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Laos Walks & Cycle Tours

Lush, languid and welcoming, it's easy to see why travellers are lured back to Laos. With its meandering rivers, remote villages and tranquil cities, Laos is famous for a gentle pace that invites you to slow down, relax and absorb your surroundings.

But this is by no means a boring destination: Laos's cities are a unique mix of golden Buddhist temples, French colonial architecture and colourful markets, thick with aromas of incense and fragrant street food, and yet you need not travel far to find waterfalls, caves and jungle-clad mountains to explore.

You can tour splendid temples and handsome colonial architecture in Vientiane, and unwind in the tranquil river city of Luang Prabang, with its saffron-robed monks and vibrant night markets. Then delve into the history of Southeast Asia by visiting the ancient Hindu Khmer ruins of Wat Phu or walking among the mysterious stone megaliths of the Plain of Jars.

Enjoy Laos's wild natural beauty with a cruise down the lush waterways of the mighty Mekong or a sojourn in the stunning 4,000 Islands of southern Laos. Don your boots and trek through the remote northern mountains, join one of our superb cycle journeys through scenic backroads and ethnic minority villages, or kayak down rivers fringed with dramatic karst outcrops.

Whichever itinerary you choose, you'll love the unique landscapes, cultures, cuisine and ambiance of this unspoiled gem of Southeast Asia.

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Bike, Hike & Kayak Laos and Cambodia

Activities:.

Introductory

Laos & Cambodia Family Adventure

Adventure Touring

Northern Laos Hike & Homestays

Free the Bears Laos with Alex Cearns

Women's Adventures - Laos Explorer

More about laos, popular activities.

• Laos destinations
• Popular travel regions

Why travel with us

Responsible travel, accommodation, leaders in the field, custom made itineraries.

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Trip reviews

Country information.

Walking: Day Walks

Family Adventures

Laos highlights.

Cycle through local villages

See the hundreds of Buddha statues in the Pak Ou Caves

Enter the Golden Stupa in Vientiane

Walk around the Plain of Jars in Phonsovan

Kayak down river in Vang Vieng

Hike to Kuang Si waterfall from Luang Prabang

Stroll the streets of Luang Prabang

Journey to the river region of the 4000 islands

Our all inclusive approach

Quality services at the best prices make our Laos adventures great value for money. While all of our cycle trips include bikes and back up support vehicles, accommodations have been chosen based on their location and local charm. Additionally, we aim to incorporate as many inclusions in the trip cost as possible including most meals, transfers, domestic flights and national park fees.

Authentic experiences

Our adventures are designed to take you off the well-trodden tourist trails and gain insight into life on this side of the world. Whether you choose a cycling or hiking adventure, travelling under your own steam is an incredibly rewarding way to explore the hidden gem of Laos.

Experienced local guides

It is our expert field guides that make your Laos experience special. Not only are our guides passionate about the otudoors, but they choose to lead our trips with a deep belief that our itineraries minimise our environmental footprint and give back to local communities.

Support of local communities

We employ staff from local communities and provide them with training, good wages and insurance benefits under the labor law. We also use locally run accommodation and encourage travellers to shop and dine at locally operated stalls and establishments.

Carbon travel minimisation

Our itineraries are designed to minimise the amount of carbon produced, opting for bikes, city walks, cyclos and electric cars as first options.

Child safe tourism

We protect vulnerable children by adhering to our comprehensive Child Welfare Code of Conduct and seek to educate travellers about the issues surrounding such abuses.

Animal welfare focus

We advocate against the practice of riding on the back of an elephant as part of a tourism experience and as such, we do not include elephant rides in any of our Cambodia itineraries. In the interest of public safety and animal welfare we also discourage travellers from partaking in such activities outside of our trips.

In cities or large towns you will be accommodated in 3 to 4 star properties that are centrally located, atmospheric and reliable.

We use quality inns situated in natural environments. They are not luxury inns; however we ensure they offer you a truly authentic experience.

Our lodges provide comfortable accommodation that is well maintained and with good facilities.

Nom Vannak Nom

Nom joined the tourism industry in 1999 after completing a Tourism degree in Siem Reap. His interest in adventure tourism propelled him into a career of taking travellers walking and cycling across many regions of Indochina. A great communicator, his genuine interest in nature and history make him an exceptional guide.

'Joy' Chittanong

Joy is one of our favourite guides for adventure tours in Laos. Joy lives in Luang Prabang, and has over seven years experience guiding a great variety of adventures from hiking and trekking to kayaking and biking. If you travel with this young, dynamic and super friendly man, you will always find the joys of exploring the stunning back roads, hills and rivers of Laos.

Originally from the United Kingdom, Laura brings a wealth of travel experience to the World Expeditions team having explored over 60 countries to date. Her adventures have included setting up community projects in Myanmar, studying Mandarin in China, trekking in Nepal, spending time in a remote Bedouin camp in Jordan and chasing the Big 5 through Tanzania. With a particular passion for all things Asia, Laura loves to share the best of this region with others.

Dr Ross Anderson

Dr Anderson lives with his wife in a small town near the Lakes District in the north of England. He is a family doctor and spends much of his spare time travelling as an expedition doctor. He has more than 10 years of altitude and travel medicine experience. Previous treks and expeditions have focused on the Himalayas, with others in the Scandinavian Arctic and mountainous areas of Africa. He also enjoys trail running, cycling and open-water swimming.

A custom made itinerary is the ultimate way to see the world how YOU want. They are created especially for you, giving you complete freedom to choose what you want to see, where you want to go and when you want to do it. If you love our current itineraries but want to customise it privately as a couple, a group of friends, family, club, business or school, you have the freedom to add or remove as many elements as you like to suit the interests of your group. Alternatively, you can start with a blank canvas and create a new and exciting itinerary from scratch! Our well-travelled consultants can give you firsthand suggestions and eliminate any uncertainty with trip planning to ensure you maximise the quality of your experience and get truly off the beaten track. Simply email, phone or visit us to start planning your dream adventure.

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• Where to Go & Weather
• Dialing Code

Electricity

• Health & Safety

Where to Go

Cruise or kayak down the Mekong River alongside lush forested mountains and dramatic karst outcrops

Don your boots and trek into the remote northern mountains or join one of our superb cycle journeys through scenic back roads and ethnic minority villages

Visit the 4,000 Islands of southern Laos and keep an eye out for the rare Irrawaddy dolphin

See the ancient Hindu Khmer ruins of Wat Phu and walk among the mysterious stone megaliths of the Plain of Jars

Tour splendid temples and handsome colonial architecture in Vientiane and unwind in the tranquil river city of Luang Prabang, with its saffron-robed monks and vibrant night markets

Laos has a tropical monsoon climate with three distinct seasons:

A rainy/monsoon season from May to October, a cool dry season from November to February, and a hot dry season from March to April.

April is the hottest month. It is necessary to take along a warm jumper or fleece during the cool season as nights can be cool, especially in mountainous areas such as Luang Prabang. Between March and June, light cotton clothing and hats are recommended.

On average you can expect daytime temperatures of between 25-32°C (77-90°F), with cooler night temperatures.

In Vientiane, average daily temperatures vary from a minimum of 16.4°C (62°F) to a maximum of 28.4°C (83°F) in January; to a minimum of 24.7°C (76°F) to a maximum of 31.3°C (88°F) in July.

