distinctive phaa sin, a long sarong available in many regional patterns; however, many ethnic minorities have their own clothing styles. The conical Vietnamese-style hat is also a common sight. These days men dress Western-style and only don the phaa biang sash on ceremonial occasions. Nowadays women often wear Western-style clothing, though the "phaa sin" is still the mandatory attire in government offices, not only for those who work there but also for Lao women who are visiting.

Laos has three distinct seasons. The hot season is from Mar-May, when temperatures can soar as high as 40°C and the humidity makes it feel like 50°C. The slightly cooler wet season is from May-Oct, when temperatures are around 30°C, tropical downpours are frequent (especially Jul-Aug), and some years the Mekong floods.

The dry season from Nov-Mar, which has low rainfall and temperatures as low as 15°C (or even to zero in the mountains at night), is "high season". However, towards the end of the dry season, the northern parts of Laos — basically everything north of Luang Prabang — can become very hazy due to farmers burning fields and fires in the forests.

Laos Tourism website

Citizens of the following countries may enter Laos for tourism purposes without a visa. The maximum permitted stay is:

14 days: Myanmar

15 days: Japan, Luxembourg, Switzerland, Austria

30 days: Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Mongolia, Philippines, Russia, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand, Vietnam

See the Lao Immigration website for more details.

If you are a dual national and want to use the passport of a visa-waived country, make sure to use the same passport to exit the previous country of your trip, especially when using land crossings. The immigration officers will look for an exit stamp to put their entry stamp next to it (which is hard to justify by anything other than aesthetic considerations) and thus insist on using the same passport, which in turn will require paying for a visa-on-arrival (see below).

As of September 1, 2025, all nationalities are required to fill out an online arrival form prior to entering Laos: https://immigration.gov.la/en/registration/arrival/arrival-info

Visitors of all other nationalities require a visa.

Laos immigration provides a list of border checkpoints where a visa on arrival is available.

A visa on arrival is available to most nationalities entering at the airports in Vientiane, Luang Prabang, Pakse and Savannakhet. Some (but not all) land border crossings also offer a visa on arrival, see below for listings. One passport photo is required although you may be able to pay a US$1 fee for your passport photo to be scanned upon arrival.

As of Jan 2025, the price of a visa on arrival is US$40 for all except the following nationalities (this excludes countries not eligible for visa on arrival and those with a visa exemption for 30 days):

China and Vietnam: US$20

If you do not have any US dollars, as of Jan 2025 the immigration officer will quote you a price in kip that is 50% higher than paying in USD. This is because the government is desperate for foreign currency due to the rampant inflation of the kip. Paying in Thai baht (1,500 baht ~ US$47 in Jan 2019) is possible too, but the mark-up means that travellers should try to bring US dollars.

Additionally, a service fee "out of office hours/overtime" surcharge at the Friendship Bridge in Vientiane or Huay Xai may be applicable. This should be US$1 / 20 Thai Baht / 10k Kip (as of Jan 2025).

All visitors eligible for visa on arrival can alternatively apply for an e-Visa in advance online. The eVisa website has its own list of border checkpoints that accept eVisas for entry into Laos.

The website requires you to submit a scan of your passport and a passport photo, and processing time is 3 business days. However, e-Visas are around US$15 more expensive than visa on arrival, and can only be used at a limited number of border crossings (as of 2023, only 8 border crossings accept eVisas, including all 3 international airports and the Boten railway station for those taking the train from Kunming). The only benefit of the e-Visa is convenience, since you can head straight to the special immigration counter set aside for those with eVisas, and you don't need to queue up, sort out passport photos and pay cash on arrival.

Finally, visas can be obtained in advance from Lao embassies or consulates. The fee varies by nationality and by embassy; US$40 is common, although can be as high as US$63 (in Kuala Lumpur). Processing times also vary; 2-3 days is typical, though you may be able to pay an extra small amount (around US$5) to receive the visa in as little as one hour. In Phnom Penh the travel agencies can arrange the visa the same day (but may charge as much as US$58) while getting it from the embassy takes a few days. Getting a visa from the embassy in Bangkok costs around 1,400 baht for most nationalities, plus 200 baht more for "same day" processing. It's cheaper and quicker to get a visa at the border, but if you're not eligible for VOA, going via an embassy is the only option.

Entry permit extensions (sometimes referred to as "visa extensions") are available from the Immigration Department in Vientiane, Luang Prabang or Tha Khaek, the police station in Pakse, and possibly other cities. Extensions are not possible in Laos' second city, Savannakhet, although you can do a border run from there to Thailand to get a new 30-day visa. The cost is US$2.50 per day plus a small "form fee" ranging between 5,000 kip (Pakse) to 30,000 kip (Vientiane). The process is very easy; turn up in the early morning with your passport and one photo; fill in a form (in Luang Prabang they do this for you) and come back in the afternoon to collect your passport with an extension stamp in it. If you do this in the late morning or later in the day, your passport will be ready the following day.

If you want to extend for longer than two weeks and are near the Thai border, it can be more cost effective to nip over the border (entry to Thailand is free for most Western nationalities) and return immediately to get a new 30-day Lao visa since a 30-day visa extension costs US$75.

Direct flights to Laos are limited and often expensive. As of early 2025, the country has three airports with international flights. There are other airports which have the title of 'international airport' but which do not have any international flights, and are not listed here.

1 Vientiane International Airport (VTE IATA). Laos' main airport has flights to/from various cities in China, Vietnam and South Korea, as well as Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Yangon, Hong Kong, Singapore and Phnom Penh. (updated Nov 2024)

2 Luang Prabang International Airport (LPQ IATA). Laos' second international airport has flights to/from Bangkok (both airports), Chiang Mai, Haikou, Hanoi and Siem Reap (updated Nov 2024)

Those two international airports are served by national carrier Lao Airlines and a few others, including Thai Airways, Bangkok Airways (Luang Prabang only) and Vietnam Airlines. Some seats on flights of Vietnam Airlines are reserved for Lao Airlines (codesharing/better price).

