Laos
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An Introduction to Laos
Laos is a staggeringly beautiful landlocked country in South East Asia. Popular with backpackers due to its budget friendly accommodation delicious food and amazing adventure activities, Laos is a favourite for those travellers looking for more “off the beaten path” destinations. Offering everything from jungles and mountains to UNESCO World Heritage cities, amazing night life, ancient ruins and world famous Motorbike routes - Laos has something for every traveller.
We have visited Laos many, many times now and have completely fallen in love with it. From our favourite mountain ringed town of Nong Khiaw in the north to the laid back, island charms of Don Det in the south, Laos has a way of getting under your skin. It is one of the most magical countries we have visited and, every time we leave, we miss it immediately!
Useful Information:
Capital: Vientiane
Language: Laotian
Laotian is the main language, although there are many tribal languages throughout the country. In all major backpacker hubs, English will be commonly spoken and you should not have issues arranging transport or accommodation. If you get truly off the beaten path then there will be much less English spoken, but as always a nod, point and smile will get you quite far and google translate should help!
Currency: Laotian Kip (LAK)
Current conversion to GDP
The Laotian kip is a closed currency and not freely traded outside the country. If you have a good UK bank account that doesn’t charge international fees (e.g. Monzo or Starling), we recommend simply withdrawing money ATMs. See more on this below.
Laos Visa (UK citizens):
UK citizens can get a visa on arrival for 30 days at Luang Prabang and Vientiene airports as well as at several land border crossing points. Check in advance for all land crossings, as not all will allow visa on arrival.
The Laotian visa on arrival costs $40 USD and can be paid in USD, Laotian Kip or Thai Baht.
There is also an e-visa service, but this has to be a minimum of three days before you travel to Laos.
The visa can be extended for roughly a dollar a day at offices in Vientiane and Luang Prabang. We knew some people who used local agents to get their visa extended, but this did involve trusting your passport to a stranger!
Laotian Emergency Numbers:
Police: 191
Medical: 195
Laos Dialling Code:
+856
Sim Cards:
Sim cards are extremely cheap and we found the best carrier to be Unitel, with good coverage and super cheap prices. You can buy these anywhere, including just after you’ve landed at the airport. Unlike some destinations, the Sim cards are so cheap that it doesn’t matter if the airport makes you pay a slightly premium price - the difference will be pennies!
Once you have the Sim card download the Unitel App and use it to top up as needed. You may need to buy credit to top up your balance, you can buy scratch cards to do this from nearly every shop in nearly every town.
ATMs:
There is usually a small charge to withdraw money from ATMS in Laos. Typically this will be around 30,000 kip. But just be warned, ATMs are few and far between as well as being frequently out of service. Cards are not accepted in 90% of shops, restaurants or bars and in those that do accept cards, they will charge an extra % on top (usually 3%) if you want to pay on plastic. Make sure you have enough cash with you! As with everywhere in the world we would recommend getting a good bank card that doesn’t add a fee for international withdrawals and using ATMs, if you use currency exchanges or tourist office exchanges be prepared for a steep charge.
Travelling Around Laos:
Travelling around Laos is super easy. You can just use someone like 12GO to book tickets in advance. Or if you’re travelling on the fly, then ask your accommodation or go to the local bus station, just make sure you book well in advance on popular routes.
The bus stops and train stations are usually always a little way outside of town. The tuk tuks at the other end will always try to fleece you for the ride into town. Club together with your fellow passengers to negotiate a fairer price.
If you’re travelling by bus, bike or by car, the roads are extremely bumpy and even short distances can take a while to get there. If you’re short on time, make sure you factor this into your Laotian itinerary.
Best Time to Visit Laos:
The best time to visit Laos is during the “dry season” between October and April. During this time you’ll have minimal rainfall and hot temperatures. Some places can get cool in the night and the further north you go, the cooler it will be.
You can travel during the “wet season” between May and October, but the road conditions can be very treacherous and lots of the outdoor activities such as hiking or canoeing may not be possible. However, the countryside will be bursting with life and greenery.
What Not to Miss in Laos:
Luang Prabang - Monks and history in a UNESCO World Heritage city
Don Det and the Thousand Islands - Relax and Chill in amazing surroundings.
Where to Go After Laos?
Laos is bordered by Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand and buses to and from these countries can be brought in advance via 12Go.
If you’re arriving or exiting by plane, the main airports are located in Vientiane and Luang Prabang.
Interesting Laos Facts:
Laos is the only landlocked country in south east Asia. But even though it has no beaches, the mighty Mekong and multiple other rivers snake their way through the country like watery highways. If you are looking for a Laotian beach break, do not despair! The 4000 Islands in southern Laos are full of small sandy beaches to relax on whilst swimming in the Mekong.
Laos has the unenviable accolade of being the world's most bombed country. Despite never being openly at war with the USA, it was pummelled by the heaviest bombing the world has ever seen. During the “Secret War” more bombs were dropped per day on Laos than on Germany and Japan combined in the whole of World War 2. The effect is still being felt today where unexploded bombs cause death and injury on a sadly regular basis. If you are in Luang Prabang, Vientaine or Phonsavan you can visit educational centers run by the mine and UXO clearance charities.
All travel guides and blogs for Laos:
The city of Savannakhet is a hidden gem in Southern Laos. Full of colourful street art, craft coffee shops and a bustling night market, there is plenty to see and do in the city. Read on to find out why you should add Savannakhet as a stop to your Laos itinerary!