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Laos price guide

Prices in Laos in 2026: fair price vs tourist trap

Short answer: very cheap, if you pay what locals pay. Fair prices sit 64% below the 60-country median, while tourist prices are about 3.1× the fair price.

29 prices checked Apr – Aug 2026 6 verified, 21 estimates, and 2 rough estimates How I check

Fair prices at a glance

All 29 prices are also in the free app for iPhone and Android, and they work offline. Get it

One day in Laos: ₭278,500 or ₭750,000

About $12 or $34 a day.

The first number is what locals pay, the second what tourist spots charge for exactly the same day.

Same day, same things: the tourist version costs 2.7× as much.

Restaurant meal alone: ₭375,000, or 50% of the tourist-trap day.

+₭471,500 (about $21) for the same day

What's in the day. Middle of each range
Item Fair (₭) Trap (₭)
Street food meal 17,500 85,000
Restaurant meal 165,000 375,000
Coffee (espresso) 25,000 55,000
Water 1.5 L 6,500 15,000
Local beer 20,000 45,000
Public transit ticket 2 rides 28,000 75,000
Short taxi ride about 1 km 16,500 100,000
Total 278,500 750,000
  • Sightseeing comes on top: a ticket to a top museum or attraction is ₭5,000 –⁠ ₭50,000 (about $0.22 –⁠ $2.20).
  • Accommodation is left out on purpose: it swings too much with the season and the night of the week for one honest number.

Where tourists overpay most in Laos

Tourist-trap price compared with the fair price, using the middle of each range.

  1. 1 Top museum / attraction Fair ₭5,000 – ₭50,000 Trap ₭100,000 – ₭250,000 Tourist prices are about 6.4× the fair price
  2. 2 Fridge magnet Fair ₭8,000 – ₭20,000 Trap ₭50,000 – ₭120,000 Tourist prices are about 6.1× the fair price
  3. 3 City taxi 1 km Fair ₭8,000 – ₭25,000 Trap ₭50,000 – ₭150,000 Tourist prices are about 6.1× the fair price

Check a price you were quoted

Pick what you are buying, type the price, and see where it lands.

about $4.50

Tourist-trap price

Fair ₭8,000 – ₭25,000 Trap ₭50,000 – ₭150,000

₭100,000 is 6.1× the middle of the fair range (₭8,000 –⁠ ₭25,000).

Tourists often get charged ₭50,000 –⁠ ₭150,000. From ₭50,000 you are paying the tourist-trap price.

In the app, every expense you log on a trip gets the same check, offline.

Fair vs tourist prices in Laos, item by item

What 29 everyday things should cost, and what tourists often pay instead. Typical for Vientiane, Luang Prabang, and Vang Vieng.

Show prices in
  • Fair price
  • Tourist-trap price
  • Verified
  • Estimate

Bars run from zero to each item's top tourist-trap price.

Food & drinks 8 prices, up to 4.9×

Restaurant meal: fair is ₭80,000 –⁠ ₭250,000. Above ₭250,000 you are on the tourist menu.

  • Water 0.5 L

    Bottled, convenience store

    Estimate, reviewed
    Tourist prices are about 2.0× the fair price
    Fair ₭8,000 – ₭14,000 ≈ $0.36 – $0.63
    Trap ₭18,000 – ₭25,000 ≈ $0.81 – $1.10

  • Coffee (espresso)

    Cafe or street vendor

    Estimate, reviewed
    Tourist prices are about 2.2× the fair price
    Fair ₭15,000 – ₭35,000 ≈ $0.67 – $1.60
    Trap ₭40,000 – ₭70,000 ≈ $1.80 – $3.10

  • Local beer

    Draft, at bar or restaurant

    Verified ·
    Tourist prices are about 2.3× the fair price
    Fair ₭10,000 – ₭30,000 ≈ $0.45 – $1.30
    Trap ₭30,000 – ₭60,000 ≈ $1.30 – $2.70

