The local currency is the Lao kip. Cards such as Visa and Mastercard are accepted in hotels and larger restaurants and shops in Luang Prabang and Vientiane, but outside the main towns you should expect to pay in cash. ATMs are available in the larger towns. It is worth carrying small notes for markets, local transport and village stops, where change for large notes can be hard to find.
Once you are happy with the itinerary your consultant has proposed, you confirm by email. We then send a booking form to complete, together with a copy of your passport, and an invoice for a deposit of 25 percent of the total price. The booking is confirmed once the completed form and the deposit have reached us, and we send a travel contract setting out the dates, duration and amounts. The deposit can be paid by bank transfer or by card, and card payments carry an additional bank fee of 3 percent for Visa and Mastercard and 4 percent for American Express. The balance is due before the trip begins.
Late October to early March is the most comfortable window across the whole country: this is the cool dry season, with clear skies and manageable temperatures. April and May are the hot dry months. The rains run from June to the end of September, and travel is still perfectly possible then: showers usually fall at night or in the late afternoon, the landscape is green, prices are lower and there are far fewer visitors.
Yes. Every trip we run is private and written for your group, so the itineraries on this page are starting points rather than fixed departures. You tell us your dates, how long you have, what you want to see and what you want to spend, and a travel consultant adjusts the route, the hotels and the pace with you until it fits.
Our quoted prices are based on a group of four travellers staying in standard hotels, and they do not include international flights. Because the trips are private, the final price depends on when you travel, the category of hotels you choose and above all the number of people in your group: the same itinerary costs less per person for a group of six than for a couple. Send us your dates and group size and we will put together a detailed quote.
Yes. Travellers from Europe, North America and Australia need a visa for Laos. You can get one on arrival at most international airports and major land borders, or apply in advance for an e-visa at the official site laoevisa.gov.la. The e-visa is valid for 60 days from the date it is issued and allows a stay of up to 30 days, and it is accepted at most airports and at selected land crossings, so check that your entry point is covered. A visa obtained on arrival also allows 30 days and can be extended twice at a provincial immigration office, up to a total stay of 90 days. Fees depend on your nationality, so check the official site before you travel. Last checked: September 2026.
The ideal length of stay in Laos varies depending on individual preferences. For those with limited time who want to see the main highlights, 3-6 days is reasonable. If you are a Laos enthusiast and wish to explore in depth and experience it in an authentic manner, 2 weeks (10-15 days) is ideal.
Additionally, combining a trip to Laos with neighboring countries such as Vietnam, Cambodia, and Thailand can influence the decision on how long to stay in Laos.
Contact our advisors, who are knowledgeable about the destinations in Laos, to design a customized trip that perfectly meets your desires.
The ideal time to visit Laos depends on the seasons. There are two main seasons: the rainy season, from June to the end of September, and the dry season, which is divided into the cool dry season from October to March and the hot dry season from April to May. Generally, the best time to explore the entire country is from late October to early March.
For specific regions, the optimal times are:
Traveling during the rainy season offers lush and beautiful landscapes, better prices, fewer tourists, and easier service bookings, with rain mainly occurring at night, late afternoon, or early morning, and occasional showers during the day.
