Cost of Flights to Laos
🛬 International Airports
Laos has three main international airports:
- Wattay International Airport (Vientiane)
- Luang Prabang International Airport
- Pakse International Airport
There are no direct flights from Europe, North America, or Oceania. Most travelers connect via:
- Bangkok (Thailand)
- Hanoi / Ho Chi Minh City (Vietnam)
- Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia)
- Seoul (South Korea)
- Singapore
💶 Average Round-Trip Prices (2025)
- From Europe/North America: €500–€1,500
- Cheapest months: May–September
- Best deals: Midday flights, Monday departures
✈️ Major Airlines Flying to Laos
- To Vientiane: Lao Airlines, Thai Airways, Vietnam Airlines, Air Asia, Scoot, Lufthansa (via Bangkok), China Eastern
- To Luang Prabang: Bangkok Airways, Lao Airlines, Vietnam Airlines
- To Pakse: Lao Airlines (from Bangkok, Phnom Penh, Siem Reap)
Accommodation Costs in Laos
🛏️ Types of Accommodation (per night)
- Budget guesthouses: 200,000–260,000 kip (€8.8–€11.5)
- Mid-range hotels: 340,000–570,000 kip (€15–€25)
- Luxury hotels: 3,400,000–6,800,000 kip (€150–€300)
Many hotels include free breakfast and Wi-Fi. Book early for better rates and availability.
Transportation Costs in Laos
✈️ Domestic Flights
- Average one-way ticket: €40
- Carriers: Lao Airlines, Lao Skyway
🚌 Buses (VIP, Express, Local)
- Vientiane → Luang Prabang: 470,000–490,000 kip (€20–€21.5)
- Pakse → Savannakhet: 186,000–580,000 kip (€8–€26)
- Savannakhet → Muong Khong: 680,000–910,000 kip (€30–€40)
🚗 Private Car with Driver
- Daily rate: 450,000–2,300,000 kip (€20–€100)
🚆 Laos–China High-Speed Train
- Route: Vientiane → Boten (via Vang Vieng, Luang Prabang, Muang Xai)
- Price: ~190,000 kip (€8.4)
- Booking via hotel adds: €3.5–€4
🛺 Tuk-Tuks
- Ideal for short trips
- Price: 30,000–90,000 kip (€1.3–€4)
Tip: Always negotiate fare beforehand.
🚤 Boats (Mekong and Nam Ou)
- Ban Nakassang → Si Phan Don (4,000 Islands): 124,000–165,000 kip (€5.5–€7.3)
- Luang Prabang → Pakbeng: 190,000–210,000 kip (€8.4–€9.3)
🏍️ Motorbike Rental
- Rental: €7–€8/day
- Fuel: ~€1.3/liter
🚲 Bicycle Rental
- Rental: €0.9–€2/day
Perfect for exploring towns and villages.
Food Costs in Laos
Laotian cuisine is flavorful, healthy, and budget-friendly.
- Street food/local restaurants: €2–€4 per meal
- Daily food budget:
- €10 for street food only
- €20 with occasional restaurant meals
- €50+ for fine dining experiences
🥢 Must-Try Dishes
- Khao niao (sticky rice)
- Laap (minced meat salad)
- Khao piak sen (noodle soup)
Entrance Fees to Tourist Sites
| Attraction | Entrance Fee |
| Pha That Luang (Vientiane) | 30,000 kip (€1.4) |
| Wat Sisaket | 30,000 kip (€1.4) |
| Buddha Park | 40,000 kip (€1.8) |
| Patuxai Arch | Free |
| Royal Palace (Luang Prabang) | 30,000 kip (€1.4) |
| Kuang Si Falls | 25,000 kip (€1.12) |
| Pak Ou Caves | 20,000 kip (€0.9) |
Tour & Activity Prices
- Kuang Si Falls + Tuk-Tuk: €2.3 + fare
- Temple tour & meditation (Luang Prabang): €34
- Cooking class with market visit: €52
- Cycling tour (Luang Prabang): €68
- Bolaven Plateau day tour: €64
- Cooking class (Vientiane): €100
- Vang Vieng 2-day tour from Vientiane: €320
Tipping Culture in Laos
Tipping is not expected, but it’s appreciated.
| Service | Suggested Tip |
| Tour guide | €5–€10/day |
| Driver | €3–€5/day |
| Hotel staff | €1/day |
| Daily tipping budget | €2–€4/person |
Daily Budget Estimates by Travel Style
| Travel Style | Daily Budget (€) |
| Backpacker | €30–€50 |
| Mid-Range Traveler | €50–€100 |
| Luxury Traveler | €150+ |
Note: These estimates exclude international flights, insurance, alcohol, tips, and visa costs.
Budget Tips for Saving in Laos
- 🗓️ Avoid high season (Dec–April) for cheaper prices
- 🏨 Book early—especially in Luang Prabang
- 🍜 Eat local to stretch your food budget
- 🤝 Negotiate tuk-tuk prices
- 🚗 Share rides with fellow travelers
- 🎟️ Opt for combo tours to save on activities
Conclusion: Laos Is Budget-Friendly & Rewarding
Laos offers a unique mix of spirituality, nature, and culture—without breaking the bank. Whether you’re a backpacker or luxury seeker, the country’s affordability makes it easy to explore its temples, waterfalls, and villages with ease.
With smart planning and a flexible approach, Laos in 2025 can be one of your most enriching and economical adventures in Southeast Asia.
