Budget-friendly Self-guided Travel to Laos

Laos shares a similar climate with Vietnam and lies along its western border. With its tranquil beauty expressed through temples, unique cuisine, and convenient travel location, many travelers are opting for self-guided trips to Laos. However, for those visiting the country for the first time, calculating the travel costs is essential to ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey. To help you plan better, Vietjet has compiled a breakdown of self-guided travel expenses in Laos in the article below.

Budget-friendly self-guided travel costs in Laos

Laos boasts many temples adorned with intricate mosaics and shimmering gold.

1. Entry Costs

Laos and Vietnam are both ASEAN countries, so citizens can cross the border without needing a visa. However, to enter Laos, you must prepare a passport valid for at least 6 more months and a border pass.You can apply for the border pass at the immigration office near the Laos border for about 50,000 VND. Required documents include a personal ID, a 4x6 portrait photo, and a birth certificate (for those under 14 years old).Note: Visa-free stays in Laos are limited to under 30 days. If your self-guided trip exceeds that duration, be sure to apply for a visa either at the embassy or directly at the border.

2. Transportation Costs to Laos

Thanks to the relatively short distance, there are many ways to reach Laos, allowing for flexible budgeting. You can choose among the following transportation options:

2.1 Travel to Laos by Bus

Buses are both economical and popular. Currently, there are many bus routes from major cities like Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi directly to Laos.

From Hanoi, you can catch a bus at Nuoc Ngam Bus Station with ticket prices starting around 950,000 VND to Vientiane or 1,350,000 VND to Luang Prabang. Travel time averages between 18–24 hours.

From Ho Chi Minh City, several providers offer direct transport to Laos, at prices ranging from 800,000 to 1,200,000 VND per person.

Traveling by bus allows you to enjoy Laos’s landscape through the window. However, it may not be suitable for those prone to motion sickness or who cannot sit long in a tight space.

2.2 Travel to Laos by airplane

A self-guided trip to Laos requires plenty of energy to fully explore the "Land of a Million Elephants." Flying to Laos helps you arrive quickly, save time, and stay energized for your journey.

Budget-friendly self-guided Laos travel cost

A short flight will quickly take you to the beautiful country of Laos.

With fares starting at just 120,000 VND (excluding taxes and fees) for flights to Laos via Vietjet, you can save on travel costs while still enjoying comfort. Plus, on the flight, you'll get a bird’s eye view of neighboring Laos.

3. Accommodation costs in Laos

Laos offers a variety of lodging options for tourists at very reasonable prices. You can choose from 3–5 star hotels, guesthouses, or rental apartments. Travelers wanting a combined vacation and travel experience can stay at resorts. Budget-conscious travelers can opt for dorms, which are affordable and suitable for multi-destination trips. Typical room rates in Laos range from 350,000 to 1,500,000 VND per night.

4. Local transportation costs in Laos

When visiting tourist attractions in Laos, you have multiple transport options:

4.1 Bus

Buses are a public transport mode chosen by many. In major cities, bus stops are easy to find along main roads. Average fare: around 50,000 Kip.

4.2 Tuk Tuk

Tuk Tuks are a common means of transport in Laos, modified to carry 3–4 people. On a self-guided trip, you should try Tuk Tuk to travel alongside locals, experiencing more about daily life and culture in Laos. Average fare: from 10,000 Kip per ride.

4.3 High-speed trains

When traveling independently in Laos, you may want to visit other cities within the country to continue your journey. The fastest way to get around is by high-speed train. With ticket prices starting from 190,000 Kip, you can enjoy traveling on a fast yet smooth train while admiring the peaceful scenery of Laos through the window.

5. Food costs in Laos

Laos shares many culinary similarities with Vietnam. Just like in Vietnam, food in Laos is quite affordable. Self-guided travelers in Laos can enjoy Lao dishes at local restaurants, Western-style eateries, or street food stalls.

Khao Soi is a famous Lao noodle dish known for its rich flavor and sweet broth made from bones.

