Planning guides
The questions that decide whether a Laos route works: how to get between places, when to go, how long to allow, what it costs and what to check before paying anyone.
Plan
Transport
- Getting around Laos without a motorbike
Laos has more transport options than its reputation suggests.
Timing
- Best time to visit Laos for a motorbike-free route
November to February is the most comfortable time for a route through Laos: dry, cooler and with good road conditions.
- How many days do you need in Laos without a motorbike?
Without a motorbike, plan around one region per week.
Costs and bookings
- Private driver costs in Laos: what sets the price
There is no single rate for a private driver in Laos.
- What to confirm before paying for transport in Laos
Before paying for any driver, boat or tour in Laos, get in writing who is providing the service, the vehicle and route, exactly what the price includes, the start time and what happens if plans change, how and when you pay, the cancellation terms, and the contact for the day.
Before you go
- Laos visa and arrival: what matters for your route
Many nationalities can get a visa on arrival at most international entry points into Laos, and an eVisa is available online, but the eVisa is only valid at nine designated entry points.
- Laos travel safety for motorbike-free routes
The biggest risk for visitors to Laos is road travel, especially on motorbikes.
- Money in Laos: cash, cards and where ATMs run out
The Lao kip is the everyday currency.
Plan with Laos Explore
Tell us where you want to go, not how to get there
Share your dates, the places on your list and how you feel about motorbikes. We reply by email with a realistic route, and when you are ready, a written proposal with transfers, prices, inclusions and who provides each part of the trip.
