As of November 12, 2026, Laos is cheaper than Vietnam for travelers: a mid-range day costs about $58 in Laos against $64 in Vietnam, a gap of 10.6%. Over the past year Laos has moved more in the US-dollar traveler's favor (−0.4% after inflation, against −3.5%). Vietnam carries the lower US advisory (Level 1 against Level 2). Vietnam is the easier of the two to travel.
| Measure | Laos | Vietnam |
|---|---|---|
| Mid-range day | $58 | $64 |
| Lean day | $27 | $30 |
| Comfortable day | $127 | $150 |
| Real change, 12 months | −0.4% | −3.5% |
| Exchange rate alone, 12 months | +4.9% | −2.6% |
| Versus 5-year average | −4.0% | +6.0% |
| US advisory | Level 2 · Increased caution | Level 1 · Normal precautions |
| Ease of travel | 2.8 · Rough edges | 4.0 · Well set up |
| Index score | 63 | 72 |
| Best months | Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb | Feb, Mar, Apr, Nov, Dec |
| Shoulder months | Mar, Oct | May, Sep, Oct |
The better figure in each row is in bold. Costs are modeled estimates per person, excluding international flights.
Slow rivers, karst mountains, and a currency that has lost most of its value.
The catchInfrastructure is basic outside three towns, card payments are rare, and medical evacuation means Thailand.
A long, thin country that feeds you extraordinarily well for almost nothing.
The catchE-visa required for most passports, traffic is the main physical risk, and the north is cold and gray from December to February.
Source: Trip Arbitrage (triparbitrage.com), reading of November 12, 2026. How this is calculated.