How Much It Costs to Visit Laos? Detailed Budget to Plan in 2024

Laos attracts many tourists to Southeast Asia with its immersion in unique Buddhist culture and delicious and attractive traditional cuisine. Despite this, compared to Cambodia, Vietnam and Thailand, Laos remains relatively unknown and remains an extremely affordable country.

Having had the privilege of visiting Laos several times, I was fascinated by its breathtaking landscapes and the authenticity of its people. To help you anticipate the costs of a trip to Laos and plan your stay, I have grouped below estimates of average expenses, including flights, accommodation, food and tourist activities.

Written by Hung DAO (Local Expert) Updated on 06-04-2024

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1. The cost of plane tickets to Laos

Laos is served by three international airports: Wattay Airport in Vientiane, Luang Prabang Airport in Luang Prabang and Paksé Airport in Paksé. However, there are no direct flights to Laos from Europe, America, Africa or Oceania.

So, to travel within the country, you will need to plan flights with a stopover from other destinations in Southeast Asia or East Asia, such as Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia, Malaysia, China, Singapore and South Korea, with low-cost flights.

In Luang Prabang, a city more famous than the capital Vientiane, plane tickets will generally be cheaper. Traveling to Pakse is also an option, as flights from this airport connect Cambodia, Thailand and Vietnam.

• Airlines serving Asian routes to Vientiane include: Air Asia (Kuala Lumpur); China Eastern Airlines (Kunming, Nanning); China Southern Airlines (Guangzhou); Lao Airlines (Siem Reap, Kunming, Hanoi, Chiang Mai, Bangkok); Lufthansa (Bangkok); Thai Airways International (Bangkok); Vietnam Airlines (Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh, Phnom Penh); Scoot (Singapore); Air Busan (Busan); Jeju Air (Seoul).
• Airlines serving Asian routes to Luang Prabang include: Bangkok Airways (Bangkok); Lao Airlines (Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Hanoi, Siem Reap, Udon Thani); Vietnam Airlines (Hanoi, Siem Reap).
• Airlines serving Asian routes to Pakse: Lao Airlines (Bangkok, Phnom Penh, Siem Reap).

Airfare prices vary depending on various factors, such as time of year, airline, class of travel, departure airport and flight duration. In general, the cheapest tickets to Laos are often available for Monday departures. The most expensive day is usually Friday, while midday flights can be cheaper than morning flights.

Flight prices also vary depending on the season: during the low season, from May to September, prices can be reduced by up to 50% compared to the high season.

Flights are often the biggest expense when traveling. Round-trip tickets to Laos from major cities around the world generally range between $500 and $1,500, depending on the season and availability. Rates are more affordable during the low season, with significant discounts compared to the high season.

2. What budget should you plan for hotels in Laos?

The cost of accommodation in Laos generally varies and depends on the type of establishment chosen. Room rates differ significantly between urban and rural areas.

Guesthouses run by local families often offer private or shared rooms with basic amenities, sometimes including breakfast and local advice on surrounding attractions. Rates generally range from 200,000 to 260,000 kips (approximately $8.80 - $11.50) per night.

For comfortable and affordable accommodation, mid-range hotels are a great option, with prices generally ranging from 340,000 to 570,000 kip (around $15 - $25) per night.

In larger cities, well-located and luxurious hotels can command much higher rates, ranging from 3,400,000 to 6,800,000 kips (around $150 - $300) for an overnight stay in high-end establishments.

3. What are the costs of transport on site?

By plane

Traveling by plane in Laos is more expensive but quick. Airlines like Lao Airlines and Lao Skyway offer domestic flights to more than 10 destinations. Average prices for a domestic flight are around $40 for a one-way ticket.

By bus

Buses are widely used by locals and tourists to travel in Laos. However, most local buses are not new and road conditions can make travel difficult and prone to interruptions. This is why, in Laos, distance is often measured in travel hours rather than kilometers.

The country has many bus stations and offers different types of buses such as local buses, express buses and VIP buses. For the latter two types, it is often necessary to book in advance. Fares generally vary between 90,000 and 450,000 kip ($4 to $45) for travel between different cities.