3 Pakse International Airport (PKZ IATA). The third international airport, with Lao Airlines flights to/from Guangzhou, Siem Reap (Vientiane–Pakse–Siem Reap) and Ho Chi Minh City. (updated Sep 2022)

Singapore Airlines's low-cost subsidiary Scoot has regular service from Singapore to Vientiane, with prices usually starting from 100 USD if you buy tickets a month in advance and going to almost 500 USD for economy class as of the beginning of 2025. There are also regular round trip flights from Vientiane to Kunming, China and Incheon, South Korea on Lao Airlines and other carriers. Low-cost carrier AirAsia flies to Vientiane from Kuala Lumpur three times a week, and offers daily flights from Bangkok to Luang Prabang. Another cheap option for getting to Vientiane is to fly to Udon Thani in Thailand with discount airlines Nok Air or Air Asia and connect to Nong Khai and the Friendship Bridge via shuttle service directly from the airport (40 minutes); from here, Vientiane is 17 km (11 mi) away.

Tickets sell out quick and should be purchased as early as possible, but as of 2025 they are only released for sale 3 days in advance and even then there might be few tickets still available. You might have to book a late train after dark, so missing the view. You can buy via an agent such as your accommodation (for a fee), at rail ticket offices in bigger cities ($1 fee), or directly using the LCR Ticket mobile app and no fee (provided you have a Lao, Thai or Chinese mobile number that is needed to register).

Train security is very strict, sharp items such as knives, scissors or razor blades, aerosol sprays, are prohibited. Liquids over 100 ml (3.5 imp fl oz; 3.4 US fl oz) may also be a problem, water can be taken if you drink some to prove its potable. To avoid loosing such items at check-in security, you can cheaply send such items to your next destination using a logistics delivery service.

A railway line from Kunming, China to Vientiane opened in December 2021. Passing through Pu'er, Jinghong, Mengla and crossing the Chinese border at Mohan/Boten, the line serves Luang Namtha, Muang Xay, Muang Nga, Luang Prabang, Muang Kasi, Vang Vieng, Phonhong and Vientiane on the Laotian side. The train runs at speeds of up to 160 km/h, covering the distance from Kunming to Vientiane in 10 hr 30 min, though you will have to get off the train at Mohan and Boten to complete Chinese and Lao border formalities respectively. The Boten railway station does not provide visas on arrival, though eVisas are accepted for entry.

Direct ovenight sleeper train services from Bangkok's Krung Thep Aphiwat station to the Vientiane's new, more centrally located Khamsavath station started in July 2024. There is also a second, shorter day train from Udon Thani to Vientiane. All passengers have to alight at Nong Khai to complete Thai customs and immigration formalities, while Lao border inspections take place on arrival Khamsavath station. Note that eVisas are not accepted for entry at Khamsavath station, but a visa-on-arrival can be obtained here.

The old station at Thanaleng no longer operates and the cross-border shuttles from Nong Khai have been terminated.

An extension of the aforementioned Kunming-Vientiane railway line onward to Bangkok is under construction, but completion is years away.

Most border crossings open for foreigners, with an indication where visas on arrival can be issued, are listed on the web site of the National Tourism Administration. This list is incomplete.

Visa on arrival for Laos is available when entering from Cambodia overland, with an official "Visa on Arrival" office incorporated into the checkpoint (note: as of August 2025, this does not seem to be the case any more, at least with Vireak Buntham buses all fees appear to be official, and the facilitator does not ask for anything on top of the ticket price). The nearest Cambodian town is Stung Treng, and the border is a 60- to 90-minute bus ride away. The border is lightly used, with almost no onward public transport available once you passed through immigration, therefore it may be wise to book transport all the way to Ban Nakasang or Pakse depending on your destination.

If you're buying a ticket from a destination in Cambodia to one in Laos (the most common being Siem Reap/Phnom Penh to Don Det) and you want the border crossing to be as trouble-free as possible, accept that you will have to additional bribes that usually add up to at least US$5 on top of the visa-on-arrival fee applicable to your nationality, current as of 2019. Not including possible mark-ups for the visa, the charge consists of:

$2 "stamp fee" on the Lao side

$2 "stamp fee" on the Cambodian side

$1 "assistance fee" for the facilitator as he gets the Lao visa and entry stamp for you

This is the best case scenario: the "assistance fee" may also be $2 depending on the bus company used, and/or the facilitator will demand a higher total to account for the inflated visa price. While you can decline to use a facilitator, you will nevertheless be asked for the unofficial fees by the immigration officials, as the facilitator merely collects them on their behalf to "speed up the process".

It is possible to at least circumvent the unofficial fees on the Cambodian side – several reports suggest that the Cambodian officials are quick to give in if you refuse to pay the fee; it seems easiest if you can convince them that you simply don't have any dollars left.

Little public information exists for the Lao side. The officials may or may not try to overcharge you for the visa on arrival. For Canadians, this can oddly result in paying less than the official price of US$42. One person reported that officials, at least on one occasion, seemed to use US$30 (the official price for most eligible nationalities) as the baseline for passports from Western countries, but then asked a Canadian citizen for US$35 instead. Whatever your nationality, make sure you know what visa price applies to your passport before you board the bus to this border.

Furthermore, it is unknown whether one can refuse to pay the inflated visa fee (if applicable), the unofficial stamp fee, be successful and be still able to find onward transport to Ban Nakasang, although this definitely works the other way round (coming from Laos, going to Cambodia). Getting held up by not paying will likely see your bus leave without you.

For those who want to stand their ground and don't mind possibly having to wait for a few hours in order to beat corruption, there is an option worth trying: Book your transport with any operator to the border only, ideally from Stung Treng with a departure in the morning to have time on your side. Enquire with travel agencies or online to book your separate onward transport from the border going North, and make sure it only leaves two to three hours after your arrival at the border. Alternatively, if you're feeling the stars are aligned in your favour, you may be able to catch a minivan or tuk-tuk that some travellers use to get independently to the border from the Lao side; it's unlikely to happen after lunchtime though.

Another pitfall of the journey to the border is that you will often have four changes of bus (number depending on your origin, some vehicles are small minibuses where passengers have to sit on each other's laps), and hours spent driving to remote guesthouses to pick up backpackers. Asia Van Transfer (AVT) was set up by a foreign expat and has built a good reputation for not letting passengers wait unnecessarily, not letting them change vehicles and also not overbooking seats, but this means they're also a bit pricier; also, they cannot drive into Laos.

