Disclosure
Welcome and thank you for visiting this article. Before you start reading, you need to know that some of the links on my website are affiliate links of which I receive a small commission from the sale of certain items, but the price remains the same for you.
Follow me on Instagram for your daily dose of wanderlust inspiration!
Connect with me on Instagram!
This is the ultimate 2 weeks in Laos backpacking budget based on the amazing time I had exploring the best places of the country, with extra tips, useful information, and inspiring photos.
Since Laos is an adventure-seekers dream destination and the perfect combination of thrilling activities, fascinating culture, and amazing hotels for affordable prices, this South East Asian gem should be at the top of your list.
From trekking through its rolling hills to soaking up the exotic atmosphere of ancient cities like Luang Prabang and Vientiane, there’s something here for everyone – whatever your travel style or budget may be.
READ ALSO: Backpacking in Laos: the best 2 weeks in Laos itinerary
What is not included
This cost breakdown does not include the expenses for flights, insurance, and luggage. However, to give you an impression of what to expect, I listed down the prices that I paid for my flights and backpack.
International flights to Laos can be quite affordable, prices range between €600-850 from European countries depending on the time of year and country of origin.
With neighboring countries like Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, and China, it has never been easier to explore and travel to some of the most stunning destinations that Laos has to offer. I booked my flight from Bangkok to Vientiane on Skyscanner and paid ¸€35 for a one-way ticket.
There are also buses operating from major cities like Bangkok, Hanoi, and Siem Reap to Laos.
- International flights: I bought a one-way from Bangkok to Vientiane for €35 per person with Airasia
- Travel insurance – VisitorCoverage
- Purchase of backpack: For this trip, I used a Deuter Aircontact 70L, which cost about €250, and the Wandrd camera bag costs about €227 (read at the end of this article what’s in my camera bag)
Hotels in Laos
Visiting Laos is an exciting adventure, and it’s even more thrilling knowing that visitors can get great value for their money when it comes to accommodation.
Hotels in Laos offer budget-friendly rates from as low as €5 per night in hostels, with some higher-end luxury hotels costing upwards of €200. On average though, travelers can expect to pay between €30 and €60 per night for a private room in comfortable accommodations.
Although I went backpacking in Laos for 14 days, I had 2 days where I didn’t pay for accommodation and I also didn’t stay in any hostels as the prices for a private room were very cheap and within my budget. Based on the 12 days I paid for accommodation in Laos, I spent €280 which is an average of €23 per day.
The breakdown of hotel costs varies depending on location, style, and amenities, but all prices are reasonable considering the amazing experiences available throughout this enchanting country.
- 3 nights in a luxury hotel in Vientiane – average €50 per night
- 9 nights in mid-range hotels – average €19 / night
- 1 night in Pakbeng was included in the collaboration with Luang Say Cruise.
NOTE: As a travel blogger, I received discounted prices in Luang Prabang for some hotels.
READ MORE: 12 x best hotels in Laos
Transport in Laos
Transport in Laos is relatively inexpensive and the budget that my partner and I spent was €64 for 13 days, which is an average of €2,4 per day. This includes buses between Vientiane and Vangvieng, scooter rentals, bike hires, and samlaws (Laos Tuktuk).
NOTE: The Luang Say Cruise is not included in the transport budget as it was part of a collaboration but prices are around US$ 430 per person for a 2-day all-inclusive trip.
Road conditions can vary from smooth highways to bumpy trails, so it is wise to plan your trip ahead. The cost may depend on your itinerary, with night buses usually being cheaper than day buses.
In general traveling with public transport in Laos is pretty affordable!
UPDATE: Since 2021 you can travel from Vientiane to Vang Vieng and Luang Prabang by train. These tickets will cost between €20-45 and can be purchased in advance on 12GoASia
- 2 buses
- Tourist bus from Vientiane to Vang Vieng – Kip 80.000 / €8 per person
- Tourist bus from Vang Vieng to Luang Prabang – Kip 80.000 / €8 per person
- 1 boat
- The Luang Say slow boat from Luang Prabang to Huay Xai (Thailand)
- Scooter rentals
- Scooter prices vary between €6-10 per day
- Bike rental in Luang Prabang
- Bicycle rental costs around €3-6 per day
- A local private driver
- Luang Prabang to the Kuang Si Waterfalls – Kip 170.000 /€17
- Vientiane to Buddha Park Vientiane – Kip 150.000 / €15
Groceries and food in Laos
Food in Laos is deliciously budget-friendly. Enjoy a range of local dishes for about €2-4 and spend between €10-15 for a three-course meal at a Western restaurant.
Of course, excursions to the night markets or local restaurants may be cheaper than the tourist ones so use your bargaining skills and get ready to sample some delicious Lao food!
However, in this cost breakdown, I spent the most money on eating out because it’s so cheap and delicious and since I slept in hotels, I couldn’t cook for myself very often, which I didn’t mind.
