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Wandering Stus Adventure Travel Blog

Laos

Looking to visit Laos? You’re in for a treat! From travel tips and guides to itineraries, get everything you need to know about visiting Laos just below.

Currency: Laoation Kip

Language: Lao or Laotian is the official language of Laos

Visa: Laos offers Visas on arrival to certain countries and they take just a few minutes to process. Costing around $35 USD visas on arrivals are available to passengers flying into Luang Prabang Airport, Pakse Airport, and Wattay Airport in Vientiane.

Please check the exact visa details for your country of origin prior to departing for Laos.

Getting Around Laos: Overland travel is the most prevalent way to get around Laos. Buses and minivans will take tourists all over the country and routes run daily. If you’re looking to cut down on travel time from North to South (or vice versa), you can find airports in Vientiane and Luang Prabang. There are no trains in Laos, so traveling by train is out of the question.

For booking transportation, check out 12GoAsia to check out the latest timetables and prices.

Safety: In general, Laos is a very safe place to visit and explore. However, with any place you travel to and even in your hometown, things can happen and go wrong. Pickpocketing and theft are among the top issues tourists experience when visiting Laos.

Below are some safety tips we used when traveling through Laos:

  • Don’t drape your purse or backpack over just one shoulder. Place your purse across your body and wear your backpack on both shoulders. You don’t want a thief running by to knab your belongings
  • Drugs are a very real thing here. If you partake, just be wary of who you purchase from and where you do it
  • Don’t make yourself an easy target for pickpocketing. Keep valuables out of sight and safely secured – i.e. your wallet and cell phone are not in your back pockets.

A great thing to always have with you is travel Insurance. When we spent 2 weeks in Laos, we had travel insurance through World Nomads. Covering things like medical bills and theft, having travel insurance has definitely come in handy for us a time or two.

Essential Phrases: Even if you are not fluent, it’s always nice to know a few words of the local language.

  • Saibaidee: Hello
  • Khop Jai: Thank You
  • La Gon: Goodbye
  • Khaw Toot: Excuse me
  • Sep: Delicious
  • Tham Keo: Cheers

Top Experiences To Have In Laos

While there is loads to see, do, and experience in Laos, the below list is definitely our top favorite things we did during our time in Laos.

  1. Wander through the Old Quarter of Luang Prabang
  2. Spend a day at an ethical elephant sanctuary
  3. Swim in the turquoise pools of Kuang Si Waterfall
  4. Hike to the viewpoint in Nong Khiaw
  5. Experience Songkran, the water festival New Years
  6. Partake in the ancient Monk ritual of, “Take Bat” in Luang Prabang
  7. Rent a tube and float down the river in Vang Vieng
  8. Hike the 100 Waterfalls Hike in Nong Khiaw
  9. Border cross via the slow boat from Thailand to Laos

If you like taking tours or would like a local guide to take you around, there are amazing Laos tours and experiences to check out. Definitely make your reservations ahead of time to lock in your unforgettable experience in Laos!

Places To Stay In Laos

Whether you are looking for luxury hotels or quaint budget-friendly lodgings Laos really has something for everyone!

For us, we use booking.com to reserve our stays, not only in Laos but throughout Asia and the world.

Laos Travel Guides

9 Amazing Things To Do in Laos: The Highlights of Laos
Laos

9 Amazing Things To Do in Laos: The Highlights of Laos

ByThe Stüs August 25, 2019November 27, 2019

More times than not, tourists visiting Southeast Asia often pass on the opportunity to visit Laos. What a shame we say! Laos is a beautiful, adventure just waiting for you. Below, we have a list of some of the best things to do in Laos! The Best Things To Do in Laos The Best Things…

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Backpacking Laos: Budget, Travel Tips & Planning Guide
Laos

Backpacking Laos: Budget, Travel Tips & Planning Guide

ByThe Stüs August 4, 2019August 4, 2019

Backpacking Laos will be nothing short of amazing. The country of Laos is gorgeous, full of laidback vibes and epic views. You’ll find no shortage of things to do in Laos. In fact, you’ll be pleasantly surprised what the country has waiting for you. Our below Laos travel guide will cover everything you need to…

