Nestled in the heart of Southeast Asia lies Laos, a land of misty mountains, lush jungles, and serene rivers. While often overshadowed by its more popular neighbours, a unique and authentic travel experience exploring Laos on a budget is more than possible.
In this ultimate travel guide, we’ll delve into the ins and outs of exploring Laos on a budget, covering essential costs and invaluable tips to help you make the most of your journey.
This post is all about how to travel to Laos on a budget and aims to give you the actual costs spent by a couple travelling for over 2 weeks.
Understanding Laos Travel Costs:
When planning a trip to Laos, it’s essential to consider the various expenses you’ll encounter along the way. From accommodation and transportation to dining and activities, here’s a breakdown of what you can expect in terms of Laos travel costs.
Accommodation costs:
Fortunately, Laos boasts a plethora of budget-friendly accommodation options to suit every traveller’s needs. From cozy guesthouses and lively hostels to affordable hotels, there’s no shortage of places to rest your head without emptying your wallet.
As a couple, we slept at a mixture of guest houses, hostels and hotels during our stay. We always opted for a private room, however, if you are looking to keep costs even lower a shared room in a hostel will always be your best bet.
The cost in USD for accommodation for two weeks was:
$206 or $14.71 per night. (This can be halved if you are travelling solo and staying in hostels)’
Transportation Expenses:
Getting around Laos is relatively inexpensive, thanks to its extensive network of buses, minibusses, and tuk-tuks. Whether you’re traversing bustling cities or venturing into remote villages, there’s always an affordable transportation option available to take you where you need to go.
We decided to spend a bit more money on transport to try out things like the new Laos China railway.
The cost in USD for transportation for two weeks was:
$396 or $28 per day. (This can be cheaper if you are an individual or take buses instead of trains)
Dining on a Budget:
One of the highlights of any trip to Laos is undoubtedly the food. From flavorful street food to hearty local delicacies, Laos offers a culinary adventure that won’t break the bank. Be sure to sample dishes like sticky rice, laap, and noodle soups from street food stalls and local markets for an authentic and budget-friendly dining experience. We ate most meals out as we a big foodies and it was cheaper than purchasing groceries and cooking.
The cost in USD for food for two weeks was:
$390 or $27.8 per day. (This again can be halved if you are an individual)
Budget-Friendly Activities and Attractions:
Despite its small size, Laos is home to a wealth of attractions and activities that won’t cost you a fortune. Whether you’re exploring ancient temples in Luang Prabang, swimming in the turquoise waters of Kuang Si Falls, or trekking through the breathtaking landscapes of Vang Vieng, there’s no shortage of budget-friendly adventures to embark on during your time in Laos.
The cost in USD for activities for two weeks was:
$201 or $14.35 per day. (This included scooter hire for the 4-day Thahkek loop)
Miscellaneous Expenses:
In addition to the main expenses of accommodation, transportation, and dining, it’s essential to budget for miscellaneous expenses such as SIM cards, laundry, and souvenirs. It always pays to have an emergency fund available in case unexpected costs arise.
The cost in USD for additional cost for two weeks was:
$97 or $6.9 per day.
Cost per day for a trip to Laos:
We had an incredible time in Laos from exploring remote river villages to doing a bike trip. We were aware of staying on budget however sometimes we splurged a bit to make the journey a bit more comfortable. Staying in a hostel will reduce your costs significantly as well as taking local transport like buses instead of trains.
The cost in USD per day for a couple was:
$91.76. (Divided in two this is $45.88 each)
With its natural beauty, rich culture, and affordable travel opportunities, Laos is a hidden gem just waiting to be discovered. By planning wisely and following the tips outlined in this guide, you can experience the magic of Laos without breaking the bank. So pack your bags, embrace the adventure, and get ready for the trip of a lifetime in this enchanting corner of Southeast Asia.
This post is all about how to travel to Laos on a budget and aims to give you the actual costs spent by a couple travelling for over 2 weeks.