  • Restaurant meal

    Tourist area, main course

    Estimate, reviewed
    Tourist prices are about 2.3× the fair price
    Fair ₭80,000 – ₭250,000 ≈ $3.60 – $11
    Trap ₭250,000 – ₭500,000 ≈ $11 – $22

  • Street food meal

    Local market or stand

    Verified ·
    Tourist prices are about 4.9× the fair price
    Fair ₭10,000 – ₭25,000 ≈ $0.45 – $1.10
    Trap ₭50,000 – ₭120,000 ≈ $2.20 – $5.40

  • Cocktail at bar

    Mixed drink, bar

    Estimate, reviewed
    Tourist prices are about 1.7× the fair price
    Fair ₭55,000 – ₭95,000 ≈ $2.50 – $4.30
    Trap ₭95,000 – ₭160,000 ≈ $4.30 – $7.20

  • Bottle of wine (restaurant)

    House wine, restaurant

    Estimate, reviewed
    Tourist prices are about 4.0× the fair price
    Fair ₭100,000 – ₭250,000 ≈ $4.50 – $11
    Trap ₭400,000 – ₭1,000,000 ≈ $18 – $45

  • Fresh juice

    Cafe or street stall

    Estimate, reviewed
    Tourist prices are about 3.0× the fair price
    Fair ₭10,000 – ₭30,000 ≈ $0.45 – $1.30
    Trap ₭40,000 – ₭80,000 ≈ $1.80 – $3.60
Transport 4 prices, up to 6.1×

Airport taxi to the center: fair is ₭60,000 –⁠ ₭100,000. At ₭150,000 or more, walk away.

  • Airport taxi to center

    Standard route

    Verified ·
    Tourist prices are about 3.4× the fair price
    Fair ₭60,000 – ₭100,000 ≈ $2.70 – $4.50
    Trap ₭150,000 – ₭400,000 ≈ $7 – $18

  • City taxi 1 km

    Metered or typical fare

    Estimate, reviewed
    Tourist prices are about 6.1× the fair price
    Fair ₭8,000 – ₭25,000 ≈ $0.36 – $1.10
    Trap ₭50,000 – ₭150,000 ≈ $2.20 – $6.70

  • Public transit ticket

    Single ride

    Estimate, reviewed
    Tourist prices are about 2.7× the fair price
    Fair ₭8,000 – ₭20,000 ≈ $0.36 – $0.90
    Trap ₭25,000 – ₭50,000 ≈ $1.10 – $2.20

  • Private transfer (app)

    Grab / Bolt / Uber

    Estimate, reviewed
    Tourist prices are about 3.9× the fair price
    Fair ₭30,000 – ₭150,000 ≈ $1.30 – $6.70
    Trap ₭200,000 – ₭500,000 ≈ $9 – $22
Souvenirs 3 prices, up to 6.1×

Fridge magnet: fair is ₭8,000 –⁠ ₭20,000. From ₭50,000 you are paying the souvenir-stall markup.

  • Fridge magnet

    Tourist shop

    Estimate, reviewed
    Tourist prices are about 6.1× the fair price
    Fair ₭8,000 – ₭20,000 ≈ $0.36 – $0.90
    Trap ₭50,000 – ₭120,000 ≈ $2.20 – $5.40

  • Printed T-shirt

    Tourist shop

    Estimate, reviewed
    Tourist prices are about 4.5× the fair price
    Fair ₭30,000 – ₭80,000 ≈ $1.30 – $3.60
    Trap ₭150,000 – ₭350,000 ≈ $7 – $16

  • Local handcraft

    Ceramics, textiles, etc.

    Estimate, reviewed
    Tourist prices are about 3.5× the fair price
    Fair ₭100,000 – ₭500,000 ≈ $4.50 – $22
    Trap ₭600,000 – ₭1,500,000 ≈ $27 – $67
Daily essentials 6 prices, up to 4.9×

Tourist SIM: fair is ₭20,000 –⁠ ₭70,000. From ₭100,000 it is the tourist-kiosk price.

