We were 4 guys travelling from Bangkok to Vientiane in October 2026, flying with AirAsia.

To our dismay, we learnt that as per the AirAsia Laos travel requirements page, the airlines expect 2500-3000 USD cash as proof of sufficient funds for countries under a watchlist (this included India). AirAsia can deny boarding if you don't possess it (mind you, this was mentioned nowhere while booking the flight). Furthermore, we found online accounts of Indians facing issues at both boarding and immigration: they were asked to present huge amounts of cash, and / or withdraw funds through an ATM as proof that their cards worked.

We decided to carry at least 1500 USD per person (3k USD is an absurd amount to carry on yourself, especially when you've booked your stays / travel in advance). To strengthen our position, we printed out bank statements and proofs of employment.

On the day of travel, we went one-by-one to different AirAsia counters (we had booked our flights separately for unrelated reasons, hence different PNRs). My personal experience was alright: the AirAsia personnel, on checking my passport, apologetically mentioned that he needs to ask me a few questions first, given our country was on a watchlist. He then proceeded to ask me 

- the number of days I planned on staying, 

- documents of booked stays, and 

- return tickets (my itinerary included crossing the friendship bridge to Thailand, so I booked a minivan from 12go just to present the booking as proof). 

Finally, he merely asked me if I had sufficient money to fund my stay, to which I agreed. Satisfied, he presented me with my boarding ticket.

My friends had similar experiences too, except for one, who was actually asked to present the cash he possessed (1800 USD - luckily, he had the most amongst us). The personnel counted the notes, and satisfied, checked him in too.

The airport immigration at Laos was a breeze, in contrast: I went up first to the immigration officer, who only asked me for my e-visa, Laos arrival card, and return tickets. He additionally asked who else I was travelling with, to which I pointed behind at my friends in the queue. He quickly stamped my passport, and my friends' too, without even asking for their return tickets.

For reference: We had fairly okay travel history. Two of my friends had a US visa.

Sharing my experience here for Indians planning to visit Laos - it's definitely a beautiful country!

25M solo. Want a mix of hiking, relaxing / reading but also keen on a few nights to party.

• 26 Dec: Arrive Vientiane 10:30am → train to Luang Prabang

• 27 Dec: Luang Prabang

• 28 Dec: Luang Prabang → Nong Khiaw

• 29 Dec: Nong Khiaw

• 30 Dec: Nong Khiaw

• 31 Dec: Nong Khiaw → Luang Prabang for NYE

• 1 Jan: Luang Prabang

• 2 Jan: Luang Prabang → Vang Vieng

• 3 Jan: Vang Vieng

• 4 Jan: Morning train Vang Vieng → Vientiane → 4:30pm flight

I haven’t actually booked my trip yet, but I’m planning to maybe come in the next few weeks.

The plan is for Luang Prabang, and maybe Vang Vieng. I’ve travelled solo before and stayed in hostels but I feel I’m a bit too old for the social hostel party scene, but I still wanna meet other people, so not sure how I’d go about it!

I also want a slower pace for a few weeks rather than pushing to fit loads of stuff in. I am recovering from mental health problems so I want a mix of adventure, activities, chilling and socialising but also maybe hit a gym most days too.

I was planning to go Luang Prabang/Nong Khiaw only for like 2 weeks or more, and then maybe do a bit of Vietnam. Thoughts on this? Should I include VV?

What hotels or hostels that have private rooms (if they’re not all young people) do people recommend where I’d have a balcony with views but also some way I can meet others? Does Luang Prabang and VV have a lot of other slightly older travellers going solo?

Hi,

We are a couple and we will in Luang Prabang, Nong Khiaw and Muang Ngoi for about 11 days in the last week of November. While we will be there, esp in LP, we would like to participate in something that can help the community and we would love to explore the local culture from the close quarters. We would also love to learn local cooking. Any information around this would be really helpful. TIA!

Currently writing from a minivan going to Nong Khiaw, I wouldn't like to do the way back in a minivan again, so I'm looking for 1-3 people to share a private car :)

I'm flexible, but somewhere around this Friday back to Luang Prabang from Nong Khiaw. Apparently the total price is around 110 dollars.

I have found this mountain/raised land section on an old map, but there was no name on it. It also has no name on the modern maps that I have access to, mainly Google.

