Laos vs. Vietnam, Which is Better to Visit?

The Southeast Asian countries of Laos and Vietnam are both exotic and exciting tourist destinations. Despite being neighbors, however, each country offers a unique experience for visitors. The best choice is to visit Laos and Vietnam together, but if you can only pick one, here we answer which is better to visit for you.

The Basic Information about Laos vs. Vietnam

Vietnam is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Southeast Asia. It is a coastal country of vibrant big cities, stunning tropical beaches, wonderful cultural treasures, and serious coffee culture.

Laos is a landlocked nation, with mountainous landscapes to explore, a rich heritage to discover, and beautiful countryside to appreciate. The Mekong River is the lifeblood of Laos and a place to find adventure exploring caves or kayaking.

Between the two, Vietnam is the more developed country. It is about a third larger than Laos with around 13x the population. During recent decades, the economy of Vietnam has been one of the fastest growing in Asia, and today it has a wide range of industries. Laos is one of the least developed economies in the region. It has a growing tourism sector, but otherwise relies heavily on agriculture.

Laos vs. Vietnam in Safety: Both Are Very Safe for Visiting

Laos and Vietnam are both safe countries to visit. Local governments have made efforts to promote tourism and safety, and are generally responsive to the needs of tourists. It's always advisable to check the latest conditions before visiting, but they have a long history of being favorable places for visitors.

Laos is known for its peaceful and low-crime environment. The biggest safety concern there is usually traffic accidents. Travelers are advised to be cautious when using road transportation as traffic rules are not always strictly followed.

Vietnam is also somewhere where you can expect a trouble-free visit. Violent crime against tourists is rare, but some petty theft, such as pickpocketing, can happen in crowded tourist areas. Traffic safety in busy urban areas like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City is something to be aware of. Pedestrians and drivers should exercise caution.

Isolated and peaceful life in Laos

Laos vs. Vietnam in Access: Both Are Easy to Get To

Getting to Laos and Vietnam is very easy for travelers. Both countries are accessible through international airports and land border crossings that facilitate entry for tourists.

Getting to Laos
Laos has several international airports with the main ones being Wattay International Airport in Vientiane (the capital) and Luang Prabang International Airport. There are no direct flights from Europe or North America, but connections can be found through nearby countries such as Thailand, China, Vietnam, and Cambodia.

The most common land border crossing is through Thailand. Travelers can also enter by road through Vietnam, China, and Cambodia.

Getting to Vietnam
Vietnam has several international airports, with Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi and Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City being the two largest and busiest. Direct flights are available from many countries, including from some European cities such as London and Frankfurt.

Entering the country by road from neighboring nations such as Laos, Cambodia, China, and Thailand is easy through Vietnam's well-developed network of land border crossings. 

Laos vs. Vietnam in Visa Application: Both Are Easy to Get

In an effort to promote tourism, Laos and Vietnam have been streamlining their visa application process.

Visa for Laos
Laos has several options for tourist Laos visas, including visa on arrival and e-visas. Many nationalities can obtain a visa on arrival at major entry points such as airports and land border crossings. This visa is typically valid for 30 days and can be extended once for an additional 30 days.

E-visas can also be applied for online in advance. The online electronic visa process is straightforward and visas are generally valid for 30 days.

Visa for Vietnam
The best option for a visa for Vietnam is through their e-visa process. Tourists can apply for Vietnam visas online. Typically these are single-entry, 90-day visas. Visas on arrival are also possible, but an approval letter has to be obtained first through a local tour operator.

Travelers going to the Vietnamese island of Phu Quoc for stays of less than 30 days do not need a visa. This applies to tourists arriving by air, and not traveling to other parts of Vietnam.

Vietnam Visa

Laos vs. Vietnam in Tourism: Vietnam Is Much More Developed than Laos

Generally, as far as the tourist experience, Vietnam is more touristy than Laos, while Laos is more laid back.

Laos is More Laid Back than Vietnam
If you travel in Laos, do as the Laotians do, slow down your pace, even in the most touristy Laos destination, Luang Prabang. The leisurely pace of life in Laos makes it a great place to relax.

Take your time to trek in Nam Ha National Protected Area, experience kayaking in the jungle, or ride a bicycle to explore the countryside. You will be surprised to find a Southeast Asian country in slow motion, unspoiled by mass Laos tourism.

In general, Laos has a smaller range of accommodation options than Vietnam, particularly in less-visited areas. In major cities like Vientiane and Luang Prabang, you can find a variety of guesthouses, hotels, and boutique properties. However, luxury options may be fewer in number compared to Vietnam. Off the beaten track, in more remote areas, you should be prepared for basic lodgings.