Examples of prices for certain connections:

• Vientiane to Luang Prabang: 470,000 – 490,000 kips (20 – 21.5 $).
• Paksé to Savannakhet: 186,000 – 580,000 kips ($8 – $26).
• Savannakhet in Muong Khong, in southern Laos: 680,000 – 910,000 kips ($30 – 40). 

By private car with driver

To explore Laos, renting a car is an option. It is recommended to use a local driver to avoid unforeseen events that may arise on the roads, such as traffic jams, careless drivers or animals running loose.

If you prefer to drive yourself, it is advisable to have an international driving license, although most rental companies do not require one. However, in the event of an accident, insurance companies may require it. Private car rental prices vary from 450,000 to 2,300,000 kips (20 to 100 $).

By train

In addition to the 3.5 km railway crossing the Mekong, connecting Thailand (Nong Khai station) to Laos (Thanaleng station), there is also a Laos - China high-speed railway, more than of 1,000 km. This train connects Kunming, the capital of Yunnan province in China, to Vientiane, the capital of Laos. The route travels more than 400 km inland from Laos, passing six stations in Vientiane, Vang Vieng, Luang Prabang, Muang Xai, Luang Namtha and Boten.

If you are staying in a hotel, you can ask the receptionist to buy a ticket, avoiding having to go to the train station to buy it. The price of the ticket is approximately 190,000 kips (approximately 8.4 dollars), and the fee for asking the hotel staff to make this purchase is approximately 80,000 to 90,000 kips (approximately 3. 5 to 4 dollars). The train is renowned for its punctuality, speed and smooth operation, with journeys lasting approximately 1 hour between each stop.

By tuk-tuk

The tuk-tuk is one of the most popular means of transportation in Laos. This small three-wheeled vehicle serves as a taxi in most Laotian cities. Drivers are often present near tourist sites. 

As a tourist, you will pay slightly more than local residents. Additionally, at tourist locations where tuk-tuks are parked, prices will often be higher. It is important to negotiate the price before borrowing this vehicle. For short distances, prices generally vary between 30,000 and 90,000 kips (1.3 to 4$).

On a boat

Laos, although landlocked, has an extensive network of rivers, including the Mekong River and its tributaries, providing numerous waterways for boat travel. The mountainous landscapes to the north and the rainforest to the south give a unique charm to boat trips along the Mekong River.

However, the construction of numerous dams on the river has led to a fragmentation of boat travel. Thus, journeys by land are gradually replacing journeys on the Mekong.

Examples of prices for certain boat excursions:

• Ban Nakassang - South of Si Phan Don (4000 islands): 124,000 - 165,000 Kips (approximately 5.5 - 7.3 dollars).
• Boat trip between Luang Prabang - Pakbeng: 190,000 - 210,000 Kip ((approximately 8.4 - 9.3 dollars)

On a motorcycle 

Although popular for the freedom it offers, traveling by motorbike in Laos can be risky due to undeveloped roads and frequent non-compliance with traffic laws. Rental costs around $7-8 per day with a liter of petrol around $1.32.

By bike

Bike rental is a great option for exploring urban areas. Rental rates vary from $0.9 to $2 per day.

4. The cost of meals in Laos

Just like transport or accommodation, eating out in Laos is really inexpensive.

It is difficult to compare Laotian cuisine with that of Thailand or Vietnam. In Laos, you will discover many delicious and famous dishes, such as sticky rice (khao niao) and soup, which are local specialties worth exploring during your trip here.

To save money, avoid big restaurants, especially in big cities, where you won't spend much.

On average, a meal at a restaurant costs around $2 to $4. If you add a drink or dessert, there will be an additional charge.

Overall, I recommend budgeting around 10 dollars per day if you're on a tight budget, 20 dollars if you eat out occasionally, and 50 dollars if you plan to dine at high-end restaurants.