Must-try dishes in Laos include Laap, Khao Soi noodles, Savanakhet grilled chicken, fried insects, steamed fish Mok Pa, Sai Oua sausage, and more.

Street food: 10,000 – 25,000 Kip per dish
Local restaurant: 20,000 – 40,000 Kip per dish
Western or upscale restaurant: from 40,000 Kip and up

6. Sightseeing costs for self-guided travel in Laos

As a land of temples and stupas, sightseeing spots in Laos are very affordable, whether in the capital or other major tourist cities.

6.1 Vientiane

Pha That Luang

Pha That Luang is a golden stupa and a national symbol of Laos. It's a must-visit landmark, standing 45 meters tall and adorned with over 332 golden Bodhi leaves. Every year during the 11th lunar month, a three-day festival is held here, attracting both locals and tourists.

Entrance fee: 5,000 – 10,000 Kip

Haw Phra Kaew (Emerald Buddha Temple)

Once a place where royal family members came to pray, Haw Phra Kaew houses many valuable relics, including a rare emerald Buddha statue. Today, it serves as a museum preserving a collection of precious artifacts and various Buddha statues made from different materials.

Entrance fee: around 5,000 Kip

6.2 Luang Prabang

Kuang Si Waterfall

In the ancient capital of Luang Prabang, Kuang Si Waterfall is a must-see. This stunning waterfall cascades over several tiers into turquoise pools so clear that you can see the ecosystem beneath. The area has been developed into a tourist site where visitors can swim in natural pools and enjoy the cool water straight from nature.

Entrance fee: around 20,000 Kip

Kuang Si Waterfall exudes a magical, dreamy charm, like a picturesque watercolor painting.

Wat Xieng Thong

One of the oldest temples in Laos, Wat Xieng Thong was built in the 16th century. The temple features classic Lao architecture with sloping roofs and elegant stupas, creating a solemn yet graceful atmosphere.

Entrance fee: around 20,000 Kip

6.3 Other notable attractions

Plain of Jars (Xieng Khouang Plateau, near Phonsavan)

This mysterious site contains clusters of ancient stone jars ranging from 1 to 3 meters in height, scattered across 52 sites on the Xieng Khouang Plateau. Some jars are believed to be 1,500–2,000 years old.

Entrance fee: 10,000 – 15,000 Kip

Si Phan Don (Mekong River, Pakse, Champasak Province)

Si Phan Don is an area where the Mekong River expands to 1 km in width and 14 km in length, containing 4,000 small islands. The majestic and expansive landscape is awe-inspiring. Visitors often enjoy boat rides to explore the islands, admire the scenery along the legendary Mekong, and try local delicacies.

Ferry ticket to Don Det island: 15,000 – 20,000 Kip

Summary of self-guided travel costs in Laos

Entry cost: 200,000 VND
Airfare: from 120,000 VND (excluding tax & fees)
Accommodation: avg. 700,000 VND
Local transport: approx. 250,000 VND
Food: approx. 300,000 VND
Sightseeing: approx. 150,000 VND

Estimated total cost for one day of self-guided travel in Laos: ~1,500,000 VND(excluding entry cost and airfare)

Note: Costs are subject to change depending on the time and situation in Laos.

If you're planning a self-guided trip to Laos, this article can serve as a reference to help you prepare for your journey to this beautiful land of temples. To save more time and money, check out Vietjet’s 0 VND ticket offers every Friday HERE!Explore more deals and useful travel tips at:

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Discover Laos

Laos is a peaceful country located in the heart of Southeast Asia, renowned for its serene beauty, slow-paced lifestyle, and majestic nature. Although it is landlocked, Laos boasts many famous attractions such as the ancient capital Luang Prabang – a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Bolaven Plateau, the Khone Phapheng Falls, and the picturesque Mekong River. Buddhist culture is deeply ingrained in daily life, reflected in the ancient temples and traditional festivals. With friendly people, pristine landscapes, and a tranquil atmosphere, Laos is an ideal destination for travelers who enjoy relaxation, spirituality, and exploring local culture.