Laos Travel Cost: How Much Does It Really Cost for a Golf Holiday in Laos?
Laos is frequently underestimated as a travel destination within Southeast Asia. Despite lacking the renown of its neighboring countries, there’s an abundance of attractions awaiting exploration! Even with the growing influx of tourists in the past twenty years, Laos has managed to preserve its genuine Southeast Asian allure, a quality that other nations in the region are, arguably, starting to lose. So, how much does it really cost for a golf holiday in Laos? Let’s break down the detailed Laos travel cost in the following article.
Currency in Laos
Laos currency
The present currency in use in Laos is the Lao Kip (LAK), and similar to many Southeast Asian nations, it has undergone several transformations. Each time a new governing group took charge of the country, they issued their own version of the Kip. However, during the 1940s, the French introduced an entirely distinct currency called the French Indochinese Piastre.
In Laos, coins are not used due to the significant levels of inflation that have afflicted the country since the Soviet Union’s collapse. Laos had strong ties with the Soviet Union, which provided substantial international aid. Consequently, it is common to handle banknotes valued as high as 100,000 LAK!
Laos Currency Exchange Rates
It’s important to note that currency exchange rates can fluctuate frequently, so we always recommend checking the current market rates before embarking on your trip!
- $1 USD = 19,966 LAK
- £1 GBP = 24,739 LAK
- €1 EUR = 21,297 LAK
A Breakdown of Laos Travel Cost
Green Fees in Laos
Lao Country Club
Green fees at Laos golf courses can vary depending on the golf course you choose to play at. Prices can range from approximately $30 to $50 or more for a round of golf, and it often includes the use of a golf cart and a caddie fee. Keep in mind that prices may change over time, so it’s advisable to check with the specific golf course you plan to visit for the most up-to-date information on green fees and any additional charges. Additionally, some golf courses may offer special rates or packages for visitors, so it’s a good idea to inquire about any promotions or discounts that may be available.
Accommodation in Laos
Accommodation makes up a large part of your Laos travel cost. You can find many hostels in Laos at a very cheap price of 5 – 10 USD per night. Private hostels are about 25 USD per night. However, this kind of accommodation is suitable for backpackers only. Most golfers who travel to Laos stay in hotel double rooms which are normally from 25 – 40 USD per night. These kinds of accommodation include air conditioners and breakfast is included.
Transportation in Laos
Private car rental service in Laos
The most common means of transportation in Laos for golfers are taxis, which cost around 2 – 4 USD for a short trip. This price also varies by location and time of the day. However, a common problem in Laos is that most taxis don’t have a meter and drivers may quote you two or three times the actual price.
To avoid these terrible cases, you can opt for a private car service. This way, you will hire a car with a driver with a daily cost. You can go everywhere you want, at any time of the day with a fixed price at the beginning. You can also choose what type of vehicle you want to travel; for example, Fortuner, Range Rover, Toyota Prado, or even Lexus.
If you travel from province to province, the Laos travel cost for domestic planes is quite cheap, in comparison to neighboring countries. It costs an average of 40 USD per flight.
Food and Drink
Papaya salad – a famous food in Laos
Mid-range restaurants in Laos often charge around 6 USD per meal. This is the cheapest price in Southeast Asia. Western eateries in this country cost more, for more than 10 USD per serving. This amount of money is also applied if you want to eat right in the course layout.
Street food in Laos is worth trying as well. It is not only delicious but also very cheap, about 1 – 3 USD per dish. You can join a night food tour in Laos after spending a day on the course.
Tap water in this country is far from safe. Even local people tend not to drink or eat. So, you need to pay a little bit more for bottled water, which is often about 0.25 USD for a 1.5-liter bottle.
In Laos, don’t forget to sample the local beer. With 1 USD, you can buy a large bottle of Beerlao. It will be a wonderful experience to sit in an outside bar and sip a cup of beer while soaking up the bustling ambiance of Laos’ busy streets. In higher-end bars, you will not find local Laos beer but the imported ones, which is around 2 USD for a small bottle.
Costs for Other Activities in Laos
Visiting Kuang Si Waterfalls in Luang Prabang
Kuang Si Waterfalls
It would be a big mistake to visit and golf in Luang Prabang, Laos without setting foot on the Kuang Si Waterfalls, especially for adventurous lovers. This activity will not take a large part in your Laos travel cost, only 1.5 USD for the entrance fee.
Kuang Si Waterfalls is a complex of seven individual falls, each with a unique beauty combining to create a beautiful sky-blue lagoon. This is also one of the most magnificent waterfalls in Laos, where you can swim in the turquoise water, hike up to the top, enjoy a picnic lunch in the forest, or visit the Tat Kuang Si Bear Rescue Center.
Visit the COPE Visitor Center in Vientiane
COPE Visitor Center in Vientiane
Laos, recognized as the most heavily bombed country in the world, still grapples with the devastating presence of unexploded ordnance (UXO). The sheer quantity of UXOs is staggering, with estimates suggesting that up to 80 million of these deadly remnants litter the nation. Tragically, they often remain hidden until they unexpectedly detonate, causing injury and death to thousands of people annually.
COPE Visitor Center in Vientiane is unwavering in its commitment to aiding those harmed by these bombs, offering prosthetic limbs and rehabilitation services completely free of charge. In a country marked by limited medical infrastructure and widespread poverty, this undertaking is of monumental significance.
A visit to the COPE Visitor Centre is an opportunity to witness the extensive efforts dedicated to assisting those impacted by UXOs. The center features exhibits detailing the history of UXOs in Laos and the significant challenges faced by Laotians in removing them.
While admission to the COPE Visitor Centre is free, consider leaving a meaningful contribution during your visit or supporting their shop. The remarkable work carried out by this small yet devoted team deserves recognition and support.
Plain of Jars
Plain of Jars
Don’t overlook these fascinating stone jar formations, which have a history dating back over 2500 years. These jars vary in size from one to three meters, and the true purpose behind their existence remains a mystery. While ancient tales weave stories of giants using them for brewing beverages, the prevailing belief is that they were originally employed in ancient funeral rites. Nearby discoveries of human remains and excavations in the region suggest their use as crematoriums.
The cost of exploring the Plain of Jars can vary significantly depending on whether you opt for an independent visit or join an organized tour. Independent visits typically entail an entry fee of around 30,000 LAK (USD 1.70) per site. And, it does not significantly affect your Laos travel cost.
Once you arrive at the primary site, well-marked trails lead to others. It’s crucial to adhere to these paths and not stray, as this region of Laos endured heavy bombings during the Vietnam War, leaving numerous unexploded ordnances (UXOs) in the area.
From the above information, you can see that the average daily cost for a golf holiday in Laos is about 100 – 150 USD, including green fee, accommodation, transportation, food, and other sightseeing activities. The expense can vary depending on the level of service to enjoy. To whatever aspect you consider, golfing in Laos is quite cheap. Refer to our following Laos golf tours or contact us for a tailor-made holiday if you are ready to explore Laos – The Land of a Million Elephants.
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