Table of Contents
Introduction – Crossing into Laos
I visited Laos back in 2013 and absolutely loved it, even though, if I’m honest, we didn’t actually do that much. You’ll understand why in a second.
Back then, I was still so new to travelling. Like really new to travelling. I didn’t have the tools or knowledge we all have access to now. No Pinterest itineraries. TikTok travel hacks, absolutely not. Instagram suggestions for travelling to Laos weren’t really out there. So crossing into Laos from Vietnam was done completely blind no expectations, no real plan, just vibes.
We took an overnight coach from Hanoi all the way to Vientenam, and boy did it take a long time. I had flown into Ho Chi Minh City from Singapore and made a few stops along the way. First stop was Phan Rang, where I randomly decided to do some bungee jumping, that was fun. We then made a stopover in Hoài Nhơn, and eventually Hanoi, our last stop before crossing into Laos.
Either way I learnt that travel isn’t straightforward and you usually have to make up for any changes down the road – MBV
It was all done through a series of long, uncomfortable overnight buses. And let me be clear. These buses weren’t glamorous or luxurious. They were giving full-on backpacker trail energy: loud, sweaty, cramped. But I didn’t mind. I was a student with no job, just a fair amount of savings and a big hunger to see the world.
That whole journey, which probably took over 25 hours (maybe more), was so exhausting. I don’t think I ever slept to be honest because I just had no idea where I was (today you can check via Google Maps live!)
The traffic in Vietnam was relentless. But I still remember feeling like I was living my dream. In hindsight, I probably wouldn’t travel that way now, but that’s what makes the memory so sweet. I did it. Lived it and loved it And now I get to look back and say, “I’ve done that.” Me. Moi!
One random detail I always associate with that trip? I was reading 50 Shades of Grey on the bus. That book had the whole world in a chokehold at the time, and for whatever reason, it became part of the journey.
This post is part of my Student in Singapore Travel Series, where I reflect on the trips I took across Asia while studying abroad in Singapore.
About Laos
Laos is a landlocked country in Southeast Asia, known for its peaceful energy, Buddhist temples, and beautiful landscapes. It’s often quieter than places like Thailand or Vietnam, which is exactly why so many travellers fall in love with it.
The capital city is Vientiane, but most people also visit Luang Prabang, a charming UNESCO town famous for its temples, waterfalls, and alms-giving ceremonies.
To visit Laos, most travellers can apply for an eVisa online before arriving. It’s usually valid for 30 days, and your passport should be valid for at least six months before applying. Some people still use visa-on-arrival at land borders, but applying in advance is so much easier.
The currency is the Lao Kip (LAK), and while some places might accept Thai Baht or US Dollars, it’s best to carry kip, especially outside the main towns. Worth noting that ATMs aren’t always reliable, so having cash on hand is a good idea.
Laos moves slower than most places, and that’s its magic. If you go, I would suggest combining with another South East Asian country like Thailand or Vietnam is what I did.
Why Laos?
Now here’s the real reason I wanted to go to Laos: I’d seen pictures of my friends I met while studying in Singapore at National University of Singapore (NUS) of them being in a hot air balloons drifting over the mountains of Vang Vieng and I was instantly obsessed. That was the dream. I didn’t care what else we did, I just wanted that one moment. But as soon as we got to our hotel in Laos, I was told it wasn’t the season for hot air balloons. I was fuming. So angry. Like what? I’d travelled all this way spent days on the road and the one thing I came for wasn’t even possible.
And the craziest part? Over a decade later, in 2025, I still haven’t made it onto a hot air balloon. That dream is still pending. I really need to change that soon. Either way I learnt that travel isn’t straightforward and you usually have to make up for any changes down the road.
What We Actually Did in Laos
We didn’t have much of a plan, and by the time we got to Laos… I had no money left. The student budget had officially run out. But that didn’t stop us from soaking up the atmosphere and creating memories I still laugh about to this day.
We stayed in Vang Vieng, which back in 2013 had a very different reputation to what it has now. It was then known as a bit of as a wild backpacker town. Today it’s more known for eco-friendly tourism, and outdoor adventures like kayaking, caving, and hiking. If I went back now, I imagine I’d experience it completely differently as I did back then.
We also passed through Vientiane, the capital, which felt quiet and unassuming compared to the chaotic energy of Vietnam or Thailand. I remember wandering the streets, spotting monks in their orange robes, visiting a few temples and just feeling a bit more chilled in Laos.
Food-wise, it was simple and affordable grilled fish, sticky rice, pizzas and whatever street food we could find for a few kip. It wasn’t a foodie trip, but the meals were fresh and warm, and sometimes that’s all you need.
Reflections on Laos
Laos wasn’t the flashiest country I visited on that trip. It wasn’t overflowing with tourist attractions, and it definitely wasn’t designed for broke backpackers with zero plans.
But it taught me a few things:
Sometimes the most uneventful trips are the ones that stay with you the longest. Over a decade later I still remember river tubing (an outdoor sport in which people ride innertubes or inflated disks down a long river) we did in Vang Vieng which today is still one the most popular events in Southeast Asia!
It taught me the importance of research, in todays travel world research is so much more easier. Directly at our fingers tips. I can easily go to Tiktok, Instagram anywhere a blog post and find so much detail on travelling to Laos, which I know when I am ready I will have an amazing time!
I remember the kindness of the locals, the quiet streets, the lack of pressure to do anything. And although I was not able to live out my dream and go on a hot air ballon I still had a calm slow trip which was perfect for my move back to the UK as student that was about to enter the rut of applying for jobs! It was a chance to just be.
And that, in itself, was enough.
This post is part of my Student in Singapore Travel Series, where I reflect on the trips I took across Asia while studying abroad in Singapore.
Final Views – Would I Go Back?
Absolutely. As I wrap up this post after days of going through journals, looking for old pictures I know that Laos needs to see me again as a grown up with a pay check or a sponsored trip who knows.
If I was to go back now I would go back with stronger intention to explore places like Luang Prabang, the waterfalls, eat more of the local food like Larb or Tam Som. I would even maybe take part in the monks’ alms ceremony.
But more importantly, I’d go back for redemption to finally float through the sky in that hot air balloon. Maybe just one day.
What about you? Have you been to Laos or would you go? Would you go crossing into Laos from Thailand or Vietnam? Let me know in the comments and as always.
Speak soon,
MBV xx
