Laos Travel Guide
Did you know?
The surface area of Laos is 91.4 thous. mi², which puts the country in position number 85 in terms of the area in the world.
How far is it?
1. The site uses the Great Circle method of calculating distances between two points on the Earth
2. To change the cities for comparison, change Your Country in settings
The distance between Vientiane (LA) and Washington D.C. (US) is 8508 miles
To calculate distance between your location and Vientiane click here
Country Comparison
Compare Laos to any country in the world and see key differences between them side-by-side.
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Cities and Top Tourist Attractions
From historical cities to picturesque landmarks and fascinating places - don't miss out on these attractions when planning a visit to Laos
| Miles | Luang Prabang | Vientiane | Pakse | Savannakhet | Vang Vieng | Phou Hin Poun National Biodiversity Conservation Area | Muang Ngoi Neua | Xe Pian National Protected Area |
| Luang Prabang | - | 137 | 408 | 287 | 70 | 226 | 66 | 457 |
| Vientiane | 137 | - | 289 | 171 | 67 | 144 | 190 | 335 |
| Pakse | 408 | 289 | - | 121 | 344 | 196 | 437 | 49 |
| Savannakhet | 287 | 171 | 121 | - | 223 | 85 | 317 | 170 |
| Vang Vieng | 70 | 67 | 344 | 223 | - | 173 | 124 | 392 |
| Phou Hin Poun National Biodiversity Conservation Area | 226 | 144 | 196 | 85 | 173 | - | 244 | 245 |
| Muang Ngoi Neua | 66 | 190 | 437 | 317 | 124 | 244 | - | 487 |
| Xe Pian National Protected Area | 457 | 335 | 49 | 170 | 392 | 245 | 487 | - |
Best Ways to Experience Laos
- Cuisine
- Animals
Practical Information for Travelers
- Budget
- Currency
- Vaccinations
- Visa
- Electricity
Determine the expenses for your travel or vacation budget, as well as the expenditures associated with residing in another country
MoreBackpacker's budget
Daily budget for one person, assuming that two people travel in a standard close to 1 star (hostels, public transport). When traveling alone, the cost may be slightly higher (hotel room) or the same (dormitory accommodation).from
Tourist's budget
Daily budget for one person, assuming that two people travel (they share the cost of a hotel room, taxis, etc.) to a standard close to 3 stars. Costs for a solo traveler will be higher.from
Currency
MoreKip (LAK)
- EUR
- GBP
- LAK
- USD
- EUR
- GBP
- LAK
- USD
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Vaccinations
MoreAll travelers
You should be up to date on routine vaccinations while traveling to any destination. Some vaccinations may also be required in Laos.
Most travelers
Get travel vaccines and medicines because there is a risk of these diseases in the country you are visiting.
Some travelers
Vaccinations and medications that may be recommended under certain conditions, depending on where you will be, the length of your stay and the nature of your stay.
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is a disease caused by the hepatitis B virus.Infection occurs through contact of injured skin or mucous membranes with virus-infected blood or other secretions (e.g. during sexual contact, through contaminated needles or as a result of medical procedures).Prevention
- Get vaccinated
- Avoid sharing body fluids
- Avoid non-sterile medical or cosmetic equipment
Japanese Encephalitis
Japanese encephalitis is an infectious disease caused by arboviruses from the same family of microbes (Flaviviridae) that cause yellow fever or tick-borne encephalitis.The vector of infection is mosquitoes of the genus Culex and Aedes.Prevention
- Get vaccinated
- Prevent bug bites
Malaria
Malaria is a life-threatening parasitic disease transmitted by mosquitoes.Prevention
- Take antimalarial meds
- Prevent bug bites
Estimated relative risk of malaria in Laos
Areas with malaria
Rabies
Rabies is an acute infectious disease caused by neurotrophic viruses from the rhabdovirus family.The infection is most often caused by biting a sick animal or other contact of its saliva with mucous membranes, conjunctiva or damaged skin.Prevention
- Get vaccinated
- Keep away from animals
With or without a visa?
Visa requirements for citizens of
- United States
visiting 
Laos for tourism
A visa is required, but it is possible to obtain it at selected border crossing points (visa on arrival).
- Allowed stay: 30 days
- Visa on arrival is available at Luangphabang, Pakse, Savannakhet and Vientiane international airports, the 4 Thai-Lao Friendship Bridges, 13 border crossings, and Tanalaeng train station in Vientiane. Visa on arrival facilities will be gradually phased out starting in January 2020. eVisa may be used to enter Laos through Wattay International Airport and the First Thai–Lao Friendship Bridge. The Lalai, Lantui, Meuang mom, Pakxan, and Phoudou border crossings are open only to visa holders. Visa on arrival is extendable up to 60 days.
Electricity
230V (50 Hz)
In Laos the standard voltage is 230V and the frequency is 50 Hz. Type A, B, C, E, F sockets are used.
Click on the socket icon to see more information
Type A
Type B
Type C
Type E
Type FFacts and Figures
Fundamental socio-economic statistical data pertaining to the country
Population | 104 / 231 Ranking | 7 275 560 Lao 55%, Khmou 11%, Hmong 8% |
Area | 85 / 230 Ranking | 91.4 thous. mi² It is approximately 2% of the territory of United States. |
Life expectancy | 166 / 196 Ranking | 66 Life expectancy expressed in years.men 63.8women 68.3 |
Median age | 40 / 157 Ranking | 24 Average age of population expressed in years.men 23.7women 24.4 |
Population growth | 62 / 172 Ranking | 1.46% The difference between live births and deaths. A negative value means natural loss. |
Literacy | 76 / 131 Ranking | 84.7% Ability to read, write and count.men 90%women 79.4% |
GDP | 128 / 194 Ranking | 8 236 INT$ GDP per capita is gross domestic product converted to international dollars (Int$) using purchasing power parity rates and divided by total population. |
Myanmar (Burma)