Hi guys,

As some of you guys already know Im making a trip to Laos this April or May, I really need some info about accommodation, food, transportation and just about anything I need to know.

I really wonder if there is any budget hotel below $20 USD? I found some at about 30 to 50 USD which is over my budget if I stay for 3 days or more.

How much is enough for 3 meals a day?

I've checked with ministry of foreign affair of Malaysia and visa is not required for visitting any ASEAN countries except Myanmar. I supposed there shouldn't be a problem with my arrival? If visa is required I believe I can have my visa done on arrival according to many websites? Yes?

I can't think of any other questions now but Im sure I will have more questions later :)

Hopefully someone can help me with this

Laong Dao 1 Hotel is affordable for you. The cheapest rooms cost 100,000 kip ($13 US) per night. Laong Dao 2 Hotel is also not too far away, at 150,000 kip ($19 US) per night. You may also want to consider guesthouses, if you are on a tight budget.

Cost of meals depends if you are having them alone or with your girlfriend. Speaking of her, why won't she cook for you, and provide accommodation at her place, so that you spend less?

If you're required to have a visa in the worst case scenerio, then yes it can be done on arrival.

Admin Saovaluck wrote on 21^st Mar, 2011 at 5:40pm:

Laong Dao 1 Hotel is affordable for you. The cheapest rooms cost 100,000 kip ($13 US) per night. Laong Dao 2 Hotel is also not too far away, at 150,000 kip ($19 US) per night. You may also want to consider guesthouses, if you are on a tight budget. Cost of meals depends if you are having them alone or with your girlfriend. Speaking of her, why won't she cook for you, and provide accommodation at her place, so that you spend less? If you're required to have a visa in the worst case scenerio, then yes it can be done on arrival.

Hi Admin,

Thank you for such valuable info. Well upon my arrival at Vientiane I will meet up with my girlfriend and check into a hotel because it will be quite late and she said there wont be any buses to her village by that time.

She is from Bolikhamxay province, the next day I will go to Ministry of Foreign Affair to get some information about Single Status Letter and what need to be done etc. If everything goes well then we will be on our way to her village. Averagely how much for 3 meals a day?

I would like to buy the costume for wedding though if my budget is sufficient for that.  :)

I'm surprised you don't know the average prices of meals in Laos because I thought you said you've met your girlfriend, or did you meet her in another country?

You can get by with $10 US for 3 meals a day for yourself. That's if you know where to buy your food, and you don't go to pricey restaurants.



Just to give you the average price of some foods at mid-range restaurants:

Fried rice with chicken, pork or beef = $1.70 US
Fried rice with prawns = $2 US
Noodle dish = $1.50 US
Lao style sandwich = $1 US
Hamburger = $2.50 US
A piece of fried chicken and chips = $1 US
Buffet style meals = $6 US

Admin Saovaluck wrote on 22^nd Mar, 2011 at 10:25am:

I'm surprised you don't know the average prices of meals in Laos because I thought you said you've met your girlfriend, or did you meet her in another country? You can get by with $10 US for 3 meals a day for yourself. That's if you know where to buy your food, and you don't go to pricey restaurants. Just to give you the average price of some foods at mid-range restaurants: Fried rice with chicken, pork or beef = $1.70 US Fried rice with prawns = $2 US Noodle dish = $1.50 US Lao style sandwich = $1 US Hamburger = $2.50 US A piece of fried chicken and chips = $1 US Buffet style meals = $6 US

Hi there,

Haha! Yes! I met her in Thailand the southern town which is by the border of Thailand and Malaysia. That is why :)

$10 USD for 3 meals a day in Vientiane is a bit higher than Malaysia.
Oh I need help with telecommunication, I don't have a Laos number and Im still trying to figure out how to call my girlfriend when I reach there. Is it possible to get a Lao sim pack in the airport?