If your luggage has been sent in a bus you are not on, because of "lack of space", it will sometimes disappear. The "King of Bus Company" is known to do this.

The land crossing between Mengla (Yunnan) and Boten (Laos) is open to foreigners and visa on arrival is possible or you can get in advance at the Lao consulate in Kunming. In addition to the train (above), a daily bus service operates from Mengla to Luang Namtha and Udomxai. Buses from Mengla to Luang Namtha leave from the North bus station. The first bus leaves around 08:00 and costs about ¥40.

Generally, it is not possible for independent travellers to cross from China to Laos via the Mekong River, not least because there's a chunk of Myanmar in the middle and the Lao checkpoint at Xieng Kok does not issue visas on arrival. Travel agents in China run irregular cruises from Jinghong (China) via Chiang Saen (Thailand) to Huay Xai (Laos), but schedules are erratic and prices expensive.

The Myanmar-Laos Friendship Bridge is the sole official border crossing between Myanmar and Laos. The bridge connects Shan State in Myanmar with Luang Namtha Province in Laos, in a very remote region for both countries, and information on when (or whether) the crossing is operating is hard to find. The official Laos immigration website indicates that a Laotian visa on arrival is available at the border, though Laotian eVisas are not accepted for entry.

There are eight border crossings open to all between Thailand and Laos. From north to south:

Huay Xai/Chiang Khong: Using the fourth Friendship Bridge is the usual overland route to Luang Prabang, easy bus connections to Chiang Rai and points beyond on the Thai side.

Ban Pangmon/Ban Huak: Located on a remote mountainous road. If you want to travel overland from Chiang Mai to Hanoi overland via Laos, this is one possible route. No visa on arrival.

Muang Ngeun/Huay Kon: At 152 km, the nearest to Nan, a worthwhile destination in Northern Thailand. Also, 40 km away from Pak Beng in Laos. Walking distance between checkposts, and very friendly officers due apparently to very low tourist use.

Nam Hueng/Tha Li: Easily reached via Loei on the Thai side, but 378 km of poorly sealed road away from Luang Prabang. No visa on arrival. The 'mandatory' tuktuk service, charging 30 baht for a several minutes' ride across the bridge, can be avoided with some assertiveness.

Vientiane/Nong Khai: The first Friendship Bridge and the busiest of crossing of them all. Direct trains from Bangkok now available. Bring 100 THB per person to get the paper arrival form (this is probably a scam, but still necessary).

Paksan/Bueng Kan: No visa on arrival.

Tha Khaek/Nakhon Phanom: The third Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge.

Savannakhet/Mukdahan: The second Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge.

Vang Tao/Chong Mek: On the route from Pakse to Ubon Ratchathani.

Note: if crossing from Thailand into Laos by motorcycle, it is necessary to hire a customs agent to expedite the process. Individuals or groups trying to cross the border with motorcycles will be refused entry by customs if they do not use an agent.

There are several border crossings that can be used by foreigners. These include:

Donsavanh - Lao Bao - to Savannakhet

Keo Nua Pass

Lak Sao - to Khammouan Province

Nam Can - to Plain of Jars

Na Meo - to Sam Neua

Pang Hok - Tay Trang (close to Dien Bien Phu, the site of a famous battle where the French were defeated by Vietnamese independence fighters)

Bo Y (nearest town on Vietnamese side being Ngoc Hoi and on Lao side Attapeu)

Nam Phao - Cau Treo

Some have reported a 10,000 kip "weekend fee" being charged by Lao border officials for crossing on the weekend. No receipt is given.

The border crossing on a Vietnamese motorbike at Tay Trang is very easy and straightforward. You arrive after going over some hills at the Vietnamese border where friendly officials handle your case. You fill out the form for "temporary export of a vehicle", show them the Vietnamese registration card for the bike (which is usually in the owners name) and pay US$10. Then you proceed to the police, show the papers to them and get the exit stamp.

You then have to drive for 6 km over the mountains to get to the Lao checkpoint. There some not-so-friendly border guards there who expect you to pay 5,000 kip for general fees and 25,000 kip for importing a vehicle. They fill out the form themselves.

In addition to the three international airports mentioned in the Get In section (Vientiane, Luang Prabang & Pakse), there are domestic airports with scheduled flights to Vientiane in Bokeo, Luang Namtha, Oudomsay, Xieng Khouang (flights to/from Luang Prabang too), Sam Neua & Sayaboury.

State carrier Lao Airlines and private company Lao Skyway have a near-duopoly on domestic flights. Lao Airlines managed a 13-year accident-free streak until an October 2013 crash near Pakse resulted in 49 fatalities, the country's deadliest air disaster. The fairly comprehensive network is by far the fastest and, relatively speaking, the safest way of reaching many parts of the country, although the new train line (see below) offers real competition.

As of 2024, tickets for the popular Vientiane-Luang Prabang route (40 minutes) can be had for as little as US$34 (Lao Skyway), but the new high-speed train connects these two places for only US$12, and takes 2 hours. Otherwise, the third option is 10 hours on a bus.

Lao Skyway flies the Xian MA60, a Chinese copy of the Soviet An-24, and these flights are frequently cancelled without warning if the weather is bad or not enough passengers show up. Lao Skyway also flies 14-passenger Cessnas from Vientiane to Phongsali and Sainyabuli (Xayabouly) most days. These airfields are rudimentary and flights are cancelled at the drop of a hat if weather is less than perfect.

New airline Lanexang Airways flies ATR 72s between Vientiane and Xieng Khouang (serving Phonsavan).

The air transport situation in Laos is ever-changing, with scheduled routes and airports opening and closing with little to no notice, especially in the more remote regions. Flights on light aircraft are often cancelled without notice if flying conditions are not good. The best way to contact airlines in Laos is via WhatsApp. Lao Airlines can be contacted via WhatsApp on +856 20 55 541 626 during business hours for the latest schedule information.

