Is Laos Expensive?

Is Laos expensive to visit?

While Laos is a popular destination, it is also very affordable and not expensive to visit. This is actually one of the main reasons why it's so popular with tourists. When compared to other countries in Asia, many travelers find it to be a very affordable destination. It's in the top 10% of countries in Asia for its affordability, and our cost analysis found it to be comparable to Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan.

As this is not an overly touristy country to visit, you'll find a number of great places in Laos at a variety of price ranges. The most expensive destination is Vientiane. If you're looking for a lower cost destination, you can visit Luang Prabang.

Average daily price of selected cities in Laos, by affordability

How expensive is Laos?

Travelers spend an average of $22 per day when visiting Laos (U.S. Dollars). This is according to our calculations which come from the expenses of previous visitors. While this is an average cost, prices can vary by travel style, the length of your trip, and other factors. However, you can keep close to this average, or even travel cheaper if you stay at moderately priced hotels, eat at affordable restaurants, and take public transportation when possible. See more travel costs for Laos here.

How expensive is a one week trip to Laos?

On average, a one week trip to Laos costs about $157 per person. This is based on the previous expenses of actual travelers, and includes accommodation, food, activities, local transportation, and more. For two people, a one week trip costs $315.

How expensive is a two week trip to Laos?

A two week trip to Laos costs about $315 per person on average, based on the previous expenses of other travelers. This includes accommodation, sightseeting activities, transportation, food, and nightlife. For two people, a two week trip costs $629.

How expensive is a month long trip to Laos?

Based on the travel expenses of others, a one month trip to Laos costs around $674 on average, per person. This includes food, sightseeing, local transportation, accommodation, and nightlife. For two people, a one month trip costs $1,348.

Is it expensive to backpack in Laos?

With more than 70 hostels around the country, Laos is a popular backpacker destination for travelers looking to stay on a tight budget and have a fun time along the way. Hostels here cost an average of $7 per night for a bed in a hostel dorm. (See hostel prices in Laos here.) Many backpackers head to Vientiane. Typically, the most expensive hostels are in Vang Vieng, which average $7 a night. On the other hand, the cheapest hostels are in Luang Prabang which average $6 per night.

Here are a few sample prices from popular hostels in Laos.

• $8 for a dorm bed at Barn1920s Hostel in Vientiane
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• $3 for a dorm bed at Sunrise Riverside Pool Hostel in Luang Prabang
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• $5 for a dorm bed at Vang Vieng Rock Backpackers Rooftop Hostel in Vang Vieng
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Where to find affordable hostels in Laos

Are hotels expensive in Laos?

From our analysis of hotel prices in Laos, we find that they come at a significantly lower cost compared to other countries. The average rate for a room is approximately $25 per night. Keep in mind that pricing can vary across cities in the country, with places like Vang Vieng commanding a higher average of $32 per night. Conversely, there are more economical options like Vientiane, where hotel prices average around $28 per night.

Where to find affordable hotels in Laos

How expensive are sightseeing activities in Laos?

Activities and things to do in Laos can vary in price depending on the type of activity, length, and location. Below are a number of popular activities to give you an idea of what to expect when visiting. Generally, previous travelers have spent $3 per day on sightseeing activities and things to do when visiting.

• Laos Buffalo Dairy Tours Interact, Learn and Taste Fresh Flavors: $14
• Luang Prabang: Kuang Si Waterfall & Rice Farm Tour: $47
• Luang Prabang Foodie Walking Tour and Monk Blessing: $50
• Laos–China Railway: Easy Train Tickets, No Queues, No Worries: $28
• 3 Days Multi Adventure in Nam Ha NPA: 2 Days Trek and 1 Day Kayak: $159
• Vang Vieng Kayaking Fun Rapid and Float Tour: $65
• 2 Days Multi Adventure in Nam Ha NPA: Trek and Kayak: $147
• Half-Day Vientiane City Bike Tour | Laos: $168

Is food expensive in Laos?

Food in Laos can vary in price depending on the restaurant and food options available. Generally, other travelers have spent $11 on food per person per day. To save money, eat at less expensive restaurants, try street food, or cook your own meals when possible.

• Luang Prabang Mekong Sunset Cruise and Hot Pot Dinner: $55
• Luang Prabang Local Market and Morning Food Tour with Drinks: $39
• Luang Prabang Evening Food Tour by Tuk-Tuk: $70
• Full Day bamboo experience with cooking class & Kuang si waterfalls: $59
• Vientiane Private Lao Cooking Class with Market Tour and Lunch: $70
• Camping and Cooking Classes in Primary Forest in Luang Prabang: $128

Is transportation expensive in Laos?

Local transportation in Laos can vary in price depending on the type of transit used. Generally, other travelers have spent $2 on local transportation per person per day. To save money, take public transit whenever possible, as it will almost always be cheaper than a taxi or private driver.

Intercity transportation in Laos can vary widely in price depending on the type of transit used and the distance traveled. Generally, other travelers have spent $5 on intercity transportation per person per day. To save money, take long distance buses or trains instead of flying, as it will almost always be cheaper, even if it's slower.

More for Laos

If you're planning a trip to Laos, check out these other informative travel guides.

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We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.