I thought Thai number works in Vientiane because I've called my girlfriend's Thai number when she reached Vientiane but when she got further out of Vientiane there's no more reception. I guess this is because Vientiane is very close by the Thai border with small towns below Vientiane that is why the Thai number still works in Vientiane.

I was thinking about getting a Thai number if it works so that I can still call her when I reach Vientiane just in case it wont work I will have to get a Lao number as soon as I reach Vientiane.
How much it cost for a starter sim pack then?

You want to eat something decent, that's why I gave you the average cost of $10 US.

It sounds like you're on a very tight budget. You can spend $3-$5 USD for 3 meals, but you have to be willing to eat like the locals. And that I mean buy roadside foods that are exposed to dust, flies and other insects.

Yes, the phone reception outside of Vientiane can be poor. You can buy a sim card in Laos and use a Lao number, they're not too expensive. Tigo sim cards are the cheapest at about $3 US, but the reception is not as good as other companies such as Enterprise of Telecommunications (ETL) and M-Phone.

Admin Saovaluck wrote on 22^nd Mar, 2011 at 11:06am:

You want to eat something decent, that's why I gave you the average cost of $10 US. It sounds like you're on a very tight budget. You can spend $3-$5 USD for 3 meals, but you have to be willing to eat like the locals. And that I mean buy roadside foods that are exposed to dust, flies and other insects. Yes, the phone reception outside of Vientiane can be poor. You can buy a sim card in Laos and use a Lao number, they're not too expensive. Tigo sim cards are the cheapest at about $3 US, but the reception is not as good as other companies such as Enterprise of Telecommunications (ETL) and M-Phone.

Well, not really on a very tight budget that is just a comparison of the living cost of Vientiane and Malaysia. Are there 24hours convenient stores like 7-11 or K-Mart in Laos? Where can I get the sim cards?

They are sold in a phone shop. We have Mini Marts and Chemists that are open late, but I'm not sure if they sell sim cards.

Good infor and great prices. Thank.
8-) ::)


Admin Saovaluck wrote on 22^nd Mar, 2011 at 10:25am:

Fried rice with chicken, pork or beef = $1.70 US Fried rice with prawns = $2 US Noodle dish = $1.50 US Lao style sandwich = $1 US Hamburger = $2.50 US A piece of fried chicken and chips = $1 US Buffet style meals = $6 US

chuck wrote on 21^st Mar, 2011 at 2:15pm:

Hi guys, As some of you guys already know Im making a trip to Laos this April or May, I really need some info about accommodation, food, transportation and just about anything I need to know. I really wonder if there is any budget hotel below $20 USD? I found some at about 30 to 50 USD which is over my budget if I stay for 3 days or more. How much is enough for 3 meals a day? I've checked with ministry of foreign affair of Malaysia and visa is not required for visitting any ASEAN countries except Myanmar. I supposed there shouldn't be a problem with my arrival? If visa is required I believe I can have my visa done on arrival according to many websites? Yes? I can't think of any other questions now but Im sure I will have more questions later :) Hopefully someone can help me with this

Hi Chuck

Thank you for plan to visit my birth place! May I suggest a nice place to stay..I was there last November. Avolon hotel. a single room is $15 per night and break-first is include. Hire a motor-bike for a few day.($6-7)per day. this will work out cheaper to catch the local Tuk-Tuk and a freedom to go every where.

Tee wrote on 22^nd Mar, 2011 at 7:57pm:

chuck wrote on 21st Mar, 2011 at 2:15pm: Hi guys, As some of you guys already know Im making a trip to Laos this April or May, I really need some info about accommodation, food, transportation and just about anything I need to know. I really wonder if there is any budget hotel below $20 USD? I found some at about 30 to 50 USD which is over my budget if I stay for 3 days or more. How much is enough for 3 meals a day? I've checked with ministry of foreign affair of Malaysia and visa is not required for visitting any ASEAN countries except Myanmar. I supposed there shouldn't be a problem with my arrival? If visa is required I believe I can have my visa done on arrival according to many websites? Yes? I can't think of any other questions now but Im sure I will have more questions later :) Hopefully someone can help me with this Hi Chuck Thank you for plan to visit my birth place! May I suggest a nice place to stay..I was there last November. Avolon hotel. a single room is $15 per night and break-first is include. Hire a motor-bike for a few day.($6-7)per day. this will work out cheaper to catch the local Tuk-Tuk and a freedom to go every where.

