6 Things to Know Before Traveling to Laos

Laos has so much to offer! It has vibrant and diverse heritages from the glittering golden roofs of Buddhist temples in Luang Prabang to the little French cafes in antique colonial buildings in Vientiane. Laos possesses some of the most stunning examples of heritage and history in what was previously known as the French Colony of Indochine.

Although Laos is a well-known destination for budget travelers, the country also offers everything posh travelers would expect of accommodation, service, activities, and exclusivity. So, let’s get started with 6 things you should know before traveling to Laos:

Languages: Lao first, then English

The official and dominant language is Lao, a tonal language of the Tai linguistic group. However, only slightly more than half of the population speaks Lao natively. French, a legacy of the colonial era, still appears on some signs and is studied in many schools, but only a few percent of people speak it fluently. English is now the more useful foreign language: it is widely studied and spoken in hotels, restaurants and tourist areas, though less so in the countryside. Learning a few words of Lao, like “sabaidee” (hello) and “khop jai” (thank you), goes a long way.

Best season to visit Laos

Laos is best visited between October and April.The climate of Laos is tropical in most of the plains, while it's subtropical in the far north and in the mountains. Between October and April, is when the weather's warm and dry throughout. River travel is best between November and January when high water levels make passage easy along Laos' main waterway, the Mekong River. The period from March to May, before the rains, is the hottest of the year with highs around 30/32 °C (86/90 °F). April is the hottest month, with average highs about 35 °C (95 °F), but with peaks of 40/42 °C (104/108 °F) in the center-south, and up to 45 °C (113 °F) in the north. The rainiest months are usually August and September. Tropical storms moving in from the South China Sea can also bring heavy rain and flooding in the wet season, so do check the weather before you plan your trip!

The average cost of food in Laos

Laos is an affordable destination. Laos is one of the poorest countries in Southeast Asia, and as a landlocked country with a small handful of attractions, it is often overlooked. Travelers who do come to this country come for the laid back atmosphere and beautiful landscape with striking sunsets and welcoming people. If you are traveling as a backpacker and eat like a local at markets and street stalls, food can cost just a few US dollars a day. The Lao kip has lost a lot of value in recent years, so prices in kip change quickly – check the day’s exchange rate, and carry some cash, as cards are not accepted everywhere. The price of food in sit-down restaurants in Laos is often higher than fast food prices or street food prices. 

In Laos the power plugs and sockets

In Laos the power plugs and sockets are of type A, B, C, E, and F. The standard voltage is 230 V and the standard frequency is 50 Hz. If your devices are made for 110–120 V, you will need a voltage converter; most phone and laptop chargers work on both and only need a plug adapter.

Transportation in Laos

• The Laos–China Railway, opened in December 2021, has changed travel in the north: fast trains connect Vientiane, Vang Vieng, Luang Prabang and the Chinese border at Boten in a few hours. Tickets often sell out, especially on holidays, so buy them in advance (through the official LCR ticket app or at the station) and bring your passport. 

• Minibusses are a faster, but more expensive option. There are 3 bus stations in Vientiane: Central Bus Terminal, Northern Bus Terminal, and Southern Bus Terminal. The route is quite easy for you to travel to other places in Laos. 

• VIP buses are slower than minibuses but more comfortable, with more space for the traveler. Some perks may also be included in your fares such as a bottle of water and lunch or dinner. Air conditioning is usually available. 

• Motorbikes are for the adventurous ones in Vientiane. Always wear a helmet and carry a valid motorcycle license (an international driving permit), as police do check. 

• Renting a car is the most expensive, but the most convenient option for navigating the country. 

• You can also travel around the country by river and it is a shortcut for those who have put up with the horrible road condition of Laos. The Mekong River flows from north to south of Laos has given it a chance to develop waterway transportation such as a boat. A boat trip on the Mekong, such as the classic slow boat between Huay Xai and Luang Prabang or a cruise from Pakse to Si Phan Don, will give you an opportunity to view Laos in a different way and feel Laos’ natural sense. There are several stops during the trip to take a picture or visit ethnic groups in Laos. 

• Tuk-tuk is a common means of transportation in Laos and is extremely popular in Thailand and in fact, the same thing also happens in Laos because of its reasonable price and convenience. It makes it easier for you to discover around the city, just use them when you are tired of walking or when you want to watch the local life. Passengers are expected to pay for each destination with a negotiable price before the ride.

Fly to Laos or you can transport from Thailand

Many visitors can get a 30-day visa on arrival at the international airports in Vientiane (Wattay), Luang Prabang and Pakse and at many land borders, or apply in advance for an e-Visa on the official Lao e-Visa website. Some nationalities are visa-exempt and others must apply at an embassy, so check the current rules for your passport before you go. Airlines and routes change often; Lao Airlines and several regional carriers fly into Vientiane and Luang Prabang. 

Since July 2024, a direct overnight sleeper train runs from Bangkok’s Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal to Khamsavath station in Vientiane, crossing the Friendship Bridge over the Mekong. It is an affordable and comfortable alternative to flying; check the State Railway of Thailand for the current timetable, and ask whether visa on arrival is available at the border for your nationality.

Before you go, read Norms of Lao Culture: 20 Dos and Don’ts and Laos in One Day: Vientiane. Want a local to show you around? Find a local guide.