Imagine a land where ancient temples tell of past grandeur, vast green spaces invite peaceful discovery, and the Mekong River flows with a time-worn elegance. That is Laos, which is also seeing a rise in travel as it presents Southeast Asian charm without the busy crowds.

Indeed, the secret is out. In Q1 of 2025, Luang Prabang saw over 1.1 million tourists, including an amazing 708,490 international guests; a 232% rise from the past year.

That’s a mark of Laos’ growth as a destination, as a place that travellers are flocking to in the pursuit of something out of the ordinary and rich in culture.

If you have caught the travel bug for the serene Laos and you ask yourself, "What is the Laos trip cost from India?", you have come to the right place.

We have put together a detailed guide that will break down the estimated costs for your Laos adventure, which may be a budget-friendly backpacker’s thing, a mid-range affair for those who seek comfort, or a luxury getaway for a very exclusive experience.

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Cost Breakdown by Category

Now let's see what constitutes your overall Laos trip cost from India. Amounts given are approximate and subject to change depending on season, booking, and personal preference. (All prices are in Indian Rupees, INR).

Flight Costs

Flights are a big part of how much you'll be spending on your trip to Laos from India. Furthermore, there are no direct flights from India to Laos, and hence you will have layovers in Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, or Hanoi.

  • Estimated return flights from key Indian cities (Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore):
  • Economy: ₹25,000 - ₹45,000 (Booking early and being flexible with dates can make lower fares available.)
  • Premium Economy/Business Class: ₹50,000 - ₹90,000+
  • Seasonal price trends: Prices are higher in peak season (November to February), as well as for major holidays. Shoulder seasons of March and April, and September and October provide improved rates.

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Visa & Insurance Costs

  • Laos visa for Indian citizens: Indians need a visa to visit Laos. Currently, two options are available to Indian citizens that they can choose from based on their overall trip cost from India
  • Visa on Arrival: Approximately USD 30-50 (around ₹2,570 - ₹4,280), payable in USD or LAK.
  • eVisa: ₹4,800 (Subject to change)
  • Travel insurance estimates: A must-have for any international journey, travel insurance compensates for medical emergencies, trip cancellations, lost luggage, and so on.
  • A good policy for a seven-day trip can cost anything between ₹500 to ₹1,500 based on the coverage.

Accommodation Costs

Accommodation in Laos ranges from simple hostels to high-end riverside resorts.

  • Hostels:
  • Luang Prabang, Vientiane, Vang Vieng: ₹500 - ₹1,200 per night for a dormitory bed.
  • Guesthouses/Mid-range Hotels:
  • Luang Prabang, Vientiane: ₹1,500 - ₹4,000 per night for a comfortable room.
  • Vang Vieng: Slightly cheaper, around ₹1,200 - ₹3,500 per night.
  • Luxury Hotels/Resorts:
  • All major cities: ₹6,000 - ₹15,000+ per night.
  • Airbnb options: In larger cities, with diverse experiences and price ranges.

Food & Dining

Lao food is light, delicious, and very reasonably priced, provided you eat as the locals do. If you wish to monitor your Laos trip cost from India closely, then watch what you're consuming.

  • Street food (Laap, Sticky Rice, grilled meats): ₹100 - ₹300 per meal. Don't miss the local markets for authentic tastes!
  • Local restaurants: ₹300 - ₹700 per meal.
  • Indian restaurants in Laos: Found in Vientiane and Luang Prabang, usually priced at ₹500 - ₹1,000 per meal.
  • Average daily meal costs:
  • Budget: ₹500 - ₹1,000
  • Mid-range: ₹1,200 - ₹2,500
  • Luxury: ₹3,000+ (for fine dining experiences)

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Local Transport

It is relatively easy and cheap to get around Laos. So if you are planning your Laos trip cost from India, you should budget for local transport.

  • Tuk-tuks: Available everywhere for shorter distances. Bargain prices beforehand; a brief ride in town could be ₹50 - ₹150.
  • Songthaews (shared pick-up trucks): Frequent for travel between towns and less expensive than private vehicles.
  • Buses/Minivans: The most common way to travel between cities.
  • Bus from Vientiane to Luang Prabang can cost ₹1,000 - ₹2,000.
  • Overnight sleeper buses are also available.
  • Self-drive (motorbikes): Renting a motorbike will cost ₹400 - ₹700 per day. Make sure you have experience and a suitable license.
  • Guided tours: Usually include transport, and at a higher cost, but with the convenience.

Sightseeing & Activities

Laos has an abundance of cultural attractions and natural marvels.

  • Entry fees:
  • Temples (e.g., Wat Xieng Thong, That Luang): ₹50 - ₹200.
  • Waterfalls (e.g., Kuang Si Falls): ₹150 - ₹250.
  • Caves (e.g., Pak Ou Caves): ₹100 - ₹200 (plus boat ride cost).
  • Cost of day trips from major cities:
  • Kuang Si Falls trip from Luang Prabang: ₹500 - ₹1,000 (shared tuk-tuk) or ₹1,500 - ₹3,000 (private car/tour).
  • Vang Vieng tubing/kayaking: ₹800 - ₹1,500 (can vary based on package).
  • Adventure add-ons (zip-lining, hot air ballooning): These can easily break your budget, costing anywhere from ₹2,500 to ₹8,000+ per experience.

