BACKPACKING LAOS TRAVEL GUIDE

JUMP TO : Laos Travel Itineraries | Places to Visit | Where to Stay | Travel Tips | Cost of Travel

Laos is a truly gorgeous country. From the party haven of Vang Vieng to the little-explored jungles of Luang Prabang Nam Tha and the remote mountains in the north, Backpacking Laos offers something different for everyone and Laos remains one of my favourite countries in Asia. This is a land of crawling broadband and pot-holed roads. Every time there is a thunderclap, the electricity goes out, so you better forget about that fruit shake you just ordered! This country requires time; everything seems to slow down here, and people are not in a hurry to get anywhere. Dawdle down cobblestone streets as you pass crowds of orange-robed monks seeking alms outside brightly gilded Buddhist temples. There is little pressure from hawkers or touts, and locals and backpackers alike wear a dreamy expression as they watch the countryside slip gently past from the seat of a bus or the deck of one of the Mekong's legendary barges. Laos is one of South East Asia's last tourism frontiers, take your time; this is a country worth exploring.

Rainbow over Nong Khiaw in Laos.[/caption]

Where to go Backpacking in Laos Laos has two very different regions: the mountainous north and the farmlands of the south. The south has plenty of famous attractions, like the temples of What Phu, the Bolaven Plateau an many other beautiful cascading waterfalls. You'll also see many more rice fields here than up north. The North is often cooler in temperature and offers wonderful mountain scenery and rainforests. Laos' most famous destinations include Luang Prabang, a charming city with plenty to do and see, and Vang Vieng, a party town on the river with access to water adventures. Even though these areas are the backpacker hot spots, it's very easy to get off the beaten path in Laos, where tourism is far behind its neighbors. Editor’s Note: Getting around in Laos just got a whole lot easier! 12Go lets you book trains, buses and ferries and charges way less than on-the-ground tour agencies. I use 12Go myself whilst backpacking around Southeast Asia. It’s way cheaper than booking through a tour company on the ground and way better than turning up at a bus station in the hope that there will still be seats left! Check it out here!

Best Travel Itineraries for Backpacking Laos Below I have outlined three separate travel itineraries for the north, south, and central part of Laos. Each of these itineraries can be easily added on to one another or combined with a trip to Thailand or Vietnam. If you have a month, you can easily combine parts of all three itineraries, and tackle both the north and south regions of Laos. Doing so will mean you get to experience very different scenery. If you only have 2 weeks or less, I suggest focusing on one region of Laos. Travel distances and longer and slower than they look on the map.

Backpacking Laos 10 Day Itinerary #1 - The Classic Route

10 Days: The Classic Route If you have 10 days to explore Laos, you may just want to focus on the classic highlights. This itinerary works well as an add-on to Thailand. You can enter and exit from Nong Khai in Eastern Thailand. Better yet, you can even catch a slow boat ride all the way from Chiang Mai to Luang Prabang. If you're already in Laos, you can also catch one from Houayxai to Luang Prabang. Next is the famous Vang Vieng, known for its parties and the launching spot for water adventures, like kayaking, caving, and tubing. End your trip in the capital, Vientiane.

Backpacking Laos 3 Week Itinerary #2: Mountains and Rainforests

3 Weeks: Mountains and Rainforests This itinerary starts near the Vietnam border, and it's the perfect route for avid hikers and adventure enthusiasts. While you could do it in less than 3 weeks, this is the most remote area of Laos, where transportation is slow. Moreover, you can easily spend several days hiking in the hills. Tip: You can reverse this itinerary and tack it onto the first itinerary if you have 4 or more weeks in Laos! Begin your journey at the Vieng Xai monuments if you are coming from Vietnam. Next, make your way to Nong Khiaw. Surrounded by karst mountains, this is an excellent base for trekking, kayaking, and cycling. Afterward, head up the river a bit to Muang Ngoi. Next, we get very remote. Make your way to the Nam Ou and take a scenic boat ride along the slow running river while admiring the lush, impenetrable jungle. From Nam Ou, you can head back down to Phongsali, a charming, high-altitude town. You can also arrange a trek to local hill-tribe villages. If you haven't trekked enough, make your way to Nam Ha for hiking trips in Nam Ha NBCA. You can arrange guided excursions in Luang Namtha.

From here you have the option to continue on to Luang Prabang and the first itinerary.

Backpacking Laos 2 Week Itinerary #3: The South and Waterfalls

2 Weeks: Waterfalls and the South of Laos 2 Weeks is the perfect amount of time to enjoy the south of Laos. If you have 3 or more weeks to backpack Laos, feel free to combine this route with the Laos 2 Week Itinerary (#1). This itinerary works best if you are coming from Thailand. Start in Savannakhet, the south's colonial gem. Head to the Tad Lo, a great stop for backpackers thanks to the Tad Lo falls and swimming holes. Next, you can head to Pakse, which is the natural base for trips around the Bolaven Plateau and nearby sleepy villages, though there isn't much to see in the actual town. If you don't plan to visit the nearby Bolaven Plateau, move on. Once you're sick of beautiful waterfalls and coffee plantations, head to yet another beautiful waterfall: Tad Fan and Tad Yuang. Continue south to Champasak on the west bank of the Mekong River. You are now near the Wat Phou, a beautiful ruin that gives Angkor Wat a run for its money.

The final stop is Si Phan Don, where the Mekong splits into a web of islands and invites tourists to kick back and enjoy the scenery on an island on a landlocked country. Who would have thought?

Places to Visit in Laos Now that we've covered three awesome Laos itineraries, below I'll cover the destinations and what you can do around each place.

