Preparing Your Trip to Laos — Practical Guide by Asia Safari

Traveling to Laos is not the same as traveling to Europe. Visa, vaccinations, currency, insurance, ideal period… There are a few essential points to anticipate in order to travel with peace of mind. The Asia Safari team, based in Vientiane since 2002, provides you with direct, unfiltered advice.

1 / When to Travel to Laos?

When to go to Laos? The country’s tropical climate is characterized by monsoons that generate 2 main seasons, with variations depending on whether you are in the plains, in the north, south, or in the mountains.
From October to May, dry season with pleasant temperatures (20/30°C on average) until February. In March, the temperature rises.
From April to September, green season with beautiful landscapes in August and September, particularly heavy rains in the south of the country accompanied by high heat especially in April and May (30 to 35°C).

2 / How to Get to Laos?

There are no direct international flights to Laos. The airports of Vientiane, Luang Prabang, and Pakse receive flights from all over Asia. One of the most popular air routes from Europe is to fly to Bangkok then Luang Prabang or Vientiane, the main entry points to the country.

3 / What Are the Visa Requirements for Laos?

Your passport must be valid 6 months after the return date. A visa is mandatory (except for Swiss citizens traveling less than 15 days), it can be obtained from the Laos embassy in France. For a last-minute departure, it can be obtained at border entry points to Laos or at the airports of Vientiane, Luang Prabang, and Pakse. No vaccination is mandatory except for yellow fever for travelers coming from infected areas (check requirements).

4 / Laos with Family?

Children are welcome and accepted with no age limit. Between 5 and 12 years old, they have access to reduced rates if they share their parents’ room. Certain activities will delight young explorers, with elephants (Luang Prabang, Pakbeng), by tuk-tuk, by pirogue, in the waterfalls and Kuang Si falls.

5 / What to Do in Laos?

Don’t limit yourself to a simple stay in Luang Prabang or a cruise on the upper Mekong. Northern Laos, land of ethnic minorities, offers a complete change of scenery in a region still unaccustomed to foreigners. You can travel on foot, by motorbike, by 4×4, sleep in the beautiful ecolodge of Muang La Lodge before returning to civilization at the end of a navigation on the Nam Ou, the most beautiful tributary of the Mekong. In season, the south reveals its treasures around Champassak, on the banks of the Mekong or aboard a cruise boat named after the famous temple, the Vat Phou.

6 / Cost of Living in Laos?

The cost of living in Laos is not very high except for heavily taxed imported products. The cost of accommodation in Laos depends on the climate. Prices are lower in the green season, a favorable season for discovering the mountains of the North (Muang La). The local currency in Laos is the kip, but you can also pay in US dollars. The euro can be easily exchanged in banks in Vientiane and Luang Prabang. International bank cards can be used to withdraw kips, baht, or US dollars at bank counters (very few ATMs).

BOOKING YOUR TRIP IN 5 STEPS

1 / Send us your request/message via the contact form at your disposal.

2 / To clarify your expectations, needs, and get to know you better, an advisor will send you a questionnaire to initiate the exchanges prior to creating your itinerary and quote.

3 / Your decision is made, you’re going! A 30% deposit will be requested to confirm your booking. Cancellation terms will be sent.

4 / A booking update will be communicated to you regularly. At this stage, make sure to book your international flights, obtain a visa, and purchase cancellation/repatriation insurance.

5 / The balance of the trip will be requested 30 days before your arrival in Asia. You will then receive your travel documents (vouchers, flight tickets, country information…). Secure payment by bank transfer to our account in Laos.

Flights and Access to Laos

As a local inbound travel agency, we handle the booking of domestic and regional flights
and private ground transportation included in your itinerary.

Air Access to Laos

International Flights

Three international airports: Vientiane, Luang Prabang, and Pakse. Vientiane airport is 15 minutes from the city center, same for Luang Prabang.