The total budget for 2 weeks in Laos comes to €295 which is an average daily budget of €13 per person. During the Luang Say Cruise, the food was all-inclusive for 2 days, and in Luang Prabang, I had a few hotels with breakfast included and a free cooking class, which saved me some money.
- Eating out –€261
- Groceries – €34 (snacks on the bus, fruits, …)
Excursions and activities in Laos
From sightseeing at ancient temples to cruising down the Mekong River in a motorized boat, this Southeast Asian country is full of unique activities for all kinds of adventurers.
Whether you’re into outdoor exploration and relaxation or urban sightseeing and cultural eats, Laos has something for everyone. Trek through lush jungles and majestic mountains, experience life in rural villages or take a spiritual journey exploring Buddhist religious sites.
During my Laos itinerary, I explored many amazing places in the country and spent only €57 on activities since most of them were free or very cheap to access.
- Buddha Park Vientiane – Entrance Fee: Kip 15.000 per person / €1,8
- Pha Ngern View Point in Vang Vieng – Kip 10.000 per person / €1,1
- Kuang Si Waterfalls – Kip 20.000 per person / €2,2
- Scooter rental – Kip 50.000 per day / €5,2
- A sunset cruise along the Mekong River – This one was complimentary from the hotel
- A massage at the award-winning Spa of Burasari Heritage – Complimentary from the hotel
- Rent a bike and explore the cute little village of Luang Prabang – Kip 20.000 per person / €2,2
- Cooking class – Burasari Heritage organized a private session, which was great with stunning river views and a romantic setting
- Climb Mount Phousi, Luang Prabang’s sacred hill to watch the sunset – Free entrance
- Morning Alms Ceremony
- A visit to the Royal Palace in Luang Prabang – Free entrance
- Wat Xieng Thong Temple – Kip 30.000 / €3
- Night market in Luang Prabang – Free entrance
Other expenses
When traveling in Laos, expect to encounter various expenses such as laundry, visa, sim card, and tips… Laundry prices may vary from Kip 10.000 / €1 per kilo to 20.000 / €2 depending on the location and quality of service you want.
To enter Laos by land or air, travelers need an entry visa that is valid for up to 30 days and these fees vary depending on the length of the stay. I paid US$ 35 for a 30-day stay visa on arrival.
In total, my partner and I spent €93 on these various expenses during 2 weeks of backpacking in Laos.
- Visa – A 30-day visa cost US$35 per person
Check here the visa costs for your own country
- SIM cards & data package from “Unitell” for 30 days – Kip 130.000 / €13 for unlimited data. Purchased the sim cards on arrival at the airport.
- Souvenirs & tips – €19
- Laundry – Kip 40.000 / €4
How much does it cost to travel for 2 weeks in Laos?
Traveling to Laos for two weeks can be done on a budget as prices are incredibly low compared to other countries in Asia, and you’ll find plenty of ways to make your trip even more affordable.
You could easily get away with spending as little as €25-€35 per day, including accommodation, food, and local transport, depending on the season and places you wish to go.
The total travel budget for backpacking in Laos in 2 weeks comes to €789 which is an average daily budget of €30 per person per day. Although, I had the benefit of a few collaborations and could join some complimentary activities such as the Luang Say Cruise, a cooking class, and a Mekong River sunset cruise.
Exploring Laos on a backpacking budget for two weeks was truly an amazing experience. Every single day was a new adventure, from discovering the cultural highlights of the capital Vientiane to exploring the backdrop of stunning rocky hills and verdant jungles around Luang Prabang.
Shopping in night markets, tubing down rivers, visiting temples, and meeting wonderful locals will ensure memories that last a lifetime. Despite staying on a tight budget, visiting this charming country was totally worthwhile as there are so many unique activities
I will absolutely visit Laos again, and if you have any suggestions or questions, please leave them in the comments.
SAVE THESE PINS FOR LATER
Read more articles about Laos
Use my favorite travel apps to plan your budget for your Laos itinerary
To plan my adventures, I use these FREE websites and apps as they provide the best information, the best deals, and they are user-friendly.
- Skyscanner – Flight deals
- Booking.com – Hotels and accommodation
- TourRadar – Group trips
- TripAdvisor – Reviews and activities
- HostelWorld – Hostels
- GetYourGuide – Activities and excursions
- RentalCars – Car rental
- Omio – Transport
- iVisa – Travel documents
- Wise – Money transfer
- VisitorCoverage – Travel Insurance
PICTURES AND EDITING
All the pictures on this page are made and owned by me. If you are interested in some pictures to use for your magazine, website, blog, or any other purpose, just send me an email and we’ll figure it out.
Do you like the edits? My Presets will be online soon so you can edit your pictures in just one click!
The camera gear I used for this trip
I never go out without my camera and many people ask me which gear I use. So to make it quite easy, I listed all the gear I used for this trip below.
Most of the time, I travel with the Sony A7III and the Sony 24-105mm/f4 as my primary lens but depending on the location, I change to another setup. However, I love the Tamron 17-28 to shoot in the big cities.