A BROKE GIRLS GUIDE TO LAOS
Sabaidee and welcome in Laos!
In between Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, China, and Myanmar, you will find the beautiful country of Laos. I arrived here without a plan or much knowledge, and let me tell you, Laos exceeded all my expectations. From nature to food to people, everything was even better than I ever could have expected. I had a wonderful month here, even overstaying my visa because I didn't want to leave... oops! Laos is a great backpacking destination if you enjoy adventure and making your own plans. Many places aren't very touristy, which makes it feel like genuine traveling, and I loved that. This guide will include a packing list, itinerary´s, activities advice, transport advice, budget hostel advice and a budget breakdown.
Let’s explore Laos with Broke Girls World!
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What To Expect?
Money
The currency in Laos is the Lao Kip (LAK). Credit cards are accepted in larger cities and tourist areas, but it's wise to carry cash for smaller towns and markets. ATMs are available in major cities like Vientiane and Luang Prabang.
Plugs
In Laos, the standard voltage is 230 V with a frequency of 50 Hz. The common plug types are A, B, C, E, and F. Make sure to bring a plug adapter if your devices use a different type, and check if your devices can handle 230 V to avoid needing a voltage converter.
Safety
Traveling in Laos is generally safe, but it's important to be mindful of a few things. Drink bottled and be cautious with street food, petty theft can happen so keep your belongings secure and roads can be in poor condition so wear a helmet when driving.
Itinerary
Traveling Laos can be as short or long as time permits you! After two weeks I felt like I did the highlight but after a month there was still so much to do! You can adjust this itinerary to your own preferences and plan a chat to explore your options!
One week itinerary
1 day in Ubud, 1 day in Tegallalang, 1 day at Mount Batur, 1 day at Gili Trawangan, 1 day at Gili Meno, 1 day at Gili Air, 1 day at Nusa Penida and 1 day in Seminyak
Two weeks itinerary
1 day in Ubud, 1 day in Tegallalang, 1 day at Mount Batur, 1 day at Gili Trawangan, 1 day at Gili Meno, 1 day at Gili Air, 1 day at Nusa Penida and 1 day in Seminyak
Three weeks itinerary
1 day in Ubud, 1 day in Tegallalang, 1 day at Mount Batur, 1 day at Gili Trawangan, 1 day at Gili Meno, 1 day at Gili Air, 1 day at Nusa Penida and 1 day in Seminyak
One month itinerary
1 day in Ubud, 1 day in Tegallalang, 1 day at Mount Batur, 1 day at Gili Trawangan, 1 day at Gili Meno, 1 day at Gili Air, 1 day at Nusa Penida and 1 day in Seminyak
Luang Prabang
Nong Khiaw
Vang Vieng
Vientiane
Thakhek Loop
Don Det
How To Get Around
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What To Pack For Laos
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LUANG PRABANG
Welcome to Luang Prabang, a charming small town along the Mekong River. Mostly used as a gateway for backpackers traveling in from Thailand. Even though it's easy to overlook the beauty of this town after a long, 2-day boat trip, you should definitely add Luang Prabang to your itinerary and explore! Introduce yourself to the delicious Laotian food at the Night Market. Shop for souvenirs for you, your family, and friends back home at the night market. Or simply relax and soak in the peaceful ambiance.
Where To Stay
The Lonely Guesthouse
I arrived in Luang Prabang without a plan, as usual. After a long boat ride, I was desperate to rest, and luckily, I stumbled upon The Lonely Guesthouse. I couldn't find it later on booking.com, but this place was absolutely the best! I definitely recommend staying here!
At first, I only paid for a 2-night stay, but I ended up staying for more then a week! This place felt like a home away from home and I made friends there I still see up until this day. They don't have a website but you can call this number: +856 20 55 688 488. Or you can drop by to see if they have space. I paid about 5 euros a night for a 7-person dorm.
What To Do
Kuang Si Waterfalls
This waterfall is about 30 km away from Luang Prabang and is definitely a must-see location! Hike through the jungle and cool off in the crystal-clear lake at the bottom of the waterfall.
The Bowling Alley
I know you didn't travel halfway across the world to go bowling, but the Luang Prabang bowling alley is the PLACE TO BE to meet backpackers from all over the world and make new friends!
Lao New Year
I was lucky enough to be in Luang Prabang between the 13th and 16th of April, so I could experience Lao New Year. I've heard from other backpackers that other places in Laos can be touristy, but it definitely didn't feel that way here. So, buy yourself that super soaker and have fun!