  • Tourist SIM card

    Data package

    Verified ·
    Tourist prices are about 2.8× the fair price
    Fair ₭20,000 – ₭70,000 ≈ $0.90 – $3.10
    Trap ₭100,000 – ₭150,000 ≈ $4.50 – $6.70

  • Sunscreen SPF50

    Pharmacy or shop

    Estimate, reviewed
    Tourist prices are about 2.4× the fair price
    Fair ₭75,000 – ₭300,000 ≈ $3.40 – $13
    Trap ₭300,000 – ₭600,000 ≈ $13 – $27

  • Water 1.5 L

    Supermarket

    Verified ·
    Tourist prices are about 2.3× the fair price
    Fair ₭5,000 – ₭8,000 ≈ $0.22 – $0.36
    Trap ₭10,000 – ₭20,000 ≈ $0.45 – $0.90

  • Cigarettes

    Pack of 20

    Estimate, reviewed
    No real tourist markup
    Fair ₭35,000 – ₭50,000 ≈ $1.60 – $2.20
    Trap ₭50,000 – ₭75,000 ≈ $2.20 – $3.40

  • Painkillers (paracetamol)

    Pack of 20 tablets

    Estimate, reviewed
    Tourist prices are about 4.9× the fair price
    Fair ₭10,000 – ₭25,000 ≈ $0.45 – $1.10
    Trap ₭50,000 – ₭120,000 ≈ $2.20 – $5.40

  • Mosquito repellent

    Spray or lotion

    Estimate, reviewed
    Tourist prices are about 1.8× the fair price
    Fair ₭60,000 – ₭110,000 ≈ $2.70 – $4.90
    Trap ₭110,000 – ₭200,000 ≈ $4.90 – $9
Services 4 prices, up to 3.5×

One-hour massage: fair is ₭100,000 –⁠ ₭200,000. From ₭250,000 you are paying for the address.

  • Men's haircut

    Local barbershop

    Rough estimate
    Tourist prices are about 2.9× the fair price
    Fair ₭20,000 – ₭60,000 ≈ $0.90 – $2.70
    Trap ₭80,000 – ₭150,000 ≈ $3.60 – $6.70

  • Laundry (per kg)

    Laundry service

    Rough estimate
    Tourist prices are about 2.7× the fair price
    Fair ₭15,000 – ₭30,000 ≈ $0.67 – $1.30
    Trap ₭40,000 – ₭80,000 ≈ $1.80 – $3.60

  • Massage (1 hour)

    Standard full-body massage

    Estimate, reviewed
    Tourist prices are about 2.5× the fair price
    Fair ₭100,000 – ₭200,000 ≈ $4.50 – $9
    Trap ₭250,000 – ₭500,000 ≈ $11 – $22

  • Women's haircut

    Basic cut, salon

    Estimate, reviewed
    Tourist prices are about 3.5× the fair price
    Fair ₭50,000 – ₭120,000 ≈ $2.20 – $5.40
    Trap ₭200,000 – ₭400,000 ≈ $9 – $18
Attractions 4 prices, up to 6.4×

Top museum or attraction: fair is ₭5,000 –⁠ ₭50,000. From ₭100,000, check that you are not buying through a reseller.

