Vietnam or Laos: Which One to Visit?
When talking about travel in Southeast Asia, countries like Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam often come to mind. Among them, Laos and Vietnam, two neighboring countries located next to each other, bring completely different experiences. If you're deciding between the two, the best choice is to visit both Laos and Vietnam together. But if time only allows for one, this guide will help you answer the question: Vietnam or Laos – which one is better to visit for you?[incredible_toc]1. Overview: Vietnam vs Laos Travel ComparisonVietnam and Laos are next to each other in Southeast Asia, but they feel very different when you visit and travel there.Vietnam is a long and narrow country with an S-shaped coastline along the sea. It has big cities like Hanoi in the north, Da Nang in the center, and Ho Chi Minh City in the south, as well as beaches, mountains, and rice fields. It’s said that Vietnam is busy and full of energy, with many people, motorbikes, and street markets. Vietnamese culture is a mix of local traditions and influences from China and France, which you can see in the food, buildings, and daily life.Laos and Vietnam borderLaos, on the other hand, has no coastline and is smaller and quieter. Most of the country is covered with mountains, rivers, and forests. Life moves slowly here in Vientiane, Luang Prabang, Vang Vieng, etc. Laotian people are friendly, and many follow the Buddhist way of life. You’ll find peaceful temples, local villages, and beautiful nature all around.2. Travel Costs - Which is Cheaper: Vietnam or Laos?Is Laos cheaper than Vietnam? When it comes to traveling on a budget, both Vietnam and Laos are great choices. However, if we compare them side by side, Laos is usually a bit cheaper, especially for basic needs like accommodation and food. But Vietnam often offers more value for what you pay, thanks to better transport and more variety in services.About accommodation, Vietnam has many options. You can find a clean dorm bed in a hostel for around $10 to $20 per night. A comfortable hotel room in the city center usually costs $30 to $50. In Laos, guesthouses are often cheaper, with beds starting at $6 to $10 and private rooms around $20 to $30. So if you're a budget traveler, Laos may help you save a few dollars each night.Food is cheap in both countries, but Vietnam is famous for its street food culture. A bowl of Pho or a Banh Mi sandwich costs only $1.50 to $2.50, and you can easily eat well for less than $10 a day. In Laos, local dishes like Laap or Noodle Soup are similarly priced, often $1 to $2. However, Laos has fewer street food stalls than Vietnam, especially in smaller towns. One bonus in Laos is the beer, a big bottle of Beerlao costs only $1, so-called the cheapest local beer in Asia.Luang Prabang StreetTransportation is where Vietnam has an advantage. It has a more developed network of buses, trains, and domestic flights. For example, a sleeper bus from Hanoi to Hue (about 12 hours) costs around $15 to $20. In Laos, buses are cheaper, but often slower and less comfortable. A trip from Luang Prabang to Vientiane may cost $12 to $15, but the journey can take much longer because of winding mountain roads.Entrance fees and tours are generally affordable in both countries. Museums and temples usually cost $1 to $5, and day tours range from $20 to $50, depending on the activity. In Laos, simple day trips like waterfall visits or village tours can be a bit cheaper than in Vietnam.3. Which Country Has Better Food - Vietnam or Laos?Food is one of the best parts of traveling, and both Vietnam and Laos have delicious local dishes to try. While Vietnamese cuisine is more famous worldwide with many awards, Laotian food also has its own charm with fresh herbs, sticky rice, and bold flavors. Let’s look at the top dishes and food experiences in each country.3.1. Top Dishes in VietnamVietnamese cuisine focuses on the balance of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy flavors. Dishes often use a lot of fresh vegetables, herbs, fish sauce, and little oil. Some famous dishes include Pho - a delicious broth soup with soft rice noodles and beef or chicken, Banh Mi - crispy bread with a variety of fillings, and Bun Cha - grilled meat served with fresh rice noodles and mixed fish sauce. Have a meal in VietnamDepending on the region, the dishes can vary in preparation and flavor, but in general, they are easy to eat and suitable for many tourists. Seafood is also a strength of Vietnam, especially in coastal cities such as Halong Bay, Nha Trang, Da Nang, or Phu Quoc.3.2. Top Dishes in LaosLao cuisine feels more rustic and home-style. Lao cuisine often uses local ingredients, with many dishes spicy and rich in herbs. Sticky rice is the main ingredient in most meals, often rolled into small balls to be dipped in other dishes. A typical dish is Laap (or Larb) - a minced meat salad mixed with lime juice, chili, mint, and roasted rice powder.Local meal in LaosIn addition, Mok Pa (steamed fish in banana leaves), Tam Mak