laos travel sim

Laos SIM Cards: Everything You Need To Know

by Melissa Giroux | Last updated Dec 31, 2023 | Asia , SIM Cards , Travel Tips

Visiting Laos soon? Make sure to know what to expect when it comes to purchasing a Laos SIM card .

Fortunately, Asia is one of the best places where you can buy a SIM card easily.

You should be able to find a cheap SIM card pretty much anywhere in Asia.

In fact, most data packages are affordable, which makes the whole thing easier!

In this guide, we’ll explain where to buy a SIM card in Laos in person and online.

We’ll also discuss prepaid SIM cards and eSIMs if your mobile supports them.

Before you read this guide, you may wonder if you actually need a SIM card in Laos.

If you don’t mind not having Internet, you’ll likely find free Wifi in restaurants, shopping malls, and hotels.

That said, if you need data to get around, call a cab, or translate Lao – you may want to get a Laos SIM card for your travels.

Best SIM Cards In Laos

If you’re traveling in Laos, we recommend using a SIM card from Lao Telecom, Unitel, TPlus, or Airalo. (I’ll get back to Airalo later on, so keep reading to learn more!)

That said, if you’re planning on visiting other countries during your trip to Asia , you might want to make sure to pick an option that offers coverage in other Asian countries.

How To Buy A SIM Card In Laos

You can buy a Laos prepaid SIM card in person in some international airports, mobile provider stores, convenience stores, or online.

Usually, you can expect higher costs and low data offers at the airport, so we don’t recommend buying a SIM card at the airport.

That said, you won’t necessarily find SIM card shops in every airport, so it’s essential to keep this in mind. And, when you see a shop, you might also have limited options.

For this reason, I’d recommend buying a SIM card directly from the mobile provider store. Note that you may need your passport to buy one.

Although, this means you won’t get data right upon your arrival.

So, if you prefer to be connected at all times, you could use an eSIM or purchase an Asia prepaid SIM card online.

Now, let’s take a look at the data plans offered by Lao Telecom, Unitel, and TPlus.

Lao Telecom SIM Cards

Lao Telecom offers two different types of tourist plans:

• 5 GB, valid for 3 days for KIP 15,000 ($0.88)
• 7 GB, valid for 7 days for KIP 25,000 ($1.46)

Unitel SIM Cards

Unitel has several different prepaid plans. The best options available are:

• 15 GB, valid for 10 days for KIP 25,000 ($1.46)
• 30 GB, valid for 15 days for KIP 40,000 ($2.33)
• 60 GB, valid for 30 days for KIP 80,000 ($4.67)
• 80 GB, valid for 30 days for KIP 99,000 ($5.78)

TPlus SIM Cards

TPlus offers two main SIM-only plans for tourists:

• 2 GB, valid for 1 day for KIP 10,000 ($0.58)
• 40 GB, valid for 30 days for KIP 50,000 ($2.92)

Overall, we think Unitel is the best option if you plan to buy your SIM card in person.

That said, any would do if you can’t find their store!

How To Get A Laos Prepaid SIM Card Online

If you wish to have your Laos SIM card ready for your arrival, you could purchase it online or on websites like Amazon.

You’ll find different plans on Amazon. For example, the Prepaid Asia-Pacific SIM Card works in more than 17 countries and gives you unlimited data for 14 days. Laos is included.

But there are many other options worth considering, so have a look and make sure the countries you plan on visiting are listed.

Browse your options on Amazon

Another option is to purchase a prepaid Asian SIM card on SimOptions .

They currently offer one data plan in Laos:

• 10 GB, valid for 14 days for $49.90

Browse your options on SimOptions

Finally, the last option is to buy an eSIM card for Laos or, if you’re traveling to multiple countries, an eSIM plan for Asia.

How To Buy A Laos eSIM

eSIM is a new concept that allows you to have a virtual SIM card inside your phone.

If your mobile phone supports eSIM cards – it’s definitely one of the best options to get data in Laos.

Curious? Learn more about eSIMs for travelers on eSIM Roamers .

I started using eSIM as soon as my mobile phone supported it. To buy eSIMs, I usually use Airalo .

Keep reading to learn more about the best eSIMs for Laos.

Airalo Laos

If you want to buy an eSIM for Laos, you could purchase one on Airalo .

This website offers many eSIM cards worldwide and special plans for Asia and Laos.

I’ve been using Airalo for several months, and it works fine.

Here are the options available :

• Pak Ou Mobile: 1 GB, valid for 7 days for $9.50

Here’s an overview of the options available for Asia :

• 1 GB, valid for 7 days for $5
• 3 GB, valid for 30 days for $13
• 5 GB, valid for 30 days for $20
• 10 GB, valid for 30 days for $37
• 50 GB, valid for 90 days for $100
• 100 GB, valid for 180 days for $185

The options mentioned above are part of Asialink and offer coverage in 14 countries, including Laos.

Alternatively, if you’re traveling in other countries that are not mentioned on the list, you can try Discover Global, which offers coverage in 84 countries, including Laos.

Here’s an overview of the options available on Discover Global :

• 1 GB, valid for 7 days for $9
• 3 GB, valid for 15 days for $24
• 5 GB, valid for 30 days for $35
• 10 GB, valid for 60 days for $59
• 20 GB, valid for 180 days for $89

Now, one important thing to note about Airalo is that you’ll need to keep an eye out for the provider in each country.

Suppose you ever have trouble connecting to the Internet during your trip.

In that case, it might be because you’re connecting automatically to networks and need to select a network manually instead.

When you purchase the eSIM, you’ll get access to the list of networks supported in each country.

Go to Airalo

Holafly Laos

Alternatively, you could look at your options on Holafly .

You can read our Holafly review to learn more about this eSIM store.

Here’s an overview of their plans for Laos:

• 8 GB, valid for 30 days for $47

Their Asia eSIM work in 12 countries (including Laos), and they offer the following plan:

Go to Holafly

Final Thoughts On SIM Cards In Laos

As you can see, getting a prepaid SIM card in Laos or even an eSIM for your travels in Laos is pretty straightforward.

You’ll even be able to stay connected wherever you go in Asia without changing your SIM card, especially if you purchase an Asia plan.

I believe the eSIM card is the most convenient way to get data in Laos if you wish to have data upon your arrival. This way, you won’t need to go to a store to buy a SIM card.

Obviously, you need to make sure your mobile phone supports eSIM first.

Traveling to Asia soon? Read one of the following blog posts:

• Cheapest Asian country to fly to
• How many days in Chiang Mai
• Best SIM card Thailand

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• Travel Sims

Best Tourist Sim Cards in Laos in 2024

If you’re planning a trip to Laos, having a sim card is essential for staying connected. With internet access while travelling, you can easily explore new cities, discover the best places to eat, find directions to your accommodation, book taxis, and share photos with your loved ones.

While roaming is an option, international fees can quickly become pricey. That’s why we recommend either an eSim or a local sim card to enjoy local phone rates.

Fortunately, obtaining either option in Laos is incredibly simple. To help you make the right choice, this guide provides all the information you need on purchasing a sim card in Laos, including current prices and the best sim card available.

Table of Contents

Best sim card in laos for tourists.

The best sim card in Laos is the Lao Telecom prepaid sim card. The good news is that sim cards are extremely cheap in Laos. No matter what you go for, it should only cost a couple of dollars and the plan will come with plenty of data.

The easiest option if you are staying for less than 7 days is to opt for their tourist sim card which gives 7GB data for 7 days and costs 25,000 LAK. This is plenty for most people. If you’re visiting for longer, then Lao Telecom have a plan for 35,000 LAK which includes 15GB data for 30 days, or 65,000 LAK for 35GB valid for 30 days.

Considering how affordable the sim cards are, I think it’s best to choose the mobile network operators with the best coverage. Lao Telecom has the best network in Laos so regardless of the deals you see this is your best option. Unitel is also pretty good and has a reputation for strong coverage in rural areas. Either will be suitable, just don’t go for TPlus as their coverage is noticeably worse than the others.

Another option is to get an Airalo Laos eSim , however, it’s are not at all competitively priced in Laos so I can’t really recommend it. If you’re only visiting for a couple of days then it might be worth it for the convenience.

Laos Sim Card Prices

A Tourist Sim Card in Laos costs 25,000 LAK in April 2024, however, the exact price will often depend on the store you visit and the plan you choose.

Alternatively, an eSim in Laos will cost $9.50 USD. This, again, depends on how much data you require and which eSim provider you choose.

I generally recommend this Airalo plan for most tourists visiting Laos which includes 1GB of data which is valid for 7 days and costs $9.50 USD.

Laos Sim Card Providers

In Laos, the main sim card providers are Lao Telecom, Unitel, and TPlus. Lao Telecom is the oldest and most popular provider, offering a wide range of services and coverage across the country. They have various data plans and offer good network reliability.

Unitel is another prominent provider in Laos, known for its affordable rates and competitive data packages. The company has steadily expanded its network and is widely recognized for its reliable coverage, especially in urban areas.

Lastly, TPlus is a relatively new player in the market but has already gained popularity among locals and tourists. They offer competitive rates and data packages, specifically targeting younger customers.

Overall, these sim card providers in Laos offer a variety of options to cater to the diverse needs of users in terms of coverage, affordability, and services.

Lao Telecom Tourist Sim

Lao Telecom is a leading telecommunications company in Laos that offers reliable connectivity and services to both locals and tourists. Their tourist sim cards are popular among international travelers visiting Laos. These sim cards provide convenient access to high-speed internet, allowing tourists to stay connected with their loved ones and access essential information while exploring the country. Lao Telecom’s tourist sim cards also come with affordable data plans and attractive packages, making them an ideal choice for travelers in Laos.

Lao Telecom Laos Tourist Sim Price

The price of a Lao Telecom tourist sim card in Laos is 25,000 LAK.

The plan offered by Lao Telecom stores includes 7GB data valid for 7 days.

Unitel Tourist Sim

Unitel is a leading telecommunication company in Laos. They offer specialized tourist SIM cards, ideal for travelers visiting the country. With these SIM cards, tourists can enjoy uninterrupted connectivity, making it easier to navigate, access information and stay connected with loved ones. Unitel’s tourist SIM cards are cost-effective and come with generous data plans, allowing travelers to explore Laos without worrying about excessive charges. Experience hassle-free communication and internet access with Unitel’s reliable tourist SIM cards.

Unitel Laos Tourist Sim Price

The price of a Unitel tourist sim card in Laos is 25,000 LAK.

The plan offered by Unitel stores offers 15GB data valid for 10 days.

TPlus Tourist Sim

TPlus provides reliable tourist sim cards in Laos, catering to the needs of travelers. Their sim cards offer convenient data and voice plans that ensure seamless communication throughout the country. With extensive coverage and fast internet speeds, travelers can easily navigate and stay connected during their trip. Additionally, TPlus sim cards come with user-friendly activation instructions and reasonable pricing, making them a popular choice among tourists visiting Laos.

TPlus Laos Tourist Sim Price

The price of a TPlus tourist sim card in Laos is 15,000 LAK.

The plan offered by TPlus stores includes 15GB data valid for 7 days.

How to Get a Sim Card in Laos

Identify mobile providers: Lao Telecom, Unitel and TPlus are your best options in Laos.

Find your nearest store: Locate a store or retailer by searching on Google Maps for your nearest store or asking at your hotel reception. I’ve never had issues finding a store as they can usually be found in major cities, shopping centers, or tourist areas. If possible, I always recommend to to avoid airports and head in to an official store in the city.

Bring the necessary documents: It is always a good idea to carry your passport or identification documents for sim card registration purposes. We’ve found most providers will need to confirm your identity to provide a sim card and it can be a major hassle to head to a store only to have to come back again later with your passport.

Choose your plan: Either request the plan you are after or consult with the staff in the store to select the right plan for you. My recommendations at the beginning of this guide are a good starting point, but the staff will usually be able to suggest the best option.

Pay and activate your card: Pay for the SIM card and plan, and the staff will activate it for you.

Test: It’s always a good idea to check that you can access the internet before you leave the store. I always search for something on Google then refresh my Instagram feed to check it’s working fine.

Where to Get a Sim Card in Laos

At the airport.

Buying a prepaid sim card for Laos at the airport is usually considered the most convenient option for travellers arriving by plane.

However, airport stores selling sim cards are almost guaranteed to charge inflated prices, so if you are a cost-conscious traveller then you should definitely buy your sim card from a store in the city center.

In addition to this, we would argue that buying physical sim cards at all aren’t particularly convenient now that most people use esim compatible phones. If you are looking for the most convenient option, then buying an esim before you arrive or with the airport wifi is much easier and will save you having to queue up or communicate with staff.

If you must purchase a sim card at the airport in Laos then you will be in luck. All major international airports in Laos have stores selling sim cards. Despite the prices being higher than normal, the staff are knowledgable and will be able to get you set up with the correct sim card relatively quickly.

If you want to avoid the inflated sim card prices you’ll find at the airport and your phone isn’t esim compatible, then you’re going to need to head in to a store to buy your sim card.

I recommend visiting one of the official retail stores of the mobile internet operators such as Lao Telecom, Unitel and TPlus. Your best option is to enter their names into Google Maps and find the branch closest to your hotel or accommodation. Typically the staff in the official stores in Laos are knowledgable and helpful which means you can ensure you’ll walk away with a functioning sim card.

Despite this, it’s always a good idea to check your internet is working before you leave the store by loading a Google search results page and your preferred social media app. You should also ensure you always bring your passport with you when purchasing a sim card in case they need to register it.

If you like to be prepared and would prefer to arrive in Laos with your sim card all sorted and your phone ready to connect to the internet immediately then you should look into purchasing a sim card online.

The first option is to buy your sim card in advance via SimOptions, which is a company that will prepare and ship a sim card directly to your door. It’s a reliable and effective service, but with the invention of eSims it’s becoming obsolete.

The better option is to purchase an eSim online. We’ve written more on that below!

An eSim is a digital version of a traditional sim card and is most likely the future of connectivity for mobile devices. The convenience of no longer visiting a store, handing over your passport and purchasing a physical sim card is quickly making physical sim cards obsolete in favour of eSims.

We recommend Airalo’s eSim when travelling to Laos. The Airalo Laos eSim offers fast internet speeds, wide coverage and extremely competitive prices making it a far more compelling option than purchasing a physical sim card from any of the local sim card providers.

In order to get set up with an Airalo eSim , all you need to do is visit Airalo here and purchase the eSim online (the $9.50 USD plan is suitable for most travellers). Once you’ve purchased the sim card Airalo will email you instructions and a QR code. Following these instructions should take just a couple of minutes, then you’ll have a sim card in Laos without having to venture outside.

Airalo Laos

Our preferred eSim provider in Laos is Airalo . We used them, alongside a local sim card on another device, for our most recent trip to Laos and found the service to be equal to the local sim card but without the hassle of acquiring a sim card in a store.

Airalo’s Laos eSim uses the ETL Mobile network to provide data and connect users to the internet. You can expect very good coverage and reliability with the ETL Mobile networknetwork as they are amongst the best mobile internet operators in Laos.

Here are the plans and prices for Airalo’s Laos eSim:

1GB data valid for 7 days – Price: $9.50 USD

For most travellers we recommend the 1GB data plan for $9.50 USD which is valid for 7 days. Some travellers may prefer a larger plan, whilst travellers visiting for just a couple of days may be fine with a smaller plan.

Holafly Laos

An alternative eSim provider we can recommend is Holafly.

Holafly’s eSim is a suitable option for travellers who require large amounts of data, such as digital nomads and people who work online while they travel. All of Holafly’s Laos eSims offer unlimited data.

Holafly’s Laos eSim uses the LTCnetwork to provide data and connect users to the internet. This network will provide reliable speeds and coverage while in Laos

Here are the plans and prices for Holafly’s Laos eSim:

8GB data valid for 30 days – Price: $47 USD

What is an eSim?

An eSIM, also known as an embedded SIM, is a digital SIM card that is inherently built into a device like a smartphone, tablet, or smartwatch. Unlike the conventional physical SIM cards, the eSIM does not necessitate physically inserting or removing a card from the device.

Rather, the eSIM is seamlessly integrated into the device’s hardware, allowing it to be remotely activated and programmed by a mobile network operator. This enables users to effortlessly switch between different mobile networks or plans without the need to physically interchange SIM cards.

The adoption of eSIM technology brings forth convenience, flexibility, and simplicity, especially for frequent travelers or individuals who often switch between various mobile networks or engage in international travel. It eradicates the requirement to purchase and insert physical SIM cards, thereby simplifying the management of multiple mobile connections on a single device.

To activate an eSIM, users can either scan a QR code provided by their mobile network operator or manually input the activation details. Once activated, the device can effortlessly connect to the desired mobile network and seamlessly utilize voice, data, and messaging services, just like a traditional SIM card.

Why Use an eSim?

Some reasons why using an eSIM can be beneficial include:

– Convenience: No need to physically insert or remove a SIM card when switching networks or plans, which is especially helpful for frequent travelers.

– Dual SIM functionality: Allows for having two active mobile numbers on one device, useful for separating personal and work numbers or managing multiple phone lines.

– Space-saving: eSIMs are embedded within the device, eliminating the need for a physical SIM card slot and freeing up space for other components or making devices smaller.

– Remote provisioning: Activation and management of mobile plans can be done remotely over the air, without needing a physical SIM card or visiting a store, offering flexibility and convenience.

– Future-proofing: More mobile networks and service providers are adopting eSIM technology, so using an eSIM-compatible device ensures access to new services and offerings in the future.

In summary, eSIM technology provides flexibility, convenience, and future-proofing for mobile connectivity.

eSim Supported Phones

eSIM technology is becoming increasingly popular and is supported by a growing number of smartphones and other devices. Here are some examples of eSIM-compatible phones:

Apple iPhone series (iPhone 11, iPhone 12, iPhone 13, etc.): Apple was one of the early adopters of eSIM technology and offers support for eSIM on various iPhone models.

Google Pixel series (Pixel 3, Pixel 4, Pixel 5, etc.): Google’s Pixel smartphones also support eSIM functionality, allowing users to activate and use eSIMs.

Samsung Galaxy series (Galaxy S22, Galaxy Note 20, etc.): Many of Samsung’s flagship devices now come with eSIM support, enabling users to utilize eSIM technology.

OnePlus devices (OnePlus 7, OnePlus 8, etc.): OnePlus has included eSIM support in some of its smartphone models, offering users the flexibility of using eSIMs.

Motorola Razr (2020): The latest iteration of the iconic Motorola Razr features eSIM compatibility, enabling users to use eSIMs for cellular connectivity.

These are just a few examples, and the list of eSIM-compatible phones continues to expand as more manufacturers embrace this technology. There’s a very strong chance your phone supports eSims so if you’re unsure we recommend looking it up on our list of eSim supported phones .

How to Use an eSim

Using an eSim is new for many travellers, however, the good news is it’s surprisingly easy to get set up – even for the technologically challenged!

Here’s a general guide on how to use an eSIM:

Check eSIM Compatibility: Ensure that your device supports eSIM functionality. Many newer smartphones, smartwatches, tablets, and other devices are eSIM compatible including all iPhones produced since 2018.

Obtain an eSIM: There are multiple ways to acquire an eSIM. You can purchase an eSIM online from a provider like Airalo (which we recommend) or directly from a mobile network operator. Some devices also allow you to scan a QR code provided by your carrier to download the eSIM profile.

Activate the eSIM: Your eSim provider will send you instructions to activate the sim. This will usually involve scanning a QR code, entering an activation code, or downloading the eSIM profile directly onto your device.

Set up the eSIM: Once activated, your device will guide you through the eSIM setup process. This typically involves selecting the eSIM as your preferred mobile plan, configuring settings like data roaming, and entering any necessary authentication details.

Enjoy the Connection: Once the eSIM is set up, you can use it as you would with a physical SIM card. Make calls, send messages, browse the internet, and use data services as needed. You can also switch between eSIM profiles if you have multiple eSIMs installed on your device.

Hi, I’m Mitchell. I’m a full-time traveller, explorer and travel blogger. I've travelled all around the world, using and testing countless travel sim cards along the way. I'm the founder of and writer for Travel Sim Expert where I write guides to help travellers stay connected all around the world.

Hi, I’m Mitchell. I’m a full-time traveller, explorer and travel blogger. Travel Sim Expert is a blog dedicated to helping you find the best sim card for you, no matter where you are or what your budget is. 

Learn More About Me

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Laos phone number

How to make a phone call, internet usage, social media use, mobile phone use, internet speed, local operators, censorship and surveillance, telecom providers in laos, where to buy a laos sim card, what sim card should you buy when visiting laos, to conclude.

It is now the 21th century, and you need to connect to the world every day.

You want to call your family and friends at home to share a picture of the beautiful landscapes or the wonderful people you met.

Or sometimes you need to finish your urgent business.

• This will lead to the popular questions: 
• How can you call back home from Laos? 
• How can you connect to the internet in Laos?
• And what is the best travel SIM card for tourist in Laos?

We make it all clear below.

Phone Call in Laos

First of all, we need to understand the phone number system in Laos and how to make a phone call from/to Laos.