In Luang Prabang, average daily temperatures vary from a minimum of 14.2°C (58°F) to a maximum of 27.7°C (82°F) in January; to a minimum of 24.3°C (76°F) to a maximum of 32.5°C (91°F) in July.

Time in Laos

Laos is +7 hours ahead of UTC/GMT

Lao (official), French, English, various ethnic languages

Laotian Kip

Thai Baht and USD are the best currencies to exchange although AUD, GBP, NZD are also accepted.

Banks and exchange facilities are found in Luang Prabang, Vang Vieng and Vientiane.

Visa cards and ATM are available in most major centres, however it is not recommended to rely on these solely.

If you are purchasing items of over US$50 it is best not to change this into Lao kip as you will require a small back pack to carry all the notes!

International Dialing Code

Electricity in Laos is 230 Volts, at 50 hertz. The pin type varies but is most commonly types A and C. We recommend taking a universal adapter.

A visa for Laos is required for passport holders from the following countries: Australia New Zealand United Kingdom United States Canada

Citizens of the above countries can obtain a 30 day tourist visa with the easy to use e-visa system - https://laoevisa.gov.la/index. Processing time is 3 days and the e-visa can be used to enter through the following border points;

Wattay International Airport (Vientiane)

Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge I (Vientiane)

Luang Prabang International Airport

Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge II (Savannakhet Province)

Pakse International Airport (Champasack Province)

You can also obtain your Laos visa upon arrival at Vientiane and Luang Prabang International Airports, and at the Friendship Bridge between Nong Khai Thailand and Vientiane Laos. Passport photographs are required for a visa on arrival. To apply for a visa on arrival you will need: 2 blank pages in your passport 2 recent passport-size photos USD40 in cash.

All other nationalities should check with your nearest embassy or consulate.

Your safety is our number one concern. Our safety track record is exemplary thanks to careful management and thorough consultation with local partners. Our industry leading risk management procedures have become a skill that we continue to refine. Our leaders in the field are highly trained and have safety as their number one priority. Expert leaders, risk assessments, quality inclusions and your financial security all come standard when you travel with us.

Please refer to our Travel Advisory page for updates on recent events, travel warnings and advice.

We strongly recommend that all clients take out travel insurance at the time of booking to cover against sickness, accident, loss of baggage, unexpected alterations to travel arrangements and travel disruption, emergency evacuation, cancellations, etc. Insurance information is enclosed with your pre-departure information. Please contact us if you would like to obtain a quote for your trip duration.

We suggest that you consult your doctor, local government inoculation centre or a travel medical specialist in order to get the most current advice regarding vaccination requirements.

Money and valuables should always be stored safely when travelling. Keep your passport with you at all times and do not leave it in your main luggage. You will need it to change money and check into hotels. Where safety deposit boxes are available, we recommend that you use them. Keep jewellery and valuables to a minimum.

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• Laos Hiking and Trekking Tours: Adventure Awaits You

Laos Hiking And Trekking

• Classic Tours

6 days / 5 nights

Join this heritage tour to Laos throughout all must-see adventurous highlights and experience their cultural richness represented through temples and other archaeological sites. With our Laos Tour Packages , You will get chance to indulge yourself in the locals' lives, visit the impressive stupa of Wat Visoun and the shrine of Wat Aham, Wat Mai, join a rafting tour with sightseeing excursions and an exciting elephant watching at Tad Sae waterfall, contemplate the charming town of Luang Prabang and its suburb with many famous sites and original villages. Exploring Don Khone Island and taking a boat to visit the Liphi - one of the most beautiful waterfalls marking the end of Lao border to Cambodia.

• Adventure Tours

4 days / 3 nights

Luang Prabang - the heart of Laotian culture shines with its glistening historical and religious sites as well as extensive natural beauty. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Luang Prabang is an attractive destination that you cannot miss on your Laos tour . Explore the past and present of the greatest country in Southeast Asian with one easy itinerary. Boarding a cruise upstream on the Mekong river – one of the longest in the world – which been here long ago before human to watch this country history.

14 days / 13 nights

Mountains in Northern Laos are particularly obstructive but magnificently gorgeous, while holding a lot of soil in narrow valleys and chinks where locals utilize to plant corn and cassava and enrich the scenery. Adventurers can do a lots in Laos, combining biking, motor biking, or caravan expeditions with stops at authentic Laotian villages and have homestay to share the hard but exciting daily life with hospitable locals. Laos boats with its rich culture, fiery cuisines, unique customs and breathtaking countryside where tourists are granted top experiences.

9 days / 8 nights

A deep discovery of utmost Northern Laos with Golden Triangle and hill tribes living in the mountain, combine land expedition and trekking. You will meet the friendly locals who really know how to start party. The natural sights, temple heights, and spicy bites, are as unforgettable as they are unmissable. This tour will leave you more than a memorable remembrance of this country.

• City Breaks

A trip gives you great chance to observe the cultivation of coffee, tea, cardamom, bananas as well as to venture off the beaten track with this private 4 day tour in southern Laos.

Discover Laos Tour By Styles

Select your favorite travel style categorized in various groups, budget and levels of activities.

PLAN YOUR HOLIDAY

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THE 10 BEST Laos Hiking & Camping Tours

Hiking & camping tours in laos.

• Nature & Wildlife Tours
• Hiking & Camping Tours
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Kuang Si Falls
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Full Day Trek to Kuang Si Waterfalls, Remote Village

2. Full Day bamboo experience with cooking class & Kuang si waterfalls

3. The Wild Explorer - 3 days forest trek with homestay and camping

4. Nalan Trail Kmu Ethnic Experience - 2days forest trek with homestay.

5. Full Day Kayak To Tad Sae Waterfall

6. The Ultimate Hiker’s Choice - 5 days forest trek with homestay and camping

7. Morning food tour with local market option Kuangsi waterfall

8. Vientiane ATV and Canopy Walking Experience

9. Savannakhet outskirt Day Trip Dong Natad Trekking

10. Camping and Cooking Classes in Primary Forest in Luang Prabang

11. Kuangsi waterfall adventure

12. Pakse Adventure trail in 1 Night 2 Days

13. Discover Vang Vieng Private Tour- Trekking, Kayaking and Caving

14. Vientiane, Vang Vieng & Surrounding 3 Days

15. Hiking 2 days 1 night ,The pakheo trek

16. Xe-Champhone Homestay Traditional Village Activities

17. Full Day Visit & Cook at Local family' farm and Hiking to Kuang si waterfalls

What travellers are saying.

• Adventure and sport Tours
• Trekking and Hiking Tours

Laos Trekking and Hiking Tours 2024/2025

Trekking and Hiking trips in Laos. Looking to explore Laos on a trekking and hiking tour? We offer 7 trekking and hiking trips through-out Laos having in total 11 reviews. All the tours are offered by 6 curated travel agencies in Laos. Durations range from 1 day to 14 days.