Backpacking Luang Prabang Many travellers arrive into Luang Prabang by slow boat from Thailand. It's a great place to begin your Laos backpacking trip. Make sure to wander around the streets and explore the old town, a historical preservation zone declared by UNESCO. The strict building code, drawn up by UNESCO, keeps it from becoming another modern architectural nightmare without turning it into a museum. Spend half a day taking a walking tour of the town to find hidden treasures or get a massage after your long journey. A perfect day in Luang Prabang consists of: grabbing a cup of coffee at Saffron Café, checking out the monk offerings in the morning, the Royal Museum by day, catching the sunset on the mountaintop and finishing the day at the night market. Grab (similar to Uber) is now readily available in several countries in the region including Laos! Grab is hand down the best way to get around cities, the price is locked in on the app so you can’t get ripped off and it will always work out cheaper than traveling by taxi or rickshaw. Follow this link for free Grab credit. Check out my in-depth guide to the best hostels in Luang Prabang here.

Other cool things to do in Luang Prabang: Climb Mount Phousi before the sun comes up, take some coffee and wait for an incredible sunrise over the Ancient Kingdom... there is not much of a better way to start your day! Wat Xieng Thong is a temple not to be scored off on your backpacking Laos adventure. If you don't see any temple in Laos or Asia for that matter, check this one out. Otherwise known as the Golden City Monastery built in 1560 by King Setthathilat this temple is a complete work of art. Even if you don't go inside, wandering the temple grounds early in the morning before the rush of tourists is awesome. Luang Prabang Nam Tha, often a starting point for those Backpacking Laos and hoping to enter into the Northern Hilltribes. Although the town itself offers no more than a rural village with a few guesthouses, those seeking off the beaten track adventures will make it here. As well as hiking into the Northern Hilltribes, mountain biking is popular among backpackers travelling Laos. You'll often get a map of the area and neighbouring towns when you hire a bike, so go off and explore! Utopia Yoga classes for 40,000 kips. Tamarind Restaurant offers Laos cooking classes.

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Backpackers chilling by the river in Utopia bar in Luang prabang

Backpacking Vang Vieng Vang Vieng is the main backpacker playground in Laos; this is the place where you can smoke a joint and eat banana pancakes all day. For the journey to be worth it - and to enjoy all those banana pancakes - stay at least four days here. The four hour journey from Vientiane to Vang Vieng travel by bus will take you through some awesome scenery. I can guarantee you will end up backtracking at least once unless you start in Luang Prabang. Many backpackers used to head to Vang Vieng for its legendary drunk tubing, but it's nowhere near the same scale anymore. After far too many stupid drunks and fatal accidents, many riverside bars have shut down. It's still a good time, just much more chilled out! However, you'll still come across the drunk and mushroom happy floaters; use your own judgement to stay safe - drownings happen pretty much every year. Top Tip: Don't take your phone, passport and wallet on the river; literally everything you take with you will get soaked. And keep a hold of your tube or you will lose the ridiculously high deposit. Don't fancy floating down the river with a beer and want something more adventurous? Kayaking is awesome in Vang Vieng; explore the river, head into the limestone caves and the

rugged krusts. It is a great day trip and relatively laidback! There are plenty of companies to choose from in Vientiane so haggle for the price and enjoy! If you're short on money and need to make a quick buck, finding work in Vang Vieng is easy! Work the bars; you are likely to get food, unlimited booze and perhaps five dollars a day. Pretty sweet deal if you ask me! Check out Real Backpackers Hostel in Vang Vieng, it is freaking cool hostel! You'll meet heaps of backpackers up for a good time here.

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Kayaking is incredible in Vang Vieng!

Backpacking Vientiane For a capital city, Vientiane is incredibly quiet and is more like a collection of small villages than a bustling city. The small town feel offers a nice chilled out pace of life; wander the streets and explore some of the beautiful, grand monuments and temples. Thanks to an increase in tourism there are some wicked places to stay and in the last few years, even a shopping mall has popped up. I stayed at Sailomyen Hostel and it was a good place to meet other backpackers to go for a beer with. When in Vientiane check out the cities oldest temple, Wat Sisaket. Constructed by the King in the early 1800's the monastery was a site for ceremonies for lords and nobles to swear loyalty

to the King. This temple is also an incredible work of art, and the murals and Buddha carvings are beautiful. You'll easily spend a few hours wandering around here. Also, check out Buddha Park, which as the name suggests, is a park with Buddha statues. I wouldn't spend more than two days in Laos Capital, Vientiane. It's a great place to base yourself before catching a bus to explore the rest of the beautiful country or relax after finishing your Laos trip!

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The pretty, chilled out capital city of Laos

Backpacking Nong Khiaw Nong Khiaw is a rustic town on the bank of the Ou River in Laos, squeezed in-between some of the most fantastic limestone mountains north of Vang Vieng. It is unlikely you will bump into many more backpackers while here. I certainly didn't! Nong Khiaw attracts those looking for some rural, raw adventure in the form of caves. The Pha Tok Caves are set high in a limestone cliff accessed via steep concrete steps. You'll have to pay a small amount to enter the caves and you should take a headtorch. You don't need a guide to explore these caves. They are big and beautiful, but easily navigated. The caves themselves were once used to house villagers and Pathet Lao fighters during the Second Indochina war... Pretty freaking cool!

Stay at the rustic Nam Ou River Lodge to prepare for your trek! You can also stay at Nam Houn Guest House, which has bungalows for 70,000 kip, and you can use the kitchen. As for the best places to eat, check out Mekara restaurant and Chennai restaurant. You can rent bikes to ride around town, or a mountain bike to visit nearby villages.

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Sun rays through rain in Laos.

Backpacking Muang Ngoi About an hour by boat (25,000K) from Nong Khiaw is this beautiful, sleepy village. I definitely recommend staying at Nicksa's Place Bungalows (50,oooK) for 2 people. The main thing to do in Muang Noi is to immerse in the local culture, kick back and relax Laos style. When you're not chilling out, there are many caves you can explore (this is Laos, afterall), like Phanai Cave and Muang Ngoi viewpoint.

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Scenery in Muang Ngoi.