There are 3 types of phone number in Laos: Land Line Number , Mobile Phone Number , and  Prepaid & Wireless Portable Phone

Land line number

To dial a land line in Laos all over the country, the format is IDD +856 (Country Code) + Area Code + Recipient's Number. The area code is 1-or-2 digit long, followed by a 6-digit phone number. Calls made from outside Laos must omit the prefix 0. Therefore, to call a land line number in Vientiane from other countries, dialing begins with +856 21 followed by 6 digits. Examples as below:

• In Vientiane, the format is 021 XXX XXX e.g. 021 262 337
• In Luang Prabang, the format is 071 XXX XXX e.g. 076 403 355
• In Xieng Khuang, the format is 061 XXX XXX e.g. 061 435 341
• In Pakse, the format is 031 XXX XXX e.g. 031 455 307

Laos Country Calling Code: 856

Provincial/Area Calling Code as below table (Add to Landline Number Only)

Mobile Phone Number

There are four mobile operators in Laos. All mobile operators’ numbers start with 020 followed by 8-digit phone number. Below are the number formats of the 4 operators:

• Lao Telecom: 020 5 XXX XXXX
• ETL Co. Ltd: 020 2 XXX XXXX
• T-Plus Lao: 020 7 XXX XXXX
• Unitel Lao: 020 9 XXX XXXX

Prepaid & Wireless Portable Phone

This number is quite similar to Mobile Phone Number above except:

1. Number Format: the number starts with 030 follow by 7-digit phone number

• Lao Telecom: 030 5 XXX XXX
• ETL Co. Ltd: 030 2 XXX XXX
• T-Plus Lao: 030 7 XXX XXX
• Unitel Lao: 030 9 XXX XXX

2. The SIM can only be used with a mobile phone issued from the 4 above operators (the SIM will be fixed with a mobile phone when you buy it, and cannot be used with other normal phone) Many locals used this as a second number to call out as the rate is as low as a fixed phone, and you can still bring it around.

This is the code for a part of the country. It is usually a general area or a city. Some countries are not large enough to warrant their own code, so will have the country code 1 and use the area code to define the country.

You can check the full list of area codes in Laos in the Land line number part

If there is no area code (i.e. the mobile number), just ignore and come directly to the number.

For example, in case you want to call the mobile number: 020 9562 5689, just dial: Your country exit code + (20 9562 5689). 

Below are some examples

• From USA & Canada: 011 856-20 9562 5689
• From France: 00 856-20 9562 5689
• From German: 00 856-20 9562 5689
• From UK: 00 856-20 9562 5689
• From Belgium: 00 856-20 9562 5689
• From Switzerland: 00 856-20 9562 5689
• From Australia: 0011 856-20 9562 5689

The numbers in red are the country exit code. For the full list of country EXIT CODE, please check HERE

• Laos EXIT CODE is 00
• Then type your country code + your area code (if any) + the number that you want to call

Below are some examples (add area code to the telephone number if needed)

• To USA & Canada: 00 + 1 + Telephone number 
• To France: 00 + 33 + Telephone number
• To German: 00 + 49 + Telephone number
• To UK: 00 + 44 + Telephone number
• To Belgium: 00 + 32 + Telephone number
• To Switzerland: 00 + 41 + Telephone number
• To Australia: 00 + 61 + Telephone number

The numbers in red are the country code. For the full list of different country phone codes, please check HERE

Internet in Laos

The Internet in Laos was first introduced in 1997, with the two commercial ISP services starting in 1999, specifically PlaNet Computers and GlobeNet. These services supported a rapid growth of internet cafes across the country to service tourists, which incidentally introduced the internet to many English speaking Lao nationals. The introduction of mobile broadband has significantly increased the use of the Internet in Laos since 2008.

Below is a Digital report on Laos Internet, Mobile, and Social media posted on The Laotian Times on 9 July 2020

According to the report, 79% of the population in Laos now has a mobile phone, with internet penetration standing at 43% of the population. Unsurprisingly, social media use in Laos directly correlates with the rate of internet penetration, also standing at 43%.

Internet speeds average 25.54 Mbps in Laos, with a year-on-year increase in the speed of fixed internet connections by 68%.

While the Lao population is said to have increased by 1.5% year on year, the number of mobile phone connections have increased by 1.3% between 2019 and 2020, while the number of internet users has increased by 6.5%, and the number of active social media users increased by twelve percent.

Web traffic in Laos is dominated by mobile phones, at 56.4%, while 42.2% of web traffic was downloaded to laptops and desktops, with only 1.5% being accessed by tablet computers. No data was provided for other devices such as video game consoles.

Interestingly, under the report’s mobile internet reference, the share of social media users accessing via mobile phones was 100%.

According to the report, the total number of active social media users in Laos was 3.10 million, or 43% of the total population. The number of users increased by 12% between 2019 and 2020, with 100% of users accessing social media by mobile phones.

Facebook‘s advertising purportedly reaches 56% of the population, rising by 7.4% in the last quarter. The platform was accessed via mobile phone by 99.6% of the population, with only 0.4% of the population accessing the social media platform by desktop or laptop computer. 6.3% of users accessed Facebook via both phones and computers, with 93.3% accessing Facebook via mobile phone only. Female users make up 46% of Facebook accounts in Laos, while male users make up 53.6%.

Instagram sees less popularity than Facebook in Laos, with only 200,000 accounts reachable by adverts on Instagram, equal to only 3.8% of the Lao population, with 64% of users being female. Twitter follows Instagram with only 167,000 accounts reachable by adverts, making up only 3.2% of the Lao population, 63% of which are female.

According to the report, there are 110,000 Linked-in accounts based in Laos, making up only 2.5% of the country’s population. 44% of these are female, and 56% are male.

According to the report, Laos has some 5.68 million mobile phone connections, with 96% of connections under a pre-paid model. Of these, 66% of mobile connections are broadband (3G – 5G).

Laos scores 43.93 out of 100 points under the GSMA Mobile Connectivity Index, which measures the performance of 165 countries against key enablers and drivers of mobile internet adoption, including mobile network infrastructure, affordability of devices and services, and ability of relevant content and services.

Android enjoys the largest share of web traffic from a mobile device at 71.9%, while Apple IOS devices see a 27% share of web traffic in Laos.

According to another report by OpenSignal (also posted on The Laotian Times ), Laos ranks third-fastest among ASEAN countries in terms of 4G download speed of mobile internet data and 52nd among 100 global economies.

Laos’ average 4G download speed is 17.1 Mpbs, faster than Other ASEAN countries excepting Singapore and Vietnam.

According to the report, Singapore takes the title of the fastest download speed of mobile data in Southeast Asia and ranks sixth globally at 47.5 Mbps.

Vietnam takes second place with the country’s 4G average download speed recorded at 20.6 Mbps, ranking 41st globally.

Laos ranks third in ASEAN, with an average 4G download speed of 17.1 Mpbs, and is 52nd among 100 economies.

As for the remaining ASEAN nations, Brunei ranks 55th in the world at 16.4 Mbps, Myanmar 56th (16.4 Mbps); Malaysia 73rd (11 Mbps); Indonesia 80th (9.9 Mbps); Thailand at 81st (9.2 Mbps); the Philippines 83rd (8.5 Mbps) and Cambodia at 87th (8 Mbps).

Berlin-based online travel website Tourlane named Laos as one of the most remote countries with the best Internet in 2019, while mobile network operator Unitel won the Speedtest Awards for mobile network speed during the second and third quarter of the same year.

In 2008 two operators, Lao Telecom and Unitel, were granted 3G licenses. Another two licenses were issued to ETL and Beeline in 2011. In 2012, the main ways to access Internet in Laos are:

• 3G (up to 21 Mbps HSPA+)
• ADSL (up to 2 Mbps)
• WiMAX (up to 10 Mbps)

4G was introduced in 2015, and a new licensed ISP Lao Champa Internet.

Laos is included in the OpenNet Initiative (ONI) Regional Overview for Asia (2009). ONI found no evidence of Internet filtering in the political, social, conflict/security, and tools areas based on testing performed in 2011. 

The government controls domestic Internet servers and sporadically monitors Internet usage, but by the end of 2012 it apparently did not have the ability to block access to Web sites. Authorities have developed infrastructure to route all Internet traffic through a single gateway, enabling them to monitor and restrict content. 

However, they apparently had not utilized this increased capability as of the end of 2012. The National Internet Committee under the Prime Minister’s Office administers the Internet system. The office requires Internet service providers to submit quarterly reports and link their gateways to facilitate monitoring, but the government’s enforcement capability appears limited. 

The law generally protects privacy, including that of mail, telephone, and electronic correspondence, but the government reportedly continues to violate these legal protections when there is a perceived security threat. The law prohibits unlawful searches and seizures. 

While the law requires that police obtain search authorization from a prosecutor or a panel of judges, police do not always obtain prior approval, especially in rural areas. Security laws allow the government to monitor individuals’ movements and private communications, including via cell phones and e-mail.

Buying a local SIM Card in Laos

Buying a SIM card in Laos is cheap and easy but don’t expect good internet speeds or reliability. 

The main challenge you will come across when choosing the best SIM card in Laos is deciding which one to go for. This is not down to pricing or which company offers the best data packages, they are all similar thanks to the fact the government owns at least a part of each carrier. The problem is that different parts of the country are covered by different companies. 

Just like in Cambodia, it is not uncommon to see people with multiple SIM cards, so they always have a connection no matter where they are. Thanks to the low price of SIM cards in Laos, it is perfectly reasonable for travellers to do the same as locals and carry multiple SIMs depending on how many provinces they plan on visiting. 

You can use the coverage maps on each network providers website (these sites do not always work) to see who will give the best signal in the areas you are planning to visit but be warned, these are often the best case scenarios and do not always prove to be that accurate.

Your best bet is to see which SIM is most commonly available when you arrive at your destination and pick up one of those. After all, if the locals are buying them then they must work in that area!

Laos has 4 telecom providers: Unitel , Lao Telecom , TPlus (Beeline) , and ETL . Unitel is the largest provider with close to 3 million subscribers. Lao Telecom has more than 1 million subscribers. Beeline has around 300 000 customers. The numbers of ETL is not available at the moment.

In Laos, all providers are fully or partially owned by the Lao government. As a result, rates are almost the same among the providers. When buying a SIM card, you need to show your passport to register.

Data speeds are slow in Laos. With most providers, in excellent conditions, you can get up to 5 Mbps. It is fast enough to do most things with your phone but is embarrassingly slow compared to providers in other Southeast Asian countries, like Singapore.

Let’s see what Laos has to offer to us.

Unitel (StarPhone)

Unitel is the largest provider in Laos, as established in the introduction. It is also the provider that suffers from the most congestion in the cities, meaning that your speeds or connection can be subpar at times. Unitel claims that it covers 97% of the population, and 4G/LTE can be found in Vientiane, Luang Prabang, Champasak, Savannakhet, and other major towns and provinces.

Do note that you need to buy a 4G SIM card if you want to use Unitel’s 4G network, as they sell 3G SIM cards that, as the name implies, only works on their 3G network (and 2G too).

Unitel SIM cards are sold for 10 000 LAK ($1.60) and come with 5000 LAK in credit and 200 MB. You can choose to register yourself to get another 10000 LAK. Not sure if that would be worth it, though.

The following Unitel data packs are available:

• 2000 LAK: 60 MB for 24 hours
• 5000 LAK: 125 MB for 24 hours
• 10 000 LAK: 270 MB for 30 days
• 15 000 LAK: 1.5 GB for 30 days
• 100 000 LAK: 3 GB for 30 days
• 120 000 LAK: 4 GB for 30 days

You can also buy Unitel’s data-only SIM card called Net SIM for 10 000 LAK at Unitel offices – it comes with 300 MB and allows you to SMS as well. No calls can be made with this SIM card. You can register yourself and get 300 MB for free. A handful of Unitel data-only packs are listed below:

• 10 000 LAK: 6 GB for 2 days
• 10 000 LAK: 5 GB for 3 days
• 10 000 LAK: 2 GB for 5 days
• 10 000 LAK: 1.5 GB for 7 days
• 50 000 LAK:  5 GB for 30 days
• 120 000 LAK: 12 GB for 30 days

You can find the lastest packages updated HERE

Do note that the 30-day plan expires at the end of the current month. If you start your plan on the 15th of November, for example, then your plan will expire on the 1st of December, 12 AM. Luckily, you do not have to pay the full price if you buy the plan in the middle of the month. In this example, you would pay 50% and get 50% of the listed data allowance.

Lao Telecom (LTC/LaoTel)

Lao Telecom is the second largest provider and offers 3G access in most provinces in Laos. They also offer 4G/LTE in Vientiane and some other cities. Lao Telecom’s SIM cards, called M phone, are sold for 5000 LAK and can be used for both 3G and 4G/LTE – you do not need to buy a 4G SIM card to use 4G/LTE.

Below are the M phone data packs:

• 10 000 LAK: 250 MB for 30 days
• 50 000 LAK: 1.25 GB for 30 days
• 100 000 LAK: 2.5 GB for 30 days

You can also buy a Lao Telecom data-only SIM card called SIM Net for 10000 LAK. The following packages can be used for 3G and 4G/LTE access:

• 5000 LAK: 1 GB for 24 hours
• 50 000 LAK: 7 GB for 30 days

You can also get one of their “unlimited” packs, which get throttled to 512 Kbps after using your allowance. They are, however, expensive, and 512 kbps is slow:

• 150 000 LAK: 15 GB for 30 days
• 250 000 LAK: 30 GB for 30 days
• 50 000 LAK: Extra 5 GB of high-speed data

Find the lastest package HERE

TPlus (Beeline)

TPlus, previously known as Beeline, is a small player in Laos. Depending on where you are, Beeline can be the fastest provider in the region. Even then, speeds are slow at up to 5 Mbps. TPlus SIM cards can be bought for 10000 LAK and come with 5000 LAK in credit. The following TPLus packages can be added:

• 1000 LAK: 50 MB for 1 day
• 6000 LAK: 200 MB for 3 days
• 10 000 LAK: 500 MB for 7 days
• 10 000 LAK: 300 MB for 30 days
• 50 000 LAK: 1.5 GB for 30 days
• 80 000 LAK: 2 GB for 30 days

Just like with the other providers, data-only SIM cards called Net SIM can be bought as well. The following TPlus data-only packages are available:

• 5000 LAK: 2 GB for per day
• 10 000 LAK: 3 GB for 7 days
• 50 000 LAK: 10 GB for 30 days

ETL, or Enterprise of Communications Laos, has a small 3G network in Laos, which makes them unsuitable for those who want to explore more of Laos instead of solely the capital. SIM cards are sold for 5000 LAK and their data packs, called eNet, can be added, which are listed below:

• 1000 LAK: 240 MB for 1 day
• 5000 LAK: 800 MB for 1 day
• 50 000 LAK: 5.5 GB for 30 days
• 100 000 LAK: 12 GB for 30 days
• 200 000 LAK: 30 GB for 30 days

Looking for unlimited data? ETL sells eNet 2Teen data plans that come with unlimited data for a day for 4000 LAK.

Update the latest pacakges HERE

Travelers landing at Wattay International Airport can buy a prepaid SIM card after immigration and baggage claim, at a Laos telecom kiosk. But if your plane lands at night time, it is likely that it will already be closed.

There are a lot of stores that sell SIM card in every big street so you will have more options to choose from. Official retail stores of mobile network operators are recommended because the staff here are very helpful. Normally, the salesperson at the shop that you purchase the SIM will gladly help you with the process of registration and activate the card.

The last option is to buy it in any convenience store that you can find and there are plenty of them in tourist destinations and crowded residential areas.

If you want to buy a SIM card in Laos, I would recommend going with Unitel because they cover most of Laos and is the fastest provider in Laos. However, speeds and coverage can vary greatly depending on the province you are, which is why many locals have SIM cards of multiple operators so that they can stay connected at all times.

Do what the locals do

Just like in Cambodia, it is not uncommon to see people with multiple SIM cards, so they always have a connection no matter where they are. Thanks to the low price of SIM cards in Laos, it is perfectly reasonable for travelers to do the same as locals and carry multiple SIMs depending on how many provinces they plan on visiting. 

You can use the coverage maps on each network providers website (these sites do not always work) to see who will give the best signal in the areas you are planning to visit but be warned, these are often the best case scenarios and do not always prove to be that accurate. Your best bet is to see which SIM is most commonly available when you arrive at your destination and pick up one of those. After all, if the locals are buying them then they must work in that area!

It is fairly cheap and popular to have internet access in Laos.

For our travelers, we recommend you buy a Portable Mobile Wi-fi Router , with which you can buy only one SIM Card and share the Wi-fi internet with your travel mate on the go. 

In the urgent case, if you do not have the Wifi router, you can use internet tethering on your mobile phone to use the internet on your computer or share the internet with your travel mate.

Wherever you have connection, you can use Skype or WhatsApp to call to your family without all the hassle of learning about exit code or country code to dial your friends’ numbers at home.

Hope that the article help you have more information about the communication system in Laos. If you need the most updated information, feel free to CONTACT US at your own convenience.

• Luang Prabang & surrounds
• Northeastern
• Northwestern
• Vientiane & surrounds
• About 1 week
• About 2 weeks
• About 3 weeks
• About 4 weeks
• Cycling & Biking
• Family Vacation
• Honeymoon Vacation
• Luxury Holiday
• Trek & Hike
• Wellness & Leisure

We believe you have the right to arm yourselves with as much information as possible before making any decision.

Check below our detailed tips & guide for every places to visit in Laos , recommendation regarding the inclusion in each theme you prefer , and what you can do based on the time frame you have.

The ancient capital of Lane Xang Kingdom

Search for your nationality below to see our special Laos travel tips & advice for your country. CONTACT US if you cannot find yours.

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Taking a cruise on the fascinating Mekong River offers a unique and memorable travel experience. The Mekong River, one of the longest rivers in Asia, flows through several countries, including China, Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam. Each destination along the river offers its own distinct cultural, historical, and natural attractions. In this article, we will go over what you can expect when cruising the Mekong River. 

Despite being open to tourism for the past two decades, Laos remains a destination brimming with hidden treasures and unexplored gems, awaiting the arrival of curious adventurers.

Among these remarkable places is the Xe Champhone Loop, an enchanting location that captures the essence of Laos.

In early September 2022, we had the privilege of embarking on an Educational Tour organized by the esteemed Tetraktys Organization. Our objective was to delve into the wonders of this loop and promote its allure to international tourists.

During our expedition, we were awe-struck by the captivating sights and valuable insights we gained. The area boasts an abundance of captivating natural landscapes, rich traditional culture, and warm-hearted hosts.

We have compiled comprehensive information about this captivating region below.

Stay connected to discover more about this hidden gem!

The romance of train travel is alive and well in Laos. The recently-completed high-speed railway that stretches from Vientiane, through Laos, and into southern China is operating ‘full steam’ ahead. 

Luang Prabang will celebrate the boat racing festival (Boun Souang Heua) in Namkhan River during Buddhist Lent Period, on August 26th, 2022.

A notice issued by Luang Prabang provincial office says that Luang Prabang will arrange Boun Hor Khaopadapdin, an annual festival held to feed spirits with home-made parcels of food, and the boat racing activities along Namkhan River. 

The province intends to promote the traditional festival and practices in hopes of attracting more domestic and foreign tourists, generating revenue for locals.

Traditional racing boats are made of a single tree and can accommodate up to fifty rowers.

The boats are considered sacred, are cleaned, and are given offerings which are believed to bring victory to the team.

In the downtown heart of Luang Prabang, there will also be gatherings and markets.

The festival will be held on August 26th, 2022, the same day with Boun Khao Padapdine.

Covid-19 put a stop to traditional customs and festivals for almost three years, but now that the measurements have been relaxed, tourist destinations in Laos expect to recommence festivities and offer hope for travelers.

How long to spend in Laos may seem like a ridiculous question to address, but if you have plenty of time and aren’t sure how much to dedicate, this blog will definitely help you out. 

How long can you stay in Laos? 

Well, as long as you like! From 7 days to a month, there are various ways you can travel across Laos and uncover its secrets. Advising an ideal trip length for Laos is a bit of a complex challenge, as it depends on several factors such as the places you wish to visit, the activities you plan to join, or if you want to combine Laos with its neighbor countries. 

Stay tuned! We are going to sort all these things out including the step-by-step guide to create the best itinerary in Laos.

The Rocket Festival (Boun Bang Fai) is a merit-making ceremony traditionally practiced by ethnic Lao people near the beginning of the wet season in numerous villages and municipalities, in the regions of Northeastern Thailand and Laos. Celebrations typically include preliminary music and dance performances, competitive processions of floats, dancers and musicians on the second day, and culminating on the third day in competitive firings of home-made rockets. Local participants and sponsors use the occasion to enhance their social prestige, as is customary in traditional Buddhist folk festivals throughout Southeast Asia.

The festival in Thailand also includes special programs and specific local patterns like Bung Fai (Parade dance) and a Beautiful Bung Fai float such as Yasothon the third weekend of May, and continues Suwannaphum District, Roi Et on the first weekend of June, Phanom Phrai District Roi Et during the full moon of the seventh month in Lunar year's calendar each year. The Bung Fai festival is not only found in Isan or Northeasthern Thailand and North Thailand and Laos, but also in Amphoe Sukhirin, Narathiwat.

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We are the #1 Tourism SIM Card Service in Laos. Our service includes the delivery of your SIM card with generous data plans directly to your hotel or apartment in Laos. Your SIM will be cut to fit in your phone, fully registered, and include call credit and mobile internet package. You will be able to call in and out to domestic networks in Lao PDR as well as place international calls to reach your family and friends. You can save on roaming costs and use your phone without worrying about expensive bills.

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About our Travel SIM Service in Laos

The best features.

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We deliver the simcard to your hotel or Airbnb in Laos prior to your arrival, so you can collect the SIM when you check in. No time wasted.

Local Lao Phone Number

Get your local Lao number in advance and communicate it to your hotel and to your guide

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Laos prepaid sim card with mobile Internet package. Top up when you like. If you like.

