Solo Travel In Laos (Ultimate Guide!)

Looking to enjoy solo travel in Laos, but need help with the planning?

Then you’re in the right place!

I have traveled across most parts of Southeast Asia solo and Laos was my favorite country to visit.

Laos solo travel is one of the most rewarding experiences you can have. While Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam are overrun by tourists, Laos still holds a peaceful and traditional charm that can be hard to find elsewhere in Southeast Asia.

That being said, it’s important to do some planning to help ensure a safe, fun, and memorable time.

Below, you’ll find everything you need to know about planning a solo trip to Laos, from where to go and what to do to how much to budget—and more!

⏳ Short on time? My top recommendations when traveling solo in Laos include:

✈️ Airport Transfer: Click here to book

🏨 Accommodation: Click here for a Laos accommodation map

🗺️ Tours: Viator & GetYourGuide

📍Recommended Excursions:–Vientiane Cuisine & Culture Food Tour–Luang Prabang City Tour & Kuang Si Waterfalls–Kuang Si Waterfall, Kayak on the Nam Ou / Mekong River & Pak Ou Caves

☔ Safety: When traveling solo in Laos, make sure to pack travel safety gear items like a She’s Birdie Personal Safety Alarm, Clever Travel Companion Pickpocket-Proof Garments & Speakeasy Travel Supply Hidden Pocket Scarves

🏥 Travel Insurance: SafetyWing (budget-friendly) & World Nomads (robust)

📞 Staying Connected: Airalo eSIM

But first, before we get into our guide to Laos solo travel, I invite you to grab a seat in Jessie’s free Savvy Solo Traveler E-Course.

The 6-day course is designed to help you feel confident about booking your first solo trip and exploring the world alone.

Lessons include:

• Common solo travel fears and how to overcome them
• How to choose your perfect solo trip
• How to tell loved ones you’re hitting the road solo
• Mentally preparing for your solo journey without losing your mind
• Essential steps for staying safe on a solo trip
• How to take amazing solo selfies

Once you’ve grabbed your seat, read on to learn important tips for traveling alone in Laos.

In my opinion, Laos is one of the top places to travel alone in Asia, especially if you’re looking for an authentic experience away from mass tourism.

If you’ve been to Thailand and Vietnam before and found it too touristy, Laos will be like a breath of fresh air.

However, that doesn’t mean there are no chances to meet fellow travelers. There are a ton of hostels and small locally-owned guesthouses in Laos that are perfect for getting to know other people.

Plus, there are many Laos tours and activities you can book to meet other travelers.

Above all, Laos is a great country if you want to do some self-reflection during your solo trip to Southeast Asia. Laos is very peaceful and quiet and its serene backdrop of winding rivers and misty mountains provides an excellent setting for introspection.

Generally, solo female travel in Laos is safe for women keen to explore the world on their own terms—one of the many benefits of traveling alone.

According to Travel Safe-Abroad, Laos is relatively safe, though you’ll want to keep an eye on your belongings to avoid pickpockets, especially in larger cities like Vientiane and Luang Prabang.

That being said, while petty crime does occur, you can typically avoid it by following some tips and researching the latest scams.

Additionally, check the forecast if visiting during the rainy season in Laos from May through September, as natural disasters like cyclones, floods, and tropical storms are not uncommon. Plus, the increased moisture and humidity can increase your risk for illnesses like dengue fever.

One thing Laos stands out for is its friendly and welcoming locals. While locals often see tourists as money machines in Thailand and Vietnam, this is not the case in Laos. In my experience, as a traveler, you will be greeted with kindness and a genuine interest in who you are and where you are from.

Transport is also generally safe in Laos. In 2021, a brand new railway was opened that connects the capital of Vientiane with the city of Boten in China. It’s very modern and the train stations feel more like airports.

If you are traveling to more remote areas, the roads can be in bad shape, but I’ve found bus drivers in Laos to be cautious and have always felt safe.

Here are some of the most important things you need to know before planning a trip to Laos. It’s easy to travel the country as a solo traveler; but, there are certain things you need to be aware of, especially regarding visa requirements and where and how you can enter.

Laos is a landlocked country in Southeast Asia. It shares its borders with China and Myanmar in the north, Vietnam in the east, Cambodia to the south, and Thailand in the west.