Backpacking Tad Lo Village Want some rest and relaxation or to recoup before heading out to backpack Laos some more? Tad Lo offers a slower pace of life. There is such a chilled vibe with some awesome hikes surrounding the village. If you find yourself here, hang out for a couple of days and definitely head to the Tad Lo Waterfall. Made up of three waterfalls, Tad Hang is the first set of falls you see upon arrival. It is the smallest and gentlest of the three, providing the best opportunity for taking a dip and enjoy a beer. Top Tip: Be warned—and this applies to all the falls—a dam is released every day around 16:00 causing the water to sharply rise. You need to be well clear of the water before then.

The Tad Lo Waterfall is stunning and perfect for a swim.

Backpacking Champasak Champasak is incredible, and almost totally off the tourist trail. You'll struggle to bump into another backpacker here! The town of Champasak is historic and charming, lined with decaying colonial buildings, which were once home to the royals. Sit side by side with wood-shuttered Chinese shophouses and traditional wooden homes. You can tell the locals are proud of the history and beautiful old buildings by the way many of the modern homes mimic the style. The only difference is they are painted in bright cheerful colours. Spend the best part of the day exploring this island and the ancient buildings before chilling out in Vongpaseud Guest House. If you have found yourself in Champasak it is likely you are looking for Wat Muang Kang (or Wat Phuthavanaram): Champasak's oldest running temple. It sits on the banks of the Mekong and is home to many Monks in the area. This is not a major tourist area, it's so surreal to wander through a working temple with no other tourists. Incredibly refreshing and I would get here before the crowds do come!

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Backpacking Tham Kong Cave If you visit one place in Laos, make it this incredible Tham Kong Lo Cave. I first heard about this place on the backpacker grapevine when sharing a beer with a motorcyclist exploring Laos. He told me of a massive cave hidden in a valley of limestone Karsts and guarded by a village of friendly locals. Without a motorbike, my journey to this place took a whole day and involved seven different vehicles. Nobody seemed to understand where I was trying to go. Now, Tham Kong Lo Cave is a lot easier to get to since Lonely Planet covered it, and regular buses started running from Vientiane to Ban Kong Lo, the village near the cave. Spend the night with the locals in a homestay, enjoying some local delicacies and swapping stories. Wake up early and hire a boatman to take you through the seven kilometre flooded cave. It is incredible and if you can avoid high tourist season it is quiet. I would spend maybe two days here as besides the cave there is also some wonderful day hikes to do nearby. For those backpacking Laos and craving adventure and culture, this is definitely one of the places to do it.

Tham Kong Lo Cave!

Backpacking the Four Thousand Islands Si Phan Don, better known as the Four Thousand Islands, is found in the South, just above the border of Cambodia. But Laos is landlocked, how can there be islands? Well, the Islands have formed thanks to the complex river system of the Mekong River. Take a boat tour on the river and visit the villages and inhabitants on the islands and experience traditional Laos culture. Thanks to the isolation the river brings these villages, they are relatively untouched by modern influence. Learn the culture and how involved these communities are with ecological awareness and conservation; if you're lucky, maybe you'll spot the rare freshwater Dolphin! A visit to the 4000 islands is not complete without stopping at Asia's highest waterfall - the Khon Phapheng and Somphamit Waterfalls - otherwise known as Li Phi Falls. They are breathtaking. Once you've had enough of swimming and staring at the falls, head to the island of Don Khon you'll find the ghostly remains of an incomplete railroad. China abandoned the build once the discovery of the falls was made in the nineteenth century; it created a bit of a natural barrier. The Four Thousand Islands would definitely not be the same if the Chinese had continued with the railway…

To get to the Four Thousand Islands, head towards Pakse. Base yourself in the small island of Don Khong. Chill out on this island and explore a beautiful collection of quaint villages and ancient temples. There are heaps of accommodation options here but I would recommend stopping by Don Khong 1 Guesthouse.

The abandoned railway is a spooky but awesome site!

The Gibbon Experience If you want to get back in touch with nature, you can't leave here without trying the Gibbon Experience. I sadly couldn't afford it. But from what I've heard - and enviously looked at - it's freaking awesome and I'm definitely trying it out on my next visit! Essentially, they built some of the world’s highest tree houses so you can experience flying through the forest canopies and waking up surrounded by gibbons. The project raises awareness for forest conservation and made the Nam Kan National park possible. Hundreds of people make a living from this project.

The Gibbon Experience is a must do splurge when backpacking Laos!

Accommodation in Laos The increasing number of backpackers travelling to Laos means hostels are beginning to pop up all over the place. Standards of hostels in the tourist areas such as Luang Prabang and Vientiane are improving and there are some cool places to stay where you can meet other backpackers in Laos. Out in the boondocks, change comes more slowly (and it's mostly local guest houses that are available), but finding accommodation is much simpler; you'll basically have two options and they will be within walking distance of each other! The likes of Couchsurfing and Airbnb are slowly beginning to catch on in Laos, but they are not really reliable once away from the main tourist areas. I highly recommend taking a mosquito net for Laos, although the situation is improving, very few of the best value (cheap!) rooms have mosquito webbing over the windows and many of the walls are constructed with bamboo that leaves plenty of space for critters to crawl through! Hostel Accommodation: At only around five dollars for a night in a dorm, or ten dollars for a double room. Hostels are super cheap options in the city and often close to good bars, sites and street food!

Hotel Accommodation: For not much more than the price of a hostel you can upgrade to a private room in a guesthouse. Or if you fancy treating yourself, backpacker style, basic hotels are all over the place in the tourist areas.

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Where to Stay in Laos 

Location Hostel Why we like it?!

Luang Prabang

Downtown Backpackers Hostel

Clean and comfortable; central location. Wonderful staff.

Vang Vieng Real Backpackers Hostel

Social party atmosphere; pool table; clean beds.

Vientiane Dream Home Hostel 1 Decent party hostel in Vientiane.

