It is pretty much next to totally useless. Maybe would work for WhatsApp sometimes. Loading web page would either not work or take 5 minutes.

Does anyone know how I can book the train from Kunming straight to luang namtha or boten if there is no service to luang namtha?

Looking to go of luang namtha-phongsali-nong khiaw-luang Prabang-Vientiane if anyone knows any bus/train companies I can pre-book with.

All the hostels that I see on Booking have poor reviews, don't have lockers, and generally don't seem to be value for money. Budget is around 10 usd. Thanks

Same as title, no I am not looking for a hotel, travelling solo and on a budget.

Sabaidee, I once lived in Laos for about 1,5 years and was called "Singh" by the locals as my real name is Lion and it's also my zodiac sign. I'd like to get a tattoo to remind me of the good times in luang prabang, Vientiane and Vang vieng. Can someone write that in lao handwriting? thank you!

Having just been stung for 3000 baht coming to Laos from Bangkok paying excess fees at the check in desk (more than I paid for the airfare), I'd like to minimize my possible costs for my next flight. My bag is 25/26 kg, I know the included amount for my ticket is 20kg. Do I use the "advanced bag 05kg" option when buying the ticket through Laos Airlines website? Or would I be just as well off paying at the airport? It's not that clear. Any advice much appreciated, thank you

Living in six different districts across Xayaboury province for the month of January cost me $508 USD, or $16.40 per day on average. Accomodations in general were very well-appointed, particularly when considering that I never encountered a room which cost more than $10/night. The liberal use of wood by local architects creates a rustic look that people in America pay top dollar for. Background noise consisted primarily of roosters crowing at all hours of the day and night, joined by dogs, geese and turkeys at some properties. Earplugs are recommended for light sleepers.

I use http://www.budgetyourtrip.com to track my travel expenses.

Food was overall satisfying, but sometimes limited in selection, disappointing in quality, or sold at elevated prices to a foreigner. On one occasion I ate a local sausage and it made me sick to my stomach...the first time this happened in nine months of traveling Southeast Asia. Be sure to get your grilled items from a grill that is smoking hot! They taste so much better that way.

This plate of pad kra pao cost 50,000 kip. The rich flavors, crisp meat and lack of excess grease made it one of the best stir-fry meals I've had in the province, worth the somewhat elevated price.

Plentiful fresh fruit and produce in rural Laos allows for healthy living, as does plentiful sunshine. Soup is generally served with a heaping plate of fresh greens. Nobody stocks multivitamins here, so be sure to eat a well-rounded diet. For exercise, you can stroll for kilometers along quiet back roads, but expect your shoes to get dusty. Property guard dogs can get territorial over their stretch of road. A stern word of admonition will usually keep them at bay as you pass by, but occasionally you might have to pick up a rock.

Phoutat is an undeveloped temple complex on a hilltop overlooking the fertile valley of Hongsa district. The tourist bureau recommends it as a place to catch the sunset. After climbing the long staircase, I was greeted by a dad and his three sons, who along with their dog were gathering bundles of wood from the nearby forest.

The climate here is so amazingly pleasant. Highs 25-32 C, nights dipping to 15 C or so. Humidity is low, but not so low as to be parching. There is no need to run an air conditioner when sunset brings a refreshing cool to these mountain valleys. Gray days are very rare as well. In six weeks of traveling Laos there have been only four cloudy days, and even those days had the sun breaking through in the afternoon hours. Not a drop of rain has fallen. Between the bright sunshine and the kindness of the people, it's very difficult to succumb to melancholy here.

This 100,000 kip roast goat & sticky rice spread was delicious, but very, very chewy! One of the most intense jaw workouts of any meal I've eaten in my travels.

Quite a few tour company's, and even supposed "government" offices here offering these ethnic tribe guided treks for 2 days 1 night and up. Has anyone had any experience with one of these? The price can be quite steep considering so we are wanting to make sure we aren't going on some cookie cutter hike through the forest where you cross the same stream multiple times just for show. Any information and advice appreciated.

Couldn't find anything on this after googling, is there any other known way to resolve this issue?

We booked the first time with a hostel. Now when I try to do it myself in the LCR app from Vang Vieng to Vientiane with the same passport this shows up at the registration section.

He says he doesn't know what to do, nothing shows up on Google. Do we have to go to the train station in Vang Vieng? Is there an office in town anywhere?

Would be very appropriative of any help! Thank you :) 🙏

She says "I was born.."

Like if she feels she was insulted or something

Hi all, we plan to travel from Pak Beang and head to Khop district. Curious if anyone has spent any time around this area up near the Thai border? How are the roads and any things we should make sure to do or see?

FYI to people travelling - This may be common knowledge but we messed up and learned the hard way.

