What to pack for a trip to laos
Packing for Laos can seem overwhelming because it can take weeks or even months to set up a business there. Laos is a stunning country with a high standard of living and a low cost of living comparable to those of its neighbors, as well as a well-developed infrastructure and WiFi coverage. However, if you are from Europe, Australia, or North America, you might not be accustomed to Laos’ climate, so you might be unsure of what to pack. The items listed below are necessities you must have, whether you are traveling to Laos or staying there permanently. Once your packing is organized, you can concentrate on making plans for your day and developing your freelance career.
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Essential Laos Travel Check List
Before you pack your suitcase, make sure you have everything you need, from visas to document scans: Check out this list of necessities before packing for your trip to Laos.
Flights
Flights: It is advisable to book online in advance for flights to Vientiane and Luang Prabang because they tend to fill up quickly. On Skyscanner, you can look up ticket costs and availability, and by making your reservation earlier than other travelers, you can save money.
Visa
The majority of visitors to Laos require a visa in order to enter the country; however, this is not the case for nationals of ASEAN, Japan, South Korea, Russia, Switzerland, and Luxembourg. In Laos, all airports and land border crossings offer tourist visas, which cost $30 to $42 upon arrival and permit stays of up to 30 days. Consulates also accept applications for visas in advance, and online Laos eVisas are available. For complete information, visit the official Tourism Laos website.
Valid Passport
In order to enter Laos, your passport must still be valid for at least six months. Make sure you have a blank page for your Laos visa and entry/exit stamps before making all of your reservations. Organize your tickets, etc. while also protecting your passport with a passport cover.
Documentation
Before you depart for Laos, make sure to scan and save copies of your passport, tickets, hotel reservations, insurance policy, driver's license, and other travel-related documents. These are useful and might be required when traveling.
Credit & Debit Cards
Laos's major cities all have ATMs, making it simple to get cash while you're traveling. Just be sure to let your bank know you're going to Laos so it doesn't flag and block your card as potentially stolen. It's very challenging to exchange Lao kip for other currencies outside of Laos, so be sure to spend all of your Lao kip before leaving the country. ATMs here do have a bad conversion rate, it is advised to use Western Union or to bring USD, as you can get a better exchange rate this way. Be sure to have cash before going to Inle Lake, as it can be more difficult to find an ATM or currency exchange in that area.
Clothes
Laos generally has a tropical savanna and monsoon climate. In light of this, you should wear clothing that keeps you cool in hot weather, shields you from sweat and the sun, and keeps you dry in wet weather. Check out this guide to learn more about the weather. Your Laos packing list should include a variety of lightweight, loose-fitting shirts with short and long sleeves. A pack-it jacket (compact) or poncho is a popular choice because it takes up less room and weight in your bag. You won't be wearing it for the majority of your trip, so make sure it's lightweight and packable.
Breathable Sneakers and a Pair of Sandals
You shouldn’t need more than two pairs of footwear in Laos, but choose them carefully. A pair of running sneakers should be on your Laos packing list. As well as some sandals, ideally with straps; this will help you stay cool on those hot days.
Lightweight water bottle/thermos
Hydration is crucial if you know for sure that you're visiting Laos. Water bottles should be on your Laos packing list because of this, and no place is this more crucial than in an equatorial nation like Laos. Bring a sizable water bottle with you to make sure you get the necessary amount of hydration.
High Capacity Power Bank
You might have trouble finding power outlets in Laos despite the country's improving infrastructure. Don't expect charging stations in every cafe or train station; instead, look for the right co-working space. The bus is also the best and most affordable way to travel within Laos and to neighboring nations. This implies that you'll probably spend a lot of time riding public transportation, which never has outlets. With all of this in mind, a high-capacity power bank will make sure that you never find yourself in a situation where your phone dies in the middle of an emergency or when you're stuck in a strange place. The frequent power outages across the nation make this even more crucial today.
Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase.
Start Planning Your Laos Trip Now!
Book Your Flight:
Use Skyscanner to find a cheap flights. A travellers favorite way to book flights, as it searches websites and airlines around the world with one click.
Book Your Bus or Transportation Within Laos:
There are two ways to book your transporation, ask your hotel or hostel, go to the local bus terminal, or book online, for a less stressful trip using Easybook, BusBud or 12go.asia
Book Your Accomodation:
Find the best hotels or hostels at HostelWorld, Booking.com, Agoda.com. Perks include with no upfront payment. Pay when you check out and Free cancellations.
Dont Forget Your Travel Insurance:
Two popular choices are SafetyWing and WorldsNomads. A traveler should buy traveler’s insurance to protect themselves against unexpected events such as trip cancellations, medical emergencies, and lost or stolen baggage. It provides peace of mind and financial protection in case of unforeseen circumstances.
Useful Apps?
LocaTaxi- Local Transportation
Food Panda – Food Delivery
Whatsapp – Communication
Want More Information On Laos?
Be sure to check out my nomad travel guide on the Laos for even more tips
Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase.
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