Nong Khiaw Nam Ou River Lodge Beautiful View and location.

Top Things to Do in Laos

1. Take a Slow Boat Down the Mekong River One fun way to cross the Thailand - Laos border is by slow boat to Luang Prabang. It's a two day journey filled with amazing scenery, a visit to a Laos village, and a visit to a cave used as a temple.

Hanging out on the slow boat to Luang Prabang

2. Visit the Plan of Jars Site in the North This archeological site dates back to 500 BC, but no one knows the purpose of the giant stone jars.

3. Chill out in the Beautiful Luang Prabang This beautiful town takes you back in time. The architecture, French cafes, bustling night markets and street food can draw you in for days.

One of the best ways to get to grips with a new culture is through the food! Cookly partners with local cooking schools and restaurants in countries all around the world and is an awesome way to go on your very own culinary adventure. Book a Laos cooking class here

4. Party (or Chill) in Vang Vieng Though the river tubing parties aren't what they once were, there are still a number of bars and backpackers partying. Even if you don't have an interest to party, it's a scenic destination with plenty of outdoor activities.

5. Get some Mountain Therapy in the North Often overlooked for the south, the mountainous northern region of Laos is beautiful and far more remote. This is a great region to visit if you want to hike through isolated villages.

6. Boat around Si Phan Don Also known as Four Thousand Islands, this is a great place to boat on the river and explore the islets on a landlocked country.

7. Do Go Chasing Waterfalls You should not be allowed to visit Laos without swimming in a clear turquoise pool surrounded by waterfalls.

Kuang Si Waterfall is home to one of many beautiful cascading pools in Laos.

8. Explore Laos' Temples Laos - like all of Southeast Asia - has no shortage of stunning temples to be admired. While in Luang Prabang, don't miss Golden City Temple (Wat Xieng Thong). For a full day out in Champasak, climb to the top of the hill to see the stunning Wat Phu and mountain views.

9. Explore Laos' Cave System Laos has no shortage of underground river caves to explore. Don't miss Kong Lor Cave, surrounded by unspoilt mountains, or Tham Kong Cave hidden in a valley of limestone Karsts.

10. Be a Part of the Gibbon Experience Did you ever think you would be able to sleep in one of the highest treehouses in the world surrounded by gibbon monkeys? Well now you can at the Gibbon Experience!

Laos Travel Tips Below we have included the latest Laos travel tips, such as travel costs, entry requirements, how to travel around Laos, and the best time to visit Laos. The Best Travel Backpack?!

Pssssst! Not picked the perfect travel backpack yet? The Broke Backpacker team has tried out over thirty backpacks this year! Our favourite carry on backpack is the Nomatic Travel Backpack – Best of all, TBB readers get a massive 20% off! Just use the code: brokebackpacker20 Check out this post to read our full review!

Books to Read in Laos We've listed some of the best books set in Laos to inspire and inform you before your trip to Laos! The Backpacker Bible – Get it for free! Learn how to ditch your desk and travel the world on just $10 a day whilst building a life of long-term travel with an online income. To inspire and help the next generation of Broke Backpackers, you can now grab ‘How to Travel the World on $10 a Day’ for free! Get your copy here. Shooting at the Moon: The Story of America's Clandestine War in Laos: Read about how the CIA began the war in Laos before spilling over into Laos neighbour, Vietnam. For those who are interested in conspiracies, war, history and action this will grip you for hours at a time!

A Short History of Laos: The Land in Between: Great book for those wanting to peak into Laos history in an easy read. Great for those of us heading off backpacking Laos and want to know a little about the culture, history and politics. I would recommend this to everyone planning to backpack Laos. Stalking the Elephant Kings: In Search of Laos: Follow Christopher Kremmer's journey to find the lost Royal Family of Laos, the secrets the country has buried in the rural areas, bomb craters and enigmatic stone containers of the Plain of Jars, the brooding caves and limestone peaks of Houaphan near the Lao border with Vietnam and more. Seriously awesome read which just sucked me in. I read the whole thing on the plane! Another Quiet American: Stories of Life in Laos: Let yourself get immersed in the lives of those living and working in Laos. From the poverty stricken to the incredibly wealthy all struggling to find happiness. Be introduced to Americans who stayed after the war, adjusting to life in Laos and how the locals have welcomed them into the community. A great read to understand life in Laos today. Curse of the Pogo Stick (A Dr. Siri Paiboun Mystery): For anyone who loves fiction, thrillers and ghost stories this is an awesome book. Read about possession in the rural areas of Laos and how old medicine men were brought in to help. Awesome and creepy read! The Rough Guide to Laos 2nd edition (Rough Guide Travel Guides): Rough Guides are my go to when it comes to researching the places I'm travelling to. Their guides are great, lighthearted and will tell you everything from haggling tips to the best corner for street food. Lonely Planet Laos (Travel Guide): I don't often use travel guides, but Lonely Planet made a pretty epic guide for Laos. There are some handy maps inside along with plausible itinerary recommendations. Lonely Planet Lao Phrasebook & Dictionary: Your phone has no more space for language apps, or it's ran out of battery, a phrasebook in your pocket is a lifesaver! This phrasebook is awesome for simple phrases to help you hail that next bus or river taxi! Want more than just the suggestions above? Check out fifty of my favourite reads for the road...

Laos Travel Phrases If you are backpacking Laos, chances are you are going to get off the beaten path a bit. This means you're going to come across locals who do not speak very much English. Learning some Laotian travel phrases will help you connect with the local culture! Hello – Sabaidee

Good Morning/Afternoon/Evening – Ton

sao

How are you? – Sábaidee baw?

Goodbye! – La khãwn

Yes – Jao

No – Baw

How much does this cost? – Laka tao

dai?

Please – Khâluna

No plastic bag - bomi thong yang

Thank you – Khãwp Ja?i

Sorry/excuse me – Khãw thôht

Where is the restroom? – Hàwng nâm yuu

s?i?