• Laos Travel Guide
• Best Time to Visit Laos

7 Trekking and Hiking tours with 11 Reviews

• Starts Luang Prabang, Laos
• Ends Pakse, Laos

Explore Laos's Hidden charm - 10 Days Private Tour

• Trip customizable
• Best price guaranteed
• Tour Type Private Tour
• Activities Local boat rides & Waterfalls Local boat rides , Waterfalls , Off the beaten path , Trekking and Hiking & Natural landmarks sightseeing 'data-more-tripid='39999'>+3 more
• Accommodation Hotel
• Transport Boat, Coach, Flight & Private Vehicle
• Age Range 1-90 yrs
• Operated in English, French, German, Spanish
• Brochure Price: US$ 3,632
• Special Deal (50%): - US$ 1,816
• Total Price from: US$ 1,816
• View More Jan 1, 2019 Jan 2, 2019 Jan 3, 2019

• Ends Luang Prabang, Laos

Day Hike: Thin Pha Trail

• Free cancellation
• Tour Type Small Group Tour
• Activities Trekking and Hiking & Local boat rides Trekking and Hiking , Local boat rides & Countryside and village visits 'data-more-tripid='18474'>+1 more
• Accommodation No Accommodation
• Age Range 8-70 yrs
• Operated in English

• Ends Siem Reap, Cambodia

Bike, Hike & Kayak Laos and Cambodia

• No booking fees
• Activities Bicycle tours & Trekking and Hiking Bicycle tours , Trekking and Hiking , Kayaking and canoeing & Adventure 'data-more-tripid='16242'>+2 more
• Accommodation Hotel & Resort
• Transport Flight, Private Vehicle & Boat
• Age Range 18-99 yrs
• Jun 09 10+ seats left
• Jul 07 10+ seats left

Day Hike: Longhut Trail

• Activities Trekking and Hiking & Countryside and village visits Trekking and Hiking , Countryside and village visits & Natural landmarks sightseeing 'data-more-tripid='18832'>+1 more
• Age Range 8-55 yrs

Homestay & Hiking Adventure 2D/1N

• Activities Trekking and Hiking & Countryside and village visits Trekking and Hiking , Countryside and village visits & Natural landmarks sightseeing 'data-more-tripid='13670'>+1 more
• Accommodation Hut & Home-stay
• Transport Boat
• May 21 10+ seats left
• May 22 10+ seats left

• Starts Vientiane, Laos
• Ends Bangkok, Thailand

Laos to Northern Thailand: Treks & Trails

• Activities Countryside and village visits & Trekking and Hiking Countryside and village visits , Trekking and Hiking , Local boat rides , Local culture & Cooking classes 'data-more-tripid='18543'>+3 more
• Accommodation Hotel, Sleeper Train, Hut, Guest House, Home-stay & Bungalow
• Transport Boat, Train, Bus, Sleeper Train & Private Vehicle
• Age Range 18-39 yrs
• Brochure Price: US$ 1,349
• Special Deal (30%): - US$ 405
• Total Price from: US$ 944
• May 24 Only 1 seat left
• Jun 09 Only 4 seats left

Jungle Trek to Kuang Si Waterfall

• Activities Trekking and Hiking & Natural landmarks sightseeing
• Age Range 5-79 yrs

Laos Trekking and Hiking Reviews

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Trekking the Cloud Forests of Laos

If you’re the kind of person who likes “type 2” fun (and if you don’t know what that is, you’re probably not) — this one’s for you.

Roughing it in jungle camps, hiking for days into deep, wild rainforest, scrambling up to mountain summits, and trying to ignore the mozzies and leeches — all for some of the most magnificent scenery imaginable: that’s what this trip is all about.

Transport in detail

Transfers to and from the trekking area will be by private car from Luang Prabang: a seven-hour trip each way with a stop in Nong Khiaw on the return journey.

What's great

This is a unique trek in a spectacular location: an unforgettable experience for seasoned walkers

It’s really off the beaten track, so expect to be the only tourist for miles around

Summitting Phou Louey, “Forever Mountain”, is a fantastic sense of achievement

Your trip will support conservation and sustainable development in this protected area

Things to consider

It rather goes without saying, but this trip involves challenging trekking and requires a high level of physical fitness

Accommodation is basic throughout, with limited facilities (remember, this is type 2 fun)

Though you’ll certainly see some wildlife on your trek, there’s no guaranteeing what!

This itinerary focuses on just a couple of locations; if you want to see more of Laos, consider extending your trip

The route is only accessible for part of the year - October through to May

The experience

Even the most committed hikers are entitled to have other interests, so if you want to see more of Laos than the rainforest – just let us know. We can incorporate trekking into any itinerary; it all depends on you.

Luang Prabang/Nam Et-Phou Louey National Protected Area

After a night in Luang Prabang to acclimatize, your adventure begins as you travel deep into the Laotian wilderness. Accompanied by experienced guides, you’ll embark on a five-day trek into the heart of the rainforest, where elephants, gibbons, clouded leopards and sun bears still live hidden in the tangled depths. Each day you’ll hike for three-to-six hours, ascending up to 1,274 m in elevation and stopping to cool off in waterfall pools, explore Khmu villages, and enjoy spectacular views over mountains, forest, and oceans of clouds. Spend your evenings around the campfire and your nights in bamboo huts surrounded by the sounds of the jungle: this is Laos at its wildest and most beautiful.

Trek through Khmu minority villages and farmlands far from the modern world

Homestay with Khmu families and sleep in hanging jungle “nests”

Climb to the top of Phou Louey, “Forever Mountain”, the third-highest peak in Laos

Cool off in refreshing pools beneath jungle waterfalls

Help the park rangers check wildlife camera traps for rare animal sightings

Climb a watchtower to observe wild animals visiting a salt lick

Nong Khiaw/Luang Prabang

After concluding your trek, it’s time to return to Luang Prabang, stopping for a night at a riverside lodge, surrounded by some of the most dramatic karst scenery in Laos, before continuing along the Mekong. You’ve earned a rest, and there's no lovelier place for it than Luang Prabang! Once you’ll taken some time to relax and freshen up, head out to explore this beautiful city with its unique fusion of traditional Lao and colonial French influences. One of our favorite things to do here is to take a boat out to the Pak Ou Caves for sunset — and if your legs can still manage it, be sure to climb to the top of Mount Phousi for some of the best views around.

See some of Asia's most beautiful karst scenery at Nong Khiaw

Cruise along the Mekong to visit the Pak Ou Caves, filled with Buddha statues

Learn about the history of Laos with a guided walking tour of Luang Prabang’s temples, streets and palaces

The finer detail

• Breakfast every day
• Seven lunches: one in Muang Hiem; five picnic lunches during your time in Nam Et-Phou Louey NPA; one after visiting the Pak Ou Caves
• Five dinners: one in Muang Hiem; four home-cooked dinners from the village chefs in Nam Et-Phou Louey NPA;
• Two half-day experiences: visit the Pak Ou Caves by boat; walking tour of Luang Prabang
• Five days of guided trekking in the Nam Et-Phou Louey NPA
• All accommodation
• All entrance fees to sites included in guided experiences
• All domestic transfers and transport

Car transfer from Luang Prabang airport to hotel (15 minutes)

Car transfer to Muang Hiem (7 hours)

Car transfer to Ban Nam Soy (1.5 hours) Trek (3 hours)

Trek up Phou Louey Mountain (6 hours)

Trek to The Nests (6 hours)

Trek to Ban Nam Poung Village (4 hour trek) Car transfer to Nong Khiaw (3.5 hours)

Car transfer to Luang Prabang (4 hours)

Car transfer to Luang Prabang airport (15 minutes)

• International flights
• Any necessary visas
• Any lunches or dinners unless stated
• Entrance fees to any sites not included in guided experiences
• Tipping and personal expenses

THE 10 BEST Laos Hiking & Camping Tours

Hiking & camping tours in laos.

