How to reach Laos from India: there are no direct flights, so Indian travellers fly to Bangkok, Hanoi, Kuala Lumpur or Singapore and take a short connecting flight to Vientiane or Luang Prabang, with a total journey time of about 8–12 hours. Arrange your Laos visa before you travel (e-Visa, or through a licensed tour operator for group tours), budget about ₹70,000–₹1,20,000 per person for 7 nights including flights, and travel between November and February for the best weather.
As the No.1 Premium Operator for Indians, Vietnamtour.in has served 428,000+ Indian travellers since 2015. This guide explains how to travel to Laos from India step by step: visas, flight routes from Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai and Kolkata, costs in INR, the best time to go, and tips for vegetarian and Jain travellers.
| Route from India | Connection | Approx. total time |
|---|---|---|
| Via Bangkok (BKK/DMK) | Thai Airways, Thai AirAsia, Lao Airlines to Vientiane or Luang Prabang | 8–11 hrs |
| Via Hanoi (HAN) | Direct India–Hanoi flights, then Lao Airlines or Vietnam Airlines (about 1 hr) | 8–12 hrs |
| Via Kuala Lumpur / Singapore | AirAsia, Scoot and other carriers to Vientiane | 10–15 hrs |
| Overland from Vietnam or Thailand | Bus from Hanoi, or train/bus via the Friendship Bridge from Thailand | 1 day or more |
Can Indian Citizens Travel to Laos? Visa Requirements and Entry Rules
Yes, Indian citizens can travel to Laos, but they need a visa, and since 1 July 2025 Indian passport holders are advised to arrange it before travelling rather than relying on a visa on arrival.
From 1 July 2025, licensed Lao tour operators report stricter entry checks for Indian passport holders. Group tours need a telex (approval) document and invitation letter arranged through a licensed Lao travel company, and some groups may be asked to show about USD 1,000 in cash per person. Laos immigration has not published detailed public guidance, so the rules can change at short notice. Mr. Anthony (Anthony Ngo), Cofounder of Vietnamtour.in, with 10+ years of experience, recommends that every Indian traveller confirms documents with their tour operator at least 2–3 weeks before departure. Our offices in Vietnam and India provide 24/7 support to arrange these documents for Indian groups.
Laos Visa for Indians: How to Apply for the e-Visa Online
The Laos e-Visa costs about USD 50 (around ₹4,400). It is valid for 60 days from the date of issue for a single entry and a stay of up to 30 days, and it can be used at the main airports (Vientiane, Luang Prabang and Pakse), the Friendship Bridges with Thailand and the Laos–China railway border.
Step 1: go to the official Lao eVisa website, laoevisa.gov.la, and register with your email address.
Step 2: fill in the form, upload a scan of your passport bio page and a recent photo, and pay by card.
Step 3: you will usually receive the approval by email within 3–5 working days. Print it and show it at immigration. Apply at least 10–14 days before travel.
Laos Visa on Arrival for Indian Passport Holders
Visa on arrival (about USD 40, or ₹3,500, for 30 days) is available to many nationalities at Wattay (Vientiane) and Luang Prabang airports. Since July 2025, however, Indian travellers are advised to get an e-Visa or a pre-arranged visa instead, as acceptance on arrival is not guaranteed. If you do plan to use visa on arrival, carry clean USD notes, two passport photos and proof of hotel and return tickets, and check with your airline or tour operator first.
Documents Indian Tourists Must Carry for Laos
- Indian passport valid for at least 6 months, with 2 blank pages
- Printed e-Visa approval, or the telex/invitation documents for group tours
- 2 recent passport-size photos
- Confirmed return or onward flight ticket
- Hotel bookings for your whole stay
- Travel insurance and enough funds (USD cash or a forex card)
How to Reach Laos from India by Flight: Routes and Airlines
There are no direct flights from India to Laos; the easiest way is to fly to Bangkok or Hanoi and take a short connecting flight to Vientiane or Luang Prabang.
Bangkok has the most flights from Indian cities and frequent connections to Laos. Hanoi is a good choice if you are combining Laos with Vietnam: there are direct flights from several Indian cities to Hanoi, and Lao Airlines and Vietnam Airlines fly from Hanoi to Luang Prabang and Vientiane in about 1 hour. If you are new to this route, see our guide on how to reach vietnam and current india to vietnam flights. Round-trip fares from India to Laos are usually about ₹25,000–₹45,000 when booked 2–3 months ahead. Allow at least 3 hours between flights if they are on separate tickets.
