Solo Travel in Laos: The Ultimate Guide (2025)

Thinking of taking a solo trip to Laos? Uncover this gem in Southeast Asia, officially known as ‘Lao People's Democratic Republic’, which was actually the second country I was lucky enough to travel solo. I'm Lucy, a solo travel expert who has been solo travelling the globe for a decade to over 50 countries. I share my solo travel tips and expertise in these solo travel location guides to help you feel confident to try travelling solo to your dream destinations.

Laos isn’t as popular with travellers as the neighbouring countries Thailand and Vietnam, yet this adds to the magic of the limestone, mountainous, jungle landscape that’s so beautiful you could lose yourself in it for weeks. The cuisine of Laos is just as stunning, with sticky rice and green papaya salad being a couple of my favourites. 

Some of the most unique travel ventures I have had the joy of experiencing happened in Laos. I went tubing for the first time which I found to be exciting, fun, and a great way to meet other backpackers taking a solo Laos trip. Tubing isn’t as accessible as it once was for safety reasons, but there are still many other activities you can do such as taking the slow boat from Thailand to Laos!

The slow boat journey was majestic, and I found myself becoming immersed in the wild scenery and truly felt like I was in a movie. Solo travel Laos to set yourself up for the adventure of a lifetime, where you’ll meet other solo travellers, engage with the friendly people of Laos, and reset, especially if you’re heading to Laos after exploring Thailand!

Planning a solo trip to Laos? Here's where you'll find:

1. Everything You Need To Know Before A Solo Trip To Laos
2. How To Get To Laos As A Solo Traveller 
3. Tips For Finding Cheap Flights To Laos
4. Do I Need A Visa For My Trip To Laos?
5. How Do I Book A Solo Trip To Laos?
6. How To Book Hostels and Hotels in Laos
7. Travel Insurance For A Solo Trip To Laos
8. SIM Cards in Laos
9. Should I Go To Laos On My First Solo Trip?
10. How Much Does A Solo Trip To Laos Cost?
11. Is Laos Safe For A Solo Female Traveller?
12. Best Places For Solo Travel In Laos
13. How Do I Make Friends When Solo Travelling Laos?

Everything You Need To Know Before A Solo Trip To Laos

Laos isn’t a particularly big country in Asia, with a population of 7.7 million, but it has a wealth of incredible sites to see and places to visit. Luang Prabang instantly drew me in with opulent temples and the Royal Palace giving the city an elegant feel with such layers of history. Exploring Laos is unlike any other destination I have travelled to, and knowing what to expect from the country and how to be prepared for my solo trip allowed me to immerse myself in the present moment whilst feeling organised and confident.

How To Get To Laos As A Solo Traveller 

Luang Prabang International and Wattay International Airport are popular choices for Laos. When travelling from the UK, it’s impossible to find a flight without at least one stopover, but most likely you’ll have a couple of layovers. It’s also not uncommon to need to change airports to solo travel Laos such as the first example flight I’ve given below.

Journeying to Laos takes time, and the longer, more obscure flights where you need to change airports or have a couple of layovers are usually the cheaper options. If you’re travelling to Laos from Thailand, I highly recommend taking a slow boat from Pai to Luang Prabang. It gives the perfect window of opportunity to meet other solo backpackers and you can absorb all of the majestic scenery as you float along the water.

Tips For Finding Cheap Flights To Laos 

Looking for cheap flights to Laos? I always trust Skyscanner to help me uncover the best flight deals for any adventure abroad. I can look at various date ranges and airports, keeping my plans flexible so I can find the best flight prices. 

Don’t Overpack

Overpacking is the recipe for disaster! It means you’ll be bogged down with belongings when travelling to and from destinations, and also equals potential fees at the airport. Budget airlines often charge if your luggage is above a certain weight, and these charges can be pretty hefty, especially when you want to keep as much money for Laos as possible! My key to sensible packing is to plan interchangeable outfits which means you’ll still feel stylish and confident, but without any surprise airport fees.

Book Out Of Peak Season

Booking out of peak season is key to finding cheap flights to Laos. When schools break up for Easter, Summer, and Christmas (and even smaller holidays in between), airlines put their prices up, so I always avoid booking trips during this time. Search comparison websites and be sure to tailor your search outside of peak times so you can see the cheapest deals to get you where you want to go.

