Trip Planning
The TakeYourBackpack guidebooks are your all-in-one travel companion, featuring the best cities, national parks, hikes, beaches, and unique sites, along with essential tips on when to go, how to get around, exchanging money, and even local phrases to get you started — everything you need for a smooth, unforgettable backpacking adventure.
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Personal tip: I normally search on good rating for atmosphere (for meeting people) and location (for easy exploring). Cleanliness as a bonus.
Travel Essentials
Hepatitis A and B vaccines are recommended for all travelers to Laos. Typhoid vaccination is also advised, especially if you’re planning to eat street food or stay in rural areas. Consider a rabies vaccine if you’ll be in contact with animals or in remote regions. Ensure your routine vaccinations, like MMR and Tetanus, are up-to-date. Japanese Encephalitis is recommended if you’ll spend a lot of time outdoors in rural areas or if you’re visiting during the rainy season. Always consult your healthcare provider for personalized advice.
vaccination requirementsWhen I first started traveling, I often spent part of my first day in a new country hunting for a local SIM card. While this can still be slightly cheaper, it also takes time and planning.
These days, it's much simpler to install an eSIM before leaving home. Once you arrive in Laos, you can activate it immediately and have mobile data from the moment you land — which is especially useful for ordering transport or navigating away from busy airports.
There are many providers nowadays, and price differences are usually small. I personally go with Airalo, as it offers excellent network coverage throughout the country and strong global coverage, so you can manage multiple countries from a single app.
Get your e-sim for LaosCulture & Customs
Dress conservatively, especially at religious sites. Women should cover shoulders and knees. Remove shoes before entering homes or temples. Use your right hand or both hands when giving or receiving things. Avoid touching anyone’s head, as it’s considered impolite. Public displays of affection are frowned upon. For LGBTQ+ travelers, discretion is advised in public as Laos is a conservative country, though private tolerance is generally high. If invited to a local home, bring a small gift like fruit or sweets. Remember, a smile goes a long way in Laos.
Trying traditional food is always a great way to experience the culture. Here are some must-try dishes for Laos.
- Larb: Often considered the unofficial national dish, this spicy meat salad is a mix of minced meat (usually chicken, beef, or pork), lime juice, fish sauce, herbs, and roasted ground rice. It’s a staple at celebrations and gatherings, representing the balance of flavors Laos is known for.
- Sticky Rice (Khao Niew): More than just a side, sticky rice is the backbone of Lao meals. It’s a cultural icon, symbolizing Lao identity and often eaten with fingers, pairing perfectly with almost every dish.
- Tam Mak Hoong (Papaya Salad): This spicy salad made from shredded green papaya, tomatoes, lime, chili, and fish sauce is a classic Lao street food. It highlights the bold flavors and love for fresh ingredients in Lao cooking.
- Or Lam: A hearty stew from Luang Prabang, Or Lam is made with buffalo meat or chicken, lemongrass, eggplant, and wood ear mushrooms, often spiced with chili and pepperwood. It’s a comfort food that reflects the local produce and flavors.
- Khao Piak Sen: This noodle soup, made with hand-rolled rice noodles in a thick, savory broth, is often enjoyed for breakfast. It’s a simple yet deeply satisfying dish that showcases the warmth and comfort of Lao cuisine.
Locals in Laos typically don’t drink tap water without boiling it first, and it’s not recommended for tourists to drink it straight from the tap either. Stick to bottled or filtered water to be safe—it’s cheap and widely available. If you’re eco-conscious, bring a portable water filter or purification tablets.
The main language in Laos is
Lao. Backpacking is way more rewarding if you know a bit of the local language, so I'd suggest brushing up on the basics just in case your Lao skills have become a bit rusty.
Want to understand locals better?The complete Travel Guide for Laos includes 52 essential words and phrases — greetings, thank-yous, ordering food, transport, numbers, and common local expressions you'll actually hear.
Get your local basic phrases 👉
Get the Travel Guide - In Laos,
English is not as widely spoken as in some neighboring countries, but it is increasingly common, especially in urban areas and tourist destinations. In cities like Vientiane and Luang Prabang, you’ll find many people in the hospitality industry—such as hotel staff, tour guides, and restaurant workers—who can communicate in English. However, in rural areas, English proficiency may be limited, and local languages like Lao are predominantly spoken.
While younger generations, particularly students and professionals, are more likely to speak English due to education and exposure to media, fluency levels can vary significantly. Basic English phrases may be understood, but for more complex conversations, patience and gestures may be necessary.
Travelers are encouraged to learn a few basic Lao phrases, as this can enhance interactions and show respect for the local culture. Overall, while English is not universally spoken, it is sufficient for navigating most tourist experiences in Laos, particularly in areas frequented by foreigners.
Money & Payments
The local currency of Laos is LAK (₭).
If you’re backpacking in Laos, here’s the lowdown on handling money:
ATMs: They’re available in cities and larger towns, but don’t count on them in rural areas. Stick to Vientiane, Luang Prabang, and Pakse for reliable access. Most ATMs dispense Lao Kip, but a few might offer dollars.
Cash: Always have some kip on hand for small purchases and in places where cards aren’t accepted. U.S. dollars are widely accepted, especially in tourist areas, but it’s not as common to use euros for everyday transactions.
Card Acceptance: Credit and debit cards are becoming more widely accepted in hotels and larger restaurants, but cash is still king. Always ask first if you’re in a smaller establishment.
Exchanging Money: It’s better to exchange money at banks or authorized exchange offices rather than at the airport for better rates. Keep an eye out for exchange fees, too. Avoid exchanging on the street—it’s risky and often illegal.
As always, keep some emergency cash hidden away, just in case you can’t access an ATM or card payments fail. Safe travels!
Laos generally doesn’t have a strong tipping culture, but small tips are appreciated in tourist areas. In restaurants, consider leaving around 10% if service is good. For services like taxis or local guides, rounding up the fare or giving a small amount is a nice gesture.
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Best Backpacking
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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.
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Hi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past decade, I’ve backpacked through 80+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.