Vietnam is More Touristy than Laos
Tourism in Vietnam has surged in recent decades. Many UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Halong Bay have raised the country's profile. And with so much to do and see, travelers flood to Vietnam, especially in the high season. So while traveling in Vietnam, you may find crowds of visitors.

Compared with Laos, the tourism infrastructure of Vietnam is more developed. Along the streets of major tourist destinations like Ho Chi Minh, Hoi An, and Hui, a lot of cafes and restaurants can be easily found. In the coastal resorts of Da Nang and Nha Trang, a large number of high-end hotels are available. When looking for a place to stay, you'll be able to choose from international hotel chains, luxury hotels, resorts, boutique hotels, hostels, and guesthouses.

Laos vs. Vietnam in Sightseeing: Laos Is More Authentic & Natural

Both Laos and Vietnam are gifted with beautiful natural wonders. The long history has brought the two nations rich cultural treasures.

The only difference is that Laos is a landlocked nation, so for beach lovers, Vietnam might be your better option.

Laos Offers More in the Way of Nature and Temple
The main tourist attractions of Laos tend to be more in the way of nature. And the natural landscapes are almost untouched.

Take a cycle from downtown Luang Prabang to the awesome Kuang Si Falls and Tad Sae Waterfall. Or cruise the Mekong to see the picturesque Vang Vieng which is surrounded by impressive limestone mountains. Also, take a small boat to explore the Vieng Xai Caves.

Theravada Buddhism is the largest religion in Laos and there are a host of temples to explore.

Sitting in Vientiane, the most important Buddhist monument, Pha That Luang is a golden stupa that enshrines a relic from the Buddhist. Luang Prabang houses many styling Buddhist temples, for example, the Wat Xieng Thong.

One of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Vat Phou, built between the 5th and 15th centuries under the rule of the Khmer Empire, is waiting for your exploration.

As the only inland country in Southeast Asia, Laos has no beach to offer for beach enthusiasts.

Laos Luang Prabang Royal Palace Museum

Vietnam Has More Diversified Scenery to Offer
Due to the long coastline, Vietnam is filled with diverse landscapes, from mountain ranges to golden beaches, pristine caves to the busy Mekong Delta, tranquil villages to modern city prosperity.

To experience the country's bustle, go to the Mekong River Delta or Ho Chi Minh. Or visit the coastal resort cities of Da Nang and Nha Trang. The picturesque Halong Bay is a jewel in the crown of Vietnam's natural beauty. Sapa offers deep, green valleys and terraced rice fields with local homestay experience provided.

If you are a cultural lover, there are also places to go in Vietnam. In Hoi An, the traditional Vietnamese tube houses and French colonial buildings complement each other.

Hue is home to many UNESCO World Heritage Sites, like the Imperial Citadel, Forbidden Purple City, and the beautiful tombs of Emperor Ming Mang.

Vietnam Hoi An Ancient Town

Laos vs. Vietnam in Tour Length: It Takes More Days to Visit Vietnam

How long to spend in Laos or Vietnam will depend on your specific travel interests, and how deeply you want to explore each country. Overall, though, Vietnam being bigger and with more diverse attractions needs more time for a comprehensive visit.

Get to know Laos in 5 Days
Our 5 Days Laos Classic Tour is a fun way to cover the most popular attractions in the country. This is enough time to see Vientiane and Luang Prabang, getting to know some of the local history by visiting the temple Wat Sisaket and going to the Arts and Ethnology Center. You will also climb to the top of Mount Phousi to explore the sacred, gilded stupa and take in a sunset view of the Mekong River. Add some time to experience local markets and food, and you'll have a good idea of what Laos tour has to offer.

The Essential Vietnam in 12 Days
Capturing a sense of Vietnam takes a little longer. Our 12 Days Essential Vietnam Tours combines nature, culture, and urban life to give a deep experience of Vietnam. You'll see the cultural fusion of French and Vietnamese influence in Hanoi, the beautiful Halong Bay, and traditional hill-tribe culture. It also includes time for the real local experience of shopping in Binh Tay Market and a look into the history of Hoi An Ancient Town. 

Laos vs. Vietnam in Transportation: Vietnam's Traffic Jam Is Well-Known

Due to the fast-developing tourism, traffic jams can be a large problem in Vietnam. While the transporting in Laos is much slower.

Transport in Laos is Slower
Compared with the traffic in Vietnam, Laos's internal transporting is slower. In recent years, road conditions in major cities have improved a lot. There are lane markings, road signs, and stoplights on a few roads, and traffic moves on the right. It is still best to avoid driving at night since the roads often have poor lighting.

