Budget & Costs
Laos is a paradise for budget travelers — even cheaper than Thailand and on par with Cambodia. However, prices have risen in recent years, especially in Luang Prabang.
Daily budget per person
| Style | EUR/Day | Accommodation | Food | Transport |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Backpacker | 15–25 EUR | Dorm (3–6 EUR) | Street food + night market | Shared minivan, tuk-tuk |
| Budget | 25–45 EUR | Guesthouse with AC (8–20 EUR) | Local restaurants | VIP bus, slow boat |
| Mid-range | 45–90 EUR | Boutique hotel (25–50 EUR) | Good restaurants | Private transport |
| Comfort | 90–180 EUR | 4-star hotel (50–120 EUR) | Upscale restaurants | Private driver + flights |
| Luxury | 180 EUR+ | Boutique resort (120 EUR+) | Fine dining | Luxury Mekong cruise |
Price examples (2025/2026)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| BeerLao (large glass, 0.64l) | 10,000–15,000 LAK (0.40–0.60 EUR) |
| Rice with meat (street food) | 15,000–25,000 LAK (0.60–1 EUR) |
| Laap with sticky rice (restaurant) | 30,000–50,000 LAK (1.25–2 EUR) |
| Fresh fruit smoothie | 15,000–20,000 LAK (0.60–0.80 EUR) |
| 1.5l water | 5,000 LAK (0.20 EUR) |
| Tuk-tuk in Vientiane (short ride) | 20,000–30,000 LAK (0.80–1.25 EUR) |
| VIP bus Vientiane → Luang Prabang | 150,000–200,000 LAK (6–8 EUR) |
| Slow boat Huay Xai → Luang Prabang (2 days) | 250,000 LAK (10 EUR) |
| Double room guesthouse | 80,000–200,000 LAK (3–8 EUR) |
| Double room boutique hotel | 500,000–1,500,000 LAK (20–60 EUR) |
| Massage (1h) | 50,000–100,000 LAK (2–4 EUR) |
| Kuang Si Waterfall entrance | 20,000 LAK (0.80 EUR) |
| Lao-Lao Whiskey (bottle) | 10,000–15,000 LAK (0.40–0.60 EUR) |
💡 Tipp
In Laos, three currencies circulate: Lao Kip (LAK), Thai Baht (THB), and US Dollar (USD). All three are accepted in tourist areas, but you get the best exchange rate when paying in Kip. ATMs are available in all cities — maximum amount usually 2,000,000 LAK (approx. 80 EUR) per withdrawal, fee 20,000 LAK.