• Nature & Wildlife Tours
• Hiking & Camping Tours
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Kuang Si Falls
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Full Day Trek to Kuang Si Waterfalls, Remote Village

2. Full Day bamboo experience with cooking class & Kuang si waterfalls

3. The Wild Explorer - 3 days forest trek with homestay and camping

4. Nalan Trail Kmu Ethnic Experience - 2days forest trek with homestay.

5. Full Day Kayak To Tad Sae Waterfall

6. The Ultimate Hiker’s Choice - 5 days forest trek with homestay and camping

7. Morning food tour with local market option Kuangsi waterfall

8. Savannakhet outskirt Day Trip Dong Natad Trekking

9. Camping and Cooking Classes in Primary Forest in Luang Prabang

10. Vientiane ATV and Canopy Walking Experience

11. Kuangsi waterfall adventure

12. Pakse Adventure trail in 1 Night 2 Days

13. Discover Vang Vieng Private Tour- Trekking, Kayaking and Caving

14. Vientiane, Vang Vieng & Surrounding 3 Days

15. Hiking 2 days 1 night ,The pakheo trek

16. Xe-Champhone Homestay Traditional Village Activities

17. Full Day Visit & Cook at Local family' farm and Hiking to Kuang si waterfalls

What travellers are saying.

Trekking in Laos - Hiking in Laos - Adventure travel and tours in Laos

Trekking and hiking in laos discover the welcoming people and diverse culture of laos..

We invite you to discover the diversity of trekking tours in Laos with Tiger Trail Travel. We are the the pioneers in eco adventure travel and community based tourism in Luang Prabang, Laos. Our company has been established in 2000 and has since then grown to be the most innovative leader in social entrepreneurship in our community. We run our own treks with a well trained group of specialist tour guides. And with a full time staff of over 60 people we can host almost any request you may have. Our in depth experience and team of professionals will help you find a unique trekking experience in northern Laos.

Trekking and hiking is still the best way to explore Laos its ethnic diversity. Trekking indeed is the best way to meet people, to see their rural lives and experience how the Laotian people manage their day to day life. Most places in Laos are far away from modern civilization. It means you also travel back in time! If you join our trekking tours you will need to reduce your needs and turn on your expectations. But please do not expect crowded touristy village trails and European living standards... We will provide you only a true adventure.

We offer several treks and tour combinations that bring you into great places and remote areas of Laos. Our Trekking Tours around Luang Prabang and the northern provinces can be as long as 4-5 days depending on the region. We operate Trekking tours in Nong Khiaw, Phongsali, Luang Namtha and Luang Prabang. Phongsali region is the most remote and therefore for the real adventurous ones. Normal day treks would still give a good impression about the life in the countryside of Laos and are mostly operated in Luang Prabang province. Enjoy a day hike or spend a few days trekking in Laos on one of our wilderness treks. Discover mystical waterfalls and hidden caves, jungle trails and rugged mountains. Meet locals and stay with them. Bring your boots and a spirit of adventure - we supply the rest...

On our specialized Trekking trips we visit local villages, stay in their homes, listen to their stories and see how life is going on. We normally visit Khmu people, Hmong villages and other ethnic groups depending on the region you go for your trekking. This Lao hiking experience is combined with some great sceneries and impressive mountains that surround the trails as most m`inorities live in remote mountain areas of northern Laos. Custom made treks and tours of any length can be designed upon request. We plan expeditions in conjunction with boat rides, rafting or biking. Multi-day treks into new areas can be arranged and will than be guided with a special team and supporting staff and GPS support. Please note: Changes can occur due to weather and other unforeseen conditions on any trek at any time.

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Laos Trekking Tours

Vientiane Trekking Tours | Laos Hiking Tours From Vientiane- The tranquil capital city of Vientiane maintains a vintage charm with its faded French colonial architecture juxtaposed with ornate, gilded temples. This Southeast Asia's smallest capital and Laos' largest city is such a lovable city, and there is much more to do than you may think. Spend five days visiting around the city in depth and its suburbs, meeting friendly locals, exploring beautiful natural landscapes and experiencing Vientiane through its religion and nature.

3 Days Vientiane city sightseeing and trekking

2 Days Trekking in Phou Kao Khouy & Homestay

5 Days Vientiane - Hiking In Phou Khao Khouay National Park

1 Day Trekking In National Park at Phou Khao Khuay

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Laos 4x4WD Tours | Laos 4 Wheels Tours | Laos Offroad 4x4 Tours will take you off the beaten path and onto a journey of a lifetime. You can experience the traditional way of life in local Lao villages, view majestic waterfalls in various provinces, and discover pristine landscapes not found anywhere else

4 Wheels Along Ho Chi Minh Trails - 9 Days

Laos 4x4WD Experience Tour - 5 Days

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Laos treking tours.

Laos Trekking Tours | Laos Hiking Tours | Luang Prabang Walking Tours .Discovery authentic Laos from our trekking tours, Laos is the great distinations for a trekking with beautiful mountain and friendly local people .

Luang Prabang Trekking to Hanoi - 13 Days

Northern Hilltribes and Jungles Trekking Experience - 12 Days

Trekking and Tribes in Northern Laos - 7 Days

Laos Trekking And Sightseeing Tour - 11 Days

Vientiane Trek and Trails To ChiangMai - 13 Days

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Laos Classic Tours | Laos Discovery Tours | Laos Travel | Laos Holidays - Discover the stunning landscape of Laos - forested mountains, green rice paddies, diverse ethnic cultures and traditional life .

Luang Prabang To Vientiane Tour - 6 Days

Tour from Vientiane To Luang Prabang and 4000 Islands - 8 Days

Tour From Thailand Border To Laos - 13 Days

Indochina Delights Holiday - 15 Days

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Timeless Laos with Vang Vieng Adventure - 7 Days

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In Depth Laos Holiday - 10 Days

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Not only tours in Laos, We also arrange some Southeast Asia activities as cycling, trekking, motorbiking tours in Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar, Thailand, Philippines and India.

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Laos Tours & Trips

Laos is a land of golden temples, majestic mountains and magnificent scenery. Visit a bear sanctuary, ride high on an elephant or take a kayaking adventure up the Mekong River. Caving, biking and trekking through this untouched country will give you a glimpse of a disappearing traditional Asia.

177 Laos tour packages with 429 reviews

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6 Days Lively Laos

Our guide in Luang Prabang was excellent also the accommodation was excellent with location and cleanliness included foods was very good, however the accommodation in Vientiane was below standard wifi wasn’t workinb during our stay. Driver Mr King in Vientiane was very informative and friendly. It would be fantastic if this tour has more upgrade options in Luang Prabang there is a non-riding elephant conservation full day trip which including cooking class we could have done if there was an option for us to pay and book as a upgrade before the tour starts

• Christmas & New Year

Private Tour: 6 Days Lively Laos

Laos Express Train Adventure 5-Day

Very helful and lovely guides both in Luangpravang and Vientane. Hotels well situated and good service very helful and cordial people.