Sign Up For Air Miles

An air miles card is a win if you travel regularly and want to transfer the miles you accumulate in the air, to savings on your next flight. Leaving your air miles to add up over time means you can plan an epic trip with a notoriously expensive flight that you can make some big savings on!

Don’t Settle For The First Price 

When booking flights or accommodation, I never settle for the first price I’m quoted. Using comparison websites ensures I can see all of the flight options available enabling me to choose the best one for the time and destination I am looking for. If you have a strict, limited time in Laos, it may be worthwhile going for a slightly more expensive flight that’s several hours shorter so you get more time to spend in this wonderful country. Make sure you sign up for flight alerts so you get notified immediately if prices dip.

Do I Need A Visa For My Trip To Laos?

For a successful solo trip to Laos and a peaceful arrival, you need to have a minimum of 6 months on your passport from the date of entry, along with two blank visa pages. Tourist visas are a requirement, and these can be obtained at certain entry ports to Laos and allow travellers to stay for 30 days. It’s possible to extend the visa to an additional 30 days through the Department of Immigration in Vientiane. 

Tourist visas are usually acquired in-country at specific entry ports, but it’s possible to get a visa in advance by contacting the Embassy of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic. Business visas need to be obtained in advance and can be extended for up to a month. Getting the correct visa and having enough validity left on your passport is vital for peaceful passage into Laos, so be sure to meet the requirements set out by the government. 

How Do I Book A Solo Trip To Laos?

A solo Laos trip can be booked in a variety of ways, from designing the entire trip yourself to joining in with a group tour or arranging next to nothing for an exciting challenge upon arrival.

Entire Planned Trip:

Designing an entire planned trip is an effective way to squeeze as much into your time in Laos as possible. I find having every detail of my plans mapped out means I feel pressured to stick to a rigid schedule and potentially miss out on spontaneous travel with other backpackers. Therefore, this way of travel isn’t a favourite of mine, but I can see the appeal and comfort of knowing where you’re staying, the activities you’ll be doing, and how much time you have to fit everything in. 

A Group Trip:

Group trips are an awesome way to kick off your Laos adventure with other solo backpackers on the search for seeing the world on a budget! There’s also an air of security with a group trip, particularly for solo female travellers, as you can hang out with other females and always have someone to turn to if you ever feel uncomfortable. Group trips and tours can be booked ahead of time online, and be sure to research a range of deals so you can get the best experience for your money! 

>> READ: 11 Best Adventure Solo Tours for Women

Outward Flight and First Night’s Accommodation:

Solo travel already comes with an adrenaline rush the moment the outbound plane begins to speed up and take off. To add even more thrill to your trip, you could only book your outbound flight and first night’s accommodation. This means you can scout out the location before settling in for several days in one hostel or hotel. Booking your flight and first-night accommodation together through the same website can get you a cracking deal, just be sure to keep your dates flexible for the best prices. 

How To Book Hostels and Hotels In Laos

Booking a hostel and hotel in Laos is a breeze thanks to websites such as Booking.com and Hostelworld which do the hard work for us solo travellers! They compare prices between a wide range of accommodation options, gathering them all up together in an easy-to-read list. I like to spend more time planning what I’ll be getting up to while abroad than spending hours comparing accommodations and using Booking and Hostelworld allows me to do this.

>> Read 24 Ways To Get Cheap Hotel Deals

Currency, Language, Plugs, And Best Ways To Get Around In Laos

The official currency of Laos is the Kip, but many transactions can also be made in US dollars, so I think it’s best to take both. US dollar travellers cheques can be exchanged in many places but it’s good to have some Laotian Kip to hand in case there’s an issue with using your dollars in quieter, local areas. 

Lao is the country’s language, and you can find many different versions of Lao spoken by people from different ethnic backgrounds. It’s sometimes called Laotian, and knowing some key words and phrases can be helpful, particularly when trying to arrange plans and no one speaks English or your native language. 

To practise your Lao and to get around the country, you’ll be turning to buses, slow or passenger boats, speedboats, and cross-river ferries. A bus is the most affordable way to travel and it gives you insight into local life around the various towns and villages.

