Visas and entry
Visa rules for Laos shift over time and depend on which passport you hold, which is why we don't quote a set fee here. Once you tell us your nationality, we'll confirm what's currently required, what paperwork to prepare and the lead time needed before you travel.
A safe general rule: your passport should run at least six months past your planned return, with two pages left blank, and you should have onward tickets and hotel bookings confirmed and ready to show.
Visa fees, travel insurance and international flights are not included in your trip cost unless the itinerary says otherwise.
Payment terms
- Once your trip is confirmed, 50% of the cost is payable straight away so we can secure hotels, transport and activities.
- The balance is due 7 days before you arrive.
- Payments should be confirmed by email with the transaction details attached.
- Payment requirements aren't fixed — they depend on the hotel involved and how busy that season is when you book.
Cancellation policy
- Cancellations are accepted by email only.
- 45 days or more before arrival — no charge.
- 45 to 30 days out from arrival, you owe 25% of the cost.
- 30 to 15 days out from arrival, rising to 50% of the cost.
- 15 to 10 days out from arrival, climbing to 75% of the cost.
- Inside 10 days of arrival, the full 100% of the cost is due.
- This scale can be superseded by individual hotel terms or high-season blackout dates; your quotation will spell out exactly what applies.
What you should know before you travel
A few minutes reading this before you fly will save you the odd awkward moment on the ground.
- In Luang Prabang, watching monks receive their morning alms is an act of faith, not a photo opportunity — keep your distance, remain silent, and switch off the flash.
- Keep knees and shoulders covered when visiting temples; monks shouldn't be touched by women, nor handed items directly.
- Everything in Laos happens more slowly than in neighbouring countries, so leave extra time around transfers and resist filling each day too tightly.
- Remove your shoes before entering temple halls and homes.
- Avoid touching anyone on the head, including children.
Good to know
- In the mountainous north, road distances on a map take noticeably longer to cover than they appear to suggest.
- Card acceptance is limited on some rural stretches; carry cash for the day.
Frequently asked questions
When do you need my final traveller details?
Seven days before you arrive, along with the balance payment. In high season, sending them earlier helps, since hotels can release blocked rooms quickly if a booking isn't confirmed.
How is the price of my trip worked out?
It's based on your dates, group size, hotel category and the activities in your itinerary. We send a written quote once we have those details, and nothing is booked until you confirm it.
Can you handle special meal requirements?
We can. Vegetarian, vegan and halal options are all available if you flag them when booking rather than waiting until you land.
What happens if a domestic flight is cancelled?
Our local team reworks the ground arrangements around the new schedule and lets you know straight away. Any airline charges are passed on at cost.
Is there support if something goes wrong during the trip?
Absolutely — a local contact stays reachable across your whole trip, not only during standard working hours.