Motorcycle Touring Destination Info

Laos

Capital City

Vientiane

Population

~ 7,750,000

Land Area

236,800 m2

Official Language(s)

Lao

Currency

Lao Kip (LAK)

Driving Side

right

Climate

tropical monsoon; rainy season (May to November); dry season (December to April)

Laos Fact File

Laos is a small land locked country in Southeast Asia which is becoming more and more popular with adventure riders due to its inaccessibility and the wild remote countryside it has to offer. On top of this, the lack of access has restricted development leaving great swathes of forest with small villages for riders to explore. The locals are very friendly and more than make up for the lack of amenities. It is really only accessible for touring during the dry season from December to April as heavy rains create swollen rivers and treacherously muddy conditions that prevent travel through the most interesting parts of the country. Many are drawn to the enigmatic Ho Chi Minh trail route which is well known for its role in the fight against the American troops and offers some rugged riding for experienced riders. This along with river crossings, small boat ferries, tiny forest tracks all make for an Indiana Jones type adventure.

Laos FAQ

Do I need a visa for Laos?

Most travellers can get a visa on arrival or a visa exemption quite easily. This will usually allow a stay of 30 days and can be extended.
Many nationalities are exempt from visa requirements and many can get a visa on arrival. For more information use this website: https://visaguide.world/asia/laos-visa/

How can I get a visa for Laos?

There are three ways that you can obtain a visa for Laos, depending on your nationality of origin.
-On arrival.
-At most ports of entry.
-Online. Through the official eVisa website of the Laos Ministry of foreign affairs.
-In person.
-At an Embassy of Consulate of Laos.
Again, the website above will give you more insight into this.

Which International Driving Permit do I need for Laos?

Laos has signed the 1949 Convention on International Driving Permits. Therefore, this is the one that you need.

Covid-19 Rules

There is no requirement to show any proof of vaccination against COVID to enter Laos. You should follow normal covid precautions.

What is the riding style like?

The Laotians are well-known for their relaxed attitude to everything and this is also evident in their driving in many ways. Road rules are seen more as suggestions so expect the unexpected and be prepared. However, once you have acclimatised you will find that there is a slow paced logic and things generally move along just fine, especially in the more countryside areas.

How far in advance should I book bikes or a tour?

Due to having less tourists things in Laos get booked up quite quickly. So, the further ahead you can book, the better.

What riding gear should I bring?

Try to bring as much as possible. We will advise you on the weather conditions when you book your tour/rental and this will inform you as to what you should bring. Nearly all items are available here but the supply is sporadic and sizes tend to be more for the Asian market. Bring your helmet, jacket, riding pants, boots, gloves and waterproofs as these are essential and size dependant. We can provide a limited range of gear and sizes so it is best to discuss this with us in advance as we cannot guarantee to have what you need. There is NO NEED to bring bungees, waterproof bags, phone holders etc… unless you really wish to.

Is there a Malaria risk in Laos?

Yes, there is a moderate risk of Malaria in Laos. This is much less in the major cities such as Vientiane or Luang Prabang but if you are intending to tour with us, you will be in remote areas where the risk is higher. As such, we suggest you consult your doctor for anti-malarials.
As always in tropical areas, you should do your best to keep covered up and use a quality mosquito repellent. Preventative measures are usually the most effective.

Is there a risk of Dengue Fever in Laos?

Yes, the risk is far greater than that of Malaria but it is predominantly in the rainy season (May to September) which is possibly the worst time of year for riding so you are unlikely to be in country. There are cases of Dengue year round but the peak is between May to October. Once again, the main preventative measure is to to avoid getting bitten by covering up and using a good repellent.

How safe is it in Laos for tourists?

Laos is generally safe for tourists but you do need to be careful of being overcharged and of petty crime such as being pickpocketed. This is mainly the case in the larger urban areas and when we are on tour we stay in a group so the risks are mitigated. It is not wise to stay out late at night and leave a motorbike parked unguarded as with many countries. It is better to leave bikes parked in the hotel which also means you are free to drink alcohol if you wish.

Is there a danger from unexploded ordnance (UXO) in Laos?

Yes! And No. UXO is a big problem in rural areas. Most, if not all, UXO in urban areas has been dealt with, which means we are safe in these areas. However, we ride in the countryside and as such there is a miniscule risk of encountering UXO. To reduce this risk we ride on trails that have been established over years and that have frequent traffic. The chances of UXO being on these trails is negligible. Naturally, there is a risk due to land shifts, erosion, building works and the like, but we keep a constant eye on these situations and make sure we are NEVER the first ones to cross any ‘new’ area. We never ride off trail for this very reason and any rider who does will be subject to possible expulsion from the ride, no refunds. This is because riding off trail poses a threat to everyone on the ride and, therefore, cannot be tolerated.

Is it customary to tip in Laos?

It is usually not normal to tip in Laos and can even be considered rude in some circumstances. Generally, Laotians do not tip unless they receive excellent service. Leaving 10% on top of a restaurant bill or rounding up to the nearest whole figure on a taxi bill or such like are seen as acceptable. At street stalls, leaving a tip will likely confuse the vendor who will try to return your money. If they do, accept graciously. To do otherwise would risk offending them slightly. There is not obligation, but can be welcome in a country where wages are low and life is hard.

When is the best time to visit Laos?

If we are talking about the best time to tour, it is usually October to April. This is wehen the country experiences less rain and roads are easier to navigate. Outside of this time, you are likely to experience torrential rains and the associated difficulties with road travel on dirt tracks and river crossings and/or extreme heat which can make touring unbearably hard.