The first railway in Laos, the Chinese-built Lao-China Railway crossing the northern half of the country from the Chinese border at Mohan/Boten via Muang Xay, Luang Prabang and Vang Vieng to Vientiane opened in December 2021.

Both electric/high-speed (EMU) and ordinary trains operate, with the EMU services at up to 160 km/h per hour, making this by far the fastest and most comfortable way to travel in Laos. As of April 2023, there is one high-speed "C" train and one normal "K" train per daily running the length of the line, with one additional high-speed "C" service between Vientiane and Luang Prabang only, and two additional "C" trains running between Vientiane and Muang Xai only. The international "D" trains between Vientiane and Kunming may also be ridden by domestic passengers. Sample travel times and fares in kip as of October 2022:

The railway is very popular, and demand always exceeds capacity. The easiest way to buy tickets is to go through a travel agency, who will handle all the paperwork for a service charge of around US$4 per ticket. Discover Laos has a good reputation and can deliver tickets to your hotel in advance. Baolau offers fully self-service online ticketing, but you will still have to pick up paper tickets in person. First class gets you wider seats (2+2 seating instead of 2+3) but very little else; however, it often has better availability than second class.

If you wish to try your luck, a new ticket office opened in Vientiane Center in February 2022, where you can purchase tickets for trains up to 3 days in advance. As of February 2022, only tickets to Boten, Muang Xai and Luang Prabang can be bought at the Vientiane Center office, while tickets for all other destinations can only be bought at the station. The Vientiane Center office also does not accept cash payments, and payments can only be made using a UnionPay credit card, Chinese mobile payment apps WeChat Pay or Alipay, or the OnePay mobile payment platform of Lao bank BCEL. You can use the Loca app to pay with OnePay, but will pay a large commission, or you can try using the LCR Tickets app which allegedly accepts Visa cards. Despite all this hassle, you may still end up empty-handed, as scalpers frequently buy up all the tickets. If you're in a pinch, try your luck at the train station, as unsold same day tickets may reappear in the inventory.

The trains operate on the same model as Chinese high-speed railways, with strict ID and security checks at the entrance to train stations. Baggage will be scanned and while liquids are OK, pressurized sprays or alcohol will be confiscated. Facilities at stations are minimal to non-existent, and so bring everything you'll need with you, including food and drink. Some trains have trolleys hawking banana chips and sandwiches, but you can't count on these either. More info here.

One final quirk: be sure to hold onto your ticket, as you'll need to show it again on leaving the station or risk getting fined the price of a new one!

The main routes connecting Vientiane, Vang Vieng, Luang Prabang and Savannakhet are sealed, and the transport options on these roads include bus, minibus, and converted truck. The first expressway in Laos now connects Vientiane to Vang Vieng and is slowly being extended north towards Luang Prabang, but the full length to the Chinese border will not be ready until the 2030s.

A good source of bus timetables, including some basic town maps, can be found at hobomaps.com

Some common routes through Laos include:

Vientiane to Vang Vieng – now connected by a direct 113 km expressway, less than 1.5 hours by direct VIP bus

Vang Vieng to Luang Prabang – amazing scenery through the mountains, at the cost of 8 hours on a windy road in poor condition

Luang Prabang to Phonsavan - minibus: a cramped 7-hour trip, so arrive early to get good seats as near the front as possible; beautiful views so secure a window seat if possible. Bus is 8 hours.

Phonsavan to Sam Neua - converted pickup truck: beautiful views but lots of hills and bends, hence possible nausea

Sam Neua to Muang Ngoi - minivan: a 12-hour trip along a horrible road; good views and a necessary evil, but fun if you're prepared to get a few knocks and talk to some Lao people who are, after all, in the same boat

Muang Ngoi to Luang Namtha - Minivan: 10-hour trip (Oudomxay); OK road, much travelled by backpackers

Luang Namtha to Huay Xai - once a muddy nightmare, now rebuilt and one of the best roads in Laos, 3-4 hours

Paksan to Phonsavan - there is a new road between Borikham and Tha Thom. In Tha Thom there is a guesthouse with 8 rooms. The forest between Borikham and Tha Thom is still in a very good condition, but it's a dirt road. Since most of the forest in Laos has gone this is one of the last roads surrounded by primary forest. There are substantial road works being undertaken by the Vietnamese between Paksan and Phonsavan and there can be some fairly long delays along the way. Even though the trip is only a couple of hundred kilometres it can take 16-20 hr to traverse this section.

Local transport (less than 20 km) in Laos consists of tuk-tuks, jumbos, and sky labs, motorised three or four wheelers. A jumbo should cost no more than 20,000 kip for short journeys of 1-5 km.

Women should be aware that often during lengthy bus or minibus trips there is no opportunity to go to the toilet during breaks, so it may be advisable to wear a wide skirt.

Generally, it is best to ask your accommodation to organise bus tickets for you. That way, you'll know what type of bus you're going to be on. Touts at bus stations rarely speak English so confusion reigns there. Overnight bus seats are quite narrow, so if you want a bit of space, just buy two tickets. They're cheap! Finally, much of the information online about buses in Laos is incorrect or out of date. This includes listings on 12go. It is best to assess the situation on the ground once you arrive. A good rule for Laos is do not buy bus tickets online. The information is either incorrect, missing, or the prices are vastly inflated!

The main ride-hailing app in Laos is Loca. You can pay by cash or use a credit card to pay through the Loca app. Other useful apps include Xanh for EV taxis, Kokkok for EV taxis and tuktuks, and InDrive for petrol taxis. Well-known ride-hailing apps found elsewhere in Southeast Asia, such as Grab, do not operate in Laos.

A songthaew (ສອງແຖວ) is a truck-based vehicle with a pair of bench seats in the back, one on either side — hence the name, which means "two rows" in Lao. In English tourist literature, they're occasionally called "minibuses". By far the most common type is based on a pick-up truck and has a roof and open sides. If coming from Thailand, you'll already be familiar with these. Larger types start life as small lorries, and may have windows, and an additional central bench; smaller types are converted micro-vans, with a front bench facing backwards and a rear bench facing forwards.