Paris

– Air France, Lao Airlines, Thai Airways International: Paris-Bangkok-Vientiane or Luang Prabang

– Vietnam Airlines: Paris-Hanoi-Vientiane or Luang Prabang

Hanoi

– Lao Airlines: Hanoi-Vientiane (3 flights per week), Hanoi-Luang Prabang

– Vietnam Airlines: Hanoi-Vientiane (7 flights per week)

Ho Chi Minh

– Vietnam airlines: Ho Chi Minh City-Phnom Penh-Vientiane (daily flights)

Phnom Penh

– Vietnam Airlines: Phnom Penh-Vientiane (daily flights)

– Lao Airlines: Phnom Penh-Pakse-Vientiane (2 flights per week)

Siem Reap

– Lao Airlines: Siem Reap-Pakse-Vientiane (5 flights per week)

– Lao Airlines and China Eastern Airlines: Kunming-Vientiane (3 flights per week)

Domestic and Regional Flights in Laos

Airlines: Bangkok Airways, Air Asia, China Eastern Airlines, Lao Airlines, Thai Airways International & Thai Smile, Vietnam Airlines.

– Luang Prabang (3 flights per day)
– Houay Xai (3 flights per week)
– Phonsavan (5 flights per week)
– Sam Neua (3 flights per week)
– Oudomxai (3 flights per week)
– Luang Nam Tha
– Pakse (1 daily flight)

– Vientiane (3 flights per day)
– Phonsavan (3 flights per week)
– Luang Nam Tha
– Pakse (2 flights per week)

Lao Airlines Plane

Land Access and Entry to Laos

Border Crossings – Land Access to Laos

By river (Mekong):

· Houay Xai border post (Bokeo province)

Chiang Khong (Thailand, main pier at Tha Bak) / Houay Xai
Take a long tail boat (on foot) or a car-ferry.

· Thakhaek border post (Khammuan province)

Nakhon Phanom (Thailand) / Thakhaek
Opening hours: 8am-6pm
Take a ferry at the pier

· Savannakhet Laos border post (Savannakhet province)

Moukdahane (Thailand) / Savannakhet
Take a ferry at the pier

By land:

· Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge: Nong Khai (Thailand) / Tha Na Leng (20km southeast of Vientiane)
Opening hours: 6am-10pm
Thai-Lao international bus from Nong Khai bus station to Talat Sao in Vientiane.

· Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge No. 2: Moukdahane / Savannakhet

· Vang Tao border post (Champasak province)
Chong Mek (Thailand) / Vang Tao
Opening hours: 5am-6pm
Thai-Lao international bus between Ubon Ratchatani and Pakse

· Nam Xoi border post (Hua Phan province)
Na Maeo (Vietnam) / Nam Xoi
Opening hours: 7:30am-11:30am and 1:30pm-4:30pm
Moto taxi between Thran Hoa and Na Maeo then Sawngthaew between Nam Xoi and Sam Neua

· Nam Khan border post (Xieng Khuang province)
Nam Can (Vietnam) / Nam Khan
Bus between Vinh (Vietnam) and Phonsavanh (Laos)

· Nam Phao border post
Cau Treo (Vietnam) / Nam Phao
Opening hours: 7am-6pm
Bus between Vinh and Lak Sao or Vientiane

· Na Phao border post (Khammuan province)
Cha Lo (Vietnam) / Na Phao
Opening hours: 7am-5pm
Bus between Dong Hoi (Vietnam) and Thakhaek (Laos)

· Dansavanh border post (Savannakhet province) > recommended
Lao Bao (Vietnam) / Dansavanh
Opening hours: 7am-11am and 1pm-6pm
Bus between Dong Ha (Vietnam) and Savannakhet

· Bo Y border post (Attapeu province) > to avoid
Bus between Pleiku (Vietnam) and Attapeu

· Tay Trang border post (Phongsali province) > recently opened

Bus between Dien Bien Phu (Vietnam) and Muang Khua

· Voen Kham border post (Champasak province)
Dom Kralor (Cambodia) / Voen Kham
Minibus or boat between Stung Treng and Voen Kham, or the 4,000 islands

· Boten border post (Luang Nam Tha province)
Mohan (China) / Boten

Opening hours: 8am-4pm (Lao post), 8am-5pm (Chinese post)

Bus between Mengla (China) and Luang Nam Tha

Air access to Laos – land access to Laos

International flights to access Laos

Do you wish to discover Laos?
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    Why choose Asia Safari for your trip to Laos?

