Planning a Laos trip in 2026: Visa, itinerary, budget, and travel tips

Step 1: Prepare your Laos trip — visa, currency, and travel logistics

Laos visa requirements 2026

As of 2026, travelers can enter Laos easily through three options: visa on arrival, eVisa, or visa-free access (for certain countries).

• Visa on arrival is available at most international airports and land borders for citizens from over 150 countries. It allows a 30-day stay and costs around $30–$50 USD.

• eVisa applications can be submitted at laoevisa.gov.la and are processed within 3 business days.

• Visa-free access is granted to ASEAN nationals and a few others, allowing 14 to 30 days depending on your passport.

Currency and average daily cost

The local currency in Laos is the Lao Kip (LAK), but US dollars and Thai Baht are also accepted in tourist areas.

Average daily travel costs in 2026:

• Budget travelers: $25–$40 USD

• Mid-range travelers: $50–$90 USD

• Luxury travelers: $120+ USD

Exchange your money at banks or authorized money changers in Luang Prabang and Vientiane for the best rates. Avoid changing money at airports where rates are lower.

Step 2: Figure out the best time to visit Laos

Laos seasons explained

Laos has a tropical monsoon climate, with two main seasons:

• Dry season (November to April): The best time to visit, with cool temperatures (especially in December–January), sunny skies, and ideal trekking and sightseeing conditions.

• Wet season (May to October): Expect daily afternoon showers and lush landscapes. It’s a quieter time for travelers with discounted hotel prices and fewer crowds.

Laos festivals to experience

Festivals are a great time to connect with Lao culture and traditions:

• Pi Mai (Lao New Year, mid-April): Expect water fights, temple visits, and city-wide celebrations in Luang Prabang and Vientiane.

• That Luang Festival (November): Held in Vientiane, this religious event attracts monks and devotees from across the country.

• Boat Racing Festival (end of rainy season): Celebrated in many cities, especially Savannakhet and Vientiane, marking the end of Buddhist Lent.

Step 3: Build your Laos travel itinerary

Laos is best explored slowly, allowing time to enjoy its relaxed pace and scenery. Below is a 7-day itinerary perfect for first-timers, along with suggestions for longer trips.

7-day suggested Laos itinerary for first-time travelers

Days 1–2: Vientiane – start in the sleepy capital

Begin your journey in Vientiane, one of Asia’s most relaxed capitals.

• Visit Pha That Luang, the national symbol and most sacred monument

• See the Buddha Park (Xieng Khuan), filled with surreal sculptures

• Walk or cycle along the Mekong River promenade at sunset

• Explore French-inspired cafés and try a traditional Lao massage

Days 3–5: Luang Prabang – UNESCO charm and natural beauty

Fly or take a scenic bus north to Luang Prabang, a stunning town surrounded by mountains.

• Witness the morning alms ceremony as monks collect offerings

• Visit Wat Xieng Thong and the Royal Palace Museum

• Take a day trip to the turquoise Kuang Si Falls

• Enjoy the Night Market, taste local cuisine, or join a cooking class

Days 6–7: Nong Khiaw – escape to the mountains

Head further north to Nong Khiaw, a quiet riverside village ideal for hiking and relaxation.

• Trek to Viewpoint Hike for incredible views of the Nam Ou River

• Take a boat trip to nearby Muang Ngoi, a remote, car-free village

• Unwind in a hammock overlooking limestone cliffs

Optional add-ons for longer trips

Have more than a week? Consider adding:

• Plain of Jars (Phonsavan): Mysterious stone jar fields and insight into Lao history

• Si Phan Don (4,000 Islands): Chill out by the Mekong in Don Det or Don Khon, spot freshwater dolphins

• Pakse and Bolaven Plateau: Waterfall circuits, coffee plantations, and motorbike adventures in southern Laos

Step 4: Travel around Laos easily

Transportation within Laos

• Flights: Best for long distances like Vientiane to Luang Prabang or Pakse

• Buses and minivans: Widely available but expect winding roads and slow travel

• Tuk-tuks and motorbike rentals: Great for short distances in towns and cities

• Boats: A scenic way to reach villages along rivers like the Nam Ou or Mekong

Connectivity and SIM cards

• SIM cards are cheap and easy to buy at airports or phone shops

• Recommended providers: Unitel, Lao Telecom, Beeline

• A 4G data plan for a week costs around $3–$6 USD

Step 5: Find accommodations that suit your style

Where to stay by location

• Vientiane: Riverside area or near Patuxai Monument

• Luang Prabang: Stay in the Old Town (UNESCO area) for charm and walkability

• Nong Khiaw: Bungalows along the river with mountain views

Average accommodation prices

• Budget hostels: $7–$15 USD per night

• Mid-range guesthouses: $25–$60 USD

• Boutique or luxury hotels: $100–$250+ USD

Step 6: Discover Lao cuisine and know where to eat

Must-try Lao dishes

• Laap (Larb): A minced meat salad with herbs and lime, often eaten with sticky rice

• Tam Mak Hoong: Spicy papaya salad, similar to Thai som tam but with a funkier edge

• Khao Soi Lao-style: A noodle soup with tomato broth, different from the northern Thai version

• Mok Pa: Steamed fish in banana leaves with herbs and chili

Best places to eat

• Vientiane: Enjoy Lao Fusion at Kualao Restaurant or street food by the river

• Luang Prabang: Eat at Tamarind or indulge in a riverfront meal with Mekong views

• Markets: Don’t miss the Night Market food courts for a cheap, tasty meal

Important travel tips for a smooth trip

Respect local customs

• Dress modestly when visiting temples (cover shoulders and knees)

• Remove shoes before entering homes or shrines

• Show respect during the morning alms-giving by staying silent and not using flash photography

• Avoid touching people’s heads or pointing your feet at others

Stay safe and avoid tourist pitfalls

• Avoid drinking tap water—use bottled or filtered water

• Watch for scams involving inflated tuk-tuk fares or tours—ask hotels for advice

• Travel insurance is strongly recommended, especially for rural or adventure travel

• Be cautious on poorly lit roads if renting a motorbike

Final thoughts

Planning a Laos trip in 2026 invites you to discover a land of gentle rhythms, cultural depth, and natural wonder. Whether you’re watching monks at dawn, chasing waterfalls, or drifting down the Mekong at sunset, Laos rewards those who take their time. With the right preparation—from visas and budgets to respectful travel habits—you’re sure to enjoy a deeply meaningful and unforgettable experience.