Where to stay in Laos: Areas & booking tips

One night you’re sleeping under mosquito netting in a riverside bungalow. The next, you're sipping Beerlao on the terrace of a faded French villa. This isn’t a country of polished lobbies and rooftop pools. It’s about slow mornings, crooked floorboards, and views that don’t need a filter. 

Figuring out where to stay in Laos is part of the adventure. In Luang Prabang, old timber houses have been turned into quiet guesthouses with jasmine-scented gardens and creaky verandas. Up north, you’ll find mountain lodges near Phongsali, or bungalows in Nong Khiaw with nothing but jungle and limestone cliffs beyond the hammock.

Down south, things get even more laid-back. Sleep in stilted huts on Don Det, or hole up in a coffee farm cabin on the Bolaven Plateau. Hot water might be optional, but good coffee isn’t. And while proper luxury is rare, comfort comes easy when you’re surrounded by this much calm.

Where to stay in Laos: From budget to luxury

Laos won’t blow your budget – but what you get in return is real value, especially if you care more about charm than thread counts. From hammock-strung bungalows to converted heritage homes, accommodation in Laos punches above its weight, even at the lower end.

Budget stays are everywhere, especially in backpacker hubs like Vang Vieng, Luang Prabang, and the Four Thousand Islands. Expect to pay $10-25 (€9-23) a night for simple guesthouses or dorm beds. Rooms are basic – fan or AC, mosquito net if you’re lucky – but often come with perks like a riverside view, communal kitchen, or a banana pancake breakfast. The plumbing may groan, but the welcome is usually warm.

Mid-range options – from $30-80 (€28-75) a night – get you more comfort without losing the local feel. That could mean a teakwood villa in Luang Prabang, a jungle lodge in the north with solar power and organic meals, or a riverfront stay in Champasak with bicycles to borrow and sunset cocktails on the deck. You’ll usually get private bathrooms, decent Wi-Fi, and a proper breakfast (sticky rice included).

Luxury in Laos isn’t flashy, but it’s well-crafted. Think eco-resorts in the mountains around Muang La, or stylish retreats just outside Luang Prabang where you can soak in a hot tub after a day of temple-hopping. Prices start around $100 (€93) and climb from there, especially at the top-end wellness resorts. Don’t expect marble lobbies and butlers – but do expect quiet, privacy, and settings that feel totally unplugged from the rest of the world.

Best accommodation types in Laos

Laos doesn’t deal in big brands or cookie-cutter hotels. Accommodation in Laos is more relaxed – usually smaller, locally run, and all about the setting. One night you might stay in a teak guesthouse in Luang Prabang, the next in a hammock-strung bungalow by the Mekong. The comfort level varies, but the hospitality rarely does.

Here’s what to expect from the types of places you’re most likely to stay in Laos.

Guesthouses and homestays

From $10 (€9) per night

These are the bread and butter of Lao travel – cheap, family-run, and found in nearly every town and village. Expect simple rooms with fans or AC, mosquito nets, and maybe a creaky bed frame. Shared bathrooms are common at the lower end. What you get in return: home-cooked meals, local tips, and a host who might introduce you to their chickens or lend you their scooter.

Riverside bungalows

From $15 (€14) per night

From the Four Thousand Islands to Nong Khiaw, basic bungalows are a classic Lao experience. Often built from wood or bamboo and set right by a river or rice field, they’re rustic – but that’s the charm. Some have hammocks and private porches; others are barely more than a bed and a mosquito net. Don’t expect soundproofing, but do expect sunrise views and frog choruses.

Mid-range boutique stays

From $30 (€28) per night

If you want comfort without losing character, this is where Laos shines. Think French-colonial villas in Luang Prabang, converted homes with local textiles, or stylish stays in Vang Vieng that ditch the backpacker vibe for mountain views and good coffee. Many include breakfast and have staff who’ll help arrange treks, boat trips, or cooking classes.

Ecolodges and nature retreats

From $40 (€37) per night

Scattered across the north and central highlands, ecolodges in Laos are usually remote and relaxed. You’ll find solar power, compost toilets, rainwater showers, and a strong focus on sustainability. Some are community-run, especially near national parks, and your stay directly supports local conservation or village initiatives.

High-end escapes

From $100 (€93) per night

Luxury here is more about setting than sparkle – private villas in the jungle, riverside resorts with infinity pools, or spa retreats outside Luang Prabang with serious design credentials. You’ll get air-con, private terraces, strong cocktails, and silence. It’s low-key but well done. And while the options are few, they’re worth the splurge.

Self-catering and long-stay apartments

From $50 (€47) per night

More common in Vientiane or Luang Prabang, these are ideal for digital nomads, slow travelers, or families. You’ll get more space, basic kitchen gear, and usually AC and Wi-Fi. Great for doing your own thing, though don’t expect stylish decor – this is function over flash.

Average prices per night

Laos is still one of Southeast Asia’s best-value destinations. You don’t need deep pockets to sleep well here – especially if you’re happy with simple rooms and a bit of character over polish. On average, expect to pay $10-25 (€9-23) for a basic guesthouse or riverside bungalow, $30-60 (€28-56) for a more comfortable boutique stay, and $100+ (€93+) for top-end resorts and jungle hideaways. Dorm beds usually go for $5-10 (€5-9), while well-run ecolodges and remote nature retreats range from $60-120 (€56-112) depending on location, views, and how many extras are included.

• Prices rise slightly during the cool, dry season (November to February), which is peak time for travel. Rooms in popular spots like Luang Prabang, Vang Vieng, or Si Phan Don can fill up fast – especially around Lao New Year in April and other local festivals. Booking ahead helps, even for budget places.
• The hot season (March to May) brings high temperatures and fewer crowds, while the rainy season (June to October) sees lush landscapes, but occasional travel delays. Some remote lodges may close or scale back services during the heaviest rains.

