Laos travel guide
Before you go to Laos
- Currency
- LAK ₭
- Emergency number
- 191 / 191
- Plug type
- A, B, C, F
- Tap water
- bottled_only
- Tipping
- optional · round-up customary
- Bargaining
- Common
- eSIM
- Available
- Card networks
- Visa
- ATM fees
- Kip 20,000-30,000 per withdrawal
Cities in Laos
- Vientiane The City of Sandalwood — Laos' charming capital of Buddhist temples, French colonial architecture, and riverside cafés.
- Luang Prabang UNESCO Heritage City — a stunning riverside town of golden temples, French colonial villas, night markets, and serene spirituality.
- Vang Vieng Adventure Capital — a dramatic limestone karst landscape popular for tubing, rock climbing, paragliding, and backpacker nightlife.
- Savannakhet Southern Laos Gateway — a quiet riverside town known for history, markets, and access to 4000 Islands and Mekong adventures.
- Pakse Southern Laos Hub — a bustling town on the Mekong, famous for the Four Thousand Islands and as a gateway to Cambodia border crossings.
- Don Det One of the Si Phan Don (Four Thousand Islands) in the Mekong near the Cambodian border, with the regions waterfalls and the relics of the…
- Phonsavan Capital of Xiangkhouang province and the base for the Plain of Jars, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2019. Also the centre of Laoss UXO…
- Nong Khiaw A Nam Ou river town under limestone karsts in Luang Prabang province. Base for viewpoint hikes, caves used as wartime shelters, and boat…
- Attapeu Remote Southern Region — a peaceful area known for national parks and natural attractions.
- Luang Namtha Northern trekking hub and gateway to the Nam Ha National Protected Area, one of the first community-based ecotourism areas in Laos.
- Thakhek Mekong town in Khammouan province, starting point of the Thakhek Loop and the base for the provinces limestone cave country.
- Huay Xai Bokeo province capital on the Mekong, facing Chiang Khong across the Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge IV. The overland entry point into northern…