Laos
Southeast Asia's tranquil Buddhist kingdom of temples and rivers
Laos moves at its own pace. While Thailand and Vietnam buzz with energy, this landlocked Buddhist kingdom flows like the Mekong River that defines it. Here, saffron-robed monks collect alms at dawn, French colonial architecture crumbles beautifully along quiet streets, and waterfalls cascade through jungle that feels untouched by time. You won't find mega-malls or party beaches here. Instead, you'll discover a country where spirituality still matters, where conversations happen over sticky rice and Beer Lao, and where the biggest decision of your day might be which temple to visit or which hammock to claim. It's Southeast Asia for people who want to slow down, not speed up.
Explore the Region
Money-Saving Tips
- 1.Bargain at markets but not aggressively – Lao people appreciate gentle negotiation over hard haggling
- 2.Eat where locals eat – street food costs 8,000-15,000 kip ($0.40-0.75) while tourist restaurants charge 50,000+ kip
- 3.Buy Beer Lao from shops (12,000 kip) rather than restaurants (25,000+ kip) to save on drinks
- 4.Motorbike rental gets cheaper for longer periods – ask for weekly rates if staying 5+ days
- 5.Guesthouse prices drop significantly in rainy season (June-October) – sometimes by 50%
- 6.Share tuk-tuks and boat trips with other travelers to split costs
- 7.ATMs charge high fees (30,000+ kip per withdrawal) – take out larger amounts less frequently
- 8.Temples are free but donations are appreciated – 10,000-20,000 kip is appropriate
Travel Tips
- •Dress conservatively at temples – cover shoulders and knees, remove shoes before entering
- •Learn basic Lao greetings – 'sabaidee' (hello) and 'khop chai' (thank you) open doors
- •Carry cash – credit cards work only in upscale hotels and restaurants in major towns
- •Download offline maps – internet can be spotty outside main tourist areas
- •Pack a headlamp – power cuts are common and street lighting is minimal
- •Bring insect repellent – mosquitoes carry dengue and malaria in rural areas
- •Respect the alms giving ceremony – observe from a distance and don't take flash photos
- •Try sticky rice with your hands – it's the traditional way and locals appreciate the effort
- •Book buses through guesthouses – they get better seats and can arrange pickups
- •Stay hydrated – the heat can be intense and clean water isn't always available
Frequently Asked Questions
Explore Laos
Ready to explore Laos?
Get a personalized itinerary in seconds with Takeoff.
Free on iOS. No credit card required.