Shopping & Miscellaneous

  • Local crafts, textiles, souvenirs: Prices vary greatly depending on the item. Budget ₹1,000 - ₹5,000 for souvenirs.
  • SIM cards: Essential for staying connected. A local SIM card with a data plan can cost ₹300 - ₹800 for a week or two.
  • Travel adapters: If needed, ₹200 - ₹500.
  • Emergency buffer budget: Always advisable to keep an extra ₹5,000 - ₹10,000 for unforeseen expenses.

Sample Budget Itineraries

Here's an approximate breakdown of what your overall Laos trip cost from India would look like, based on your travel style.

Budget Traveler (~₹45,000-₹65,000)

Perfect for backpackers and those who want to stretch their rupees.

  • Flights: ₹25,000 - ₹35,000 (economy, booked well in advance)
  • Visa & Insurance: ₹3,000 - ₹4,500
  • Accommodation: ₹3,000 - ₹5,000 (hostels, basic guesthouses at ₹500-₹800/night)
  • Food & Dining: ₹3,000 - ₹5,000 (street food, local eateries at ₹500-₹800/day)
  • Local Transport: ₹1,500 - ₹2,500 (local buses, shared tuk-tuks)
  • Sightseeing & Activities: ₹2,000 - ₹3,000 (entry fees, minimal tours, self-exploration)
  • Shopping & Miscellaneous: ₹1,000 - ₹2,000

Mid-Range Traveler (~₹70,000-₹1,10,000)

For travellers who seek a good mix of comfort and adventure.

  • Flights: ₹35,000 - ₹45,000 (economy, good connections)
  • Visa & Insurance: ₹3,000 - ₹4,500
  • Accommodation: ₹9,000 - ₹18,000 (comfortable guesthouses, 3-star hotels at ₹1,500-₹3,000/night)
  • Food & Dining: ₹7,000 - ₹12,000 (mix of local and Indian restaurants, occasional nicer meals at ₹1,200-₹2,000/day)
  • Local Transport: ₹3,000 - ₹5,000 (mix of tuk-tuks, minivans, some private transfers)
  • Sightseeing & Activities: ₹4,000 - ₹7,000 (guided day trips, a few adventure activities)
  • Shopping & Miscellaneous: ₹2,000 - ₹4,000

Luxury Traveler (₹1,30,000+ per person)

For the comfort-seeker, convenience-lover, and one-of-a-kind experience-seeker.

  • Flights: ₹50,000 - ₹90,000+ (premium economy, business class)
  • Visa & Insurance: ₹4,500 - ₹6,000 (expedited visa, comprehensive insurance)
  • Accommodation: ₹30,000 - ₹60,000+ (boutique hotels, luxury resorts at ₹5,000-₹10,000+/night)
  • Food & Dining: ₹15,000 - ₹30,000+ (fine dining, diverse culinary experiences at ₹2,500-₹5,000+/day)
  • Local Transport: ₹7,000 - ₹15,000+ (private transfers, domestic flights for long distances)
  • Sightseeing & Activities: ₹8,000 - ₹20,000+ (private guided tours, exclusive experiences, multiple adventure add-ons)
  • Shopping & Miscellaneous: ₹5,000 - ₹10,000+

Bonus Tips for Indian Travellers

  • Best Time to Visit: November to February for pleasant weather. In March to April, avoid the heat; May to October is monsoon season, which brings out the lush greenery but also may disrupt plans.
  • Vegetarian Food: Look for "je" and also ask for no meat/fish sauce. Try sticky rice, veggie spring rolls, and noodle soups. Indian restaurants are present across major cities!
  • Laos Nightlife: Generally easy going. In Luang Prabang, which is great for quiet riverside spots, Vientiane has more pubs, and Vang Vieng is for those into adventure and riverside bars.
  • Free Walking Tours: Check out free walking tours available in Luang Prabang and Vientiane. Great for budget travel and exploring local culture.
  • Currency Exchange: Use Lao Kip (LAK) for the best exchange rates. In India, convert INR to USD and then USD to LAK in Laos. USD is accepted at tourist spots.
  • SIM Card Hacks: At the airport, get a local SIM (Unitel, Lao Telecom) or check out the cheap plans at the shops. Also, eSIMs are a great option!
  • Cultural Etiquette:
  • Dress in modest clothing for temples. 
  • Always remove your shoes inside homes/temples.
  • Do not touch heads out of respect.
  • Do not point with your feet at people or religious places.
  • Women should not contact monks.
  • Always bargain respectfully.

Conclusion

Laos is a great travel destination that also happens to be very affordable, making it an attractive place for Indian travellers.

For your trip, no matter if it’s a budget adventure or a luxurious getaway, the first thing to do is to familiarise yourself with Laos trip cost from India.

Through planning, smart budgeting, and with a little help from Visa2Fly, your dream vacation to the peaceful landscapes and rich culture of Laos is within reach.

Get your Laos visa easily with Visa2Fly and set out on your adventure today!