This post may contain affiliate links. If you use them to buy something, I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
I’ve put this list together after repeated trips to Laos, focusing on what actually makes your days smoother: documents, money, connectivity, and the little items you’ll be glad you packed.
It’s written for first-time visitors, families, and anyone who gets nervous about forgetting things.
You’ll learn what you truly need, what’s optional, and where a small upgrade (like eSIM or a quick-dry towel) brings outsized comfort.
It’s not about flashy gear — it’s the quiet kind of preparation that lets you sit by the Mekong and feel like the river is yours for a while.
Absolute essentials
| Checklist | Item to pack | Why bring it / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| □ | Passport & visa | Your passport should have 6+ months of validity remaining. Visa requirements vary by nationality. |
| □ | Flight ticket (copy) | When you buy a ticket, you’ll receive a PDF copy. |
| □ | Credit cards & cash | Use cards/cash to get Laos’ currency, kip. |
| □ | Wallet | Bring a wallet that doesn’t look like a wallet. |
| □ | Suitcase / backpack | If a bulky suitcase is a hassle, consider renting. |
| □ | Day bag | A hands-free backpack is great for daily use in Laos. |
| □ | Security pouch | Keep passport/credit cards on you at all times. |
| □ | Smartphone & charger | Hard to imagine traveling without a phone—prep your apps in advance. |
| □ | SIM card / Wi-Fi router | eSIM is ideal; for some models, use a physical SIM. For groups, a Wi-Fi router works well. |
| □ | Power bank | Avoid running out of battery for phones and other devices. |
1. Passport & visa
Make sure your passport has at least six months of validity remaining.
Photograph the ID page and store it on your phone (and/or carry a printout); it’s invaluable if you lose the passport.
Visa requirements vary by nationality.
Most travelers obtain an online eVisa or a Visa on Arrival (VOA).
The standard stay granted is 30 days, with extensions possible. Please confirm the latest rules with your government’s travel advisory and the official Lao eVisa website.
2. Flight ticket (copy)
You’ll receive your ticket with a package tour or when buying flights on their own.
An e-ticket PDF is emailed to you after purchase.
You may be asked to show it at the check-in counter, so keep it handy when you drop your bag.
Either print the PDF or save it to your phone.
3. Credit cards & cash
One advantage of credit cards is that if they’re lost or stolen, you can block them and limit damage.
Many hotels and restaurants in Laos accept cards, so it’s worth using them.
Note that Visa and Mastercard are the most commonly accepted brands.
That said, plenty of places are cash-only.
Bring some cash and either exchange it for Lao kip or withdraw kip from local ATMs so you have cash on hand.
Keep your card issuers’ contact numbers handy so you can block a card immediately if needed.
4. Wallet
I wouldn’t recommend using your everyday wallet in Laos.
Pulling out an obvious “wallet” in public carries risk.
In Laos, a conspicuously nice wallet can signal “wealth.”
Use a small pouch or case that doesn’t look like a wallet—simple self-protection.
5. Suitcase / backpack
You’ll need either a suitcase or a backpack for your belongings.
Size depends on trip length and whether you’ll carry it on or check it.
For carry-on, a common guideline is a total of 115 cm (about 55 × 40 × 25 cm).
For checked bags, 60–75 L is usually plenty—even considering souvenirs.
I move around a lot, so I use a Millet backpack.
6. Day bag
A small bag for city walks and sightseeing is essential.
A water-resistant backpack is best—sudden showers shouldn’t soak the contents.
7. Security pouch
Laos is relatively safe, but a security pouch is still essential.
A thin waist/under-clothes type keeps valuables on you.
Always keep your passport, cash, and cards in it.
8. Smartphone & charger
Forgetting your phone or charger can derail a trip.
Traveling without them is almost unthinkable now.
Download maps and translation apps while you’re still in.
9. SIM card (eSIM) / Wi-Fi router
To get online in Laos, you can:
- Buy a SIM card or eSIM before going to Laos.
- Buy a SIM card in Laos.
- Rent a pocket Wi-Fi.
- Rely on café/restaurant Wi-Fi in Laos.
For small groups, SIM/eSIM is best; for larger groups, a pocket Wi-Fi can be cost-effective.
One router connects multiple devices, which keeps costs down if you move together.
Not all phones support eSIM, but there’s no risk of losing a tiny physical SIM—reassuring for some travelers.
＼Land in Laos, go online in minutes—no shop, no queue!／
10. Power bank
Running out of battery mid-sightseeing is the worst.
Carry a power bank as insurance.
It also tops up action cameras and more.
If your only device is a phone, a compact phone-plug-in style bank is convenient.
Always keep power banks in carry-on (they’re not allowed in checked baggage).
Don’t store them in the overhead bin; keep them in the seat-back pocket.
- ≤100 Wh (≈27,027 mAh) — Allowed in cabin baggage.