We tried to get money out of an ATM but both the card and the cash were swallowed by the machine. The bank that operates the ATM is in another city, therefore they cannot come and open the ATM for 7+ days (we leave in 3 days). Thus, we are left without the money or the card.

SO, if you are withdrawing money, make sure to ONLY use an ATM attached to a bank or that has a branch in the vicinity.

My friend and I flew into Vientiane and the immigration staff demanded 1million kip each for entry. We didn't realise until after that it should only have been 870k kip. So scammed $260k kip total. We tried to talk to other officials about it but they all played the no English move on act. Fantastic start to a holiday here, now we are double checking everything at every establishment. If the officials are doing this, what chance do the civilians have.

Hello everyone.

I'm currently trying to work out an itinerary for a 2 week trip in april in northern laos in April (group of 9).
The plan I have come up with is as follows:

• Day 1 (Apr 15): Vientiane – Explore city (Arrival) 🛏️ Stay: Vientiane
• Day 2 (Apr 16): Vang Vieng – Kayaking & Blue Lagoon (Train: Vientiane → Vang Vieng) 🛏️ Stay: Vang Vieng
• Day 3 (Apr 17): Vang Vieng – Caves & countryside (Stay in Vang Vieng) 🛏️ Stay: Vang Vieng
• Day 4 (Apr 18): Luang Prabang – Mount Phousi & Night Market (Train: Vang Vieng → Luang Prabang) 🛏️ Stay: Luang Prabang
• Day 5 (Apr 19): Luang Prabang – Kuang Si Waterfalls & Pak Ou Caves (Local transport & boat) 🛏️ Stay: Luang Prabang
• Day 6 (Apr 20): Pak Beng – Mekong slow boat (Boat: Luang Prabang → Pak Beng) 🛏️ Stay: Pak Beng
• Day 7 (Apr 21): Huay Xai – Mekong slow boat (Boat: Pak Beng → Huay Xai) 🛏️ Stay: Huay Xai
• Day 8 (Apr 22): Gibbon Experience – Trekking & ziplining (Trek: Huay Xai → Jungle) 🛏️ Stay: Treehouse in the jungle
• Day 9 (Apr 23): Nong Khiaw – Travel day (Minivan: Huay Xai → Nong Khiaw) 🛏️ Stay: Nong Khiaw
• Day 10 (Apr 24): Nong Khiaw – Boat trip & caves (Boat & local transport) 🛏️ Stay: Nong Khiaw
• Day 11 (Apr 25): Luang Prabang – Hike Phadeng Peak, return (Minivan or Train: Nong Khiaw → Luang Prabang) 🛏️ Stay: Luang Prabang
• Day 12 (Apr 26): Vientiane – Buddha Park & relax (Train: Luang Prabang → Vientiane) 🛏️ Stay: Vientiane
• Day 13 (Apr 27): Vientiane – Departure (Flight home)

How viable do you think it is and what would you change (if something needs to change?)
Do we have enought time to see all that?
Also any other recommendations are welcome

As the title suggests, I’m looking for alternatives to Nagi of Mekong for a private showboat to Luang Prabang, coming from Chiang Rai.

The reason I ask is they do not operate on Thursday when we plan to leave.

Thanks in advance 😊

Hi!

What kind is the road from Luang Prabang to Pak Beng? Is it paved all the way? Would it be possible to do this distance by scooter in one day? How is the traffic and would you say it’s safe to ride in general?

Do you have any tips for this route? And..., does it even make sense to do this trip by scooter?

Thanks in advance for any advice and tips!

Anybody know anywhere in Vientiane that sells used unlocked phones or mobile hot spots i could find for not a ton of $$? My carrier won’t let me use esim while paying off phone still and American phones don’t have physical sim slots

Anyone have experience on what company to choose? I’ve heard some are more safety compliant than others. Prices dont matter but please include what you paid with the company you recommend (if you can!).

Thanks!

*Edit Above Laos is fully booked on our dates. Is there any other company we can try?

Hi there, I am heading ina week to Don Det, and would love to spend about 2-3 weeks there. Any recommendations for private bangolows that be around $5/night or even less with good internet? Of course I checked some on Agoda/Booking, but reviews for them not so great. Don't wanna book without seeing it. Thanks

Hi just looking for any information on taking a bus/van from Siem Reap? Found a youtube video from 5yrs ago but other informattion seems a bit scarce. Thank in advance

Hi everyone.

My wife and I are going to take the train to Vang Vieng tomorrow (Jan, 28th). As we don’t want to loose our sunscreen, knife, mosquito spray, etc. to the security check at the train station (we heard they can be super strict if they don’t like your face), we are looking for someone who is going by minivan and is able to take one small backpack with him/her to be picked up in Vang Vieng.

If you’re this kind person we are looking for, let us know. Happy to hear from you.