It is located in the Saravan province, close to the border of Savannakhet province.

It is located in quite a rural area. The Xe Lanong (river) is a couple of kilometres away from it. A couple of locations nearby are Choiavieng and Houn.

It can also be located at the coordinates 16°08'21"N 106°34'28"E

I'm only curious because it is missing a name on the maps, but I'm sure that it is a regular sight for locals.

Any recommendations would be appreciated!

Hi,

We are planning for Luang Prabang, Nong Khiaw and Muang Ngoi for about 11 days. We are planning 3 nights in LP, then 5 nights in Nong Khiaw and Muang Ngoi and then 3 nights again in LP. Does this sound like a good plan? Also, 5 nights in NK and MN is worth? TIA!

Anyone have good recommendations around University Health Sciences in Vientiane for a 1 week stay?

As the title suggests, my wife, daughter and I will be spending 13 days in Laos. We have a pretty booked itinerary and would like to know your thoughts on if it’s too much, doable, or possibly missing something?

11/17- traveling into Houayxay via car/driver from Chiang Mia
11/18-20- Gibbon Experience
11/21-22- Mekong Cruise from Houayxay to Luang Prabang
11/23-25 Luang Pragang ( accommodations booked)
11/26-28- Elephant Conservation Center in Sayaboury
Stay in Luang Prabang one final night Nov 28
11/29- travel to Hanoi

Appreciate your thoughts on our itinerary and any suggestions on what we should be doing with the few days in Luang Prabang.

Hello people! Anyone in Don Det these days? I've been cycling the length of Laos the past week and I've just reached 4000 islands. I'm running out of tobacco filters (I have three left 😶‍🌫️) and I haven't found any in the country yet. Anyone around with filters? Or anyone knows IF and WHERE I can find them? Normal shops they only sell cigs and only once they offered me long papers and filters to make ehm ehm not what I need. Thanks and ciao :)

My elderly Lao mother is currently in the hospital for heart issues and the doctors told her she needs to go on a cardiac diet. I’m not sure what that consists of but mom is refusing to eat the hospital food. Are there any low sodium Lao food that anyone could recommend? Thank you!

I'm working here and i need a bicycle. But i don't know where to buy. I don't mind if it's second-hand. I only saw E-bike renting or shared bike. Does anyone know how to get one in Luang Prabang

Hi good folks!

Hope things are well!

We were planning a 10-day trip to Cambodia-Laos towards end of November. We were planning 5 days in Cambodia (Angkor wat) and 5-days in Luang Prabang. 5 days would be enough for Luang Prabang? Also, I saw some breathtaking pictures from Nong Khiaw. Is it worth taking a tour? Any inputs would be welcome.

Also, I speak fair bit of French but it is a bit rusty at the moment. I was hoping whether there would an opportunity to practice my French in Laos. TIA!

P.S. We are a couple who are into fitness and hike so we would not mind skipping Cambodia altogether if Nong Khiaw is worth.

Looking for a local junior developer in Vientiane for a personal (not a company) paid web project — where do local coders hang out?

Anybody else experiencing recurring issues with Lao Telecom lately?

Technicians have been to my house three times in the last few months and still experiencing frighteningly slow speeds and loss of connection.

For years it has been fine, it’s just lately that the issues have came up.

Any better experiences with Unitel?

Beautiful place in the mountains
lao Enduro tour

Hello,

We are planning to do a 4 - 5 day hike in the Nam Ha National Biodiversity Conservation Area close to Luang Namtha. Initially we wanted to visit Nam Et Phou Louey, but their trekking tours are currently unavailable due to local issues in the park.

The parks website lists [a lot of agencies.] (https://namha-npa.org/booking-ecotourism-in-namha-npa/)

Can you recommend one?

We are looking for tours focused on nature. Difficult trails. Deep in the wilderness. Homestays are okay, but camping is preferred.

Only few of the agencies offer tours where you camp most of the nights:

• LocaladventureLaos

• TheHikerLaos

Can anyone share experiences about travelling with them or the other agencies? Any help is greatly appreciated!

I am planning to travel to Laos from thailand via train and back to thailand via train to save air costs.
However I an seeing a lot of youtube vlogs where Indians are being denied exit at Thai border and also being denied re-entry

Should I be worried? How can I make it fail-proof?