Laos Tourism 2024:12 Things Need to Know Before a Laos Tour

Laos is a tranquil and captivating gem nestled in Southeast Asia. Often overlooked by travelers, its rich cultural heritage, stunning natural landscapes, and serene way of life offer travelers a unique and rewarding experience.

The secret of traveling to Laos is enjoying it at the same leisurely pace with which locals live their lives. Here we’ll take you through 12 things you must know about Laos to shed some light on this wonderful destination.

Must Know that the Infrastructure of Laos Is Not Well Developed

Laos is a small, landlocked country that has developed more slowly than its neighbors. This is often noticeable in the condition of the roads. Particularly in rural or mountainous areas, travel between destinations can be slow due to some roads being unpaved or in poor condition. Rural areas also may have limited or no internet access, but connections in urban centers are more reliable.

In an effort to boost development, Laos is investing heavily in infrastructure projects, making conditions there better with each passing year. For now, though, travelers need to be aware that even basic utilities such as electricity, or services like healthcare, which can be less reliable outside of the big cities.

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Must Know that Laos Tourism Is Relatively Backward in Comparison with Vietnam and Thailand

The general lower level of development can also be seen in tourism. Laos has many unique cultural and natural attractions but has fewer heavily promoted tourist sites. Services for those sites, such as tour operators, are also more limited than in neighboring countries.

For tourists, accommodation choices are good in major tourist destinations like Luang Prabang and Vientiane, with a range of options from luxury hotels to guesthouses. In rural areas, only hostels and guesthouses might be available. Those areas might also not accept credit cards, so it is advisable to carry Laos' local currency for transactions.

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Must Know that There Are Still the Luxury 5-Star Accommodations in Laos

The lack of development doesn’t mean you have to give up on luxury. 5-star hotels and resorts are typically found in major tourist destinations such as Luang Prabang, Vientiane, and certain areas along the Mekong River. Including international chains and local luxury brands, these hotels offer the full range of amenities, scenic views, and spa and wellness services that are expected from 5-star hotels anywhere.

Hotels in Luang Prabang such as the De La Paix Hotel or Luang Say Residence offer spacious rooms with colonial architecture in locations that make it convenient to both explore the surroundings and relax in the peaceful settings. For Vientiane hotels, the Settha Palace Hotel is only a 10-minute drive from the airport and has luxurious rooms decorated with Italian marble floors and crafted rosewood furniture.

Luang Prabang Luang Say Residence

Must Know that Laos Is a Rare 'Pure Land' and Worth In-Depth Exploration

The pureness of the land in Laos comes from the serene and unspoiled natural landscapes and the thriving cultural heritage that lives on in the lives of the local people.

Laos is blessed with stunning natural beauty, including lush jungles, dramatic mountain ranges, pristine rivers, and picturesque waterfalls. Natural attractions like the Kuang Si Waterfall, Nong Fa Lake, and Phou Hin Poun National Bio-Diversity Conservation Area are best explored in-depth at a leisurely pace to take in the tranquil and pristine surroundings.

Laos also boasts a wealth of well-preserved historical and cultural sites including ancient temples, monasteries, and Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Heritage city. It is a laid-back and unhurried country, and that is the best way to experience the sites there.

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Luang Prabang

Must Know that You can Travel around Laos by the High-Speed Train

In Laos, high-speed rail travel is available on the Boten–Vientiane railway, the Lao section of the Lao-China Railway. 20 stations connect Vientiane and the northern town of Boten, significantly reducing travel times inside the country.

High-speed trains are a comfortable and convenient way to travel between cities. Getting from Vientiane to Luang Prabang can now be done in only two hours. More stations and planned for the future, and the Lao section, which currently connects to the rail system in China at Mohan in Yunnan, is planned to be part of a larger rail system running from Kunming, in China, to Singapore.

Travel around Laos by the High-Speed train

Must Know that Laos Is a Very Cheap Country to Visit

Laos is an inexpensive country to visit. 3-star hotels in Vientiane can cost around $25-35 USD a night, and guest houses can be less than $15 USD. Street food is excellent and costs only around $1-3 USD per person, even a sit-down meal at a mid-range restaurant will only be $5-15 dollars.

Guided Laos tours cost around $20-50 USD depending on the length and location, but entrance fees for tourist attractions are very reasonably priced. Tickets for Wat Phou in Laos, the ancient Khmer temple complex, cost 1.5 USD, and much of the country’s beautiful natural environment can be seen for free.