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Any issue with your SIM? We speak multiple languages and can help you in (near) real-time

You can order and pay directly through our payment provider, Stripe.

If the mobile packages do not suit your needs, feel free to contact us through the form and we can generate a custom offer for you.

Our payment provider, Stripe, supports several card brands, from large global networks like Visa and Mastercard to local networks like Cartes Bancaires in France or Interac in Canada. Stripe also support Google Pay, WeChat Pay, and Apple Pay.

If you wish to pay with Paypal, please contact us through the form .

Our commitment to you is to deliver the Laos SIM card before your arrival at the hotel.

You can buy your SIMcard months before your trip to Laos or at the last minute. It usually takes us 48 hours to process your order, but we may be able to do it faster. If the delivery is in the province, we require 3-5 business days to process your order.

Contact us through the form if you need an urgent order.

Our standard process rate is 48 hours in Vientiane and 5 days in the province. Feel free to contact us through the form for urgent orders.

Our SIM cards are pre-cut for all types of phones. We support Standard SIM, Micro SIM, and Nano SIM. The SIM card will work as long as your phone is compatible with the mobile networks in Laos. If you have any doubt, please consult our guide How to use my phone in Laos .

We will drop the SIM at the hotel counter in an envelope to your name before your arrival. Simply ask the reception desk for the envelope when you check in. We ALWAYS deliver the SIM before your arrival, so you do not need to wait.

Yes, we can provide pre-activated and registered SIMs in bulk. Just contact us through the form for a discount offer.

Most mini-marts in Laos sell mobile top-ups. If you want us to remotely top up and activate a package for you, it is also possible. Feel free to contact us through the form .

We cannot guarantee that our SIM will work in every single place in Laos, especially in caves or on the top of mountains :-). But we have selected the mobile operator with the best coverage in Laos. If you are interested to buy a second SIM from a different provider, contact us through the form .

We selected Unitel as our SIM card provider. Unitel is the market leader in Lao PDR and provides very good coverage in rural areas. If you like to order a SIM Card from Lao Telecom, ETL, TPLUS or Best Telecom, please contact us directly, and we will arrange it for you.

Our SIM cards are prepaid SIM’s freshly registered and will support the network capabilities available in your coverage area. In Laos, 2G, 3G and 4G networks are available. In the main cities, you can enjoy High-Speed 4G. 5G network is available, but the coverage is extremely scarce.

If you like a special package, please contact us , and we will generate a custom order for you.

If your trip in Laos does not last more than three months, you do not have to worry about the SIM validity. It will work for the length of your trip, no matter the package you go for. If you wish to continue using Internet after your package is expired, you can simply top up and activate a new package. If you intend to stay more than three months in Laos, it is recommended to top up your SIM every three months, so the mobile operator does not recycle the SIM.

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Ditch the plastic SIM card, try an eSIM!

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South East Asia eSIM (12 Countries)

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• Cambodia (Metfone)
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• Philippines (Globe)
• Singapore (Starhub)
• South Korea (SK Telecom)
• Thailand (DTAC)
• Vietnam (Viettel)

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An eSIM, or Embedded SIM, is a digital SIM card alternative.

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You can find the list of eSIM compatible phones

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Choose an eSIM plan that fits your travel needs and get it delivered instantly via email!

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Scan the QR code in your email and turn on Data Roaming to activate your eSIM. Start using it right away!

Is my device eSIM compatible?

• iPhone 15, 15 Plus, 15 Pro, 15 Pro Max
• iPhone 14, 14 Plus, 14 Mini, 14 Pro, 14 Pro Max
• iPhone 13, 13 Mini, 13 Pro, 13 Pro Max
• iPhone 12, 12 Mini, 12 Pro, 12 Pro Max
• iPhone 11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max
• iPhone XS, XS Max, XR
• iPhone SE (2020, 2022)
• Apple watch SE
• Apple watch series 3, 4, 5 and 6
• iPad Pro 11″ (model A2068, from 2020)
• iPad Pro 12.9″ (model A2069, from 2020)
• iPad Air (model A2123, from 2019)
• iPad (model A2198, from 2019)
• iPad Mini (model A2124, from 2019)
• IPad 10th generation (2022)

*On iPhone 13, 14 & 15 models, you can have two eSIMs activated at the same time. *iPhones from mainland China and iPhone devices from Hong Kong and Macao (except for iPhone 13 mini, iPhone 12 mini, iPhone SE 2020, and iPhone XS) don’t have eSIM capability. *iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 14 Pro, iPhone 14 Pro Max, iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, and iPhone 15 Pro Max are not compatible with physical SIM cards in the USA.

• Samsung Galaxy S20, S20+, S20+ 5g
• Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra, S20 Ultra 5G
• Samsung Galaxy S21, S21+ 5G, S21+ Ultra 5G
• Samsung Galaxy S22, Samsung Galaxy S22+, S22 Ultra
• Samsung Galaxy Note 20, Note 20 Ultra 5G 
• Samsung Galaxy Fold, Z Fold2 5G, Z Fold3 5G, Z Fold4, Z Fold5 5G
• Samsung Galaxy Z Flip, Z Flip3 5G, Z Flip4, Z Flip5 5G
• Samsung Galaxy S23, S23+, S23 Ultra
• Samsung Galaxy S24, S24+, S24 Ultra

*The following Samsung devices are not compatible with eSIM:

• Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 4G/5G
• Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 4G/5G
• Samsung S20/S21 (US versions)
• Samsung Galaxy S23 FE (China/Hong Kong version)
• Galaxy Z Flip 5G (US versions)
• Samsung Note 20 Ultra (Versions from the US and Hong Kong)
• Certain models purchased in South Korea: (reach out to our team!)
• Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2 (Versions from the US and Hong Kong)
• Pixel 2 (only phones bought with Google Fi service), 2 XL
• Pixel 3 (not including phones bought in Australia, Taiwan or Japan. Phones bought with US or Canadian carriers other than Spring and Google Fi don’t work with eSIM), XL
• Pixel 3a (not including phones bought in Japan or with Verizon service), 3a XL
• Pixel 4, 4a, 4 XL
• Pixel 5, 5a
• Pixel 6, 6a, 6 Pro
• Pixel 7, 7 Pro
• Pixel 8, 8 Pro

*Google Pixel 3 devices from Australia, Japan, and Taiwan are not compatible with eSIM. *Google Pixel 3a from South East Asia is not compatible with eSIM.

• Huawei P40, P40 Pro (The Huawei P40 Pro+ and P50 Pro are not compatible with eSIM)
• Huawei Mate 40 pro
• Motorola Razr (2019), Razr 5G, Razr 40, Razr 40 Ultra, Razr+
• Motorola Edge+, Edge 40, Edge 40 Pro, Edge 40 Neo
• Motorola G52J 5G, G52J 5G Ⅱ, G53J 5G
• Microsoft Surface Duo
• Xiaomi 12T Pro, 13, 13 Lite, 13 Pro, 13T Pro
• Oppo Find X3 Pro, Reno 5A, Reno 6 Pro 5G, Find X5, Find X5 Pro, A55s 5G
• Nuu Mobile X5
• Sharp AQUOS sense4 lite, sense6s, sense 7, sense 7+, AQUOS Wis, Wish 2 SHG08, Wish3, AQUOS zero 6, Simple Sumaho6, AQUOS R7, AQUOS R8, AQUOS R8 Pro
• Rakuten Mini, Big-S, Big, Hand, Hand 5G
• Honor Magic 4 Pro, Magic 5 Pro, Honor 90, Honor X8
• Sony Xperia 10 III Lite, Xperia 10 IV, Xperia 10V, Xperia 1 IV, Xperia 5 IV, Xperia 1 V, Xperia Ace III, Xperia 5 V
• Gemini PDA, Fairphone 4, DOOGEE V30, Oukitel WP30 Pro
• Oneplus Open, OnePLus 11, Oneplus 12
• HAMMER Blade 3, HAMMER Explorer PRO, HAMMER Blade 5G
• Nokia XR21, X30, G60 5G
• Vivo X90 Pro, Vivo V29 Lite 5G (eSIM Supported only in Europe)

eSIM Compatible Devices

• iPhone XS Max
• iPhone 11 Pro
• iPhone 11 Pro Max
• iPhone SE (2020)
• iPhone 12 Mini
• iPhone 12 Pro
• iPhone 12 Pro Max
• iPhone 13 mini
• iPhone 13 Pro
• iPhone 13 Pro Max
• iPhone SE (2022)
• iPhone 14 Plus
• iPhone 14 Pro
• iPhone 14 Pro Max
• iPad Pro (2018 and onwards)
• Watch series 3
• Watch series 4
• Watch series 5
• Watch series 6
• Pixel 6 Pro
• Pixel 7 Pro
• P40 Pro (not including the P40 Pro +)
• Mate 40 Pro
• Galaxy Z Flip
• Galaxy Z Flip 5G
• Galaxy Z Flip3 5G
• Galaxy Z Flip4
• Galaxy Fold
• Galaxy Z Fold2 5G
• Galaxy Z Fold3 5G
• Galaxy Z Fold4
• Galaxy S21+ 5G
• Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G
• Galaxy S22+
• Galaxy S22 Ultra
• Galaxy Note 20 Ultra 5G
• Galaxy Note 20
• Galaxy S23+
• Galaxy S23 Ultra
• Galaxy S20 Ultra 5G
• Planet Computers
• Rakuten Mobile
• Rakuten Mini
• Find X3 Pro
• Find X5 Pro
• Xperia 10 III Lite
• Xperia 10 IV
• Xperia 1 IV
• Xperia 5 IV
• Magic 4 Pro
• Aquos Sense6s

planet computers

rakuten mobile

oneplus Open

Frequently Asked Questions

Laos sim card.

Are you planning a trip to Laos? If so, make sure you’re equipped with one of our prepaid travel SIMs. With data speeds for all your travel needs and zero hidden costs, you’ll be your social media friends’ source of envy as you post your cheeky grinned selfies in front of That Luang Festival to your socials.

If you’re still not convinced, perhaps the ability to stay in touch with loved ones, access your online banking, use your GPS/map phone apps or translation apps, the list goes on… A few of the many reasons as to why a prepaid travel SIM is an absolute necessity when it comes to overseas travel.

Luckily for you, we’ve got you covered. Affordable prices, ZERO sneaky fees, an extremely responsive customer support team, over 7000 verified 5-star reviews, and SIM card activation as soon as you land? What more could you need?

Whether you’re checking out Kong Lor Caves or roaming around Vientiane, you’ll be able to choose from our many different data/call options until you find a Laos travel SIM that perfectly suits your itinerary.

The Laos SIM card you shouldn’t leave home without

Our SIMs are also completely hassle-free and come in all three SIM card sizes (standard, micro, and nano). They feature “plug in and play” compatibility with almost any unlocked device which means you’ll be able to post those cheeky selfies as soon as you land!

You’ll be able to enjoy premium data speeds that use local cell phone towers for up to 30 days (depending on which SIM you purchase), which will make it easy for you to document your entire trip as well as remain in touch with friends and family.

With fuss-free activation, a 100% money-back guarantee , and our support team ready and waiting to assist you with any questions or concerns, you can travel connected worry-free anywhere within Laos.

Take the stress out of scrambling around a new country trying to find a prepaid SIM card and let us take care of it - so that you can enjoy what really matters; your holiday!

Order a SIM from us today and start your Laos adventures with complete peace of mind.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us via our social media, our email  or via our online chat (which can be found on our website), and we’ll be sure to get back to you as soon as possible.

Otherwise, if you’re simply after travel recommendations, get in touch with us and we’ll be able to recommend some of our favorite spots as well as the perfect SIM to go with it.

We also recommend visiting   Travel Advisories  before you take off on your journey.

Happy and safe travels!

The best SIM card for NZ

You have booked your trip to NZ and now you're thinking... What's the best NZ SIM card for my trip?

Well you're in the right place 👍

Here, you can find the best value NZ SIM cards that are super easy to use so when you land you will connect instantly and avoid the chaos of buying a SIM at the airport.

Keep reading or watch our video with all the available options so you can make the right choice.

All your options, compared.

Best bang for your buck: The 10GB New Zealand SIM

Other Aussie travellers like you rated the 10GB option the best with over 800+ 5 star Reviews.

Below are our options compared with Vodafone and Spark mobile, the major providers in New Zealand.

Small Plans

For the budget traveller looking to save money.

• Best suited for minimal data users
• Research restaurants, places and sites on the go
• Use google maps for your travels

• 200 mins & texts in NZ
• 100 mins & texts to Aus
• 30 day validity

• 300 mins to NZ & Aus
• Unlimited texts to NZ & Aus

For the full guide on how to use this SIM, view our SIM guide here.

Medium Plans

The 'all rounder'. There's a reason that Aussie travellers love this one.

Get this one if you:

• Want best bang for your buck
• Need access to a lot of apps including maps, social media etc.
• Unlimited mins & texts in NZ
• 200 mins & texts to Aus
• 60 day validity
• Unlimited calls to NZ & Aus
• 300 mins & texts to Aus

For the full guide on how to use this SIM, view our SIM guide here .

Large Plans

For the traveller who needs heavy internet usage on the go for 1 or multiple devices.

• Don't worry about running out of data
• Can hotspot to multiple devices
• Great for videos, maps, social media and big downloads
• Unlimited calls & texts in NZ

Bottom Line

You are looking for the right SIM for your needs and want to make the right choice so you can travel around New Zealand easily.

By choosing one of the SIM cards through SimsDirect you are avoiding the hassle when you land and getting the best value SIM cards for Aussie travellers.

Plus you get free delivery and 100% money back guarantee with every purchase.

You can't go wrong with the SimsDirect 10GB SIM that comes with unlimited calls & texts to NZ and Australian numbers.

Shipping and Delivery

When it comes to finding the best SIM card for Laos several factors need to be considered. Different providers offer various options tailored to meet specific needs. However, Simify is a reliable choice for obtaining a SIM card that works well in Laos With Simify's SIM cards, you can enjoy reliable coverage, affordable rates, and convenient features designed for travelers. Whether you're visiting Laos for business or leisure, Simify offers a range of plans suitable for data, calls, and messaging. Stay connected and make the most of your experience in Laos with Simify's SIM cards.

Absolutely! Getting a SIM card for Laos is highly beneficial for several reasons. By getting a local SIM card, you gain access to reliable and affordable mobile services while in Laos. Here are some advantages:

Cost savings: Using a local SIM card allows you to take advantage of local rates for data, calls, and text messages. It can save you significant expenses compared to using international roaming services.

Increased convenience: With a local SIM card, you have a dedicated local phone number, making it easier for locals and other travelers to reach you. It also eliminates the need for constantly switching SIM cards or relying on Wi-Fi for connectivity.

Seamless communication: Having a local SIM card ensures reliable communication with local businesses, hotels, transportation services, and emergency services. You can easily make local calls, send messages, and access the internet without any limitations.

Data access: A local SIM card provides you with affordable data plans, allowing you to stay connected, access maps, browse the internet, and use various apps while exploring Laos.

Overall, getting a SIM card for Laos offers convenience, cost savings, and a reliable means of communication. It enhances your travel experience by keeping you connected with ease. Consider getting a local SIM card for Laos to fully enjoy your stay and make the most of your time there.

Laos SIM cards are generally compatible with a wide range of unlocked mobile phones. Unlocked phones are not tied to a specific carrier and allow you to use SIM cards from various providers. This flexibility enables you to easily use a Laos SIM card in your existing phone or purchase a new unlocked phone if needed.

Most modern smartphones, including popular brands like Apple, Samsung, Google, and OnePlus, are compatible with Laos SIM cards. Additionally, older models and feature phones with support for the required frequency bands should work fine as well.

It's important to ensure that your phone supports the frequency bands used by the mobile networks in Laos to ensure optimal coverage and performance. You can usually find this information in your phone's specifications or by checking with the manufacturer.

If you're unsure about your phone's compatibility, you can contact the Laos SIM card provider or consult with a local retailer to get more specific information based on your phone model.

Yes, you can use your mobile or cell phone in Laos. However, there are a few potential issues to consider:

Network Compatibility: Your phone's compatibility with the network frequencies used in Laos may vary. Some phone models may not support all the frequency bands required for optimal coverage.

SIM Card: To use your phone in Laos you will need a local SIM card. Roaming with your home country's SIM card may result in higher charges for calls, messages, and data usage.

Unlocking: If your phone is locked to a specific mobile service provider, you may need to unlock it before using a local SIM card in Laos Unlocking requirements and processes can vary depending on your service provider.

Now, here's where Simify comes in to offer a solution:

Simify provides a convenient solution to overcome these issues:

Network Compatibility: Simify's SIM cards are compatible with the network frequencies used in Laos ensuring optimal coverage and connectivity.

SIM Card: Simify offers local SIM cards for Laos that provide cost-effective rates for calls, messages, and data. By using Simify's SIM card, you can avoid high roaming charges and enjoy affordable local rates.

Unlocking: If your phone is locked, you can still use Simify's SIM card. Simply unlock your phone by contacting your mobile service provider or using third-party unlocking services. Once unlocked, you can easily insert and activate Simify's SIM card.

By utilizing Simify's services, you can seamlessly use your mobile or cell phone in Laos without the concerns of network compatibility, expensive roaming charges, or locked devices. Stay connected with ease and affordability by choosing Simify's reliable SIM card solution.

Yes, at Simify, we offer Laos SIM cards to customers in the US. Our goal is to provide a seamless and convenient experience for travelers heading to Laos You can easily purchase our Laos SIM cards online and have them delivered to your location in the US prior to your trip. Our SIM cards are specifically tailored to offer reliable coverage and affordable rates while you're in Laos Stay connected and make the most of your travel experience with Simify's Laos SIM cards.

No, USA SIM cards typically do not work in Laos due to compatibility and roaming agreements between different mobile service providers. Using a USA SIM card in Laos may result in limited or no network coverage, high roaming charges, and unreliable connectivity.

To ensure seamless communication and avoid these issues, it is recommended to use a local SIM card in Laos. Simify offers dedicated Laos SIM cards that are designed to provide reliable coverage, affordable rates, and convenient connectivity for travelers. By using Simify's Laos SIM card, you can enjoy local rates, access local networks, and stay connected throughout your visit.

With Simify's reliable service, you can avoid the limitations and costs associated with using a USA SIM card in Laos. Make the most of your travel experience and stay connected with ease by choosing Simify's Laos SIM card solution.

Yes, at Simify, we offer Laos SIM cards to customers in Canada. We understand the needs of Canadian travelers heading to Laos and provide convenient options for staying connected during your trip. Our Laos SIM cards are designed to offer reliable coverage, affordable rates, and seamless connectivity in Laos. You can easily purchase our SIM cards online and have them delivered to your location in Canada before your departure. With Simify's Laos SIM card, you can enjoy local rates for calls, messages, and data usage while exploring Laos. Stay connected and make the most of your travel experience with Simify's Laos SIM cards.

Yes, at Simify, we offer Laos SIM cards to customers in Australia. If you're planning a trip to Laos we understand the importance of staying connected while abroad. Our Laos SIM cards are designed to provide you with convenient and cost-effective connectivity during your travels. You can easily purchase our SIM cards online and have them delivered to your location in Australia before your departure. With Simify's Laos SIM card, you can enjoy local rates for calls, messages, and data usage while exploring Laos. Stay connected and make the most of your travel experience with Simify's Laos SIM cards.

Yes, at Simify, we offer Laos SIM cards to customers in the UK. If you're in the UK and planning a trip to Laos we understand the importance of having reliable connectivity during your travels. Our Laos SIM cards are designed to provide you with convenient and cost-effective connectivity while exploring Laos. You can easily purchase our SIM cards online and have them delivered to your location in the UK before your departure. With Simify's Laos SIM card, you can enjoy local rates for calls, messages, and data usage, ensuring a seamless communication experience during your visit to Laos. Stay connected and make the most of your travel experience with Simify's Laos SIM cards.

Delivery times vary depending on your location, please refer to the shipping options below:

Shipping Method:

First Class Mail (3-5 business days) - Free Priority Mail (2-4 business days) - $8.99

All orders are shipped from our Baltimore office.

Same-day dispatch is available on orders placed before 4pm EDT Monday - Friday. Any orders placed after 3 pm will be dispatched the next day.

Once we've shipped your order, you will receive a tracking number via email. Click the View Order button in your confirmation email to monitor the status of your delivery.

If you're leaving soon and your order hasn't arrived, please contact us so we can arrange to have it delivered to you with free express shipping. It is important to us that we ensure your SIM card(s) arrive well before you take off.

Product Information

Yes! We offer 3 different sizes for each SIM card - Standard, Micro, and Nano. All you need to do is make sure that you pop out the correct size that is compatible with your device.

The SIM will only activate once you have inserted it into your device, which, in most cases, is when you have arrived at your destination.

You can find more specific activation steps here .

Zero. We're here to help you save money whilst abroad. With our SIM cards, you'll get all the data and outgoing calls that you pay for without any added surcharges or hidden costs. For as little as $2 a day, we offer the cheapest way of staying online while you're travelling.

If you purchased your device outright then it is most likely unlocked. Devices purchased alongside a contract are usually locked. If you are unsure, contact your service provider, they may even be able to unlock it for you (usually incurring a fee).

You’ll be able to track your data usage directly from your device, please click here for an in-depth guide on how to do so.

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Why we need activation dates?

• We need these dates to activate your SIM card so you can use them when you’re ready to travel.
• If you don’t give us an activation date, your SIM card will not work when you plug them into your phone.