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Laos Itinerary: The Best Places to Visit in Laos
Itineraries | Laos

Laos Itinerary: The Best Places to Visit in Laos

ByThe Stüs April 22, 2018July 31, 2019

Planning a trip to Laos? If you are looking for the best places to visit in Laos, we have the perfect Laos Itinerary just for you. From charming cities, to quiet villages, we have the best of the best so your Laos holiday is nothing short of magical. Laos Itinerary Places To Visit in Laos:…

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Laos Waterfalls: The 100 Waterfalls in Nong Khiaw
Hiking | Laos

Laos Waterfalls: The 100 Waterfalls in Nong Khiaw

ByThe Stüs February 26, 2018March 5, 2023

Laos waterfalls, what’s not to like, right? If a waterfall adventure is what you are looking for, we have everything you need to know about the 100 Waterfalls hike in Nong Khiaw, Laos right here! Laos Waterfalls: The 100 Waterfalls in Nong Khiaw About The 100 Waterfalls Hike in Nong Khiaw The 100 Waterfall hike…

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What To Do in Luang Prabang Laos: One Epic To Do List
Laos

What To Do in Luang Prabang Laos: One Epic To Do List

ByThe Stüs January 19, 2018July 29, 2019

Visiting Luang Prabang and wondering what to do in Luang Prabang Laos? Well, we have one epic list of what to see in Luang Prabang waiting for you here! What To Do in Luang Prabang Laos About Luang Prabang Luang Prabang (translates to Royal Buddha Image) is an absolute must see when visiting Laos. Luang…

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The Best Things To Do In Vang Vieng, Laos
Laos

The Best Things To Do In Vang Vieng, Laos

ByThe Stüs January 19, 2018August 13, 2019

River tubing, beautiful scenery and magic mushrooms. Any of these strike your fancy? If so, we have your perfect travel guide to Vang Vieng with our backpacker’s guide on the best things to do in Vang Vieng, Laos. The Best Things To Do In Vang Vieng, Laos Where is Vang Vieng, Laos Vang Vieng is…

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Nong Khiaw, Laos: Your Epic Travel Guide
Laos

Nong Khiaw, Laos: Your Epic Travel Guide

ByThe Stüs January 15, 2018August 4, 2019

Nong Khiaw, Laos takes relaxing to a whole new level. Nong Khiaw is a picturesque village situated on the Nam Ou River in Northern Laos. From what to see and do in Nong Khiaw to where to stay, we have the perfect travel guide to Nong Khiaw, Laos waiting for you. Your Epic Travel Guide…

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Kuang Si Falls: A Complete Guide to The Secret Pool
Laos

Kuang Si Falls: A Complete Guide to The Secret Pool

ByThe Stüs January 15, 2018July 18, 2020

Yes, get excited because it does exist! We loved Kuang Si Falls but it can be a bit overwhelmed by all the people. Thankfully, there is a secret pool at Kuang Si Waterfall that allows visitors to find some peace at with beautiful views. Sounds pretty good right? Yeah, that’s what we thought. Get our guide…

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Slow Boat to Laos: Travel Tips & Planning Guide
Laos

Slow Boat to Laos: Travel Tips & Planning Guide

ByThe Stüs November 8, 2017August 31, 2019

Have some time to kill? Don’t want to spend money flying to Laos? Or hell, just like the idea of enjoying the journey? Well then this is your read! We’re here to tell you all about the slow boat to Laos from Thailand. From ticket prices to boat times, we have a comprehensive travel guide…

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  • ABOUT US
  • DESTINATIONS
  • ITINERARIES
  • OUTDOOR TRAVEL
  • TRIP PLANNING
  • SUSTAINABILITY
  • SHOP
    • Adventure Mug
    • Lightroom Presets
    • Freebies
  • CONTACT
 

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