LAOS
LAOS- WHAT TO EXPECT
Embark on a serene journey through Laos, where you’ll discover a captivating fusion of natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. Prepare to be greeted by the war, smiles of the locals, renowned for their genuine hospitality. Immerse yourself in the spiritual ambiance of ancient temples, while indulging in the tantalising flavours of Lao cuisine. From mist-kissed mountains to cascading waterfalls and serene rice paddies, be prepared to witness breathtaking landscapes at every turn. Embrace the unhurried pace of life, find solace along the banks of the Mekong River, and create lasting memories that will stay with you forever.
AVERAGE COSTS IN THIS AREA
Transportation– In Laos, the average transportation cost is very reasonable, but of course, the price you pay depends on the mode of transport and distance travelled. In general, local transportation options such as tuk-tuks within cities or towns can range from 10,000 – 50,000 Kip (£0.40 – £2.00). Longer journeys by bus or minivan can cost between 150,000 – 350,000 Kip (£6.00-£15.00) and the train can be more expensive – we paid 280,000 Kip (£20.00) per person for a 1 hour journey from Luang Prabang – Vang Vieng. Out of all of the Southeast Asian countries we’ve visited (Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Cambodia, Vietnam and Laos), Laos has definitely been the cheapest transport wise.
Accommodation– You don’t have to look far to find affordable accommodation in Laos! Our average spend per night during 1 month in Laos was £12.23. Brett and I usually always choose to stay in a budget double room with air conditioning and sometimes a balcony if we are lucky! Of course, you could definitely spend less by staying in hostels, but we prefer our privacy with a double room and private bathroom!
Food– On average, we spent £16.63 on food for both of us each day. The total we spent on food during 1 month was £515.55. We tended to eat at Western restaurants frequently in Laos because there is a big variety of options and many serve high quality western food that we hadn’t experienced elsewhere in Southeast Asia. Of course, if you are eating at local restaurants and cafes, the cost will be lower. We liked to eat at local restaurants when we went on day trips as it was more convenient.
Suggested Daily Budget– When we visited, we didn’t stick to a strict budget. Our average daily spend per person was £21 – this included all transport, visa, activities, accommodation and food. You could spend much less by eating more street food and staying in hostels! Laos is easily the cheapest place we have visited in Southeast Asia and is extremely affordable for budget travellers.
tips for first visit
- Local Currency: The official currency of Laos is the Lao Kip (LAK), but Thai Baht and US Dollars are also accepted in tourist areas. It’s a good idea to carry a mix of local currency and smaller denominations for convenience. ATMs are widely available in cities, but they may be limited on non-existent in rural areas, so plan accordingly!
- Explore beyond the popular destinations: While places like Luang Prabang and Vientiane are well-known, don’t miss the opportunity to explore lesser-known towns and villages.
- Visa Requirements: Check the visa requirements for your nationality before travelling to Laos. Most visitors can get a visa on arrival at the major international airports or land border crossings. I recommend confirming the latest visa regulations and preparing the necessary documents in advance to make sure you have a smooth entry!