• 10% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.
• Book With Flexibility This operator allows you to rebook your dates or tours with them for free, waiving change fees.

Cultural Odyssey: Discovering Northern Laos by Train 9-Day

Very professionel....... Every thing was perfekt as Promist Always freindly and professionel. It was A pleasure to make Are family of 6 People's trip White legend travel Group

Classic Laos in 5 Days - Private Tour

The guides were both excellent, very engaging, caring and very knowledgeable; the organization was in some respects a bit confused, in one case regarding how a local payment was to be made and in another instance there was a request for some official Lao document of which I had no awareness. Overall, however, the experience was excellent. Thank you

The Charm of Laos in 11 Days - Private Tour

My husband and I went to Laos on mild sunny days. This place is almost pristine and we were close to nature. The temples here are wonderful and the views are amazing. The trip was interesting and smooth thanks to the Realistic Asia team.

LUANG PRABANG & BEYOND 7 DAYS 6 NIGHTS

Amazing tour! Did not know what to expect but was more than pleasantly surprised! Perfect balance between nature, adventure and culture! Wonderful and knowledgeable guide! Home stay was a must! Nothing but good things to say about this tour! Laos and it’s people are a treasure! We have travelled the world and this has to be one of the top tours on our list! Thank you Tour Radar

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• Sightseeing

Laos Highlight Tour in 7 Days

Overall, it was a satisfying experience. Guides and hotel accommodations Laos were superb

• Mountain Hikes
• Hiking & Trekking

Laos Adventure Overland Tour from Vientiane to Luang Prabang via Vang Vieng, Ban Paklung

I have spent almost 2 weeks here touring around some highlights of Laos with Vientiane, Vang Vieng and Luang Prabang with a team of 20 other different travelers and DNQ TRAVEL has treated us like royalty, I can not emphasize how respectful, friendly and flexible this crew is, and would trust them with my life (and have many times on this trip!). Anything you want to do, book it with these guys, you wont regret it.

Laos Package Tour from Luang Prabang to Pakse via Vientiane and Khuangsi Waterfall

This is an excellent opportunity for anyone to learn more about temples around Laos and a day in the life of a monk. You will meet a monk who is currently not practising and he will thoroughly explain to you the rules of a monk, the do’s and don’t’s of a monk and as a tourist and he will show you the different ways of meditating. It is culturally so insightful and I learnt things that I’ll carry with me throughout the rest of my travels. The whole thing lasts around 2-3 hours.

Highlights of Laos - 7 days

The Crown Plaza hotel in Vientiane was amazing. The second hotel was not good at all. The last one, the Santi Resort was ok. The guide was good and gave very good explanation. The driver very safe and good. The included meals were so-so.

Exotic Laos Sightseeing Tour from Luang Prabang via Vang Vieng to Vientiane

I don't have anythings about the tour. Everything was very well. Accommodation was clean. The driver was funny. I love Mr Pho , because he was handsome & knowledge about the tour. I will comeback if i need further information for the another travel.

HIGHLIGHT OF LAOS 5 DAYS 4 NIGHTS FROM LUANG PRABANG TO VIENTIANE

Everything was arranged as promised. The tour guides were knowledgeable and helpful Accommodations were adequate and the location was very central.

Essential Laos Family Holiday to Vientiane and Luang Prabang

We spent our honeymoon trip with Vietlong tour throughout Laos. Their service was efficient and also very competitive with other travel agents and We booked all our private car journeys with this company for more convenience. We also stayed at nice resort in Luang Prabang - a wonderful place to relax. Highlights: let’ contact with Vietlong for their excellent services to discover highlights of Laos.

5-Days Exotic Laos

Mr Pong the guide was excellent ! the tour overall was very well executed! had a wonderful time

What people love about Laos Tours

Absolutely loved Laos although would have liked to have spent more time in Luang Prabang. Our first guide was fantastic and so incredibly knowledgeable. For three star accommodation I could not fault it. Unless you particularly want to see the countryside, I would highly recommend to fly like my friends did to Vientiane, as the itinerary lied. The trip was not the 8 hours like stated, rather closer to 12 hours. There were limited English speaking people and the communication was limited therefore I was unsure what was going on at times regarding the arrival time to Vientiane. Furthermore it was not explained what our food voucher was for and there were not toilet break between the 2pm lunch break and the arrival time in Vientiane over 5 hours later. Don't be deceived either by the 'Deluxe' bus as it is 'Deluxe' 3rd world style. No biggie however had the most amazing hotel on the Mekong River, overlooking Thailand however the internet was non existent unless you were in the reception or restaurant. Compared to the communication from Hoi An Express during my Vietnam tour, I found the communication in Laos was very limited. There was no communication regarding my transfer between cities and it was something I was required to chase up myself.

Overall we thought the tour was very good. The places that were selected to visit were excellent. Overall Legend Tours did a good job. They were responsive when we contacted them and seemed quite friendly. At times it appeared that the Legend Groups representatives (Tony & Danny) weren’t paying enough attention to the questions we had concerning the details of our tour (please see the string of correspondence with them on your web site). The local Vientiane tour guide (Sai) was absolutely outstanding! His knowledge and ability to speak and understand English was excellent. He went out of his way to make sure we were happy and taken care of. The tour guide in Luang Prabang was good too but his knowledge and ability to speak and understand English was limited. The lunch we had after visiting the caves wasn’t very good but the other two lunches included while in Luang Prabang were delicious.

Very professionel....... Every thing was perfekt as Promist Always freindly and professionel. It was A pleasure to make Are family of 6 People's trip White legend travel Group

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The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Laos

Tours that take you into the outdoors in laos.

Are you ready to embark on an unforgettable adventure in the great outdoors? These selected top-rated guided hiking and trekking tours to Laos are designed to take you deep into the heart of nature's wonders. We analyzed a wide range of tours based on key criteria such as price, destinations, guest ratings, service, and activities so that we could find the absolute best and top rated hiking tours to Laos in order to make your travel planning experience easier. Get ready to immerse yourself in breathtaking scenery, conquer challenging trails, and create memories that will last a lifetime.

• Laos to Northern Thailand: Treks & Trails 14 Days, $1349.00
• Laos Adventure Overland Tour from Vientiane to Luang Prabang via Vang Vieng, Ban Paklung 9 Days, $1885.00
• Northern Laos Hike & Homestays 7 Days, $1290.00

What are hiking tours like in Laos?

Here are the important factors:

• 3 trip options analyzed
• $154 average price per day (USD)
• 7 to 14 days in length
• 4.83 of 5 average rating
• 17 people or less on average

You'll be surprised at the array of hiking and trekking tours in Laos, as there is something for everyone. It's no wonder that visitors can't get enough of these tours, boasting an impressive average guest rating of 4.83 out of 5 stars. Picture yourself joining a group of like-minded adventurers, with an average maximum size of 17 people, ensuring a fantastic blend of social and personalized experiences. The average tour length spans 10 days, with tours ranging from 7 to 14 days long. With our thorough analysis of 3 hiking and trekking tours, we've found the best. So rest assured that Laos has something to captivate every kind of traveler.

