Planning to go backpacking in Laos but not sure how much money you should budget for your trip? Don Morgan has some answers about the cost of day to day travelling in Laos.
Laos Money © m-louis
Of all the countries I travel in within mainland Southeast Asia, Laos is the one that gives people the most money trouble. ATMs were once few and far between, banks were pokey and unreliable, and I’ve seen more people here than anywhere else screaming at tellers and scrambling to figure out where to get a cash advance on their credit card. Things have improved enormously since then — ATMs are now widely available in all major tourist centres — but Laos still rewards those who come prepared.
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Daily Budget Tiers for Laos (2026)
The Lao kip has weakened dramatically since this article was first written — the exchange rate now sits at around 20,000–21,500 kip to $1 USD, compared to around 9,000 kip when this guide was originally published. This means kip-denominated prices look very different to what you may read in older guides, but in USD terms, Laos remains one of Southeast Asia’s most affordable destinations. The soundest advice for travel to Laos is still to carry Thai baht or US dollars as your primary funds, topping up with kip from ATMs as needed. Baht is less useful for purchases the further you stray from Thailand, but banks and exchange offices everywhere will happily swap them for kip.
| Travel Style | Daily Budget (USD) | What It Gets You |
|---|---|---|
| Shoestring | $15–$25 | Basic guesthouse dorm or fan room, local food, shared transport, free sights |
| Backpacker | $25–$45 | Simple private room with A/C, mix of local food and occasional Western meal, a beer or two, VIP buses |
| Mid-Range | $45–$80 | Comfortable boutique guesthouse, eat where you like, tuk-tuks, tours and activities |
| Luxury | $80–$200+ | Boutique resort, fine dining, private guides and transfers — note that true luxury options are limited outside Luang Prabang |
Note: These figures cover in-country daily spending. International flights and your Laos visa ($40 on arrival) are on top of this. Transport days will push your daily spend higher, as bus and train fares represent a significant chunk of the budget.
Accommodation Costs in Laos
Budget-hunters will have a tougher time in the big tourist centres like Luang Prabang, Vang Vieng and Vientiane. Elsewhere, in places like Pakse and smaller towns along the Mekong, decent fan rooms with cold-water bath are available for $8–12 per night. For A/C, hot water and a step up in quality, look to spend $15–25 in tourist centres. Genuinely comfortable rooms in boutique guesthouses in Luang Prabang typically start from $35–50. Don Dhet in the 4,000 Islands region remains one of Southeast Asia’s cheapest places to sleep — simple wooden bungalows with a hammock on the Mekong still available for just a few dollars a night.
| Accommodation Type | Typical Price (USD/night) |
|---|---|
| Basic fan guesthouse room, shared bathroom (remote areas) | $5–10 |
| Simple A/C private room with en suite (smaller towns) | $12–20 |
| Mid-range guesthouse with A/C and hot water (Luang Prabang, Vientiane) | $20–40 |
| Comfortable boutique hotel (Luang Prabang) | $40–100 |
| Luxury boutique resort (Luang Prabang) | $100–250+ |
Things To Do in Laos: Costs and Activities
The good news is that you can travel around Laos without spending much on activities and still have an incredible time. Many of Laos’s great experiences — wandering the temples of Luang Prabang, watching the alms-giving ceremony, strolling along the Mekong at sunset — cost nothing or close to it. The paid attractions are very affordable by any standard.
| Activity | Approximate Cost |
|---|---|
| Kuang Si Waterfalls entry (Luang Prabang) | $2–3 |
| Mount Phousi (Luang Prabang) entry | $2-3 |
| Temple entry fees (most temples, Luang Prabang) | Free–$2 |
| Mekong River sunset cruise, Luang Prabang | from $34 |
| Pak Ou Caves day trip by boat | from $70 |
| Kayaking or tubing, Vang Vieng | from $30 |
| Vientiane city tour (Pha That Luang, Patuxai) | $55–400 |
| Bolovens Plateau private tour | $180–220/day |
| 4,000 Islands — boat tour to see Irrawaddy dolphins | $5–10 |
| Motorbike hire (per day) | $8–15 |
🎟️ Browse and book Laos tours and activities — Kuang Si waterfalls, Mekong cruises, Vang Vieng adventures and more:
Food in Laos
There are very few Lao cuisine connoisseurs in the world — and that’s a shame, because the food here is simple, fresh and very good. It’s similar to Thailand but less eclectic, with less variety and a heavier emphasis on sticky rice, grilled meats and fresh herbs. A dollar or two will still fill your tummy with rice, vegetables and a bit of meat at a local restaurant or market stall. To change things up, I usually seek out a Korean-style barbecue, where you cook meat and vegetables on a grill at the centre of the table — the perfect complement to a cold Beer Lao — and walk away stuffed for about $5–7 per person. Western and international food is only available in tourist centres, but you can find decent pizzas, burgers and pasta in Luang Prabang and Vientiane.