I need a doctor – Khoy tong kan Maw

I’m lost – Khoy lohng taang

Can you help me? – Suay khoy dai boh

Staying Safe in Laos Backpacking Laos is pretty safe for us backpackers. While the majority of Laos is open to explore, there are still certain areas that are off limits. Why? Unexploded ordnance left over from decades of warfare, that's why. Not worth hopping that fence… Sadly as a backpacker, you are an obvious target for thieves, so be smart. Being drunk (or stoned) in Vang Vieng is pretty fun, but also the most popular way backpackers leave themselves open to theft and robbery. Although crime rates in Vientiane are low, be on your guard in darker streets outside the city centre, and along the river. Motorbike thieves have been known to snatch bags out of the front basket of other motorbikes that they pass. But really, that's about the worst of it. I had a great time in Laos and didn't have any problems while exploring... So have fun! For more general information, check out Backpacker Safety 101 for tips and tricks to stay safe whilst backpacking. Pick yourself up a backpacker security belt to keep your cash safe on the road. Check out this post for plenty of ideas on ingenious ways to hide your money when travelling. I strongly recommend travelling with a headlamp whilst in Laos; there are frequent power-outages plus lots of caves and fairly dark temples to explore - check out my post for a breakdown of the best value headlamps to take backpacking.

Sex, Drugs & Rock 'n' Roll in Laos Believe it or not, Laos was home to one of the wildest party areas in South East Asia a few years ago. Thanks to Alcohol being readily available throughout Laos it's easy to have a shindig. The local beer is awesome by the way and so cheap! It was only a matter of time before Laos hopped on the party scene. Vang Vieng was home to the infamous tubing, bar hopping and drunk zip lines over the Nam Song River. Back in 2011, this place was jumping and completely wild! So wild that unfortunately, a number of people died. Since then, the situation in Vang Vieng is much more controlled and relatively, sensible? Bar crawling, tubing and zip lining are still available, but it's a bit more chilled now. Drugs in Laos are pretty fucking illegal but easily found! Ganja is easy to find but it’s illegal to smoke it. Backpackers tempted by a cheeky smoke, if caught by police will risk substantial “fines”, police do not need a warrant to search you or your room by the way! Like it's neighbours, Thailand and Vietnam, there have been many instances of locals selling foreigners marijuana and then telling the police.

In Vang Vieng, mushrooms and weed are offered at most backpacker bars, often baked into a dizzying array of “happy” pizzas - Consume pizza at your own risk! Check out Blazed Backpackers 101, for tips on how to stay safe whilst getting fucked up!

When they say River Bars, they really mean, river bars.

Insurance for Backpacking Laos Whenever you hit the road and go travelling, you need insurance. I have been backpacking for years and have had to claim from time to time. If I didn’t have insurance I would have been utterly screwed on all occasions. It’s just not worth the risk to go without. I recommend World Nomads Travel Insurance – they hands down have the best support and if you do need to claim they will help you get it sorted quickly. Even if you don’t get insurance with World Nomads, Please do get some sort of insurance from somewhere! Find out why I recommend World Nomads, check out my World Nomads Insurance review.

What to Pack for Laos On every adventure, there are five things I never go traveling without:

1. Security Belt with Hidden Pocket: I never hit the road without my security belt. This is a regular looking belt with a concealed pocket on the inside – you can hide up to twenty notes inside and wear it through airport scanners without it setting them off. This is hands down the best way to hide your cash.

2.Travel Water Bottle: Always travel with a water bottle – it’ll save you money and reduce your plastic footprint on our planet. AR bottle are tough, lightweight and maintain the temperature of your beverage – so you can enjoy a cold red bull, or a hot coffee, no matter where you are. For every AR bottle sold, we donate 10% to PlasticOceans.org – an initiative to reduce plastic in our oceans!

3. Microfibre Towel: It’s always worth packing a proper towel. Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.

4. Headtorch: I would never travel without a head torch. Even if you only end up using it once, a decent head torch could save your life. If you want to explore caves, unlit temples or simply find your way to the bathroom during a blackout, a head torch is a must. Currently, I’m using the Petzl LED headlamp with red light (which insects can’t see).

5. Hammock: Taking a tent backpacking is not always practical but hammocks are lightweight, cheap, strong, sexy (chicks dig hammocks) and allow you to pitch up for the night pretty much anywhere. Right now, I’m rocking an Active Roots parachute hammock – it’s light, colorful and tough.

For plenty more inspiration on what to pack, check out my full backpacking packing list.

Look Awesome, Do Awesome!

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Best Time to Travel to Laos Laos is often thought of as this small landlocked country in the middle of Asia, but it is actually bigger than you think: big enough that the weather in the North is completely different to the season in the South! This can make it hard to figure out the best time to Backpack Laos.

average temperature Laos

So Amigo's let me help you with that by breaking down the weather in Laos... Lowland Laos (November - January): The best time of the year to visit the lowlands is in these months. The temperatures during the day are comfortably warm, with chillier evenings but beautiful green scenery thanks to the recent rain fall. Lowland Laos (Feb - April): The temperatures are starting to climb and it is increasingly more humid in the day and the evenings. If you like hot climates with the humidity giving you a good excuse to swim in the rivers; this is a great time of year.

Highlands of Laos (November - January): Pretty chilly up in the mountains, temperatures can drop as low as freezing at this time of year! Perfect for those wanting to hike without many people around... just bring warm clothes! Highlands of Laos (February - April): Like the lowlands, the temperature is increasing, but comfortably. The lowlands will be hot and humid whereas the highlands at this time will be equally as hot, but not nearly as humid. At this time of year, the highlands become more popular with tourists escaping the humidity. Burning Season (March - May): Okay, so I've kind of made this name up. But basically starting in March, farmers will begin burning their land to ready it for the upcoming monsoon. This happens mostly in the northern areas, even Luang Prabang. This means that cloud you see is actually smoke. Not ideal time of year for those visiting for awesome picture and can make travel in the North uncomfortable. Monsoon Season (May - September): When it rains in Asia, it really rains. Transport leaves the roads - as they get washed away - and turns to the rivers. Water taxis, ferries and locals will use the rivers to travel around Laos which are now high with flood water.

