The backpacker scene in Laos is vibrant and popular among travelers seeking adventure and cultural experiences. The country offers a unique blend of stunning natural landscapes, rich history, and a laid-back atmosphere that appeals to backpackers …
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Backpacking Laos in 2025
A complete guide for backpacking in Laos with best places to go, best time to visit, what to bring and safety advice.
Visit Laos
Welcome to Laos, a backpacker's haven nestled in Southeast Asia, where lush landscapes and cultural charm create a unique adventure. Pros? Traverse serene temples, navigate the Mekong River, and revel in the affordable living. Laos offers a tranquil escape from bustling tourist routes. However, limited transportation options and less developed infrastructure can pose challenges. For the backpacker seeking authenticity and tranquility, Laos stands out, offering a genuine cultural experience in a laid-back setting, where each moment unveils the beauty of this Southeast Asian gem.
Why to go?Why backpacking in Laos
Backpackers
Cheap
The average costs for backpacking in Laos can vary depending on the traveler's preferences and travel style. On average, budget travelers can expect to spend around $20 to $30 per day. This includes accommodation in budget guesthouses or hostels, …
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Food
The food in Laos is so good because of its fresh and flavorful ingredients, as well as its unique blend of herbs and spices. Laotian cuisine is known for its use of aromatic herbs like lemongrass, galangal, and kaffir lime leaves, which add a depth …
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💡 HighlightsTop-5 things to do in Laos
- Luang Prabang: Explore the charming UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its well-preserved architecture, Buddhist temples, and traditional markets. Witness the daily alms-giving ceremony and visit the stunning Kuang Si Waterfalls.
- Vientiane: Discover the capital city’s mix of French colonial architecture and Buddhist temples. Visit the sacred Pha That Luang, explore the vibrant night market, and take a stroll along the Mekong River.
- Plain of Jars: Uncover the mysterious ancient sites scattered across the landscape. Marvel at the giant stone jars believed to be over 2,000 years old and learn about the local legends surrounding them.
- Bokeo Nature Reserve: Embark on a wildlife adventure in this protected area. Go on a Gibbon Experience and zip-line through the forest canopy, spot rare wildlife species, and immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Laos.
- Si Phan Don (Four Thousand Islands): Relax in this peaceful archipelago located in the Mekong River. Enjoy the laid-back island life, go kayaking or tubing, and catch a glimpse of the rare Irrawaddy dolphins.
But Laos offers more...
🌤️ When to go?Best time to go backpacking Laos
The best time to visit Laos for backpacking is during the dry season, which runs from November to April. During this time, the weather is generally sunny and dry, making it easier to explore the country and its natural attractions. However, it's worth noting that the peak tourist season is from December to February, so prices may be higher and popular destinations more crowded. If you're on a budget, consider visiting in November or April when the weather is still pleasant, but there are fewer tourists.
Risk level: low (33%)Safety advice for Laos
- Typhoon Yagi has caused substantial damage in Northern Laos. There are reports of landslides, flooding and damage to local infrastructure. If you're in the affected area, monitor the media and follow instructions of local authorities.
- Opportunistic violent crime, such as robbery, occasionally occurs in urban areas. Muggings and sexual assaults are reported. Pay attention to your personal security, especially at night.
- Petty crime, such as theft and bag snatching, is common in tourist areas. Theft and violent crime increase in the lead-up to festivals, such as Lao New Year in April. Safeguard your belongings in crowded areas.
- Several fatal shootings and explosions have occurred in Xaisomboun province, east of Vang Vieng.
- Some restaurants sell food and drink containing potentially harmful drugs. Travellers have been assaulted after accepting spiked food or drinks. Some have died from drug-related incidents. Never accept food or drinks from strangers. Don't leave food or drinks unattended.
- Scams and fraud are common in Laos.
- Exercise caution in relation to offers of employment that appear 'too good to be true'. Before signing an employment contract, verify the true nature of the work offered. Employment scams targeting foreigners have occurred in Bokeo Province along the border with Myanmar, Thailand and around the Golden Triangle Special Economic Zone (GTSEZ).
- Some motorbike rental companies run scams that could cost you thousands of dollars. Use a well-known hire company. Don't use your passport as a deposit or guarantee. Check for skimming machines before using ATMs and keep credit cards protected at all times.
- Protests and demonstrations are illegal in Laos. Avoid any protests, demonstrations or political activity.
source: smartraveller.gov.au
source: www.gov.uk
LaosMy tips to get you on the way!Does Laos sound like your next backpacking destination? Use these steps to get you on the way.
Get inspiration 📚
While guidebooks used to be the backpacker’s holy grail for finding accomodation, nowadays that’s more conveniently accomplished online. However, guidebooks remain an excellent resource for familiarizing oneself with the country, gaining inspiration, and discovering itineraries. I enjoy reading them before my travels and then leaving them behind at home when I embark on my journey.
