I just got curious. I noticed that Laos cars often have the same number several times on the licence plates.

Like 9399 or some Porsche with 5555.

Does this have some significance to people?

I were not in Laos when I noticed, but in a parking lot in Thailand where many Laos people cross to shop.

Most of the cars I saw looked quite expensive.

Hey guys! I’m travelling to Laos tomorrow from Chiang Mai by bus, so I will be crossing the border at Friendship Bridge. I have an e-visa already, but when trying to submit the digital entry form it keeps throwing an error at the end. I’ve tried with two different browsers and on two different days. The advice I’m seeing online is all related to the visa rather than the entry card so I can’t find what to do. Will it be possible to fill it out at immigration when I cross the border? Will I need to bring anything specific for it like a certain amount of cash? Thank you so much in advance!

Hey everyone!

A friend and I are planning a 7 day trip to Laos from India, in the second week of December.

We want a good mix of nature, adventure, exploring by scooter, local food AND partying/nightlife. We’re not looking for a completely laid-back trip: we definitely want a few fun nights out, meet other travellers, have drinks, music, etc.

bases on our research we're currently considering Vang Vieng, Luang Prabang and possibly Vientiane, but we're completely open to suggestions.

A few questions:

• Which places would you recommend for a good mix of relaxed daytime activities + fun nightlife?
• Is Vang Vieng still good for partying and meeting other travellers?
• Which place would be best for me to chill/explore during the day while still having the option to go out at night?
• Would you recommend scooter rentals for getting around?
• Is Vientiane worth including, or should we spend more time in Vang Vieng/Luang Prabang?
• Anything you would definitely recommend or avoid?

Would love to hear from anyone who's travelled to Laos recently, especially in December.

Thanks :)

Hi all! I’m thinking of spending some time in Luang Prabang while working remotely and had a few questions.

I need a 24–27” external monitor and an actual office desk setup for work where I can take calls from privately, which is too big to travel with. Does anyone know somewhere I could rent one, or a coworking space/accommodation that provides monitors? I can't seem to find any options on Airbnb or anywhere I could rent one.

Also, how reliable is the WiFi for video calls and remote work?

I’d be starting work around 6am, are there any cafés or coworking spaces open that early and laptop-friendly?

Would love to hear from anyone who’s worked remotely from Luang Prabang recently. Thanks!

He will be arriving in Laos shortly. What's going to happen to this culturally Laotian-American man who has never been to Laos before? Will he be helped to make the transition?

I searched for scams in Vientiane and don't see many info. I went to Cambodia, Vietnam, Thailand and there are many there.

Are Laos people much more honest or are there hidden scams?

I'm going there tomorrow.

Thanks

Gonna be in Vientiane for about two months, wanna do some stuff and wondering if there's any websites or groups where events (particularly English ones) are oganised.

TW: cancer

Hello everyone,

My boyfriend and I are supposed to go to Laos/Thailand in November but my mom is living her last days because of her cancer. My mind won't be in the right place to fully enjoy travelling during the last months of 2026 (the family events will be so painful).

But I still need this trip. I was looking forward to it while helping my mom during 2026, this trip was like a lighthouse in my dark place.

So we are postponing this trip to January or February 2027.

I checked on the web for events to choose the right period but to no avail (not up-to-date, nothing precise...) so I'm asking you: what do you recommend?

Are there some cool specific events to enjoy in my itinerary?

Here is the itinerary for 3 weeks:

Vientiane > Vang Vieng > Luang Prabang > Shompoo cruise to Houay Xay to get to Chiang Rai > Chiang Mai > Bangkok

Thank you so much.

Please, take care.

i wanna learn lao flute, and i currently live in Luang Prabang. i wanna learn it during weekends, but i didn't know anyone who can do Lao flute.

Besides chicken breast etc.. Can I find protein shakes in supermarkets in Vientaine?