While Laos has its own distinct culture, it’s also a melting pot of influences from the countries it shares borders with.

For instance, when it comes to food you can find delicious Vietnamese banh mi but also Thai-inspired curries. Laab and Mekong seaweed crackers are considered the national dishes of Laos. The latter is my personal favorite, featuring seaweed fried to perfection with garlic and chili flakes.

Despite its small size, Laos is home to many interesting attractions, some of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites—like the historic town of Luang Prabang, known for its mix of well-preserved Laotian and French architecture and laid-back small-city vibes.

Furthermore, the Kuang Si Waterfalls are among the most beautiful in the world and are a must-visit!

There are various ways to enter Laos by air, bus, train, or boat.

Flying into Laos from the US, Europe, or Asia is very easy. Wattay International Airport (VTE) in the capital of Vientiane is the main gateway for international travelers and it’s conveniently located only 5 kilometers (3.1 miles) from the city center.

If you are already in Southeast Asia, you can also fly to Luang Prabang from Bangkok, Hanoi, Chiang Mai, and Siem Reap, while flights to Pakse are possible from Siem Reap, Ho Chi Minh City, and Guangzhou.

If you’re backpacking on a budget, taking a bus is the cheapest way to enter the country. Long-distance buses into Laos are available from major cities like Siem Reap, Hanoi, and Bangkok but can be less comfortable than flying. You can check tickets for buses into Laos on 12Go Asia.

The most scenic way to enter Laos is by slow boat from Chiang Khong in Thailand. This scenic 2-day journey with an overnight stop in the Laotian town Pak Beng is an unforgettable adventure. However, if you are backpacking through Southeast Asia, I suggest doing this trip in the opposite direction by slow boat from Luang Prabang to Thailand, as it is less crowded.

💡 Pro tip: Remember that you cannot enter Laos without a visa. Visas to Laos are valid for 30 days and require a passport with at least a 6-month validity and enough funds to support your travels.

Visas on arrival are available at most land borders and international airports; but, it’s easier to apply for an e-visa online before your trip. You can do this via the official Lao e-visa website.

The best time to visit Laos is during the winter months from November to February. During this time, rainfall in Laos is minimal and the temperatures are pleasant and not too hot.

It can even be cold in the north, and temperatures can drop below freezing during the night; but, this is only the case in Phongsali province.

The hot season lasts from March to May and you can expect temperatures to increase to 35°FC (95°F) during this time.

While you can still enjoy Laos solo female travel, it might be too hot in the afternoon to hike. That being said, it’s a great time to visit the many blue lagoons around Vang Vieng.

June to October is the monsoon season. While it is technically still a good time to visit Laos since the rain doesn’t typically last all day, it might be tricky to get to remote areas in the country due to road flooding.

Plus, the high humidity can lead to an increased risk for waterborne diseases and mosquito-borne illnesses like dengue fever.

On the positive side, waterfalls that dry out during the dry season from November to April will be lush and beautiful.

Getting around as a solo female traveler in Laos is very easy. Because of its proximity to backpacker havens like Thailand and Vietnam, Laos offers an extensive bus network for travelers who want to get from A to B in the country.

Tickets for the most popular bus routes can be found on 12Go Asia and are easily bought online.

On the other hand, tickets to lesser-known places might be available online but it’s often a better idea to book them via your accommodation. You’ll even likely see timetables at the desk of your guesthouse or hotel.

The Lao-Chinese Railway is another easy way to travel between Vientiane, Vang Vieng, and Luang Prabang. Do note that the train stations are located further out of the center of these destinations than the bus stations, so taking the bus might still be more convenient.

Tickets for the train need to be booked in advance, which your accommodation can help you with. They’ll need a copy of your passport and then they can send someone to buy them for you at the train station.

Another way of traveling around Laos is by boat. The slow boat from Luang Prabang to Huay Xai and the border of Thailand is the most well-known option; but, boat travel is sometimes also the only option to reach villages in the north of Laos, for example, the town of Muang Ngoi.

There are many beautiful places in Laos, though the tree-like shape of the country can make it long and exhausting to get around.

My advice: pick either the north or the south to explore on one trip, as it allows for reasonable travel times and more time to explore (unless you are taking a domestic flight, which is not very eco-friendly and can be more expensive).