When packing for your solo Laos trip, you’ll need to make sure you have the correct adaptor for Laos’ plugs which are typically types A, B, C, E, or F. Check out my girls’ packing guide for Asia for tips to help you pack for your trip.

Best Travel Insurance For A Solo Trip To Laos

I thrive on adventure, but when it comes to my well-being, I don't compromise. SafetyWing's Nomad Insurance Essential provides coverage in 175+ countries, and I have complete control over when my policy starts and stops at any time. They've recently expanded coverage to include adventure sports and electronics theft too. Think of it as your safety net, if something goes wrong its great to have back-up in case you get sick, injured or your kit gets damaged. I know how frustrating travel can be sometimes, so it's good to know that when things go wrong I've got a good insurance policy in my corner.

My favourite thing about the policy, as a digital nomad, is that I can add-on electronic theft insurance for up to $3000 worth of electronic valuables. This is HUGE for someone whose entire life and business is their laptop, camera, phone and tech. They also cover:

• Meals & accommodations if you have a travel delay over 12 hours
• Emergency dental care up to $1000
• Medical care including prescriptions, emergency care and hospital stays
• Coverage for lost checked luggage
• Flights home if something bad happens
• Continued coverage for visits back home
• Coverage for motor accidents
• Coverage for injuries from leisure sports & activities

If you need coverage for a longer period, you might consider looking at their Complete plan - includes all Essential features, plus comprehensive health coverage with routine healthcare, mental health support, and maternity, most countries in the world, including in your home country.

Read my full blog post on Choosing Travel Insurance for Solo Female Travellers

Best eSIM For Travelling To Laos

Investing in an eSIM for your solo trip to Laos means you can stay in contact with friends and family, and also organise to meet up with new friends from your hostel. It’s becoming increasingly difficult to source reliable, affordable SIM options with new data charges and limitations across networks. Airalo makes things simple with its eSIM options. The company has a range of options available for your Laos adventure starting at just $5.50! Check out Airalo’s eSIMs for Laos.

Should I Go To Laos On My First Solo Trip?

Part of the joy of solo travelling is to find peace in being alone and the growth that’s created when taking on a challenge as epic as a solo Laos trip. My answer to whether or not you should go to Laos on your first solo trip is a resounding YES! Thailand may be more popular with tourists than Laos, but there are still large numbers visiting the country every year, many of whom are backpackers, just like you. If you dream of "getting off the beaten track" and discovering something a little different – Laos is definitely the place for your solo trip.

If you’re feeling nervous about your first solo trip away, it can be useful to already have some accommodation and travel plans mapped out so you know where you’ll be and when. This can help you feel secure once you’ve landed in the country and quickly sets you up for meeting new people too.

How Much Does A Solo Trip To Laos Cost?

Southeast Asia is recognised for being an affordable place to travel, and the same goes for Laos. Hotels and hostels can both be found for cheap prices, and food isn’t a bank-breaker either. It’s possible to keep costs low when travelling to Laos by choosing budget-friendly dining options and searching for the best flight deals for travelling to Asia and returning home from your travels.

One Month In Laos

One month in Laos can get you a lot, and even though it may be slightly pricier than in Thailand, it’s still affordable to solo travel Laos. My comprehensive guides of money-saving travel tips may be able to help you cut back even more on your expenditure so you can save money to use on your next trip away.

Is Laos Safe For A Solo Female Traveller?

Laos is a destination I would consider safe for a solo female traveller, and I didn’t experience any times when I felt uncomfortable, in fact, I thought the locals were kind, approachable and friendly! My key tips for solo females adventuring around Laos are generally the same for most locations I have travelled to; remain vigilant and keep your wits about you, dress modestly and in line with the culture of the country you’re travelling in, and avoid walking around at night alone.

Solo female travel is an incredible undertaking, and once you’ve got your first trip under your belt, I can nearly guarantee you’ll have the travel bug! Laos is full of budding backpackers who are also undertaking an epic solo journey. This filled me with comfort as I felt like people were doing the same as me everywhere I went, and many travellers spoke English which increased my confidence and security even further. Check out some of my top solo female travel tips and don’t forget to bookmark any of your favourite pages so you can get familiar with each of them and use them on your next solo adventure. 

