Prices you can rely on, in writing
We do not publish packages with prices that might not hold. We explain what drives the cost, show sourced reference prices, and quote your exact trip in a written proposal.
Pricing
What sets the price of a route
- Route and distance
- Time on the road matters more than kilometres: mountain roads are slow.
- Number of days
- Multi-day trips include a driver or guide while you sightsee.
- Vehicle and group size
- A sedan for two, a van for six. Private transport is priced per vehicle.
- One-way or return
- A driver ending far from home usually has to drive back empty.
- Guides
- Optional, and priced separately from a driver.
- Season
- Holiday weeks and peak months cost more and fill up.
- What is included
- Fuel, entry fees, boats, meals and rooms change the total; the proposal lists each.
Estimate or quote?
An estimate is a range we may give early in a conversation, so you can judge whether a plan fits your budget. It is not an offer.
A quote is the total price in your written proposal, for named services from named providers on your dates. It states the currency, what is included and excluded, and how long it is valid.
The total in your proposal is what you pay. It is split into a prepayment to Laos Explore, which secures the booking, and, where the proposal says so, a balance paid locally to the provider. Both amounts and their due dates are in the proposal.
Reference prices
The few prices we publish come with their source, the date they were observed and what kind of figure they are. Fees in Laos change often; treat them as a guide, not a promise.
Sourced reference prices
Kong Lor cave entry with the boat trip through the cave
110,000 kip per person (2022); 200,000 to 250,000 kip per person in 2024-25 reports
Bolaven Plateau waterfall entry (Tad Fane, Tad Yuang)
30,000 kip (Tad Fane); 40,000 kip (Tad Yuang) per person
Pha Daeng viewpoint trail, Nong Khiaw
50,000 kip per person
Private Bolaven Plateau day trip from Pakse
From US$55 per vehicle (up to 6 people)
What your proposal will show
Written proposalLE-YYMMDD
- Your route, day by dayOvernight stops, every transfer with its mode and a realistic time range, and what each day involves.
- One total priceIn US dollars unless agreed otherwise, with exactly what it includes and excludes (fuel, boat fares, entry fees, meals, rooms).
- Who provides each partThe named local driver, boat operator, guide or tour company responsible for each service.
- Prepayment and balanceWhat you pay Laos Explore to secure the booking, any balance paid locally to the provider, and when each is due.
- Cancellation termsIf you cancel your booking, your prepayment is refunded. Any conditions specific to your trip are stated before you pay.
- Contacts for each dayWho to call or message for each leg, and how to reach us while you travel.
Nothing is booked until you accept the proposal and pay the prepayment.
Questions travelers ask
Why are there no package prices on this site?
Because a fair price depends on your dates, group size, route and the providers available. Rather than publish numbers that would not hold, we quote each trip in writing.
Is the price in the proposal final?
Yes, for the services and dates in the proposal, within its validity period. If something you ask to change affects the price, we confirm the new total in writing before making the change.
In which currency?
Usually US dollars. The proposal states the currency, and the amount of any balance payable locally.
Does planning cost anything?
No. Questions, route suggestions and proposals are free and create no obligation.
Plan with Laos Explore
Ask for a quote for your route
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.