  • Top museum / attraction

    Entrance ticket

    Estimate, reviewed
    Tourist prices are about 6.4× the fair price
    Fair ₭5,000 – ₭50,000 ≈ $0.22 – $2.20
    Trap ₭100,000 – ₭250,000 ≈ $4.50 – $11

  • Half-day group tour

    Organized excursion

    Estimate, reviewed
    Tourist prices are about 3.0× the fair price
    Fair ₭200,000 – ₭400,000 ≈ $9 – $18
    Trap ₭600,000 – ₭1,200,000 ≈ $27 – $54

  • Full-day group tour

    Organized excursion 6-8h

    Estimate, reviewed
    Tourist prices are about 3.0× the fair price
    Fair ₭250,000 – ₭550,000 ≈ $11 – $25
    Trap ₭800,000 – ₭1,600,000 ≈ $36 – $72

  • Cooking class

    Local cuisine cooking class

    Verified ·
    Tourist prices are about 3.1× the fair price
    Fair ₭200,000 – ₭500,000 ≈ $9 – $22
    Trap ₭700,000 – ₭1,500,000 ≈ $31 – $67

Converted at 1 USD = 22,287 LAK, the rate on October 3, 2026. Approximate.

Money and tipping in Laos

Currency

Lao kip (LAK)

  • 1 USD = 22,287 LAK

Rate as of October 3, 2026

Quick converter, LAK to USD

$22

Approximate. Your card or exchange booth adds its own margin.

When a card terminal or ATM offers to charge you in your home currency, choose LAK. The rate it offers is almost always worse.

Tipping in Laos

Tipping is not traditional but welcomed, leave 10,000-20,000 LAK at local restaurants or round up in USD. Tour guides and boat crews deserve 20,000-50,000 LAK per day.

Bargaining in Laos

Bargaining is acceptable at markets and souvenir shops, but keep it friendly. Lao culture values a gentle approach. Aim for 20-30% off the initial price rather than aggressive haggling.

Fuel prices per liter

  • Gasoline ₭37,430 / liter ≈ $1.70
  • Diesel ₭31,290 / liter ≈ $1.40

Fuel prices as of

Scams and safety in Laos

What tourists actually run into, from overcharging tricks to local laws. Open any item for the details.

Law Ban on E-cigarettes and vapes

E cigarettes, vapes, heated tobacco and shisha are illegal in Laos. Possession, use, import, sale or export can lead to fines or imprisonment.

Emergency numbers in Laos

Not sure who you need? Call this one. 1191 Police

Laos has no single universal emergency number. Dial 1191 for police, 1195 for ambulance, 1190 for fire. Response times can be slow, especially outside Vientiane.

Medical costs

  • Doctor visit Private clinic, general consultation without insurance $10 –⁠ $40 ≈ ₭223,000 –⁠ ₭891,000
  • Hospital night One night in a general ward without insurance $70 –⁠ $210 ≈ ₭1,560,000 –⁠ ₭4,680,000
  • Ambulance Emergency transport to hospital Up to $150 ≈ up to ₭3,340,000
  • Dentist Check-up or basic treatment at a private practice $25 –⁠ $75 ≈ ₭557,000 –⁠ ₭1,670,000

Typical private prices a tourist pays without insurance.

Good to know before you go

Gestures and etiquette 1 note

Head, feet & voice control

Never touch anyone's head, it's considered sacred. Don't point your feet at Buddha statues or monks, and always remove shoes in temples. Keep your voice low and calm, raising your voice is seen as losing self-control and brings shame.

Buying souvenirs 1 note

Lao silk & Bolaven coffee

Lao silk textiles are handwoven on traditional looms, the Luang Prabang night market is the best place to find quality pieces at fair prices. Coffee from the Bolaven Plateau is excellent and very affordable. Handwoven sticky rice baskets, mulberry paper products, and Lao Lao (rice whiskey) make lightweight, authentic souvenirs. Traditional Hmong embroidered textiles and silver jewelry are other fine picks.

Did you know? 3 notes

  • Every morning at dawn, monks in saffron robes walk through Luang Prabang collecting alms. Tourists can respectfully observe but should not block the path.
  • Laos is the most heavily bombed country per capita in history. Unexploded ordnance remains a hazard, always stay on marked paths when hiking.
  • French colonial influence means Laos has excellent baguettes. Lao-style baguette sandwiches (khao jii) are a delicious and cheap street food staple.

Cities these prices cover 3 cities

The prices on this page are typical for these cities and the tourist areas around them.

