Yesterday was Lao National Day. So of course it will affect when people are working. Does anyone know when people will generally go back to work? I imagine at this point they have a backlog to process. I’m going to give them a few more days before I bug them a second time.

Hi. I am Vietnamese and I have a Vietnamese driver license (valids till 2055) and Australian driver license (valids till May 2025) because I was studying in Australia. I want to convert into a 5 years Laos license and to get IDP 1949 issued in Laos and to be able to rent and drive in Japan because I travel to Japan regularly. I can't use IDP issued in Vietnam because it is IDP 1968 and Japan only accepts IDP 1949. I was using IDP 1949 issued in Australia to drive in Japan in my last few visits but as mention my Australian driver license is expiring soon and so its IDP, i also can't renew it because i need to apply for a new Australia visa....etc...

As researched, Laos issues IDP under 1949 form and is next to Vietnam that I can go to Vientiane by bus. The thing is Vietnamese passport holder is visa exempted to enter Laos for less than 30 days so i think I can't convert it if i don't have a work/long-term visa or such thing. A guy on fb said he could do a 5 years Laos license and IDP for $700 or I can take a class and do the test for $200 but it takes 2 months??? i don't know how legit it is and it's quite expensive.

If anyone know any ways that I can use my Vietnamese or Australian license to convert into 5 years Laos license then get the IDP please advice me.

Thanks so much!

Anyone know where you can find snus/nicotine pouches in Vang vieng or vientiane? Please help.

I’ve got a flight tomorrow afternoon from Chiang Mai to Luang Prabang. I have 1500 baht for my visa on arrival but was just told by a random traveler at a dispensary that I’ll need to now get baht out and then exchange that here for USD. Is this true, or will the baht suffice? Thanks! (USA passport)

I’ve got a flight tomorrow afternoon from Chiang Mai to Luang Prabang. I have 1500 baht for my visa on arrival but was just told by a random traveler at a dispensary that I’ll need to now get baht out and then exchange that here for USD. Is this true, or will the baht suffice? Thanks!

The background is that I thought I needed a visa for Laos but I don’t. I got one before I knew.

Now I’m in Vietnam and would like to do a visa run to Laos. Problem is that my visa is just one entry. Visa free is just for people that have never been to Laos before. Thus if I enter on my visa, I won’t be able to enter visa free after my Vietnam trip.

My solution would be to ask them not to “use” my visa entry but my visa free stay. Then go back to Vietnam and the next time I go to Laos I use my visa. Do you think this is possible?

Hi folks,

Would like to ask where it’s good to stay in Laos, in the capital of Vientiane or anywhere else where the accessibility is better?

Had an amazing time in Laos, and noticed that a lot of cars have rooftent and other overlanding equipment on them (mainly Toyota Hilux, Ford Ranger and other SUV's). Is this an upcoming trend within the country, or these are rented by tourists?

Also it was interesting how almost every SUV is lifted and a lot of them has offroad gear as well.

Thanks for the insight!

Had an amazing time in Laos, and noticed that a lot of cars have rooftent and other overlanding equipment on them (mainly Toyota Hilux, Ford Ranger and other SUV's). Is this an upcoming trend within the country, or these are rented by tourists?

Also it was interesting how almost every SUV is lifted and a lot of them has offroad gear as well.

Thanks for the insight!

I’ve seen the things on getyourguide etc - I’m just wondering for suggestions from locals or travellers experiences that may not be on popular websites. We have approx 3 days in Luang Prabang then 3 days Vang Vieng. Thanks 🙏🏼

I will be returning to Laos with my parents for the first time in 36 years. I was actually born in Thailand, but don't remember much before coming to the United States. My father is from Muang Saen in the Champassak region, which I believe is near Muang Khong. He wants to visit there and meet his family still in the region, but I cant find much information about the area. Is there a hotel there I can book for the family? What kind of touristy things could I do if I want to break off from my parents/family for a bit. I also regularly wear nothing but black with visible tattoos, should I clean up my look for the trip?

