Laos, the land of a thousand smiles, where the Mekong River flows like a lifeblood through the heart of Southeast Asia. It’s a country where the pace of life is as slow as the rustling of leaves in the breeze, and the cost of living is as low as the dusky sun sinking behind the mountains. I know, because I’ve been there, done that, and got the t-shirt (which, by the way, I haggled for a whopping $1.50!).
But Laos is more than just a budget-friendly destination – it’s an adventure junkie’s paradise. Like the time I tubing down the Nam Song River in Vang Vieng, clinging to a makeshift raft made of inner tubes and a wooden plank, while being pummeled by Class III rapids and dodging low-hanging branches. Or the time I accidentally stumbled upon a secret waterfall deep in the jungle, where I skinny-dipped with a tribe of wild monkeys (okay, maybe that last part wasn’t entirely accidental…).
All of this, and more, for less than $10 a day? You bet your bottom dollar (or should I say, your bottom kip?). In this blog post, I’ll show you how to backpack Laos like a pro, without breaking the bank. From affordable accommodation to delicious street food, and from ancient temples to adrenaline-pumping adventures, I’ll share my insider tips and tricks for exploring Laos with an empty wallet. So grab your backpack, and let’s get ready for the ultimate Laotian adventure!
When to go:
Dry Season (December to March)
- Pros:
- Comfortable temperatures (20-25°C)
- Low humidity
- Easy transportation
- Festivals and events (e.g., Luang Prabang Film Festival)
- Cons:
- Peak tourist season
- Higher prices for accommodation and tours
- Popular destinations can be crowded
Shoulder Season (April to June)
- Pros:
- Lower prices for accommodation and tours
- Fewer tourists
- Beautiful sunsets and sunrises
- Festivals and events (e.g., Lao New Year)
- Cons:
- Hot and humid weather (30-35°C)
- Occasional rain showers
Rainy Season (July to October)
- Pros:
- Lowest prices for accommodation and tours
- Lush green landscapes
- Fewer tourists
- Authentic local experiences
- Cons:
- Heavy rainfall and flooding
- Difficult transportation
- Some attractions may be closed
Off-Season (November)
- Pros:
- Lowest prices for accommodation and tours
- Fewer tourists
- Comfortable temperatures
- Authentic local experiences
- Cons:
- Some attractions may be closed
- Limited transportation options
Best Itineraries:
1 Week Route
- Day 1-2: Luang Prabang
- Explore the old town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Visit Wat Xieng Thong, a beautiful Buddhist temple
- Enjoy street food and night market
- Stay at a hostel in the old town ($5-10 per night)
- Day 3-4: Vang Vieng
- Take a bus or minivan from Luang Prabang ($5-10)
- Explore the town and its many caves and waterfalls
- Go tubing or kayaking on the Nam Song River
- Stay at a hostel or bungalow in the town ($5-15 per night)
- Day 5-7: Vientiane
- Take a bus or minivan from Vang Vieng ($5-10)
- Visit the Patuxai War Memorial and the COPE Center
- Explore the old town and its many temples and markets
- Stay at a hostel or guesthouse in the old town ($5-15 per night)
2 Weeks Route
- Day 1-4: Luang Prabang
- Explore the old town and its many temples and markets
- Take a day trip to the Kuang Si Falls
- Enjoy a cooking class or bike tour
- Stay at a hostel or guesthouse in the old town ($5-15 per night)
- Day 5-8: Vang Vieng
- Take a bus or minivan from Luang Prabang ($5-10)
- Explore the town and its many caves and waterfalls
- Go tubing or kayaking on the Nam Song River
- Take a day trip to the Vang Vieng Organic Farm
- Stay at a hostel or bungalow in the town ($5-15 per night)
- Day 9-14: Pakse and Si Phan Don
- Take a bus or minivan from Vang Vieng ($10-20)
- Explore the town of Pakse and its many markets
- Visit the Wat Phu Temple complex
- Take a boat trip to the Si Phan Don (Four Thousand Islands)
- Stay at a hostel or guesthouse in Pakse or on the islands ($5-15 per night)
1 Month Route
- Week 1: Luang Prabang and surrounding areas
- Explore the old town and its many temples and markets
- Take day trips to the Kuang Si Falls and the Pak Ou Caves
- Enjoy a cooking class or bike tour
- Stay at a hostel or guesthouse in the old town ($5-15 per night)