Songthaews are operated extensively as local buses, and generally are the most economical way to travel shorter distances. There also as taxis; sometimes the same vehicle will be used for both. Be careful if asking a songthaew to take you to someplace if there is nobody in the back, the driver might charge you the taxi price. In this case, check the price before embarking.

The names tuk-tuk and jumbo are used to describe a wide variety of small/lightweight vehicles. The vast majority have three wheels; some are entirely purpose-built, others are partially based on motorcycles. A tuk-tuk organisation in Vientiane controls the prices that tourists are expected to pay for point to point destinations. The rates are negotiable, and you should agree on the price prior to getting on the tuk tuk.

Motorbike travel in Laos is not without risks but the rewards of truly independent travel are great. There are several rental shops in Vientiane, Luang Prabang, Pakse and Thakhek, but bike rentals in other parts of the country may be scarce. The quality of machines varies from shop to shop so you need to fully inspect it before you head out on the road.

There are a variety of bikes available in Laos, depending on which town and rental shop you go to. Some available include the Honda Baja or XR 250 dual-purpose bikes, Ko Lao 110 cc and the usual Honda Win/Dream 110 cc. Helmets are not only mandatory in the country but a valuable item in a place where traffic rules are made up by the minute. Police have been cracking down on people who do not have a motorcycle licence, so expect to pay a fine if caught without one.

Google Maps is not good for navigation in Laos. Many roads are not shown. Use a free app based on OpenStreetMap, such as Maps.me (iPhone/Android), OsmAnd (iPhone/Android) or OrganicMaps (iPhone/Android). Magic Earth (Android) is also good.

Standard petrol costs 24,000 kip/L as of Nov 2025. Keep up to date with prices here.

Cycling is a great option with quiet roads. Laos offers wonderful remote areas to discover, little traveled roads, friendly people and even some companies providing cycling tours with the help of professional guides all over the country. The more time people seem to spend in Laos the more they seem to like the quiet travel mood and the opportunity to actually be in contact with the people along the way. Good maps are available about the roads in Laos and all major routes are with good roads. In normal distances you find simple guest houses and in all major towns better choices and restaurant. Food is not a problem as long as you remember to carry some stuff with you. Tropical fruits and noodle soup are the standards.

There are a number of local operators running a wide selection of guided mountain biking tours through Laos. If you travel on your own, there are very few proper bike shops outside of Vientiane. Cycling enthusiasts will want to bring their bicycle and gear with them, as the quality of bicycles and gear available in Laos will not be up to your standards.

Boats along the Mekong and its tributaries are useful shortcuts for the horrible roads, although as the road network improves river services are slowly drying up, and many of the remaining services only run in the wet season, when the Mekong floods and becomes more navigable. Huay Xai on the border with Thailand to Luang Prabang and travel south of Pakse are the main routes still in use.

There are so-called slow boats and speedboats - the latter being tiny lightweight craft equipped with powerful motors that literally skid across the water at high speeds.

Many people go from Chiang Khong in Thailand via the border town of Huay Xai down the Mekong to the marvelous city of Luang Prabang. The ride takes two days and is very scenic. However, it is also a floating backpacker ghetto, cramped, hot, and with only bad food available. On the second day, the novelty wears off. Recommended to bring a good (long) read, something soft for the wooden benches and plenty of patience. More recent reports indicate that the slow boats now have used car seats, and serve pre-fab food, which is not great, but certainly sufficient.

Slow boats generally stop in the village of Pakbeng for the night. Some boat packages will include accommodation, although this is usually at an inflated rate. Save money by arranging a hotel in the town, there are plenty. Do not listen to the touts that say they are all full. Most shops in Pakbeng shut down at about 22:00, so expect to get a good sleep before the second day's boat ride. This is also a good place to stock up on supplies.

An attractive choice for some, with a 6-hour ride from Huay Xai to Luang Prabang, as compared to the two-day trip on the slow boat, but not for the faint of heart. Expect to be crammed into a modified canoe made for 4, with 10 other people, along with all the luggage somehow packed in. Expect to sit on the floor of the canoe, as there are no seats, with your knees against your chin for the full 6 hours. Expect an incredibly loud engine inches behind your head. Expect the engine to break a few times, and stops for delays to fix it. That being said, when this ride finally ends, if you make it with no trouble, you will never be happier to get to Luang Prabang. Stories of small, overloaded speedboats sinking or hitting driftwood are common, but if you are a good swimmer, take comfort in the fact that you can see both shores throughout the entire trip. So, as you see, choosing between the slow boat and the speedboat is a hard call, based mostly upon your comfort level; would you prefer a slow unpleasant trip, or a much faster, but more dangerous unpleasant trip. Either way, the scenery along the way is gorgeous and unexploited, and Luang Prabang is an incredible city, worth a thousand of these journeys.

Though helpful in saving time, speedboats are not without danger: built to carry 8 passengers, they are often overloaded; the engine noise is well above a healthy level, which could be a serious hazard to your ears, especially if you are on the boat for a long time. It also causes considerable noise pollution, scaring wildlife and spoiling the peaceful river life. Fatalities resulting from capsize due to incautious maneuvering, or hitting floating logs or hidden rocks, have been reported but some claim and are exaggerated by competing slow boat owners. However, the vast majority of speedboat users have no serious problems. If you are taller than the average Laotian are a bit claustrophobic and/or have inflexible leg muscles you are guaranteed an extremely uncomfortable experience for several endless hours.

Suggestions for those who decide to take the risk:

get one of the front seats as they allow you to stretch your legs and are far from the noisy motor

wear helmets and life jackets; reconsider your journey if these are not provided

bring a coat in the cold season, the strong wind can make you feel cold even at temperatures of 25 °C.

bring earplugs

protect water-sensitive equipment as you might get wet.

Road accidents are common. The main causes are poor vehicle maintenance and careless driving. Road conditions vary and some roads are in very poor condition. A large proportion of road accident victims were travelling on a tuk-tuk, motorcycle or scooter. Driving at night is particularly dangerous because of the lack of street lights, speeding drivers and disregard for traffic rules. Heavy traffic at night can be downright dangerous.

Be vigilant when travelling on motorways because of the occasional robbery of vehicles, especially in rural areas.