5. Entrance fees for certain sites in Laos

There are many fun activities in Laos, some of which are free or inexpensive. Here are the entry prices to some must-see sites in Laos:

• Pha That Luang (Vientiane): 30,000 kip ($1.4)
• Wat Sisaket (Vientiane): 30,000 kip ($1.4)
• Buddha Park (Xieng Khuan): 40,000 kip ($1.8)
• Arc de Triomphe Patuxai (Vientiane): free
• National Museum of Laos (Vientiane): 30,000 kip ($1.4)
• Xieng Thong (Luang Prabang): 20,000 kip ($0.9)
• Royal Palace of Luang Prabang: 30,000 kip ($1.4)
• Kuang Si Waterfall (Luang Prabang): 25,000 kip ($1.12)
• Pak Ou Cave (Luang Prabang): 20,000 kip ($0.9)

Additionally, here is the cost of some excursion or guided tour packages:

• Kuang Si Waterfall: Entrance costs around 2.30 dollars with a few dollars extra for a round trip by tuk-tuk.
• Visit to temples and guided meditation in Luang Prabang: around 34 dollars.
• Luang Prabang market with private cooking class: around 52 dollars.
• Guided bike tour in Luang Prabang: around 68 dollars.
• Day trip to the Boloven highlands from Pakse: around 64 dollars.
• Laotian cooking class in Vientiane: around 100 dollars.
• Two-day visit to Vang Vieng from Vientiane: around 320 dollars.

6. Tips

The practice of tipping is not widespread in Laos. Generally, a tip is considered recognition for exceptional service. However, tipping taxi or tuk-tuk drivers, although rare, can be seen as a show of gratitude for exceptional service. Plan a budget of around 2 to 4 dollars per day and per traveler.

Tour guides and drivers also deserve compensation for their excellent service. Allow around $5 to $10 per day for a guide and $3 to $5 per day for a driver, depending on the quality of their support and the time spent with you.

In hotels, it is customary to leave a small tip for housekeeping and service staff. In general, one euro per day is considered generous.

7. Travel budget in Laos depending on the type of traveler

The above information has allowed you to evaluate and plan your Laos travel budget, which varies depending on your personal preferences, length of stay and individual expenses.

For travelers on a budget, plan for a daily spending range between $30 and $50. This budget includes affordable accommodation, meals at inexpensive local restaurants, and participation in free or low-cost activities.

For travelers on an intermediate budget, plan on daily expenses of $50 to $100. This amount allows you to enjoy mid-range accommodation, meals in various restaurants, as well as participate in tourist activities and guided tours.

High-end travelers can consider a daily budget of at least $150. This budget includes luxury accommodation, meals in high-end restaurants and offers the opportunity to participate in exclusive activities and private tours.

The costs estimated above do not take into account: international flight, cancellation insurance and assistance, drinks, tips and personal expenses, visa fees, as well as the single room supplement.

8. Tips for Effectively Managing Your Laos Travel Budget

• Budget before you leave: Establish a budget based on the length of your stay and the activities you want to do, including transportation, accommodation, food, sightseeing and souvenirs.
• Avoid peak season: The peak tourist period in Laos is from December to April. Avoid these months to save on costs.
• Book your hotel rooms early: This will save you money and give you a greater choice of room types.
• Opt for local restaurants: Avoid high-end establishments and opt for local restaurants to enjoy traditional dishes at affordable prices.
• Negotiate transport prices, especially tuk-tuks: The means of transport in Laos allow price negotiation. Before using a service, especially tuk-tuks, do not hesitate to negotiate.
• Share transportation costs: Rent a car with other travelers to save money, especially if you're traveling alone. The more tourists there are, the cheaper the trip.

Conclusion

Laos not only captivates with its majestic ancient temples, waterfalls and deep green forests, but also with its welcoming people and unique culture. This destination suits all travelers, regardless of their budget, offering a variety of options to suit all tastes. However, careful budget management is essential to get the most out of your stay. Planning your trip according to your preferences and making sure you have the necessary resources are keys to fully enjoying all that Laos has to offer.

Get to know Laos more: 

• Laos cuisine: 12 typical dishes you must try
• The Baci Ceremony in Laos: A National Spiritual Ritual
• Lao New Year Guide in 2024: Sok Di Pi Mai!