Laos
Laos backpacking guides from my time on the road: transport, safety, SIM cards and honest first-hand tips for planning your own trip.
Vang Vieng Honest Guide: What Nobody Tells You Before You Go
Vang Vieng is one of those places I’m still not entirely sure how to describe. Because on one hand, it ended up being one of the most visually insane and adventurous places I visited in Laos. But on the other, it felt like a bit of a shock to the system after Luang Prabang and even more…
Onward Travel for Southeast Asia: Proof of Onward Ticket for Thailand, Vietnam & More
If you’re planning a backpacking trip through Southeast Asia, one of the first things you’ll run into at airports or border checkpoints is the requirement for proof of onward travel. Even if you’re a British passport holder entering visa-exempt countries like Thailand or Vietnam, airlines and immigration officers may ask to see that you plan to leave…
Is Laos Safe? An Honest Backpacker’s Guide to Safety in Laos
If you’re planning a Southeast Asia trip and typing “is Laos safe?” into Google, I get it. Laos has a bit of a mysterious reputation on the backpacking route. It’s less developed than Thailand, less chaotic than Vietnam, and far less talked about than Bali. And in 2024, tragic headlines about backpackers dying from methanol poisoning only…
How to Book Train Tickets in Laos: The New China–Laos Railway Explained
The China–Laos Railway is one of Southeast Asia’s newest and most transformative transport links. Officially opened in December 2021, this high-speed railway connects Kunming in China to Vientiane, the capital of Laos, cutting travel time and offering a modern, scenic alternative to long bus rides or flights. Known for its efficiency and comfort, the railway is quickly becoming the go-to choice…
Laos SIM Card: Best Network, Prices & Where to Buy
Staying connected in Laos can be trickier than in neighbouring Thailand or Vietnam. While internet access is improving, finding a local SIM card isn’t always straightforward—especially if you skip the airport kiosks, or the airport altogether and arrive on the slowboat from Thailand. Here’s what to expect and how to make sure you stay online.…
Backpacking Laos: The Strangest Week
You know those days where everything is just a bit… off? Not bad enough to ruin your trip, but strange enough that you start to wonder if you’re being punked by the backpacker gods? Laos was that. For a full week, it felt like I was moving through a slightly warped version of Southeast Asia—one…