Laos Travel Guide

2.1. Tips to find the best deals

If you’re looking to book cheap flight tickets to Laos, here are some tips that can help you find the best deals:

• Be Flexible with Travel Dates: Being flexible with your travel dates can significantly impact the cost of your flight tickets. Use flexible date search options on travel websites to compare prices over a range of dates. Consider flying during weekdays or off-peak seasons when demand is lower and prices are typically more affordable.
• Book in Advance: It’s generally advisable to book your flight tickets in advance to secure lower fares. Airlines often offer their best deals several months before the departure date. Monitor prices and set fare alerts to receive notifications when prices drop.
• Compare Prices: Utilize flight comparison websites or online travel agencies to compare prices from different airlines. These platforms allow you to search and compare rates across multiple airlines, making it easier to find the best deals. Be sure to check both budget and full-service carriers, as sometimes the latter may have promotional fares.
• Check Alternative Airports: Consider flying into alternative airports near your destination in Laos. For example, instead of flying directly to Vientiane, the capital city, you could search for flights to nearby airports like Udon Thani in Thailand and then take a land transfer to your final destination. Sometimes flying to a nearby airport and taking ground transportation can be more cost-effective.
• Sign up for Airline Newsletters and Alerts: Subscribe to airline newsletters and follow their social media accounts to stay updated on special promotions, flash sales, and discounted fares. Airlines often send out exclusive deals and offers to their subscribers, so you’ll have a better chance of scoring cheaper tickets.
• Clear Browser Cookies or Use Incognito Mode: When searching for flights, airlines and travel websites may track your activity and increase fares based on demand. Clear your browser cookies or use incognito mode to avoid potential price hikes resulting from repeated searches.
• Consider Layovers and Connecting Flights: Direct flights are often more convenient but can be more expensive. Explore flight options with layovers or connecting flights, as they tend to be cheaper. However, make sure you have sufficient time between connections to avoid any stress or potential delays.

2.2. International airports in Laos

1. Wattay International Airport (Vientiane) 
2. Luang Prabang International Airport 
3. Pakse International Airport

2.3. Domestic airlines in Laos

The main domestic airline in Laos is Lao Airlines, the national carrier of the country. Lao Airlines operates scheduled flights to various destinations within Laos, as well as some international routes. It serves both major cities and smaller towns in the country.

In addition to Lao Airlines, there are a few other regional airlines that offer domestic flights within Laos. These include:

• Lao Skyway: It operates flights to several destinations within Laos, including Luang Prabang, Xieng Khouang (Phonsavan), Huay Xai, Pakse, and more.
• Lao Central Airlines: It provides connections to destinations such as Vientiane, Luang Prabang, and Pakse.

It’s advisable to check their websites or contact them directly for the most up-to-date flight schedules, routes, and ticket prices.

To enter Laos, foreign visitors typically require a valid passport with a remaining validity of at least six months beyond the date of entry. Additionally, most nationalities are required to obtain a visa to enter Laos, although there are some exceptions for citizens of certain countries who may be eligible for visa-free entry or visa-on-arrival.

Here are the general requirements for entry into Laos:

• Passport: Your passport should be valid for at least six months beyond your intended date of departure from Laos. It should also have at least one blank page for visa stamps.
• Visa: Most visitors to Laos need a visa to enter the country. There are different types of visas available, including tourist visas, business visas, and transit visas. The specific visa requirements vary depending on your nationality and the purpose of your visit. You can obtain a visa in advance from a Laotian embassy or consulate in your home country or apply for a visa-on-arrival at certain entry points in Laos. It’s recommended to check the requirements and procedures prior to your trip.
• Visa-on-Arrival: If you are eligible for a visa-on-arrival, you will need to present a completed visa application form, a recent passport-sized photograph, and the visa fee in US dollars or Thai baht (cash). It’s advisable to have the exact amount in the appropriate currency, as change may not be provided.
• Proof of Onward Travel: It’s a good practice to have proof of onward travel, such as a return or onward flight ticket, as immigration authorities may request it to ensure that you will be leaving Laos within the allowed period of stay.