Hi Tee,

Thank you for such usefull info :)

Single room as in single bed? I'll be staying with my girlfriend for a night or two.

Is anyone familiar with Pha Muang, Bolikhamxay?

I'm not. Is this where your girlfriend is from? Why haven't you put a picture of her on here yet?

I will put 1 when I have it in my pc. The picture I have is in an old Nokia phone and it's not even clear.

Hey there,

Ive been away for some time. I was wondering whether there is a money changer in the airport? Im sure there must be a few money changers in Vientiane.

Can anyone give me the USD to Lao Kip exchange rate now in Vientiane?

chuck wrote on 3^rd Apr, 2011 at 5:48pm:

Hey there, Ive been away for some time. I was wondering whether there is a money changer in the airport? Im sure there must be a few money changers in Vientiane. Can anyone give me the USD to Lao Kip exchange rate now in Vientiane?

When you come out of the arrivals gate into the main concourse at the international terminal, turn right to find the money change booth.

1US$ = 8,030 kip currently.

Also a lot of people will happily accept USD over kip. This probably isn't relevant, but don't pay for your visa with baht, it ended up being more expensive for me anyway (1500 ($45) baht at the friendship bridge vs $30-35 at the airport).

There's a currency exchange booth at the airport, but I don't know their closing time. If I remember correctly, you will arrive late.

Just in case they are not open, you can either use your US dollar notes to pay for your hotel accommodation, or you can exchange for Lao kip notes at a small business on the streets. You will get the od less kips on the streets, but it will still be a fair exchange.

Admin Saovaluck wrote on 3^rd Apr, 2011 at 9:20pm:

There's a currency exchange booth at the airport, but I don't know their closing time. If I remember correctly, you will arrive late. Just in case they are not open, you can either use your US dollar notes to pay for your hotel accommodation, or you can exchange for Lao kip notes at a small business on the streets. You will get the od less kips on the streets, but it will still be a fair exchange.

I will arrive at about 5pm local time, if the booth is close then I will go on with paying USD first.

wrote on 3^rd Apr, 2011 at 6:31pm:

chuck wrote on 3rd Apr, 2011 at 5:48pm: Hey there, Ive been away for some time. I was wondering whether there is a money changer in the airport? Im sure there must be a few money changers in Vientiane. Can anyone give me the USD to Lao Kip exchange rate now in Vientiane? When you come out of the arrivals gate into the main concourse at the international terminal, turn right to find the money change booth. 1US$ = 8,030 kip currently.

Hey Old Man,

Is that the rate published by the currency exchange booth?
Thank you for replying me :)

chuck wrote on 5^th Apr, 2011 at 5:30am:

wrote on 3rd Apr, 2011 at 6:31pm: chuck wrote on 3rd Apr, 2011 at 5:48pm: Hey there, Ive been away for some time. I was wondering whether there is a money changer in the airport? Im sure there must be a few money changers in Vientiane. Can anyone give me the USD to Lao Kip exchange rate now in Vientiane? When you come out of the arrivals gate into the main concourse at the international terminal, turn right to find the money change booth. 1US$ = 8,030 kip currently. Hey Old Man, Is that the rate published by the currency exchange booth? Thank you for replying me :)

Here's a website I always use to determine currency rate.  It's pretty accurate. http://www.oanda.com/currency/converter