    Asia Safari is not a generalist tour operator based in France. We have been on site, in Vientiane, for over 25 years. Our guides are Lao, our accommodations are hand-picked, and each itinerary is tailor-made. The result: a vibrant, fair trip, without unnecessary frills.

    • Local French-speaking agency: we speak your language and know the country from the inside
    • Zero intermediaries: you deal directly with the local team
    • Truly tailor-made: no fixed catalog — each trip is unique
    • 25+ years of experience: founded in 2002, Asia Safari assists hundreds of French-speaking travelers every year

    How does our tailor-made service work?

    1. You send us your request (dates, budget, desires, profile)
    2. We build a proposal within 48 hours — day-by-day itinerary, accommodations, all-inclusive price
    3. You refine it with us until the trip is perfect
    4. We manage everything on site: guides, transport, hotels, activities

    When to visit Laos?

    The best period is October to April — dry season, pleasant temperatures. The rainy season (May to September) is also possible: lush landscapes and fewer tourists, but some roads can be difficult. Asia Safari advises you according to the region and type of trip.

    A 10-day trip to Laos with intermediate comfort generally costs between €1,500 and €2,500 per person (excluding international flights). Asia Safari prepares a personalized proposal according to your budget and accommodation preferences.

    French, Belgian, Swiss, and Canadian nationals can obtain a Visa on Arrival at major airports and border crossings. The visa costs approximately 30 to 35 USD and is valid for 30 days.

    Yes, absolutely. Laos is one of the safest and most family-friendly countries in Southeast Asia. Asia Safari adapts the pace, accommodations, and activities according to the children’s age.

    Asia Safari is a French-speaking agency. All our guides speak French, and we can assist you entirely in French, from trip design to arrival on site.

    A minimum of 10 days is recommended to discover the essentials (Luang Prabang, Vang Vieng, Vientiane). A stay of 15 to 18 days also allows covering Southern Laos (Champassak, 4000 Islands).

    Laos, the heart of your Indochina tour

    Laos is often the surprise of a trip: uncrowded, authentic, with a quiet beauty. Asia Safari makes Laos much more than a stopover — we make it the central experience of your stay, before or after Vietnam, Cambodia, or Thailand.

    Our most requested Indochina combinations

    Laos + Cambodia: A classic — temples of Luang Prabang and Angkor Wat, Mekong and Tonlé Sap. 15 days minimum recommended.
    Laos + Vietnam: Two contrasting countries — the calm of Laos and the energy of Vietnam. From Hanoi to Vientiane or vice versa.
    Northern Laos + Yunnan: For travelers seeking originality — travel from Yunnan to Laos via the Laos-China railway (inaugurated 2021).
    Grand Indochina Tour (40 days): Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand — a memorable trip for life.

    Tips for preparing your multi-country tour

    Visas: each country has its own rules — Asia Safari guides you through all procedures.
    Ideal duration: allow a minimum of 12 to 15 days for a 2-country combination.
    Seasons: seasons vary by country — we help you choose the best window.
    Budget: prices vary greatly by country. Laos is cheaper than Vietnam or Thailand.

    Laos naturally combines with Vietnam (land border), Thailand (Mekong ferry or Friendship Bridge), Cambodia (via plane or Mekong boat), and China (Boten-Vientiane train). Asia Safari designs the smoothest itinerary based on your starting point.

    For a Laos + Vietnam or Laos + Cambodia tour, allow a minimum of 15 to 18 days. The Grand Indochina Tour (4 countries) requires 30 to 40 days to be enjoyed without rushing.

    Yes. Asia Safari organizes all logistics: domestic flights, airport transfers, boats, trains — everything is included in your tailor-made proposal.

    Absolutely. Asia Safari welcomes solo travelers as well as couples, families, or small groups of friends. Each trip is designed for you.

    Yes. We adapt the pace, accommodations, and activities for senior travelers. Laos, in particular, is a gentle, unhurried country, ideal for travelers who prefer depth over speed.

