Thailand vs Laos: The Ultimate Decision Making Guide (2024)

When it comes to Southeast Asia, Thailand and Laos are, in many ways, the opposite ends of the spectrum.

Thailand is vibrant, boasts a robust tourist infrastructure, and is one of the most famous travel destinations in the backpacker realm. Laos, on the other hand, is mostly rural and a much more adventurous endeavor.

I highly recommend you visit both, but if you have to choose between Thailand and Laos, it's going to come down to your personality and travel preferences. Let's dive into the details and figure out which of these epic adventures is right for you!

Thailand vs Laos: Overview

Looking at both countries broadly, there are some similarities. Both are predominately Theravada Buddhist countries. Lao and Thai are closely related languages and mutually intelligible. In fact, many Northeastern Thai speak the Isan Language (the same language as Laos).

Given their shared border along the Mekong River, they also have some overlapping cultural elements. However, the differences between the two countries are glaringly obvious.

Thailand in a Nutshell

Thailand is famous for its glitzy Buddhist temples, bustling markets, tasty street food, and laid-back island towns. Thailand's economy is thriving with several vibrant cities and a large international expat community.

The vast range of adventures and tourist attractions make it a great destination for almost every type of traveler. However, during high season, you have to work to find non-touristy interactions.

Laos in a Nutshell

Formerly the gigantic kingdom of Lan Xang, Laos is a small landlocked country with 49 different ethnic groups living in an area the size of Kansas. Though experiencing some economic growth, Laos remains a developing nation. A large percentage of the Lao population lives below the poverty line and has a lower life expectancy than neighboring countries.

Laos has no really big cities and is mostly jungle and agricultural land. There are still plenty of foreigners, but traveling through Laos feels like stepping into their world, while Thai attractions often feel manufactured for tourists. Adventures in Laos focus on its natural beauty, from trekking to watersports, and village tours.

1. Thailand vs Laos: Entry Requirements

Thailand's visa exemption allows most nationalities entrance for 30 days. For longer stays, you'll want to apply for a Thai Tourist Visa at your local embassy. This is good for 60 days and can be easily extended for an extra 30. The fee ranges from US$30-$60. Thailand also offers a plethora of business, resident, and student visas.

Laos is a bit more restrictive. There are fifteen countries (mostly Asian) that don't need a visa. For everyone else, a visa on arrival is available at major ports of entry. You will need a passport-sized photo which will be attached to your application. Fees vary by nationality, ranging from US$30-$45. You will pay cash. At immigration, they accept crisp, new-form US Dollars, Thai Baht, or Lao Kip.

Tip: The Laos economy was hit hard by COVID-19, and the inflation rate soared. If you use Laos Kip, you won't get a favorable exchange rate and will pay more for your visa.

2. Thailand vs Laos: Culture

The Thai word for their country is “Prathet Thai” or “Land of the Free” because it's the only country in Southeast Asia that was never conquered by Europeans. Until recently the Thai language and traditional arts have remained relatively pure.

Laos has been conquered a few times, most notably by the French, and that shows up in the culinary traditions and architecture.

The People

Most Thai people are exceedingly friendly! Thailand is known as the “Land of Smiles” and for good reason!

Lao people are adorable and welcoming too, but more reserved than their Thai counterparts.

Dress Code

Thai and Lao temples require modest dress, covering the knees and shoulders. The Lao people dress more modestly as a whole, so you may feel out of place in short shorts and a tank top.

Communication

You'll hear many other languages spoken in Thailand, but all major tourism is conducted in English. The Lao language reigns supreme across the border. Those in the tourist industry know a few basic words of English or French, but communication is more difficult than in neighboring countries. Body language is important too. Both Lao and Thai people greet with a slight bow and generally don't touch people on the head.

3. Thailand vs Laos: Weather

The Thai rainy season is roughly from July to October. Laos monsoon season starts earlier in May. December to April is the height of the dry season in both countries and the busiest time for tourists.

Laos and Northeastern Thailand are more mountainous and cooler, so bring a sweater!

4. Thailand vs Laos: Tourist Infrastructure

Thailand has a robust tourist infrastructure. It's easy to book everything online. Last-minute booking isn't a problem. There's a vast array of accommodations from budget backpacker hostels to high-end resorts. Guided tours are available in most major languages.

This is probably where Laos differs the most from its neighbor. Online options are available, but you'll need to book some tours and transit in person with cash. You may need to book a few days in advance, especially for the train.

