Best Laos Tours & Travel Packages

For a perfect climate, the best time to visit Laos is from November to May, when travelers can enjoy various activities outside due to dry weather and pleasant temperature.

There is no wrong time to travel to Laos since each season possesses its own typical beauty, however, if you cannot come to the country during the ideal period above, please notice the following durations’ drawbacks:

• July - August: Belongs to the peak of monsoon season, your trip may be disrupted by unavailable transfers due to bad weather, which also influences your travel experiences. If you prefer a smooth journey, it’s recommended to avoid these months.
• April - May: Witnessing the highest temperature in the hot season (~40°C), traveling during this time will be an uncomfortable experience for many tourists, especially visitors from cold countries.
• September - October: Though there are heavy rains with high humidity in September, the next month is more enjoyable with fewer downpours, fresh air, and lush scenery after the rains. The best time to beat the crowds.

Normally, the travel cost for a Lao package is a bit higher than in other Southeast Asia countries, at around US $110 - 350 /person /day.

Depending on your budget, the actual expenditure will vary since each class is priced differently. Let’s see our rough estimation below (travel cost per person /day):

• Economy (2*): For budget travelers - US $120 - 150
• Superior (3*): For mid-range travelers - US $160 - 200
• First Class (4* hotels): For luxury travelers - US $250 ++

A Laos tour package can range from 6 - 15 days. Based on your availability, a short trip will allow you to explore the country’s highlights, while the longer one enables you to take a deeper glance at nature and local lifestyle:

• 5 - 7 days: Witness the most outstanding landmarks in Laos, usually in Luang Prabang and the capital Vientiane
• 8 - 10 days: Expand to off-the-beaten-track exploration (such as Pakse and Nong Khiaw) besides the main cities.
• Over 12 days: Have a thorough knowledge of Laos through adventures from the cities to secluded areas and untouched nature.

Check out our bestseller Laos tour packages:

Generally, Laos people are welcoming and nice. However, there are things you shouldn’t do since it will be considered disrespectful:

• Don't touch a monk (women especially need to be careful). Since Buddhism is the main religion in Laos, you shouldn’t touch the Buddha images /statues too.
• Don't trek without a guide: Increase caution in some rural areas, such as Savannakhet, Xieng Khouang, Saravane, Khammouane, Sekong, etc., due to unexploded bombs. It’s safe to have a guide who knows about the routes.
• Don't argue with the police: It’s not wise to have a conflict with the police, you should comply with the rules. Since corruption is a problem in Laos, sometimes they only want to get money from foreign tourists, all you should do is just pay the bribe.
• Don't touch anyone with your feet: This is supposed to be rudeness.
• Don't wear your shoes inside a home or temple: This rule also applies to some restaurants, shops, and hotels.
• Don't shout, argue or rush: Like the Thai people, Laos people don’t want to lose face. The best thing to do is smile, or else you won’t achieve anything.
• Don't make public displays of affection: Or you will receive frowns and disagreeing glances from locals.
• Don't buy antiques or wildlife products: as well as use marijuana and opium, as drugs are illegal in the country.

Vientiane:

• Major spots: Wat Sisaket, Wat Prakeo, Patuxai Monument

As the smallest capital in Southeast Asia, the city offers serene vibe of a small town with a riverside ambiance, captivating monuments, and ancient temples.

Luang Prabang:

• Major spots: Kuang Si waterfalls, Pak Ou caves, Elephant Village

This is the most beautiful place in Laos, with amazing natural landscapes and interesting cultural exploration. The city also provides tourists with a one-of-a-kind experience - interacting with wild animals in Elephant Village.

Nong Khiaw:

• Major spots: 100 Waterfalls

If you are an active traveler who always looks for adventurous activities, Nong Khiaw is an ideal destination to hike and enjoy the marvelous beauty of nature.

Si Phan Don (4000 islands):

• Major spots: Don Det, Don Khong

Located in the south of Laos, Si Phan Don is a group of islands in the Mekong Delta. A wonderful escape place for unwinding and recharging with pristine islands, relaxing biking, and enjoyable boat tours.

Pakse:

• Major spots: Bolaven Plateau

Famous for hill tribes, waterfalls, and tea plantations, you should not miss visiting Pakse when traveling to Laos, as you can explore many parts of the country, from nature to local life.

Overall, Laos is relatively safe for foreigners to travel. The country is one of the safest tourist destinations in Asia:

• Political Status: As an authoritarian centralized one-party state, the politics in Laos is quite stable.
• Crime Rate: Though violent crimes towards foreigners aren’t high, petty crimes like opportunistic thefts are quite popular in tourist areas. The solution for that is simple - always be aware of your surroundings.
• Local People: Ranked the third friendliest country in the world, Laos people are friendly, kind, and polite to foreign tourists.

Covid-19 Pandemic: On May 9th 2022, Laos is fully open. All foreign tourists do not need to show proof of vaccination or Covid-19 test results.

Yes, tourist visas are required in Laos. Currently, Laos has visa exception agreements with 15 countries, including Brunei, Luxembourg, Philippines, Switzerland, Cambodia, Malaysia, Russia, Thailand, Indonesia, Mongolia, Singapore, Vietnam, Japan, Myanmar, and South Korea.

If your country isn’t in the list above, you can obtain a visa for Laos entry in 3 ways:

• Apply for a visa at an Embassy or Consulate in Laos
• Apply online through the official eVisa issuance website (https://laoevisa.gov.la/index), at around US $50 per applicant.
• Visa on arrival (VOA) at most entry ports, from US$ 30 - 45 /person, depending on each nationality (Not all countries are eligible to apply for VOA, please check before traveling)

First of all, tipping is not compulsory in Laos, yet leaving a tip to show your satisfaction with the services is always appreciated.

You can have a look at our details suggestions about who and how much to tip when traveling in the country:

The answer is – yes, accessing the Internet in Laos is quite easy. Most cafes and bars in the country offer free WiFi to clients.

Keep in mind that Internet service in Laos is one of the most expensive in the world. However, it’s still recommended to prepare a 4G SIM Card as a backup when traveling (though the speed may not meet your expectation):

The most popular plug sockets in Laos are for Type A, B, C, E, and F:

• Type A (2 vertical pins): can use the same outlet of Type B.
• Type C (2 round pins): share the same socket of Type E and F.

If your power plugs cannot fit the outlet, it’s time you need an adapter.

In Laos, the standard voltage is 230 V at 50 Hz. You can use your electric appliances in the country if you see 220 - 240V printed on the devices, or else you will have to prepare a voltage converter.

Note: You can find an adapter at markets in Vientiane and other large cities at around US $1 - 2.