How to Reach Laos from Delhi: Flights to Vientiane
From Delhi, fly to Bangkok (about 4 hours) or Hanoi, then connect to Vientiane (about 1 hour 10 minutes from Bangkok). Total travel time is usually 8–10 hours with one stop. Airlines on these routes include Thai Airways, Thai AirAsia, IndiGo, Air India, Vietjet, Vietnam Airlines and Lao Airlines. Round-trip fares are about ₹25,000–₹40,000.
Flights from Mumbai to Laos
From Mumbai, connect through Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur or Hanoi to Vientiane or Luang Prabang. The total journey is about 10–12 hours, with round-trip fares of about ₹28,000–₹45,000 depending on the airline and season.
Flights from Bengaluru and Chennai to Laos
From Bengaluru and Chennai, low-cost combinations via Bangkok or Kuala Lumpur are usually the cheapest, from about ₹26,000–₹38,000 round trip. Journey times vary from about 9 to 15 hours depending on the layover.
Flights from Kolkata to Vientiane
Kolkata is the closest major Indian city to Laos. With a good connection via Bangkok, the total journey to Vientiane can be about 6–8 hours, and fares are often the lowest, from about ₹22,000 round trip.
Overland: How to Travel to Laos from Vietnam or Thailand
You can also reach Laos overland. From Thailand, cross the Friendship Bridge from Nong Khai to Vientiane by bus or train. From Vietnam, sleeper buses run from Hanoi to Vientiane (about 20 hours) and from central Vietnam via the Lao Bao border to Savannakhet. For routes and border details, read “How to travel to Laos from Vietnam?”
Laos Tour Packages from India: Cost, Duration, and Itinerary Options
A 5-night Laos tour package from India costs about ₹45,000–₹85,000 per person for the land package, or about ₹70,000–₹1,10,000 including international flights.
5-Night Laos Holiday Package from India: Vientiane and Luang Prabang
A 5-night package usually covers Luang Prabang (the Royal Palace Museum, Wat Xieng Thong, Kuang Si Falls and a Mekong cruise to the Pak Ou Caves) and one or two nights in Vientiane. Land packages start from about ₹64,000 per person, excluding international flights.
7-Night Laos Tour Package for Indian Families
A 7-night trip covering Vientiane, Vang Vieng and Luang Prabang, with hotels, guided tours and transfers, typically costs ₹90,000–₹1,20,000 per person at mid-range level, plus ₹25,000–₹40,000 for international flights. The Laos–China Railway now links all three towns, which makes family travel much easier.
Budget Laos Packages from India
Budget land packages for 4–5 nights start from about ₹30,000–₹40,000 per person with simple hotels, basic tours and transfers. With flights, the total trip cost starts from about ₹55,000–₹70,000.
Luxury Laos Packages from India
Luxury trips with boutique resorts in Luang Prabang, such as Rosewood Luang Prabang, start from about ₹1,50,000 per person for 7 nights, including private tours and domestic transport.
Laos Honeymoon Packages from India
Honeymoon trips usually combine Luang Prabang and Vang Vieng, with Mekong sunset cruises, a sunrise hot air balloon ride and couples’ Lao massage. A 6-night honeymoon land package starts from about ₹85,000–₹1,10,000 per couple.
Many Indian travellers combine Laos with its neighbours: compare our vietnam and laos tour packages, vietnam cambodia tour packages and multi-country Indochina tour packages.
Best Places to Visit in Laos for Indian Tourists
Luang Prabang is the most-visited place in Laos, followed by Vientiane, Vang Vieng and, in the south, Pakse with the Hindu-era Wat Phou temple. For the full list, see our guide to the top places to visit in laos.
Vientiane: Patuxai, Pha That Luang and Buddha Park
In vientiane, the capital, the main sights are Patuxai (Victory Gate), Pha That Luang (the national golden stupa) and Buddha Park (Xieng Khuan), about 25 km from the city, with more than 200 Buddhist and Hindu sculptures. Entry fees are low, usually 10,000–30,000 kip (about ₹40–₹120). The evening riverside market on the Mekong is good for snacks and souvenirs.