- Week 2: Vang Vieng and Vientiane
- Take a bus or minivan from Luang Prabang ($5-10)
- Explore the town of Vang Vieng and its many caves and waterfalls
- Go tubing or kayaking on the Nam Song River
- Visit the Patuxai War Memorial and the COPE Center in Vientiane
- Stay at a hostel or guesthouse in Vang Vieng or Vientiane ($5-15 per night)
- Week 3: Pakse and Si Phan Don
- Take a bus or minivan from Vang Vieng ($10-20)
- Explore the town of Pakse and its many markets
- Visit the Wat Phu Temple complex
- Take a boat trip to the Si Phan Don (Four Thousand Islands)
- Stay at a hostel or guesthouse in Pakse or on the islands ($5-15 per night)
- Week 4: Muang Ngoi and Nong Khiaw
- Take a bus or minivan from Pakse ($10-20)
- Explore the town of Muang Ngoi and its many caves and waterfalls
- Take a boat trip to the Nong Khiaw village
- Enjoy hiking and trekking in the surrounding hills
- Stay at a hostel or guesthouse in Muang Ngo
3-Month Broke Backpacking Laos Itinerary
Month 1: Northern Laos
Week 1-2: Luang Prabang
- Explore UNESCO-listed old town
- Visit Kuang Si Falls
- Take a boat ride along the Mekong River
Week 3-4: Nong Khiaw and Muang Ngoi Neua
- Trek to remote villages
- Explore limestone caves
- Enjoy scenic views of the Nam Ou River
Month 2: Central Laos
Week 5-6: Vang Vieng
- Tubing and kayaking on the Nam Song River
- Explore limestone karst scenery
- Visit nearby caves
Week 7-8: Vientiane
- Explore the capital city’s temples and markets
- Visit the COPE Centre and Buddha Park
- Enjoy the city’s laid-back atmosphere
Month 3: Southern Laos
Week 9-10: Thakhek
- Explore the Kong Lor Cave
- Visit nearby villages and waterfalls
- Enjoy scenic views of the Phu Pha Mane Natural Reserve
Week 11-12: Si Phan Don (Four Thousand Islands)
- Relax on secluded islands
- Explore the Mekong River by boat
- Visit the Li Phi Falls
Transportation:
- Buses:
- Operate on main routes, connecting major towns and cities
- Fares start from 20,000 LAK ($2.50)
- Types of buses:
- Ordinary buses (slow, frequent stops)
- VIP buses (faster, fewer stops, more comfortable)
- Night buses (overnight journeys)
- Minivans:
- Faster and more frequent than buses
- Fares start from 30,000 LAK ($3.75)
- Often depart from bus stations or specific terminals
- Songthaews:
- Red trucks operating as shared taxis
- Fares start from 10,000 LAK ($1.25)
- Run on fixed routes, stopping at designated points
- Tuk-tuks:
- Three-wheeled vehicles for short distances
- Fares start from 5,000 LAK ($0.63)
- Often used for short trips within towns
Hitchhiking
- Tips:
- Check out hitchwiki.org for guides to hitchhiking in every country.
- Use main roads and highways
- Wave down vehicles with a smile
- Negotiate the fare beforehand
- Be prepared for unexpected adventures!
- Safety:
- Trust your instincts
- Avoid hitchhiking at night
- Keep valuables secure
- Types of vehicles:
- Private cars
- Trucks
- Motorcycles
- Songthaews and minivans (occasionally)
Additional Tips
- Language: Learn basic Lao phrases to communicate with drivers and passengers
- Currency: Have small denominations of LAK for fares and negotiations
- Patience: Be prepared for delays and unexpected detours
- Flexibility: Adapt to changing schedules and routes
Accommodations:
If one wants an authentic and memorable experience, hostels in Laos are the way to go. Forget the multi-starred resorts, luxurious hotels, or whatever kind of accommodation there is; for a reason, the most affordable hostels have an adventure, camaraderie, and cultural immersion unlike any other. To add to that, the cheapest hostels come with the most unforgettable experiences. Most hostels in Laos are no-frills establishments, but whatever is missing from being no-frills is overcome by the raw charm and character of their establishments. Expect shared bathrooms, makeshift dorms, and a healthy dose of chaos. You’d be amazed at how quickly you adapt to the simple life. This often gets you into quite strange situations, as bookings of the cheapest hostels will regularly happen. From there, sometimes sharing dorms with other travelers all over the globe or stumbling upon an impromptu jam session in the common lounge is only one surprise after another.