I’d also suggest creating an itinerary that blends popular tourist attractions with lesser-known small towns where you can still experience traditional Lao culture.

On that note, here are some of the top places to visit in the north of Laos:

Vientiane’s laid-back vibe is surprising to many solo travelers. It feels more like a big village than a city and is a huge contrast compared to megacities like Bangkok and Ho Chi Minh.

Exploring Vientiane is a great way to get to know Laos and Laotian culture. While there isn’t a ton to do here, you’ll find some great attractions like the Pha That Luang Stupa and Buddha Park.

The Pha That Luang Stupa is located in the center of Vientiane and is considered Laos’ national monument. It was built in the 3rd century AD and consists of a large golden stupa surrounded by a wall with Lao and Khmer statues.

Buddha Park is a collection of Hindu and Buddhist-inspired statues built in the 1950s. It functions as a public park with a great viewing platform that offers spectacular sights over the surrounding area.

One of the things I enjoy most about Vientiane is its Night Market by the Mekong River. The market starts when the sun sets and you can find clothing, souvenirs, jewelry, accessories, and much more.

It’s a lovely place to interact with the locals who are friendly, curious, and eager to get to know you.

💡 Pro tip: Locals love speaking to visitors about football, so brush up on your football knowledge before visiting Laos solo.

If you are looking for a superb local place to eat, I highly recommend the vegetarian Buddhist restaurant Vegetarian Master Ruma. They serve a delicious all-you-can-eat buffet for only 70.000 kips with drinks included!

🏨 Vientiane Hotels: Click here for a full list of hotels in Vientiane. 📍 Vientiane Tours: Click here for a full list of fun tours in Vientiane.

Vang Vieng is one of the most popular places in Laos for solo travelers. About 10 years ago, it was an infamous party town known for drug-related issues and belligerent backpackers; however, those days are long gone.

Today, Vang Vieng is focused on ecotourism and promoting its many natural wonders. Around the town center, you can find various blue lagoons, gorgeous natural lakes with crystal-clear waters, and adventurous outdoor activities like tree swings and zip lines.

The most popular lagoon is Blue Lagoon 1; but if you are looking for a more off-the-beaten-path experience, I suggest you visit Blue Lagoon 4, which hardly sees foreign visitors.

Furthermore, the landscape of Vang Vieng is characterized by large karst mountains, similar (but a bit less dramatic) to the ones in Tam Coc and Halong Bay in Vietnam. There are several ones you can climb, with the most popular one being Nam Xay Viewpoint at 400 meters (1,312 feet).

If you are looking for a great place for food and drinks, look no further than Green Restaurant. The terrace of the eatery overlooks the river and it’s the best place in town to watch the sunset.

On their menu, you can find both Laotian and Western dishes. I highly recommend the Oh Lam, an eggplant stew that originates from the north of Luang Prabang.

🏨 Vang Vieng Hotels: Click here for a full list of hotels in Vang Vieng. 📍 Vang Vieng Tours: Click here for a full list of fun tours in Vang Vieng.

If you only have time to visit one destination in Laos, it should be Luang Prabang.

First of all, the location of Luang Prabang is just wonderful. The historic center sits on a little peninsula at the confluence of the Mekong River and the Nam Khan River and features well-preserved French colonial architecture blended with Laotian elements. Solo travelers in Laos will enjoy pleasant strolls around the bohemian-style streets.

Luang Prabang is also called the spiritual heart of the country because of its countless temples. The most famous one is Wat Xieng Thong (Golden City Temple)—but there are several others you can explore like Wat Visounnarath and Wat Aham.

Another sight not to be missed in the historic center is the Royal Palace. This was the home of the Royal Family of Laos before they were successfully overthrown by the Communists in 1975. Since 1995, it has functioned as a museum and everything is still exactly the same as when the Royal Family was living here.

Aside from being one of the most attractive towns in the world, Luang Prabang also harbors some great natural sites.

The most famous is the Kuang Si Falls, a set of dreamy waterfalls located about 28 kilometers (17.4 miles) from the center of Luang Prabang. The water of these falls is bright turquoise blue and gets its color from limestone particles that contain calcium carbonate.

