Money and payments
Cards and cash
Withdrawing the maximum of 2,500,000 kip from an ATM could result in 25 100,000-kip notes.
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Asia · South-Eastern AsiaOutline guideCountry in Southeast Asia
Photo: Jpatokal, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Laos (ເມືອງລາວ mư̄ang lāo or ປະເທດລາວ pa thēt lāo) is the only landlocked nation in Southeast Asia. Laos is rich in both the diversity of its people and its landscapes.
Answers to what travellers most often look up about Laos.
Cards and cash
Withdrawing the maximum of 2,500,000 kip from an ATM could result in 25 100,000-kip notes.
Lao
The official language of Laos is Lao (ພາສາລາວ pháa-sǎa láo), a tonal language closely related to Thai.
Another popular choice, they also have low-cost international rate of 2,000 kip/minute to many countries, if you buy their SIM card and dial "177" instead of "+".
Mobile networks
Tap water is not drinkable anywhere in Laos, but bottled water is cheap and widely available.
Laos is on track to hit its goal of eliminating malaria by 2030, but there are still occasional outbreaks, particularly in the south (Savannakhet and beyond).
Covered in the guide
Similar to neighbouring Thailand, most Lao people follow the Western naming convention of a given name followed by a family name.
Attractions, food, stays and travel essentials, with ratings, reviews, opening hours and directions.
the increasingly busy capital on the banks of the Mekong River
in the north, on the Mekong and the border with Thailand
capital of the north, known for its trekking
a UNESCO World Heritage City known for its numerous temples, colonial era architecture, and vibrant night market
also known as Oudomxay, the capital of the multi-ethnic province of Oudomxay
halfway point on the overnight slow boat between Huay Xai and Luang Prabang
gateway to the Wat Phu ruins and the "four thousand islands" (Si Phan Don)
in the south on the Mekong, connected by bridge to Mukdahan in Thailand
a two-day ecotourism trek in the north of Laos
highland with waterfalls, jungles and farmland
Wat Phu is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with Angkor-style Khmer temples
beautiful karst cliffs where you can discover hilltribe villages, kayak, bike ride or just hang out
Iron Age cemetery sites near Phonsavan; also one of the main locations to learn about the "Secret War".
the "four thousand islands" are nestled within the Mekong near the Cambodian border
backpacker hangout for exploring limestone caves and tubing on the Nam Song river
remote cultural oasis and symbolic cradle of Marxism; see the caves where the Pathet Lao leaders ran their operations in defiance of the West
Places in Laos on the World Heritage List.
Luang Prabang
Listed 1995
Plain of Jars
Listed 2019
Hin Nam No National Protected Area
Listed 2025
Champasak cultural landscape
Listed 2001
List from Wikidata (CC0). Photos from Wikimedia Commons.
Hilltribe villages, mountains, and the remarkably charming former capital
Ban Nalan Trail, Houay Xai, Luang Prabang, Luang Namtha, Muang Ngoi Neua, Muang Long, Muang Ngeun, Muang Xay, Nong Khiaw, Pakbeng, Vieng Phoukha
Southeast Asia's sleepiest capital city and rural countryside
Plain of Jars, Paksan, Phonsavan, Tha Khaek, Vang Vieng, Vieng Xai, Vientiane
The Mekong flatlands, more mountains, and the area least-visited by tourists
Public transport and paid services in Laos.
By train
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…
By boat
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…
By plane
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…
By road
Minibuses are quicker and more expensive, however that doesn't mean they are necessarily better.
By car
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.
Apps for booking a taxi or a ride in Laos.
Finding apps for Laos…
Operators checked against their official websites in October 2026; services that have stopped running are not listed. Logos and Wikipedia links: Wikidata (CC0)
Choose an airport to see hotels, stations, taxi ranks and car rental desks around it.
Vientiane · International · VTE
Loading places around the airport…
Calculated from climate averages: mild daytime highs and lower rainfall. It does not account for festivals, crowds or prices.
