Should you visit the Philippines or Laos?
Laos and the Philippines are both on the typical Southeast Asian backpackers' route, but are also visited by higher-end tourists from around the world. They both have roughly the same travel costs, as they are both developing countries. While Laos is known for jungles and eco-tourism, the Philippines also offers the experience of visiting tropical islands with white sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters.
The Philippines is an island nation known for stunning beaches and beautiful jungles, as well as affordable prices. The colonial history has left an interesting mix of culture, as well as historic landmarks. It's possible to visit colonial churches, typical Southeast Asian rice paddies, deserted islands, and beaches with crystal clear blue waters on a trip to this archipelago of a nation.
Laos is one of the cheapest places in the world to visit, and is known for adventure travel, ecotourism, and its laid back atmosphere. For all of these reasons, and the low cost, it is very popular with the backpacking crowd. However, in recent years it has seen more of an influx of higher-end tourists looking for ecological wonders in the mostly untouched jungles of this tropical nation.
Which country is cheaper, Laos or Philippines?
Should I visit the Philippines or Laos? This is a popular question for many travelers. By figuring out which country is more expensive, you'll understand where you'll get more bang for your buck. A week in Laos can cost you about $104 (per person), while a week in the Philippines may cost you around $466. These differences become even more noticable if you plan to spend a longer time in the country. 10 days, two weeks, or even one month of travel to Laos or the Philippines can really add to your travel budget.
Accommodation is often cheaper in Laos compared to the Philippines ($5.85 vs. $25). Budget travelers usually stay in less expensive hostels and guest houses, while nicer hotels often appeal to families and upscale travelers.
Compare hotel prices here: Philippines Hotel Prices and Laos Hotel Prices.
Or, compare hostel and guesthouse prices between Laos and the Philippines to find the cheapest accommodation here: Laos hostels and Philippines hostels.
When comparing food in the Philippines vs. Laos they are not just different in cuisine, but also in price. Meal and restaurant costs in the Philippines ($15) are often cheaper than Laos ($5.69).
When is the best time to visit the Philippines and Laos?
Palawan, Philippines
The Philippines are the hottest from March to May, and from June to October it can be quite rainy. The coolest months are from November to February, but it is still warm and tropical. Don't let the rainy season scare you away, as the rains are not torrential and it still can rain during other parts of the year.
Laos is warm year-round. The dry season is from October to April, and the wet season is in the summer months. However, don't expect the wet season to dump continuous rain on you, meaning that even in the rainier months travelers don't need to worry about the weather so much. Even still, the "high season" tends to be the dryer times of the year.
How much money will I need in Laos and the Philippines?
The Philippines is a nation with a low cost of living and low wages compared to many other Asian nations, but travel costs can still be higher than expected. This is due to several factors. First, transportation can be expensive because of the multitude of islands. Either flights or ferry rides are required to traverse around the various islands, which will quickly add up. Also, in some places, the food must be imported, again because of the islands. Finally, many travelers tend to spend more money on activities in Philippines. While accommodation and food might be cheaper, activities such as scuba diving, water sports, boating, fishing, jungle trekking, and others can significantly add to the traveler's budget.
Laos, being one of the poorest countries in the world, has lower prices for generally everything in the tourism industry compared to its Southeast Asian neighbors. Its reliance on backpackers for so long has also left the country with a large number of hostels and budget hotels, adding even more competition to already low prices. And as much of the country's economy is based on agriculture, this means that food is also fairly cheap. In some places, transportation can get a little pricey, but overall, Laos is just plain cheap.
What are the most expensive and cheapest cities and regions in the Philippines and Laos?
Vang Vieng, Laos
While the Philippines are overall very inexpensive, the popular beach resort areas tend to be higher in price. These destinations are why visitors come to this beautiful country, after all. Tourists flock to the beach, driving up prices for everything from hotels and hostels to restaurants and activities.
The rural parts of the countryside are much cheaper, especially if you can get away from the areas that are more frequently visited.
As in most countries, the larger cities can be expensive, but budget options are available. Some neighborhoods have higher prices due to high-end luxury accommodations, nightlife, and restaurants. But shop around to find better prices if you're on a budget.
Laos is fairly consistent in prices all over the country, as everything is cheap. However, if you plan to do a lot of activities or tours, this can add to your budget. Tours into the countryside to visit the jungle or nearby wilderness areas tend to add more to the budget of travelers.
The cities and towns of Laos tend to be cheap due to the readily available food and accommodation options, as well as more variety and competition.
If you're looking for more luxury, such as a nicer hotel or high-end restaurant, then expect to pay significantly more than the budget or mid-range options.
How you can save money when visiting the Philippines and Laos?
Stay with the locally owned hotels or hostels instead of international or national chain hotels. It's cheaper, better for the local economy, and you'll have a more authentic experience, too.
As transportation between the various islands of the Philippines can get expensive with flights and ferries, choose one or two islands and stay put. Hopping around will cost you a good deal more.Travel slow. Transportation is one of the highest expenses, so picking a destination and maximizing all activities while there will keep prices down.
Eat local, shop local, and stay local to save money. While Laos is not necessarily known for chains and large companies, they do exist in some places but are more expensive.
Negotiate for prices, as locals often try to hike up the prices of food and services for tourists. Shop around and know what things should really cost before you commit to purchasing something.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.
