Kuang Si Waterfalls is one of Luang Prabang's most popular tourist attractions. — Pixabay
VIENTIANE: Laos has been ranked among the world’s most affordable travel destinations for 2026 by Indie Traveller magazine, reinforcing the country’s growing reputation as a budget-friendly destination offering rich cultural experiences.
In its list of “26 Amazing Cheap Places You Should Travel to in 2026”, the internationally renowned travel magazine placed Laos among the top destinations for travellers seeking value for money.
According to Indie Traveller, the average daily cost for budget travellers in Laos ranges from US$17–25, while mid-range travellers can expect to spend around US$35-45 per day.
These estimates include accommodation, food and domestic transport, making Laos the cheapest destination in South-East Asia, according to the magazine.
Indie Traveller highlighted Laos’ appeal as a sparsely populated and mountainous country with nearly 70 per cent forest coverage, offering a wide range of outdoor activities such as trekking, climbing, kayaking, zip-lining and hot air ballooning at relatively low cost.
The magazine also noted that improvements in transport and tourism infrastructure have made Laos more accessible in recent years, while the country continues to retain its low-key rural charm.
Among the recommended experiences were staying in treehouses and zip-lining through the tree canopy at the popular Gibbon Experience, as well as visiting the dramatic waterfalls of the Bolaven Plateau, which the magazine described as among the most impressive in the country.
This latest recognition adds to a series of international accolades Laos has received in recent years.
Destinations such as Luang Prabang, a Unesco World Heritage town, have been repeatedly named among Asia’s and the world’s top travel spots by leading publications including Travel+Leisure and Smart Travel Asia, while Laos has also gained attention for its eco-tourism and community-based tourism initiatives.
Founded more than a decade ago, Indie Traveller is a leading online travel platform for budget-conscious and independent travellers, providing destination guides, budget advice and travel features based on first-hand experiences. - Vientiane Times/ANN