Laos transit options are overcrowded and vary widely. For instance, my friend and I both booked a sleeper bus through 12Go from Luang Prabang, her bus left for Chiang Mai in Northern Thailand and mine for Pakse in Laos.

Mine was a new bus with a full bed, was clean, and had every amenity. She shared a bed with two strangers, had no bathroom for a 15-hour trip, and the pillows were moldy. It's evident that money is being poured into the tourist infrastructure, but it's still unpredictable.

5. Thailand vs Laos: Budget

You may now be thinking that Laos must be exceedingly cheaper than Thailand… but, you'd be wrong. Thailand has more options for everything, so there's more competition. This drives down the price.

For my most recent trip, a private budget room ranged from US$16-20 for Thailand and US$20-25 for Laos. Transportation prices are comparable.

With similar eating habits, my total food for Thailand averaged US$10/day. Laos was closer to US$14/day.

6. Thailand vs Laos: Must-Visit Spots and Activities

Thailand's must-visit spots include paradise islands and attraction-filled cities. Laos's top spots show off its immense natural beauty.

It's impossible to explore all of Thailand in 30 days, so we'll focus on the perfect first-trip itinerary. Laos is much easier to see on a two-week vacation!

Thailand's Top Spots

Chiang Mai is famed for its temples and night market, the city is listed by many travelers as their favorite Thai city, and it's one of my favorites too!

Must-See Attractions in Chiang Mai:

• Doi Inthanon National Park features the highest point in the country, lush jungle waterfalls, and the Queen and King Pagodas

• Sunday Walking Street Market, one of the best night markets in all of Thailand

• Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep boasts panoramic views

• Wat Phra Singh, Wat Chedi Luang, and the giant seated Buddha at Wat Phra That Doi Kham are all must-visits

Chiang Rai in Northern Thailand is famous for its Lanna culture, one of the ethnic minority groups that make up the wider Thai people. From rice field tours to museums, this region showcases unique Thai arts and landscapes!

Must-see attractions in Chiang Rai:

• Wat Rong Seur Ten (Blue Temple)

• Hill Tribes and Golden Triangle Tour

• The Insta-famous Wat Rong Khun (White Temple)

Bangkok is the beating heart of Thai culture. The capital city is a world mecca for street food, great for people-watching, and full of cultural attractions.

Must-See Attractions in Bangkok:

• Wat Phra Kaeo (Temple of the Emerald Buddha-one of the most revered in Thailand)

• The Grand Palace Complex

• Amphawa Floating Market

• The Ancient Capital of Ayutthaya, one of the most important cultural sites in the area

• Enjoy the shopping and nightlife in Siam Square or the Chatuchak Night Market

• Take a sunset cruise on the Chao Phraya River

Phuket, located in southwest Thailand, feels like it's been plucked out of Cuba and dropped in the Andaman Sea. It's so stinking cute!

Must-See Attractions:

• Stroll Thalang Road and its 19th-century Sino-European architecture

• Visit the Thai Hua Museum

• Stroll the Sunday Night Market Walking Street

• Visit The Big Buddha, or check out the views from Monkey Hill

• Phuket boasts some incredible beaches too—most notably, Kata, Karon, and Patong beaches.

The Phi Phi Islands are busy and very touristy, but they're also paradise!

Must-See Attractions:

• Take in the beauty from the Phi Phi viewpoints

• Relax on Lah Dalum Beach

• Take a long boat to Monkey Beach and Bamboo Island

• I highly recommend a sunset tour of Maya Bay that includes swimming with bioluminescent plankton!

Khao Sok National Park is located north of Krabi. Khao Sok features wildlife trekking, overnight stays in floating bungalows, and towering limestone karsts jutting from the manmade lake.

Krabi is the jumping-off point to Phi Phi Islands and features a few gorgeous beaches of its own. Find a cute spot to stay near Ao Nong or Railay Beach. Enjoy some snorkeling or try your hand at rock-climbing!

Koh Tao or Koh Samui: On a short trip, you'll probably need to choose between these two. Koh Tao is geared towards a younger crowd. It features some of the best diving/snorkeling in the region (especially at Tanote Bay) and a hip cafe culture. Koh Samui feels older and more established with luxury beach resorts, plenty of shopping, and thriving nightlife spots in Chaweng.

Laos's Top Spots

Vientiane is Laos's capital Vientiane is often overlooked. It's a relatively small city, but worth a day to take in the historical sites.