Breakfast is often included, especially in mid-range places – usually eggs, fruit, baguette, and strong Lao coffee. Cheaper places might throw in a banana and some instant coffee, or just point you to the nearest noodle stall. Wi-Fi is usually free, but power outages aren’t unheard of in more rural areas. Always check if there's hot water (not guaranteed), and whether pickup from the nearest bus stop is included – especially if you’re heading somewhere out of the way.

Where to stay in Laos: Best areas by region

Laos might be small, but the differences between regions are huge – from French-influenced river towns to jungle outposts where Wi-Fi barely makes an appearance. Choosing where to stay in Laos isn’t just about logistics – it shapes the kind of trip you’ll have, whether you’re into lazy rivers, mountain hikes, or strong coffee with a view.

Luang Prabang

This UNESCO-listed town is Laos at its most graceful. Golden temples, colonial buildings, and a sunset-ready riverfront make it a firm favorite.

• Old Town is the heart of it all. Expect restored villas, boutique hotels, and quiet lanes with morning monks and evening markets. Rooms book up fast in peak season.
• Nam Khan side is a little less polished, with cheaper guesthouses and a more backpacker-friendly vibe. Still walking distance to temples and cafés.
• Outskirts and hills offer garden lodges and high-end escapes with panoramic views. Perfect if you want peace and don’t mind tuk-tuks.

Vang Vieng

Once known for tubing and chaos, Vang Vieng’s grown up. It’s now a base for outdoor activities, surrounded by karst cliffs and green valleys.

• Town center is practical: guesthouses, budget hotels, bars, and restaurants all packed in. Good for social vibes, less so for quiet nights.
• Riverside gets you mountain views, hammock time, and slightly more upscale bungalows.
• Across the bridge is where to go for space, silence, and lodges with serious views – great if you’ve got a scooter or don’t mind walking.

Nong Khiaw and the North

For travelers chasing landscapes over landmarks. Nong Khiaw sits on the Nam Ou River, surrounded by jungle and limestone peaks.

• Nong Khiaw village has riverside bungalows, basic guesthouses, and a few yoga-friendly stays. Nothing fancy, but incredibly scenic.
• Muang Ngoi (accessible only by boat) is even more remote – no cars, spotty power, and one of Laos’s best unplugged experiences.
• Luang Namtha and Phongsali offer trekking lodges and hilltop escapes, often run by community projects.

The South: Pakse, Bolaven Plateau and Si Phan Don

The south is where Laos slows down. Waterfalls, coffee farms, and island life – it’s all here, just less developed.

• Pakse is functional: good for a night or two before heading to the Plateau or islands. Expect simple hotels, markets, and motorbike rental shops.
• Bolaven Plateau has cabins, coffee-farm stays, and ecolodges with jungle trails just outside your room.
• Si Phan Don (Four Thousand Islands) is as laid-back as it gets. Don Det is the party/backpacker hub; Don Khon is quieter and great for cycling. Don Khong is bigger, sleepier, and often overlooked.

Vientiane

Laos’s capital is low-key for a capital, but worth a stop if you’re flying in or out.

• City center has budget guesthouses, French cafés, and riverside hotels. Walkable and easygoing.
• Quieter suburbs offer garden-style guesthouses and apartment-style stays, better for longer visits or remote working.

Booking tips and travel advice

Laos travel tips don’t stop at border crossings and bus schedules – they matter when you’re booking a place to sleep, too. It’s not about star ratings. It’s about timing, location, and knowing how things actually work on the ground. Pick right, and you’ll be swinging in a hammock with river views and a bowl of noodles. Pick wrong, and you’re stuck in a windowless box next to an all-night karaoke joint. Here’s how to avoid that.

• Book ahead during peak season (November to February). This is the most popular time to visit Laos – cooler weather, dry skies, and major festivals like That Luang in Vientiane or Pi Mai (Lao New Year) in April. Guesthouses in Luang Prabang and island bungalows in the south can book up fast, especially the good ones. Don’t leave it to chance.
• Expect lower prices (and more rain) from June to October. This is monsoon season. Travel is still doable, and the landscape turns emerald green – but some rural lodges close or reduce services. Roads can flood, and boat connections may get delayed. The upside? Cheaper rates and way fewer tourists.
• Check what’s actually included. A “private bathroom” might mean a leaky shower head over a squat toilet. “Breakfast included” could be eggs, baguette, and instant coffee – or nothing at all. If AC or hot water matters to you, double-check before you book. It’s also worth asking about electricity hours in more remote areas.
• Reach out directly – especially for family stays and ecolodges. Many locally run places aren’t listed on the big booking platforms, or they offer better deals over email, Facebook, or WhatsApp. Don’t be shy – it’s common here to confirm your booking through a quick message.
• Location matters more than luxury. In Luang Prabang, being near the Old Town saves you from tuk-tuk rides. In Nong Khiaw, a river view is everything. On the islands in the Mekong, “10-minute walk from the pier” might mean 30 minutes with your backpack in the midday heat. Always check the map – and the terrain.
• Read recent reviews. Wi-Fi that “mostly works” in 2021 might be a dead zone now. Prioritize comments about cleanliness, staff, and any mention of noisy karaoke or nearby construction. Laos is changing fast – so ignore anything too old or vague.
• Don’t count on walk-ins – especially in small towns. Outside Vientiane or Luang Prabang, guesthouse options can be limited. If you show up late, your only choice might be a place with flickering lights and cold showers. Book ahead, or at least have a shortlist saved offline.