Average conditions in Vientiane
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg. high | 28° | 31° | 33° | 35° | 33° | 32° | 31° | 30° | 31° | 31° | 30° | 27° |
| Avg. low | 15° | 18° | 21° | 24° | 24° | 24° | 24° | 23° | 23° | 21° | 19° | 15° |
| Rainfall (mm) | 7 | 9 | 30 | 51 | 136 | 146 | 188 | 219 | 163 | 64 | 14 | 6 |
| Humidity | 65% | 58% | 55% | 58% | 70% | 77% | 80% | 83% | 81% | 76% | 71% | 69% |
Choose your passport and destination to see whether you need a visa.
Budget
$30
Per person, per day
Mid-range
$90
Per person, per day
Luxury
$240
Per person, per day
| Budget | Mid-range | Luxury | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | $15 | $50 | $140 |
| Food and drink | $5 | $15 | $40 |
| Local transport | $5 | $10 | $20 |
| Activities | $5 | $15 | $40 |
Estimate from World Bank price levels (2025). Actual costs vary by city and season. World Bank
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We do not label countries as safe or unsafe. Below is the official advice from two governments, with the date it was last updated. Always read the full advice before you travel.
US Department of State
Level 2 of 4Exercise increased caution
Exercise increased cautionin Laos due to crime, unrest, and unexploded ordnances. Some areas have increased risk. Review the entire Travel Advisory. Review our Travel Guidance for Laos to learn how to prepare for a safe trip. Reconsider Travel to Xaisomboun Province due to civil unrest. Exercise Increased Caution in areas on the Border with Burma, Savannakhet, Xieng Khouang, Salavan, Khammouane, Sekong, Champasak, Houaphanh, Attapeu, Luang Prabang, and Vientiane provinces, along Route 7 (from Route 13 to the Vietnam border), Route 9 (Savannakhet to the Vietnam border), and Route 20 (Pakse to Salavan) due to crime. Exercise Increased Caution in areas of Savannakhet, Xieng Khouang, Salavan, Khammouane, Sekong, Champasak, Houaphanh, Attapeu, Luang Prabang, and Vientiane provinces, as well as along Route 7 due to unexploded ordnances.
UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
Advises against all but essential travel to parts of the country
Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO). Areas where FCDO advises against all but essential travel Xaisomboun Province FCDO advises against all but essential travel to Xaisomboun Province. There are intermittent attacks on infrastructure and armed clashes with anti-government groups. Find out more about why FCDO advises against travel. Global travel impacts due to escalation in the Middle East Escalation in the Middle East has caused widespread travel disruption, including airspace closures, delayed and cancelled flights. Your travel plans may be affected, even if your destination is not in the Middle East. Before you travel: check travel advice for any countries or territories you are transiting through check for the latest updates from your airline or tour operator review your travel insurance policy for coverage monitor local and international media for the latest information and sign up for travel advice email alerts be mindful of your permitted length of stay in Laos, extend visa if necessary, and see visa extensions on Entry requirements page Land borders and crossing with Thailand and Cambodia In July 2025, Thailand and Cambodia fought along parts of the border. The fighting included the use of rocket and artillery fire. Tensions remain and fighting erupted again at various points along the border in December. Land borders and crossings between Thailand and Cambodia continue to be suspended. Some tourist destinations in border areas such as the Khao Phra…
Stories, itineraries and practical advice for travelling in Laos.
Nature & adventureGuide to the top natural destinations in Laos covering Kuang Si Falls, the limestone peaks of Vang Vieng, Nong Khiaw gorges, and Si Phan Don.
7 min read
Culture & historyExplore Luang Prabang with this comprehensive travel guide covering morning alms etiquette, historic Buddhist temples, sunset cruises, and daily costs.
6 min read
Travel tipsComplete Laos travel budget covering Lao Kip currency dynamics, train fares on the Laos-China Railway, hotel price tiers, food costs, and daily breakdowns.
6 min read
Culture & historyThe Indochina Wars were a series of conflicts in Southeast Asia from 1946 to 1989. The major conflicts with global impact were the First Indochina War from 1946 to 1954 in which an independence movement supported by the…
Wikivoyage
ItinerariesBefore 2021, Laos had no domestic railways. The French never built any colonial railways in the country beyond a mere few kilometres in Si Phan Don, and that was never for widespread use.
Wikivoyage
ItinerariesBan Nalan Trail is a two-day trekking experience in Northern Laos, in Luang Namtha Province. The trail passes through forested hills and remote villages and offers visitors an opportunity to experience the natural…
Wikivoyage
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