Practical tips: Vientiane & Vang Vieng

What I wish I'd known before my first trip.

Visas and entry

Many nationalities can get a visa on arrival at Vientiane’s Wattay airport and the main land borders, or apply for an e-visa in advance, while some countries have visa-free entry for short stays. Rules change, so check the current requirements for your passport before travelling. Bring passport photos and cash in US dollars for visa fees, and make sure your passport has at least six months’ validity and blank pages.

Money

The Lao currency is the kip, and prices have changed a lot in recent years because of inflation, so treat any figure you read as approximate. ATMs are common in Vientiane and Vang Vieng but charge fees and have low withdrawal limits. Cash is essential for markets, tuk-tuks and small guesthouses, and Thai baht and US dollars are sometimes accepted in tourist areas at poor rates.

Getting around

In Vientiane, tuk-tuks and ride-hailing apps are the easiest options; agree on prices before you get in a tuk-tuk. The Laos–China railway links Vientiane, Vang Vieng and Luang Prabang quickly and comfortably. Minivans and buses run along the roads, and the expressway between Vientiane and Vang Vieng has made the road journey much faster. In Vang Vieng, bicycles and motorbikes are easy to rent.

When to go

The cool, dry season from November to February is the most pleasant, with clear skies and comfortable temperatures, though mornings in Vang Vieng can be chilly. March to May is very hot, and smoke from field burning often makes the air hazy. The rainy season from June to October brings green landscapes and fewer visitors, but also floods, closed caves and slippery trails.

Health

Drink bottled or filtered water and take care with ice outside larger towns. Dengue fever is present, especially in the rainy season, so use repellent and cover up at dawn and dusk. Medical facilities outside Vientiane are basic, and serious cases are often taken to Thailand, so good travel insurance that covers evacuation and adventure activities is essential.

River and adventure safety

Many accidents in Vang Vieng happen on the river, on motorbikes or when climbing. Always wear a life jacket on the water, never swim or tube after drinking, and wear proper shoes on climbs. Choose activity operators with insurance and good safety records. Avoid free shots and unlabelled spirits, as there have been serious cases of methanol poisoning, and stay away from so-called happy menus.

Unexploded ordnance

Rural Laos still has unexploded ordnance left from the conflicts of the twentieth century. Around Vang Vieng and on the main tourist routes the risk is low, but you should always stay on paths and roads, never pick up or touch metal objects, and respect any warning signs. A visit to the COPE centre in Vientiane explains the issue well.

Etiquette

Laos is gentle and conservative. Dress modestly, especially at temples, where shoulders and knees should be covered and shoes removed. Do not touch people’s heads or point your feet at people or Buddha images. Women should not touch monks or hand things directly to them. Public displays of affection and raised voices are frowned upon; a calm smile solves most problems.

Scams and rentals

Serious scams are rare, but small tricks happen. Agree on tuk-tuk prices in advance and count your change. When renting motorbikes, photograph the bike from all sides before leaving, never leave your passport as a deposit, and use your own lock. Check that tour prices include entry fees and lunch, and be wary of very cheap tours that cut corners on safety.

SIM cards and connectivity

Local SIM cards from the main operators are cheap and easy to buy at the airport, the railway stations and shops in town; bring your passport for registration. Mobile coverage is good in Vientiane and Vang Vieng and along the railway, but weaker in remote areas like Kong Lor. Most guesthouses and cafés have Wi-Fi, though speeds can vary.