Cambodia, Myanmar, and China and has the Mekong River as the primary body of water. From the gorgeous waterfalls to prominent temples and abundant wildlife to the cheapest alcohol worldwide, Laos is steeped in nature, culture, and food.
This backpacking travel guide to Laos will cover many exciting places and things to do in the country, along with discussing transport and accommodation options, suggested budget, and safety and money-saving tips. If you’re a Laos Digital Nomad, get on a bus, rub shoulders with locals, gorge on delicious street food, and explore the unknown.
Lao
Laotian Kip
Thomas Cook office
Sticky Rice
Yes
Unitel, Lao Telecom, TPlus (Beeline), and ETL
No
Check CDC
A, B, C, E and F
Loca
October - April
+856
Yes
Yes
Yes
Cash
May-October
191
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Laos does not have a specific digital nomad visa. Many digital nomads enter with a Tourist Visa and continue their remote work. A tourist visa application filed online costs $50. For the most up-to-date information on visas and immigration rules for digital nomads, it is best to check with the Laos Embassy or a reputable immigration lawyer.
You can check more info here: https: //laoevisa.gov.la/index
1. Vientiane
2. Luang Prabang
3. Vang Vieng
4. Pakse
5. Savannakhet
How much does it cost to travel around Laos? This section details the suggested daily budget in Laos 2023:
Transportation
Traveling between cities and towns in the country costs about $6. Of course, the prices differ depending on the length of the route and the mode of transportation used. Taxis cost more than public transportation. On local transport, a person is expected to pay around a couple of dollars every day. A bus trip from Vientiane to Luang Prabang or Pakse costs less than $6 per person.
Accommodation
Accommodation options are available for a low cost. Hostel dorms begin at about $4 a night, whereas hostels in Vientiane start at relatively higher costs. Private rooms having air-con costs an average of $20. Virtually all hostels have free Wi-Fi and complimentary facilities. Guesthouses are omnipresent in Laos, typically starting around $9 for a double room. Hotels with swimming pools are also available at $24 per night for those looking to splurge. Coming to Airbnb, private rooms here start from almost $12, whereas an entire place goes for as little as $30.
Food
Though similar to its neighboring countries in serving rice and noodle dishes. A majority of street food starts costs below $1, particularly in the night market selling barbecued meats and noodle soup. Fancy meals are also available for people wanting to splash out; however, expect to pay at least $9 for a three-course meal with a drink. Groceries for a week cost less than $20 for basic staples. While beer here costs not even a dollar, a cappuccino or latte is available for a couple of dollars.
Activities
In many instances, travelers are expected to pay around $20 per person per day for entertainment and fun activities. It is inclusive of the fee paid for admission tickets to attractions, day trips, and other sightseeing expenses.
Laos is very cheap for digital nomads, especially compared to other well-known Southeast Asian countries. A decent apartment can cost $200 to $500 monthly in rent, depending on amenities and location, and $100 to $150 monthly in food and groceries. A bus ticket can cost between $10 and $20. Living comfortably as a digital nomad in Laos costs between $800 and $1,200 a month.
How much does it cost to travel around Laos? This section details the suggested daily budget in Guatemala 2023:
Undoubtedly, Laos is really affordable, so you may not be able to save a lot. Still, if you want to save money, here are some ways:
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Vientiane is Laos’ capital and the country’s most developed and cosmopolitan city, with many amenities and services. The town has a strong ex-pat community with many coffee shops, coworking spaces, and good internet access.
This picturesque town in northern Laos is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its beautiful temples, French colonial architecture, and scenic natural surroundings. It is ideal for digital nomads who want to learn about Laotian culture.
Pakse, a smaller city in Southern Laos, is well-known for being close to the beautiful Bolaven Plateau. It is regarded as Laos’ third-largest city. There is a calm and welcoming mood in Pakse.
This little town in the center of Laos is well-liked among backpackers because of its breathtaking environment. This is surrounded by breathtaking mountains and situated on the Nam Song River. You will appreciate the karst scenery and the challenging rock climbing and tubing activities.
This is Laos’ second largest city, located on the Mekong River. It also has a few coworking spaces and cafes. The city’s cultural attractions include temples, museums, and colonial architecture.
Luang Prabang
Fan Dee Hotel
Van Vieng
Nana Backpackers Hostel
Pakse
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Vientiane
Petit Espace
Thakhek
La Casa
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You cant be a digital nomad without wifi. So below are some spots where one can work comfortably. Dont forget to check my nomad lunch break section for places you can still visit and/or work from during lunch. #nomadworkspace
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Balancing work and exploring can be tough, here are some activities or places you can visit during a lunch hour. You will see the words hotspot, wifi, or break which indicates what you can use to work there, or if you cant and its time for a work break. #nomadlunchbreak
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Internet access in Laos can vary greatly depending on your location and service provider. In general, Laos’ internet connectivity is less advanced than that of other countries. Laos has several internet service providers, including Lao Telecom, Unitel, and Skytel.