(All tour prices are in US Dollars before taxes, and come from a base price that is reported by TourRadar. Peak season prices can vary significantly, particularly in destinations where seasonal travel fluctuates dramatically.)

So, let's get to it and see...

The 3 Best Hiking Tours in Laos

Laos to northern thailand: treks & trails.

• On Sale: 30% Off See Prices
• Great Value: the daily price is lower than average for hiking and trekking tours.
• High Quality: guest ratings are higher than average.

Here's your chance to take off on an exceptional journey, visiting Laos and Thailand, that has garnered a 5 out of 5 rating. With a duration of 14 days, this jouney will have 18 participants, and it warmly welcomes guests from 18 to 39 years old. Expertly organized by G Adventures , this amazing trip is an incredible value at just $67 per day. Don't miss out on this limited-time sale.

• Hiking & Trekking

Laos Adventure Overland Tour from Vientiane to Luang Prabang via Vang Vieng, Ban Paklung

This memorable trip is offered by DNQ Travel which has received plenty of positive reviews. The trip itself has a guest rating of 5 out of 5 stars, and is priced affordably at $209 per day. Your journey will begin in Vientiane and end in Luang Prabang. Guests are treated to unforgettable hiking and mountain hikes experiences. The maximum group size is 20 people, welcoming guests from 15 to 65 years old.

• In-depth Cultural
• Mountain Hikes
• Attraction-Based Hikes

Northern Laos Hike & Homestays

Set off on an extraordinary journey that has been awarded a 4.5 out of 5 stars by previous guests. With a duration of 7 days, this voyage offers an intimate group setting, accommodating 14 individuals, while extending a warm welcome to guests from 16 to 80 years old. Luang Prabang will be both the start and end of your journey. Brought to you by World Expeditions , this exceptional deal is an incredible steal at a mere $184 per day.

See also The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Laos , The Best Historical Tours in Laos , The Best 10-Day Tours in Laos , The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Laos , The Best 3-Day Tours in Laos , The Best 2-Week Tours in Laos , The Best 3-Week Tours in Laos , The Best Bicycle Tours in Laos , Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Laos , The Best Christmas & New Years Tours in Laos , The Best Coach Bus Tours in Laos , The Best Adventure Tours to Laos , The Best Eco Tours in Laos , The Best Sightseeing Tours in Laos , The Best Cultural Tours in Laos , The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Laos , The Best Tours Under $1000 in Laos , The Best Budget Tours to Laos , The Best Tours for Seniors to Laos , or The Best G Adventures Tours to Laos for more tour ideas. With so many options, there's a guided tour or vacation package for every type of traveler.

Also, if you're departing from a specific destination, see The Best 3-Day Tours from Luang Prabang , The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Luang Prabang , The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Vientiane , The Best 10-Day Tours from Luang Prabang , or The Best 2-Week Tours from Luang Prabang for more package tour options.

How much do hiking tours in Laos cost?

After analyzing 3 hiking and trekking tours in Laos, we found the average price to be a remarkably economical $154 per day. Naturally, this region has many fantastic options for hiking and trekking tours with a variety of prices. The individual costs will vary by the destinations, travel style, available dates, and other factors. If you're interested in more information about tours here, see our guide to tour prices in Laos .

And for more information on Laos, see Laos Travel Costs and Laos Hotel Costs .

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• Swimming & hiking around waterfalls , like the crystal clear, cerulean three-tiered Kuang Si falls , or the Li Phi Falls , where Irrawaddy dolphins can be seen.
• Explore the sacred Pak Ou caves , where more than 3,000 Buddha figurines can be found in the dark corners of these spiritual caverns.
• Experience the heart of Lao Buddhism as you tour Luang Prabang and see its many ornate temples.
• Enjoy exclusive access to the 4,000 Islands as you navigate them by ferries; from here you can also check out the 11th century  Khmer Temple of Wat Phou , still in use today. 
• Trek through a beautiful land of elephants & orchids outside of the capital, Vientiane and later visit the Elephant Conservation Center  in Sayaboury.

Lao Cuisine

Best time to visit laos, laos wildlife.

• The country's official name is "Lao People's Democratic Republic."
• BeerLao is a uniquely delicious beer, using yeast from Germany and locally grown jasmine rice.
• Along with North Korea, China, Cuba, and Vietnam, Laos is one of the last remaining communist countries in the world.
• The three-day Laotian New Year celebration takes place in mid-April.
• Unfortunately, during the Vietnam war over 2 million bombs were dropped on Laos, garnering it the status as the "most bombed country in the world." There are still a devastating amount of unexploded bombs that make much of the land unusable for farming.
• Coffee is the primary export of Laos, and an impressive 80 percent of the population works in some part of agriculture.

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Laos Travel Guide

Last Updated: April 29, 2024

Laos is a landlocked country steeped in nature, food, history, and Buddhism. The country is wrapped in a mountainous landscape, making it one of the most beautiful places in all of Southeast Asia .

While it lacks the beautiful beaches of neighboring countries, adventure travel is big here. You can go zip-lining, kayaking, hiking, and cave tubing all in one day.

I loved my time there and, while the country is no longer a “secret,” it’s still a lot less visited than its neighbors.

From the bustling night markets and stunning waterfalls of Luang Prabang to the epic mountain sunsets in Vang Vieng , I’m always amazed that more people don’t make the journey to this beautiful country.

This travel guide to Laos can help you plan your trip, save money, and make the most of your time in this stunning country.

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budget
• Money-Saving Tips
• Where to Stay
• How to Get Around
• How to Stay Safe
• Best Places to Book Your Trip
• Related Blogs on Laos

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Top 5 things to see and do in laos.

1. Visit Vang Vieng

Backpackers “discovered” this little town in the late 1990s. It didn’t take long to develop into a crazy, hedonistic city. There’s still a party scene but now it’s focused on a handful of bars. It’s definitely not like the old days but I think that’s a good thing. Nowadays, things have calmed down and the center of Vang Vieng is thriving, with boutique hotels and high-end restaurants replacing some of the party-laden backpacker bars that used to pack the waterfront. The town has also become a hub for outdoor adventure, jungle hikes, and lazy days on the river. It’s worth spending a few days here.

2. Explore the 4,000 Islands

Located in Southern Laos, the 4,000 Islands (also known as ‘Si Phan Don’ in Lao) is an area of tiny, largely uninhabited islands in the Mekong River in Champasak Province near the Cambodian border. They are popular with backpackers and the vibe is laid-back and chill. Accommodation is only available on three of the islands: Don Khong, Don Kon, and Don Det. What’s available is cheap and you can spend a few days here reading in hammocks and slowly exploring by bike. Other than that, there’s really not much to do here besides chill in the river and relax at night. To reach the islands you need to take a boat from Pakse.

3. Relax in Luang Prabang

Luang Prabang is a slow-paced city. There is not much to do here other than enjoy epic sunsets over the Mekong River, wander the streets filled with colonial French architecture, spend time at the incredible Kuang Si Waterfalls, and shop at the bustling night market. You can also take a river tour, or explore some of the dozens of temples in town. Every morning at sunrise, the monks walk through the main streets receiving alms from the local residents. I went for two days but actually stayed for a week because I enjoyed it so much!

