Traveling to Laos is a wonderful experience. This is a landlocked country full of nature, food, history, and Buddhism. It is wrapped in a mountainous landscape, which makes it one of the most beautiful countries in Southeast Asia. Adventure travel is important here. The activities to do here are very diverse, from zip-lining, kayaking, hiking and tubing in the caves, all in one day.
Laos is full of contrast and beauty. From the bustling night markets and stunning waterfalls of Luang Prabang, to the epic mountain sunsets at Vang Vieng. That is why we bring you this tips guide to travel to Laos, which will give you an idea of the best places to visit and how to save money. Read to the end!
Best plans to see and do when traveling to Laos
Exploring the cave city of Vieng Xai
Located near Sam Nua (near the border with Vietnam), the cave city of Vieng Xai. This served as accommodation for Laotian soldiers during the 1960s. Here you can see the houses as they were. Kaysone Phomvihane Cave even has a working air circulation pump. Guided tours are at the Vieng Xai Caves Visitor Center. The entrance costs about 6.90 US dollars (USD). The bus costs $ 0.25, while a tuk-tuk (typical transportation in the region) costs $ 0.75.
Hike to Kuang Si Falls
This huge waterfall near Luang Prabang is one of the most impressive activities when traveling to Laos. The turquoise waters flow over the ledges of the rocks in spectacular pools perfect for swimming. It is definitely a place that no tourist should miss. Make sure you find the secret swimming pool too! Admission is $ 2.50, and a Luang Prabang tuk-tuk costs $ 3.50 to $ 4.60.
See the great Pha That Luang stupa
The Great Stupa of Vientiane is a 148-foot domed Buddhist shrine covered in gold. It is considered the largest monument in the country. Its exterior looks like a fortress with high walls, but the interior has many Buddhist, floral and animal images everywhere. You can appreciate the stupa from the outside for free. If you want to enter, the entrance is $ 1.15.
Get to know Vientiane
The capital and largest city of Laos is full of important national monuments and temples, such as the Great Stupa and the Sisaket Temple. There you can visit the Buddha Park, a sculpture garden filled with giant Buddha statues. It is the most cosmopolitan city in the country, and here you will find great gastronomic proposals.
See the waterfalls at Bolaven Plateau
Located in southern Laos near the town of Pakse, the Bolaven Plateau is part of a crater that was formed from an ancient volcano. Walk around the area and explore several of the waterfalls. The Bolaven Loop goes through the entire crater and brings you closer to all the falls. Each waterfall has its own entrance fee usually between $ 0.60 and $ 1.15, as well as a parking fee for your bike of $ 0.35 to $ 0.60.
Visit the Elephant Conservation Center
Located in Sainyabuli, this center was launched in 2011 to protect the elephant population in Laos. This is the best option to see the elephants in a responsible way, without harming them. Prices start at $ 210 for a two-day visit, while a seven-day volunteer session costs around $ 450.
Cruise down the Mekong by boat
Navigating the Mekong River in a long, narrow boat with comfortable seats, home-cooked meals, and a unique view of the countryside, is a unique experience. You can usually find a ride from the border at Huay-Xai that will drop you off at Luang Prabang. Slow boats take two to three days. Prices will vary depending on the quality of your tour company, but an average tour will cost you around $ 115.
Tour Phou Hin Poun Conservation Area
Mountains, a limestone forest, rivers full of rapids and caves await you in the protected area of Phou Hin Poun in Laos. The entire area is full of unique species of flora and fauna, including macaques, tigers, and gibbons. A two-day guided hike will cost around $ 115 all-inclusive.
Take an outdoor walk in Nong Khiaw
Life in this picturesque town on the Nam Ou River is slow and peaceful, but Nong Khiaw is very popular with outdoor enthusiasts. The towering limestone cliffs are ideal for experienced climbers, and there are many hiking trails that lead to nearby waterfalls and caves. To get there, you can take a bus from Luang Prabang to Pak Mong and then a tuk-tuk the rest of the way.
Have a chat with a monk
On the first Sunday of each month, the monks meet at Sangha College in Vientiane to chat with tourists. You can ask them about their practice and their daily life, and in return they will practice their English.
Tips to save money on your trip to Laos
Laos is very cheap, so you will not have a hard time saving a lot of money if you are traveling on a budget. Here are some ways to save money in Laos.
Shop in local markets
Buying your own food is infinitely cheaper than going to restaurants, despite not being that expensive. However, if you are on a budget, stick to local markets. Fresh food will be the cheapest there.
Limit yourself to local transportation
Taxis and tuk-tuks may be convenient, but they will slowly ruin your budget. Stick to public transportation if you need to move. If you need to take a tuk-tuk or taxi, ask your hotel / hostel staff how much you should expect to pay. This will ensure that you are not ripped off!
Avoid western food
Western food is always more expensive than local cuisine. While the prices are not that high, they will slowly add up throughout your journey. And anyway, did you come to Laos to have a terrible burger? No. Eat the local food!
Pack a bottle of water
A bottle of water with a purifier will be particularly useful in Southeast Asia, since you cannot drink the tap water. Save money and thousands of plastic bottles and get a bottle that can purify your tap water for you.
ALFA