    Our Story

    Jean-Paul Duvergé arrived in Laos at the turn of the 2000s, fell in love with the country, and decided to stay. In 2002, he founded Asia Safari with a simple idea: to offer French-speaking travelers direct access to authentic Lao life, without the filter of large Parisian agencies. Since then, the agency has assisted thousands of travelers, built a network of trusted guides and partners, and refined its philosophy: rigorous tailor-made travel, serving authenticity.

    What sets us apart

    We are on site: Our team works from Vientiane. We know the roads, seasons, accommodations, guides — and what changed last week. No outdated brochures.
    We speak your language: Asia Safari is a 100% French-speaking agency. All our communications, proposals, and guides speak French.
    Zero intermediaries: You work directly with us. No central purchasing, no Parisian subcontractors. Fairer prices and higher service quality.
    Tailor-made as our only model: We do not have standardized tours. Each trip is designed from scratch, according to your dates, budget, desires, and traveler profile.

    Our commitment

    Asia Safari actively supports responsible tourism in Laos: prioritizing local accommodations, tours that benefit village communities, respect for cultural and natural sites.

    Asia Safari is a Lao receptive agency, based in Vientiane. It was founded by a Frenchman, Jean-Paul Duvergé, and its team is Franco-Lao. We work exclusively from Laos, not from France.

    You can contact us via the contact form on our website, by email, or by phone. Our team usually responds within 24 to 48 business hours.

    Asia Safari specializes in individual travel and small groups (family, friends). We can organize groups upon request, but our core business remains tailor-made travel for 1 to 10 people.

    Asia Safari accepts international bank transfers. Payment terms (deposit, balance) are specified in your personalized quote.

    Our team is available 7 days a week during your stay. In case of unforeseen events (weather, health, logistics), we react quickly to find a solution. This is the advantage of a local agency: we are here, on the ground.

    Laos in figures

    Area: 236,800 km² | Population: approximately 7.5 million inhabitants | Capital: Vientiane | Official language: Lao | Religion: Theravada Buddhism (65% of the population) | Currency: Lao Kip (LAK) | Time zone: UTC+7

    Laos must-sees

    Luang Prabang: Former royal capital, a UNESCO World Heritage site, its golden temples, French colonial houses, and gentle way of life make it an undeniable favorite.
    Vientiane: The human-sized capital — That Luang, Patuxai, and the banks of the Mekong are worth a visit.
    Vang Vieng: Surrounded by limestone karsts, ideal for kayaking, caving, and hiking.
    Southern Laos and 4000 Islands: Champassak, the Vat Phou temples (UNESCO), the Bolaven Plateau, and the Mekong islands.

    Lao culture

    Theravada Buddhism permeates all of Lao life. The alms giving (offerings to monks at dawn) in Luang Prabang is a daily ritual of great beauty. Lao festivals — Boun Pi Mai (Lao New Year in April), Boun Ok Phansa (Festival of Lights) — are exceptional times to travel.

    Nature and biodiversity

    Laos is 70% covered by forests. Its protected areas are home to rare species: Asian elephants, gibbons, sun bears. The rivers and plateaus offer natural settings of rare purity in Asia.

    Yes, Laos is one of the safest countries in Southeast Asia. Crime against tourists is very low. The main precautions concern road safety and respect for local customs.

    The dry season (October to April) is the best period: pleasant temperatures (20-30°C), passable roads, clear landscapes. The rainy season (May to September) offers lush landscapes but some regions may be difficult to access.

    The official currency is the Lao Kip (LAK). In practice, the US dollar and Thai Baht are widely accepted. ATMs are available in major cities, but it is advisable to have cash for rural areas.

    Recommended vaccinations are: Hepatitis A and B, Typhoid, Rabies (depending on the type of trip), and an update of universal vaccines (DTP, MMR). Anti-malarial treatment may be recommended depending on the regions visited. Consult your doctor before departure.

    A minimum of 10 days is recommended for the essentials (Vientiane, Vang Vieng, Luang Prabang). For a complete immersion including the center and south of the country, allow 15 to 21 days.