Safe travelling

Hi everyone, I am travelling to your beautiful country soon. I try to make it a point to drink at the oldest bars/pubs in town. Sadly I couldn't find any information online.

Hoping some kind Loatian can help me out?

Bring a pen or 5 if you arrive to Wattay Airport for customs. You will find out why.

I am currently using NIU's website to learn. I mainly am looking for beginner listening and reading material as I have taught myself the alphabet. My goal is to be able to read and listen to news in order to get better. My wife is Lao but is illiterate as she wasn't born there.

No posts about air quality. This question gets asked every day in the lead up and during burning season.

In summary: no one knows when burning season will start. No one knows how bad it will be. Yes it will impact your lungs. Yes it will impact the views. No one knows when it will end. You can use: https://www.iqair.com/ or a similar website to see the AQI of some cities in Laos.

No one knows how it will impact you individually.

Posted a question about air quality which got deleted. Mod said something about pinned post. But where is the pinned post about air quality in Laos?? I cannot find it and mod not replying to DM.

Google obviously only gives general information, I want to get some info about current situation on the ground.

Why is there a taboo on this subject on this sub? And why does mod-team not respond to DM?

Mod: if you delete this post pls at least respond to DM!

My flight to Vientiane from Bangkok is on 2nd Feb. I am yet to book my return flight to BKK, initially I was planning to take the slow boat till Huay Xai, then a bus/train from Chiang Mai to BKK, but as an Indian passport holder, crossing the land border can be tricky and I don’t want to pay any bribes, so that rules out this option. My flight from BKK to India is on 13th Feb 11:00 hrs, so I have around 11 days.

This is a very rough schedule but it seems very rushed. Should I just skip the Thakek loop and instead spend more days at Vang Vieng, Luang Prabang and maybe add in Nong Khiaw as well?

FWIW I am 30M travelling solo. I am not too keen on doing the tubing at Vang Vieng.

Day1: Reqch Vientiane at 14:00hrs, take an overnight bus to Thakek

Day2: Start Thakek loop

Day3: Thakek loop

Day4: Thakek loop

Day5: end of Thakek loop, take an overnight bus to Vang Vieng

Day6: Nam Xay Viewpoint and Blue Lagoon 3

Day7: Take LCR to Luang Prabang, visit night market

Day8: Kuang Si waterfall

Day9: Phousi Hill and the monasteries

Day10: ????

Day11: Flight to BKK

I think I can add in a day of rest at Vang Vieng after doing the Thakek loop.

Does this look doable? Should I skip the Thakek loop? Looking for your opinions, thanks.

Hi everyone,

I’m planning a solo trip through Southeast Asia May-November 2025, and I could use some advice on the logistics.

Initially I was going to do the more logical order of: May - August: Thailand (with friends), Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia. August: fly to Sri Lanka to meet family. September - November: Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines.

However, I am gay and my boyfriend wants to come visit me for 2 months of this trip in September/October. Malaysia/Indonesia aren’t accepting of LGBT people, so I think it’s better for me to solo explore these countries, and to explore more accepting countries like Cambodia/Vietnam with him for September/October. Another positive about this idea is that the first plan would mean experiencing Vietnam/Cambodia in peak rainy season June-August, but September/October is the end of rainy season in so weather will begin to get better I believe.

Some essential plans that can’t change: A) I have to start the trip in Thailand in May due to plans with friends. B) I’ll be meeting family in Sri Lanka in August, so that can’t change either.

With these factors in mind, I have planned a new itinerary which is:

May: Thailand from south to north with friends.

June: 2 weeks in Laos north to south (including Don Det in the south) Fly to Indonesia for rest of the month.

July: Indonesia and Malaysia.

August: Continue in Malaysia/Singapore for 2 more weeks. Fly to Sri Lanka, meet family and stay for rest of the month.

September: Fly to Cambodia, meet with my boyfriend.

October: Explore Vietnam with my boyfriend from South to North.

November: Fly from Hanoi to the Philippines. Finish my trip.

To be clear this will be roughly: 4 weeks north and south Thailand, 2 weeks north and south Laos, 5 weeks Indonesia, 3 weeks Malaysia & Singapore, 3 weeks Sri Lanka, 3 weeks Cambodia, 5 weeks Vietnam, 4 weeks Philippines.

I’d like to hear people’s thoughts on this unorthodox itinerary.

My biggest concern is how I get from South Laos to Indonesia. Do I go to a nearby Laotian airport or get a train/bus to Bangkok or Phnom Penh and get a flight from there?

Is doing this route the right choice considering travelling as an LGBT couple for Sept/Oct, and because the weather will be better in Cambodia and Vietnam at those times?

Thank you everyone in advance! I know this is a lot of information so feel free to ask any questions for any more clarity.