Hoong (spicy papaya salad), and the Lao version of Khao Soi (noodles with tomato sauce and minced meat) are popular and traditional dishes. The taste of Lao food is often saltier and spicier than Vietnamese food.3.3. Street Food vs Local Markets in Vietnam & LaosVietnam is famous for its vibrant street food culture, which has won numerous awards around the world. Visitors can easily find cheap and delicious food at sidewalk stalls, small carts, or night markets. Each city in Vietnam has its specialty, from Pho in Hanoi to Cao Lau in Hoi An. In Laos, street food is less popular, but local markets and night markets are the places to explore local flavors. At the night markets in Luang Prabang or Vientiane, visitors can try grilled meat, sweet soups, fresh fruit, and smoothies, all with rich flavors and a feeling of closeness to a country house meal.Many shops on Hanoi Street4. Sightseeing - Vietnam or Laos for Scenic Beauty?When it comes to natural beauty, both Vietnam and Laos are full of breathtaking landscapes.4.1. Mountains, Caves & WaterfallsIf you are looking for places with majestic mountains and forests, Vietnam and Laos both meet this criterion. In Vietnam, places like Sapa and Ha Giang offer mountain views with rice terraces and ethnic villages. The Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park is home to some of the largest and most beautiful caves in the world, including the famous Son Doong Cave.In Laos, the scenery feels more remote and peaceful in northern areas like Nong Khiaw and Muang Ngoi have dramatic limestone cliffs and quiet riverside views. Kuang Si Waterfalls near Luang Prabang are one of the most beautiful in Southeast Asia, with bright turquoise pools perfect for swimming.Kuang Si Waterfall in Luang Prabang4.2. Beaches & Islands - Only in VietnamWhen it comes to beaches, Vietnam clearly has the upper hand. With a long coastline stretching over 3,000 kilometers, it’s home to many beautiful beach towns and islands. Some favorites include Halong Bay, Da Nang, Nha Trang, Mui Ne, and the tropical paradise Phu Quoc Island. Visitors can swim, snorkel, or just relax under palm trees by the sea.Cu Lao Cham Beach (Cham Island) near Hoi AnLaos, being landlocked, has no ocean or real beaches, but it does have relaxing riverside towns like Si Phan Don (4000 Islands), where travelers can chill in hammocks by the Mekong River. It’s not the same as a beach, but it offers a fresh escape with a laid-back vibe.4.3. National Parks & EcotourismWhat more can you say about such beautiful nature? Both Vietnam and Laos are paradises for those who love green forests, wildlife, and “green” trips. For a trekking enthusiast, an animal lover, or just wants to breathe fresh air in the mountains, these two countries have “nature’s gifts” for you.Vietnam has a rich and quite developed national park system. Names like Cuc Phuong, Cat Tien, or Ba Be organize activities such as trekking through the forest, observing wildlife, and staying overnight at local homestays. Some places also combine education and conservation, very suitable for families or groups of friends who love nature.Ban Gioc Waterfall in Cao Bang (Vietnam)Meanwhile, Laos retains its typical wildness. Here, you can join an eco-tour in Nam Et-Phou Louey, which offers night safaris to track wild animals, or experience the flooded forest in Xe Pian, where birds and crocodiles roam freely. Activities often take place in a quiet, rustic atmosphere, giving the feeling of exploring an untouched primeval forest.5. Things to do - Vietnam or Laos for Active Travelers?If you're the kind of traveler who likes to keep moving, both Vietnam and Laos have loads of fun and adventure.5.1. Trekking, Caving, and BikingIn Vietnam, you can hike through the stunning rice terraces in Sapa, explore the vast caves of Phong Nha, or cycle around peaceful villages in Ninh Binh or the Mekong Delta. There’s something for every fitness level, from a casual countryside ride to serious jungle treks.Laos is more laid-back but just as beautiful. Trekking around Luang Namtha or the hills of Muang Ngoi gives you a real local feel. It’s common to pass through ethnic minority villages and even stay overnight in homestays. Caving fans can explore Kong Lor Cave, a 7-kilometer underground river journey.Trekking in Laos5.2. Kayaking & River CruisesVietnam’s Halong Bay and Lan Ha Bay Cruise Tour are famous for kayaking among limestone karsts, while Mekong Delta cruises take you through floating markets and coconut groves.In Laos, the mighty Mekong River also plays a big role. You can kayak around Vang Vieng’s cliffs and blue lagoons or take a slow boat from Huay Xai to Luang Prabang, watching life unfold along the riverbanks. Kayaking in Halong Bay5.3. Unique Local ExperiencesFor something local, Vietnam is known for its cooking classes, lantern-making in Hoi An, and motorbike tours through mountain passes like the Ha Giang Loop. You’ll never run out of hands-on ways to connect with the culture.Laos keeps things more traditional. Join a Baci Ceremony, learn how to make sticky