Imagine stepping into a place where ancient temples whisper stories of the past, rivers flow gently between green hills and your rupees suddenly make you feel like a millionaire. Welcome to Laos — officially known as the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, a small but captivating country with its capital in Vientiane.
India and Laos share a bond that goes back centuries. After Emperor Ashoka’s Kalinga war, it’s believed that people from southern India journeyed through Assam and Manipur before settling in parts of the Indochina region, including what is now Laos. Even today, many Lao people proudly trace their ancestry to India.
Laos is unique in Southeast Asia for one simple reason, it has no coastline. Yet, what it lacks in beaches, it makes up for with stunning mountains, serene rivers, and lush forests. And for Indian travellers, there’s another reason to smile: the exchange rate. One Indian Rupee equals about 251.91 Lao Kip. So, if you land in Laos with ₹50,000, you instantly become the proud owner of over 1.26 crore Lao Kip!
Life in Laos is delightfully affordable. The food scene is full of flavor, from sticky rice and laarb (a traditional meat salad) to steaming bowls of noodle soup and you can enjoy a hearty local meal for just ₹20 to ₹40. Getting around is easy too, with buses and tuk-tuks costing only ₹12 to ₹40 per ride.
If you plan smartly, a day in Laos, including accommodation, meals, and transport will cost you between ₹1,500 and ₹3,000, roughly what you’d spend in a big Indian city. That means an entire week of exploring temples, waterfalls, and night markets could fit comfortably within ₹40,000 to ₹70,000.
For Indian tourists, Laos is wonderfully welcoming. You don’t need to worry about paperwork, just pack your bags and get a Visa on Arrival. The locals are kind, the process is smooth, and the experience is unforgettable.
Laos may be small, but it’s filled with big-hearted people, breathtaking landscapes, and echoes of a shared past. For those seeking an international escape that feels both exotic and familiar without burning a hole in the pocket, Laos is waiting with open arms.