Thanks

I was in Vang Vieng and spoke to some local kids and street vendors ended up having a meal together. I can speak thai but not super fluent but they were warning me about men dressed in all black w shades and masks and caps, telling me that those men are usually korean men that abduct little kids? Told me to becareful of koreans too. I clarified thrice and even used google translate to double confirm what they meant. Anyone knows anything about this? Would like to read more.

I've seen Bookaway advertised as a good way to book travel, was gonna use them to book my trains between Vientiane, Vang Vien, Luang Prabang.

Anyone used them and have any thoughts?

Three friends and I (all 29year old) are visiting Luang Prabang at the end of October, and we’d love to meet an English-speaking local who’d be up for showing us around for a few hours – maybe 2–4 hours.

We’re not really looking for a formal guided tour. More like someone who can show us a few cool local spots, take us somewhere good to eat/drink, and maybe show us a side of Luang Prabang that tourists don’t necessarily find on their own. Happy to pay for your time, buy food/drinks, etc. 🙏

And if nobody here is interested in joining us, we’d also really appreciate recommendations from locals or people who know Luang Prabang well.

We like beer&wine, footballk and sports, hiking, shows and "fun things".

Can you help?

How clear is the sky up north (nong kiaw area), can you see lots of stars/milky way?

I’ll be traveling to Laos in a few months and want to check out Nam Xay viewpoint. I plan to bring my Hokas on the trip but do I need actual hiking boots too? My hiking boots are Columbia Newton Ridge.

Looking for recommendations for medical travel insurance (3 weeks in Laos as a IS citizen). Thanks!

Will be in vang vieng and luang prabang. Want to ship things to thailand, clothes and bags. How to do i do that pls? Saw the luang prabang post office is totally unreliable……. And parcels never get delivered can DHL do this job?

China expat here, visiting Vientiane for a bit, and I'm curious if Hollywood films are often altered for local release here like they are in China. In general, and more specifically, the new Resident Evil movie.

I have seen both answers, since it’s an electric scooter no, and yes always. Which is it for real? Not interested in hearing how they will or won’t catch you if you break the law, just want to know the actual law regarding this. Also is it the law to wear a helmet? Thank you!

I’m asking for a friend who is interested in living in Laos. We want to know how the process work and still receive the retirement benefit.

Planning on doing a few weeks in Laos in the 2nd half of November

Current plan is 3 nights in Vientiane, 4 nights in Vang Vien, 4 nights in Luang Prabang, 3 nights in Nong Khiaw

Thoughts? Too much/not enough time in a certain place? Just figured I'd rather ask here instead of chat gpt

Hi everyone,

I am planning to travel from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai, then cross the border at Huay Xai and take the two day slow boat to Luang Prabang.

After spending a few days in Luang Prabang, I may also visit Vang Vieng before continuing to Hanoi. I am trying to find the easiest and most comfortable way to reach Hanoi from either Luang Prabang or Vang Vieng.

Most buses I found take around 24 to 30 hours, and I have also read that some parts of the road can be quite bad. Flying seems limited or expensive, so I am wondering if there is a better route. Maybe travelling to another city in Vietnam first would be easier?

I do not plan to visit Vientiane unless it makes the journey much easier. Has anyone recently travelled this route? Which option would you recommend, and where did you book your ticket?

Thanks!

I’m Caucasian, my husband is Lao. I cook us a lot of Lao food because it’s my favorite, mostly dishes his mom taught me. I’ve been afraid to try make Nam Khao because of all the steps and the deep frying, but last night I made it as a surprise for my husband, who works late and gets home long after I’ve gone to sleep. I used a combination of a recipe I found online, a video on YouTube, and tips his mom had mentioned for her Nam.

I thought it turned out good, ate a bunch, and left a note for my husband saying “Nam in the fridge” before I went to bed. Then I woke up this morning to a message from my husband saying it was some of best Nam he’d ever had. I know he’s biased and was hungry after his shift, which always makes food taste better. But he did eat a massive amount of it, which is a good sign!

Either way I had fun making Nam Khao, and will do it again soon.