“Laos is the kind of place that can easily capture your heart and not let you go. More than a few people came here for vacation and never went home.”
Anthony Bourdain
Lao is the most heavily bombed country in the world. During the Vietnam war, America plastered every surface of Laos with cluster bombs– hundreds of thousands of which still remain today. A welcome side-effect of this catastrophe is that most of Laos remains beautiful untouched wilderness. Floating down the Mekong river, motorbiking the Bolaven Plateau or Thakhek Loop, & bicycling along 4,000 Islands you’ll be confronted with Laos natural beauty.
Laos Travel Guide
Recommended Cities: Huay Xi, Nong Khiaw, Luang Prabang, Vang Vieng, Thakhek, 4,000 Islands
Minimum Recommended Trip Length: 3 weeks.
One Bucketlist Item You Cannot Miss: Motorbiking the Thakhek Loop. Floating the Mekong River.
Things to Consider Before You Go: Buses in Laos can be frustrating as they tend to leave whenever they are full instead of by any actual timetable. Bring your patience.
Visa Requirements
$30 for Americans. Visa can be purchased on arrival.
Estimated Backpacker Budget
On a Shoestring: $30/day
Flashpacker: $40/day
Backpacker Luxury: $50/day
Keep in mind these are backpacker budgets. On a shoestring expect to be eating street food, sleeping in hostel beds, & skipping the more expensive tourist attractions. Backpacker Luxury opts for private rooms, eats mostly in restaurants, and splurges on activities. Flashpackers are the middle ground & often do a mixture of both.
Laos is perfect for travelers looking to get in touch with nature, have animal encounters, & for cultural experiences.
Laos Blog Posts
The Ultimate Guide to the Thakhek Loop (Laos Most Scenic Motorbike Journey)
The Thakhek Loop was just the kind of off-the-beaten-path adventure we were looking for…
16 Must-See Attractions & Destinations in Laos You Cannot Miss (& Some Helpful Tips for Smooth Sailing Along the Way)
Laos is often touted as a less touristy Thailand, but it’s really so much…