Not sure on your dates yet?

• You can add in an estimated date for your SIM. Your SIM’s data & validity won’t start until you plug it into your device.
• Once you know your exact dates, please let us know via our live chat or at [email protected] so we can activate it for you at the right time. 

What if you need to change the dates?

• You can reach out to us via our live chat or at [email protected] with your SIM number so we can change it for you.

A Singaporean's Adventures at Home and Abroad

Travelling in Laos Guide for Beginners

Sai Bai Dee from Laos – my 42nd country and last country in Southeast Asia north of Singapore.

Visiting Laos has been a part of my plan since 2018, but somehow didn’t materialise until 2023 – 5 years later !

Having been to its neighbouring countries of Vietnam , Thailand, Cambodia and China – I visited Shangri La ! – I could attest that this country is very safe for solo female travellers, with tons of activities to do. Everyone’s polite and friendly, and it is still relatively less visited than the other SEA countries.

Thinking of visiting Laos soon? Here’s what to expect!

I visited Northern Laos in Nov 2023. In case you’re wondering, what’s missing now are Brunei and Timor Leste to complete the SEA countries. I almost visited Brunei when I was in Miri in July 2022 , but the country was still closed due to the pandemic. This post contains affiliate links that cost nothing to you but support my blog! It may also be updated periodically. Cheers!  

Immigration Matters

As a citizen of a member country in ASEAN, I am exempted from a visa, since Laos is also a member state. Citizens from Brunei, Cambodia , Indonesia , Malaysia , Myanmar, Philippines , Singapore , Thailand, and Vietnam have a maximum of 30 days of visa-free entry in Laos .

Apart from that, countries like Japan, South Korea, Switzerland, Luxembourg, Russia and Mongolia also enjoy visa-free entry of 15 or 21 days .

For the rest, you could apply for a Visa on Arrival at the entry ports or online here at the official website . Have some spare passport photos, proof of accommodation and a US$ 50 ready for the visa. An outward-bound ticket may be needed. The visa grants 30 days of travel within the country.

Entry and Exit form

Just to point out, everyone needs to fill in a long sheet of paper consisting of two parts indicating your entry and exit points. Details include passport information, accommodation and transport number.

Hand in the entry portion during immigration, and keep the exit portion with you until your departure. Both portions have the same unique ID. I’m not sure what might happen if you lose your exit form, though some say that filling in another blank exit card would do the trick.

Travelling into Laos

Laos is a landlocked country surrounded by Kunming, China , and Myanmar at the north, Vietnam at the east, Thailand at the west, and Cambodia at the south. The longest river in Southeast Asia – the Mekong River – flows through all six countries, resulting in a variety of transport options.

Most international travellers would have flown into the country. For those in Singapore, there are direct flights by Scoot three times a week into Vientiane. I flew in and out of the country on Saturdays. Other budget options include changing flights to Bangkok and taking Air Asia into Luang Prabang.

Most international travellers would have flown into Wattay International Airport in the capital Vientiane, Luang Prabang International Airport in the northernmost part of Laos, or Pakse International Airport in the southern part of Laos.

Another popular mode of transport is the 2D1N slow boat from Thailand to Laos. There are tour operators who could arrange for a hassle-free way of travelling via the slow boat from Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, or Pai to stops between Huay Xai and Luang Prabang in Laos.

This is definitely on my cards soon.

If you’d like to stretch your money, there are plenty of cross-country sleeper buses into and out of Laos. Note that the journey could be long and arduous.

Most accommodations, at least in my hostel, can arrange bus tickets. You could also purchase them online from 12Go .

You could cross over from Kunming, China, to Laos, or vice versa, via the Laos-China Railway . Travelling via train into and within Laos is the most comfortable and fastest way to travel, but getting a ticket independently can be a chore .

There’s also a sleeper train from Bangkok , Thailand, to Laos via the Friendship Bridge over the Mekong River. I’ve never taken a sleeper train in Thailand, but it may be similar to the sleeper I took in Vietnam on the Reunification Express Line .

Best Time to Visit

The dry and cool months of November to January are generally the best period to travel in Laos. Daytime temperatures are agreeable, though early mornings and late nights can be a little chilly. I visited in the middle of November for a week and encountered only one sudden downpour in Luang Prabang. This is the best time for a guided hike – some areas may still contain unexploded bombies, more about this in another post – in the forest of northern Laos.

Expect heavy rainfall from June to October . Travelling during the peak rainy season can be hazardous or even impossible with road closures and floods. Even if you were to get to your destination, certain attractions may be closed – for instance, the wet cave of Vang Vieng. In exchange for the wetness, you’d get roaring waterfalls and full rivers.

The period between March and May coincided with the country’s slash-and-burn season . You’d have acrid smog everywhere that paints the sky a dusty orange, and fill your clothes and hair with particles and a lingering burnt smell. A friend of mine visited in April 2023 and had to wear a mask throughout her trip.

Administrative Matters

Cash is king in Laos. Clean and crisp USD, and occasionally the Thai Baht, are accepted in most establishments, but the Laotian kip is still the preferred way to go. Some places with tourist presence accept cards, but cards incur additional charges.

You could draw your cash in all ATMs. The best rates are usually at the airport. Maximum cash per withdrawal is 2500k kip for BCEL , with another 20k to 30k kip transaction fee. My cash withdrawal using YouTrip totalled up to S$165 at Wattay International Airport (Nov 2023).

I tried to draw my cash using Trust from BCEL, but it didn’t work. In the end, I had to go with YouTrip . Trust works as a credit card with no cash withdrawal or forex charges, while YouTrip works as a prepaid card and free cash withdrawal for the first S$400 of the month. If you haven’t had a Trust or YouTrip card yet, do me a favour and sign up with me under codes SURW9MK5 (download the Trust app for iOS or android ) and here (Youtrip).

Laotian Kip is nearly worthless beyond its borders, so make sure you use them all before leaving.

Data and SIM

For those coming from Singapore, telcos like Simba with its 1 GB free roaming work. APAC pack for Giga does not.

There’s wifi in all touristy places, but don’t expect the local noodles shop to have one. 

Buying a SIM card is easy , and the cost is very low. My 5 GB data package SIM for 10 days cost a mere 30k kip at Wattay International Airport.

Having a Laotian SIM works wonders, as you can now use your Laos number to create accounts for ride-hailing, other transport, and most importantly, the frustrating Lao-China Railway app. To check your data balance, dial *123#.

Travelling within Laos

I walked everywhere within Vientiane and Luang Prabang to get to the sights and eateries. Unlike the roads of Thailand or Vietnam, Laotians do not honk all the time, and there are proper pedestrian crossings.

Ride Hailing/ Taxi

Loca , a Thai-owned company, is like the Grab of Laos. You could use the app for payments, order takeaways, and call for a ride. However, this service is still predominantly used only in Vientiane and Luang Prabang . I accumulated enough points from two Loca rides to exchange for a free iced Americano in a partnering cafe.

Xanh SM is another new ride-hailing contender. Unlike Loca, Xanh SM owns its fleet of cyan taxis. The VinFast electric cars are new, quiet and travel smoothly within Vientiane . As my visit coincided with the month of their launch, we enjoyed one free ride on the first weekend, and two 50% off rides on the following weekend. They accept cash only.

Make sure you download their apps and create an account for each before using them, as this process takes time.

If you’re travelling in a larger group, consider hiring a tuk-tuk. Depending on their size, a tuk-tuk can carry a max of three or 10 individuals.

I’ve taken the tuk-tuk thrice during my week-long trip – from Vang Vieng Railway Station to Vang Vieng for 30k kip, and vice versa, and from Luang Prabang Railway Station to Luang Prabang for 40k kip.

Riding a motorbike in Laos gives you ultimate freedom . Plus, they’re not that expensive, with rates going from 120k kip to 150k kip per day. 

Too bad for me, I have no knowledge, no licence and no courage. Lucky for me, I found another traveller with an international licence and sufficient know-how on Southeast Asian battered roads. We covered an extensive distance with the bike in the outskirts of Vang Vieng and Luang Prabang.

For those without a motorbike licence, fret not. You could rent a bicycle. Make sure you get yourself a mountain bike for the rough roads. There’s also the option of electric bikes.

What to Wear

If you haven’t known yet, Laos is a Buddhist country with so many temples and Buddhas you could get temple fatigue.

Dress conservatively and modestly, covering your knees, shoulders and chest when visiting religious sites. You may wear bikinis for blue lagoons and the waterfalls, but remember to change back before leaving the park.

Key places to visit

Here’s a brief summary of what to expect in the key places of attraction.

• Vientiane . The capital city of Laos has temples, a grand monument with a fountain called Patuxai, and a COPE visitor centre. A place where most international travellers would land via flight if not Luang Prabang.
• Vang Vieng . The next natural spot to visit from Vientiane for those on a classic week-long trip. Many imposing karsts and caves. Home to adventurers. You could paramotor or ride a hot air balloon here.
• Luang Prabang . Used to be the royal capital of the country. Many old temples date back to the 16th century. Beautiful street houses facing the river. A perfect base to launch into hikes around Northern Laos.
• Luang Namtha. A trekking destination. For those looking for an even more laid-back countryside vibe.
• Nong Khiaw. Another spot for adventure seekers. Offers opportunities to rock-climb, kayak and trek.
• Phonsavan. For the mysterious millennia-old Plains of Jars sites.
• Thakhek. There’s an adventurous 500 km loop through the countryside with the Kong Lor Cave as a key highlight of the 4 – 6 days trip.
• Pakse. Has an international airport, and another exciting 300 km loop peppered with numerous waterfalls known as The Bolaven Plateau Loop .
• Si Phan Don (4000 islands). A laid-back little town with numerous waterfalls. Spot the elusive freshwater Irrawaddy dolphins !

Food to try

For me, Laotian cuisine is like a little bit of Vietnamese and Thai food. No surprise since they’re neighbours.

There are lots of noodles, rice dishes, and baguette sandwiches. Thai food tends to be more intense (spicier/ sweeter/ more sour), while Vietnamese food is more bland in comparison. All are still tasty.

Here’s what I had in Laos. Bear in mind I’m a soup and noodles lover, so my list tunes towards that.

• Khao Piak. Chewy rice noodles in starchy soup. You could choose to top it with meat. Comes with a serving of raw vegetables and herbs, shrimp peanut concoction dipping sauce and lime. Similar to pho, but the chewy rice noodles are a phenomenon, and can only be found in Laos, at least in my travels.
• Khao Soi. Soupy rice noodles delight served with fermented soybean paste mixed with crushed tomatoes. Might be a little spicy.
• Pho. Similar to Vietnamese pho.
• Noodle Soup. Could be rice noodles or yellow noodles. With different meaty toppings to go with. Usually served with a small plate of bean sprouts and lime. Similar to the noodle soup I have in Singapore.
• Khao Piak Khao Gai. Soupy porridge. Had it for breakfast. Comes with an egg and slivers of chicken.
• Laap. Stir fry minced meat – either beef, pork, chicken or fish – with loads of basil and herbs. Eaten with rice.
• Or Lam. A very hearty thick stew originating from Luang Prabang that is mildly spicy and contains a variety of herbs like lemongrass, citronella, Lao chilli wood, garlic and dill, chunks of meat and sticky rice.
• Crispy Mekong fish. Mekong fish – likely the catfish – fried to crispy perfection to go with chilli dipping sauce.
• Kaipen. Seasoned and deep-fried river weed. Delicious when paired with chilli dips.
• Naem. Fermented pork dish. It’s made from a porky mixture that’s been steamed and then hung under the sun for 1 – 2 days.
• Larb Pla Meuk. I had this for my first meal in Vientiane at a night market. BBQ squid paired with lots of herbs and spicy savoury sauce. You could find this dish in Thailand too.

There’s more to the list that I did not get to try:

• Ping Hua Jai Kai. Grilled chicken hearts threaded on a stick.
• Naem Khao. Crispy deep-fried rice with pork, dried coconut and herbs.
• Sai Oua. Herbal Pork Sausages. Sausages made with loads of herbs and pork.
• Khao Jee Pate. Similar to the Banh Mi in Vietnam, and Num Pang in Cambodia.

Phrases to Remember

Lao sounds and looks similar to Thai . I’ve learnt to recognise the Thai numerals and certain useful phrases and found them handy in Laos. Use some basic Lao with the locals to break the ice and infuse some friendliness. If not, English and body language can still get you across.

 Here are some useful phrases to help in your visit:

• Sai Bai Dee. Hello.
• La Kone. Goodbye.
• Khop Jai. Thank you. Add Lai Lai or Deu at the back to signify very much.
• Doi/ Bow. Doi means yes, and Bow means no.
• Khaw Toot. Sounds like Khor Thot in Thai, which means Excuse me, or I’m sorry.
• Baw Pen Nyang. Similar to Mai Pen Rai in Thai. Essentially, no worries .
• Soon. Zero.
• Neung. One.
• Saam. Three.
• Jet. Seven.
• Pet. Eight.
• Phan. Thousand.
• Meng. Ten thousand.

My One Week Itinerary

If you have only a week to spare – like me – and this is your first time travelling in Laos, focus your travel on the conventional Vientiane, Vang Vieng and Luang Prabang belt . Those looking to skip the temples could look into setting Luang Prabang as the base to get to hiking spots further north.

A summary of my itinerary below.

Day 1: Land in Vientiane . I landed late and toured the night market and vicinity.

Day 2: Vientiane to Vang Vieng . Toured Vientiane by foot before taking the mid-morning train to Vang Vieng. Rented a motorbike with a travel buddy to Tham Chang Cave, Nam Xay Viewpoint , Tham Poukham Cave and the Blue Lagoon.

Day 3: Vang Vieng. My travel buddy went for an early morning hot air balloon. We then rented a motorbike to visit the cluster of caves north of Vang Vieng (tubing into the Water Cave, trekking into Loup and Hoi Cave), and an elephant sanctuary. You could sign up for a tour that includes all those plus kayaking and zipline.

Day 4: Vang Vieng to Luang Prabang . Took the train to Luang Prabang, explored some temples, the royal palace-now-museum, and UXO museum, had coffee in a cafe, climbed Phousi Hill for sunset, and listened to Laotian folktales.

Day 5: Luang Prabang. Rented a motorbike to tour Pak Ou Caves and Tad Sae waterfall.

Day 6: Luang Prabang. Travelled to Kuang Si Waterfall , Buffalo Farm and had lunch at a rice plantation.

Day 7: Luang Prabang to Vientiane. Woke up early to spectate the alms, followed by another hike to Phousi Hill to catch the sunrise. Flew back to Vientiane in the afternoon, and caught the fountain show at Patuxai.

Day 8: Fly out of Vientiane. Rounded up the remaining attractions in Vientiane including COPE visitor centre and Pha That Luang. Flew out in the late afternoon.

Laos is a delightful place to travel. While each of the Southeast Asian countries has its unique appeal, I found Laos – at least the places I’ve visited – less busy and practises a slower pace of life. And that was a nice contrast to the most hectic Southeast Asian country I came from!

This post serves as a tidbit and guide on what to expect for a Laos adventure. I expect myself to return to Laos again in the future, perhaps via the slow boat from Thailand to trek, and maybe another trip for the loops in the south. Till then! ✨

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• Customized Tour

Laos Travel Guide: All things you need to know

Situated at the center of the Indochinese Peninsula and surrounded by Myanmar, China, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Thailand, Laos is an often overlooked oasis. However, the fact that Laos possesses many incredible sights from the beauty of nature to rich culture and history. With a slow, rather old-fashioned charm and friendly people, Laos is undoubtedly one of the highlight destinations of any visit.

Our following Laos Travel Guide post will give you comprehensive knowledge for your future plan to Laos – the country of millions of elephants. Let’s keep reading with the Laos Travel team!

General information

Major cities & districts, holidays & festivals, ii. laos visa & immigration, climate of laos, best time to visit laos, thailand laos checkpoints, vietnam laos checkpoints, cambodia laos checkpoints, myanmar laos checkpoints, china laos checkpoints, songthaew or jumbo, vip night bus, private vehicle, vi. places to visit & things to do in laos, 3-star hotels in vientiane, 4-star hotels in vientiane, 5-star hotels in vientiane, 3-star hotels in luang prabang, 4-star hotels in luang prabang, 5-star hotels in luang prabang, accommodation in phonsavan, accommodation in vang vieng, hotels in huay xai, hotels in pakbeng, hotels in nong khiaw, hotels in luang namtha, hotels in pakse, hotels in don khong, hotels in don khone, bolaven plateau, what to eat in laos, restaurants in vientiane:, restaurants in luang prabang:, a. laos cultural & historical tours, b. laos adventure tours, c. laos luxury tours, d. laos culinary tours, e. indochina tours,  xi. travel advisory, i. laos travel facts.

• Country name: Lao People’s Democratic Republic
• Government: Unitary Marxist–Leninist one-party socialist republic
• Head of State: Mr. Bounnhang Vorachith – General Secretary of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party & President of Laos since 2016
• Head of Government: Mr. Thongloun Sisoulith – Prime Minister of Laos since 2016
• Capital: Vientiane (the largest city)
• Location: South East Asia, bordered by China (North), Vietnam (Northeast and East), Cambodia (South), Thailand (West), and Myanmar or Burma (Northwest).
• Border countries: China 423 km, Vietnam 2,130 km, Cambodia 541 km, Thailand 1,754 km, Myanmar 235 km.
• Coastline: 0 km (landlocked)
• Topography: largely mountainous with steep terrain, elevations are typical over 500m with tapered river valleys.
• Total Area: 237,955sq km (91,875 sq miles) – Water: 2,53%
• Population: 7,123,205 (estimate 2019)
• Population density: 26,7 per sq km
• Population Distribution: by elevation: Lao Loum (lowland people) ~ 60%; Lao Theung (midland people) ~ 30%; Lao Soung (highland people) ~ 10%
• Religion: Theravada Buddhism 66.0%, Tai folk religion 30.7%, Christianity 1.5%, Others / None 1.8%
• Ethnic groups: 53.2% Lao, 11% Khmu, 9.2% Hmong, 26.6% others (Phouthai, Tai, Makong, Katang, Lue, Akha, etc)
• National language: Lao is the national language of Laos . However, many tribal languages, French, English are also spoken.
• Time zone: UTC+7 (ICT)
• Calling code: +856
• Electricity Socket: 220V/50Hz (European & US plugs)
• Currency: Lao Kip (LAK). The denominations of the notes are 500, 1,000, 2,000, 5,000, 10,000, 20,000, and 50,000. Besides LAK, US dollars and Thai baht are also widely accepted.
• ATMs: available over Laos with a variable withdrawal fee according to the provider (from 10,000 Kip to 30,000 Kip per million Kip withdrawn. Maximum 2 million Kips per transaction). Visa, MasterCard, and China UnionPay are commonly accepted at these ATMs.
• Changing money: at the airport, at ATM, at the money exchange, or at the bank. Although US dollars and Thai Baht are widely accepted, cash in LAK is still highly recommended for local expenses.
• Internet: Free Wifi can be possible at guesthouses, hotels, and many cafés in tourist destinations, except in rural and isolated areas which are less common. In Vientiane, Free Wifi can be also found at airports or museums as well.
• SIM/Card: A prepaid SIM to stay connected in Laos via a cell phone or another mobile device is necessary. There are 5 GSM network operators in the country: Unitel, ETL, TPlus (formerly Beeline), Laotel, and Planet Online (in Vientiane only). Buy a recharge card to add some credit into SIM for your usage. The prepaid packet is recommended for a good deal.
• 1353–1707 – Kingdom of Lan Xang
• 1707–1778 – Kingdoms of Luang Phrabang, Vientiane & Champasak
• 1778–1893 – Vassals of Siam
• 1893–1953 – French protectorate
• 11 May 1947 – Unified Kingdom
• 22 October 1953 – Independence from France
• 2 December 1975 – Monarchy abolished
• 14 August 1991 – Current constitution
• 1986 – Introduced market reforms
• 1997 – Became member of Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)
• 2011 – New stock market opened in Vientiane
• 2013 – Became a member of the World Trade Organisation (WTO)

Located in South East Asia, Laos is bordered by China (North), Vietnam (Northeast and East), Cambodia (South), Thailand (West), and Myanmar or Burma (Northwest).

• Northern Laos: includes the villages in the hills, mountains, and the ancient capital. (Ban Nalanl Trail, Bokeo Nature Reserve, Houay Xai, Luang Prabang, Luang Namtha, Muang Ngoi Neua, Muang Long, Muang Ngeun, Muang Xay, Nong Khiaw, Pakbeng, Vieng Phoukha)
• Central Laos: includes the capital and the countryside. (Vientiane, Phonsavan, Jars fields, Tha Khaek, Tham Nong Pafa Cave, Vang Vieng, Vieng Xai)
• Southern Laos: includes the Mekong Delta, mountains and is the area least visited by tourists. (Champasak, Pakse, Savannakhet, Si Phan Don)
• Vientiane – the capital, Lao’s largest city on the bank of the Mekong River.
• Luang Prabang – UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for its many sacred temples, colonial architecture, and vibrant night market.
• Houay Xai – on the Mekong River and on the border with Thailand.
• Luang Namtha – the center of the north, well known for trekking.
• Muang Xay – also known as Oudomxay, capital of the multiethnic province of Oudomxay.
• Pakbeng – halfway on slow boat overnight between Houay Xai and Luang Prabang.
• Pakse – the gateway to the relic Wat Phu and “4000 islands” (Si Phan Don).
• Savannakhet – 2 nd largest city in Laos, after Vientiane in the south on the Mekong River, connected by Thailand’s Mukdahan bridge.
• Thakhek – the capital of Khammouane Province, a popular base for exploring Phou Hin Boun National Park including the famous cave Konglor.