NONG KHIAW
After a great time in Luang Prabang, it was time to continue my journey through Laos. My next stop would be Nong Khiaw, a quiet village in northern Laos. Rent a scooter in Luang Prabang and start your 142km journey through the mountains. It can be a bit tiring because of the bad roads and traffic but it will be well worth it. Don't miss the breathtaking sunset views from the village viewpoint overlooking the Nam Ou river. Whether you're trekking through the nearby jungles, kayaking on the river, or explore nearby villages, Nong Khiaw will be an unforgettable experience!
Where To Stay
Oing Oing View Resort
I teamed up with two other travelers in Luang Prabang to go to Nong Kiauw. The three of us arrived quite late but luckily the Oing Oing View Resort was still open. It was a nice place to stay, especially because we mostly used it as a base for exploring the area.
We paid about 20 euros per night for a two-person bungalow, so about 10 euros per person per night. Although I was very happy that we still had a place to stay after arriving so late, in hindsight, there are guesthouses and bungalows nearby with a better view available for a similar price.
What To Do
Drive Around
Usually, I try to give specific locations when writing a blog post, but in Nong Khiaw, the best thing I did was just drive around. I had a lot of fun meeting new people. I even got invited for dinner and whiskey by a local family. This was honestly one of the best experiences in Laos!
Som Nang Viewpoint
I paid about 1 euro to enter the Som Nang Viewpoint. A nice hike with a beautiful view from the top. It was a medium difficult hike, mainly because of the bad roads but in my opinion, the challenge makes half the fun!
VANG VIENG
After a 4-hour drive back to Luang Prabang and a 6-hour bus ride to Vang Vieng, I was all too happy to wash the dirt off my body that I had collected while hiking and driving. Vang Vieng is, in my opinion, the most touristic place in Laos, but that's not necessarily a bad thing. Let yourself enjoy some luxury! Dive into the crystal-clear waters of the Blue Lagoon, float down the river during a tipsy tubing daytrip, and explore one of the many viewpoints overlooking the Vang Vieng countryside!
Where To Stay
Rock Backpacker Hostel
The Rock Backpacker Hostel was a nice place to stay. Your basic hostel experience with a hot shower, breakfast, and a chill room for about 7 euros a night. I stayed in a 10-person dorm.
I really appreciated that this hostel offered day trips and tours at a reasonable price. You get picked up right at the door and get the chance to make new friends along the way. I also liked that this hostel is close to the infamous Mad Monkeys hostel where the party is always going. It's nice to spend a night dancing and mingling, but I prefer to sleep in a more relaxed space.
What To Do
Tipsy Tubing
For about 14 euros, you can have a great day full of cocktails and fun! Take a tuk-tuk to the river and float on the river in your tube. You will make a few stops along the way to order a drink and dance. But don't drink too much! You will be in the full sun all day and you'll be on the water. Don't be dumb and make responsible decisions. My only tip: leave your phone at home!
Namxay Top View
You've probably seen this famous picture on your Instagram feed. And you can take your own! Just drive to the Nam Xay entrance point, pay about 50 cents for a ticket, and start your hike to the top. This viewpoint is so high that the people on the ground look like ants, if you can even see them at all!
Blue Lagoon
My favorite place in Vang Vieng! This little paradise is a great place to relax and swim. This emerald green lake is surrounded by mountains and greenery. It even has a platform you can jump off from. The entrance costs about 2 euros.
Blue Lagoon Viewpoint
Just next door to the Blue Lagoon, you can find the Blue Lagoon Viewpoint. There is no real path up, but trust me, you will find your way. At the top, you will be rewarded with a stunning view of the countryside!
VIENTIANE
Welcome to Vientiane, the capital city of Laos! Most backpackers I talked to really didn't like this place, but honestly, I kind of liked it there. Sure, it's a big city full of traffic and billboards, but it was nice to see some familiarity after traveling in Southeast Asia for a while. I enjoyed the conveniences of the big city by walking around, going to the cinema, and enjoying some cocktails at a rooftop bar. I only stayed for a day, because there was so much I wanted to see in Laos and my visa time was running out but it was a nice stop on my trip!
What To Do
Tipsy Elephant
The Tipsy Elephant is a chic rooftop bar where you can enjoy a drink with a nice view over the city. Drinks were relatively expensive compared to the rest of Laos, with cocktails priced at about 5 euros each. But it is an absolute steal for what you get: a night full of fun, nice personnel, and good drinks.