4. Trek to the Kuang Si Falls

This gorgeous waterfall near Luang Prabang is breathtaking. Turquoise waters flow over rock ledges into dramatic tiered limestone pools perfect for swimming. You can float about in some of these natural infinity pools or jump from trees into others. It’s a really cool place to visit. Admission is 20,000 LAK, and a shared tuk-tuk from Luang Prabang costs 30,000-40,000 LAK per person.

5. See the Plain of Jars

The UNESCO-recognized Plain of Jars has thousands of stone jars scattered around three different sites. Believed to be part of the burial practices from the Iron Age, this is one of the biggest and most important prehistoric sites in Southeast Asia. Legend has it that the jars were made by a race of giants to store alcohol. Take care not to stray too far from the cleared areas as there are still some landmines in the area. There are eight sites open for visiting: sites 1, 2, and 3 are all close to each other at Phonsavan so they are easy to visit together. Admission to Site 1 (with the best-preserved jars) is 15,000 LAK while entry to Sites 2 and 3 is 10,000 LAK.

Other Things to See and Do in Laos

1. explore the vieng xai cave city.

Located close to Sam Nua (near the Vietnamese border), Vieng Xai Cave City served as living quarters for Laotian soldiers during the 1960s. You can see the living quarters as they were; the Kaysone Phomvihane Cave even has a working air-circulation pump. Guided tours are found at the Vieng Xai Caves Visitor Centre. Admission is 60,000 LAK and includes an audio tour. The bus there is 20,000 LAK while a tuk-tuk is 150,000 LAK.

2. Try the Gibbon Experience

This is one of the best activities in Laos. It’s a series of zip lines connecting the world’s highest treehouses in Bokeo Forest, where you can stay for one or two nights. You’re completely off the grid there, surrounded by gibbons, and it has some intense nature hikes. The three-day, two-night “Classic” package costs around 5,600,000 LAK per person.

3. See the Great Stupa (Pha That Luang)

The Great Stupa in Vientiane is a 45-meter (148-foot) gold-covered stupa (a dome-shaped Buddhist shrine). It’s considered the greatest monument in the country. Its exterior looks like a fortress with high walls, but the inside has numerous Buddhist, floral, and animal imagery throughout. You can admire the stupa from outside for free.

4. Head to Vientiane

The capital and largest city in Laos is full of important national monuments and temples, like the Great Stupa and the Sisaket Temple. While there, be sure to check out Buddha Park, a sculpture garden full of giant Buddha statues. It’s the most cosmopolitan city in the country, and there’s an up-and-coming foodie scene there as well. It’s worth spending a few days here exploring.

5. Visit the Elephant Conservation Center

Located in Sainyabuli, the ECC was launched in 2011 by a team of elephant specialists working towards protecting the elephant population in Laos. It’s the best way to see elephants in a responsible way that doesn’t harm them or involve exploitation. You can stay for one, two, or three nights and prices start at 3,800,000 LAK. A 7-day volunteering session costs around 8,500,000 LAK.

6. Take the slow boat on the Mekong

Drift down the Mekong River on a long, narrow boat with comfortable seating, home-cooked meals, and a unique view of the countryside. You can find a ride typically from the border at Huay-Xai that drops you off in Luang Prabang. Slow boats take two to three days. Prices vary depending on the quality of your tour company. There’s also a public boat that leaves daily at 11am.

7. Trek through Phou Hin Poun Conservation Area

Mountains, a limestone forest, rivers full of rapids, and caves await you in the protected Phou Hin Poun area of Laos. The entire area is filled with unique species of flora and fauna, including macaques, tigers, and gibbons. (Yes, tigers.) It’s a stunning area for guided treks, which usually last a couple of days. Your accommodation can help you book a guide on arrival.

8. Get outdoors in Nong Kiew (Muang Ngoi)

Life in this quaint village on the Nam Ou River is slow and peaceful, but Nong Kiew is a popular draw for outdoor lovers. The towering limestone cliffs are ideal for experienced climbers, and there are many hiking trails leading to nearby waterfalls and caves. To get there, take a bus from Luang Prabang to Pak Mong and then a tuk-tuk the rest of the way.

9. Chat with a monk

On the first Sunday of every month, monks gather at the Sangha College in Vientiane to chat with tourists. You’re able to ask them about their practice and daily life, and in return, they can practice their English. It’s a fun and eye-opening way to learn about the culture and the religion from someone whose daily life is much different than yours.

10. Visit the Buddha Caves

The Buddha Caves (Pak Ou Caves) hold over 6,000 Buddha statues that the locals still use for worship. There are standing Buddhas, sitting Buddhas, reclining Buddhas — you name it! To get there you take a scenic 25-kilometer (16-mile) boat trip up the Mekong River or you can take a songthaew (a truck converted into a shared taxi). From there, you’re able to explore the two main caves on foot. It’s about 20,000 LAK to enter the caves, and a shared boat costs 65,000 LAK round-trip (the boat takes two hours there and one hour to get back).

11. Take a Lao cooking class

Take a cooking class to learn how to make traditional dishes like laap (salad with minced meat and spices), orh (spicy stew), and mok pa (steamed fish in banana leaf). Most classes include a visit to the market and include several dishes, ending with everyone feasting on the food they have just cooked. Prices vary but expect to pay between 250,000-400,000 LAK for a class. If you’re in Vientiane, I recommend taking Madam Phasouk’s class. She’s an amazing cook and her private classes are 150,000 LAK, which includes making 3-4 dishes.

  For more information on specific destinations in Laos, check out these guides:

• Luang Prabang Travel Guide
• Vang Vieng Travel Guide
• Vientiane Travel Guide

Laos Travel Costs

Accommodation – Accommodation in Laos is cheap. Hostel dorm rooms start at around 65,000 LAK per night, although they average closer to 80,000 LAK. Hostels in Vientiane start at slightly higher prices. Private rooms with air-con start at 190,000 LAK but average around 350,000 LAK. Almost every hostel offers free Wi-Fi and most also include free breakfast. It’s very rare for a hostel to have a kitchen, so don’t count on cooking your meals.

Budget hotels and guesthouses are widely available, usually starting around 150,000 LAK for a twin or double room. If you’re looking to splurge on a four-star hotel with a pool, expect to pay at least 400,000 LAK per night.

Airbnb is also available in Laos, with private rooms starting from around 200,000 LAK. An entire home or apartment goes for as little as 500,000 LAK, although prices are generally closer to 1,000,000 LAK. Book early to find the best deals.

Food – Food in Laos has many similarities to its neighbors, with rice and noodle dishes forming the backbone of most meals. Prominent staples include green papaya salad and laap (also known as larb ) (a minced-meat salad that is the national dish, usually featuring fermented fish). Grilled meats, such as chicken, pork, and duck are also very popular, as is feu , the local version of pho.

Most street food and cheap meals of local cuisine cost less than 22,000 LAK, especially in the night market where you can find things like barbecued meats, spicy papaya salad, and noodle soup.

If you want to splash out on a fancy meal, expect to pay around 150,000 LAK for a three-course meal with a drink.

Beer is very cheap here, costing around 14,000 LAK. If you want a latte or cappuccino, expect to pay around 30,000 LAK. Bottled water is around 5,000 LAK.