Water Festival in Laos New Year taking place in mid-April.

There are some public holidays and festivals in Laos:

• Hmong New Year – usually take place in November and December, at the end of the harvest season when all works are done.
• Bun Pha Wet – in the first month of the year
• Magha Puja – on the night of full moon day in February
• Chinese New Year – January or February according to the lunar calendar
• Boun Khoun Khao – often in March
• Pi Mai/Songkran – Lao New Year, annually in mid-April
• Visakha Puja – in May
• Boun Khao Phansaa – from July until October
• Haw Khao Padap Din – on the 15th day of the waning moon in the 9th month of the lunar calendar
• Awk Phansaa – on the 15th day of the full moon in the 11th month of the lunar calendar
• Bun Nam – in October
• Lao National Day – 2 December

Getting a Visa On Arrival for Laos is very convenient and no need to wait so long. Depending on your nationalities, the visa fee will be varied between US$ 30-US$ 45/person. Visa exemption within 30 days is applied for citizens of ASEAN countries, Japan, Switzerland, Russia, and South Korea.

Certain countries in Africa and the Middle East must apply for visas beforehand while most others can just get visas on arrival by showing up at the airport/border, filling in a form, paying the visa fee, waiting for your turn, and receiving a 30-day tourist visa on arrival. Be sure to get an entry stamp on arrival and an exit stamp before leaving. Double-check the stamp date is good for your travel.

The documents for visa on arrival will include original passport (valid for at least six months) with enough 2 blank pages (endorsement pages are not considered blank); 2 passport-sized photos with a light background, no longer than 6 months (or it will cost you US$ 1-2 extra for this service), application form and visa fee (in cash in USD or even Thai Bath).

More details about List of Who Can’t get Laos Visa on Arrival & Port of Entry for Visa On Arrival in Laos , you can find here: https://laostravel.com/laos-visa/

From July 2019, the Laos government has officially launched The E-Visa Laos which is an electronic travel authorization, allowing citizens from 162 eligible countries (list at https://laoevisa.gov.la ) who can apply online (non-refund). Lao e-Visa can be used to enter 5 international ports:

• Wattay International Airport (Vientiane)
• Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge 1 (Vientiane)
• Luang Prabang International Airport (Luang Prabang)
• Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge 2 (Savannakhet)
• Pakse International Airport (Champasak)

Useful Tips:

• Hotel booking & Return tickets may be required to show (not always if you traveling overland). It is wise to produce an itinerary from a travel agent to avoid any problems.
• Currency restrictions for entry or exit: The import or export of local currency is not permitted. Over 2,000 USD or equivalent in foreign currency, the declaration at customs can be applied.
• Few nationalities (from particular African countries like Sudan, Somalia, etc., or Asian countries like Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Pakistan, etc.) can be asked for the security deposit (from USD 500) at costumes & will return on the day of departure. Otherwise, entry won’t be allowed.

III. Laos Climate & Best time to visit

The overall topography of Laos is mountainous and hilly consisting of thick green forests.

Laos has a typical tropical monsoon climate with a wet season from May to October (by the winds of the southwest monsoon) and a dry season from November to April (by the northeast monsoon). However, there are variations in temperature within each season. For example, the dry months leading up to the wet season (March and April) and the early wet season (May and June) are typically the hottest periods of the year.

During the wet (rainy) season , average rainfall can reach 1,300 to 2,300 mm (50 to 90 in). The heaviest rainfall is generally in August & September, especially in the South where the highest amounts of 4,100 mm (160 in) are recorded on the Bolovens Plateau, Champasak Province. However, the rainfall is not always adequate for rice cultivation because, sometimes, it may be only half or less of the norm, causing significant declines in rice yields. Luckily, such droughts often are by region, so production in other parts of the country is unaffected. The average temperature in the wet season is around 27 °C (80 °F).

In the dry season , minimum temperatures average between 16 and 21 °C (60 and 70 °F) in the cool months of December through February, then increase higher of more than 32 °C (90 °F) in March and April, just before the start of the rainy season. The coolest month comes to January while April is usually the hottest month together with Lao New Year and water festival.

Temperatures throughout the country do vary by altitude (lowest point: Mekong River 70m – highest point: Phou Bia 2,817m). There is an average drop of 1.7 °C for every 300m (~ 1000 ft.). As a general rule, according to the higher altitude in North, Central, and Eastern regions than in the South and Mekong River valley, the humidity of these areas is also higher and temperatures can easily reach over 32°C in the hottest months of the year.  

Great time at Blue Lagoon in Vang Vieng.

Despite 2 distinct weather seasons in Laos, you can actually travel to this landlocked country all year round. The best time to visit can be from November to February when the weather is the most pleasant, and even get pretty cold in the evenings if you are in the far north of Laos.

Tips: If you plan to travel in March or April, you should prepare yourself for the height of hot seasons as well as the burning of the fields which create the air as smoky as it is humid. In the rainy season, rain gear with you will be a smart choice for a smooth trip. The dry season also falls in high/peak season when the travel expenses are expected to increase, especially on Christmas/New Year Eve or Lao New Year in mid-April. Therefore, making travel service reservations at the earliest stage possible is highly suggested to avoid full occupancy or lower service quality.

IV. How to get to Laos?

As Laos has been overlooked as a travel destination with fewer tourists than its neighboring countries, it also means less tourism infrastructure than other countries in the region.

Lao Airlines – the national airline of Laos, headquartered in Vientiane, serving domestic and some international flights to Cambodia, China, Japan, South Korea, Thailand, and Vietnam.

It is obviously seen that the most common & fastest way to get to Laos is by flights (direct, daily or not frequently, depends on travel dates). There are 2 main international airports in Laos are Wattay International Airport (Vientiane – VTE) & Luang Prabang International Airport (Luang Prabang – LPQ) where to locate several airlines carriers such as Lao Airlines (QV), Vietnam Airlines (VN), Bangkok Airways (PG) & Thai Airways (TG).

Other airports of Pakse (PKZ) or Savannakhet (ZVK) also serve a few regional flights.

Lao Airlines provides the most various domestic and international flights, of which, from Vientiane , there are international flights to/from Phnom Penh, Siem Reap (Cambodia); some provinces in China; Seoul (Korea); Bangkok, Chiang Mai (Thailand) or Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Danang (Vietnam).

From Luang Prabang, you can have a choice of flights nearly the same from Vientiane, except for fewer provinces in China and no flight from/to Ho Chi Minh City.

From Pakse , you have flights from/to Siem Reap, Bangkok, and Ho Chi Minh City, while they are flights with Bangkok, Danang from Savannakhet Airport .

Vietnam Airlines serves flights from Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Danang to Luang Prabang, Vientiane, and vice versa.

Bangkok Airlines provides flights to Luang Prabang from Bangkok, Chiang Mai, or Phuket, and vice versa.

Thai Airways have flights from Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi to Luang Prabang, Vientiane, and vice versa.

Border of Laos & Vietnam in Dansavanh.

If flights are not your preference or you expect more adventurous trips from place to place, access by overland to Laos through border crossings can make sense. Just note that visa on arrival is not available at all overland entry points, so you need to check for the most up-to-date information to get a smooth journey.

There are 6 routes across the Thai border into Laos as follows:

• Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge I: Nong Khai to Vientiane;
• Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge II: Mukdahan to Savannakhet;
• Friendship Bridge III: Nakhon Phanom to Thakhek;
• Chiang Khong – Houayxai, Chiang Rai to Bokeo Province;
• Chong Mek – Vang Tao, Ubol Ratchathani to Champasack Province;
• Nakaxeng – Kaenthao, Loei to Sayabouly Province.

Visa on arrival is accepted at all these border checkpoints . Laos E-Visa is also available for Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge I, II. To save time, a pre-visa at the embassy before traveling will definitely work well.

Tay Trang border gate between Vietnam & Laos

You can travel into Laos from Vietnam via the following 7 border points:

• Tay Trang – Sop Hun; Dien Bien to Phongsaly Province;
• Na Meo – Namsoi; Thanh Hoa to Huaphanh Province;
• Nam Can – Nam Khan; Nghe An to Xieng Khuang Province;
• Cau Treo – Nam Phao; Ha Tinh to Bolikhamxai Province;
• Lao Bao – Dansavanh, Quang tri to Savannakhet Province;
• Bo Y – Phou Keua, Kon Tum to Attapeu Province;
• Cha Lo – Naphao, Quang Binh to Khammuane Province.

Visas on arrival are not available at all of these crossings. Need to check before travel. Visa at the embassy is highly recommended to save time, especially in peak season.

There is one border gate which is upgraded to international checkpoints in 2009 between Cambodia & Laos as below:

• Trapeang Kriel (old name: Dong Kralor) – Nong Nokkhien (old name: Veun Kham) , Stung Treng to Champasak Province.

Visa on arrival is available at this checkpoint. Visa at Embassy is still recommended to prepare before a trip to save time.

There is one main crossing at the Friendship Bridge between two countries:

• Kyainglap – Xieng Kok, eastern Shan State to Luang Namtha Province.

Visa at Embassy is required before the trip.

There are 2 border gates between the 2 countries:

• Mohan – Boten, Yunnan to Luang Namtha Province (*).
• Mengkan – Lantouy, Yunnan to Phongsaly Province (for Chinese and Laotian citizens only)

Visa on arrival is available at the checkpoint (*). Visa at Embassy is recommended before the trip to save time.

Peaceful Mekong River when the darkness falls.

The Mekong River is an important transportation link among countries. If you’re coming from Chiang Khong in Northern Thailand, you can take the 2-day slow boat downstream from Huay Xai to Luang Prabang with a typical stop at Pakbeng and visit Pak Ou Caves along the way.

Due to the lack of the required infrastructure, the railway is not a significant part of the transport sector of Laos while the Thanaleng Station on the Lao side of the border is the only station for the Bangkok–Thanaleng rail route. There are 4 direct trains from Bangkok (Hualamphong Station) to Nong Khai or vice versa with an estimated travel time is 9 hours 25 minutes. The fastest train from Bangkok to Nong Khai is #75 (estimated departure at 8.20) and the return way by #76 (estimated departure at 7.00).

By the end of 2021, the Boten – Vientiane railway (also known as the China-Laos railway) will be expected to be completed. This will be a new railway that will connect Kunming in China to Vientiane in Laos in 414km. At the Southern end, Thailand is also preparing to build a new railway that will connect to this line.

 V. Getting Around Laos

Getting around Laos on its own transport system is challenging due to the vehicle quality, slow travel, and road condition. Therefore, journeys can take a lot longer than distances that are shown on a map. Route 13 is the country’s main route which stretches from Luang Prabang, passing through Vientiane, Savannakhet, and Pakse with a steady flow of bus traffic. Apart from Route 13, there is a wide range of road conditions from freshly paved carriageways to potholed tracks. Anyway, it is still an adventure, and there are plenty of transport forms in Laos for your choice. Let’s find out below.

Bicycle is easy means to travel around Laos and save costs.

Renting a bicycle for touring around the city such as Vientiane, Luang Prabang, Paske or Si Phan Don is not only saving money but good for active persons and easily access the tourist ways. It can cost 10,000-50,000LAK for a day. Do ask for a lock, helmet. Also, remember to stay hydrated and look out for erratic traffic.

Tuk Tuk in Laos is popular to get around.

This is ubiquitous means while traveling in any major city of Laos. Tuk Tuks are suitable for groups and cheaper than taxies. The price can typically be around 30,000-50,000LAK around town. Fix the price with the driver before you go to avoid any unpleasant feeling due to an upcharge at your destination.

The cheap fare at about 10,000-20,000LAK for this form of transportation, followed by a set route at irregular intervals. However, do prepare yourself without surprise if you might be riding with many other locals from school children to those with their baskets of daily products (fish, rice…).

Motorbike brings you more adventurous feelings with good driving skills.

You can rent a motorbike which is automatic or semi-automatic from your accommodation in major tourist destinations. Cash deposit or your passport can be required in this case, but make sure that your personal document will be safe with you all the time to avoid any trouble on the way. Before departing, check carefully the bikes including breaks, tire pressure, and shifting. Keep a full tank and wear a helmet always.

Getting transferred from place to place on VIP Night Bus will be a memorable experience in Laos.

Taking a double-decker VIP night bus with air-conditioned, toilets on board, blankets, and pillows at around 150,000LAK (verified by destinations) will be a good option to go anywhere in Laos, but it takes time, of course. You can buy the tickets through your accommodation or at the station directly. Take your shoes off and put them in the plastic bag before boarding on the bus. You can bring your own snacks, eye mask, earplugs, and sleeping meds for a pleasant experience of your own. A twin bunk is for 2 people to share. For your most privacy, think to paying two tickets to get the whole bunk for yourself.

Another type of transport in Laos – the minivan.

Another form of transportation that you can try in Laos if the crowds, no seatbelt or someone’s leg or child to touch you do not cause so much uncomfortable to you, is a minivan at around 50,000LAK. Just show up at the bus station and find the van to your desired place. Its bags and cargo will go on the top of the vans. Take care of your personal valued things (money, passport).

  Local Bus

Challenge yourself with a try on a local bus as the way that the locals of Laos often take in their daily life.

Trying a local bus with a fan-cooled brings you a super experience in Laos including watching a Lao music video, regular stops for cigarettes, loading and unloading cargo, or even peeing in the bush.

Cheaper than tourist buses with more frequent departure and allow you to get off anywhere along the route, not just major bus stations. However, you should be familiar with the local way of sitting on little plastic stools which are put into the aisle for more seating or some motion sickness from the locals. Bring a plastic bag with you in this case.

A private van is always the most comfortable and flexible vehicle for your trip.

This is the most reliable and faster way to travel in Laos. You can ask for service from your accommodation or via a travel agent. Offline maps app will be helpful to navigate because many Lao people are unfamiliar with reading maps and rely on landmarks. A completed preparation for whole services before traveling will keep you stress-free and a travel agent can easily assist you in this case. Don’t hesitate to contact the Laos Travel team in this case.

A slow boat trip on the river.

Rivers are very important in navigable waterways in Laos, including stretches of the Mekong, Nam Ou, Nam Ngum, Xe Kong, and some other arteries, among which, the Mekong is the longest and most important route. Since route 13 has been upgraded, Mekong remains links Huay Xai and Luang Prabang by slow boats instead from Huay Xai to Savannakhet in the South as before. Smaller boats still cruise on smaller rivers, but it all depends on the water levels if it is high enough to operate or not.

Pakse Airport

Lao Airlines (QV) is the main domestic carrier in Laos that provides excellent customer service and runs more professionally. However, due to lack of competition, the airfares can be steep and more limited flights to every destination on every day of the week. But anyway, this can save considerable time on a short visit while Laos airport is small which also save your time to present less than normal schedule.

Plain of Jars in Phonsavan.

Getting to Laos means exploring the area’s unspoiled natural beauty as this landlocked country remains one of the most pristine and culturally rich countries in South East Asia (SEA). Laos is known for its spectacular limestone mountains, forests, waterfalls, French colonial architecture, sacred temples, ethnic villages, making it a real adventure in SEA. Although often being overshadowed by its neighboring countries, Laos still has plenty to offer with the benefit of being less crowded and providing a perfect setting for the relaxing and laidback atmosphere as well as adventure sports and outdoor activities.

Let’s see! For those who prefer the slow and peaceful spaces, a spiritual tour at sacred temples in main places such as Luang Prabang, Pak Ou Caves, Vientiane, Champasak (Wat Phou) , etc will work well. Wake up early in the morning to take part in Alms giving ceremony to the monks is definitely great. Other things to do are walking around Luang Prabang Old Quarter, watching the daily life of locals, attending colorful night markets, joining a cooking class or food tour . Why not?

For nature lovers, try a trip to Buddha Park in Vientiane, waterfalls in Luang Prabang or Si Phan Don, Bolaven Plateau in the South, elephant sanctuary in Vang Vieng , doing farming works in Luang Prabang, ethnic villages of North or South Laos . If you are a fan of adventure and outdoor activities, no need to look further as this is enough for a good destination to meet. You can experience a stay in the treehouses and try with Gibbon Experience by zip line through the forests in the Bokeo Nature Reserve (Bokeo Province, North of Laos); go tubing in Vang Vieng; join trekking to explore the hidden places.

The best areas for this great experience are Northern Laos with the most pristine mountains and adventurous trails such as Nong Khiaw, Luang Nam Tha, Phongsaly …where you can access remote villages & meet ethnic minorities. Don’t forget to check out the 4,000 Islands for kayaking, biking, and trekking. Those who seek a truly unique historic experience should visit the Plain of Jars and the Vieng Xai Caves . Paying a visit to museums or other historical sites throughout the country brings you a deeper understanding of the destination where you are visiting.

A cruising moment along the Mekong River.

Love cruising? Yes, Laos also offers. A Mekong Sunset Cruise or a longer boat trip down (2 days) from Huay Xai , a border town between Laos and Thailand to Luang Prabang through Pakbeng; or discover the serene beauty of South Laos during a cruise from Pakse , the capital of Champasak Province, to Mekong Islands. Interesting?

Read more about Best places to visit in Laos at: https://laostravel.com/best-places-to-visit-in-laos/ Read more about Best things to do in Laos at: https://laostravel.com/best-things-to-do-in-laos/

VII. Accommodation in Laos

Where to stay in Laos? This question is very popular and become one important part of any trip. There are good (even luxury) hotels & some fantastic boutique options in main cities such as Luang Prabang, Vientiane. The better concentration goes to Luang Prabang because of its UNESCO-listed setting and elegant colonial buildings. In other places, the facilities will be more basic, just some exceptions. Guesthouses, hostels, homestays are also available, especially in remote areas, sometimes a bit old-fashioned look.

Although being not as modern as in Thailand or Vietnam, hotels in Laos normally get higher prices. Depending on seasons (low/high) and accommodation ranges, the prices can vary anywhere between 40$ – 250$ per room (1-2 people sharing) per night, catering for budgets from 3-5 stars. It will cost lower for choices in guesthouses, hostels, or homestays, and higher for some luxury options in Luang Prabang such as Amantaka of Rosewood Luang Prabang. During peak season, do expect an increase in prices, especially in 4*,5*, and luxury ones.

Here is the suggested list of preferred choices of accommodation in the main regions of Laos for your pocket list.

Accommodation in Vientiane

• S2 Modern Boutique Hotel Add: Chao Anou Road, Vientiane Tel: +856 21 253 611
• Bloom Boutique Hotel & Café Add: Rue Setthathilath Xiengngeun Village, Chanthaboury District, Vientiane Tel: +856 21 216 140
• Xaysomboun Boutique Hotel and Spa Add: Khounboulom Road Sisaket Village, Chanthabouly District, Vientiane Tel: +856 21 216 233

Ansara Hotel – a Vientiane boutique hotel, located right in the center of the capital.

• Ansara Hotel Add: Quai Fa Gum, Ban Vat Chan Tha Hom 5, Chanthaburi District, Vientiane Tel: +856 21 213 514
• Poet Hotel Add: Henbounnoy Street, Ban Haysoke, Chanthabouly District, Vientiane Tel: +856 21 253 537
• Salana Boutique Add: Chao Anou Rd, 112 Wat Chan Village Chanthabouly District, Vientiane Tel: +856 21 254 254

The swimming pool area in Crown Plaza Vientiane.

• Le Seine By Burasari Add: 160 Quai Fa Ngum, Ban Sithan Neua, Sikhottabong District, Vientiane Tel: +856 21 253 800
• Settha Palace Add: 6 Pangkham Street, Vientiane Tel: +856 (21) 217 581
• Crown Plaza Vientiane Add: 20 Samsenthai Road, Nongduang Nua Village, Sikhottabong District, Vientiane Tel: +856 21 908 888

Accommodation in Luang Prabang

Villa Maydou – Boutique Hotel in Luang Prabang.

• Villa Chitdara Add: Ban Vat Nong, Khounsua Road, Luang Prabang Tel: +856 71 254 949
• Villa Ban Lakkham Add: Soukkasuem Rd, Ban Vatsene, Luang Prabang Tel: +856 71 252 677
• Sala Prabang Add: 81 / 1 Ounkham Road Ban Xiengmouane, Luang Prabang Tel: +856 71 252 460
• Villa Maydou Add: Ban Meuna, B.P 749, Luang Prabang Tel: +856 71 254 601

Experience your stay at 4-star Villa Maly Boutique Hotel in Luang Prabang.

• Villa Maly Add: 75, Oupalath Khamboua Road, Ban That Luang Village, Luang Prabang Tel: +856 71 253 903
• Le Bell Air Hotel Add: 1 Old Bridge, Ban Muang Nga, pb 120, Luang Prabang Tel: +856 71 254 699
• Victoria Xieng Thong Palace Hotel Add: Kounxoau Rd, Ban Phonehueng, Luang Prabang Tel: +856 71 213 200
• Burasari Heritage Hotel Add: 44-47 Unit 3, Khiri Village, Kingitsarath Road, Luang Prabang Tel: +856 71 255 031

The first Pullman to arrive in Laos with an idyllic setting. In the midst of all the greenery, semi-detached villas all turn to face the misty mountains.