When hiring a vehicle, remember that they are rarely insured. Check the condition of the vehicle at the time of rental with the rental company. The hirer is responsible for any damage caused to the vehicle. Damage claims in the event of an accident are often high. Do not leave your passport as a deposit, but a copy of your passport.

The term wilderness is much misused, but it can truly be applied to much of Laos. The mighty Mekong River and its tributaries together create perhaps the single most important geographic feature of the country. Its meandering path in the North has created some of the most stunning limestone karsts anywhere on earth. The backpacker-central town of Vang Vieng is a commonly used base for exploring the karsts. Further north, the terrain becomes more hilly, and the jungle less explored. Luang Namtha is the far-northern town which makes the best base for those visitors who really want to see the truly remote Lao wilderness, and directly experience the lifestyles of the various hill tribes in this region.

In direct contrast to Northern Laos, the Mekong delta lowlands in the South are perfectly flat. Si Phan Don (four thousand islands) is a great base for experiencing what is surely the most chilled and relaxed region anywhere in Asia. Experiencing local village life, taking it all in and doing absolutely nothing should be the aim here. There are though some wonderful river-based sights, including the largest falls anywhere in Southeast Asia. If you are lucky you might get a close-up view of a Mekong pink dolphin.

In this most Buddhist of nations, it is no surprise that temples are a key attraction. In the capital city of Vientiane, the three-layered gilded stupa of Pha That Luang is the national symbol and most important religious monument in the country, dating from the 16th century. There are numerous other beautiful temples which on their own make a stay in the capital city vital for any visitor to Laos.

The whole of the ancient capital of Luang Prabang is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Befitting that status, it is a unique city. Beautifully preserved gilded temples with their attendant orange-robed monks mold almost seamlessly with traditional wooden Lao houses and grand properties from the French colonial era. Spotlessly clean streets with a thriving café culture on the banks of the Mekong and the Nam Khan, complete the picture of a city which is almost too pleasant to be true.

The Plain of Jars is a megalithic archaeological landscape dating from the Iron Age. Thousands of stone jars are scattered over a large area of the low foothills near Phonsavan. The main archaeological theory is that the jars formed part of Iron Age burial rituals in the area, but this is by no means proven, and a great deal of mystery remains. The American air force extensively bombed the area during the Secret War of the 1960s, and much unexploded ordinance from that period remains uncleared, leaving large sections of the site closed to the public. When that process is complete it is very likely this will be declared a UNESCO World Heritage site. Even so, enough information has been lost in the destruction that we may likely never know the purpose of the jars.

Vat Phu (Wat Phu) is a ruined Hindu Khmer temple complex in Champasak province. It dates from the 12th century and visitors who have been to Angkor Wat will notice the similarities.

The town of Vieng Xai provides a striking insight in the recent history of not only Laos, but the whole of Indochina. In 1964, the US began intensive bombing of the Lao communist movement – Pathet Lao – bases in Xieng Khouang. Under much bombardment, the Pathet Lao moved east to Vieng Xai and established their headquarters in the limestone karst cave networks around the town. A whole 'Hidden City' was established which supported around 20,000 people. During nine years of almost constant American bombing, the Pathet Lao sheltered in these caves, and lived in a largely subterranean environment. Schools, hospitals and markets as well as government ministries, a radio station, a theatre and military barracks were all hidden in the caves. After the 1973 ceasefire, Vieng Xai briefly became the capital of Laos, before that function was moved to Vientiane in 1975. There are formal daily tours of the caves, as well as other evidence of that era in the town.

The Lao currency is the kip (ກີບ), pronounced kiip and officially denoted by the symbol "₭" (ISO code: LAK). Wikivoyage articles use kip to denote the currency.

The largest note is 100,000 kip (less than US$5). Other notes in common circulation are 1,000, 2,000, 5,000, 10,000, 20,000 and 50,000 kip. Withdrawing the maximum of 2,500,000 kip from an ATM could result in 25 100,000-kip notes. This makes carrying large quantities of kip quite inconvenient. In speech, it's common to drop the final three zeroes, so "20" means 20,000.

The Lao kip is a non-convertible currency, meaning that outside border towns, it's very hard to exchange kip in other countries, and rates can be poor even in Laos. It's best to exchange any excess kip before leaving the country. There are currency exchange counters at both Vientiane Airport and the Nong Khai-Vientiane land border (straight and right of the Visa on Arrival desk).

Laos experienced a currency crisis between 2020 and 2024, with annual inflation of 25% and the kip crashing from 9,000 to 21,000 to the US dollar. Prices leveled off in 2025, but expect most prices in kip listed online to be out of date.

The only official currency of Laos is the kip, but foreign currencies, especially the US dollar, are commonly used for larger purchases. Some hotels and tour agencies request payment in US dollars, and many touristy shops will also happily accept euros. If you use a credit card, payment will often be in US dollars.

Border areas often accept the neighbor's currencies, although usually at a poor rate: Thai baht along the Mekong River, Chinese yuan up in the north near Boten. Convert your baht/yuan into kip to make it go further. In remote places, only kip is accepted and no ATMs will be available, so plan ahead.

There are ATMs in Vientiane and other major cities including Luang Prabang, Vang Vieng, Savannakhet, Tha Khaek, Pakse and Luang Namtha. BCEL is the largest bank in the country, accepts Visa/Cirrus and MasterCard/Maestro. BCEL ATMs are more or less everywhere and are marked on Google Maps. They will always give you the current interbank exchange rate. This bank is also the best at returning you your card if the machine eats it!

ATM withdrawal limits and withdrawal fees for foreign cards of major banks as of Jan 2025:

BCEL – withdrawal fee 30,000 kip, maximum limit 2,000,000 kip (fee works out to 1.5% of maximum withdrawal)

Phonsavan Bank – withdrawal fee 20,000 kip, maximum limit 1,000,000 kip (fee works out to 2% of maximum withdrawal)

LDB – withdrawal fee 30,000 kip

JDB – withdrawal fee 15,000 kip plus 3% of the transaction

Indochina Bank – withdrawal fee 40,000 kip, maximum limit 3,000,000 kip (fee works out to 1.3% of maximum withdrawal)

Laoviet Bank – withdrawal fee 3% of the transaction, maximum limit 2,000,000 kip

Expats living in Vientiane routinely get cash from ATMs in Nong Khai or Udon Thani in Thailand, where the maximum per transaction is around 20,000 baht, or ten times what you'll get in Laos.

