laos vs vietnam travel If you are looking for a Southeast Asian destination that offers rich culture, stunning scenery, delicious food and friendly people, you might be wondering whether to choose Laos or Vietnam. Both countries have a lot to offer, but they also have some differences that might affect your travel experience. In this blog post, we will compare Laos and Vietnam travel in terms of visa requirements, costs, safety, attractions and activities, cuisine and culture. By the end of this post, you should have a better idea of which country suits your travel preferences and budget.
Visa Requirements laos vs vietnam travel
One of the first things you need to consider when planning your trip to Laos or Vietnam is the visa requirements. Depending on your nationality and the length of your stay, you might need to apply for a visa before you travel or get one on arrival.
Laos Visa
Laos offers visa on arrival for most nationalities, which means you can get your visa at the airport or border crossing when you arrive. You will need to fill out an application form, provide two passport-sized photos and pay a fee of $30-$45 USD depending on your nationality. The visa on arrival is valid for 30 days and can be extended for another 30 days at the immigration office in Vientiane.
Alternatively, you can apply for an e-visa online before you travel, which costs $36.58 USD and is valid for 30 days. You will need to upload a digital photo and a copy of your passport and pay the fee online. You will receive an approval letter by email within three working days, which you need to print out and show at the immigration checkpoint when you arrive. laos vs vietnam travel
Vietnam Visa
Vietnam also offers visa on arrival for most nationalities, but you need to obtain an approval letter online before you travel. You can apply for the approval letter through a reliable agency online, which will charge you a service fee of $6-$25 USD depending on the type and duration of your visa. You will need to provide your personal and travel information and pay the fee online. You will receive the approval letter by email within two to three working days, which you need to print out and show at the visa counter when you arrive. You will also need to fill out an application form, provide two passport-sized photos and pay a stamping fee of $25-$50 USD depending on the type and duration of your visa. The visa on arrival is valid for 15, 30 or 90 days depending on your choice. laos vs vietnam travel
Alternatively, you can apply for an e-visa online before you travel, which costs $25 USD and is valid for 30 days. You will need to upload a digital photo and a copy of your passport and pay the fee online. You will receive an e-visa by email within three working days, which you need to print out and show at the immigration checkpoint when you arrive. laos vs vietnam travel
Costs
Another important factor to consider when comparing Laos and Vietnam travel is the cost of living and traveling in each country. Both countries are relatively affordable compared to other destinations in Southeast Asia, but there are some differences in the prices of accommodation, transportation, food and activities. laos vs vietnam travel
Laos Costs
Laos is one of the cheapest countries in Southeast Asia, with an average daily budget of $20-$30 USD per person. You can find a dorm bed for as low as $3 USD per night, or a private room for $10-$15 USD per night. A local meal can cost you $1-$2 USD, while a western meal can cost you $3-$5 USD. A bottle of water can cost you $0.25-$0.50 USD, while a beer can cost you $1-$2 USD. A bus ticket can cost you $5-$10 USD for a short journey, or $15-$20 USD for a long journey. A tuk-tuk ride can cost you $1-$2 USD for a short distance, or $5-$10 USD for a longer distance. A guided tour can cost you $20-$50 USD per day depending on the type and duration of the tour. laos vs vietnam travel
Vietnam Costs
Vietnam is also a very affordable country in Southeast Asia, with an average daily budget of $25-$35 USD per person. You can find a dorm bed for as low as $4 USD per night, or a private room for $15-$20 USD per night. A local meal can cost you $2-$3 USD, while a western meal can cost you $5-$10 USD. A bottle of water can cost you $0.25-$0.50 USD, while a beer can cost you $0.50-$1 USD. A bus ticket can cost you $5-$15 USD for a short journey, or $20-$30 USD for a long journey. A taxi ride can cost you $0.50-$1 USD per kilometer, or $5-$10 USD for a longer distance. A guided tour can cost you $30-$60 USD per day depending on the type and duration of the tour. laos vs vietnam travel
Safety
Safety is another aspect that you need to consider when traveling to Laos or Vietnam. Both countries are generally safe and peaceful, but they also have some risks and challenges that you need to be aware of and prepared for. laos vs vietnam travel
Laos Safety
Laos is a safe country to travel to, with low crime rates and friendly locals. However, there are some issues that you need to be careful of, such as:
- Unexploded ordnance (UXO): Laos is the most bombed country in the world, with millions of unexploded bombs and mines left over from the Vietnam War. These UXOs can still pose a threat to travelers, especially in rural areas and near the border with Vietnam. You should always stick to marked paths and avoid touching or moving any suspicious objects. laos vs vietnam travel