What food actually costs in Laos in 2026
| Item | Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Street food dish (noodles, rice, grilled meat) | $1–3 |
| Sit-down local restaurant meal | $2–5 |
| Korean BBQ per person (all you can eat) | $5–7 |
| Western restaurant meal (pizza, burger, pasta) | $4–10 |
| Night market vegetarian buffet (Luang Prabang) | $1.50 all-you-can-eat |
| Beer Lao (large bottle, local restaurant) | $1–2 |
| Beer Lao (tourist bar) | $2–4 |
| French wine (bottle, better restaurant) | $10–20 |
| Lao lao (local rice whisky, half litre) | $0.25–0.50 |
| Cigarettes (local brand, pack) | $0.20–0.40 |
| Cigarettes (Marlboro or similar, pack) | $0.65–1.00 |
And as for beer — the national beer here is Beer Lao, and it’s so damn good you probably won’t want to drink anything else. Budget about $1–2 for a large bottle at a local restaurant or bar, and multiply according to your anticipated daily consumption. It’s not as cheap as Vietnam’s bia hoi but a whole lot tastier. Thanks to the time the French spent visiting the country, French wines can be found at better restaurants in Luang Prabang and Vientiane for $10–20 a bottle — notably cheaper than in Thailand. The local moonshine is called lao lao, available in shops and at roadside stalls throughout the country — half a litre will set you back almost nothing. Quality varies wildly: at its best, it’s like a fine vodka. At its worst, rubbing alcohol.
Daily food budget guide
If you eat local food at markets and street stalls: budget $5–10 per day. You’ll eat extremely well at this level — sticky rice, grilled chicken, noodle soup, fresh papaya salad.
If you mix local food with occasional Western meals and drinks: budget $15–25 per day for food and drink. This is a comfortable and enjoyable level for most travellers.
If you prefer Western restaurants and enjoy wine: budget $30–50 per day for food and drink, particularly in Luang Prabang where the French colonial influence has left behind some genuinely excellent restaurants and wine lists.
Getting Around Laos
Laos once had no trains, forcing most people onto buses. Things have changed dramatically. The China-Laos high-speed railway now runs from the Chinese border through Luang Prabang and down to Vientiane, cutting what was once a gruelling 12-hour bus journey into less than two hours. It’s been an absolute game-changer for travel in the north. Road quality has also improved significantly thanks to Chinese infrastructure investment. That said, in southern Laos and more remote areas, buses remain the primary option — and conditions can still be an adventure.
🔍 Compare bus, train and flight options for specific Laos routes:
The China-Laos high-speed train
This is the headline transport development in Laos. The train runs from Boten (Chinese border) through Luang Prabang to Vientiane, with stops at Vang Vieng. The Luang Prabang to Vientiane leg costs around $20–35 and takes under two hours. Carriages book up fast — reserve tickets online through 12Go well in advance, especially in high season.
Buses
Buses are still the primary transport in southern Laos and for routes not served by the train. Due to sparse population, departures are not always frequent — plan a day ahead as your bus may only run once a day in the early morning. Regular buses are cheap but pack you in: expect no A/C, a full load of passengers and cargo, and occasionally livestock. For about $1 an hour, VIP air-conditioned buses are more comfortable, more civilised and considerably faster. The Pakse to Vientiane VIP bus costs around $15–20 and takes 10 hours. Compare prices and routes on 12Go.
The Mekong slow boat
The two-day slow boat journey from Huay Xai (Thai border) to Luang Prabang remains one of the great travel experiences in Southeast Asia. The boat drifts downriver through stunning scenery with stops at riverside villages. Expect to pay $20–40 per person for the full journey. It’s slow, occasionally uncomfortable, and completely wonderful. Book through guesthouses in Chiang Rai or Chiang Khong on the Thai side.
Domestic flights
Laos has international airports in Vientiane, Luang Prabang and Pakse. Internal flights are available but expensive relative to the country’s overall costs — Pakse to Luang Prabang starts from around $80–120 one way. Check Skyscanner for Laos flight prices. Most people enter Laos by land, and one look at international airfares will tell you why — though Bangkok to Vientiane or Luang Prabang has become more competitive in recent years.
Tuk-tuks and songthaews
Within towns, tuk-tuks and songthaews (shared pickup trucks with bench seats) are the standard way to get around. Short rides cost $1–3. Grab now operates in Vientiane, making it easier to get a fair price without haggling.
Overall transport budget for a 2-week Laos trip: allow $100–200 depending on how much of the country you cover and whether you use the train or buses for major legs.
Visas and Entry Requirements (2026)
Visas on arrival are available for most Western nationalities at all international airports and major land border crossings. They’re quick and straightforward — the immigration process takes just a few minutes at airports.
Visa on arrival
- Cost: $40 USD for most Western nationalities (varies slightly by passport — bring cash)
- Stay: 30 days, extendable for up to 60 additional days at $2/day
- Available at: Wattay Airport (Vientiane), Luang Prabang Airport, Pakse Airport, and all Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge crossings
- What to bring: One passport-sized photo (or pay $1–2 for on-site photography), and pristine USD cash — worn or torn notes are sometimes refused
- Weekend/after-hours surcharge: An extra $1 is sometimes charged for arrivals outside regular office hours
Laos e-Visa
An e-visa can be applied for online in advance at laoevisa.gov.la for around $50, allowing you to skip the visa queue at immigration. Processing takes 3 business days. This is worth doing if you’re arriving on a busy flight or want to avoid the cash requirement at the border. The e-visa is valid at major airports and the main Lao-Thai border crossings.