Traffic is Hell in Vietnam
Traffic conditions are typically chaotic in the big cities of Vietnam. There are no street rules in Vietnam. People usually ignore traffic lights.

In Laos and Vietnam, people drive on the right. In Japan, people drive on the left. When you are crossing the road, pay close attention to your safety!

Shadow the locals when crossing the street to imitate their pace, timing, and attitude. Always be calm and confident like a local, and you might find scooters will be able to avoid you. As for trucks, buses, and cars, you should avoid them.

Heavy traffic jam in big cities of Vietnam

Laos vs. Vietnam in Tourist Price: Vietnam Is More Expensive than Laos

Both destinations can offer inexpensive vacations. Overall, however, traveling in Laos is cheaper than in Vietnam. Generally, a week in Laos costs less than $200 dollars for one person, while a week in Vietnam may cost up to $300 dollars.

In Laos, there are many cheap hostels and guest houses. With accommodations being a big part of travel expenses, Laos may be the better choice for a cheaper holiday. Many other daily and tourist costs such as bottled water, local transportation, entrance tickets for tourist attractions, alcohol, and entertainment are also cheaper in Laos.

Laos vs. Vietnam in Tourism Season: Similar Climate Features

Due to their geographical proximity, Laos and Vietnam have similar climate features with distinct wet and dry seasons that impact peak tourist periods. Normally, the dry season is better for traveling in both Laos and Vietnam. But there are some exceptions in Vietnam.

When to travel to Laos?
The best time to visit Laos is between November and April when you can enjoy pleasant and predictable weather.

There is less rainfall, clear, blue skies, and not-that-hot temperatures in the dry season. However, if nothing but the best is good enough for you, visit Laos between December and February when the weather is at its peak for comfort.

When to travel to Vietnam?
The best time for a Vietnam tour is also during winter and most of the spring (October to March). Due to the north-south orientation of the country, there are some exceptions.

Northern regions of Vietnam like Hanoi, Sapa, and Halong Bay offer the best weather between February and May.

In central Vietnam, Da Nang's climate is best from February to May, and Nha Trang offers the best weather conditions from January to August.

For the southern regions such as Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong Delta, just plan your tour during winter and early spring.

Laos VS Vietnam Food: Both Have Featured Cuisine

Every country has its local specialties and cuisine and Laos and Vietnam are not excepts. Vietnam is said to be a paradise for foodies and, while Laotian food doesn't have the same popularity and variety as the famous cuisines of its neighbor, there are still many great dishes worth trying.

Food in Laos
The Laotians eat a simple and light diet. Local dishes are seasoned with spices, mainly tasting spicy, sour, and sweet.

In the cities of Vientiane and Luang Prabang, you can find street markets, local restaurants, and international bistros. The best cafes are also covered here.

Beer Lao is the pride of the Laos people. Of high quality and reasonable prices, Beer Lao is quite popular with foreign travelers.

For vegetarians and vegans, you'd better go to the traveler-oriented restaurants and cafes to get vegetarian dishes. If you don't see any vegetarian options, you can always ask the local chef.

Beer Lao

Food in Vietnam
Vietnam is one of the best countries in the world for eating. Cuisine in Vietnam has a variety and depth that surpasses the food in Laos.

From street stalls to local restaurants and international fine dining, Vietnam cuisine is going to conquer your stomach. Restaurants in tourist areas offer both Western and Vietnamese food, but not always highly authentic. To find real Vietnamese dishes, go to local restaurants or stroll around street markets.

An abundance of delicious vegetarian and vegan restaurants are available in Vietnam. And cafes can be found everywhere.

Vietnam cuisine

The Best Way Is to Visit Laos and Vietnam Together

Get the best of a bustling, developing Asian country and a laid-back, natural experience by visiting Laos and Vietnam together. You can enjoy the excitement of a big city like Hanoi, and then catch your breath in the slower pace of Vientiane. Or, go from relaxing on the beach in Halong Bay to taking in the pristine natural landscape of Vang Vieng.

The contrasting experiences of Laos and Vietnam are a natural fit, and hopping between these two neighbors is convenient, and a way to get a deeper impression of Southeast Asian Culture.

Conclusion

Laos and Vietnam both provide stunning natural landscapes and fabulous cultural heritage. There is no need to argue which is better. It would be a regret if you missed either of the two during your exploration of Indochina.

For a combined trip to Laos and Vietnam, you should plan to go between December and February. To tour Vietnam's northern regions and central coastline resorts, the period from February to May is great. If you are still consulted, feel free to contact us for more details!