Another magnificent set of waterfalls near Luang Prabang is the Tad Sae Waterfalls which resemble the Kuang Si Falls but are a lot less touristy. They are at their best during the rainy season, while Kuang Si is best visited during the dry season.

This is because Tad Sae tends to dry out to a trickle in the dry season, while Kuang Si loses its bright blue color and becomes muddy when the rainfall is too heavy in the wet season.

While here, the best place to eat is the Luang Prabang Night Market. When the sun sets, the square along Sisavangvong Road becomes a haven for food lovers and you can find everything: grilled meats, curries, stir-fries, rotis, French fries, and more.

If you are an early bird, another great thing to do in Luang Prabang is explore the Morning Market for fresh produce, traditional Laotian dishes, and unique snacks. The market is located on a small street between the night market and the Mekong River.

You should also have at least one meal at Khaiphaen, a traditional Lao restaurant that serves as a training restaurant for marginalized youth.

🏨 Luang Prabang Hotels: Click here for a full list of hotels in Luang Prabang. 📍 Luang Prabang Tours: Click here for a full list of fun tours in Luang Prabang.

Nong Khiaw is a 4-hour drive from Luang Prabang and is a lesser-known town in the north of Laos. It is nestled between two mountains and the center is divided by the Nam Ou River, making it a very scenic destination.

There are many great activities in Nong Khiaw, but the most popular ones are climbing the many viewpoints around town, kayaking, and visiting waterfalls.

Furthermore, there are a few caves worth visiting and you can go on tours to remote local villages to learn about local crafts like weaving and brush making.

The most popular viewpoint around town is Phadeang Peak (Nong Khiaw Viewpoint), which offers views over Nong Khiaw, the Nam Ou River, and the surrounding mountains. It’s also possible to camp overnight on the mountain, which you book via the small tourist agencies in Nong Khiaw.

If you’d like to engage with local hill tribes, one of the highlights of my Laos trip was visiting the Nong Khiaw Morning Market. It is located on the main road that runs through Nong Khiaw, not far from the bus station.

Here you can find delicious food as well as some very interesting items like poisonous spiders and barbecued rats!

The best place to eat in Nong Khiaw is with Mama Alex. This lady knows her stuff and prepares some of the most delicious meals in Laos. Also, if you eat plant-based, almost everything on her menu can be made vegan.

🏨 Nong Khiaw Hotels: Click here for a full list of hotels in Nong Khiaw. 📍 Nong Khiaw Tours: Click here for a full list of fun tours in Nong Khiaw.

Lastly, Muang Ngoi Neua, or Muang Ngoi for short, is a small town located further up north on the Nam Ou River. What makes Muang Ngoi so appealing is that you can only reach it by boat.

Local passenger boats leave Nong Khiaw once or twice a day depending on the season and it takes about one hour to reach Muang Ngoi.

Note that Muang Ngoi is a very small town. During high season, the few local accommodations that exist fill up quickly so it’s better to come during the shoulder season in November or March.

The landscape of Muang Ngoi is similar to the one in Nong Khiaw but even more picturesque because of its serene environment without cars and traffic.

The best things to do in Muang Ngoi are hiking, kayaking, and going on a trip to the nearby town of Sop Keng where you can visit Yensabai Organic Farm and see Tad Mook Waterfall.

Phanoi Viewpoint is the most popular viewpoint in town—but there are other ones too like Pha Boom Viewpoint and Phanoi 2.

There are a couple of Western-style restaurants in town but preferably visit one of the local ones like Seng Phet or the restaurant from Veranda Guesthouse—which is also the best place to stay in Muang Ngoi.

🏨 Muang Ngoi Hotels: Click here for a full list of hotels in Muang Ngoi. 📍 Muang Ngoi Tours: Click here for a full list of fun tours in Muang Ngoi.

Curious about what to do on a solo trip to Laos? This Google map features all of the destinations and attractions mentioned below pre-plotted:

Click here for an interactive version of the above map.

Luckily, this is pretty easy as Laos is great for traveling inexpensively and even adding a touch of luxury to the itinerary.

Essentially, you can get by on $15 USD per day if you stay at dorms, only eat $1 local meals, and skip guided tours.

If you prefer to have a private room in a local guesthouse and eat at local restaurants that are not too expensive, it’s possible to travel around Laos for $30 per day. This includes public transport and activities too.