Before Covid there have been a few places in town one could go to grab a drink. Beside SéSé and two places along the Mekong it seems rather dead. Any advise?

Does anyone know if the airport shuttle bus is running from the airport to downtown?

Unitel seems slow AF even though it’s 5G. Is there a faster network?

I’m planning to make yu mak‑keua (aubergine mash–and–minced pork stir‑fry) according to this recipe:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bH7D0OvJx_k

The video says that we can substitute round aubergine with regular aubergine. Can anyone tell me how different cooked round aubergine and cooked regular aubergine are in terms of texture and taste?

Drove past a gated entrance NE of Vientiane on 450 that piqued my interest (18°00'25.3"N 102°42'11.1"E). The walled compound looks to be enormous with two large structures that have adjacent pools and many outbuildings. Can this possibly be a private home? I think it may qualify as a palace due to the enormous size. Anybody know what this is?

Hello guys,

Currently in amazing Laos and planning my next stop in Vang Vieng, wondering where is the best place to sleep, on the eastern side or western side of the nam song river?

I saw all the attraction are on the western side.

Also I was reading about toll gate bridge to cross the river, is there a way to avoid it?

Finally do you recommend the hot air balloon ride?

Thank you very much

Is there any GED center in Laos?

Hi all

I usually use a Wise card when travelling but I don't have the option to add a LAK balance to it.

Would it matter what currency I use on my Wise card - would it be better to have USD or THB rather than € or does it make no difference? I'm thinking both of paying by card where possible and also taking cash from the ATM.

Thanks in advance!

Sabaidee! I'm moving to Brooklyn, NYC next year, and I'm seeking a community of other Laotians that I can be part of. I'm half Lao and half Korean, and I'm looking to meet new people with whom I can connect through language and culture. If you have any suggestions or know of any Laotian communities in NYC, please let me know!

What's the cheapest town on the backpacker trail or where it's not cheapest but provides most value in your mind?

I'm looking for a spot to chill for a week or two to bang out some laptop stuff and do nothing in particular in a spot with good vibes that feels like a bargain

Bonus points if you know a $5-$8 Accomodation that's conducive to something like a solo writer's retreat

Hello everybody,

I applied for my Laos tourist eVisa on 18th Nov 2024. My scheduled travel date to Laos is 5th December 2024. When I applied, it said that the processing time for eVisa is 3 business days. But it has been more than a week now and my application is still under "Pending" status. I'm not sure why it's taking so long. Should I be worried or it's usual to take this long? Should I contact them via their contact form on eVisa website to ask an update? Please suggest.

Update: As suggested, I contacted them via their contact form on their website. Got a response within 2 hours (fast response is always appreciated), however it was a very generic response, which read:

Dear sir/madam,

Thank you for your request.

Now your application is still processing by authorities, not include on Saturday and Sunday. We are follow up your application, hope you will get the result soon.

You can check the status your eVisa on https://laoevisa.gov.la/checkstatus then input Application ID and passport number then click " Check " 

And you can update the information (Please check your all information is correct before submit form), payment and download your document on our website (If your document is processing or your application has been approved, you will not be able to edit information and document).

Best regards,

Lao eVisa Support Team

There was no update or response to as why it's taking so long, just said that it's under "processing". For now I just hope I get my visa before my travel date. If I do not get eVisa, I will apply for visa on arrival, but will the fees paid for eVisa be lost? Will they refund the fees in case they do not process my visa before my travel date?

Update 2: Received my eVisa on email today. It definitely took a lot longer than expected. For anyone applying for eVisa, you should apply at least 10 days before your travel date.

Hello!

I’m currently trying to workout a route Luang Prabang from Vientiane. I was looking at trains, however I have read some reviews that the trains have the same restrictions as an airline carry on! This won’t work for me as I’ll have my extensive toiletry bag with me and all my hair products that I won’t be willing to part with. Are all the train company’s the same? How else could I get there? Thankyou in advance