Cash per day in Laos?

Laos became my “slow travel” spot because it’s so affordable. I remember grabbing bowls of noodle soup for $1.50, and eating papaya salad for $Local buses were bumpy but cost $12 from Vientiane to Luang Prabang. Tuk-tuks around town rarely topped $Tips weren’t a big deal, but a few locals smiled when I left small change. I averaged $35 per day across meals, transport, and tips. On days I did Mekong boat rides or waterfalls, I spent closer to $50. Still, overall cheaper than Thailand or Vietnam.

Meals in Laos: $2-4 for street food, $8-12 at tourist restaurants. Transport: tuk-tuks $2-5, long-distance buses $10-15. Tips: small, not required but $1 appreciated. Safe daily budget: $30-40 if you want comfort without luxury. That covers eating local most of the time, tuk-tuk rides, and modest tipping. If you join adventure activities like tubing in Vang Vieng or river cruises, expect to spend more on those days. For a long-term stay, Laos stays one of the better budget-friendly choices in Asia.

I stayed three weeks in Laos and found $40-45 per day was perfect. I ate at riverside restaurants in Luang Prabang for $5-7 per meal, and sometimes went higher-end for $10-12 with drinks. Local transport was cheap, but day trips like Kuang Si Falls tours added $20. Tips weren’t expected but I usually left a dollar or two. Budgeting $45 per day gave me freedom to eat well, take occasional tours, and not worry about bus tickets. It’s still cheaper than Thailand overall.

Laos was fantastic for stretching my money. Noodle soup from street stalls was $1.50, fried rice or curries at local places $2-Buses and tuk-tuks varied, but I spent about $2-4 per ride. Tips aren’t a big expectation, though in tourist towns 5-10% is appreciated. A safe budget is $20-25 daily for meals, tuk-tuks, and small tips. Add a little more if you’re taking slow boats or long-distance buses between towns, which cost $10-15. For a month-long stay, Laos is one of Southeast Asia’s most affordable options.