The Cinema
One of my guilty pleasures when traveling for a long time is to go to the cinema. This is mostly because the cinema is usually something you skip while on vacation, and it's interesting to see what movies are hyped in another country. I've went to a Thai horror movie, the only option with English subtitles, and had a great time. A movie ticket costs about 2 euro 50.
THAKHEK LOOP
Driving the Thakhek Loop was one of the best things I did in Laos. This 450km route will take you to Laos's most beautiful gems. Take a 10-hour bus from Vientiane to Thakhek for about 6 euros and rent a motorcycle in Thakhek to start your journey. Along the way, you can buy snacks, water, and fuel, but it's always smart to carry something extra just in case. Ask around at your hostel to see which stops on the loop you want to check out. The loop can be driven in 3 days, but I recommend 5 days. The heat can become extreme, especially because of the helmets, and there is always a risk that things don't go as planned. For example: your boat might break down in the middle of a pitch-black cave so you'll be stranded for 2 hours before deciding to swim out ;) I rented my motorcycle at Wangwang Rental for 6 euro 50 a day. Telephone number: +856 20 5697 8535.
Where To Stay
Green Climbers Home
During the Thakek Loop, I stayed in various places throughout the trip. The first place was the Green Climbers Home. It was a wonderful place to stay in a valley surrounded by mountains. There is a treehouse-like common room where you can play board games, and have breakfast, lunch, and dinner. They offer bungalows for 25 euros, dorm beds for 10 euros, and tents starting at 5 euros. I highly recommend the bungalow!
Sabaidee Guesthouse
The second place I stayed at during the Thakek Loop was the Sabaidee Guesthouse. It's a nice little hostel that offers dorms and tents, and they have a campfire at night! There is a restaurant at the guesthouse and another one near the river across the street. I paid 2.50 euros for a two-person tent.
Konglor Khamchalern Guesthouse
The last place I stayed at during the Thakhek Loop was the Konglor Khamchalern Guesthouse. I really loved this place! A private room was really cheap and had a balcony overlooking the fields and mountains. It is also very close to the Kong Lor Cave. I paid 4.50 euros for a two-person bungalow.
What To Do
Buddha Cave
My first stop during the Thakek Loop was the Buddha Cave. A beautiful cave you can go all the way into by boat. The bridge and shrine are free to visit and a boat ride costs about 50 cents.
Dragon Cave
My second stop during the Thakek loop was the Dragon Cave. You can explore this huge cave on your own. Just buy a ticket for less than 2 euros and walk into the depths.
Lagoon
My third stop during the Thakhek loop was the Lagoon. I really loved my time here. There is nothing better than jumping into the cool water after a full day of driving on your motorcycle. Entrance costs about 1 euro..
Rock Viewpoint
My fourth stop on the Thakhek loop was the Rock Viewpoint. Drive up to the Rock Cafe overlooking these uniquely shaped mountains and enjoy an ice-cold Beer Lao! Beware of the Giant Huntsman spider though...
Kong Lor Cave
On my final stop of the Thakhek loop, I visited the Kong Lor Cave and I was truly surprised by this place! It was very dark inside the cave, but when we came out of the cave and looked at the green forest, wild animals, and surrounding mountains, tears welled up in my eyes. I paid about 7 euros for my entrance ticket plus a boat ride.
DON DET
After spending about a month exploring the inland of Laos, it was time to experience the laid-back island vibes of Don Det. Since I was quite far away from Don Det, coming in from Thakek, I took two buses and a boat, which cost me around 40 euros. This turned out to be one of the best decisions I've made because Don Det was absolutely stunning and incredibly relaxing. There isn't much to do there except hang out, check out some waterfalls, and swim under the moonlight while the campfire lights up the beach.
Where To Stay
Ning Ning Bungalow
I stayed at Ning Ning Bungalow during my time at Don Det. I paid 7 euros per person for a private bungalow. This was a great deal. It was super nice to have some privacy after spending a lot of time in shared dorms!
Since the island is small, all important spots like restaurants or tourist information bureaus are nearby. Breakfast is not included, but you can grab breakfast right across the street with a view of the river.
What To Do
Chill
After exploring Laos, learning about a new culture, and trying new foods, Don Det is a great place to conclude your travels. You can enjoy a few lazy day by the river, reading a book, eating good food, and hearing cool stories from other travelers.
Sompamit Waterfall
For just around 1 euro a day, you can explore one or more of the islands that make up Don Det. A must-see stop is the Sompamit Waterfall. Comprised of a series of small waterfalls, together they create the appearance of one large waterfall. While swimming is not allowed here, it's a wonderful place to visit.