- Road accidents: Laos has poor road conditions and traffic rules, which can lead to accidents and injuries. You should always wear a helmet and drive carefully if you rent a motorbike or bicycle. You should also avoid traveling at night or in bad weather, as the roads can be dark and slippery. laos vs vietnam travel
- Scams and theft: Laos is not a very scammy or thieving country, but you should still be vigilant and protect your valuables. You should avoid carrying large amounts of cash or expensive items, and keep them in a safe place or on your person. You should also beware of touts and vendors who might try to overcharge you or sell you fake or low-quality goods. laos vs vietnam travel
- Drugs and alcohol: Laos has a relaxed attitude towards drugs and alcohol, which can tempt some travelers to indulge in them. However, you should be aware that drugs are illegal and can land you in jail or worse. You should also be careful with alcohol, as some drinks can be adulterated or spiked with drugs or chemicals. laos vs vietnam travel
Vietnam Safety
Vietnam is also a safe country to travel to, with low crime rates and hospitable locals. However, there are some issues that you need to be careful of, such as:
- Scams and theft: Vietnam is notorious for its scams and thefts, which can target unsuspecting travelers. You should be wary of taxi drivers, cyclo drivers, street vendors, tour operators and other people who might try to rip you off or rob you. You should always negotiate the price and check the meter before you get in a taxi or cyclo. You should also avoid buying anything from street vendors or hawkers, as they might sell you fake or low-quality goods. You should also keep your valuables in a safe place or on your person, and avoid flashing them in public. laos vs vietnam travel
- Road accidents: Vietnam has chaotic and congested traffic, which can lead to accidents and injuries. You should always wear a helmet and drive carefully if you rent a motorbike or bicycle. You should also avoid traveling at night or in bad weather, as the roads can be dark and slippery.
- Food poisoning: Vietnam has delicious and diverse cuisine, but it can also cause food poisoning if you are not careful. You should always wash your hands before eating, and avoid eating raw or undercooked meat, seafood, eggs or dairy products. You should also avoid drinking tap water or ice cubes, and stick to bottled water or boiled water. laos vs vietnam travel
- Natural disasters: Vietnam is prone to natural disasters such as typhoons, floods, landslides and earthquakes, which can disrupt your travel plans and cause damage or injury. You should always check the weather forecast and follow the local authorities’ advice before you travel. You should also have travel insurance that covers natural disasters. laos vs vietnam travel
Attractions and Activities
One of the main reasons to travel to Laos or Vietnam is to enjoy the attractions and activities that each country offers. Both countries have a variety of natural and cultural wonders that will amaze and inspire you.
Laos Attractions and Activities
Laos is a landlocked country that boasts of lush green mountains, serene rivers, majestic waterfalls, ancient temples and charming villages. Some of the attractions and activities that you can enjoy in Laos are:
- Luang Prabang: This is the former royal capital of Laos and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is a beautiful town that blends traditional Lao architecture with French colonial influence. You can visit the stunning temples, such as Wat Xieng Thong and Wat Mai, admire the golden stupa of Pha That Luang, watch the sunrise from Mount Phousi, witness the alms-giving ceremony of the monks, shop at the night market,cruise along the Mekong River, and explore the nearby attractions such as Kuang Si Waterfall and Pak Ou Caves. laos vs vietnam travel
- Vientiane: This is the capital and largest city of Laos, and a hub of culture, commerce and history. You can visit the impressive monuments, such as Patuxai and That Dam, admire the art and artifacts at the Lao National Museum and the COPE Visitor Centre, relax at the Buddha Park and the Mekong Riverside Park, and enjoy the nightlife and cuisine at the night market and the restaurants.
- Vang Vieng: This is a popular backpacker destination that offers stunning views of the karst mountains and the Nam Song River. You can enjoy various outdoor activities, such as tubing, kayaking, hiking, biking, rock climbing and ziplining. You can also visit the caves, such as Tham Phu Kham and Tham Chang, swim at the Blue Lagoon, and watch the sunset from a riverside bar. laos vs vietnam travel
- Plain of Jars: This is a mysterious archaeological site that features thousands of stone jars scattered across the fields. The origin and purpose of these jars are still unknown, but they are believed to date back to the Iron Age. You can explore the three main sites that are open to visitors, and learn more about the history and culture of the region at the visitor centre and the MAG UXO Information Centre.
