Take the winding road from Vientiane to Vang Vieng and Luang Prabang, stopping at caves, waterfalls and village markets. With your own car you can pause by the Mekong or scenic karst cliffs whenever you wish.
Explore the Bolaven Plateau from Pakse, driving between coffee plantations and cool waterfalls. A hire car helps you reach remote wats, hill villages and quiet stretches of river beyond bus routes.
At a glance
Drives onRight
Motorway tollCheck locally
CurrencyLao Kip (LAK)
Min. rental age21 years
Good to know before you drive
The essentials for a smooth, ticket-free trip.
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Speed limits
Town50 km/h
Open road90 km/h
Motorway130 km/h
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Parking
Paid short-stay zones in city centres — buy a ticket and display it.
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Alcohol limit
Typically 0.05% blood-alcohol limit; lower for new drivers.
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Vignette / tolls
Check whether a motorway vignette or tolls apply — many rentals include one.
Renting a car? Watch this video first
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Save up to 80%
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No hidden fees
No card or admin charges — every cost shown up front.
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Free cancellation
Change or cancel free up to 24 hours before pick-up.
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What drivers say about Laos
★★★★★★4.5
★★★★★5
"I was travelling with a friend around Laos and the car hire worked perfectly. Pickup was fast, the staff were kind and spoke clear English, and the car was clean, fuel‑efficient, and had strong air‑con. Returning it was just as easy, with no surprise fees."
ນ
ນິດດາ ສີວົງ
Laos
★★★★★5
"We travelled as a family with two kids. Car was reliable, seats comfortable, and child seats already installed. Staff were friendly and flexible with our return time."
ສ
ສົມພອນ ວົງສະຫວັນ
Laos
★★★★★5
"We booked a small car as a couple for a week in Laos. The booking process was simple, staff at the desk smiled and explained everything, and the car ran smoothly the whole trip. Easy pickup and drop‑off, and the price matched what we saw online."
For Laos, booking a rental car 2 to 4 weeks in advance is usually enough outside peak times. During major holidays and high season (roughly November to February), it is wise to reserve 4 to 6 weeks ahead, especially in Vientiane and Luang Prabang, where the range of vehicles and automatic cars can sell out quickly.
In Laos, the rental company normally releases the security deposit within 3 to 10 working days after you return the car, provided there is no new damage or unpaid fines. Your bank or card issuer may then take several extra days to show the funds as available. Some offers with no deposit or reduced deposit may handle this differently; always check the conditions.
The excess (deductible) is the maximum amount you must pay if the rental car is damaged or stolen. In Laos, typical excesses run from about LAK 3,000,000 to LAK 10,000,000, depending on vehicle class. The insurer covers costs above that. You can usually buy extra protection to lower the excess significantly, sometimes down to zero, for an additional daily fee.
Most Laos suppliers prefer a main driver credit card for deposit and security, but some will accept a debit card or cash deposit. A few local and international partners also offer special no deposit, no credit card deals on selected cars, though choice may be limited and identification checks stricter. Always read the payment and deposit rules before confirming your booking.
In Laos, a small car from a reputable company usually costs around LAK 400,000 to LAK 700,000 per day, including basic insurance but excluding fuel and optional extras. Larger SUVs or 4x4s commonly range from LAK 800,000 to over LAK 1,500,000 per day. Prices increase in peak tourist season and can be lower for longer rentals or early bookings.
Bookingcar lets you quickly compare rental prices in Laos across many international and local suppliers, so you can see different car types, insurance options, and deposit requirements in one place. By checking these offers side by side, you can choose the cheapest or best-value deal for your dates, instead of visiting multiple websites or contacting each company individually.
Returning a rental car late in Laos usually leads to extra charges. Companies often allow a short grace period, then charge by the hour or add another full rental day once you exceed a set limit. Late return may also affect insurance coverage if you drive after the agreed time. Contact the rental office as soon as possible if you expect to be delayed.
Speed limits in Laos can vary by area and signage, but common limits are:
Cities and towns: around 30-40 km/h
Secondary and rural roads: about 50-70 km/h
Main highways / national roads: usually 80 km/h, sometimes lower where signposted
Always follow local signs, as limits can be reduced near schools, markets, and roadworks.
Penalties for traffic offences in Laos typically involve on-the-spot fines, with amounts depending on the violation and local enforcement. Speeding, driving without a valid licence or helmet (on motorbikes), and ignoring traffic signals can attract significant fines. More serious offences, such as drink-driving or causing an accident with injuries, can lead to higher penalties, licence suspension, or criminal charges.
Laos applies a low tolerance for drink-driving. The legal blood alcohol limit is generally around 0.05% (0.5 g/l). Enforcement can be strict, especially in cities and on main roads. Penalties for exceeding this limit may include substantial fines, licence suspension, and possible criminal responsibility if you are involved in an accident. The safest approach is not to drink at all if you intend to drive.
Fuel prices in Laos change with global markets and government adjustments. As a rough guide, petrol typically costs around LAK 20,000 to LAK 28,000 per litre. Diesel is often slightly cheaper. Prices can differ between urban and rural stations, and between brands. Always check the current price at the pump before filling up, as it can move up or down during the year.
Laos does not yet have an extensive motorway toll system like some neighbouring countries. However, certain bridges, new highway sections, or privately operated roads may charge small tolls, usually paid in cash at toll booths. There is currently no national vignette system. Keep some small-denomination Lao kip ready when driving on major intercity routes where tolls may apply.