SIM Cards and Mobile Data
Getting a Lao SIM card on arrival has become much easier than it used to be, and mobile data coverage is now reliable in all major tourist centres and along the main highways. In genuinely remote areas, don’t count on a signal.
Option 1: Buy a local SIM on arrival (around $5–10)
SIM cards from Lao Telecom, Unitel and ETL are available at airport kiosks and from phone shops in town. Tourist packages with 7–30 days of data typically cost $5–10. Unitel has the widest coverage outside the main towns. You’ll need your passport to register.
Option 2: Buy an eSIM before you fly (around $8–15)
If your phone supports eSIM, activating data before you land means you have navigation and maps working the moment you clear arrivals — useful in Vientiane and Luang Prabang where tuk-tuk touts outside airports can be persistent. Providers like Airalo offer Laos eSIMs from around $8–10 for 5GB.
Cash, ATMs and the Lao Kip
There are no coins in Laos. Kip comes in denominations from 1,000 up to 100,000 — and given the exchange rate of around 20,000 kip to the dollar, you’ll quickly find yourself handling very large-looking numbers for quite small amounts. Don’t let this confuse you. Always double-check which note you’re handing over before paying.
ATMs
ATMs are now widely available in Vientiane, Luang Prabang, Vang Vieng, Pakse and most tourist towns. BCEL bank machines are the most reliable and widely accept Visa and Mastercard. ATM fees typically run $3–5 per foreign card withdrawal — withdraw larger amounts less frequently to keep fees manageable. In remote areas, plan ahead and carry enough cash to last several days.
Currency tips
In larger cities, Thai baht and US dollars are readily accepted at hotels, restaurants and shops, and are often preferred for anything costing more than a few dollars. In smaller towns and villages, kip is preferred for everyday purchases. Thai baht is less useful the further you travel from the Thai border. Lao kip is a closed currency — it cannot be exchanged outside Laos, so spend or convert any leftover kip before you leave. Currency exchange counters at all Thai and Vietnamese border crossings will buy your kip for baht or dong.
Credit cards
A growing number of hotels, upmarket restaurants and tour operators in Vientiane and Luang Prabang now accept Visa and Mastercard. Outside these two cities, credit cards are largely useless — always carry sufficient cash for your entire stay in remote areas.
Travel Insurance for Laos
Medical facilities in Laos are very limited outside Vientiane — serious injuries or illness will require evacuation to Thailand, which can cost $20,000–50,000 without insurance. Travel insurance with strong medical evacuation cover is not optional here. Considering travel insurance for your trip? World Nomads offers coverage for more than 150 adventure activities as well as emergency medical, lost luggage and trip cancellation — and unlike many insurers, they cover motorbike riding, which is how many people get around in Laos.
🛡️ World Nomads travel insurance — covers motorbike riding, trekking, kayaking and emergency evacuation:
Sample Total Trip Budgets for Laos
Here’s what a complete 2-week Laos trip actually costs in 2026, including international flights from Europe, the US or Australia:
| Budget Type | Daily (in-country) | 14 days | + Flights | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shoestring | $20 | $280 | $500–900 | ~$850 |
| Backpacker | $35 | $490 | $500–900 | ~$1,100 |
| Mid-Range | $60 | $840 | $600–1,000 | ~$1,600 |
| Luxury | $150+ | $2,100+ | $700–1,200+ | $3,000+ |
Figures cover in-country spending. Add your Laos visa ($40 on arrival or $50 e-visa), and travel insurance on top of this. Note that luxury options in Laos are concentrated in Luang Prabang — if you’re spending time elsewhere, true luxury accommodation is much harder to find.
✈️ Find the cheapest flights to Laos:
When You Go To Laos Matters Too
Cool dry season (November–February): The best time to visit — comfortable temperatures, low humidity, and the most reliable weather for trekking and river travel. Peak tourist season, so accommodation in Luang Prabang books out fast and prices are highest. The That Luang Festival in Vientiane (November) is spectacular but means the capital gets very busy.
Hot season (March–May): Extremely hot and dry, with temperatures in the high 30s. The Lao New Year (Pi Mai) falls in mid-April and is a brilliant, chaotic, water-fight-fuelled celebration — but hotels across the country fill up and prices spike. Book well ahead if visiting during Pi Mai.
Wet season (May–October): Rain comes in heavy afternoon bursts and some rural roads become impassable. Trekking and waterfall visits are at their most spectacular (Kuang Si is stunning in full flow). Prices drop noticeably and Laos is much less crowded — some of its most atmospheric days are rainy-season days on the Mekong.
Laos is not really a vacation spot — it’s a travel destination. Head here for the laid-back pace of life, the abundant natural beauty, and the opportunities for independent adventure and exploration. You can save up what you don’t spend here and blow it all on a few bacchanalian days on Ko Phi Phi.
