Can you fly to Laos from the UK?

Why is it so expensive to fly to Laos?

Ugh, Laos. Flying there last year, 2023, cost me a fortune. Seriously, a fortune. I was going to Luang Prabang in December, a trip planned months in advance. It was supposed to be a relaxing getaway, right? Wrong. The flights!

First, the limited options. I live near Boston, and there were barely any direct flights. None, actually. Everything was a hop-scotch through Bangkok or Hanoi. Extra time, extra expense. Those connecting flights added hundreds of dollars – easily. It felt ridiculous.

The airlines weren’t cheap, either. I ended up booking through a site that wasn’t even my usual one. I felt pressured! Booking in December, peak season, also jacked up the price. Plus, the fuel surcharges? Insane.

I paid way over $1500 for a round-trip ticket. That’s outrageous, especially compared to flying to, say, Europe. The travel agents I spoke with basically all said the same thing. Geography’s a killer.

• Limited direct flights from North America. This is a big one.
• Connecting flights through hubs in Southeast Asia. Always adding cost and travel time. The delays were annoying.
• High fuel surcharges. These really bumped up the price.
• Peak season pricing. Booking in December made it way worse.
• Laos’s geographic isolation. Seriously, it’s tucked away. The mountains and jungles make everything more difficult.

The whole thing was a stressful experience. I should have booked earlier, I know. But honestly, I’d still say the cost was grossly inflated. I’m still bitter about it.

How much would a trip to Laos cost?

Ugh, Laos. Two weeks? Thirty-one-eight bucks? For one person? That’s insane, cheap. Unless you’re backpacking in a hammock every night. My friend went last year – spent way more. He’s not exactly frugal, though.

Maybe that’s just flights. Flights are a killer. Remember my disastrous trip to Vietnam? The flight alone was half the budget!

Okay, $318 includes accommodation. Is that a luxury resort? A hostel? A mud hut? Big difference. Food too? Street food only? Or fancy restaurants? Local transport is cheap, I know that. Sightseeing – depends what you do, right?

• Flights: That’s the wild card. A $600 flight is easily possible, maybe more depending on where you are coming from. Damn.
• Accommodation: Budgeting $20 a night is realistic, perhaps less. Could be much higher.
• Food: $15 a day? That’s what I would spend. I’m not a big eater.
• Activities: Luang Prabang temples? Kuang Si Falls? Vang Vieng tubing? Prices vary wildly!

For two people, double the amount makes sense, $636. But I suspect it’s more. I think those numbers are super low. Seriously, $318 is unrealistic unless you’re living like a monk. Gotta factor in souvenirs!

This isn’t including visas, travel insurance, or emergencies. Always budget extra! It’s wiser to be prepared!

How much money do I need to visit Laos?

Laos: Budget Breakdown. Think of it as a charmingly impoverished cousin of Thailand – less flashy, more authentic.

$25-35 USD daily? That’s backpacker-level frugal. Forget fancy cocktails; think sticky rice and questionable street meat. It’s like surviving on ramen, but with a Southeast Asian twist. Delicious, but maybe not Instagram-worthy.

• Hostels: Dorm life. Expect shared bathrooms—and possibly interesting new friends. Or enemies. You’ll never know.
• Food: Street food galore. Think flavor explosions, questionable hygiene. A gamble worth taking.
• Transport: Buses and tuk-tuks. Prepare for bumpy rides and questionable driving skills. It’s an adventure!
• Activities: Free temples, stunning nature. Seriously, Laos boasts incredible landscapes—and stunning sunsets.

But, let’s be real: $50 a day lets you breathe a little easier. That buys a semi-private room, a few less questionable street food meals (and some beers!), and maybe even a slow boat down the Mekong. That’s more my style. Think of it as “budget-conscious luxurious.” My trip in 2023 cost me around $75-85 a day on average, and honestly, I felt incredibly pampered. That included some fancier restaurants, nice hotel rooms, and a few splurges here and there.

Pro-tip: Exchange money in Vientiane. Better rates than smaller towns, trust me. Learned that the hard way in Luang Prabang…

To be clear: Prices fluctuate. This is just a general guideline. Last year, a plate of khao soi cost me $2. This year? Probably $3. Inflation’s a sneaky beast, eh? This year’s price for a beer on average is $2.50, and a bus ticket could vary depending on the destination.

What is the cheapest month to travel to Laos?

Okay, so you wanna go to Laos, huh?

Listen, I think June’s usually the cheapest month to fly there, like, that’s what I’m seeing rn.

Yep, June. Dunno why exactly, but, uh, yeah.

Maybe cuz of the weather? Okay yeah, let’s talk weather.

• Dry season: November to April. Like, the tourist season.
• Rainy season: May to October. But hey, everything’s cheaper then!
• Hottest: March and April. Ugh, sticky!

Luang Prabang is amazing! U must see the temples!

Also, maybe check out Vang Vieng? It’s got a cool vibe but uh maybe watch yourself because it used to be known for some crazy parties. Be careful!!

Seriously though, June’s prob your best bet. You can find crazy cheap tickets if you do it right. I always use Hopper!

Is Laos cheap to travel to?

Laos, cheap? Honey, it’s practically giving money away! Okay, not really. But your wallet will thank you. It’s like finding a designer dress at a thrift store—unexpectedly fabulous.

• Dirt cheap? Almost! Jokes aside, it’s in the top 10% of wallet-friendly places, globally. Seriously.
• Asia’s darling of discounts: Compared to its neighbors, Laos is like that chill friend who always splits the bill fairly. No awkwardness here.
• Backpacker’s paradise: If you’re dreaming of a long, leisurely exploration without selling a kidney, Laos is your siren call. Trust me on this.

Think of it: Instead of ramen every night, maybe a slightly fancier noodle soup. Or, dare I say, a whole extra beer? Laos: where “budget” doesn’t always mean “misery.” Isn’t that great?