The foreign conversion rate at ATMs is usually about 5-7% worse than the market rate. So, it may make sense to exchange cash instead considering that at some border crossings from Thailand you get Lao kip at the market rate.

Getting a cash advance from your credit card is a bad deal in Laos. Many banks, travel agents and guest houses will allow you to take out cash from a credit card as a cash advance. This usually occurs by withdrawing the money in US dollars from the card as a cash advance; the card issuer will usually charge a fee (about 3%), the Lao bank involved will charge about 3%, and then the agent providing the cash advance might or might not charge another 3%, and then the amount is converted from US dollars to kip at an unfavourable rate, costing another 5% or so (6-10% for Visa card holders). Thus, these transactions are much more expensive than the typical charge for withdrawing cash from ATMs in other countries. Getting a cash advance in US dollars and changing it to kip might save money compared to bringing euros with you to Laos.

The use of ATMs and credit cards in banks is subject to computer operation, staff computer skills, power cuts, telephone network breakdowns, holidays, etc. A few visitors have been forced out of the country prematurely as they couldn't withdraw funds to continue their travels. Always bring some cash. Changing money can be next to impossible outside major towns.

Banks give good rates, and private exchange booths are common in the major tourist areas. The US dollar is by far the best currency to exchange, with tight spreads and competitive rates. Thai baht and other hard currencies like euros and Canadian dollars are accepted, but the rates will be worse. If you need to change money on a Sunday, look for jewellery shops. Nearly all of these act as money-changers, although the rates will not be as good as banks. For example, in November 2024 Phongsavanh Bank offered 15,000 kip for 1 CAD while other banks and money-changers offered 14,000 kip or less. However, don't be surprised if your country's currency cannot be exchanged in Laos.

Try to bring the newest and shiniest notes you can, since money changers will reject bills that have even small marks and tears. If this happens, try a different money changer. Only change money at well-lit, reputable-looking establishments. US banknotes must be dated 2009 or newer.

Apps such as BCEL One, Ezykip and LocaPay are popular throughout Laos, the latter two not requiring a local bank account or residency. As of 2025, even food stalls at night markets accept payment via these apps – scan their QR code.

Ezykip is indeed easy to use and has no transaction fees, just a top-up fee (2.1–2.8% depending on the card, clearly displayed before charging) when adding funds to your account, which makes it competitive with getting cash from ATMs, depending on the ATM’s fees and your bank’s withdrawal fees. It allows you to transfer any remaining balance back into your account. This is very convenient since leftover Lao kip is difficult to change back into other currencies at the end of your trip.

LocaPay, as of August 2025, does not allow top-ups but charges the card directly for each transaction, adding a 3% + 5,000 kip fee, which is atrocious, especially for small transactions. Moreover, it charges your card in USD, converting from kip using some fictional rate, so the actual commission can get to double digits. This option should only be used as a fallback.

BCEL One seems to have a relatively low 1.5% fee but appears to require a local bank account, which most tourists won’t be able to open. The app itself requests multiple unnecessary permissions like making phone calls.

Many shops start an hour's lunch break at noon, and some maintain the (now abolished) official French two-hour break. Nearly everything is closed on Sundays, except restaurants and many shops.

Prices tend to be lower in Laos than in neighboring countries, though standards might be lower as well. Prices are lower in smaller towns and villages than in tourist centers like Luang Prabang and Vientiane. For some products Laos is more expensive than Thailand and Cambodia as most goods, petrol, and food is imported from Thailand and Vietnam. Unlike in Thailand, temples in Luang Prabang are not free, but typically cost US$1-2 to visit. In Vientiane only the more famous temples charge an entry fee.

A budget of US$40 a day is a good rule of thumb, though it's possible to get by on far less. Excluding transport costs, living on US$15/day isn't difficult.

As of early 2025, travellers can expect to pay the following prices:

Typical Lao dresses in cheap machine-made fabric can be made to order. Expect to pay around US$5 for the fabric and US$2 for labour. Handmade Lao silk is one of the most attractive things to buy. The talat sao (Morning Market) in Vientiane has dozens of small shops selling handmade silk scarves or wall hangings from US$5 upwards depending on quality, intricacy of design and size. Beware cheap synthetic fabrics sold as silk imported from China and Vietnam. Be skeptical when shopping for items made from "antique silk". They are usually fake, but still attractive, but don't pay more than US$30-50. In markets, bargaining is always expected. Do not lose your cool: just keep smiling.

You will notice a lot of single-use plastic waste in Laos. Bring a reusable bag for your shopping, and say "bor torn nyang" (no plastic bag), otherwise the shopkeeper will automatically put anything you buy in a single-use plastic bag.

Smokers will note the prices for tobacco in Laos are among the very cheapest in the entire Asia-Pacific region. This is due to an excise agreement that is set to expire in 2026.

Vientiane and Luang Prabang have many Western-style restaurants serving up classy versions of Lao food and international favorites. French food is well represented, with bakeries particularly common. The influx of Chinese investment has also brought along many authentic Chinese restaurants, although navigating the menus in these can be a challenge if you speak neither Chinese nor Lao.

Any Lao town of size has a night market (ຕະຫຼາດກາງຄືນ talat kangkhun) operating from sunset until 22:00 or so, serving up cheap and easy meals, with lots of barbecued stuff on a stick and beer. Much of this food is prepared and kept in less than hygienic conditions though, so use some caution when choosing what to eat. Morning markets (ຕະຫຼາດເຊົ້າ talat sao) have lighter fare, with noodles and stuffed baguettes particularly common.

Laos is a tough place if you have any sort of dietary restrictions. Outside a few dedicated vegan places in Vientiane and Luang Prabang, fish and shrimp based sauces are ubiquitous and even Buddhist monks typically eat meat. Dairy is easily avoided though, since it's never used in traditional Lao cooking.

