Laos – Things You Should Know Before Your Trip

Laos is a landlocked Southeast Asian country known for its deep Buddhist culture and tranquil pace of life. As November, the most beautiful season in Laos, is approaching, here are some tips to help you have an enjoyable trip.

1. Transportation

– There are now direct flights from Ho Chi Minh City/Hanoi to Vientiane/Luang Prabang, so you no longer need to transit through Bangkok.

– To get from the airport to your hotel, you can take a taxi, tuk-tuk, or use the hotel’s transfer service. Laos also has the Loca app, similar to ride-hailing apps in Vietnam, which requires a Lao phone number to log in. Generally, app prices are higher than negotiating directly with drivers.

– LCR High-Speed Train:
+ It’s very convenient and fast for traveling between Vientiane, Vang Vieng, and Luang Prabang. You can now purchase tickets on the LCR app using a Vietnamese phone number and personal email, 7 to 10 days before departure. It’s best to book tickets early to avoid sold-out situations during holidays and weekends.
+ Normally, arriving at the station 30 minutes before departure is sufficient. However, during weekends or pre-holiday periods, stations can be crowded, so plan to arrive at least 45 minutes early to allow time for security checks.
+ Note that you cannot bring aerosol products like sunscreen sprays, mosquito sprays, or dry shampoo sprays on the train. These items will be confiscated during security checks.

2. Accommodation

– In Vientiane and Vang Vieng, I haven’t found any hotels I particularly love, so read reviews and choose accordingly.

– In Luang Prabang, I recommend Villa Oasis – the kindness and friendliness of the staff left a lasting impression on me.

3. Costs

– Costs have increased significantly recently. In May 2023, renting a private tuk-tuk from the town to Kuang Si Falls (60km round trip) in Luang Prabang cost about 200,000 kip, but by November 2024, it’s 600,000 kip after bargaining.

– If using a credit card, most shops and restaurants charge an additional 2.5% fee, and not all accept cards. Cash remains the most convenient option.

4. Attractions

– Vientiane can be explored in half a day to a day. Vang Vieng offers many activities like kayaking, tubing, hot air ballooning, motorized paragliding, physical activities at Blue Lagoon, and cave exploration. Luang Prabang features the old town, Kuang Si Falls, and Tak Bat (or Sai Bat) – the traditional Buddhist alms-giving ceremony, which starts around 6 AM, mainly along Sakkaline Road.

– Before deciding where to go, check opening hours on Google, as many places close on Sundays.

– If renting a bicycle, confirm or inform the shop of your intended return time. Do not use your passport as a deposit; use an ID card instead to ensure you can still return home if needed.

5. Weather

– Around May and June, it’s extremely hot. By late November to December, the weather is cool, even cold. In late November, early mornings in Luang Prabang are foggy with temperatures ranging from 14 to 16°C; by noon, the fog clears, and it’s sunny with temperatures around 20 to 25°C. After 8 PM, temperatures drop again.

6. Food

The food is generally easy to enjoy; just ask vendors to adjust the spiciness. Many dishes have a Northern Thai influence, such as khao soy and sai ua (sausages). Be sure to try grilled chicken (it’s incredibly flavorful and juicy everywhere) and Lao sticky rice.

7. Currency Exchange and SIM Cards

– Exchange money at Vientiane airport, right at the arrivals area, or in the old town center of Luang Prabang. They’re open until 9 PM, even on weekends.

– Buy a SIM card at the airport, right at the arrivals area, from Unitel.