Laos

Yes, most travelers need a visa. Visa on Arrival (VOA) is available at international airports and land borders. You can also apply for an eVisa online for smoother entry.

• Dry season (Nov–Apr): Best for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
• Wet season (May–Oct): Lush landscapes, fewer tourists, but expect rain and humidity.

• Budget: $20–30 USD per day
• Mid-range: $40–70 USD per day
• Luxury: $150+ USD per day

English is spoken in tourist areas, but less so in rural regions. Learning a few basic Lao phrases goes a long way!

In some tourist areas, USD and Thai Baht are accepted, but Lao Kip (LAK) is preferred.

ATMs are common in cities and towns, dispensing Lao Kip. Currency exchange offices offer fair rates, better than airports.

Yes, Laos is generally very safe. Watch out for petty theft in tourist hubs and exercise caution with traffic and avoid wandering off marked paths in rural areas due to unexploded ordnance (UXO) from past conflicts.

• Tuk-tuks and songthaews: Common for short trips.
• Buses and minivans: Budget-friendly for intercity travel.
• Boats: Great for exploring the Mekong River and islands.
• Motorbikes: A popular way to explore the countryside, but drive carefully!

You’ll need an International Driving Permit (IDP). Road conditions can be rough, so driving experience in Southeast Asia helps.

Plug types: A, B, C, E, and F (mixed systems). International travel adapter is highly recommended.

No, avoid tap water — drink bottled or filtered water instead.

Tipping isn’t expected, but rounding up or leaving small change for good service is appreciated.

• Laap (Larb): A minced meat salad with herbs, a national dish.
• Sticky rice (Khao Niew): A staple, eaten with almost every meal.
• Tam Mak Hoong: Spicy green papaya salad.
• Khao Piak Sen: A comforting Lao noodle soup.

No major wildlife threats, but be mindful of mosquitoes (dengue and malaria risks in rural areas).

ATMs are common in cities and towns, dispensing Lao Kip. Currency exchange offices offer fair rates, better than airports.

• Hello: Sabaidee (ສະບາຍດີ)
• Thank you: Khawp jai (ຂອບໃຈ)
• How much?: Thao dai? (ເທົ່າໃດ)
• Goodbye: La khon (ລາກ່ອນ)