Luang Prabang: Kuang Si Falls, Wat Xieng Thong and the Morning Alms
Luang Prabang’s highlights are the turquoise Kuang Si Falls (about 60,000 kip, or ₹245, including the bear rescue centre), the gilded Wat Xieng Thong temple and the dawn Tak Bat alms-giving, when monks in saffron robes walk through town. Watch the alms-giving quietly from a distance and dress modestly in temples.
Vang Vieng: Adventure Activities
Vang Vieng, about 1 hour from Vientiane by train, is Laos’s adventure town. Go kayaking or tubing on the Nam Song River, ride a zipline over limestone karsts, swim in the Blue Lagoon or take a sunrise hot air balloon ride (about USD 80–120, or ₹7,000–₹10,500).
Pakse and Wat Phou: Southern Laos
pakse is the gateway to southern Laos, the Bolaven Plateau waterfalls and the 4,000 Islands on the Mekong. Nearby, Wat Phou is a UNESCO-listed Khmer temple complex originally dedicated to Lord Shiva, which makes it especially meaningful for Indian visitors.
Best Time to Visit Laos from India
The best time to visit Laos from India is November to February, when the dry, cool season brings clear skies and pleasant temperatures of about 15–28°C. For a month-by-month guide, see our dedicated best time to visit Laos resources.
- November–February (best): dry and comfortable; Boun That Luang festival in Vientiane in November. December and January are the busiest months, so book early.
- March–April (hot): up to about 35–38°C. Pi Mai Lao, the Lao New Year water festival, takes place in mid-April (around 14–16 April).
- May–October (rainy): green countryside and lower prices, but heavy rain, especially from June to September, can disrupt rural roads.
How Much Does a Laos Trip Cost from India?
A 7-night Laos trip from India costs about ₹70,000–₹1,20,000 per person at mid-range level, including flights (₹25,000–₹40,000) and hotels (₹3,000–₹6,000 per night). Our 15,300-member community, “Vietnam Travel Reviews for Indian Travelers”, rates Laos as good value compared with other Indochina destinations.
Laos Flight Cost from India by Departure City
| Departure city | Cheapest round trip (approx.) | Standard round trip (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Delhi | ₹25,000 | ₹35,000–₹40,000 |
| Mumbai | ₹28,000 | ₹38,000–₹45,000 |
| Bengaluru | ₹26,000 | ₹36,000–₹42,000 |
| Kolkata | ₹22,000 | ₹30,000–₹38,000 |
Fares vary by season and booking time.
Hotel Cost in Laos
- Budget guesthouses: ₹1,200–₹2,000 per night
- Mid-range 3-star hotels: ₹3,000–₹6,000 per night
- Luxury boutique resorts: ₹10,000–₹20,000+ per night
Daily Expenses and Transport Within Laos
- Local meals: ₹200–₹400; Indian or international restaurant: ₹800–₹1,500 per person
- Tuk-tuk in town: ₹80–₹250 per ride (agree on the price first)
- Vientiane–Luang Prabang by train: about 2 hours; about 330,000 kip (₹1,350) in 2nd class or 522,000 kip (₹2,130) in 1st class
- Vientiane–Luang Prabang by flight: about 45 minutes, ₹3,300–₹5,800
- Entry fees: Kuang Si Falls about ₹245; most temples ₹40–₹120
Laos Travel Tips for Indian Tourists
Carry US dollars, plan your vegetarian meals, buy a local SIM and respect temple etiquette.
Currency in Laos: Is INR Accepted?
Indian rupees are not accepted or exchanged in Laos. Carry US dollars (clean, new notes) or a USD forex card, and change money into Lao kip (LAK) at banks or licensed money changers; 1 USD is roughly 21,000–22,000 kip (2026). ATMs work in Vientiane, Luang Prabang and Vang Vieng, but cash is needed in smaller towns.
Indian, Vegetarian and Jain Food in Laos
There are Indian restaurants in Vientiane, Luang Prabang and Vang Vieng, though fewer than in Vietnam or Thailand. Lao food often uses fish sauce, so vegetarians should say “kin jay” (I eat vegetarian food) or “baw sai nam pa” (no fish sauce). To guarantee a home-cooked taste, Vietnamtour.in works with verified Indian restaurants in Vientiane and Luang Prabang and arranges strictly vegetarian and Jain meals (no onion or garlic) on request. This commitment is backed by our 2,140 reviews on TripAdvisor rated 5★.