The hostels in Lao are so much more than just a place to rest your head; they are community-oriented hotspots where fellow travelers share stories, exchange information, and sometimes even make long-lasting connections. You might meet fellow adventurers returning from a trekking trip or simply share recommendations on the best places to eat locally. These hostels attract a certain kind of traveler-one that values experience over luxury, one that is more willing to take the road less traveled. The atmosphere is infectious, and you’ll soon find yourself swept up in the excitement.
You will also get an experience of the Lao culture by staying in budget hostels. Most of these are family-run places, allowing you to appreciate traditional Lao hospitality. You may be taken through homemade meals, local insider tips, or even an impromptu language lesson. Often, owners and staff alike are not short on knowledge and customs, which they try to pass on to the guests, therefore giving them a proper feel for the culture.
Admittedly, when you are booking the cheapest hostels, you’re going to have a bit of luck with a few of them. You’ll get the odd cockroach or cold shower. For the proper backpacker, however, this is a low price to be paid for the real experiences ahead. The hostel quirks and shortcomings become quite charming as soon you’ll find yourself laughing about the absurdities with fellow travelers.
The budget hostels in Laos are a wild adventure only for the brave. And for the truly up to take the plunge, it is best when one succumbs to destiny and books the cheapest option available. You will find that it’s a whole world of hidden gems, unexpected encounters, and lifelong memories. You learn to appreciate the little things in life, and sometimes even find happiness in the fact that there is little certainty over what is coming next on a trip.
So let’s ditch the luxury resorts and join the hostel revolution. Now, go ahead, book that $5-a-night hostel and get ready for the weirdest, craziest, and most unforgettable hostel experiences possible in Laos. With a wide open mind and a zest for adventure, you will soon realize it is the very cheapest of hostels that provide the most valuable experiences-and that is what backpacking is all about.
Budget-Friendly Options
- Hostels: Dorm rooms and private rooms available, starting from $5-10 per night
- Guesthouses: Basic rooms with shared or private bathrooms, starting from $10-20 per night
- Homestays: Stay with a local family, starting from $10-20 per night
- Camping: Pitch a tent or rent a bungalow, starting from $5-10 per night
Mid-Range Options
- Bungalows: Private rooms with en-suite bathrooms, starting from $20-30 per night
- Hotels: Comfortable rooms with amenities, starting from $30-50 per night
- Resorts: Luxury rooms with pools and amenities, starting from $50-100 per night
Luxury Options
- High-end resorts: Luxurious rooms with private pools and amenities, starting from $100-200 per night
- Luxury hotels: Upscale rooms with amenities, starting from $200-300 per night
Food:
For any backpacker on a tight budget, Laos is a foodie haven. With fresh produce, bold flavors, and generous helpings, Lao dishes hit just the right chord to keep your body going all day.
Eating in Laos is affordable and delicious, with most meals costing only a few dollars. Street food stalls and markets serve everything from grilled meats to steaming bowls of noodle soup. These informal eateries are budget-friendly and also offer a glimpse into the local way of life.
For the broke backpacker, it usually is eating like a local-the principal survival tool one should have on a broke budget of travel. Shun restaurants with multinational faces and try instead family-run eateries or street stalls. You will not only save your dollars that way, but you may also experience real Laotian cuisine.
Because one of the pleasures of eating in Laos is freshness, the markets are loaded with colorfully displayed fruits and vegetables, and many dishes feature locally sourced ingredients. Every taste from the spicy papayas to the fragrant herbs may tell something about the rich agricultural history of the country.
Its neighbors also have a great influence on Lao cuisine, with the harmonious marriage of Thai, Vietnamese, and Chinese flavors-what one can describe as a culinary melting pot. The variety of dishes, including or lam (stew) and tam maak hung (papaya salad), show this cultural exchange.
For backpackers, snacks are abundant and cheap; fresh fruits, roasted nuts, and crisp rice cakes are widely available in most markets and roadside stalls. These keep them going on a long bus ride or on a trek to waterfalls and gorges.
Mealtimes in Laos also involve socializing. Sharing dishes with travelers and locals alike fosters a sense of community and camaraderie. Don’t be surprised if you get invited to share dinner with a family or a plate of street food with new friends.
In all, Lao offers affordable gastronomy, food that’s authentic. Eating on a budget, the town’s poorest backpackers can gorge into this country’s rich flavors without reaching into one’s purse.
So find yourself a stool at a street stall, dig in, and savor the flavors of Laos. Your taste buds-and wallet-will thank you.
Culture:
The Laotians are a people formed in the traditionally and tranquilly interwoven land of delicate silk fabrics. Rich cultural heritage has been formed due to Theravada Buddhism, French colonialism, and geographic isolation. This unusual spirit can be described as serene, strong, and resilient.