- Si Phan Don: This is a group of islands in the Mekong River near the border with Cambodia. It is also known as the Four Thousand Islands, as there are many small islands that dot the river. You can enjoy a laid-back and rustic atmosphere, as well as beautiful scenery and wildlife. You can visit the largest island of Don Khong, where you can see colonial buildings and temples, or the smaller islands of Don Det and Don Khon, where you can see waterfalls, dolphins and rice fields. laos vs vietnam travel
Vietnam Attractions and Activities
Vietnam is a coastal country that boasts of diverse landscapes, vibrant cities, historic sites and cultural heritage. Some of the attractions and activities that you can enjoy in Vietnam are:
- Hanoi: This is cruise along the Mekong River, and explore the nearby attractions such as Kuang Si Waterfall and Pak Ou Caves. Vientiane: This is the capital and largest city of Laos, and a hub of culture, commerce and history. You can visit the impressive monuments, such as Patuxai and That Dam, admire the art and artifacts at the Lao National Museum and the COPE Visitor Centre, relax at the Buddha Park and the Mekong Riverside Park, and enjoy the nightlife and cuisine at the night market and the restaurants. laos vs vietnam travel
- Vang Vieng: This is a popular backpacker destination that offers stunning views of the limestone karsts, caves and rivers. You can enjoy various outdoor activities, such as tubing, kayaking, hiking, biking, rock climbing and ziplining. You can also visit the Blue Lagoon, Tham Phu Kham Cave, Tham Chang Cave and Tham Nam Cave. laos vs vietnam travel
- Plain of Jars: This is a mysterious archaeological site that features thousands of stone jars scattered across the landscape. The origin and purpose of these jars are still unknown, but they are believed to date back to the Iron Age. You can explore the three main sites of the Plain of Jars, and learn more about the history and culture of the region at the visitor center and the museum. laos vs vietnam travel
- Si Phan Don: This is a group of islands in the Mekong River near the border with Cambodia. It is also known as the Four Thousand Islands, as there are hundreds of small islands that dot the river. You can enjoy the laid-back atmosphere and the natural beauty of Si Phan Don, and visit some of the attractions such as Khone Phapheng Falls, Don Khon Island, Don Det Island and Don Khong Island. laos vs vietnam travel
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Vietnam Attractions and Activities
Vietnam is a coastal country that boasts of diverse landscapes, vibrant cities, historic sites and cultural heritage. Some of the attractions and activities that you can enjoy in Vietnam are:
- Hanoi: This is the capital and second largest city of Vietnam, and a center of culture, politics and history. You can visit the iconic landmarks, such as Hoan Kiem Lake, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Temple of Literature and One Pillar Pagoda, admire the art and history at the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology and the Vietnam Fine Arts Museum, explore the Old Quarter and the French Quarter, and enjoy the street food and entertainment at the night market and the water puppet show. laos vs vietnam travel
- Ha Long Bay: This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most scenic places in Vietnam. It is a bay that features thousands of limestone islands, caves and rock formations that rise from the emerald water. You can cruise along the bay, visit some of the caves such as Sung Sot Cave and Thien Cung Cave, kayak or swim in the water, and stay overnight on a junk boat or a floating village. laos vs vietnam travel
- Sapa: This is a mountainous town in the north of Vietnam, near the border with China. It is a popular destination for trekking, hiking and homestaying. You can enjoy the breathtaking views of the rice terraces, valleys and peaks, visit some of the ethnic minority villages such as Cat Cat Village and Ta Van Village, and experience the local culture and hospitality. laos vs vietnam travel
- Hoi An: This is an ancient town and a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the central coast of Vietnam. It is a charming town that preserves the architecture and atmosphere of the past. You can wander around the old town, visit some of the temples, pagodas and bridges such as Quan Cong Temple, Phuc Kien Assembly Hall and Japanese Covered Bridge, shop for souvenirs and tailor-made clothes at the market and the shops, and enjoy the lantern festival and the nightlife at the riverside. laos vs vietnam travel
- Ho Chi Minh City: This is the largest and most modern city in Vietnam, and a hub of commerce, culture and entertainment. You can visit some of the historical and cultural attractions such as Reunification Palace, War Remnants Museum, Notre Dame Cathedral and Ben Thanh Market, explore some of the districts such as District 1, District 3 and Chinatown, and enjoy the cuisine and nightlife at the restaurants, bars and clubs. laos vs vietnam travel
