Heading to Laos? As an exciting destination, it's renowned for its beauty, culture, food, and exciting activities. Our travel cost guide will help you plan an epic vacation without overspending. We've got all the essentials, from average hotel rates to dining and entertainment costs. All of the travel expenses are from real travelers, so you can travel smart and have an amazing trip.
How much does it cost to travel to Laos?
You should plan to spend around $18 (₭393,696) per day on your vacation in Laos. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $9.02 (₭199,007) on meals
- $1.95 (₭42,935) on local transportation
- $11 (₭248,277) on hotels
A one week trip to Laos for two people costs, on average, $250 (₭5,511,744). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.
-
One Week
Per person
$125
₭2,755,872
-
2 Weeks
Per person
$250
₭5,511,744
-
One Month
Per person
$535
₭11,810,880
-
One Week
For a couple
$250
₭5,511,744
-
2 Weeks
For a couple
$499
₭11,023,488
-
One Month
For a couple
$1,070
₭23,621,760
How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Laos cost?
A one week trip to Laos usually costs around $125 (₭2,755,872) for one person and $250 (₭5,511,744) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
A two week trip to Laos on average costs around $250 (₭5,511,744) for one person and $499 (₭11,023,488) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Laos will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.
A one month trip to Laos on average costs around $535 (₭11,810,880) for one person and $1,070 (₭23,621,760) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.
Independent Travel
Traveling Independently has many benefits including affordabilty, freedom, flexibility, and the opportunity to control your own experiences.
All of the travel costs below are based on the experiences of other independent travelers.
Is Laos expensive to visit?
Laos is a very affordable destination to visit. It is in the top 10% of countries in the world for its affordability. Many budget travelers enjoy spending long periods of time exploring this country in depth.
Within Asia, Laos is very affordable compared to the other countries. It is in the top 10% of countries in Asia for its affordability. Very few countries in the region are as affordable as Laos.
From budget-friendly stays to high-end hotels, Laos has something to offer every traveler with different spending habits and travel preferences. You can find budget-friendly hostels in Luang Prabang, Vang Vieng, and Vientiane, while luxury hotels cater to those seeking opulence, with mid-range hotels also available for families and couples.
Laos has a reputation for being expensive, but there are simple ways to make it affordable, like eating at less expensive restaurants and enjoying free activities.
On average, budget travelers spend $7 (₭157,097) per person per day, mid-range travelers spend $18 (₭393,696) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $44 (₭972,929) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Laos.
For more details, see Is Laos Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Laos?
The average Laos trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Laos travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Laos cost?
Laos on a Budget
|
Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation 1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$2.23
(₭49,241)
|
$5.62
(₭124,139)
|
$14
(₭311,063)
|
|
Local Transportation 1
|
$0.77
(₭17,034)
|
$1.95
(₭42,935)
|
$4.87
(₭107,528)
|
|
Food 2
|
$3.66
(₭80,862)
|
$9.02
(₭199,007)
|
$21
(₭470,640)
|
|
Entertainment 1
|
$0.95
(₭21,033)
|
$2.60
(₭57,290)
|
$7.62
(₭168,217)
|
|
Alcohol 2
|
$0-1
(₭8,373-25,120)
|
$1-3
(₭20,717-62,152)
|
$2-7
(₭49,645-148,936)
|
Luang Prabang, Laos
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
Having realistic expectations when it comes to your budget is crucial. A lot of people claim to be "budget" travelers. Many plan their trip thinking they can manage on just $7 a day like a shoestring backpacker. But the truth is, most aren't comfortable with roughing it on a trip. Reflect on what you truly enjoy and how you've traveled in the past. Are you a fan of resorts and comfortable hotels, or do you prefer the price range offered by hostels but with limited amenities? How important is dining in nice restaurants to you? And how do you like to get around? Your answers will greatly influence your overall travel budget.
What Defines a Budget Traveler?
Many people hear that you can visit Laos for $7 per day, but unless you're willing to eliminate a lot of comforts from your trip, prepare to spend a significant amount more.
Backpackers can often get away with this shoestring budget, but it usually involves staying in hostel dorms, eating at the cheapest restaurants or fast food places, taking public transit or walking, and only visiting free attractions.
Luckily, Laos boasts a wide range of hostels. The highest concentration can be found in Luang Prabang, Vang Vieng, and Vientiane.
So, are you average?
