LAOS
Laos - or the Lao People’s Democratic Republic - doesn’t have the trendy reputation that Thailand or Vietnam have but don’t we all love a good hidden gem? This country is full of adventure, beauty, and little-known secrets. You would be remiss if you visited Asia and left Laos off of your itinerary! If your goal is to get the most bang for your buck - or adventure per dollar - I truly don’t know if there is a better country in the world. And I mean that!!
Updated COVID-19 Travel Information:
Currency:
The official currency of Laos is the Laotian Kip (LAK).
$1 USD = 9,400 LAK
Pricing for Leisure Travelers:
Average Hotel Expenses = 330,000-470,000 LAK/Night ($35-$50 USD/Night)
Average Food/Drink Expenses = 140,000-280,000 LAK/Day ($15-$30 USD/Day)
Pricing for Backpackers:
Average Hostel Expenses = 38,000-132,000 LAK/Night ($4-$14 USD/Night)
Average Food/Drink Expenses = 38,000-132,000 LAK/Day ($4-$14 USD/Day)
Communication:
Lao is the official language of Laos although French and English are widely spoken throughout the country, too. I never had any issues communicating with locals!
Transportation:
Visas can be obtained at the airport if you are flying in and at the border if you are busing in. The tourist visa cost me $35 USD. Make sure to pay in Laos Kip or USD as paying in Thai Baht will end up costing you $10 USD extra.
Bus: Traveling by bus through Laos is easy when using 12go or booking through your hostel. Buses come in and out of the main travel hubs daily from many different countries. This is the way to see Laos!
Tuk-Tuk: Before getting into a tuk-tuk, barter your price and be clear with where you are heading. The prices are very negotiable and you hold all of the bargaining power up until you get into the “vehicle”. You can also hire a tuk-tuk for the day and have a personal chauffeur for between $10-20 USD (94,200-188,300 Laos Kip). Don’t pay until the end of the day - this is customary and ensures the driver will wait for you at your various stops.
Airplane: Similar to the rest of Asia, flight prices in Laos are reasonable and affordable. Obviously, booking in advance will lead to cheaper fares but it’s not always necessary. Sometimes you can wait and get a great deal days before your flight!
Miscellaneous:
You are not required to be vaccinated before visiting any countries in Southeast Asia but I was recommended by a travel doctor to get the following shots and prescriptions:
Hepatitis A (shot)
Hepatitis B (shot)
Malaria (prescription for Mefloquine pills)
Traveler’s Diarrhea (Imodium pills to use just in case)
Typhoid (shot)
Definitely eat street food here! Not only will it be the least expensive route but it is also the most delicious! The main street food dishes contain noodles of various different flavors. You will easily have a full stomach for less than $1 USD. Laos and Thailand have influenced each other’s cuisine quite a bit and as a result they are quite similar. Try the papaya salad!
Coconuts: You can get a coconut full of coconut water for about $1 USD almost anywhere in Laos - there are street vendors everywhere! These are perfect, refreshing, and healthy snacks!
Water: Do not drink out of the tap anywhere. Be sure to use a filtered, reusable water bottle (or buy bottled water) because it gets hot out there! A big water bottle shouldn’t run you more than a $.50 USD. Some hostels will let you refill your water bottle for pennies on the dollar, too.
