Where to Stay in Laos
A regional guide to accommodation across the country
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Regions of Laos
Each region offers a distinct character and accommodation scene. Find the one that matches your travel plans.
This mountainous region offers Laos's most atmospheric accommodation, from colonial-era boutiques to hilltribe homestays. The area features the country's highest concentration of heritage properties and UNESCO-listed architectural settings, making it the premier destination for culturally immersive stays.
The capital region provides the country's most diverse accommodation infrastructure, from international business hotels to riverside boutiques along the Mekong. Standards are generally higher and more predictable here than elsewhere in Laos, with better amenities and service consistency.
Centered on Vang Vieng and extending north to outdoor activity hubs, this region caters to backpackers and adventure seekers with budget-friendly hostels and activity-focused guesthouses. The accommodation scene is youthful and social, with many properties offering tour booking services and communal spaces.
This historically significant area offers functional rather than luxurious accommodation, with most properties being simple guesthouses and small hotels catering to archaeological site visitors. The remote location means fewer options and more basic facilities than tourist hotspots.
This emerging tourism corridor features some of Laos's most scenic riverside accommodation, from rustic bungalows to upscale eco-resorts. The region's recent road improvements have opened up previously isolated villages, creating new homestay opportunities while maintaining authentic rural character.
Often overlooked by tourists, central Laos offers authentic local accommodation experiences with minimal tourist infrastructure. Properties here are primarily functional hotels serving domestic travelers and business visitors, providing insight into everyday Lao life away from tourist circuits.
This motorcycle touring destination has developed a network of biker-friendly guesthouses and homestays along the famous loop route. Accommodation ranges from basic village stays to comfortable lodges near cave systems and karst formations, catering specifically to independent travelers exploring by motorbike.
This border province offers a mix of French colonial architecture transformed into atmospheric guesthouses and functional transit hotels. The region serves as a gateway to Vietnam and features some of central Laos's best-preserved colonial buildings converted into charming mid-range accommodation.
This coffee-growing highland region features eco-lodges, plantation stays, and waterfall-adjacent bungalows that capitalize on the cool climate and natural beauty. Accommodation here emphasizes sustainability and agricultural tourism, with many properties offering coffee farm experiences and ethnic minority cultural encounters.
Anchored by Pakse, this region serves as the gateway to southern Laos with a growing selection of mid-range hotels and guesthouses. The area functions primarily as a transit hub, offering practical accommodation for travelers heading to the 4000 Islands or Bolaven Plateau, with improving standards as tourism infrastructure develops.
This Mekong River archipelago epitomizes Laos's laid-back accommodation scene, with bamboo bungalows, riverside guesthouses, and hammock-strung properties defining the traveler experience. The islands of Don Det, Don Khon, and Don Khong each offer distinct atmospheres, from party-oriented budget lodges to peaceful family-run guesthouses with sunset river views.
Laos's least-visited region offers adventurous travelers basic but authentic accommodation experiences near the Cambodian border and remote protected areas. Options are limited and facilities basic, but the area provides genuine off-the-beaten-path experiences for those willing to sacrifice comfort for authenticity and access to pristine natural areas.
Accommodation Landscape
What to expect from accommodation options across Laos
International hotel chains have a limited but growing presence in Laos, primarily concentrated in Vientiane and Luang Prabang. Brands like Sofitel, Pullman, and Crowne Plaza operate flagship properties in the capital, while Avani and Angsana have established luxury resorts in heritage locations. Regional chains like Lao Plaza Hotel Group operate mid-range properties in several provincial capitals. The government's cautious approach to foreign investment has prevented the mass-market chain expansion seen in neighboring countries, preserving Laos's boutique accommodation character.
Family-run guesthouses remain the backbone of Laos's accommodation sector, offering personal service and local insights that larger properties cannot match. These range from simple rooms in family homes to purpose-built multi-story guesthouses with en-suite facilities. Many are multi-generational businesses where English-speaking younger family members manage bookings while elders maintain traditional hospitality. Local hotel groups operate comfortable mid-range properties in provincial capitals, often the best option in less-touristed areas. Standards vary widely, but licensed properties generally maintain acceptable cleanliness and safety levels.
