LAOS

Laos moves at a slower pace than its neighbours — a land of mountains, rivers and quiet towns where daily life flows gently. It’s not flashy, and that’s part of its charm. From Buddhist temples to misty landscapes, it’s a place where you can really slow down and take things in.

Most backpackers start in Vientiane, a sleepy capital with French colonial charm, riverside cafés and golden stupas. From there, the road winds north to Luang Prabang, a UNESCO-listed town known for its morning alms rituals, laid-back night markets and beautiful waterfalls tucked into forested hills.

Vang Vieng, once infamous for party tubing, has mellowed into a hub for outdoor lovers, surrounded by limestone karsts, caves and river adventures.

Down south, the 4,000 Islands (Si Phan Don) slow things down even more, with hammocks, bike rides and sunsets over the Mekong.

Laos is perfect for travellers looking for space to breathe and relax.

Laos has a tropical monsoon climate with distinct wet and dry seasons. The temperature is consistently warm to hot throughout the year.

Dry Season (October - April): This is generally considered the best time to visit.

Cool Dry Season (October - February): Temperatures are pleasant (around 20°C–25°C / 68°F–77°F), especially in the north, with lower humidity and minimal rainfall. This is peak tourist season.

Hot Dry Season (March - April): Temperatures can soar, often reaching 30°C–40°C (86°F–104°F) with high humidity, especially in the lowlands. This can be less comfortable for exploring.

Wet Season (May - September): Characterized by higher humidity and regular rainfall.

Rainfall is usually in the form of heavy, short downpours, often in the afternoon, rather than continuous rain. The landscape becomes lush and green, and waterfalls are at their most impressive.

Road conditions can be challenging in remote areas, and some activities (like river tubing in Vang Vieng) might be affected by water levels. This is the low season, meaning fewer crowds and potentially lower prices.

Regional Breakdown: Temperatures in the north (e.g., Luang Prabang) can be cooler during the dry season evenings compared to the southern lowlands (e.g., Vientiane, 4,000 Islands).

Important Tip: While the dry season is ideal, traveling during the early or late wet season (May, September) can offer a good balance of fewer tourists, lush landscapes and still plenty of sunshine, along with lower prices. Always check local forecasts closer to your travel dates.

Laos:

UK, EU & US passport holders:

Currently, most nationalities, including UK, EU, and US passport holders, can obtain a Visa on Arrival (VOA) for 30 days at international airports (Vientiane, Luang Prabang, Pakse) and major land border crossings.

• Requirements for VOA:

  • Passport valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay.

  • At least two blank pages in your passport.

  • One recent passport-sized photograph.

  • VOA fee (typically US$30-US$40, depending on nationality, plus a small stamping fee).

  • Exact cash in USD is highly recommended.

• Extension: The 30-day VOA can typically be extended for an additional 30-60 days (check current regulations upon arrival) at an immigration office in major cities like Vientiane or Luang Prabang. Fees apply (approx. US$2-3 per day of extension).

• E-Visa Option: Laos also offers an eVisa option for many nationalities (check official website). Applying for an eVisa online before arrival can streamline the entry process and avoid potential queues for VOA, though fees are similar or slightly higher.

Other Important Notes:

• Passport Validity: Passports must be valid for at least 6 months on arrival.

• Onward Travel: While not always strictly enforced, having proof of onward travel (e.g., a return or exit ticket) is technically required and can be requested.

• Entry/Exit Points: Ensure you enter and exit through official immigration checkpoints.

• Overstay Fines: Overstays are fined daily (typically US$10 per day) and can lead to detention or deportation.

Currency: Lao Kip (LAK)

Cash is king in Laos. While major hotels and some larger restaurants in Vientiane and Luang Prabang might accept cards, most guesthouses, local eateries, markets and transport options are cash-only. Always carry small denominations of LAK.

Best way to access money:

• ATMs: Available in major towns (Vientiane, Luang Prabang, Vang Vieng, Pakse, Savannakhet, Thakhek).

  • Fees: ATMs in Laos typically charge a per-transaction fee (around 20,000-30,000 LAK, which is roughly US$1-1.50).

  • Withdrawal Limits: Withdrawal limits are often low (e.g., 1,000,000-2,000,000 LAK, approx. US$50-100), meaning you might incur multiple fees for larger amounts.

  • Use a fee-free travel card (such as Revolut, Wise, or Monzo) to minimize your bank's charges.

• Money Exchange: You can exchange major currencies (USD, THB, EUR) at banks and licensed money changers in larger towns. Rates are generally better in towns than at the airports.

• Bring USD/THB: It's useful to carry some US Dollars (clean, new bills) or Thai Baht, especially for visa fees, larger tours, or in border areas.

Typical daily backpacker budget:

₭150,000 – 250,000/day (approx. US$7 – US$12 USD)

This should cover basic guesthouse accommodation, local food, a few local bus rides, and perhaps a small activity. Prices can fluctuate, especially for accommodation in Luang Prabang.

Tips:

• Bargain Politely: Especially in markets, bargaining is common but always do so with a smile.

• Sticky Rice: Laos is known for its sticky rice; it's a staple and super cheap.

• "Laos Time": Embrace the slower pace of life – things rarely happen quickly, and patience is key.

• Learn Basic Phrases: A few words in Lao (e.g., sabaidee for hello, khop jai for thank you) will go a long way.

• Water Refills: Many guesthouses and cafes offer water refill stations for a small fee, reducing plastic waste and saving money.