Health & self-care items
| Checklist | Item to pack | Why bring it / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| □ | Regular medicines | Don’t forget anything you take routinely. |
| □ | Sunscreen | SPF50+ / PA++++ / waterproof is good. |
| □ | Insect repellent | DEET 30% is recommended. |
| □ | Contacts / solution / glasses | Pack spare contacts. |
| □ | Sunglasses | Essential in Laos where the sun is strong. |
| □ | Toothbrush set | Some Laos hotels don’t provide toothbrushes. |
| □ | Shampoo / face wash, etc. | Don’t expect much from hotel amenities. |
| □ | Period products | Available locally. |
11. Regular medicines
Bring anything you take regularly—don’t rely on finding it locally.
For headaches or mild fevers, carry a pain/fever reducer.
Many travelers also experience stomach issues in Laos.
12. Sunscreen
UV in Laos is as strong.
Long exposure can burn your skin; apply sunscreen thoroughly.
| Label | What it means | Laos guideline |
|---|---|---|
| SPF (Sun Protection Factor) | UV-B (burning) | SPF 50+ recommended |
| PA (Protection Grade of UVA) | UV-A (aging) | PA++++ recommended |
| Waterproof | Resists water/sweat | Essential in sweaty conditions |
A thin long-sleeve shirt works well as sun protection, too—many locals wear long sleeves.
13. Insect repellent
Mosquitos are common in Laos, so repellent is a must.
For those 12+ years, a DEET 30% spray works well.
It helps not only with mosquitos but also ticks and bedbugs—useful indoors as well.
For best results, apply after sunscreen.
14. Contacts / solution / glasses
If you wear contacts, bring lenses and solution.
Switching to one-day lenses just for the trip is a good idea.
Pack a few extras for peace of mind.
Don’t forget your glasses.
Cabins are dry, so glasses can be more comfortable than contacts during flights.
15. Sunglasses
Sunglasses are essential in Laos, where the sun is strong.
Don't forget to bring the things you use every day.
16. Toothbrush set
Eco-minded hotels in Laos sometimes don’t provide toothbrushes.
A small set is also handy at the airport while you wait—freshen up anytime.
Bring at least one set.
17. Shampoo / conditioner / body wash / face wash
Hotel amenities in Laos are very basic.
You may only find shampoo and body wash.
Bring a travel set or decant your usual products into small bottles.
18. Period products
You can buy them in Laos, but quality is generally lower.
Bring products you’re comfortable with.
Clothing & grooming
| Checklist | Item to pack | Why bring it / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| □ | Clothes / pajamas / underwear | Pack about 4 days’ worth; bring sleepwear. |
| □ | Hat | Essential for sun; a crushable hat is handy. |
| □ | Sandals | Wear a broken-in pair to prevent blisters. |
| □ | Makeup | Keep it minimal; prioritize skincare. |
19. Clothes / underwear / pajamas
Aim for about four days’ worth.
You can buy shirts locally, and hotel/town laundries are available—no need to overpack.
You’ll sweat a lot and may get caught in sudden rain; with four days’ worth, you can rotate comfortably.
Bathrobes are usually limited to high-end international hotels—don’t count on them elsewhere.
Even if not full pajamas, bring something to sleep in.
At temples, avoid excessive exposure; pack a light long-sleeve layer.
20. Hat
A hat is essential in Laos to avoid direct sun.
A soft, crushable brimmed hat packs easily.
Any hat is better than none—be sure to bring one.
21. Sandals
Bring at least one pair.
You’ll likely spend most of your time in sandals, so use a broken-in pair.
While you can buy sandals locally, new ones worn for long periods can cause blisters.
22. Makeup
For leisure trips, heavy makeup isn’t necessary in Laos.
Locals rarely wear much makeup, so going without is perfectly fine.
Given the heat and sun, skincare matters more.
A minimal kit is enough.
Other items
| Checklist | Item to pack | Why bring it / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| □ | Travel insurance | Card coverage may suffice. |
| □ | International Driving Permit | Essential if you’ll drive a car/bike. |
| □ | Camera | Essential for memories; a phone is fine. |
| □ | Quick-dry towel | One towel covers water play and sudden rain. |
| □ | Pen & notebook | No specific “use case,” yet surprisingly important. |
23. Travel insurance
Get travel insurance for peace of mind.
Card coverage may work, but if it’s use-activated, plan how to trigger it.
Coverage limits differ by card.
Check your card’s coverage amount, and buy a separate policy if needed.
24. International Driving Permit
If you plan to drive in Laos, bring your IDP.
Check that yours hasn’t expired.
25. Camera
A camera helps preserve memories.
Your phone is fine.
If you love photography, bring your preferred compact or DSLR.
26. Quick-dry towel
Microfiber quick-dry towels pair perfectly with travel.
One towel covers waterfalls, sudden rain, and sketchy hotel towels.
They’re thin and light—stash one in your day bag and you’re always ready.
27. Pen & notebook
Always keep a pen and a small notebook in your day bag.
They’re handy for quick notes on the go.
You’ll also need a pen for arrival cards—bring a ballpoint.
Summary: Don’t worry if you forget something—just enjoy preparing
This guide focused on items that matter specifically for Laos.
But the truth is, with passport, flight, and money, you can handle most situations.
So there’s no need to prepare in fear.
Adopt the mindset of “Even if I forget something, I’ll manage,” and enjoy getting ready.
Wishing you an unforgettable trip to Laos!
Comments