Useful Apps To Download Before Backpacking Laos XE Currency – My go-to currency app when travelling, you will definitely need this when travelling Nepal. If not, you have some fantastic maths skills! A great way to keep track of how much your spending and understanding the exchange rate. Google Translate – This app helped me out BIG time! Especially when exploring the rural areas not yet blessed with English signs. Working offline you don’t have to worry about a huge data bill. It won’t necessarily help you learn the language but it’s great for practical and quick day to day scenarios. Maps.Me – The most useful app you will ever download. Download the full map of the country before you go and use it offline while you backpack and Trek Nepal. No data used and minimal amount of time getting lost means more time for fun stuff! HIDE.ME – I always have a VPN ready to go on both my phone and laptop, I personally use Hide.Me which is one of the fastest and most reliable options out there. This particular VPN allows for up to five connections which is handy for keeping all your devices connected without having to purchase multiple VPN packages.

Small, laid back town called Nong khiaw

Laos Travel Guide to Getting Around Many of you, like me, will begin your backpacking Laos adventure by crossing the border from Thailand, Vietnam or Cambodia. Hopping the border overland is easy, quick, and visas can usually be arranged on arrival. I have entered Laos from both Vietnam and Thailand. For a South East Asian country, Laos is relatively well organised on the border and I've picked up visas on arrival a total of three times now without any problems. The most cost-effective way to cross the border is usually by local bus but you can also catch tourist buses, which are more comfortable and have better connections - e.g. Bangkok to Vang Vieng. If you have hitched a ride to the border, you can simply walk across and arrange onwards transport on the other side. If you are planning on flying to Laos, it is likely you will land in Luang Prabang or Vientiane. The likes of Air Asia and Tiger Air are your cheapest option to fly into Laos from within Asia. If you are travelling to Laos on an international flight, you can get great deals with Vietnam Airlines via Ho Chi Minh, Etihad via Abu Dhabi, and Bangkok to Vientiane or Luang Prabang.

Entry Requirements for Laos Laos - like its neighbours - is easily accessible for the majority of nationalities. Most of us will be able to get our visas on arrival, whether that is by land, boat or plane, the process is the same. On arrival, typically, you will receive 30 days to travel and explore Laos which is usually long enough to get a taste of Laos. The visa on arrival costs roughly $35 so make sure to have cash on you! If you are entering by land make sure to have at least two passport sized photos with you, proof of some kind of onward travel (even if it's a flight home from another country), and $35 cash. If you're planning to stay longer than thirty days in Laos, you can extend your visa easily at the consulate in Vientiane. It only costs an additional $2 a day, nothing compared to the ten dollars a day you'll be charged if you illegally overstay your visa...!

How to Travel in Laos Backpacking Laos using public transport is an adventure in itself! There is a lot of really cheap local transport around in Laos but some of the buses and (barely water-worthy) barges are truly ancient and accidents are not uncommon.

Nothing wrong with a little off road bussing..

Something strange happens with time in Laos; seemingly short rides can take hours as tired vehicles slow to a crawl in their uphill battle against muddy, mountainous roads. But don't let this put you off, I met the best people while travelling around Laos on a bad bus ride. The scenery is truly spectacular as well, so you will have plenty to keep you entertained! Rather than just rocking up at the bus stop in the hope they will have space to fit you on, you can now book tickets in advance for most of Southeast Asia using 12Go.

Hitchhiking in Laos Hitchhiking in Laos is relatively easy and a viable way to save money. The main highway, Route 13, stretches from Luang Prabang to the Cambodian border and is a popular hitchhikers route. Make sure you hit up the highway during daylight hours. No one will see you in the night and drivers can be mental once the sun goes down! Away from the main highway stretch, expect short lifts as cars and tourist buses become less frequent. Hitchhiking is a great and popular way to get around when backpacking in Laos. The local people are friendly and many backpackers in Laos hitch so you shouldn't run into to much surprise from drivers.

Onwards Travel from Laos If you do not extend a visa for $2 a day, make sure to leave Laos before your 30 days are up! From Laos you can easily cross into Thailand to the west, Vietnam to the east, or Cambodia to the south overland. Many people make visa runs between Laos and Thailand.

The Royal Museum

Laos Backpacking Costs You can backpack Laos for as little as $15 a day, more if you want a fancy cocktail rather than a beer or a day trip up the river. Stick to cheap guest houses, good street food and local buses rather than flights or tourist buses and you shouldn’t spend more than forty dollars a day. Average room cost: $4 – $6 night w

breakfast

Street Food: $1-3

Restaurant Meal: $5-8

Long Distance Coach: $2.50 per hour

Entrance to a site cost: $0 – $5

Price of a beer: $1.50 - $3!

Money in Laos Lao Kip; sounds like you're going to take a nap in the middle of the day but, no, this is the national currency of Laos. And wow, do you get a Bang for your buck! Broke backpackers try not to hyperventilate when exchanging currency to Backpack Laos... $1 =8270.45 Lao Kip!

To put this into perspective, one beer in Laos is around eight thousand Laos Kip. That's a lot of beer! Exchanging your money in Laos is best done in the Airport of Luang Prabang or Vientiane, or of course, the cities themselves. US dollars are easily exchanged and welcomed. ATMs in Laos are found more frequently now in the major cities and tourist areas, but many of these charge pretty insane withdrawal fees so it’s advisable to avoid small ATM transactions and get out a bunch of cash at once - just make sure you hide it well. If you need to transfer money internationally, use Transferwise. It's the fastest and cheapest way to move money around when travelling. Once leaving the tourist trail your best option is definitely cash. You will find it pretty impossible to get to an ATM in the countryside and the small pop up shops on the side of the road will not accept your card.