Laos offers several distinctive accommodation types rooted in local culture and geography. Homestays in ethnic minority villages provide immersive cultural experiences, particularly in northern highlands where Hmong, Khmu, and Akha communities welcome guests into traditional stilted houses. Mekong River houseboats offer floating accommodation experiences, especially popular for multi-day cruises between Luang Prabang and the Thai border. Converted French colonial villas and mansions, particularly in Luang Prabang and Savannakhet, provide atmospheric heritage stays with period architecture and modern amenities. Eco-lodges in protected areas like Nam Ha National Park combine conservation education with comfortable jungle accommodation. Temple stays are rare but possible in some Buddhist monasteries, offering meditation retreats and monk-chat opportunities.
Booking Tips for Laos
Country-specific advice for finding the best accommodation
Luang Prabang's boutique colonial hotels and riverside properties have limited rooms and book out 2-3 months ahead during peak season. These atmospheric properties offer Laos's most memorable accommodation experiences but cannot expand due to UNESCO preservation restrictions, making advance booking essential for November-February travel.
Laos requires all foreign visitors to stay in licensed accommodation, and unlicensed guesthouses risk police visits and potential fines. In remote areas, confirm your accommodation is properly registered before checking in, particularly in villages along trekking routes or border regions where informal homestays may not have proper permits.
Many smaller guesthouses and eco-lodges close during low season (May-October) when visitor numbers don't justify operating costs. This particularly affects the 4000 Islands, Bolaven Plateau, and trekking areas where monsoon rains reduce accessibility. Always confirm properties are open before traveling during shoulder and rainy seasons.
While Vientiane and Luang Prabang increasingly accept cards, most accommodation outside major tourist areas operates on cash-only basis. ATMs are limited in rural areas and frequently run out of money, so carry sufficient Lao kip or US dollars (widely accepted) when traveling to remote regions or smaller islands.
Guesthouses and smaller hotels commonly offer 10-20% discounts for stays of three nights or more, especially during shoulder and low seasons. This practice is less common with online bookings, so consider booking the first night online and negotiating directly for extended stays, particularly in budget and mid-range properties.
Remote areas of Laos experience frequent power cuts and water shortages, particularly during dry season (March-May). When booking accommodation in rural areas, islands, or smaller towns, inquire about backup generators, water storage, and what happens during outages. Some budget properties only provide electricity during evening hours.
When to Book
Timing matters for both price and availability across Laos
Book 2-3 months ahead for November-February travel, especially for Luang Prabang heritage hotels, Vang Vieng hostels, and 4000 Islands riverside bungalows. Christmas, New Year, and Chinese New Year require even earlier booking (3-4 months) as these are the absolute peak periods. Festival periods, particularly Lao New Year in mid-April, need 2-3 months advance booking despite falling in hot season.
October and March offer booking flexibility with 2-4 weeks advance notice usually sufficient for most destinations. These months provide good weather with lower prices and better availability, though October can still see rain in northern regions. Spontaneous bookings become more viable, though popular properties in Luang Prabang still benefit from advance reservation.
May through September allows last-minute booking in most areas, with many properties offering significant discounts (30-50% off peak rates) and same-day availability common. However, some smaller properties close entirely, particularly in adventure tourism areas and remote locations. This season works well for flexible travelers willing to adapt to reduced options and occasional closures.
For Laos, booking 4-6 weeks ahead provides the sweet spot between securing preferred properties and maintaining flexibility. This timeframe ensures availability in most destinations while allowing you to monitor weather forecasts and adjust plans. Budget travelers can often book closer to travel dates, while those seeking specific heritage properties or luxury resorts should book 2-3 months ahead regardless of season.
Good to Know
Local customs and practical information for Laos