• Satri House Add: 057 Photisarath Road, Ban That Luang, Luang Prabang Tel: +856 71 253 491
• Pullman hotel Add: Ban Pong Wanh, Luang Prabang Tel: +856 71 211 112
• Sofitel Luang Prabang Add: Ban Mano Mano Mai, Luang Prabang Tel: +856 71 260 777
• Luang Say Residence Add: 4-5 Ban Phonepheng, Luang Prabang Tel: +856 71 260 891
• Belmond La Residence Phou Vao Resort Add: 3 PO Box 50, Luang Prabang Tel: +856 71 212 530
• Amantaka Hotel Add: 55/3 Kingkitsarath Road, Ban Thongchaleun, Luang Prabang Tel: +856 71 860 333

Read more: Best hotels in Luang Prabang

Located in Phonsavanh town, Maly Hotel gives special touches with a distinctive Lao personality and charm.

•   3-star Vansana Plain Of Jars Add: Ban Phonesavanh, Phonsavan Tel: + 856 61 213 170-3
• 3-star Anoulack Khen  Hotel Add: 059/4, Ban Phonsavanxay, Pek District, Xiengkhouang Province Tel: +856 61 213 599
• 3-star Maly Hotel Add: P.O.Box 649A Phonsavanh, Paek District, Xiengkhouang Province Tel: +856 61 312 031

Amazing view from the restaurant of Riverside Boutique Vang Vieng.

• 3-star Silver Naga Hotel Add: Ban Savang, Vang Vieng Tel: +856 23 511 822
• 3-star Villa Vang Vieng Riverside Add: Ban Viengkeo, Vang Vieng Tel: +856 23 511 460
• 3-star + Villa Nam Song Vang Vieng Add: Ban Viengkeo Vang Vieng Tel: +856 23 511 637
• 4-star Riverside Boutique Vang Vieng Add: Ban Viengkeo, PO 360, Vang Vieng Tel: +856 23 511 726-8
• 4-star Inthira Vang Vieng hotel Add: Ban Viengkeo, Vang Vieng Tel: +856 23 511 088

  Accommodation in North Laos

Houay Xai Riverside Hotel – a stop for those who make a trip from Thailand to Laos via border crossing at Chiang Khong.

3* Houay Xai Riverside Hotel Add: R3A Road, Ban Khonekeo, Houay Xai District Tel: +856 8) 211 765

Luang Say Lodge – the best accommodation in Pakbeng, together with an experience on Luang Say cruise from Huay Xai to Luang Prabang or vice versa, stop over in Pakbeng.

3* Mekong Riverside Lodge Add: On the bank of Mekong River, Pakbeng Tel: +856 20 55 171 068 3* Pakbeng Riverside Hotel Add: Ban Pakbeng village, Pakbeng Tel: +856 20 58 740 999 4* Luang Say Lodge (with Luang Say Cruise) Add: On the left bank of Mekong River, Pakbeng Tel: +856 81 212 296

Infinity Swimming Pool at Mandala Ou Resort – The Only one In Nong Khiaw.

3* Nong Kiau Riverside Add: 78/1 Ban Sop Houn, Nong Khiaw Tel: +856 71 810 004 3*+ Mandala Ou Resort Add: on the left bank of the Nam Ou River, Nong Khiaw Tel: +856 30 53 77 332

Zuela Guesthouse – a little oasis of a place, tucked back from the main street of Luang Namtha.

The Boat Landing Guest House and Restaurant Add: PO Box 28 Ban Kone, Luang Namtha Tel: +856 86 312 398 Phou Iu III Bungalows Add: Phonxay Village, Luang Namtha Tel: +856 20 9944 0084 Zuela Guest house Add: Main Luang Namtha Road (opposite to Night Market), Luang Namtha Tel: +856 20 2239 1966

Accommodations in South Laos

Fun time at The River Resort – eco-friendly lodging in Pakse.

3* Pakse Hotel Add: Street N°5, Ban Vat Luang, Pakse Tel: +856 31 212 131 3* Residence Sisouk Add: Ban Lakmuang, Pakse Tel: +856 31 214 716 3*+ Athena hotel Add: Phabat Village, Pakse Tel: +856 31 214 888 4* La Folie Lodge Add: Done Daeng, District Pathoumphone, BP 668, Pakse Tel: +856 20 55 532 004 4* The River Resort Add: Ban Phaphinnoy, 14A Road, Champasak Tel: +856 31 511 055 4* Le Jardin De Pakse Add: 001 unit 01 Phonsavanh Village, Pakse Tel: +856 30 94 63 324

Pon Arena Hotel – located on the riverfront of Khong Island.

3* Pon Arena Add: Ban Kangkong, Muang Khong, Khong Island Tel: +856 31 253 065 3* Senesothxeune Hotel Add: Muang Kong, Ban Khang Khong, Khong Island, Tel: +856 20 55 353 949

A relaxing time at Sala Done Khone Hotel.

3* Sala Done Khone Hotel Add: Ban Khone Tai, Don Khone Tel: +856 31 515 050

Sinouk Coffee Resort aims to welcome visitors and promote the beauty of the unique land, becoming the driver and key landmark for Coffee Tourism in Laos.

3* Tad Fane Resort Add: No.23 Lak 38 Paxong Road, Ban Nongkok, Pakse Tel: +856 20 5669 3366 3* Tadlo Lodge Add: Ban Nongtoung, Pakse 3* Sinouk Coffee Resort Add: Paksong-Thateng Road, LakKhao Village, Bolaven Plateau Tel: +856 30 955 8960

VIII. What and Where to Eat in Laos?

Closely related to Thai cuisine (in fact, many popular Thai dishes were influenced by Lao cuisine), Lao food shares many of the same traditional dishes. The main sources of protein in the Lao diet include freshwater fish, pork, chicken, duck, water buffalo together with distinctive taste to fish sauce, chili, lemongrass, lime juice, or other herbs. A cooking class in Laos will definitely help you to learn more about the local cuisine. Alternatively, below are lists of some of Laos’ specialties that you should not miss.

Taste Laos traditional cuisine should not be missed in your trip to this country.

• Jaew: One of the main staples of Laos food, referring to the dipping sauces for every Laos dish. It will be served with steamed fish, grilled meat, vegetables, and sticky rice.
• Sticky rice: This is very popular and eaten at every meal, every time of the day in Laos. You can easily find this dish in a cone-shaped woven basket or on skewers barbecuing over a grill on the streets. Sticky rice can be served together with grilled meat, fish dishes, salads, or even omelets.
• Laap (or differently spelled as larp, lahp): This is the signature dish of Laos which can be made with almost any meat (fish, chicken, pork, beef, buffalo, or duck) mixed with sauce, vegetables, and herbs. There are different versions of cooked meat or raw (the locals can enjoy this way with drinks) but it is safer with cooked meat anyway.
• Sai Oua: This is a tasty grilled pork sausage of Laos packed with herbs and spices, typically served with sticky rice. There is also another local sausage called  Sai Oua Krouaille, a black spicy grilled buffalo sausage, that you can find in Luang Prabang.
• Tam Mak Hoong (Papaya Salad): Similar to Som Tam Salad in Thailand, this salad dish is made with unripe shredded papaya, fish sauce, meat, and vegetable. If you like spicy food, this dish is absolutely suitable for you. Serving with some sticky rice will give more balance to its spiciness.
• Mok Pa (Steamed fish in banana leaves): If Cambodia has Fish Amok as the signature dish, then Laos has Mok Pa in a considerably similar way. The fish is soaked in vibrant local flavors such as kaffir lime leaves, lemongrass, onion, chili, and fish sauce, then neatly packaged in a banana leaf tied up with a bamboo string. It is then steamed until the fish is perfectly well done. Tasting soft fish with sticky rice will melt your mouth with each bite.
• Khao Piak Sen (Lao noodle soup) : This staple can be easily found in almost every street corner of Laos. The dish includes flat rice noodles served with meat (beef, chicken, pork) with a handful of greens and various vegetables. If following the local style, this bowl can go with a few innards such as heart, liver, and tongue. For those who find a quick meal but still tasty, this is the right choice.

The above list is not all but among the most popular specialties of Laos cuisine for tourists. There are more than that, just wait for your arrival to discover yourself.

Where to eat in Laos?

As the culinary hubs of the country, Vientiane and Luang Prabang are boasting excellent Lao food and international cuisine. There are several good restaurants in the regions for your delicious meals with mouthwatering dishes of Laos & fusion food. Here we go with some samples.

Kualao Restaurant in Vientiane from outside.

• Lao Kitchen (11.00 am – 10.00 pm), offers a set of Laos dishes such as sticky rice, Pakse-style pork sausage, Luang Prabang style stew, grilled Mekong fish, or even vegetarian food. Location: 140/01, Unit 15, Rue Hengboun, Baan Anou, Vientiane
• Kualao Restaurant (11.00 am – 2.00 pm & 4.00 pm – 10.00 pm), serves Laos cuisine in an upscale setting, including papaya salad, handmade Lao sausage, deep-fried Mekong fish, spring rolls… The restaurant also holds traditional Lao dance and music performances. Location: 134 Samsenthai Road, Thatdam Intersection, Vientiane
• L’Addresse – Cuisine by Tinay (11.00 am – 10.00 pm): This is an authentic French restaurant with all the French staples in the menu (set or a la carte options) and extension wine list. It will add more taste to your stay in Laos, besides local delicious cuisine as always. Location: Just behind Wat Ong Teu, Vientiane
• Bor Pen Nyang (10.00 am-midnight): This restaurant overlooks the Mekong River with a rooftop bar so if you would like to watch the sunset, head here early to get seats available and enjoy the various ranges of food, such as fajitas, pizzas, Lao-style BBQ, larb, soup, etc. together with draught BeerLao in pints, pitchers and beer towers. Location: Quai Fa Ngum, Vientiane
• Khop Chai Deu (7.00 am – 11.30 pm): This is a favorite spot among ex-pats, backpackers, and tourists, serving authentic Laos, international dishes and vegetarian options. Location: 54 Sethathirat Road, Namphou, Vientiane

Tangor Restaurant Bar & Lounge.

• Manda de Laos (12.00 pm – 3.00 pm & 6.00 pm – 10.30 pm; Bar: 12.00 pm-midnight): Located around a UNESCO classified Lilypond, features Laotian Family Cuisine specialties from all regions of Laos. The decoration is cozy and chic, giving attention to the details which make the overall experience incredible. Location: 10 Norrassan Road, Unit 1 Luang Prabang
• 3 Nagas Restaurant & Bar (10.00 am – 10.00 pm): Good traditional Lao cuisine with good services, including gentle sounds of traditional folk music in a beautiful setting and a fantastic wine list. The restaurant also serves a vegetarian menu on request. Location: Vatnong Village, Sakhaline Road, Luang Prabang
• Tamarind Restaurant & Cooking school (11.00 am – 10.00 pm): Serves a true taste of Lao cuisine. This family-run business also operates a cooking school to discover the secrets and customs at the heart of Laos kitchen with an informative market tour in a picturesque lakeside pavilion. Location: On Nam Kham River, Ban Wat Sen, Luang Prabang
• Tangor Restaurant (10.30 am – 11.00 pm):   Featuring diverse options of French and international cuisine in a cozy atmosphere, you can experience the best western gastronomy and Laos culture. Location: 63/6 Sisavangvong Road, Luang Prabang
• Khaiphaen Restaurant (10.00 am – 1.00 pm, closed on Sat, Sun): offers a creative Laos cuisine with great shakes and cocktails in beautiful surroundings. This is a popular training restaurant that operates a network of inspired venues across the region. Location: 100 Sisavang Vatana Road, Ban Wat Nong (Between the French Institute and the Mekong River), Luang Prabang

Apart from restaurants, you can easily enjoy the cuisine of Laos at many street stalls, night markets, or any Laotian home. In rural Laos , especially the remote mountainous regions, you also see different animals, such as mouse deer, wild pigs, rats, birds, etc. being sold on the roadside when traveling here, although they may not be encountered on menus. So, don’t be surprised!

IX. Suggested Laos Itinerary

Kuang Si Waterfalls.

• Hidden World of Laos 7 days Destination: Vientiane, Xieng Khuang, Luang Prabang Overview: Just a week for the Laos trip, enough? It is yes. During these 7 days of adventure, discover Laos’ hidden beauty in the capital of Vientiane and Luang Prabang with stunning stupas, mysterious pagodas, and glorious temples. Moreover, you will visit the Plain of Jars tribal villages in Xieng Khouang and learn the traditions and customs of the local people…. Details: https://laostravel.com/tour/hidden-world-of-laos/
• Laos Highlights 8 days Destination: Luang Prabang, Vientiane, Pakse, 4000 islands Overview: Traveling from the North to the South in just more than a week will bring you a different experience of Laos. The itinerary covers the ancient town of Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Heritage Site; a relaxing atmosphere in Vientiane with a cold beer and sunset views over the Mekong; an ideal base for weary in Pakse with friendly locals and adventure down to 4000 islands to admire the beauty of nature. Details: https://laostravel.com/tour/laos-highlights/
• Laos Essential 11 days Destination: Luang Prabang, Vang Vieng, Vientiane, Pakse, Wat Phou, 4000 islands Overview: A deeper exploration in this 11-day trip in Laos takes you to Luang Prabang – a perfect spot to unwind, eat good food and enjoy the scenery; then head to Vientiane, Laos’ capital city to explore French architecture as well as beautiful, ornate Buddhist temples. Next, travel further to the South to experience the laidback, sleepy, charming local life of Siphandone, which consists of lots of tiny islands scattered in the vast Mekong Delta. Details: https://laostravel.com/tour/laos-essential/
• Laos Insight 13 days Destination: Luang Prabang, Xieng Khuang, Vang Vieng, Vientiane, Pakse, Khong Island Overview: Spend mostly 2 weeks in Laos, you will feel great to discover the best things of this lovely country of South East Asia. The trip covers the most highlight destinations of Laos from the exquisite town of Luang Prabang; the mysterious town of Phonsavan with the Plain of Jars; a peaceful town of Vang Vieng with many attractive outdoor activities; Laos’ capital – Vientiane, and ends in Southern Laos. All in one in this trip for culture, history, natural beauty, and adventure. Details: https://laostravel.com/tour/laos-insight/

Pak Ou Caves.

• North Laos Adventure 10 days Destination: Vientiane, Luang Namtha, Huay Xai, Pakbeng, Luang Prabang Overview: From Laos’ capital – Vientiane, this trip allows you to explore the attractive North of Laos. Traveling down the mighty Mekong River is the most incredible adventure, and on this package, you will have a chance to connect with remote villages and friendly Hill Tribes as Khmu, Lantern… along the way. Details: https://laostravel.com/tour/north-laos-adventure/
• South Laos In-Depth 5 days Destination: Pakse, Wat Phou, Bolaven Plateau, Ban Kiet Ngong Overview: Southern Laos is the land for those who love a slow life. People here very much enjoy their life in no hurry. Travel to Southern Laos, you will not only visit the historical site but also discover the beauty of nature and the local lifestyle. Details: https://laostravel.com/tour/southern-laos-in-depth/
• Grand Laos 27 days Destination: Luang Prabang, Huay Xai, Luang Namtha, Nong Khiaw, Xieng Khuang, Vang Vieng, Vientiane, Pakse, Bolaven Plateau, Khong Island Overview: Nothing better when you have time to travel & get most of everything from your destination in one go. You can have it on this tour which offers you the chance to discover deeper Laos. Within 27 days you will explore almost all places in Laos from the hill tribe villages in mountainous areas Northern to peaceful towns on rivers bank. From ancient Luang Prabang to bustling Pakse. You will see all the beautiful waterfalls, different ancient temples, and ruins, cultural diversity of many different places. Realy worthy for your adventure. Details: https://laostravel.com/tour/grand-laos/

Royal Palace Museum in Luang Prabang.

• Laos Luxury Journey 7 days Destination: Vientiane, Luang Prabang Overview: A week tour to explore Laos – one of South East Asia’s most beautiful secrets in luxury style, why not? This country is a land of wats (temples) and orange-robed monks. Laos is tranquil and unhurried, being the perfect base to experience luxury holidays in beautiful resorts with a unique local style. Let’s come to Laos and explore its most favorite destinations including the country’s capital – Vientiane and UNESCO World Heritage Site – Luang Prabang. Details: https://laostravel.com/tour/laos-luxury-journey/

Experience a cooking class to understand more about the secrets of Laos cuisine.

• Taste of Laos 7 days Destination: Vientiane, Luang Prabang Overview: Understand the secrets of local culinary arts not just by tasting, but hands-on it on your own, that will definitely great experience. This 7-day tour gives you time to explore the most highlights as well as to join Laotian cooking classes in beautiful Vientiane and the UNESCO World Heritage site of Luang Prabang. Let your culinary senses guide your way, indulging in a tapestry of tastes and tantalizing aromas all while traveling in comfort and style. Details: https://laostravel.com/tour/taste-of-laos/
• Culinary Delights 9 days Destination: Luang Prabang, Vientiane, Khong Island, Pakse Overview: Combine your love for food with your passion for travel on this unique culinary tour. Learn the secrets of Laos’ world-famous cuisine, as you explore the landscape, meet the people and delve into the history of the country – finding inspiration in the favorite local dishes. Details: https://laostravel.com/tour/culinary-delights/

Halong Bay – UNESCO World Heritage Site in Vietnam.

• Highlights of North Laos & Vietnam 9 days Destination: Vientiane, Luang Prabang, Hanoi, Halong Bay Overview: Combined travel between Laos and Vietnam will give you opposing emotions, but it will be memorable memories in your life. This trip will lead you to 2 world heritage sites: Luang Prabang town and Halong Bay. Luang Prabang is a charming town with beautiful architecture, a peaceful haven for anyone who dreams of an escape from a busy life. While Halong Bay will give you the breathtaking moment with the beauty created by Mother Nature. Details: https://laostravel.com/tour/highlights-of-vietnam-north-laos/
• Highlights of Cambodia & Laos 9 days Destination: Siem Reap, Luang Prabang, Vientiane Overview: If you would like to experience truly Southeast Asia, this tour is the right choice for you. As home to the once-powerful Khmer Empire, you shouldn’t miss Angkor temples, among which, Angkor Wat is protected as one of Southeast Asia’s most impressive UNESCO World Heritage Sites while visiting Cambodia. Laos retains many of the traditions that have disappeared in a frenzy of development elsewhere in the region. You will visit the country’s capital – Vientiane and magical Luang Prabang. Details: https://laostravel.com/tour/highlights-of-cambodia-and-laos/
• Thailand & Laos Highlights 12 days Destination: Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Chiang Khong, Pakbeng, Luang Prabang, Vang Vieng, Vientiane Overview: This private and exclusive 12-day adventure takes you to the major destinations of Thailand and Laos to go up close and personal with the country’s culture and traditions. The highlight of the trip is a 2-day boat trip on the mighty Mekong River to explore the rural laidback river’s lifestyle. You will enjoy the difference between those two countries for sure. Details: https://laostravel.com/tour/thailand-and-laos-highlights/
• Best of Laos & Myanmar 11 days Destination: Mandalay, Bagan, Yangon, Vientiane, Luang Prabang Overview: The combination of Laos and Myanmar gives you a different experience of the culture and natural beauty of Southeast Asia. Myanmar with the scattered landscape and gilded pagodas; Laos with the people enjoy the slow life. Details: https://laostravel.com/tour/best-of-laos-and-myanmar/

 X. Dos & Don’ts in Laos

For international travelers, especially first-time ones, you can find it difficult to navigate the cultural norms of Lao culture sometimes. Therefore, the below information will be helpful for your happy journey is associated with the customs of Laos’ traditions and daily lives.

• Say hello in Laos word “Sabai dee” with a smile by touching your palms together below your chin and nodding your head downwards;
• Dress clean and neatly (long and body covering clothes) to show respect to the local religious customs;
• Ask permission whenever you would like to take photos with the locals;
• Take off your shoes and leave them outside before entering a Laotian home;
• Show your best respect to monks, novices, and nuns;
• Only use your feet to walk or play sports;
• Try to pass behind someone who is seated. If not, make sure to gently crouch down when passing in front of them;
• Accept any water that is served by Laotian even if you don’t drink it.
• Don’t touch someone’s head as head is “high” in Laos;
• Don’t point with your feet/toes or have your feet raised/or propped up on tables as the foot is “low” in Laos;
• Don’t touch the monks and the monk’s robe;
• Don’t wear a swimsuit or bikini to walk around. At swimming places, Laotians often bath in fully clothed so your swimsuit should be modest;
• Don’t wear tank tops, shorts, low cut neck-lines, or revealing clothes to the pagodas, temples, or other religious places;
• Don’t sit higher than a monk, or a statue of Buddha, or your host;
• Don’t give money, candy, or gifts to children as it encourages begging. It is better to give to an established organization or village elders instead;
• Don’t step over someone in your path without asking an excuse first;
• Don’t shout or raise your voice as Laotians speak softly and avoid confrontation;
• Don’t use drugs in Laos as it is illegal with very strict punishment;
• Don’t buy antique Buddha images or other sacred items as many of them were taken from unprotected temples and sites and you can meet trouble at customs.
• Don’t make public displays of affection (kiss, hug, or even holding hands) as it makes most Laotian uncomfortable and shows impolite gestures.
• Do prepare carefully all necessary documents for smooth immigration at Laos regarding visa, valid passport, passport-sized photos, permitted amount of money for import/export, cash for visa fee…;
• Good travel insurance before the trip will be highly recommended;
• Packing list: T-shirts, shorts, and other summer gear including comfortable footwear. Formal clothes should be prepared in case of taking part in the formal restaurant. A set of layer clothes are recommended if you join the tour in December, January, especially in mountainous areas of Laos as the temperature can drop low;
• If you travel in the rainy season, a lightweight raincoat is wise;
• Personal items can be added with sunscreen, sunglass, hat, insect repellent, toiletries including anti-bacterial handwash, little medical kit or your own medications, refillable water bottle, earplugs, a universal travel adaptor, unlocked mobile phone to use Lao sim card…;
• A light side bag or backpack will be convenient for your day trips; Keep your eyes on personal items while in public and valuable things should be kept in a safety box;
• Prepare copies of your personal documents, including your passport while outside for safety;
• Keep Laos clean by not leaving litter or throwing rubbish at wrong places;
• Tap water is not safe for drinking;
• Enjoy delicious Laos cuisine and purchase local handicrafts/products. That is also a way to assist local businesses and farmers of Laos;
• Make all service reservations prior to the trip (as soon as you can) in peak season to avoid any fully-booked status or lower quality than you expect.