Laos is one of the most corrupt countries in the world. Bribery, cronyism, and nepotism are not unheard of and have become accepted practices. Most government employees (policemen, border officials, etc.) do not earn much more than minimum wage. Their low wages are compounded by the ongoing inflation of the Laos kip (23% in 2024 alone) which means imported goods are rapidly rising in price. Foreign tourists are most exposed to corruption when entering or exiting Laos through a land border, and when driving a scooter or motorbike through a built-up area. To avoid being made to pay a bribe, watch what the locals do at border checkpoints. Owing to the volumes of people, bribes at land crossings tend to be small (a few USD). When you rent a scooter, ask at the rental shop which intersections are known to be favoured by corrupt police who lie in wait to pull over foreigners and accuse them of a made-up infraction of the road rules. Traffic police bribes seem to be around 200,000-400,000 kip as of 2026. If it happens to you, it is an expense which you can easily afford but it represents a windfall to the corrupt official. Try not to let it ruin your day.

Laos is generally a safe low-crime country.

If you are the victim of a crime in Laos, do not expect to be taken seriously; the Laotian justice system is inefficient, lacks accountability, corrupt, and is susceptible to political interference. Government officials, high-profile individuals (VIPs), and those with political connections generally enjoy impunity in Laos.

Do not expect any kind of reliable assistance from Laotian law enforcement authorities and do not expect them to solve your problems; their response to crimes is severely limited by bureaucracy, inadequate training, corruption, low salaries, and a lack of accountability. In addition, expect little to no help if you're not fluent in Lao.

As obvious as it may sound, always behave respectfully to law enforcement authorities, even if they happen to be rude or corrupt. Rudeness will only be responded to with rudeness.

Foreigners are not allowed to stay in the homes of Laotian nationals or family members based in Laos without prior permission from the government. It is illegal to invite someone of the opposite sex to your hotel room. Hotel staff may call the police on you if you attempt to break this law. That said, you may notice foreigners with Lao partners while in Laos. If you find yourself in the same position, be discreet.

Relationships between Laotian nationals and foreigners are not illegal, however, if you happen to find romance in Laos (which is highly unlikely for most people) you are supposed to submit a formal application to the authorities. Not doing so can result in legal penalties. Foreigners married to Laotians are required to have their marriage certificate authenticated at a Laotian embassy before travelling to Laos.

Adultery is punishable by up to a year of imprisonment and a fine. If you've been accused of adultery, you and your partner will be prosecuted.

Homosexuality is legal in Laos. Public displays of affection between same-sex couples may be tolerated in large cities like Vientiane, but in smaller towns, homosexuality remains taboo, especially among the Hmong people.

Laos is at the center of the illegal drug trade; therefore, the country has a huge problem with illegal substances. At some point during the 1990s, it was believed the country was the largest opium producer in the world. Although the government has done a lot to stamp out the illegal drug trade, the country's remote geography, struggling and weak economy, and high level of corruption mean that the issue is very difficult to keep under control.

The following tips will come in handy:

Never leave your food or drinks unattended, and always be careful when someone gives you food or a drink.

Be wary of "special" or "happy items" in restaurants; such dishes may contain opiates.

Be aware of your surroundings at all times; do not allow anyone to reach for your pockets or belongings.

Never leave your belongings unattended, and always pay close attention.

Although Laotian traffic laws are strict (at least on paper), driving by the majority of Laotians is wild and reckless.

Speeding, reckless passing, and failure to obey traffic laws are common, as is driving under the influence. In the event you end up in a car accident, do not attempt to flee the scene. It is punishable by up to three years in prison and a fine up to 10,000,000 kip.

Landmines and unexploded ordnance left over from the Vietnam War kills and maims hundreds of people every year. Laos is the most bombed country in history. Almost all of these occur in the eastern and northern parts of the country, especially near the border with Vietnam; there is no unexploded ordnance along the Mekong Valley tourist trail. Never enter areas marked as minefields and travel only on paved roads and well-worn paths. If you are unsure of which areas are safe, ask the locals.

Fake products are very common. Laos is one place where Chinese or Thai companies dump sub-standard products. Similar to Myanmar, there are few if any laws preventing such trade.

Vaping is illegal in Laos, so do not bring any e-cigarettes with you.

Methanol poisoning kills and injures locals and foreign tourists alike every year in Southeast Asia, including in Laos. In November 2024, six foreign tourists died from methanol poisoning from drinking contaminated local spirits in Vang Vieng, with other tourists requiring hospitalisation in Bangkok. Do not trust opened bottles of spirits in a bar; the stuff in the Smirnoff bottle may not be Smirnoff at all. Commercially-prepared local spirits from a sealed bottle are safe.

Laos had a population HIV rate of 0.4% in 2024. This low percentage does not equal low risk to you, so take the usual precautions against blood-borne illness.

Theravada Buddhism is the dominant religion in Laos, and it plays an important role in Laotian society. Laotian men are generally expected to spend a certain amount of time living as a monk at least once in their lifetime.

Try not to show any form of disrespect to Buddhism—inappropriately presenting Buddha or inappropriately behaving in a Buddhist temple is no laughing matter and will offend many.

Buddhist monks are accorded a great deal of respect in Laos, so behave accordingly when you come face to face with a monk.

When interacting with monks, keep the following rules in mind:

Do not touch a monk if you are a woman. Monks are forbidden from touching women.

Offer your seat to monks on public transport. Not doing so is considered extremely disrespectful.

Do not offer a monk money; it is considered disrespectful. Monks are not allowed to accept, or even touch money. You should only offer food to a monk, and only in the morning, as monks are not allowed to eat after noon. If you want to donate money, go to a temple and put it into the donation box. "Monks" that accept money are fakes.

Do not take a photograph of a monk unless they've given permission.

If you are a woman, do not give anything directly to a monk. Put down what you want to give to a monk to let him pick it up, or give it to a man to pass to the monk on your behalf.

Do not sit above a monk. Sit below them or kneel before them.

Do not criticise, insult, or show any kind of disrespect to the government; this is punishable by up to five years in prison and a very hefty fine. Also, you should know that if the authorities feel you have "disgraced or disgraced" the country, you will not be allowed to leave. Being a foreigner will not exempt you from this law.