It is highly recommended to purchase international travel insurance when traveling to Laos or any other foreign country. Here are some key points to consider when buying travel insurance for your trip to Laos:

• Medical Coverage: Ensure that your travel insurance policy includes adequate medical coverage, including emergency medical expenses, hospitalization, and medical evacuation if needed.
• Trip Cancellation or Interruption: Look for a policy that covers trip cancellation or interruption due to unforeseen circumstances such as illness, injury, or other unexpected events.
• Travel Delay or Missed Connections: Travel insurance that covers travel delays or missed connections can provide compensation for additional expenses incurred, such as accommodation, meals, and transportation. 
• Baggage and Personal Belongings: Make sure your policy includes coverage for lost, stolen, or damaged baggage and personal belongings. 
• Emergency Assistance Services: Check if the travel insurance policy provides 24/7 emergency assistance services. 
• Read the Policy Details: Carefully review the policy terms and conditions, coverage limits, exclusions, and any applicable deductibles.

The official currency of Laos is the Lao Kip (LAK). When visiting Laos, you may need to exchange your foreign currency into Lao Kip for your expenses during your stay. 

Laotian banknotes are issued in ₭1, ₭5, ₭10, ₭20, ₭50, ₭100, ₭500, ₭1.000, ₭2.000, ₭5.000, ₭10.000, ₭20.000, ₭50.000, ₭100.000. 

Here are some options for currency exchange in Laos:

• Banks: Banks in Laos generally offer currency exchange services. You can visit local bank branches, such as Banque pour le Commerce Exterieur Lao (BCEL) or other commercial banks, to exchange your currency. Banks often provide competitive exchange rates, and some larger branches may have dedicated foreign exchange counters.
• Exchange Counters: Exchange counters can be found at various locations, including airports, hotels, and popular tourist areas. These counters typically offer currency exchange services for major foreign currencies such as US dollars, euros, and Thai baht. However, the exchange rates at these locations may not be as favorable as those at banks.
• Authorized Money Changers: Look for authorized money changers that display the official seal from the Bank of Laos. These establishments are licensed to provide currency exchange services. Authorized money changers can be found in larger cities like Vientiane and Luang Prabang.
• ATMs: ATMs are widely available in major cities and tourist areas in Laos. You can use your international debit or credit card to withdraw Lao Kip directly from ATMs. However, be aware that some ATMs may have withdrawal limits and may charge additional fees for international transactions. 
• Cash Payments: In many places in Laos, especially in smaller towns or rural areas, cash is the primary form of payment, and credit cards may not be widely accepted. Therefore, it’s important to have enough Lao Kip on hand for your daily expenses, such as meals, transportation, and local purchases.

It’s recommended to keep your exchange receipts in case you need to reconvert any unused Lao Kip back to your original currency before leaving the country.

When visiting Laos, you have several options for obtaining a mobile data plan to stay connected while on the go. Here’s some information about mobile data plans in Laos:

• Local Network Providers: The main mobile network operators in Laos are Lao Telecom, Unitel, and Beeline. These providers offer various prepaid SIM cards with data packages that you can purchase to access mobile data services.
• SIM Card Purchase: You can buy a prepaid SIM card from the network providers’ official stores, kiosks, or authorized resellers. SIM cards are readily available, and you may need to present your passport for registration purposes.
• Data Packages: Once you have a SIM card, you can choose from different data packages offered by the network providers. These packages typically provide a specific amount of data for a certain period (e.g., daily, weekly, or monthly)
• Top-Up and Recharge: To add credit or purchase data packages, you can easily top up your mobile account using scratch cards or through mobile apps provided by the network operators. Many convenience stores, kiosks, and mobile phone shops also offer top-up services.
• Coverage: Network coverage in Laos is generally good in major cities and towns. However, coverage may vary in more remote or rural areas.
• Wi-Fi Availability: Wi-Fi is commonly available in hotels, cafes, restaurants, and shopping malls in urban areas. Some places may offer free Wi-Fi access, while others may require a purchase or password.