rice the Lao way, or take part in a textile weaving workshop in Luang Prabang. These small, authentic moments are often the ones travelers remember most.Traditional Baci Ceremony in Laos6. Transportation: How to Get to Vietnam or Laos?6.1. International FlightsVietnam has several major international airports in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang that serve flights from across Asia, Europe, Australia, and even North America. Budget airlines and international carriers fly in daily, making Vietnam one of Southeast Asia’s most connected countries.Laos, meanwhile, has fewer options. The main international gateway is Wattay International Airport in Vientiane, with smaller airports in Luang Prabang and Pakse also receiving some international flights, mostly from nearby hubs like Bangkok, Hanoi, Kuala Lumpur, or Singapore. Flights tend to be more limited and often pricier in Laos tour packages.Tan Son Nhat Airport in Ho Chi Minh City6.2. Land BordersIf you're already in Southeast Asia, traveling overland is very doable. How to get to Laos from Vietnam? Vietnam and Laos share several land border crossings. Popular routes from Vietnam to Laos by land include:Hanoi to Vientiane by bus or private transferHue or Da Nang to SavannakhetDien Bien Phu to Muang Khua (great for backpackers heading to northern Laos)6.3. TrainsVietnam has a well-developed train network, including the famous Reunification Express from north to south Vietnam. Trains are affordable, scenic, and great for long-distance travel.Laos only recently added its first modern train line - the Laos-China Railway, which connects Vientiane to Luang Prabang and beyond.Laos Train7. Vietnam or Laos - Which One to Visit First?If you are wondering whether to go to Vietnam or Laos first, think about the travel style you like.>> Choose Vietnam first if...You want to experience a variety of things in just one trip: from long sunny beaches to majestic mountains, from bustling cities to peaceful villages. Vietnam is an ideal destination for those who love to explore the bustling atmosphere, rich cuisine, bustling night markets and convenient transportation between famous destinations such as Hanoi, Halong Bay, Hoi An or Can Tho. If you don't have too much time, Vietnam offers many options in just a few days.Trang An Boat Tour (Ninh Binh)>> Choose Laos first if...You love nature, quiet space, and a slow pace of life. Laos is not as vibrant as Vietnam, but has its own appeal thanks to its wild landscape, strong Buddhist culture, and close experiences with the local community. From the ancient capital of Luang Prabang to the mountainous region of Nong Khiaw or the Mekong Delta, Laos is suitable for those who want to connect more deeply with nature and seek true relaxation.Patuxay Gate in Vientiane Laos>> Ideally, do bothIf time permits, combine both Vietnam and Laos in the same itinerary. You can start from Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, then take a bus, train, or short flight to Laos. Starting in Vietnam helps you get into the rhythm of the journey quickly, and then ending in the gentle and peacefulness of Laos is a popular choice for many tourists.8. FAQ – Vietnam or Laos8.1. Which country is cheaper to visit, Vietnam or Laos?At first glance, Laos might seem cheaper; guesthouses, street food, and even tours in smaller towns are often very budget-friendly. But once you start moving around, the costs can add up. Flights in Laos are limited and quite pricey, and buses can be slow and not always reliable. Vietnam, on the other hand, might feel a bit busier and more developed, but getting around is easier and often cheaper, with lots of domestic flights, trains, and even sleeper buses. So while day-to-day living might cost less in Laos, Vietnam gives you better value when you want to see more places in a short time.8.2. Is it easy to travel between Vietnam and Laos?Yes. You can cross the border by bus, train, or plane. The most popular overland routes are from Hanoi to Luang Prabang, or from central Vietnam (like Hue or Da Nang) to southern Laos.8.3. Is it better to start in Vietnam or Laos?If you like fast-paced travel with lots of sights, start in Vietnam. If you want to ease into your trip with calm and quiet, start in Laos. Many travelers combine both for a well-balanced journey.8.4. Which country is better, Laos or Vietnam?If the choice comes down to just one, Vietnam is the better pick for most travelers with more variety, better transport, amazing food, and a mix of cities, beaches, and mountains. While Laos is peaceful and less touristy, Vietnam simply has more to see and do in one trip.Hue Imperial City in VietnamHopefully, you’ve found your answer to whether Vietnam or Laos is the right destination for you, with the above-mentioned differences between Laos and Vietnam. If you're still unsure or need more personalized advice, feel free to reach out to us. Incredible Asia Journeys would be happy to help you assess your travel style and suggest the best options based on your interests and travel plans.
Read more