If you're a couple or a family traveling for fun, you'll likely want to stay in a mid-range hotel, eat at popular restaurants, and visit the major museums and attractions which have entry fees. Most visitors to Laos will want to visit the major attractions, sights, and landmarks. Most activities cost money, after all. Therefore, it's realistic to expect your actual daily budget to be closer to $18 per person, per day.
With so many hotels and vacation rentals in Laos, you'll have no trouble finding a place that suits your needs. If you're splitting the cost with a partner, friend, or kids, you'll be able to reduce the daily per-person costs, too. You'll find plenty of family-friendly areas like Vang Vieng and Luang Prabang where hotels and restaurants cater to little ones. Consider staying at Vieng Tara Villa in Vang Vieng or The Belle Rive Boutique Hotel in Luang Prabang for a kid-friendly experience. Find more hotel options for families and couples in our hotel costs guide for Laos here.
Dreaming of a Stylish Getaway?
If your dream trip includes all the bells and whistles, be ready for a cost of about $44 per day. Opting for upscale hotels, fine dining at renowned eateries, splurging on unique experiences, and having private drivers will place you in the luxury travel range. You can rub shoulders with other luxury travelers in places like Vang Vieng and Vientiane. Or you could plan an multi-day adventure by booking a higher end tour such as INCREDIBLE LAOS TOUR - offered by Tweet World Travel.
Accommodation Budget in Laos
You'll find a surprising range of accommodation prices in Laos, from budget to high-end options. During peak season, prices increase, but visiting during the low or shoulder seasons can help. Booking early is another great way to save some cash.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Laos for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $11 (₭248,277). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $5.62 (₭124,139) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Laos? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
Local Transportation Budget in Laos
Calculated from travelers like you
-
On average, past travelers have spent $1.95 (₭42,935) per person, per day, on local transportation in Laos. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Laos is significantly more than public transportation.
-
Local Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$1.95
₭42,935
Listed below are some transit expenses in Laos, taken from reports by other travelers. These costs offer a snapshot of transportation prices in the city to give you an idea of what to expect. Keep in mind that your costs may differ, especially if you opt for more expensive options like taxis, which typically cost more than public transportation.
-
Tuk Tuk Ride
₭50,000
-
Tuk Tuk Ride
₭90,000
Food Budget in Laos
Calculated from travelers like you
-
While restaurant and meal prices in Laos can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Laos is $9.02 (₭199,007) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
-
Food2
Meals for one day
$9.02
₭199,007
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Laos is around $9 (₭199007) per person, with previous travelers spending from $4 to $22. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Laos are as follows:
- Breakfast: $2 to $3
- Lunch: $1 to $5
- Dinner: $3 to $7
- Coffee: $1
- Fast Food or Street Food: $1
Food in Laos is somewhat similar to that found in Thailand. There are several comparable dishes, although slight variations in the preparation techniques and ingredients may be obvious. The food is prepared very spicy and is more often bitter instead of sweet. It is made with lots of fresh herbs and vegetables and rice is the staple carbohydrate.
Laap: This is the national dish of Laos, and is sometimes referred to as larb. It is a salad of minced meat that is made with herbs, spices and lime juice. It is often served spicy with a large amount of chili. It is different from the Thai version of this dish because it is usually made with raw meat instead of the cooked variety.
Tam Maak Hung: This is a spicy green papaya salad. It is similar to som tam, which is found in Thailand, although it has a stronger flavor due to the fermented crab and fish sauce that is typical in Laos.
Khao Jii Pat-te: This is a common option throughout Laos and is essentially a French baguette that has been stuffed with a pate.
When you have children in tow, look for places that provide a kids menu. This can be a great way to cut costs, as those meals are often much cheaper. Since some restaurants don't list the kids' options, make sure to ask the waiter before you decide.
While many hotels include breakfast in the overall price, some may charge you extra for it. The range of prices and quality can vary by hotel. Knowing what to expect can help you determine if the hotel buffet is worth it or if you should just grab something from a nearby bakery or café at a lower cost.
Bringing a water bottle with you instead of buying drinks can save money and is also better for the earth.
If you're gearing up for a tour, make sure to verify in advance which meals are part of the deal. You might need to pay for some food yourself, which can impact your budget.