Laos has a rich culinary tradition with a variety of delicious dishes. Here are some of the top dishes you should try when visiting Laos:

• Laap: Laap is a popular traditional dish in Laos made with minced meat (often chicken, beef, or pork) mixed with herbs, spices, lime juice, and toasted rice powder. It has a refreshing and tangy flavor and is often served with sticky rice.
• Tam Mak Houng (Green Papaya Salad): This spicy and flavorful salad is made with shredded green papaya, tomatoes, green beans, chili peppers, garlic, lime juice, fish sauce, and sometimes dried shrimp or peanuts. It’s a refreshing and zesty dish that is commonly enjoyed as a side dish or a light meal.
• Khao Poon (Lao Rice Noodle Soup): Khao Poon is a fragrant and spicy rice noodle soup made with a rich coconut milk and curry-based broth. It typically includes rice vermicelli noodles, vegetables, herbs, and your choice of meat or tofu. It’s a popular comfort food in Laos.
• Mok Pa (Fish Steamed in Banana Leaf): Mok Pa is a dish where fish, commonly catfish, is marinated in a mixture of spices, herbs, and lemongrass, wrapped in banana leaves, and then steamed. The result is a flavorful and moist fish dish with aromatic undertones.
• Or Lam: Or Lam is a traditional Lao stew made with a combination of vegetables, herbs, and either pork, beef, or chicken. It’s seasoned with spices like galangal, lemongrass, and chili peppers, giving it a rich and aromatic flavor.
• Sai Oua (Lao Sausage): Sai Oua is a flavorful Lao sausage made with minced pork, herbs, spices, and sometimes lemongrass. It’s grilled or fried, and the combination of aromatic herbs and spices make it a tasty and fragrant dish.
• Khao Jee (Lao Baguette Sandwich): A popular street food item, Khao Jee is a baguette sandwich filled with various ingredients such as grilled meat, pâté, fresh herbs, pickled vegetables, and spicy sauces. It’s a quick and satisfying snack or light meal option.

While Laos is generally a safe destination for travelers, it’s always wise to be aware of potential scams and take precautions to protect yourself. Here are some common scams to watch out for when traveling to Laos:

• Tuk-tuk and Taxi Scams: Some drivers may try to overcharge tourists for rides or take longer routes to inflate the fare. Always negotiate the price before getting into a tuk-tuk or taxi, or insist on using a metered taxi if available. 
• Tourist Information Scams: Be cautious of individuals posing as helpful locals or tourist information officers who offer assistance with booking tours, accommodations, or transportation. They may steer you towards overpriced or low-quality options, or even fake services. 
• Fake or Overpriced Goods: Exercise caution when purchasing goods from street vendors or markets, as counterfeit products are sometimes sold. Bargaining is common in Laos, but be mindful of excessively inflated prices and always negotiate in a friendly manner.
• Fake Police Officers: Be wary of individuals claiming to be police officers who approach you on the street and ask to check your passport or belongings. Scammers may attempt to extort money from you or even steal your belongings. 
• Gem or Jewelry Scams: Be cautious when purchasing gems, jewelry, or other valuable items, as scams involving counterfeit or low-quality products exist. If you’re interested in purchasing such items, seek reputable establishments and consider getting an appraisal before finalizing any transactions.
• Money Exchange Scams: Use authorized money exchange services or banks to avoid scams involving counterfeit currency or unfair exchange rates. Count your money carefully and be cautious of anyone offering to exchange money on the street or in unofficial locations.
• Drink Spiking: As in any destination, be cautious of accepting drinks from strangers or leaving your drink unattended in bars or clubs. It’s advisable to stay vigilant and keep an eye on your beverages at all times.