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Luang Prabang - Vientiane

Must Know that It Takes at Least 5 Days to See Laos

To get a good feeling for the culture and environment in Laos takes at least a 5-day trip. 5 days in Laos would allow for time to explore Luang Prabang, visit its historic temples, and enjoy the scenic beauty of Kuang Si Falls. Vang Vieng needs at least a full day to not miss the spectacular sunsets and to spend time exploring the limestone karst landscapes.

Vientiane is also a must-visit to see the main attractions such as Pha That Luang, Wat Si Saket, and Patuxai Monument, and to spend some time browsing traditional markets for souvenirs and local handicrafts.

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Vientiane - Luang Prabang

Must Know that Laos Doesn’t Have the Most Extensive City Bus Transport System

Public transportation is limited in Laos, even in major cities. Public buses do operate, but the coverage and frequency are not as extensive as in other countries. In general, public buses are more often used by local residents than by tourists who typically choose to get around by tuk-tuks or taxis.

In Vientiane, for example, the public bus network covers routes within the city and its immediate suburbs. Buses tend to be very basic, and often non-air-conditioned. Fare payment is done in local currency, and route and schedule information may only be available in the Lao language. The buses are generally safe, but it is advisable to keep an eye on your belongings.

Laos public buses and tuk-tuks

Must Know that It’s Much Easier to Get to Laos from Thailand or Vietnam

If you set off from a country like the United States, you should know that getting to Laos is easiest from Thailand or Vietnam. Currently, there are no direct flights to Laos from North America or Europe, but connections can be found through international airports in Thailand and Vietnam, as well as other nearby countries.

Laos has a network of roads connecting its borders with Thailand and Vietnam, making it easy to travel overland between countries. The border between Thailand and Laos is one of the most popular entry points for travelers.

Major border crossings include the Friendship Bridge at Nong Khai (Thailand) and Vientiane (Laos), as well as the Chong Mek and Vang Tao border crossings. These crossings are well-facilitated with immigration and customs facilities.

The border between Vietnam and Laos also offers several crossing points. The most commonly used border crossings include the Cau Treo-Nam Phao border checkpoint and the Lao Bao-Dansavanh border checkpoint. Additionally, there are scenic bus journeys from northern Vietnam to northern Laos.

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Must Know that Laos Is a Buddhist Country

Laos is a predominantly Buddhist country with Buddhism playing a significant role in the culture, traditions, and daily life of its people. The land is dotted with monasteries and temples (known as ‘wats’) that serve as centers for religious education, meditation, and community gatherings.

Throughout the year, people in Laos celebrate Buddhist festivals and holidays that make for a great opportunity to experience local culture. One of the most significant is "Boun Pi Mai" or Lao New Year, which is celebrated with water festivals and merit-making activities.

The exact dates vary every year, but it typically falls between April 13th and 15th. Travelers who visit Laos during Boun Pi Mai can expect to witness vibrant and lively street celebrations, as well as opportunities to participate in water-related festivities.

Laos Boun Pi Mai festivitie

Must Know that It’s Much Smarter to Travel to Laos Together with Thailand, Vietnam, or Cambodia

Visiting Laos as part of a bigger trip to Southeast Asia that also includes visiting Thailand, Vietnam or Cambodia is a smart and rewarding travel strategy. The four-country included Indochina journey allows you to see not just the diverse cultures that thrive in the region, but also to get a sense of the historical and cultural connections shared by the people there.

It is also an efficient way to travel. From many places, visiting Laos requires a connecting flight through one of its neighbors, combining another country with your trip to Laos makes sense since you will be stopping there anyway. In the end, you’ll leave having had a more diverse range of experiences, and a deeper appreciation of Southeast Asia.

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Must Know that It’s Wise to Visit Laos in a Private Trip

Laos rewards a laid-back, go-at-your-own-pace approach to traveling. Group tours can offer some cost savings, but it comes at the expense of being able to customize your trip.

A private trip lets you personalize your experience, traveling where you want, when you want, and with people that you want to spend time with. With that greater control over your daily schedule, you’ll be able to take your time and relax while exploring the unique scenery there.

If you’re worried about how to plan your private trip to Laos, check out our many Laos travel guides, or contact us for help arranging a perfect, once-in-a-lifetime experience.

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Conclusion

Knowing what to expect before you arrive in Laos will make your time there all the more enjoyable. The unique blend of natural beauty and cultural richness comes from the unspoiled nature of the environment. That does mean that some modern features are not as developed as in other travel destinations, but with a little planning, you won’t even notice as the beautiful scenery casts its spell over you. Contact us for an unforgettable Laos tour.