If you have access to a kitchen, a week’s worth of groceries costs around 250,000-300,000 LAK for basic staples like rice, pasta, produce, and some meat.

Backpacking Laos Suggested Budgets

On a backpacker budget, expect to spend around 300,000 LAK per day. This budget covers staying in a hostel dorm, eating street food, drinking a couple beers, renting a bicycle to get around, and enjoying mostly cheap activities like hiking and swimming. Add another 15,000-30,000 LAK to your daily budget if you plan on drinking more.

On a mid-range budget of 650,000 LAK per day, you can stay in a private hostel dorm or Airbnb, drink more, enjoy lots of street food, take some taxis or tuk-tuks, and do more activities like go rock climbing or ATV riding.

On a “luxury” budget of around 1,800,000 LAK per day, you can stay in a hotel, eat all your meals out anywhere you want, enjoy lots of drinks, hire tuk-tuks or rent a motorbike/scooter, and do whatever activities you want. This is just the ground floor for luxury though. The sky is the limit!

You can use the chart below to get some idea of how much you need to budget daily, depending on your travel style. Keep in mind these are daily averages — some days you’ll spend more, some days you’ll spend less (you might spend less every day). We just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in LAK.

Laos Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

Laos is very affordable so it’s hard to save tons of money if you are already traveling on a budget. Sticking to hostels or inexpensive guest houses, public transportation, and street food will ensure you don’t break the bank. It’s hard to spend a lot when you just do normal travel. That said, here are some ways to save money in Laos:

• Buy from market stalls – Buying your own food is infinitely cheaper than going to restaurants (not that they are even that expensive, however). If you’re on a budget, though, stick to the local markets. Fresh food is the cheapest there.
• Use public transportation – Taxis and tuk-tuks may be convenient, but they slowly ruin your budget. Stick to public transportation if you need to get around. If you do need to take a tuk-tuk or taxi, ask your hotel/hostel staff what you should expect to pay to make sure you don’t get ripped off!
• Avoid western food – Western food is always more expensive than local cuisine. While the prices aren’t that high, it slowly adds up throughout your trip.
• Bring a reusable water bottle – The tap water here isn’t safe to drink. To save money and reduce your plastic use, bring a reusable water bottle with a filter. LifeStraw makes a reusable bottle with a built-in filter so you can be sure your water is always safe and clean.

Where to Stay in Laos

Laos has plenty of budget-friendly hostels around the country. Here are my suggested places to stay:

• Indigo House Hotel (Luang Prabang)
• Nana Backpackers Hostel (Vang Vieng)
• Vang Vieng Freedom Hostel (Vang Vieng)
• Dream Home Hostel (Vientiane)
• Vongkham Eco Village (Vientiane)
• Sanga Hostel (Pakse)

How to Get Around Laos

Getting around Laos can be a challenge. The roads are poor, and you have to navigate several mountain passes to get almost anywhere. Nothing is ever on time, and even short trips can turn into endless journeys.

Public transportation – Public transportation is available in some of the larger cities, with prices starting around 5,000 LAK and going up from there based on distance.

Bus – Buses are the most common way to get between cities in Laos. Ticket prices vary between 80,000-130,000 LAK for a 4-6-hour ride. Buses are pretty uncomfortable and many don’t have air conditioning, but they get you from point A to point B around the country without breaking the bank.

In busier towns, you can purchase your ticket from just about any tour operator. This includes transit from your hotel/hostel to the station. Otherwise, you can show up at the city’s bus station. A trip from Vientiane to Luang Prabang or Pakse shouldn’t cost more than 100,000 LAK.

There are also plenty of air-conditioned “VIP” buses. A “VIP” trip from Vientiane to Luang Prabang costs 410,000 LAK. Overnight buses cost 170,000-400,000 LAK depending on the distance. You can usually buy tickets for these buses from your hostel/hotel. You can use 12go.asia to compare prices.

If you’re looking to head into a neighboring country, a bus from Vientiane to Hanoi costs around 500,000 LAK. There is also a direct route between Luang Prabang and Chiang Mai starting from 425,000 LAK, but keep in mind the ride is at least 15 hours. A bus from Vientiane to Bangkok also takes about 15 hours and costs about 425,000 LAK.

To find bus routes and prices, use BusBud .

Boat – One of the most popular ways to see Laos is via a slow boat between Huay Xai and Luang Prabang on the Mekong River. The journey takes two days. For short trips (like Luang Prabang to the Pak Ou Caves), you can get a river taxi for about 65,000 LAK.

Flying – I don’t recommend flying unless you are super pressed for time. Domestic flights are costly, and there are frequent cancellations. Even booking far in advance, a flight from Vientiane to Luang Prabang costs upwards of 500,000 LAK for a 50-minute flight. But if you must, these are Laos’ airlines:

• Laos Airlines

Car rental – Car rentals in Laos aren’t super affordable, costing around 750,000 LAK per day for a multi-day trip. Renters need to be at least 23 and have an International Driving Permit (IDP).

For the best car rental prices, use Discover Cars .

When to Go to Laos

October to April is the best time to visit Laos. This is when the country’s weather is consistently warm and dry. (Keep in mind the mountainous areas experience much cooler temperatures year-round compared to the other parts of Laos.) It’s also the high season, so you can expect bigger crowds and inflated prices. That said, the crowds here are much smaller than in neighboring Thailand and Vietnam.

Elsewhere, April and May tend to be the hottest months, with temperatures as high as 40°C (104°F). The humidity can be extremely uncomfortable during this time too.

The rainy season lasts from late May to October. It’s still a pleasant time to visit as rainfall each day never lasts long. During this time, the waterfalls flow heavier and wildlife becomes more active. There are also fewer tourists around during this time as well.

How to Stay Safe in Laos

Laos is a very safe country to backpack and travel around as violent crime against travelers is rare. Pickpocketing is your biggest concern. It often occurs in busy market areas (especially in Vang Vieng) and on transportation. Keep your valuables close and out of reach at all times just to be safe.

If you’re worried about getting ripped off, you can read about common travel scams to avoid here.

If you’re hiking or sightseeing, always stay on the marked trail. Some places are strictly prohibited because of unexploded landmines. This is especially true around the Plain of Jars. You shouldn’t have a reason to wander off into a dangerous area but pay attention to signs and markers.

When people get into trouble here, it’s mostly because they’re tangled up with drugs or the sex industry. Laos is strict about punishment when it comes to these offenses, so avoid them at all costs!

Solo female travelers should generally feel safe here, however, the standard precautions apply (never leave your drink unattended at the bar, never walk home alone intoxicated, etc.).

If you experience an emergency, dial 191 to contact the police.

When in doubt, always trust your instincts. If a taxi driver seems shady, get out. If your hotel or accommodation is seedier than you thought, go somewhere else. Make copies of your personal documents, including your passport and ID, in case of an emergency.

The most important piece of safety advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance protects you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you:

Laos Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Agoda – Other than Hostelworld, Agoda is the best hotel accommodation site for Asia.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.

Laos Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written on Laos travel and continue planning your trip:

Is Southeast Asia Safe for Travelers?

The Secret Pool of Kuang Si Waterfall

The Cost of Traveling Laos

Vang Vieng: A Hedonistic Backpacker Town Reborn

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