SIM Card and Internet in Laos
Buy a local SIM at Vientiane or Luang Prabang airport from Unitel or Lao Telecom. A tourist data pack costs about 50,000–80,000 kip (₹200–₹330). Coverage is good in towns and weaker in rural areas. Indian roaming works but is expensive.
Health and Travel Insurance
Consult a travel clinic 4–6 weeks before departure about recommended vaccines such as Hepatitis A and Typhoid. Drink bottled water and buy travel insurance that covers medical evacuation, as the best hospitals are in Vientiane or across the border in Thailand.
Cultural Etiquette and Dress Code
Cover your shoulders and knees in temples and remove your shoes before entering. Women should not touch monks or hand things directly to them. Don’t point your feet at people or Buddha images. These customs will feel familiar to Indian travellers used to temple etiquette at home.
How to Plan a Laos Trip from India: 4 Steps
Plan in this order: choose your dates, book flights, arrange your visa, then book hotels or a tour package.
- Choose your dates and duration: November–February is best; plan at least 5 nights for Luang Prabang, or 7–8 nights to add Vientiane and Vang Vieng.
- Book flights: compare routes via Bangkok and Hanoi 2–3 months ahead, and allow at least 3 hours between flights on separate tickets.
- Arrange your visa: apply for the e-Visa at least 10–14 days before travel, or let your tour operator arrange the telex and invitation for group tours.
- Book hotels or a package: choose a Laos-only trip or combine it with Vietnam, Cambodia or Thailand.
Laos Travel FAQs for Indian Tourists
How to go to Laos from India?
Fly from Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai or Kolkata to Bangkok or Hanoi, then take a 1-hour flight to Vientiane or Luang Prabang. Arrange your Laos e-Visa before travelling.
Is there a direct flight from India to Laos?
No. There are currently no direct flights between India and Laos. Connect via Bangkok, Hanoi, Kuala Lumpur or Singapore.
Do Indians need a visa for Laos?
Yes. Indian passport holders need a visa. The safest option is the Laos e-Visa, or a visa arranged through a licensed tour operator for group tours, as visa-on-arrival acceptance for Indians has not been guaranteed since July 2025.
What is the ideal duration for a Laos trip from India?
6–8 days lets you see Luang Prabang (3 nights), Vang Vieng (1–2 nights) and Vientiane (1–2 nights). A 5-day trip works for Luang Prabang only.
What is the best way to travel between Vientiane and Luang Prabang?
The Laos–China Railway is the best option, taking about 2 hours. Domestic flights take about 45 minutes, and minivans take about 6 hours on the road. The two-day slow boat on the Mekong runs between Huay Xai (Thai border) and Luang Prabang, not from Vientiane.
Is Laos better than Vietnam or Thailand for Indian tourists?
Laos is quieter, more traditional and Buddhist, with fewer crowds. Vietnam and Thailand have more beaches, attractions and flights from India, so many Indian travellers add 5–7 days in Laos to a Vietnam or Thailand trip.
Vietnam and Laos Combo Tour from India: 10-Night Itinerary
A Vietnam and Laos combo is the most popular way for Indians to visit Laos, using Hanoi as the gateway.
A typical 10-night itinerary covers Hanoi (2 nights), Ha Long Bay (1 night), Hoi An (2 nights), then a flight to Luang Prabang (3 nights) and the train to Vientiane (2 nights). The total cost from India, including flights, is about ₹1,30,000–₹1,80,000 per person at mid-range level. Flights from Hanoi to Luang Prabang take about 1 hour with Lao Airlines or Vietnam Airlines.
Plan Your Laos Trip from India
Laos is easiest to visit as part of a well-planned Indochina trip, with flights, visas and transfers arranged in advance.
Check the latest vietnam tour package price from india to see how Laos can be added to your Vietnam holiday.
Tell us your travel dates, group size and departure city in India. A Vietnamtour.in travel expert will plan the best flight route to Laos, arrange your visa documents, book hotels and transfers, and organise vegetarian, Jain or Indian meals throughout your journey.
Conclusion
Reaching Laos from India is simple once you know the route: connect via Bangkok or Hanoi, arrange your visa in advance, and plan a 6–8 day trip covering Luang Prabang, Vang Vieng and Vientiane between November and February. With a budget of about ₹70,000–₹1,20,000 for 7 nights, Laos offers Indian travellers a slower, more traditional side of Southeast Asia.