>> READ: How to Safely Solo Travel as a Woman – a Solo Travel Expert

Which Part Of Laos Is Best For Solo Female Travellers?

Laos is situated in the centre of Southeast Asia, with proximity to Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia, so it’s usually paired with a backpacker’s trip to one or all of these countries. In terms of solo female travel, I found I was comfortable everywhere I went in Laos, but a few locations spring to mind that I would highly recommend for solo female travellers. 

Luang Prabang

My time in Luang Prabang featured one of my favourite hostel stays in the whole of Southeast Asia. I stayed at Matata Garden Guest House and was welcomed with constant offerings of tea and coffee, time to play with the owner’s dog, and a short walk from local bars. I could have spent an entire month in Luang Prabang, exploring the city’s grand temples, breathtaking nature, and culinary delights, returning to Matata Garden Guest House every night. 

• Best Hotel: My Dream Boutique Resort
• Best Hostel: DownTown Backpackers Hostel
• Best Things To Do In Luang Prabang

Vang Vieng

My introduction to Vang Vieng wasn’t really until all of the tourists returned from tubing, a popular activity for getting tipsy and breaking the ice with new people through the power of alcohol. The town is known for far more than just drunk tourists, however! The best time to visit is during the dry season when you can learn to rock climb through the rugged terrain and breathe in the fragrant air in the heart of lush forests. 

• Best Hotel: Dokchampa Hotel
• Best Hostel: Vang Vieng Freedom View Hostel
• Best Things To Do In Vang Vieng

Vientiane

Vientiane is the capital of Laos and is the perfect location to walk alongside the Mekong River. Key sites include Buddha Park, the Great Sacred Stupa, and the Patuxay Monument, these three being my must-visits for spending time in Southeast Asia. With an overall laid-back atmosphere, a trip to Vientiane will be filled with magnificent sites, a wealth of history, and plenty of backpackers around you to interact with. 

• Best Hotel: Vientiane Boutique Hotel
• Best Hostel: TT Hostel
• Best Things To Do In Vientiane

Check out these awesome activities

How Do I Make Friends When Solo Travelling Laos?

Making friends when travelling solo to Laos is a breeze once you have a few ideas to fall back on! I sometimes feel butterflies arise when I’m in a situation where I don’t know anyone, but I always remember to be myself, remain approachable, and be open to new conversations and things go smoothly. Try not to get caught up in nerves when meeting other travellers for the first time! I’ll touch on a few of my go-to's for making friends in this blog, but you can read my full list of tips for travelling by yourself.

Invite Backpackers To Socialise

If you’re planning on heading to a bar later in the evening and you see some new arrivals walk through your hostel dorm, invite them for drinks! This gives such a warm welcome and immediately implies that you’re friendly and want to interact with other travellers. This can be particularly beneficial for other solo backpackers who may be feeling just as nervous as you!

Keep Open Body Language

Having open body language is key for inviting conversation into your space. Be sure to smile when you’re heading towards new people and try to avoid asking a million questions - allow people to show interest in you too! I always feel more confident when I’m holding something as it stops my hands from getting twitchy, so I will either keep a drink, my sunglasses, or my phone in my hand to help relax me during new interactions.

Join A Group Tour

Group activity tours aren’t just fun, they are also a fantastic way of meeting new people! When you’re all together on a night bus or boat journey, it’s easy to engage with one another about the imminent adventure ahead, or the destination you’ve just arrived from. Taking several group tours can add up to a substantial chunk of your budget, so maybe limit yourself to a couple of tours a month so you don’t spend too much, too fast. 

Prepare Talking Points

I always have a list of a few questions in the back of my mind I can turn to if I feel anxious about striking up a conversation with a new person. Remember, people love to talk about themselves and backpackers have a shared love for travel, so why not start with best and worst travel memories, favourite travel destination, future travel plans?

Trust Yourself

Above all, when you solo travel Laos and meet new people; trust yourself! You will have already made it far in terms of leaving your home country, jumping on a plane, and exploring somewhere new, so trust you can socialise and make good friends while away too. I’m still in touch with so many of the people I met abroad, and the memories from my time in various destinations are kept alive by still communicating with the backpackers who helped shape them.

So, how does a solo trip to Laos sound to you? Will you be adding a Laos adventure to your trips this year? I’d love to hear about your plans!