GET IT HERE

You should always have some emergency cash hidden on you and I've written an entire post on the best places to hide your money. If you want to carry a fair bit of cash safely on your body, your best bet is to get hold of a backpacker belt with a hidden security pocket.

Makes even the most broke backpacker feel rich!

Top Tips for Broke Backpackers Stay with a local: Accept the invitation and spend some time with the locals. Listen to their stories and accept the bed, couch or floor that they offer. Not only does it save you money, but you'll have an unforgettable experience! If you're heading off on some far-flung adventures, take a tent. Eat the street food: Nothing better, cheaper or more fresh than Laos street food! They have everything from traditional Asian yumminess to fresh french baguettes stuffed with spicy goodness. Your stomach and wallet will be so happy. Hitchhike: The locals are super friendly and not new to backpackers. It doesn't take long to get a ride, most are short rides but can often be more comfortable than the local buses. Just make sure to let them know you're trying to hitchhike and have no money before you hop in… Haggle: C'mon my friends, get your haggle game on! It may seem cheap to you but what they are charging you is definitely more than the locals pay. Be respectful and enjoy, it is super fun and you'll bag some awesome bargains! Pack a travel water bottle and save money every day! First time backpacking Laos? Check out this awesome guide to help you pack for the adventure!

Volunteer in Laos Long term travel is awesome. Giving back is awesome too. For backpackers looking to travel long-term on a budget in Laos whilst making a real impact on local communities, look no further than World Packers. World Packers is an excellent platform connecting travelers with meaningful volunteer positions throughout the world. In exchange for a few hours of work each day, your room and board are covered. Backpackers can spend long periods of time volunteering in an awesome place without spending any money. Meaningful life and travel experiences are rooted in stepping out of your comfort zone and into the world of a purposeful project. World Packers opens the doors for work opportunities in hostels, homestays, NGOs and eco-projects around the world. Broke Backpacker readers get a special discount of $20 – just use this discount code BROKEBACKPACKER and membership is discounted from $49 a year to $29.

Travel Laos for Free Are you a native English speaker looking to earn cash whilst traveling the world? Teaching English online is a great way to earn a consistent income—from anywhere in the world with a good internet connection. Depending on your qualifications (or your motivation to obtain qualifications like a TEFL certificate) you can teach English remotely from your laptop, save some cash for your next adventure, and make a positive impact on the world by improving another person’s language skills! It’s a win-win! Check out this detailed article for everything you need to know to start teaching English online. In addition to giving you the qualifications to teach English online, TEFL courses open up a huge range of opportunities and you can find teaching work all over the world. To find out more about TEFL courses and how you can teach English around the world, read my in-depth report on teaching English abroad. Broke Backpacker readers get a 35% discount on TEFL courses with MyTEFL (simply enter the code BACKPKR), to find out more, please read my in-depth report on teaching English abroad. Whether you are keen to teach English online or looking to take your teaching game a step further by finding a job teaching English in a foreign country, getting your TEFL certificate is absolutely a step in the right direction.

Internet in Laos The wifi has improved significantly over the years. It does tend to go out every time there is a thunderstorm. You can buy a cheap sim card with 4G service.

Small, laid back town called Nong khiaw

Must Try Experiences in Laos

People in Laos You'd think with the history the Lao people have suffered (Laos was extensively bombed during the Vietnam War by American forces), they would be a little iffy towards outsiders. Think again. People of Laos are without a doubt, some of the most friendly I have ever met. Throughout your travels, it is likely Lao people will invite you to join them for a meal or to celebrate a birth or marriage. This is a massive privilege, and you should definitely go! It’s polite to join and to accept at least one drink. The best thing about this though is it gives you the opportunity to meet the locals, live and interact with them. Lao people are extremely curious about you your stories. Just remember though, that Laos is a Buddhist country and so it’s important to dress and behave in a way that is respectful. On that note, feet are considered to be dirty so don't step on/over people or touch people with your feet. Also, it's considered rude to touch someone on the head, especially monks; old or young.

Laos people are so happy!

Food in Laos I love Asian food and Laos does not disappoint. It is said that Laos has some of the most unique food in Asia, and they also eat more sticky rice than anywhere else in the world! Crazy, but with good reason; it's freaking delicious! Street food stands and restaurants are filled with the local delicacies, but what to choose? Well Amigos let me share some of my favourite foods in Laos. Khao Niaw (Sticky Rice): If you manage to travel through Laos without trying sticky rice. Just wow. This can be served with your savoury meal or sweet with fruit and ice cream! Roll it into balls with your fingers and enjoy!

Sticky rice is a must in Laos!

Tam Mak Houng (Spicy Green Papaya Salad): It is so refreshing after a hot and humid day to tuck into this fresh, spicy and sweet salad. Made using five fresh ingredients, which are mixed with hot chilli, sour lime, salt, fish sauce and sugar. Honestly, so freaking good! Ping Kai (Grilled Chicken): Basically the best BBQ chicken or Sunday Roast in the world - sorry mum! They take a whole chicken, marinate it in black pepper, garlic, coriander root, fish sauce and salt and is then cook on hot coals. Yum! Larb (Laap, Larp or Lahb): A must try when in Laos! Laap is made with chicken, beef, duck, fish, pork or mushrooms; flavoured with lime juice, fish sauce, and fresh herbs. It'll be served with the staple, sticky rice and sometimes raw veggies. I ate SO much of this while backpacking Laos! French Inspired Food: Yep, beautifully stuffed baguettes in the middle of Asia. Well, it's not a surprise as Laos was colonised by the French for sixty years. Something rubbed off. These delicious sandwiches are popular in Vientiane and Luang Prabang. Stuffed with pork pate, assorted greens and jeowbong (chilli paste), is sold everywhere as a quick snack.

Don't miss out on the wonderful street food in Laos.

