4 data plans · from £9.10 · instant QR code by email
Travelling as a group? Buy everyone an eSIM in one checkout and the discount is applied automatically — no code needed. See group pricing
Streaming, tethering and heavy use
£21.40
£2.05/GB
Buy →
Connects automatically to the strongest signal across Lao Telecom.
Setup
It takes about a minute. Tap the install link we email you, leave the line switched off, then switch it on when you land — and you're online.
On iPhone (iOS)
On Android
Laos: 17 plans, from 3 to 20 GB. Validity runs from 1 day to 30 days. 9 of them run on 5G where the local network has it.
10 plans can be topped up without installing a second eSIM. Plans run on Lao Telecom.
Counted from our live catalogue, not a marketing figure — the plan list above this section is the same data.
No regional bundle includes Laos cover — a single-country plan is the only option here, and it is usually the cheaper one anyway.
A Laos travel eSIM is a digital SIM that downloads straight to your phone — no plastic card, no queuing at an airport counter. You buy online, tap the install link we email you (the QR code is in there too), and your phone adds a second line alongside your normal SIM. It stays dormant until your trip begins, then connects automatically to Lao Telecom on LTE. Your normal number carries on working for calls and texts while the eSIM handles the data.
Maps, messaging and taxi apps use very little data — roughly 300–500 MB a day. If you add photos, social media and the occasional video, expect to use closer to 1 GB a day. For a one-week trip, a 5 GB plan is usually plenty; for two weeks, tethering, or heavy use, opt for 10 GB or more, or choose a top-up plan you can reload as you go. Laos plans start at £9.10 across 4 sizes, with the per-GB price clearly shown so you can easily spot the best value.
Yes. A Laos travel eSIM is a local data plan rather than international roaming — you pay the price you saw online, and there are no per-megabyte charges from your home network provider. Set the eSIM as your mobile data line, switch data roaming off on your normal SIM, and nothing unexpected turns up on your next bill. Full refund at any time before installation, so buying ahead costs you nothing.
Sticky Rice (Khao Niew)
The foundational staple of the Lao diet, steamed in bamboo and eaten with the hands.
Available everywhere from street food stalls to high-end restaurants.
Larb (Laap)
The national dish of Laos, a vibrant salad of minced meat mixed with fresh herbs, lime, chili, and toasted rice powder.
Vientiane and Luang Prabang local eateries.
Tam Mak Hoong
A fiery and pungent green papaya salad pounded in a mortar, bolder than the Thai version due to the use of fermented fish sauce (padaek).
Street vendors and night markets across Laos.
Mok Pa
Delicate steamed fish infused with lemongrass, herbs, and curry paste, wrapped in a banana leaf.
Luang Prabang restaurants overlooking the Mekong.
Khao Piak Sen
A comforting breakfast noodle soup made with chewy tapioca rice noodles in a rich chicken or pork broth.
Morning markets in Vientiane.
Or Lam
A hearty, slightly spicy and peppery stew originating from Luang Prabang, uniquely flavored with 'mai sakaan' (chili wood).
Traditional restaurants in Luang Prabang.
Sai Oua (Lao Sausage)
Flavorful, smoky pork sausage heavily seasoned with lemongrass, galangal, kaffir lime leaves, and chili.
Luang Prabang Night Market.
Khao Jee Paté
A crusty French-style baguette sandwich filled with pâté, local sausage, fresh vegetables, and chili sauce.
Street corners and sandwich carts in Vientiane.
Kaipen
Crispy sheets of dried river weed seasoned with garlic and sesame seeds, often served with a sweet and spicy dipping sauce.
Luang Prabang riverside restaurants.
Ping Kai
Lao-style grilled chicken marinated in garlic, soy, fish sauce, and coriander roots.
Roadside stalls across the country, especially heading to Vang Vieng.
Kuang Si WaterfallsLuang Prabang
Iconic, multi-tiered waterfalls featuring stunning turquoise pools surrounded by lush jungle.
Half day
Wat Xieng ThongLuang Prabang
A highly revered 16th-century temple known for its sweeping roofs and intricate glass mosaics.
1-2 hours
Mount PhousiLuang Prabang
A hill in the center of town offering incredible panoramic sunset views of the city and Mekong River.
1-2 hours
Luang Prabang Night MarketLuang Prabang
A vibrant, peaceful market ideal for buying local handicrafts, textiles, and trying a huge variety of street food.
2-3 hours
Tak Bat (Alms Giving Ceremony)Luang Prabang
A deeply spiritual, silent daily sunrise ritual where hundreds of monks walk through the streets to collect offerings.
1 hour
Pha That LuangVientiane
The most important national monument in Laos, a massive, shimmering golden stupa.
1 hour
Patuxai (Victory Gate)Vientiane
A monumental archway resembling the Arc de Triomphe, offering 360-degree views of the capital from its top.
1 hour
Buddha Park (Xieng Khuan)Vientiane
An eccentric sculpture park filled with hundreds of unique, surreal Hindu and Buddhist statues.
2 hours
Nam Xay ViewpointVang Vieng
A challenging hike up a karst peak rewarding climbers with breathtaking views of limestone mountains and rice paddies (complete with a motorcycle at the summit).
2-3 hours
Blue LagoonsVang Vieng
A series of naturally fed, brilliant blue swimming holes perfect for cooling off and relaxing after a hike.
Half day
Laos-China Railway (LCR)
High-speed and standard trains connecting Vientiane, Vang Vieng, Luang Prabang, and northern borders.
200,000 - 450,000 LAK per ticket depending on class and route.
Minivans and VIP Buses
Road transport running between all major and minor cities. Minivans are faster but cramped; VIP buses are larger.
150,000 - 300,000 LAK for intercity routes.
Tuk-Tuks and Jumbos
Shared or private motorized rickshaws found in all cities. Fares must be negotiated before boarding.
30,000 - 60,000 LAK for short inner-city trips.
Domestic Flights
Operated by Lao Airlines, connecting Vientiane to Pakse, Luang Prabang, and other regional hubs.
$50 - $120 USD one-way.
Ride-hailing
LOCA, InDrive, KOKKOK Move
LOCA is the most reliable, tourist-friendly option allowing in-app credit card payments. InDrive operates on a cash negotiation basis.
Paying for things
Basics
| New Year's Day | January 1 | Government offices close, but most tourist businesses operate normally. |
| International Women's Day | March 8 | Banks and government offices close. |
| International Labour Day | May 1 | Public holiday with limited impact on tourism infrastructure. |
| Lao Women's Union Day | July 20 | Government offices close; minimal disruption to travel. |
| Lao National Day | December 2 | Public celebrations and flags everywhere; some businesses may operate on reduced hours. |
Recurring dates — the day these fall on moves year to year.