  • Vientiane ວຽງຈັນ
  • Luang Prabang ຫລວງພຣະບາງ
  • Vang Vieng ວັງວຽງ

How Laos compares

The TruePrice Index for Laos, next to the countries people weigh it against and its nearest neighbors, all on one scale. 100 is the median of the 60 countries I track.

  1. Laos 36 This page
  2. Vietnam 47 Prices about 31% higher than in Laos
  3. Myanmar 55 Prices about 53% higher than in Laos
  4. Cambodia 61 Prices about 69% higher than in Laos
  5. Thailand 70 Prices about 94% higher than in Laos
  6. Malaysia 82 Prices about 2.3× as high as in Laos
  7. Singapore 149 Prices about 4.1× as high as in Laos

Bars show each country's TruePrice Index. The dotted line marks Laos.

See all 60 countries in the TruePrice Index Browse every country guide

Common questions about prices in Laos

Is Laos expensive to visit?

Short answer: very cheap, if you pay what locals pay. Fair prices sit 64% below the 60-country median, while tourist prices are about 3.1× the fair price. On the TruePrice Index, Laos scores 36, the 2nd cheapest of the 60 countries I track.

How much does a day in Laos cost, without flights and hotel?

Roughly ₭278,500 (about $12) a day at fair prices, or ₭750,000 (about $34) at tourist prices. That covers two meals, a coffee, a bottle of water, a beer, two transit rides and a short taxi ride. Sightseeing comes on top (₭5,000 –⁠ ₭50,000 for a top museum or attraction), and accommodation is not included.

Do you tip in Laos, and how much?

Tipping is not traditional but welcomed, leave 10,000-20,000 LAK at local restaurants or round up in USD. Tour guides and boat crews deserve 20,000-50,000 LAK per day.

What currency does Laos use?

The Lao kip (LAK). On October 3, 2026, 1 USD was worth 22,287 LAK. Card terminals and ATMs that offer to charge you in your home currency usually give a worse rate, so pay in LAK.

How much is a meal and a beer in Laos?

A restaurant main course is ₭80,000 –⁠ ₭250,000 (about $3.60 –⁠ $11) at fair prices, while tourist menus charge ₭250,000 –⁠ ₭500,000. A street food meal runs ₭10,000 –⁠ ₭25,000. A local beer is ₭10,000 –⁠ ₭30,000 (about $0.45 –⁠ $1.30), or ₭30,000 –⁠ ₭60,000 in tourist bars.

How much money should I bring to Laos?

Budget roughly ₭278,500 (about $12) a day for food, drinks and getting around at local prices, or about ₭750,000 (about $34) at tourist prices. Add ₭5,000 –⁠ ₭50,000 for each major sight, plus your accommodation.

What is the emergency number in Laos?

If you are not sure who you need, call 1191, the police line. Direct lines: ambulance 1195, fire brigade 1190.

Sources and method

Where these numbers come from, and how sure I am about each one.

Prices
29 items: 6 verified, 21 estimates, and 2 rough estimates
Checked
to
Exchange rate
1 USD = 22,287 LAK,
Fuel prices
Cities
Vientiane, Luang Prabang, and Vang Vieng
Page updated

What the labels mean

Verified
Checked against recent local sources.
Estimate
Based on related prices and not yet confirmed.
Rough estimate
Thin data. Treat it as a ballpark.
Fair price
What locals typically pay.
Tourist-trap price
What tourists are commonly charged in tourist areas.
Markup
The middle of the tourist-trap range divided by the middle of the fair range. 3.0× means three times the fair price.
TruePrice Index
Fair prices for all 29 items compared with the median of the 60 countries I track. 100 is the median, 50 means half the median price and 200 twice it.

How to cite

TruePrice Index, October 2026, truepriceapp.com/en/trueprice-index/

Spotted a price that looks off? Email me at contact@truepriceapp.com and I will check it.

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