It forms the backbone of Lao culture, with teachings of Buddhism drifting into every inch of daily life. Monasteries and temples dot the landscape, while the saffron-robed monks and intricate carvings are a testament to the country’s devotion. Chanting with soothing calmness and sweet incense wafts through the air, carrying along with it an atmosphere of peaceful contemplation.
The cultural identity of Laos is deeply connected with its history. The legacy of the French colonialism can be felt in the capital’s architecture, cuisine, and even language. The turbulent times, full of wars and occupations, have taught the people how to be resilient and resourceful.
In Lao society, family and community are held to be matters of the highest importance. The extended family usually stays in one house, preparing and eating meals under the same roof, while stories are told to them. Respect for elders is deeply set, with children learning such traditional values and customs from their grandparents.
It means “no worries,” and that pretty much describes the Lao approach to life. The pace of life is as easygoing as can be, with time reckoned by the sun and the seasons rather than clock and calendar.
From the intricate wood carvings to colorful textiles and delicate silver work, the arts scene is alive in Laos. Traditional music and dances are primarily performed during festivals and other ceremonies as a showcase of the country’s enriched cultural history. The Lao attach much importance to nature. The Mekong River flows right through the heart of the country and is considered a source of life. Subsistence farming serves rural villages; it is rice, fish, and forest products that feed communities.
In Laos, festivals and merrymaking are woven into the daily life of the people. The Boun Bang Fai or Rocket Festival and the Pi Mai Lao or Lao New Year bring people together in their respective communities with music, dancing, and traditional games.
Modernization and globalization notwithstanding, Laos happens to remain a country in which tradition is nicely woven into culture. In this land of enchantment, amidst exploration, you’ll come upon a people embodying the spirit of serenity and resilience-a spirit that’s going to tuck an indelible mark on your heart.
The culture of Laos takes various contrasts-ancient and modern, tranquil and vibrant-yet, somehow, it all comes together in perfect harmony.
Top things to do:
Northern Laos
Explore Luang Prabang’s UNESCO-listed old town, visit Kuang Si Falls, and take a boat ride along the Mekong River. Visit Nong Khiaw and Muang Ngoi Neua for trekking and limestone cave exploration.
Luang Prabang Area
- Visit the Royal Palace Museum
- Explore the Night Market
- Climb Mount Phousi for sunset views
- Take a cooking class
- Visit the Wat Xieng Thong temple
- Explore the Luang Prabang National Museum
Nong Khiaw and Muang Ngoi Neua
- Trek to remote villages
- Explore limestone caves
- Enjoy scenic views of the Nam Ou River
- Visit the Nong Khiaw Bridge
- Take a boat ride to Muang Ngoi Neua
Muang Sing Area
- Explore the Muang Sing Museum
- Visit the Akha and Tai Dam villages
- Trek to the top of Phou Chomsy Hill
Central Laos
Discover Vang Vieng’s stunning limestone karst scenery and explore the capital city Vientiane’s temples and markets.
Vang Vieng Area
- Tubing and kayaking on the Nam Song River
- Explore limestone caves
- Take a hot air balloon ride (optional)
- Visit the Tham Phu Kham Cave
- Explore the Vang Vieng Market
Vientiane Area
- Visit the COPE Centre and Buddha Park
- Explore the Morning Market
- Visit the Patuxai Monument
- Explore the Wat Sisaket temple
- Take a stroll along the Mekong River
Southern Laos
Relax on the Four Thousand Islands (Si Phan Don), explore the Kong Lor Cave, and visit the scenic town of Thakhek.
Four Thousand Islands (Si Phan Don)
- Relax on secluded islands
- Explore the Mekong River by boat
- Visit the Li Phi Falls
- Spot the Irrawaddy dolphin
- Take a fishing trip
Thakhek Area
- Explore the Kong Lor Cave
- Visit nearby villages and waterfalls
- Enjoy scenic views of the Phu Pha Mane Natural Reserve
- Take a trek to the Thakhek Loop
Pakse Area
- Explore the Wat Phu temple complex
- Visit the Bolaven Plateau
- Take a coffee tour
Eastern Laos
Visit the ancient city of Xieng Khouang, explore the Plain of Jars, and trek in the Phou Hin Boun National Protected Area.