With all the above information, wish you have an unforgettable holiday in Laos. Laos Travel team will always be ready to assist and become a part of your memorable journey. Let’s contact us at any time!

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• Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2 (Versions from the US and Hong Kong)

See our bigger list of devices with eSIM capability  here

When you land at your destination, simply open the email we have sent you and install the eSIM we have sent you (detailed step by step instructions with screenshot will be provided). The sim will automatically connect to a network which will commence your 15 days of service. This sim will activate in any country, so please only insert once you are ready to use the sim.

Please note, you will need to have both MOBILE DATA and DATA ROAMING functions ENABLED/TURNED ON in your device to use the service.

What will my phone number be?

This eSIM is a Data-ONLY sim hence it doesn't come with a phone number. The sim does not allow you to make direct calls or send direct SMS. However, you are still able to make calls and send messages via data based apps such as Whatsapp, Viber, Snapchat, Messenger, Skype, iMessage etc.

However, you are also able to add credit to your Viber or Skype account, which will allow you to make local and international phone calls directly to landlines and mobiles.

How does SimCorner's service work?

• Order your travel eSIM online and let us know your travel date. The eSIM will be emailed to you within 24 hours.
• When you land at your travel destination, follow the steps noted in the email and your eSIM will be ready to use.
• Your 15 days or service will commence.

What do I need to do before I depart?

Make sure that your device is eSIM compatibility. See our full list of compatible devices. Ensure that you have access to the eSIM email we have provided. You may wish to print this email out so you have a hard-copy of the eSIM. Please note that your 15 days of service will commence as soon as you scan the QR code for eSIM.

Is my device compatible to use this eSIM?

Make sure that your device is eSIM compatibility. See our full list of compatible devices

How do I activate this eSIM?

When you land at your destination, simply open the email we have sent you and install the eSIM (detailed step by step instructions with screenshots will be provided).

What is included in this eSIM card?

• 15 Days of service from activation
• No restrictions to any websites or Social media apps such as Facebook, Whatsapp, Instagram, Google Maps, messaging apps etc. VPN not required when using Mobile Data.

How do I check my Data Balance/Allowances?

To check your data balance/allowance you simply need to dial *111*6# then press Call (star, one, one, one, star, six, hash then press Call).

If you receive any text messages noting that you have zero credit balance then you can ignore as it does not relate to your data balance.

Can I hotspot/tether from your phone?

Yes, you are able to hotspot/tether from your phone to another phone or device.

What settings do I need to change/update to use this eSIM card?

You simply need to have both MOBILE DATA and DATA ROAMING functions ENABLED/TURNED ON in your device to use the service. This eSIM activates as soon as you scan the QR code provided. It is on this date that your 15 days of service will commence.

What is the data APN settings for this esim?

The mobile data APN settings should automatically update when you insert the sim in you phone. If it does not, you need to update the settings so it states the following;

APN Name: internet

APN: internet

Details about APN settings and other important information will be noted on the instruction sheet that will come accompanied with the eSIM.

Which carrier(s) does this sim connect to?

How many days is this eSIM valid for?

The features on the eSIM are valid for 15 days of service from activation.

What happens if I am travelling for longer than 15 Days?

If you are travelling for longer than 15 days, please purchase multiple eSIMs accordingly. For example, if you are travelling for 25 days then purchase 2 of these sims and swap them over at the end of the 15 day period.

How do I recharge this eSIM?

As this eSIM be recharged, if you feel you need more than 6GB of data then please purchase multiple sims accordingly. For example, if you need 18GB of data then please purchase 3 of these sims bearing in mind that each time you activate one sim you will have 15 days to use the 6GB of data.

If you are travelling for longer than 15 days, please purchase multiple sims accordingly. For example, if you are travelling for 25 days then purchase 2 of these sims and swap them over at the end of the 15 day period.

What happens if I have trouble with the eSIM?

Should you run into any issues with the sim whilst overseas then we encourage you to email us immediately at [email protected] and let us know the following information;

• Your order number or the name that the order is under along with the sim number.
• Which country you are in currently and whether the sim connects to any network, if so, which network?
• Did you receive any SMS after you installed the eSIM? If so, please send us a screenshot of that message.
• Message us screenshots of any error message you are getting.
• What phone model you are using?
• Any other information about the issue, which will assist us in helping you resolve the issue. 

How do I make calls and send SMS?

This eSIM is a Data-ONLY sim, hence, it does not allow you to make direct calls and send SMS. However, you are still able to make calls and send messages via data based apps such as Whatsapp, Viber, Snapchat, Messenger, Skype, iMessage etc.

How do my family and friends call and message me?

You can stay in touch with your family and friends by sending them messages and calling them via data based apps such as Whatsapp, Viber, Snapchat, Messenger, Skype, iMessage etc.

If I buy two eSIMs (one for myself and my partner) can we contact each other?

Yes, if you purchase 2 sims then you will be able to contact each other via data based apps such as Whatsapp, Viber, Snapchat, Messenger, Skype etc.

I am travelling with my friends and family, how do I contact them?

You are able to remain in touch with your friends and family via data based apps such as Whatsapp, Viber, Snapchat, Messenger, Skype etc.

What is your refund policy?

We have a 100% Money Back Guarantee policy, which means that if you have a bad experience with one of our sims and receive no value from it, we will provide you a refund. However, you MUST contact us whilst you are having the issue, so our team can assist you in resolving your problems. Please do this when you are in WiFi (generally at the airport when you land if not working to begin with) or e-mail us from your accommodations (WiFi) or cafe etc. If you only decide to contact us after you return to let us know the sim didn't work then we can't look to provide a refund as we won't be able to see exactly what the issue was and why it didn't work.

Should you run into any issues whilst using the sim, please immediately contact us at [email protected]  Should our team be unable to assist you in resolving your issue, then we will provide you a refund on your purchase.

I am travelling to multiple countries, what do I need to do to use the sim as I move from one country to another?

If you are travelling to different countries that are noted on the "Countries Coverage" section, then all you need to do is restart your phone as you move from one country to another. The sim will automatically connect to a local carrier.

Should you run into any issues, with network connections as you move from one country to another we encourage you to contact us immediately at [email protected]

Will I still have access to all my apps, messages, contacts and e-mails?

Yes, you will have access to all your apps, messages, contacts and emails whilst using this eSIM. Nothing on your phone is deleted or changed and you can continue to use your phone as per normal.

Recommended Travel Accessories

Laos data esim.

Planning a trip to Laos? Stay connected with family and friends during your‚ travel with our Laos eSim with 6GB Data for 15 Days from SimCorner. Great travel data sim for your trip!

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Laos Prepaid Travel SIM Card

• 10GB for 14 days

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Laos eSIM Plans

Enjoy fast 4G LTE mobile data in   Laos, with instant activation on eSIM compatible devices. The best SIM for travel and remote work anywhere you need to go.

Plans & Pricing from $9 USD

Laos Travel eSIM

Your esim for laos includes:.

Wi-Fi Hotspot    Instant Activation 4G LTE Data    Optional Auto-Renew   

Wi-Fi Hotspot Instant Activation 4G LTE Data Optional Auto-Renew

1 GB    

5 - 30 Days

3 GB    

3 Gigabytes

5 GB    

5 Gigabytes

10 GB    

10 Gigabytes

20 GB    

20 Gigabytes

Fastest Data

Enjoy full-speed local data in Laos. Choose the best Travel eSIM plan for your trip, and top up any time.

Best Coverage

We connect you to the best networks in Laos, not the cheapest, with coverage on 2+ networks in most countries. Coverage ›

Money Back Guarantee

If your Travel SIM fails or doesn't work with your phone, we will return your money. Simple as that! Check eSIM compatibility ›

Your Laos Travel SIM in 5 Minutes

Activate any of our Unlimited or Prepaid eSIM plans with your phone's onboard eSIM chip, alongside your existing phone plan.

QR code delivered to your email

Fast and easy installation, connect to mobile internet automatically, check if your phone is compatible ›.

Fast data for your apps Enjoy music, movies, and games with high-speed 4G LTE international data, and stay connected to work and family anywhere you go with a Laos Travel eSIM from Maya Mobile. WhatsApp Instagram Spotify Zoom

Trusted by travelers, every day

  Need help? Contact our 24/7 Support Team ›

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you store or share my data, can i top up with more data in laos, can i combine coverage in multiple countries, do you have long-term laos esim plans available, what is the return policy, is wi-fi hotspot included to share internet, are there any extra fees or charges, can i keep my regular phone number, is my phone compatible with maya mobile esim plans, does the laos esim include a local phone number.

See answers to more FAQs

Get started in 5 minutes

Choose a plan

Choose an Unlimited or Prepaid eSIM data plan in the country where you need connectivity.

Scan QR code

Use your smartphone or eSIM-compatible device to scan the QR code we send you via email.

Connect to 4G or 5G

Follow the prompts on your device to add your new international data plan, and say goodbye to roaming fees!

See our eSIM Setup Guide

Ready to go?

Install an eSIM now and get online in 5 minutes, or reserve your data plan for any future date. We'll activate it automatically.

Laos eSIM Specifications

Best eSIM For Laos (Low Price Data)

Buying an eSIM to use while you’re in Laos is a great idea if you want cheap internet access during your vacation.

An eSIM data plan is always cheaper than data roaming, and it usually offers a more stable internet connection. I’ve looked through eSIM plans for Laos from all the top eSIM providers and compared them, so you can easily find the best option for you.

At A Glance: Best eSIM For Laos

• Best esim plans with generous data allowance Holafly
• Best weekly data plan for Laos Alosim
• Best esim for regional coverage in Asia Nomad
• Best Laos eSIM overall AIS eSIM2Fly

This detailed review of the best eSIM for Laos includes weekly plans, monthly plans, and even eSIMs with regional coverage in Asia and phone numbers. There are options for everyone, so join me as I walk you through all the options for a Laos eSIM!

ESIM Product Comparison

Airalo is a popular global eSIM provider with options for more than 200 countries all over the world. It doesn’t always have the most generous data plans, but it usually has some of the cheapest options for internet access in a foreign country. Laos is not an exception:

• 1 GB/7 Days for $9.5

It might not be the best mobile data plan for heavy users, but it’s a solid option if you want to have an eSIM as a backup. This is one of the most affordable eSIMs you can buy for Laos, and it’s worth noting that Airalo allows top-ups, should you need more data during your stay.

You will have access to the ETL Mobile network, which offers good coverage in and around the capital. But it’s one of the worst providers in Laos, so don’t expect fast internet or a stable connection everywhere. If you have plans to explore outside the capital of Laos, stick with Unitel or Lao Telecom.

• Affordable data plan
• Great for short trips
• Easy activation and top-ups
• Poor network coverage

Holafly is a really good option for a Laos eSIM, especially if you’re looking for something with a more generous allowance. Holafly’s Laos eSIM plans include between 2.5 and 15 GB of data, and each plan has a different validity period:

• 2.5 GB/5 Days for $29
• 3.5 GB/7 Days for $37
• 5 GB/10 Days for $44
• 7.5 GB/15 Days for $47
• 10 GB/20 Days for $59
• 15 GB/30 Days for $79

In general, you get 500 MB per day during your stay, which should be plenty if you need it just for navigation. Also, the Holafly eSIM allows you to connect to the Lao Telecom (LTC) network, which is a good provider with widespread coverage throughout the country. They’re not as great as Unitel, but are a solid second-best option with 3G coverage in most areas of Laos, and even 4G coverage in the capital.

Holafly’s data plans for Laos are a little pricey, but worth it if you want to have Internet access throughout your entire stay.

• Choose from six different data plans
• Access to the second-best network operator in Laos
• Data sharing is allowed
• 4G internet coverage in the capital

Maya Mobile

Maya Mobile is a very popular eSIM provider that operates in more than 190 countries all over the world. It has four eSIM plans for Laos :

• 1 GB/5-30 Days for $17-23
• 3 GB/5-30 Days for $51-69
• 5 GB/5-30 Days for $82-112
• 10 GB/5-30 Days for $149-201

One thing I want to point out is that until recently, Maya Mobile offered just 30-day data plans. They’ve changed it so that you can choose from four different validity periods for each eSIM – 5, 10, 15, and 30 days, with the option for the 30-day plan to renew monthly.

This is a welcome change because not everyone needs a 30-day plan. You can also choose from four different data allowances for Laos, ranging from 1 to 10 GB. However, I don’t think Maya Mobile is one of the best options for Laos simply because the provider’s eSIM plans are very expensive, plus there’s no information on who your network provider will be.

• Choose from four validity periods
• Easy setup and activation
• Unknown network provider

Alosim is one of the top providers of a weekly data plan for Laos. It has just one option for the Asian country, but it’s very affordable:

It’s very similar to Airalo’s data plan but with one key difference. An Alosim eSIM can connect to both ETL Mobile and LAO Telecommunications networks. The latter is one of the top two network providers in the country, so you can expect good coverage throughout Laos and a stable internet connection. Airalo lets you connect just to ETL mobile, which is one of the worst providers in the country.

• Very affordable
• A great option for a weekly plan
• Access to two network operators in Laos
• No monthly data plans

Nomad is a really good option for a Laos eSIM. Although you can’t get a data plan just for Laos from this provider, the country is included in its regional plan for Asia. The APAC eSIM data plans offer coverage in 20 countries total, and are very good value for money:

• 1 GB/7 Days for $8
• 3 GB/30 Days for $13
• 5 GB/30 Days for $17
• 10 GB/30 Days for $28
• 20 GB/45 Days for $38
• 30 GB/60 Days for $64

These are some of the cheapest data plans for Laos, and that’s not even taking into account the fact that you’ll have network coverage in 19 other countries in the region. Also, you get access to the Lao Telecom network in Laos, which is one of the two most popular providers in the country, the other one being Unitel.

LTC offers excellent network coverage throughout the country, with 4G coverage in some places in the capital. You won’t have the fastest internet, but you will have a stable connection everywhere in the country and wider.

• Cheapest Laos eSIM plans
• Regional coverage in 20 Asian countries
• 3G coverage throughout Laos
• No individual-country plans for Laos

AIS eSIM2Fly

AIS eSIM2Fly is usually one of the best options for travelers in Southeast Asia. This eSIM is special because it includes a Thai phone number, so you can make phone calls and send texts with it, which is not usually the case with eSIMs. The data plan from AIS is:

• 6 GB/8 Days for $16

Keep in mind that this eSIM is valid in 34 countries throughout Asia, and not just Laos. Also, you technically get unlimited internet for the duration of the 8 days – the first 6 GB is high-speed internet, and then you can continue browsing at a speed of 128 kb/s. Sure, it’s slow 2G internet, but it’s free!

Additionally, the AIS eSIM allows you to connect to three network operators in Laos – TPlus Laos, Laos Telecom, and Unitel. This means that you should have coverage and a stable internet connection everywhere in the country.

Because of the excellent coverage and included phone number, I think the AIS eSIM2Fly plan is a great option for adventurers who want to explore as much of Laos as possible.

• Phone number is included
• Unlimited 2G internet after you spend 6GB
• Access to three network providers in Laos
• Regional coverage in 34 countries in Asia
• Valid for only 8 days

What is an eSIM?

An eSIM is a digital version of a SIM card. It’s essentially a chip embedded into your smartphone that entirely removes the need for a physical SIM card. An eSIM has the same functionality as a standard SIM, and the main difference is that you have to download an eSIM on your device, instead of inserting a piece of plastic inside it.

Benefits of Getting an eSIM in Laos

Getting an eSIM to use in Laos is a great idea because you can enjoy all of the following benefits:

• Affordable data plans
• Internet access everywhere in Laos
• Regional data plans with coverage throughout Asia
• Cheaper than data roaming
• Competitive pricing from multiple eSIM providers
• There’s no plastic or paper waste
• No need to look for physical SIM cards when you arrive in Laos

Best Mobile Provider for Laos

Unitel is widely considered the best mobile network provider in Laos, but unfortunately, there’s only one eSIM that grants you access to this network. Lao Telecom is the second-best operator and the one that you’ll see the most from international eSIM providers.

Lao Telecom has good 3G network coverage throughout Laos, and even 4G in the capital city. You won’t get super fast internet regardless of the network provider, but you will get a stable connection from Lao Telecom.

eSIM Compatible Phones

Most newer smartphones have eSIM support, but the technology is still not included in every single device out there. Apple, Samsung, and Google have released the most eSIM-compatible phones by now, and the technology has made it into devices from other manufacturers as well. Check out this list of eSIM-compatible phones for a detailed overview of all devices that support the technology.

If you just want to check whether your personal phone is eSIM-compatible, dial *#06#. If there’s an EID number , it means that your phone is compatible with eSIMs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is esim available in laos.

Yes, eSIM is available in Laos and you can get it from many different eSIM providers.

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The 5 Best eSIMs for Laos in 2023

When you travel abroad it is necessary to have internet. The best way to keep in touch with the people back home is through an eSIM . It will allow you to check emails, watch videos, or make calls, avoiding expensive roaming charges.

This time we will talk about Laos. Bordered by Thailand, Viet Nam, Cambodia, and China, the Republic of Laos has become a primary tourist destination over the last few years. The country shows a mixture of modern constructions, French colonial architecture, and a great number of ancient Buddhist temples.

Vientiane, its capital city, holds one of the most important monuments in Laos, Pha That Luang, a Buddhist stupa dating from 1586, and is believed to contain relics of Buddha. The city of Phonsavan is home to one of the most famous prehistoric sites in Southeast Asia: The Plain of Jars.

Continue reading and learn more about the eSIMs for Laos :

What Are The Best eSIMs for Laos?

What is the best esim for laos.

SimOptions is the leading company in mobile phone services, with coverage in over 200 destinations and offering international eSIMs and SIM cards. Buy an eSIM from SimOptions, pay it in advance (so you will not have to spend time at airports looking for SIM cards), and enjoy your visit to marvelous Laos.

Let’s take a look at the best eSIM for Laos:

Smart Traveller eSIM | $ 17.90 - 6GB

• Calls/SMS: No
• Credit Validity: 10 days

Smart Data eSIM | $ 19.90 - 6GB

• Credit Validity: 12 days

eSIM2FLY Asia | $ 19.90 - 6GB

• Credit Validity: 8 days

30-Day Pass APAC 4GB | $ 24.90 - 4GB

• Credit Validity: 30 days

30-Day Pass APAC 8GB | $ 34.90 - 8GB

Esim2fly global | $ 39.90 - 6gb.

• Credit Validity: 15 days

Sightseeing

Here we want to show you the best places to visit in Laos. Check out our top 5:

Luang Prabang

Luang Prabang is the country´s unofficial tourist capital, is home to over 50 Buddhist temples, and is the principal religious center in Laos. Situated north of Laos, and where the rivers Mekong and Nam Khan meet, Luang Prabang was the first country´s capital, until 1975.

A must-see in town is the ceremony of Alms Giving, or Tak Bat, where hundreds of monks walk in silence all over Luang Prabang, collecting their daily alms from devotees. Wat Xieng Thong, from the 16th century, is one of the most important samples of religion and art. Luang Prabang has been protected by UNESCO since 1995.

Vientiane, the country´s capital and largest city in Laos, is home to a busy international airport. In this historic city, you will find a mixture of French colonial architecture with several ancient Buddhist temples and museums, all worth visiting.

Temple Pha That Luang, from the 16th century, is a golden stupa considered a national symbol, believed to contain relics of Buddha; Wat Sisaket, from the 19th century, holds thousands of small buddhas; Wat Si Muang, built in the 16th century, shows a statue of King Sisavang Vong, standing in front. At sunset, enjoy a leisurely walk along the Mekong River and check out the riverside markets.

Vang Vieng is a great tourist destination, packed with hotels and all sorts of accommodations, situated by Nam Song River, and close to plenty of interesting places to check out, such as the well-known Blue Lagoon.

Adventure-seekers are welcome to the exciting river tubing, where you can float down the river on a rubber boat, and stop at the various riverside restaurants along the way. Take a leisure walk to the beautiful Kaeng Nyui Waterfalls (30m) and visit the historic Wat Kang and Wat That Buddhist Temples.

Having a great climate all year-round, Phonsavan, the capital of Xieng Khouang Province, holds beautiful scenery, with pine forests, undulating hills -from where gets its name, “Hills of Paradise”- and fantastic cascading waterfalls, which you may enjoy trekking around town.

Phonsavan was built in the mid-1970s, to replace the old town, destroyed during the Laos civil war. But Phonsavan´s main attraction is an archeological site -The Plain of Jars- consisting of thousands of jar-like structures, believed to be used as graves, or as rice wine storage. The city is home to Xieng Khouang´s airport.

Si Phan Don

Si Phan Don is a very interesting tourist site with a charming slow life. Its name means Four Thousand Islands and is related to a population of islands set along the Mekong River. During the annual Mekong River flooding, about half of these islands stay submerged.