For Laos cooking classes, check out this site for awesome deals.

Festivals in Laos Boun Pi Mai : Pi Mai translates to "new year." Laos' New Year is celebrated in April. The entire country grinds to a halt for the festivities in all-out water fights, which makes one of the best time to visit Laos. Haw Khao Padap Din: Held in September, this is a holiday where Lao families respect their dead kin and cremate their loved ones. On a lighter note, the holiday is also celebrated with boat races on the Nam Khan River. Khao Pansa: Held in August, this holiday marks the beginning of the Buddhist equivalent of Lent - a time of fasting and contemplation for monks. Awk Pansa: Held in October, this holiday marks the end of Khao Pansa. Monks are presented with gifts from townsfolk. That evening, people release banana-leaf boats with candles and flowers on top, a ceremony known as Lai Hua Fai (similar to Loy Krathong in Thailand). Boun That Luang: For a full week (in November or October), the temple in Vientiane comes alive with fairs, contests, fireworks, and music.

Temples during Awk Pansa (a festival of lights).

Trekking in Laos If you want to get off-the-grid and go trekking in Laos, I recommend making the long journey to the the northern town of Phongsali. Though tough to reach, it's equally rewarding for trekkers. While there isn't much to do in the actual town, there are plenty of opportunities to visit remote hill tribes through the Provincial Tourism Office. The treks are between one and five days long. You will most likely be the only backpacker for miles, so this is a great adventure for any travellers with some time, looking to get away from the other backpackers. As for places to stay, you can book something when you get to town. This area doesn't have a huge online presence.

Being a Responsible Backpacker Reduce your plastic footprint: Perhaps the best thing you can do for our planet is to make sure you do NOT add to the plastic problem all over the world. Don’t buy one-use water bottles, the plastic ends up in landfill or in the ocean. Instead, pack a tough travel water bottle.

Go and watch A Plastic Ocean on Netflix – it’ll change how you view the plastic problem in the world; you need to understand what we are up against. If you think it doesn’t matter, get off my fucking site. Don’t pick up single use plastic bags, you’re a backpacker – take your daypack if you need to go to the shop or run errands. Bear in mind, that many animal products in countries you travel through will not be ethically farmed and won’t be of the highest quality. I’m a carnivore but when I’m on the road, I only eat chicken. Mass-farming of cows etc leads to the rainforest being cut down – which is obviously a huge problem. Recently, my gear-venture, Active Roots has started to sell water bottles. For every Active Roots water bottle sold, we donate 10% to PlasticOceans.org – an awesome initiative aimed at educating people on the risk of single use plastic and helping to clean up our oceans. Help save the planet, whether you take an Active Roots bottle or not – TAKE RESPONSIBILITY for your plastic footprint, don’t be a dick. Need more guidance? – Check out our post on how to be a responsible backpacker. Writing your name in black marker on temples, chugging your beer while shirtless, swearing loudly and visiting unethical animal attractions? You Sir, are a twat. Luckily, most backpackers don’t fall into this category but when you’re out and about and have had a few too many drinks, it can be easy to embarrass yourself. It’s easy to get carried away in South East Asia; everything is so damn cheap and so much fun. I’m in no way the perfect traveller; I’ve been the drunken idiot on the street. By no means am I telling you not to drink, smoke and party; just don’t get so drunk you turn into an imbecile your mum would be ashamed of. If you can’t handle drinking buckets, then stick to beer. If you want to see elephants, then go and see them but do your research first. Look up ethical animal sanctuaries such as The Elephant Jungle Village in Luang Prabang, who treat and care for animals properly. Don’t ride elephants. If you’re not into seeing the temples, no worries but don’t be disrespectful, inappropriate or deface them – certainly, do not try to wander in shirtless. Wear a helmet when you hop on a motorbike in Asia. Despite being an experienced driver, I’ve had a total of three crashes in South East Asia over the last ten years. On the one occasion, I wasn’t wearing a helmet, I split my head open and had to go to the hospital. It was an

expensive mistake. The local people are sick of scraping foreigners off the road and, trust me, you don’t look cool for not wearing a helmet. Humans are humans; treat people you meet along the way with the same respect you would show your friends and family back home. You are not superior to anyone, including the girls/guys walking the streets.

Recent History of Laos Around the 1880s, Laos started to become a part of the French empire in Southeast Asia. In 1945, the Japanese forced Laos to declare independence under a new government, but it didn't last long as the French quickly took control again. Then in 1950, the Pro-Communist Prince Souphanouvong formed an organisation that became known as Paphet Lao (Land of the Lao). Meanwhile, the French were losing control of Southeast Asia and Laos became independent. Laos in the 1950s was a divided country. Most of Laos was ruled by Royalist governments - supported by the USA - while other parts were ruled by the Pro-Communist Paphet Lao assisted by their allies the Viet Minh. From 1964 to 1973 the USA bombed Paphet Lao territory but failed to defeat them. In 1975 South Vietnam and Cambodia fell to the Communists. The Royalists fled from Laos allowing a

full Communist regime to be introduced. However, in 1988 the government of Laos introduced market reforms. As a result the economy of Laos began to grow rapidly.

Final Thoughts on Backpacking Laos So there you have it amigos: despite a turbulant past, Laos is on the incline and things are getting better for the Laotian people. They have endured hardships, but they welcome foreigners with open arms. Laos has a lot of tourism potential and so many beautiful parts of their country to share. I hope this Laos travel guide has supplied you with everything you need to know to hit the road and begin backpacking Laos. So get out there already!

Want to learn how to travel the world on $10 a day? Check out the Broke Backpacker's Bible…

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Need More Inspiration?

● Slow boat to Luang Prabang ● Southeast Asia Packing List recommendations ● Onwards to Thailand: Backpacking Guide ● Onwards to Vietnam: Backpacking Guide ● Onwards to Cambodia: Backpacking Guide ● Travel Route Ideas for Southeast Asia