Xieng Khouang Area
- Visit the Plain of Jars
- Explore the ancient city
- Learn about the region’s history
- Visit the Muang Khoun ruins
Phou Hin Boun National Protected Area
- Trek through lush forests
- Explore limestone caves
- Spot wildlife
- Take a boat ride along the Nam Hin Boun River
Houaphanh Province
- Explore the Vieng Xai caves
- Visit the Houaphanh Museum
- Take a trek to the top of Phou Pha Thi mountain
Nightlife:
When the sun goes down, Laos morphs into a loud and weird nightlife scene, from casual bars to pulsating dance clubs-all in one unique and unforgettable night experience.
Luang Prabang is a place for the relaxed evening with great taste. UNESCO-listed old town of the city would light themselves up with candle-lit restaurants, cozy bars, and live music venues. Take a cold Beerlao on the banks of the Mekong River or treat yourself to a cocktail at one of the happening rooftop bars.
Nightlife, being more lively in the capital city of Vientiane, maintains a variety of bars, clubs, and live music lined up along the streets around the Nam Phu Fountain. One can dance away to Lao rock or enjoy a quiet drink in a hidden speakeasy.
Vang Vieng has earned a reputation as a party city and is a major stop on the Southeast Asia backpacking circuit. The main street is lined with bars, clubs, and restaurants serving everything from simple bucket bars to full-on theme parties. You can spend the day tubing down the Nam Song River and then dance under the stars all night.
To the south, Pakse and Si Phan Don offer a more languid type of nightlife; take a sunset cruise down the Mekong or park yourself on a beachside bar and watch the stars twinkling overhead.
Nightlife in Laos is greatly part of its culture, too. Specific traditional festivals and feasts, like the Boun Bang Fai or Rocket Festival, illustrate how alive and powerful the music, dances, and art in the country are. You may be able to hear the real sounds of Lao music at a local temple or join in with traditional dance.
Of course, nightlife in Laos is less infamous compared to its neighbors, but for sure, it has a charm worth uncovering. Take out a drink, soak up the atmosphere of the locals, and let the night go as it will.
On your nighttime tours around Laos, remember to respect local customs and traditions. Its laid-back atmosphere can be contagious, but one should not forget the way of life that the locals embrace.
In the night, the vibe of Laos will mark memories in your mind forever, be it relaxation or adventure. Thus, nighttime in the country meets up to all kinds of people’s needs. So, come and discover the hidden charms of Lao nightlife.
Backpacking Laos costs:
Accommodation:
- Hostel dorms: $3-5 per night (avg.)
- Guesthouses: $5-10 per night (avg.)
- Camping: $1-3 per night (avg.)
Food:
- Street food: $1-3 per meal (avg.)
- Local markets: $2-5 per meal (avg.)
- Mid-range restaurants: $5-10 per meal (avg.)
Transportation:
- Local buses: $1-3 per ride (avg.)
- Minivans: $5-10 per ride (avg.)
- Songthaews: $2-5 per ride (avg.)
Activities:
- Temples and museums: $1-3 per person (avg.)
- Waterfalls and hiking: free or $1-3 per person (avg.)
- Tubing and kayaking: $10-20 per person (avg.)
Total daily budget: $8-12 per day
Conclusion:
As you say goodbye to Laos, a lifetime of memories follows. Be it Kuang Si Falls majestically cascading down or vibrant night markets, amongst all these moments spent in this enchanted country, each part will leave its mark upon the heart. With breathtaking scenery, mind-blowing culture, and infectious laid-back vibes, Laos is something close to heaven for a broke backpacker. Embracing the unknown, taking the less-traveled road, and being part of the culture will make all the difference between some journey of hidden jewels and an unforgettable experience.
And though Laos is cheap, the experiences aren’t really priced in monetary values. Its people seem so warm, the landscapes strikingly beautiful, while the culture resilient-all that will truly inspire and maybe even change you. From trekking through lush forests to exploring ancient temples, or simply lazing in a hammock on the river’s edge, it is an experience which will leave your senses mesmerized.
For the broke backpacker, Laos is that place: the journey of finding oneself, a state of cultural emergison, and adventure. It’s a perfect opportunity to unplug from the rest of the world-to reconnect with your soul, find that joy in simplicity, that beauty that’s unknown.
So don’t hold back-book that ticket, take out that rucksack, and off you go on an adventure that will completely alter your perceptions of travel and life. Laos awaits-its arms open wide-ready to welcome one into its loud, chaotic, utterly beguiling world.
And in years to come, when you reflect upon your time in Laos, you’ll realize this part of Southeast Asia has irreparably scarred your soul. Memories of its people, of its places, of experiences will linger long after you leave its shores. And even though your wallet may be thin, your heart will be full-full of beauty, wonder, and magic that only Laos can give one.