If you want to experience the culture in Laos, a food tour or cooking class is a great way to do it. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. A few of the best culinary activities here include:
- Evening Bamboo weaving & Cooking classes join-in for $47 details
- Tribal Cooking Class in Luang Prabang Forest and visit for $91 details
- Home-cooked dinner & Baci ceremony with Villagers in Ban Nasang for $52 details
- Luang Prabang Mekong Sunset Cruise and Hot Pot Dinner for $51 details
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Laos
Calculated from travelers like you
-
Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Laos typically cost an average of $2.60 (₭57,290) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
-
Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$2.60
₭57,290
Local tours that last a few hours can be a great way to explore Laos. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Experience Aroma Candle Making in a Pottery & Tea Ceremony for $29 details
- Nalan Trail Kmu Ethnic Experience - 2days forest trek with homestay. For $96 details
- Vientiane City Day Tour and Buddha Park Visit with Lunch for $99 details
- Luang Prabang Foodie Walking Tour and Monk Blessing for $40 details
Nightlife Budget in Laos
Calculated from travelers like you
-
The average person spends about $1.88 (₭41,435) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Laos per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
-
Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$1.88
₭41,435
While nightlife is often a major part of the experience, cutting back on drinks can help save a lot of money.
Traveling in Laos
Vang Vieng, Laos
Laos is one of the poorest countries in Southeast Asia, and as a landlocked country with a small handful of attractions, it is often overlooked. Travelers who do come to this country come for the laid back atmosphere and beautiful landscape with striking sunsets and welcoming people. Throughout the country you'll find colonial French towns and beautiful Buddhist stupas. While it may be less popular, when you look at the subtleties, Laos has plenty to offer.
Laos is one of the most relaxed countries in Southeast Asian. Because tourism is not as popular, it has a more mellow vibe and it is the perfect place to let the days slip away in a peaceful and beautiful setting. Most visitors to this country and traveling through other parts of Southeast Asia as well. This is a great place to meet fellow backpackers, exchange tips, and rest after some grueling journeys.
Although Laos has a small population, there are still a wide range of ethnic groups. Three quarters of the population fall into the Lao, Khmou, and Hmong groups.
At A Glance
- Popular experiences during a trip to Laos include a visit to the golden Phra That Luang temple and Wat Si Saket, the site of 2,000 Buddha statues. Enjoy the growing industry of ecotourism or take a longtail boat ride down the Mekong River. Tubing is one of the most popular activities in Laos.
- The climate in Laos is broken down into three different seasons. The hot season runs from March to May and temperatures can soar. The wet season, between May and October, is a little cooler, but tropical downpours are frequent. July and August are the worst months for rain, and some flooding in not uncommon. The dry season is between November and March. During this time there is far less rain and temperatures are much cooler. This is the peak season in Laos.
- There are several options for traveling around Laos. Minibuses are a faster, but more expensive option. VIP buses are older and break down often, but they are more comfortable with more space for the traveler. Some perks may also be included in your fare such as a bottle of water and a lunch or dinner. Air conditioning is usually available but may be broken. Renting a car is the most expensive, but most convenient option for navigating the country.
- The Lao currency is the kip. Some places will accept the US dollar, although this should not be expected. In touristy areas the euro may also be accepted. There are plenty of ATMs in Vientiane and some can be found in other cities such as Luang Prabang, Vang Vieng, Savannekhet, Tha Khaek, among others.
- You can purchase made-to-order clothing in Laos, but expect low quality material. Alternatively, a popular purchase is Handmade Lao silk, which can be found at the Morning Market in Vientiane. Make sure the silk is authentic and not the cheaper, synthetic form that is imported from China or Vietnam.
Related:
Looking for a hostel in Vietnam or Cambodia? Find party hostels in Vietnam or Siem Reap or find the best place to stay if you're traveling alone to Ho Chi Minh City.
Top Tourist Attractions
Vieng Xai: This town offers a unique view into Laos' past. It served as the headquarters for the Pathet Lao during the US led bombings in the 1960's. The headquarters was based in the limestone karst cave networks found throughout the towns. The caves created a "hidden city" that support about 20,000 people over the course of 9 years. It was a functioning community with schools, hospitals and markets. Today, daily tours are available of the caves.
Wat Phu: This is the site of ruins from a Kindu Khmer temple complex in the Champasak province. It dates back to the 12th century and has some similarities to Angkor Wat.
Pha That Luang: Laos is a Buddhist nation and temples are one of the most common attractions for visitors. This stupa is the national symbol and most significant monument in the country. It dates back to the 16th century and is found in the capital city of Vientiane.
We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.