Laos Essentials: Everything you need to know before travelling

Getting Around

Trains (Recommended)

The trains in Laos provide an extremely convenient, good value, comfortable way to get between some cities and main towns in Laos. The trains can be easily booked through Baolao. Note: the train lines in Laos are built and operated in partnership with China and have strict rules on bringing aerosols (including deodorant cans) and sharps which will likely be confiscated. If you do have items that you do not wish to throw away when taking the train it may be possible to speak to your hotel or a bus company to ship the items via bus to your next destination or city, and then arrange a pickup when you arrive via the train.

Buses

Although often not as quick as taking the train, buses and minivans are a great way to get between towns in Laos, particularly those that are more remote or not well connected by train.

Top tip: Try and avoid booking bus transfers in Laos through 12Go Asia — typically the prices on 12Go are sold at a 2–3x tourist mark-up on the actual cost. Instead, book your transfer through your hostel, hotel, or in person at the bus stop.

Taxis

Where possible try and book your taxis using one of the apps below. Unlike Thailand and Cambodia the usual Grab and Bolt mobile apps do not work here, so it is best to get set up with the following apps before you land.

Xanh: Typically offered the best value fares across Laos (reasonable coverage in Pakse and Vientiane, some taxis available in Vang Vieng, no coverage in Luang Prabang).

Loca: Provided accessible, reasonable value fares in Luang Prabang, Vang Vieng and Vientiane.

inDrive: Works where the requester puts in an offer for a journey that can then be accepted by the driver. Less commonly used than Xanh or Loca.

Tuk Tuks and Pickup Trucks

Before hopping in a tuk tuk in Laos it is always worth checking on Google Maps how far the journey is, and if possible seeing if you can book through one of the taxi apps instead — this gives you a price benchmark to negotiate against. Tuk tuk drivers in Laos frequently charge tourists 3–4x the going rate at bus stops. Always be prepared to walk away if the price isn't right.

SIM Cards and Mobile Data

Laos proved significantly harder to find good value eSIMs compared to other countries in Asia. As a result we opted for Unitel — just remember to bring your passport in-store when buying.