Must-See Attractions:

• Buddha Park-Wat Xieng Khuan is an open-air museum with over 200 Buddha statues.

• Cope Visitor Center is a non-profit organization and museum that benefits victims of bomb explosions in Laos.

• Lastly, the Patuxay-Victory Monument celebrates Lao independence and is beautiful at night!

Luang Prabang, the French-Colonial city is a stunner and features not one, but two, riverfronts to stroll.

Must-See Attractions:

• Visit the Royal Palace, scope out the view from Mount Phousi

• Take a sunset boat tour

• Enjoy the cafe culture

• Visit Kuang Si Waterfall Park (Seriously, don't miss these waterfalls!)

Nong Khiaw, located in Northern Laos, is a little riverside village and a hiker's paradise.

Must-See Attractions:

• Hike to Pha Daeng Peak
• Go kayaking on the Nam Ou River to visit the cute villages
• Take a guided trekking tour
• Visit the Ban Ma Da Museum to see artifacts from the Secret War— a bombing campaign carried out by the US that dropped 260 million bombs on Laos

Vang Vieng is Laos's party capital. Every manner of illicit substance is easily obtainable, but it happens to be surrounded by some of the most breathtaking natural wonders in the country too.

Must-See Attractions:

• Kayaking and Tipsy Tubing on the Nam Song River are popular day trips
• Take a motorbike tour
• Visit the Blue Lagoons
• Explore Kong Lor Cave
• Enjoy the panorama from Nam Xay Viewpoint

Four Thousand Islands, often touted as the most beautiful spot in Laos, Si Phan Don (Four Thousand Islands) is located in the Mekong River Delta.

Must-See Attractions:

• Go on a bicycle ride through the epic landscape
• Visiting the widest waterfall in the world, Khone Phapheng Falls
• Taking a fishing tour

7. Thailand vs Laos: Nightlife

Thai nightlife is world-renowned. From the cities of Northern Thailand to the southern islands, you'll find banging disco techs, low-key bars, and clubs focused on a certain other aspect of the night.

Weed is legal and sold in dispensaries every twenty feet. Beach parties are nightly and no-holds-barred.

The people of Laos tend to keep their partying more subdued (except in Vang Vieng). There are plenty of pool halls and chill places to grab a drink with friends, vibe to traditional music, or show off your karaoke chops. They also love a sunset booze cruise!

8. Thailand vs Laos: Culinary Scene

Thai cuisine is one of the most celebrated on the planet. From sizzling street food stalls to high-end restaurants, Thai classics to Western food, it's all at your fingertips.

If you have an extra day, hop over to the city of Khon Kaen. It's known for regional delicacies like Som Tam Salad and Nam Tok.

While bigger cities have some higher-end restaurants, the rest of Laos features small local joints, serving up simple foods like sticky rice, mango salad, and grilled meats.

Indian restaurants are also popular, and due to the former French occupation, Laos stands out in the region for excellent pastries!

Thailand vs Laos – Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Should I go to Laos or Thailand?

Lao and Thai vacations are both amazing, so it depends on your preferred type of travel. Thailand has a more organized tourist infrastructure with famous cuisine, glimmering temples, and paradise beaches. Laos is for the more seasoned traveler, featuring outdoor adventures in stunning landscapes and authentic cultural exchanges.

💸 Is Laos or Thailand cheaper?

Thailand and Laos are budget-friendly destinations for most foreigners. Due to its better tourist infrastructure and more options, Thailand is remotely cheaper. You can more easily find budget accommodation and cheap street food in Thailand.

⭐ Is Laos worth visiting?

A Lao trip is absolutely worth taking! Laos is the last remaining peaceful hub in Southeast Asia, full of breathtaking landscapes, epic hikes, watersports, and quaint villages. “The Land of a Million Elephants” is great for wildlife spotting too, and the Lao people are welcoming and kind.

Thailand vs Laos – Final Words

The right choice between Thailand and Laos depends on what kind of traveler you are and what you want out of your vacation. Overall, I would say if you're looking for an easy trip, go with Thailand. You'll get a huge dose of Eastern culture, munch on awesome food, and explore terrific natural beauty with ease. It's also a no-brainer for the beach bums.

If you're looking for a bit of a challenge or to escape the parades of tourists, then head for Laos instead. Though its infrastructure is a bit lacking, figuring it out is part of the fun, and you can't beat the easy-going and authentic vibe of Laos!