Personally, I got by on about $30 per day and never felt that I was missing out on anything.

However, there are some gorgeous hotels and eco-lodges around the country, and hiring a private driver for your trip through Laos is also a possibility. Add fine dining and organized excursions to that and you can easily spend $100 to $150 per day in Laos if your budget allows it.

As mentioned above, solo travel in Laos is perfectly safe, even for a woman.

That being said, you’ll want to keep general solo travel safety advice in mind such as avoiding walking alone at night, particularly in desolate areas, and not getting drunk.

Also, make sure you always have a charged and working phone to avoid getting lost. While Laos doesn’t have Uber it does have similar ridesharing services like Loca and Kokkok.

Additionally, always ask your hotel if there are areas that should be completely avoided.

While I personally enjoy eating alone and people-watching, if you’re someone who feels weird about it, consider bringing an activity. Scrolling through social media is one option, though I love to bring a book, write in my journal, or do research for my next destination.

You might also ask fellow travelers you meet at your accommodation or during a tour if they’d like to meet up for dinner. You won’t be the only one traveling alone in Laos so there will be many potential dinner partners to choose from.

Or, instead of eating at a restaurant, you might book a Laos food tour or cooking class. This is one of the best ways to meet new people while mingling over delicious food.

You can find these experiences in popular travel destinations like Luang Prabang and Vientiane. In fact, some top-rated options include:

• 🥘 Vientiane Cuisine & Culture Food Tour
• 🚴‍♀️ Luang Prabang Street Food & Biking Tour
• 😋 Private Tour to Buddha Park with Evening Vientiane Food Tour

Finally, remember that Laos is a popular backpacker destination, so local restaurant owners and patrons are used to seeing solo diners.

Kuang Si Waterfalls is the most popular attraction in Laos—and for good reason; however, this unfortunately also means it is constantly overcrowded with tourists.

Most people visit the Kuang Si Falls on an organized tour from Luang Prabang, though this often means you’ll arrive together with other tour groups.

Aside from tours, there’s also organized shared transport that leaves from Luang Prabang daily, but it only runs in the afternoon, and again, you’ll arrive together with the tour groups when crowds are at their peak moment.

My recommendation: rent a motorbike and go when the ticket office opens at 8am. This will allow you to travel to the falls early in the morning, avoid the most crowded period of the day, and potentially have the pools all to yourself—at least for a little while.

When I traveled to Laos, my debit card wasn’t working when I entered the country. I still have no idea why and my bank couldn’t explain it either because it was working fine in Vietnam, Cambodia, and Thailand.

Luckily, I was prepared and also had my credit card with me; but, withdrawing money with a credit card is expensive and you can only withdraw small amounts of money in Laos.

That’s why I suggest having an international debit card with you when you travel to Laos. I have a Wise card that allows me to withdraw money anywhere in the world with the best rates. I didn’t have it yet in Laos, but I wish I did!

Of course, there are pros and cons to traveling on your own. While many people find solo travel to be fun, others would prefer to have a guaranteed group of companions to explore with.

If you fit into the latter camp, a few group tours that have itineraries in Laos and welcome solo travelers include:

• GAdventures
• TourRadar
• Viator
• GetYourGuide

A few of the top-rated day tours in Laos that make it easy to meet other travelers include:

• 🥘 Vientiane Cuisine & Culture Food Tour
• 🌊 Luang Prabang City Tour & Kuang Si Waterfalls✨ Kuang Si Waterfall, Kayak on the Nam Ou / Mekong River & Pak Ou Caves from Luang Prabang
• 🥾 Nam Xay Viewpoint Hike & Blue Lagoon 1 Tour from Vang Vieng
• 🌞 Luang Prabang Mekong Sunset Cruise and Hot Pot Dinner

➡️ Click here for a full list of Laos tours.

A solo trip to Laos can be as cheap or expensive as you want. To help you create the perfect solo travel budget, here are some tips.

Laos is a haven for backpackers and you can find good hostels in most places. A bed in a dorm is extremely cheap and costs between $2 and $5. Fancier hostels with a pool exist too and you can expect to pay just a little more for that.

If you want your own room, there are many local guesthouses and homestays across Laos where you can stay from $10 to $25 per night, most of the time with breakfast included.