OMD wrote on 5^th Apr, 2011 at 5:40am:

chuck wrote on 5th Apr, 2011 at 5:30am: wrote on 3rd Apr, 2011 at 6:31pm: chuck wrote on 3rd Apr, 2011 at 5:48pm: Hey there, Ive been away for some time. I was wondering whether there is a money changer in the airport? Im sure there must be a few money changers in Vientiane. Can anyone give me the USD to Lao Kip exchange rate now in Vientiane? When you come out of the arrivals gate into the main concourse at the international terminal, turn right to find the money change booth. 1US$ = 8,030 kip currently. Hey Old Man, Is that the rate published by the currency exchange booth? Thank you for replying me :) Here's a website I always use to determine currency rate.  It's pretty accurate. http://www.oanda.com/currency/converter

Hi,

What I mean is, the rate we can find from such websites are they being followed by the currency exchange in Laos or they kinda set their own exchange rate which is far from the rates we can see from the internet?

chuck wrote on 5^th Apr, 2011 at 5:49am:

OMD wrote on 5th Apr, 2011 at 5:40am: chuck wrote on 5th Apr, 2011 at 5:30am: wrote on 3rd Apr, 2011 at 6:31pm: chuck wrote on 3rd Apr, 2011 at 5:48pm: Hey there, Ive been away for some time. I was wondering whether there is a money changer in the airport? Im sure there must be a few money changers in Vientiane. Can anyone give me the USD to Lao Kip exchange rate now in Vientiane? When you come out of the arrivals gate into the main concourse at the international terminal, turn right to find the money change booth. 1US$ = 8,030 kip currently. Hey Old Man, Is that the rate published by the currency exchange booth? Thank you for replying me :) Here's a website I always use to determine currency rate.  It's pretty accurate. http://www.oanda.com/currency/converter Hi, What I mean is, the rate we can find from such websites are they being followed by the currency exchange in Laos or they kinda set their own exchange rate which is far from the rates we can see from the internet?

Some places are more or less then others.  For example, if you go to a bank they stick to the standard rate or usually less.  If you go booths like these you are likely to get more.  I guess it just all depends where you go.  I like to stick to this website so it gives me some ideas and what to expect.

Cool sites thank JACKSPADE.
8-)


OMD wrote on 5^th Apr, 2011 at 5:40am:

chuck wrote on 5th Apr, 2011 at 5:30am: wrote on 3rd Apr, 2011 at 6:31pm: chuck wrote on 3rd Apr, 2011 at 5:48pm: Hey there, Ive been away for some time. I was wondering whether there is a money changer in the airport? Im sure there must be a few money changers in Vientiane. Can anyone give me the USD to Lao Kip exchange rate now in Vientiane? When you come out of the arrivals gate into the main concourse at the international terminal, turn right to find the money change booth. 1US$ = 8,030 kip currently. Hey Old Man, Is that the rate published by the currency exchange booth? Thank you for replying me :) Here's a website I always use to determine currency rate.  It's pretty accurate. http://www.oanda.com/currency/converter

hi guys,

my flight is on the 30th april Ill be here in Laos soon :)

anyone able to help me out if I need help in Vientiane? Like give me your handphone number?

Thank you

chuck wrote on 29^th Apr, 2011 at 4:33pm:

hi guys, my flight is on the 30th april Ill be here in Laos soon :) anyone able to help me out if I need help in Vientiane? Like give me your handphone number? Thank you

Get the Admin's phone number.  She lives there. :)

OMD wrote on 29^th Apr, 2011 at 9:02pm:

chuck wrote on 29th Apr, 2011 at 4:33pm: hi guys, my flight is on the 30th april Ill be here in Laos soon :) anyone able to help me out if I need help in Vientiane? Like give me your handphone number? Thank you Get the Admin's phone number.  She lives there. :)

Good luck with that! ;D

I doubt she'll even respond.

Some useful info there,so bumped it to the top again.

Have fun in Laos my friends.
;) :)


chuck wrote on 29^th Apr, 2011 at 4:33pm:

hi guys, my flight is on the 30th april Ill be here in Laos soon :) anyone able to help me out if I need help in Vientiane? Like give me your handphone number? Thank you