Finding the right place to stay in Laos is less about luxury listings and more about location, simplicity, and flexibility. Accommodation options are improving, but Laos still favors travelers who are comfortable arranging housing locally and adapting expectations.
This guide covers the best places to stay in Laos, accommodation types, typical prices, and tips for short- and long-term stays.
Best Cities & Towns to Stay in Laos
Luang Prabang
Luang Prabang is the most popular base for travelers and long-stay visitors.
Why stay here:
- UNESCO-listed old town
- Walkable center
- Strong café culture
- Scenic rivers and temples
Accommodation notes:
- Higher prices than elsewhere in Laos
- Many guesthouses and boutique hotels
- Limited modern apartments
Best for: slow travelers, creatives, first-time visitors
Vientiane
Vientiane is the most practical city for long-term stays.
Why stay here:
- Best healthcare access
- International restaurants and supermarkets
- Most stable internet and utilities
Accommodation notes:
- Apartments and serviced residences available
- Less charm, more convenience
- Higher rents than provincial towns
Best for: retirees, families, long-stay visitors
Vang Vieng
Vang Vieng has evolved from a backpacker party town into a nature-focused destination.
Why stay here:
- Dramatic karst landscapes
- Outdoor activities (climbing, kayaking)
- Rail connection to Vientiane and Luang Prabang
Accommodation notes:
- Guesthouses and small hotels dominate
- Few true long-term apartments
- Quiet outside peak seasons
Best for: nature lovers, flexible remote workers
Pakse
Pakse is a quiet southern city with a very low cost of living.
Why stay here:
- Access to the Bolaven Plateau
- Minimal tourism
- Authentic local lifestyle
Accommodation notes:
- Very affordable rents
- Limited English-speaking landlords
- Fewer modern amenities
Best for: off-the-beaten-path travelers
Types of Accommodation in Laos
Guesthouses
- Most common option
- Monthly discounts often available
- Basic furnishings
Apartments
- Mostly found in Vientiane
- Limited supply elsewhere
- Often unfurnished or semi-furnished
Hotels (Long-Stay Rates)
- Many hotels offer monthly pricing
- Good option for short-term long stays
- Utilities and cleaning often included
Typical Accommodation Costs
Costs vary by city and comfort level.
General patterns:
- Provincial towns are cheapest
- Luang Prabang commands a premium
- Western-style apartments are limited and costly
Negotiation is common, especially for stays longer than one month.
How to Find Long-Term Rentals
Laos does not have a centralized rental market.
Best methods:
- Facebook groups
- Walking around neighborhoods
- Asking guesthouse owners
- Local word-of-mouth
Online listings are limited and often outdated.
Things to Know Before Renting
Important considerations:
- Contracts may be informal
- Deposits are usually one month
- Furnishings are basic
- Internet quality should be tested
Always view the property in person before committing.
Where Should You Stay?
Choose your base based on priorities:
- Convenience & healthcare → Vientiane
- Culture & walkability → Luang Prabang
- Nature & scenery → Vang Vieng
- Low cost & simplicity → Pakse
Related Laos Guides
Continue planning your stay:
In Laos, the best place to stay is usually the one you discover after you arrive.