Western-style hotels are also available and are a tad more expensive.

That said, you can also spend one or two months of travel budget on just one night in Luang Prabang if you stay at Amantaka Hotel, a luxury hotel that costs about $1100 per night. It’s up to you!

To help you find budget-friendly accommodation, check out this Laos accommodation map. It’s currently set to Luang Prabang, but you can easily change it to your preferred destination:

Food is very cheap in Laos if you opt for local dishes. You can have a plate with spring rolls and noodles, a curry, or a plate of laab for as little as $2.

Western-style restaurants are available too but expect to pay much more at around $8 to $10 for a dish, and drinks are often more expensive too.

Lao restaurants also try to cater to people with Western-style preferences and serve burgers and spaghetti but note that the taste can be rather sweet and not what you are probably used to. Stick to Lao food in Lao restaurants!

Getting around Laos is incredibly easy and won’t hurt your wallet. The most common way to travel around Laos is by bus; but in recent years, the high-speed train that links China with Vientiane has become a very popular option too.

Ticket prices highly depend on where you’re going and how far the destination is, but expect to pay between $6 and $20 for daytime buses and a little more for overnight buses.

The train costs between $15 and $20 and will get you to your destination much faster, but the train stations are located way out of town and city centers and require a taxi or shared van to get there.

Flying is also a possibility between destinations like Vientiane, Luang Prabang, Pakse, and a few destinations in the north, but this is much more expensive.

As a DIY traveler, I prefer to visit sites on my own, which is often cheaper than a tour. Luckily, many activities are free in Laos. If you need to pay an entrance fee, it’s typically only about $1 to $3.

That said, there are activities that are definitely worth it to spend a little more money on. One of the most popular ones is the Gibbon Experience for ziplining in the north of Laos. There is also Mekong Elephant Park, a sanctuary for these mighty creatures.

You can easily travel around Laos for $30 per day, which includes a room with a private bathroom in a guesthouse, 3 meals at local restaurants, activities, and transport.

If you don’t mind staying in hostels and are happy with just street food you can even cut that in half and survive on less than $15 a day as a solo traveler in Laos!

When visiting Laos solo, it’s wise to get travel insurance.

For this, I have two recommendations:

SafetyWing. If you’re looking for something straightforward and budget-friendly, you can’t beat SafetyWing. They offer one global policy that you can cancel at any time or continue paying for long-term coverage (making it the perfect option for digital nomads!).

Their plan includes medical coverage, trip interruptions, personal liability, unplanned overnight stays, lost luggage, and more.

World Nomads. For something more comprehensive, World Nomads is a great option. While you’ll pay a bit more, you’ll typically get higher coverage maximums as well as additional inclusions—like trip cancellation.

Now that we’ve gone over where to go when traveling solo in Laos and important tips, let’s answer some frequently asked questions.

To really get a grasp of Laotion culture and experience the top attractions I recommend staying at least 2 weeks in Laos. If you have the time, 30 days is even better and allows you to get the most out of your visa.

Yes, Laos is very safe to travel alone. There’s little crime in Laos, the locals are friendly, and it’s very easy to get around the country with public transport.

No, Laos is not an expensive country to visit and you can get around on as little as $15 USD per day; but, if you want to splurge, there are many luxury hotels and fine dining restaurants too—especially in Luang Prabang.

It is not safe to drink tap water in Laos, so avoid doing this by bringing a filtering bottle like the LifeStraw Go. Also, bring insect repellent to avoid getting bitten by mosquitos as they can carry the dengue virus.

Laos is a Buddhist country. When you visit temples, always cover your knees and shoulders, don’t touch monks, don’t touch people’s heads, and don’t show affection in public as it is considered inappropriate.

I hope you enjoyed this Laos solo travel guide. As you can see, Laos is a great country to visit when traveling on your own.

Laos is backpacker-friendly, easy to get around by public transport, and there’s plenty of accommodation to choose from at great prices. Plus, you’ll find many opportunities to mingle with fellow travelers or make connections with the friendly locals for a successful solo trip.

It’s also possible to enjoy popular tourist destinations (like Luang Prabang) and lesser-known spots (like Muang Ngoi) for a well-rounded solo trip that includes mountain hikes, gorgeous waterfalls, important temples, delicious food, and much more.