While guidebooks used to be the backpacker’s holy grail for finding accomodation, nowadays that’s more conveniently accomplished online. However, guidebooks remain an excellent resource for familiarizing oneself with the country, gaining inspiration, and discovering itineraries. I enjoy reading them before my travels and then leaving them behind at home when I embark on my journey.
Prepare your trip ✅
Before embarking on your journey, several essential checks are crucial: passport, visa, vaccinations and insurance. Some countries mandate that your passport remains valid for 3 to 6 months post your return. Additionally, it is important to verify the specific visa requirements for Laos. These differ per country of origin. While you can handle visa arrangements independently, online visa services streamline the process as they know exactly what’s needed for each country. Laos may require certain vaccinations. Make sure to timely check which ones you still need. Lastly, if you don’t have a travel insurance yet, Safety Wing is a good choice as they are tailored for backpackers.
Before embarking on your journey, several essential checks are crucial: passport, visa, vaccinations and insurance. Some countries mandate that your passport remains valid for 3 to 6 months post your return. Additionally, it is important to verify the specific visa requirements for Laos. These differ per country of origin. While you can handle visa arrangements independently, online visa services streamline the process as they know exactly what’s needed for each country. Laos may require certain vaccinations. Make sure to timely check which ones you still need. Lastly, if you don’t have a travel insurance yet, Safety Wing is a good choice as they are tailored for backpackers.
Book your flight ✈️
The flight may be the most expensive part of your trip. Therefore it’s worth spending a bit of time finding the right one. Flight search engines like Skyscanner and Kayak are the best to compare all possible options. A good tip is to be flexible with your exact travel dates. Traveling one or two days earlier/later may save you some bucks. Also booking about three months in advance can help making the best deal for you (though I’m not the best one myself to follow this advice as I tend to decide last-minute). A final tip would be to check airports in neighbouring countries. Not necessarily for cost saving but it can be intriguing to journey into Laos, travel overland to one of its neighbours and fly back home from there.
The flight may be the most expensive part of your trip. Therefore it’s worth spending a bit of time finding the right one. Flight search engines like Skyscanner and Kayak are the best to compare all possible options. A good tip is to be flexible with your exact travel dates. Traveling one or two days earlier/later may save you some bucks. Also booking about three months in advance can help making the best deal for you (though I’m not the best one myself to follow this advice as I tend to decide last-minute). A final tip would be to check airports in neighbouring countries. Not necessarily for cost saving but it can be intriguing to journey into Laos, travel overland to one of its neighbours and fly back home from there.
Book your first night(s) 🛌
Depending on your travel style, you can either plan a detailed day-to-day route and pre-book your accommodations, providing peace of mind, or opt to book them spontaneously, offering greater flexibility to adjust your plan. Personally, I am a big fan of the latter approach, but I always ensure to book the first night(s) in advance.
Depending on your travel style, you can either plan a detailed day-to-day route and pre-book your accommodations, providing peace of mind, or opt to book them spontaneously, offering greater flexibility to adjust your plan. Personally, I am a big fan of the latter approach, but I always ensure to book the first night(s) in advance.
My personal packing list 🎒
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Over the years, I’ve learned the importance of packing minimally. It’s so much easier to jump on the back of a truck or squeeze yourself into the last spot of a minibus without that supersized backpack. If you’re headed to a warm destination, leave your winter jacket at home; for colder regions, opt for thin thermal underlayers. Instead of packing your entire wardrobe, bring just three sets of clothes, as laundry facilities are available everywhere.
Money & Documents
Clothing
Electronics
Health
Others
Over the years, I’ve learned the importance of packing minimally. It’s so much easier to jump on the back of a truck or squeeze yourself into the last spot of a minibus without that supersized backpack. If you’re headed to a warm destination, leave your winter jacket at home; for colder regions, opt for thin thermal underlayers. Instead of packing your entire wardrobe, bring just three sets of clothes, as laundry facilities are available everywhere.Money & Documents
Clothing
Electronics
Health
Others
Moneybelt
[Amazon]
“Best way to carry your important documents”
Quick dry pant
[Amazon]
“Nothing beats these quick dry and light pants when traveling”
Light rain jacket
[Amazon]
“Hiking in rainy season? These keep you dry”
Thermo underwear
[Amazon]
“Less weight and volume than bulky sweaters or jackets”
Quick dry towel
[Amazon]
“Normal towels get smelly and heavy when traveling”
Power bank
[Amazon]
“Pick a small and light one, with 10.000mAh or more”
Travel adapter
[Amazon]
“Needed as each country has its own electricity plugs”
Number lock
[Amazon]
“No chance of losing your key; handy for lockers in dormitories”
Packing cubes
[Amazon]
“Keep your wet or dirty clothes separate from the rest”
Travel pillow
[Amazon]
“Light and great for flights and long bus journeys”
last page update: 29 September 2024