At Don Khon, you may see the remains of the first Laos railway, opened in 1893 to transport freight and passengers, and operating until the 1940s. Fresh-water Irrawaddy dolphins -in danger of extinction- are a must-see off the coast of Si Phan Don.

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Check out our guide on how to find out if my device is eSIM compatible or contact us on our online chat

If there have been changes in your plans and you no longer need your Holafly eSIM, we will provide you with a full refund .

If you purchased the eSIM and it turned out to be incompatible with your device, we will provide you with a full refund .

If your eSIM doesn't work due to an issue with Holafly or the network infrastructure of the destination country has problems and is unstable, we can offer you a full or partial refund .

eSIM with data in Laos

€ 39,00 € 29,00 EUR

Based on 36,017 reviews on

Description

Technical Specs

• Experience Laos with 500MB of internet connection/day.
• Receive your QR code and surf instantly.
• Easy to set up and activate.
• Keep your WhatsApp number on your cellphone.
• Connect to the best network in Laos.
• Forget about roaming or searching for public WiFi networks.

You'll receive an email with your eSIM in seconds, no matter where you are.

Connect to the Internet in Laos  with a prepaid eSIM with data. Keep in touch with your family and friends through your favorite apps like WhatsApp, iMessage, or Skype. Forget about roaming and start saving on your trip.

It’s easy to activate and use. After your purchase, we will send you a QR code to your email. Scan it to install the eSIM for Laos  and start using the service. No paperwork or waiting.

• Speed: 3G/LTE
• Tethering / Hotspot : No
• Data packages : 2.5 GB, 3.5 GB, 5 GB, 7.5 GB, 10GB, 15GB
• Days of use : 5, 7, 10, 15, 20, 30
• Phone number : No
• Plan type : Prepaid
• Analog calls : No, only through apps (VOIP).
• Activation : Automatic, activated when connected to a cellular network.
• Compatibility: all smartphones with eSIM technology enabled. Operation on smartwatches and tablets is not guaranteed.
• Coverage: You will enjoy good coverage in Luang Prabang, Vientiane, Nong Khiaw and other cities and tourist destinations in Laos. In mountainous areas the quality of coverage may be poor or unstable. If you have questions about network coverage, you can contact us through our customer service.
• Shipping: via email.
• Delivery time: immediate, after purchase.
• Installation: scan a QR code.
• ID required: No
• Technology: eSIM
• Coverage: You will enjoy good coverage in Luang Prabang, Vientiane, Nong Khiaw, and other cities and tourist destinations in Laos. If you are traveling to jungle or mountainous areas, we recommend you contact us to confirm quality of coverage through our customer service.
• Designed for : tourism, backpackers, vacations, digital nomads, and business.
• Networks: LTC

How many days are you traveling for?

- % discount applied to all plans

Secure payment guaranteed

Advantages of using Holafly eSIM

Change of plans? No problem at all!

Purchase your Holafly eSIM with added peace of mind. You have up to 6 months to request a refund.

Conoce por qué nuestra eSIM de viajes internacionales es tu mejor elección de datos móviles para tener internet en el extranjero y mantenerte conectado en tu próxima aventura.

Very easy to use

Set up your data plan by scanning a simple QR code. Activate the eSIM when you land and you’ll be connected instantly. All products come with thorough instructions.

Best Coverage

The Laos eSIM uses LTC, one of the best eSIM providers in the country.

Keep your WhatsApp number

You can call and message all your contacts on WhatsApp, like you’re in the same country. Don’t lose touch with family and friends.

24/7 customer support

The eSIM is easy to use, but if you have questions or experience technical issues you can reach us by email or our 24 hour chat support. We’re here to help.

Immediate delivery

If you’re in a rush or you’re already traveling, don’t worry about waiting for delivery. We send the Laos eSIM immediately to your email, so you can connect in seconds.

Keep your original SIM for calls

The eSIM is digital, so your original SIM will work as usual if you need it.

How does the Holafly eSIM work?

Check your phone is compatible with esim.

Check if your smartphone is compatible now

Buy your prepaid eSIM

Chose the plan that suits you best and buy your eSIM card from our online store.

Scan the QR code

It’s easy. Just scan the QR code we send you and turn on data roaming from your settings. Now you can enjoy browsing the web.

Fast and reliable connection

• Clear video calls with no delays
• Share stories in just a few seconds
• Enjoy creating video content and super fast uploading
• Find your way wherever you go!

The best performace in all your apps

Discover the freedom of reliable connectivity with high speed 4G and 5G . Holafly keeps you connected, no matter the adventure!

What you should know about eSIMs

No local phone number.

This eSIM only includes data. It does not allow you to make cell phone calls or send SMS messages. You can still use WhatsApp or Skype to call your contacts.

Your phone must support eSIM

Make sure your phone is both unlocked and compatible with eSIM technology.

Install before you travel and take off

Scan the QR code from your smartphone settings and add the data plan. But don’t activate it until you land at your destination. Take the printed QR code on your travels just in case.

We will send you the eSIM to your e-mail

As soon as you complete your purchase, you’ll receive the instructions to install and activate your international travel eSIM and get unlimited internet on your adventure!

Installation instructions with QR code

Manual installation instructions

Holafly eSIM User Reviews

DON’T stress about your phone service when you travel abroad! I used Holafly to travel home to California this year. The instructions were super easy to follow and I had no problems with the service for the whole 20 days that I used it. It was nice not to worry about how much my phone company was going to charge me for service abroad.

I have used your Sim for my trip to the USA! I recommend it 100%. Thank you very much for your service.

I swear that Holafly has a customer service that is to cry with pleasure ;___; In no time will I buy another unlimited data SIM for Japan because the first time it worked wonderfully

A complicated request was solved urgently within 24 hours of traveling. They are wonderful and I recommend it to everyone. Thank you HolaFly team!

Frequently Asked Questions about the Laos eSIM

When does my data plan start?

Your data plan starts the moment you activate your eSIM, by turning on data roaming in the Holafly eSIM. You should do this once you arrive at your destination.

Can I make phone calls and send messages with my Holafly eSIM?

The Laos eSIM only allows you to use mobile data. It does not include a local phone number for mobile calls or messages. You can still make calls using apps like WhatsApp.

Which devices work with the eSIM card?

You can check if your smartphone is eSIM compatible here.

When will I receive my eSIM?

Once you purchase an eSIM, you will receive it immediately to your email address. You then just need to scan the QR code to activate the SIM. Note that no refunds can be made once you purchase your eSIM. See our refund policy for more information.

Can I keep my WhatsApp number?

You don’t need to do anything to keep your WhatsApp number. You’ll automatically keep your number, contacts and conversations.

How quick is the Holafly eSIM?

The Holafly eSIM offers maximum speed coverage (3G4GLTE). But bear in mind that in some areas of limited coverage there may be a lower speed connection.

Do I have to activate data roaming on my device?

Yes. To ensure that your eSIM gets the best coverage, you must turn on data roaming on your mobile settings. This will not incur any additional charges, as long as you have already set up the Holafly eSIM.

What do I do if I delete or lose my eSIM’s QR code?

If you cannot find the code, please contact our 24/7 customer support team at [email protected] or our online chat function. We will resend the code to your email.

What happens if I use up my data or my days of validity?

If you use all your data or run out of days, your eSIM card will no longer work and you will lose internet connection.

What eSIM data plan should I choose for Laos?

You can choose 5 days 2.5GB, 7 days 3.5GB, 10 days 5GB, 15 days 7.5GB, 20 days 10GB and 30 days 15GB. You can contact us at any time if you’re not sure which plan is best for you.

Can I renew or extend the data on my eSIM?

Yes, you can do so by logging into your customer panel on the Holafly Center. You will find the data plans you can purchase there. Once you’ve made your purchase, it will be activated immediately on the eSIM you have linked.

Can I share data with other devices?

No, the eSIM for Laos does not allow you to share data.

How do I set up the eSIM on my device?

After your purchase, we will send a QR code to your email. Either print the QR code or open it on your computer. On yor cell phone, go to Settings > Mobile Data > Add Data Plan and scan the QR code. Your phone will allow you to assign a specific name to this data plan. You will now be able to switch between your Holafly data plan and the original plan from your provider. The Holafly data plan will only be operational once you arrive at your destination. Once you land, turn on data roaming on your cell phone settings and activate the Holafly data plan. Consult your phone’s user manual for more details on adding a data plan. All eSIM products come with comprehensive set-up instructions.

When should I set up my eSIM?

Set up your eSIM before your departure. Once you reach your destination, just activate the data plan and turn on data roaming. We recommend you print the QR code and take it with you on your vacation just in case. Remember that you need internet access to activate the eSIM. Set up is quick and you will be able to enjoy your data plan right away.

How can I check my data balance?

You can manage your eSIMs and access all purchased data plans by logging into your Holafly Center through the Holafly website.

How many times can I use my eSIM card?

If needed or when changing phones during your trip, you can transfer your eSIM. However, note that you can only transfer the eSIM to two devices—the original one and a new one. Once you’ve installed it on a different device than the original, you won’t be able to reinstall it on the original device and you must deliver the eSIM from the original device to install it in the second device.

Can I delete the Holafly eSIM once I’ve used my data?

Yes! But keep in mind that you don’t need to do so. As soon as your plan expires your eSIM will no longer work.

Can I use my SIM card and Holafly eSIM at the same time?

If you are using an Apple device, you can use your SIM card and your eSim at the same time. Choose the Sim card for phone calls and SMS, and Holafly eSIM for data from your device. Please remember that if you leave your Sim card activated, your network provider may apply data roaming charges to receive or make phone calls as well as SMS.

How do I get a refund?

At Holafly we are aware that our users may have unforeseen events after making the purchase. Therefore, you can request a refund in the following circumstances: – You bought the eSIM without checking the compatibility with your cellphone. – You canceled your trip or you no longer need the eSIM. – Our eSIMs generally work fine, but if you experience connection issues, we can provide you with a full or partial refund. Once the refund is approved, you will receive the money on to the same account with which you made the payment. This process can take between 5 to 10 business days. For more details, terms and conditions, we invite you to read our Refund Policy .

To which mobile network will I connect at my destination?

Your eSIM will connect to all the local phone networks that Holafly partners up with. You can review them in the Technical Specs tab.

30 days 15 GB

Check that your device is compatible with eSIM

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If you have any questions during this process, remember we're here to assist you 24/7 through our Online chat.

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• LAOS – 10 days 15GB
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Laos Unitel SIM Card and eSIM – Detailed Guide for Tourists

Visiting Laos soon and wondering if you should buy a Laos Unitel SIM Card and eSIM or not, and if yes, which one should you choose?

Discover with us right in this article.

Table of Contents

I. quick facts about unitel .

Unitel is one of the best mobile operators in Laos. It is the joint venture between Viettel Global and Lao Asia Telecom . You can check out interesting facts about this brand.

• Company name : Star Telecom. Co, Ltd.
• Brand name : Unitel consisting of Uni in “United” and Tel in “Telecommunication”. So, its name means a telecom network to connect the Laotian and bring them a better life.
• Established : 2007
• Service launched : November 2009, 4G service nationwide in 2015
• Services providing : Mobile, Internet, fixed broadband
• Distribution channels : 143 shops, 174 agents and sales points, 400 sales people.
• Customer care system : 200 agents/shift at the same time.
• Number of subscribers : 3.5 million, comprising 58 percent of market share in the telecommunications sector (Updated in 2022).
• Laos’ speedtest award ™ Winner for mobile network speed in 2020
• Innovation in Public Administration Services and Innovation in Consumer Products and Services at 2020 Asia Pacific Stevie Awards

So, if you are traveling to Laos and need a good mobile service, Unitel Laos will be a great choice

II. Unitel Coverage and speed in Laos

Unitel boasts an impressive network coverage that spans across cities, towns, and even remote areas in Laos, achieving coverage of over 95% of Laos’ population. Whether you’re exploring the bustling streets of Vientiane or the serene landscapes of Luang Prabang, you can rely on Unitel’s coverage to keep you connected. With Unitel, you won’t have to worry about being offline, just enjoy your trip.

Here comes a quick glance at the Laos Unitel Coverage and speed below:

1. Laos Unitel Coverage

As mentioned above, Unitel services cover up to 95% of Laos’ population. You can check its coverage map:

According to these maps, Unitel offers a widespread network that caters to both urban and rural areas, densely populated places. Whether you’re roaming around Vientiane or venturing off into more remote corners like Luang Prabang or Pakse, you can expect decent signal strength and uninterrupted service.

In general, though, users often report satisfactory browsing speeds and reliable connectivity for everyday tasks such as social media browsing, video streaming, or online gaming.

2. Unitel Speeds in Laos:

According to Speedtest.net, the Laos Median Country Speeds July 2023 is as follows:

According to this result, with Unitel’s 4G/LTE network you can browse the web, watch videos, and use apps smoothly. But the actual speed you get can depend on things like how many people are using the network, how strong the signal is, and the device you’re using. In crowded places or when lots of people are using the network, the speed might be slower because there’s more traffic.

III. Laos Unitel Connectivity Options for Tourists

Unitel Laos is known for its high-speed 4G network in major cities and towns. They has got you covered with some awesome ways to stay connected like SIM card, Pocket Wifi and Bundle, their options are similarly priced and provide excellent value.

You check out these options:

Overall, Pocket Wifi is better for sharing internet in groups, Bundles provide the most flexibility and convenience for any trip but the price is the highest.

So, the affordability, flexibility and portability make a SIM card a good simple choice for many casual tourists. Once you’ve got that, just pop the SIM card into your device. And voila! You’re good to go! The SIM card will automatically connect, and you can start using your phone, tablet, or laptop right away.

IV. Best Unitel SIM Card for tourists to Laos

As a tourist, the best Unitel SIM Card should be a prepaid SIM Card. Fortunately, Unitel in Laos offers various prepaid SIM card options for tourists, of which the one should be chosen depends on your specific needs and usage requirements. Here are a few options to consider:

1. Data-Only Unitel SIM Card: 

If your primary need is mobile data for browsing the internet, using social media, or accessing maps, Unitel may offer data-only SIM cards. These SIM cards typically come with generous data allowances and can be a cost-effective option for travelers who primarily require internet connectivity.

2. Voice and Data Unitel SIM Card: 

If you require both voice and data services, Unitel’s voice and data SIM cards are suitable. These SIM cards provide a balance of voice minutes and data allowance, allowing you to make local calls and access the internet during your stay in Laos.

V. Does Unitel Laos offer eSIM?

Yes, Unitel just came out with this cool new thing called eSIM service. Unitel was the first mobile operators in Laos to launch eSIM support. They begin rolling out eSIM capabilities in late 2021 on a limites basis and full commercial availability profiles was announced in early 2022.

Comparing to the physicial SIM, the eSIM carries various advantages as follows:

In summary, SIM cards are affordable and universal solution while eSIM provides benefits of digital management if your device supports the technology. With Unitel, you can find both SIM card and eSIM, so just enjoy your trip. 

There are a lot of online stores that provide prepaid Unitel Laos eSIM for tourists, including laosesim.com . With wide coverage across Laos, it ensures that you always have fast 4G speeds no matter where you are.

LaoseSIM makes getting online seamless for travelers. The low-cost plans, reliable network, and buyer-friendly website minimize issues with international cellular access. It’s top choice for hassle-free connectivity in Laos.

VI. Where to buy Laos Unitel SIM card and eSIM?

1. Where to buy Unitel SIM card

Hey there! If you’re visiting Laos and want to get a SIM card, no worries! Here are some cool places where you can buy one:

• Airports : When you arrive at international airports like Wattay International Airport in Vientiane or Luang Prabang International Airport, you’ll find little shops or kiosks where you can buy SIM cards. Just look for the booths or stores of telecom providers inside the airport.
• Unitel Stores : Unitel is a big telecom company in Laos. They have stores and kiosks in major cities, towns, and touristy areas. You can go to one of their stores to buy a SIM card and ask any questions you have. Just google map Unitel store nearby, you will get the list to go.
• Mobile Phone Shops : Besides the stores of specific telecom providers, there are also general mobile phone shops that sell SIM cards. These shops might have SIM cards from different providers, so you can choose the one that suits you best.

And don’t forget to bring your passport when you buy a SIM card in Laos. They might ask for your ID during the registration process. It’s also a good idea to compare the different telecom providers to see which SIM card gives you the best deal for data, call minutes, and coverage.

2. Where to buy Unitel Laos eSIM

The best place to buy a Unitel eSIM for Laos is to get it online, and the best time to get it is before your departure for Laos.

The process to get the Unitel Laos eSIM online is quite easy as follows:

• Step 1 : Access to website/app of a Unitel eSIM provider, such as Laosesim.
• Step 2 : Select the esim plan that fits your trip,
• Step 3 : Make payment online
• Step 4 : Install the esim and enjoy your trip.

Here are popular prepaid Unitel eSIMs for Laos preferred by Laosesim’s customers that you can refer to:

VII. How to Activate Unitel Laos SIM/eSIM

It’s not difficult to use a Unitel SIM/eSIM for Laos. In case this is your first time using it, please check for instruction below.

1. Activate Unitel Laos SIM card

• Insert the SIM card: Locate the SIM card slot on your device
• Power on your device: Turn on your device and wait for it to recognize the SIM card
• Activate the SIM card: In most cases, Unitel Laos SIM card will be pre-activated
• Set up APN settings if you can not use the eSIM.
• Check your balance and services

2. Activate Unitel Laos eSIM

• Install the eSIM
• Activate the eSIM
• Set up the eSIM
• Start using the eSIM: Once the eSIM is activated and set up, you can start using to make calls, send texts and access mobile data.

VII. Laos Unitel Call & SMS rates

Call & sms rates.

Unitel offer some pretty reasonable rates for both calls and texts. Unitel also have various packages and promotions available that can save you even more money on your phone bills. It’s worth mentioning that international calls and text rates tend to be higher than local ones, so keep an eye on that if you’ll be reaching out to people abroad from your Unitel device. Overall though, if you’re looking for cost-effective options to stay connected in Laos, Unitel is definitely worth considering!

VIII. Useful USSD codes for Unitel Laos SIM/eSIM

Here are some useful USSD codes for Unitel Laos SIM

IV. How To Top up Your Laos SIM

To top up your SIM card in Laos, you can follow these general steps:

1. Find a Unitel store or authorized retailer: 

When you’re in Laos, look for a Unitel store or a place that sells Unitel stuff. You can find them in big cities, towns, or places where tourists go. You can ask people who live there or search online to find the closest Unitel store.

2. Get a recharge voucher: 

Once you find a Unitel store or authorized retailer, ask for a recharge voucher. These vouchers come in different amounts and have a special code with 16 digits on them.

3. Dial the special code: 

Scratch off the covering on the voucher to see the 16-digit code. Then, use your Unitel phone to dial a special code that starts with *123* and ends with the 16-digit code. For example, if your code is 1234567890123456, you would dial *123*1234567890123456#.

4. Make sure it works: 

After you dial the special code, press the call button. The system will process your request and you’ll get a message saying that your Unitel SIM card has been topped up with prepaid credit.

5. Check how much credit you have: 

To see how much credit you have now, you can dial *122# and press the call button. A message will show up on your screen telling you how much prepaid credit you have left.

With Unitel, you can buy Unitel top-up almost everywhere. Just keep an eye out for the Unitel sign in front of small shops.

Here’s the exciting part: Unitel has lots of promotions and they’re known for having the best prices. So, it’s always a good idea to tell about how to reduce your mobile bills

There are some ways travelers can save money when using Unitel’s network in Laos:

• Purchase multi-day or monthly data plans – These work out cheaper per day than one-time daily data bundles. Check Laos eSIM for good value weekly/monthly options.
• Refer a friend – Unitel offers rewards for existing customers who refer others via their mobile app.
• Check for promotions – Unitel runs occasional bonus data campaigns via social media. Always good to stay up-to-date on deals.

Being mindful of data usage and taking advantage of Unitel add-ons can significantly save some money when traveling in Laos.

XI.  FAQs about Unitel in Laos

Can i watch netflix with unitel.

You can totally watch Netflix in Laos using your mobile internet! The only thing is, the quality might depend on how good your mobile coverage is. But overall, it works pretty well. Just so you know, the Netflix library in Laos isn’t as big as the ones in the US or Europe. So, if you want more options, you can use a VPN to connect to Netflix US and get access to a bunch more movies and TV shows.

Is Unitel’s mobile data fast enough for streaming?

Unitel has this cool 4G network that can give you an average speed of 15mbps. That’s more than enough to stream stuff in High Definition! So, with Unitel in Laos, you can watch all your favorite videos on Youtube, Facebook, Tiktok, and even Netflix without any problems. Just make sure you have good coverage, and you’re good to go!

Does Unitel block or slow down any internet services?

Sometimes, mobile operators like to slow down apps like WhatsApp or Facebook Messenger. They do this because it affects their voice business, since people use these apps to make calls instead of using the regular phone network. But guess what? Unitel is different! They don’t slow down any instant messaging apps. And you know what’s even cooler? None of the operators in Laos do that either. So, you can use apps like WhatsApp, Viber, Signal, Telegram, or Line to make calls with awesome quality, as long as your mobile coverage is decent.

XII. Final words

So, if you’re planning to visit Laos and want to stay connected with your phone, there’s a super easy way to do it. You can get a prepaid SIM card or an eSIM card. With Unitel Laos SIM/eSIM, you won’t have to worry about online communication on the go.

Enjoy your trip and make lasting memories in this enchanting country with Unitel!

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