Laos travel guide
Laos is a quiet, mountainous country where the Mekong sets the pace of life. Its signature experiences are the morning alms-giving in Luang Prabang, a slow boat down the river, a stay in a riverside guesthouse, and long days among limestone karsts, waterfalls and caves. In the north, Luang Prabang, Nong Khiaw and Luang Namtha offer temples, river valleys and trekking, with Vang Vieng's cliffs and the Plain of Jars near Phonsavan on the way. Vientiane is a relaxed capital with French cafes, golden stupas and a lively riverside market. Further south, Thakhek and its caves, Pakse with the Bolaven Plateau, and the island of Don Det in the Four Thousand Islands reward slower travel, with markets, waterfalls and village stays along the way. The cooler dry season from November to February is the most comfortable time to visit. Laos suits slow travellers, trekkers and culture lovers. Plan the itinerary city by city with Zippy Trips.
Capital: Vientiane.
Visa for Indian passport holders
Visa on arrival.
Before you go to Laos
- Currency
- LAK ₭
- Emergency number
- 191
- Plug type
- Type A, B, C, F
- Tap water
- Drink bottled water
- Tipping
- Optional
- Bargaining
- Common
- eSIM
- Available
- Card networks
- Visa
- ATM fees
- Kip 20,000-30,000 per withdrawal
Cities in Laos
- 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.
- Pakse Southern Laos Hub — a bustling town on the Mekong, famous for the Four Thousand Islands and as a gateway to Cambodia border crossings.
- Vientiane The City of Sandalwood — Laos' charming capital of Buddhist temples, French colonial architecture, and riverside cafés.
- Savannakhet Southern Laos Gateway — a quiet riverside town known for history, markets, and access to 4000 Islands and Mekong adventures.
- 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…
Frequently asked questions about Laos
- Do Indian citizens need a visa for Laos?
- Visa on arrival. Stay: 30 days. Fee: USD 30-40 (nationality-dependent). Processing: Around 3 business days. Apply: Before departure. Apply only on the official portal, laoevisa.gov.la.
- What currency is used in Laos?
- The currency in Laos is the Laotian Kip (₭). ₹1 is about 235 ₭.
- Can I use cards and ATMs in Laos?
- Accepted card networks: Visa. Typical ATM fees: Kip 20,000-30,000 per withdrawal. Decline dynamic currency conversion at ATMs and card machines.
- Should I tip in Laos?
- Tipping in Laos: optional. Typically about 10% in restaurants.
- Is tap water safe to drink in Laos?
- Drink bottled water.
- What plug type does Laos use?
- Laos uses Type A, B, C, F plugs.
- What is the emergency number in Laos?
- Emergency: 191. Police: 191. Ambulance: 195. Tourist helpline: 1180.
- Can I get a SIM or eSIM in Laos?
- SIM and eSIM available in Laos.
- What is the capital of Laos?
- The capital of Laos is Vientiane. Time there: IST + 1 h 30 min.