1. Do I need a visa to visit Laos?
Unless you come from one of the 15 countries with a Visa Exemption, then you will need to obtain a visa in order to enter Laos as a tourist.
The 15 visa-exempt countries are Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Mongolia, Philippines, Russia, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand, Vietnam, Japan, Luxembourg, Switzerland, Brunei, and Myanmar.
Laos does have the option of obtaining a visa from an embassy if your resident country has one.
Or you could just wait and apply for your Visa on Arrival, as long as you meet the requirements.
But Laos does not have an e-visa option, though many travel agencies will help with your visa application, for a fee.
2. What are the COVID-19 travel restrictions for traveling to Laos?
As of May 9, 2022, Laos has lifted the bans on travel to the country and is now accepting tourists from anywhere in the world.
The requirements for a visa are now back to normal as well, though some additional documents are now also required.
These include a COVID-19 vaccine certificate showing full vaccination or negative rapid antigen COVID-19 test result, and registration and completion of the health declaration form via “Laos Online”.
And while there is no need to quarantine on arrival, if you test positive while in Laos, you will need to be isolated, so travel insurance with COVID cover is a must. Social distancing and face masks are optional, but local businesses are permitted to provide their own rules.
3. Is Laos safe to travel? Especially for solo female travelers?
For most tourists, Laos is a relatively safe country, though certain parts of the country are still off-limits due to unexploded ordinances left behind from several decades of wars. While general crime rates are pretty low, it is still advisable to be careful with your valuables and not wander into remote parts late at night.
For women, as a Buddhist country, Laos is relatively safe for female travelers. While you will find there is some general crime, crimes against women specifically are lower than in most of Asia, and much lower than in the rest of the world.
4. How long do I need to visit Laos?
Ideally, a trip to Laos requires at least 1 week, though 2 weeks would be better. That would give you more time to explore more of the highlights of this ancient Asian kingdom and get from top to bottom. But if you really want to explore the whole country properly, you really need a couple of months.
If you have a week, you can explore the area of Luang Prabang and its surroundings from Pak Ou Cave to Kuang Si Waterfall, you can spend a day or two exploring Vang Vieng, and take an express train to the capital of Vientiane for a day’s sightseeing.
Two weeks means you can spend more time in Vientiane, including exploring its unique nightlife, spending some time in an elephant camp, and heading out to such exciting places as the Namh Dong Park, the Plain of Jars, and the ruins of Muang Khoune.
5. How much does a trip to Laos cost?
The cost of a trip to Laos depends on your style of travel, time spent in the country, and what you want to see and do. You can spend a fortune on 5-star hotels, or you can travel on a budget for a lot less.
Laos is a relatively cheap country in terms of overall cost, though not as cheap as some of its neighbors.
A day’s meals can be had for as little as 6-7 dollars a day, and the average price for a hotel is around 13 dollars per night, based on two people sharing a 3-star room.
On average, you can expect to spend from around 30-35 US dollars a day, per person, which is a pretty reasonable budget, to a more exuberant 60-65 dollars a day for a more extravagant budget, though this is still not luxurious.
6. How to travel around Laos?
Buses and sawngthaews - converted pick-ups - run between towns all over Laos, and the ordinary bus is the cheapest way to get around, though they are often cramped and overloaded.
The roads in Laos have improved in recent years, but they can still be rough and filled with potholes in some places.
Inside the towns and cities, samlaws, also known as tuk-tuks, run the streets taking passengers around the major locations.
And then you have the option of taking the boat along the rivers, chugging up and down the Mekong between the major towns.
7. What currency is used in Laos? Can I use my credit card in Laos?
The official currency of Laos is the Kip, which is denoted on banknotes as “₭ “.
The kip comes in denominations of notes only, rising from 1 to 50,000 in various gradients. The average exchange rate in 2022 is around 15,328 LAK to the US Dollar.
However, as with many Indochinese countries, the US dollar is widely accepted, though not officially, especially for larger more expensive purchases. So, if you are planning on buying larger items, or paying for your Visa on Arrival, bring US dollars with you.
Credit cards are also not as widely accepted in Laos outside the larger hotels, and the major banks and selected shops in Vientiane and Luang Prabang.
ATMs are also not available outside the major cities and towns, so withdraw what you need for the entire time you are out of the city if you are traveling.
8. What are the do’s and don’ts in Laos?
Laos is a Buddhist country, so there are some local rules and customs that you should be aware of, for your own sake as much as for the benefit of the locals.
In the temples, it is forbidden to touch the Buddha images and statues or religious icons, and women must not touch the monks and novices at all.
And if you sit in a temple, do not point your feet at the image of Buddha.
Women should also cover up more than normal, as bare shoulders, arms and legs are considered inappropriate in most places.
One should never touch the head of another person, unless you are related, and you should always take off your shoes when entering a house or a temple.
And if you want to take photos, always ask permission first. Public displays of affection are also considered bad manners, so it is best to keep kissing in private locations.
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