Figuring out transportation modes on your own in Laos can be testing. So, in this section, we have shared the most common transport options available within the country to help you get around more easily. Let’s have a look:
Tuk-Tuk
Tuk-tuk is the most popular means of transportation in the country due to its reasonable rates and convenience. These are prevalent in cities like Pakse, Luang Prabang, and Vientiane. The fare ranges between $2-$3 for getting around in the city. Remember to agree on a price before getting in, or else you might have an unpleasant upcharge at your destination. Songthaew – a bigger version of tuk-tuk – is typical in Laos. Though it does not offer many conveniences when traveling, this mode is great for exploring local hidden gems and is incredibly cheap too.
Boat
A great way of seeing Laos is to take a slow boat along the river, which charts its path through towns and villages. Slow boats are available between Huay Xai and Luang Prabang on the Mekong River. For short trips like Luang Prabang to Pak Ou Caves, river taxis are also available for almost $4.
Taxis
There are a few around major cities.
Bus
The main mode of transport in Laos, buses are quite useful and cost-saving. Ticket prices differ between $5-$8 for a few hours’ ride. Albeit uncomfortable and lacking air conditioning, buses are great if you want to travel around the country without breaking the bank. Those who prefer air-conditioned vehicles can go for double-decker VIP night buses. You can use them to travel from Vientiane to Luang Prabang for almost $24.
Airlines
Only one domestic carrier operates in Laos called Laos Airlines. This indicates that limited options are available if you plan to fly between the major cities. Airlines like Air Asia may also take flights between cities like Vientiane, Pakse, and Luang Prabang; however, direct flights may not be available. That being said, prices can be steep due to a lack of competition. Also, a few flights mean you can’t visit every other destination in Laos on a daily basis.
Resources
Laos is an absolute year-round destination, where each season paints the country in a unique color, regardless of the time of year. However, there are two distinct kinds of weather observed within the city: hot and wet (May to October) and cool and dry (November through April). While the dry season makes up the most famous travel season, Laos becomes green and vibrant to the hilt in the wet climate.
For a Laos Digital Nomad, October is a nice time to visit the country due to its mild temperatures and fewer tourists. Between November and January, the period works best for river travel as the higher water levels make passage easy along Laos’ central waterway, the Mekong River. A visit to the Bolaven Plateau is also pleasurable at this time of the year. In addition, those who prefer fewer crowds and affordable rates might not want to go to Laos in April.
Laos has lower living costs when compared to other countries. You can live comfortably with a monthly spending limit of $800–1,200.
Laos’ people are approachable, and the country is generally relaxed and welcoming. Locals will be willing to share their cultures and traditions with others.
Laos has a diverse cultural legacy and is home to stunning natural scenery, many temples, and beautiful scenery.
Laos is a great place for outdoor activities because it has beautiful scenery, different types of landscapes, and a warm, tropical climate. Trekking and hiking are two of the most popular activities.
Laos’s internet infrastructure is less advanced than that of some other nations, and depending on your location and service provider, the speed and dependability of the internet can change.
Laos has a flawed healthcare system and struggles with several aspects of it, including the need for appropriately skilled workers, outdated infrastructure, and insufficient capacity for infectious disease surveillance.
Challenges and language barriers can arise for digital nomads, particularly those who don’t speak Lao.
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According to the Global Peace Index, Laos is one of the safest countries in Asia. Generally, crime levels are low but you should still be vigilant in crowded tourist areas. Watch out in popular backpacker areas like Vang Vieng, especially if you are considering drinking to excess.
Why Go Backpacking in Laos? Laos has two very different regions: the mountainous north and the farmlands of the south. The south has plenty of famous attractions, like the temples of What Phu, the Bolaven Plateau an many other beautiful cascading waterfalls. You’ll also see many more rice fields here than up north.
Be mindful of Laos’ conservative culture.
tops and bikinis are not appropriate attire to wear in villages or in town. Avoid overt public displays of affection and foul language. try to avoid snapping photos of them doing personal things like bathing.
Don’t camp in public spaces, along riverbanks or near forests. Public nudity is also illegal. Laos doesn’t recognise dual nationality.
Theft and petty crime
Petty crime, which includes snatch theft and pick-pocketing, is an issue in Laos. Fake and infringing merchandise can be easily found in many parts of Laos.
LAOS – Exercise a high degree of caution
Exercise a high degree of caution in Laos due to ongoing security concerns related to banditry, crime, spiked food and drinks, and unexploded munitions.
In general, Laos is quite a safe destination for tourists. Many people enjoy a great time and usually face no problems. However, petty crime is still common in the country. So, if you follow some basic instructions as mentioned below, it is guaranteed that you will also have a pleasurable time in Laos:
If you are planning to visit Laos anytime sooner, follow our travel packing essentials to make your trip even better and more fun:
2 Pairs of Shorts
5 long sleeve
8 pairs of underwear
Medicine
2 Pair of jeans
Flip flops
Toiletries
Locks
Swim Trunks
Comfortable Sneakers
Quick dry towel
Laundry Bag
5 shirts
8 pairs of socks
Dedorant
Hand Sanitizer
Power Bank
Rain jacket
Sun Glasses
Sun Screen
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