Myanmar VS Laos, Which Country is Better to Visit?

Located in Southeast Asia, in the area formerly known as Indochina, Myanmar and Laos share a short border, around 238 kilometers, in the northwest of Laos and east of Myanmar. Both of these Asian nations are popular destinations with travelers from around the world and have burgeoning tourism industries that are growing every year.

A popular choice for those taking a combined tour, it can be hard to choose between the two when it comes to taking a tour of one or the other. So, if you only have time or budget to visit one of these two great countries, which is the better choice, Laos or Myanmar?

The Basic Information about Laos vs. Myanmar

Despite being neighbors, Laos and Myanmar are very different countries. Myanmar has a much larger population of around 54 million people, while Laos has only around 7.3 million. Myanmar is also one of the biggest countries in Southeast Asia, almost 3 times the size of Laos.

Due to its smaller population and size, Laos has remained a heavily agricultural society. In recent years, there has been a focus on infrastructure development as it transitions to a more market-oriented economy. Myanmar’s economy is much more diverse. Its growing manufacturing and service sectors have contributed to its development, and it exports many natural resources.

Both countries have emerged as tourist destinations. Myanmar’s cultural heritage and picturesque landscapes are strong attractions. Laos’ tourist industry has been growing, but the country has managed to preserve its serene landscapes and traditional culture along the Mekong River.

7 Days Laos and Myanmar Classic Tour

Luang Prabang - Bagan - Mandalay

Laos vs. Myanmar in Safety: Both Are Very Safe for Visiting

Both Laos and Myanmar are safe places for tourists to visit. Locals in both countries are known for their hospitality and welcome visitors. Laos in particular has been actively promoting tourism, so people at all levels want to make guests have a safe and pleasant visit. Violent crimes against tourists are incredibly rare in both places, and smaller crimes like pickpocketing are taken seriously by local police.

The biggest safety concern is traffic accidents. It is advisable to be cautious when using road transportation. Pedestrians and drivers should pay close attention and not expect driving standards to be the same as in some other countries.

9 Days Glance of Myanmar and Laos Tour

Yangon - Mandalay - Vientiane - Luang Prang

Laos vs. Myanmar in Access: Both Are Easy to Get to

As both countries have opened up to tourism, getting there has become increasingly easier.

Getting to Laos
Laos has two main international airports with the main ones being Wattay International Airport in Vientiane (the capital) and Luang Prabang International Airport. There are no direct flights from Europe or North America, but connections can be found through nearby countries such as Thailand, China, Vietnam, and Cambodia.

The most common land border crossing is through Thailand. Travelers can also enter by road through Vietnam, China, and Cambodia.

Getting to Myanmar
Myanmar has three international airports, including Yangon International Airport, Mandalay International Airport, and Naypyidaw International Airport. These airports offer flights from various countries in Asia, including neighboring countries like Thailand, China, and India.

Overland travel to Myanmar is possible via border crossings with Thailand, China, India, and Bangladesh.

7 Days Myanmar and Laos Super Quick Tour

Yangon - Mandalay - Vientiane

Laos vs. Myanmar in Visa Application: Both Are Easy to Get

Visa for Laos
Laos has several options for tourist Laos visas, including visa on arrival and e-visas. Many nationalities can obtain a visa on arrival at major entry points such as airports and land border crossings. This visa is typically valid for 30 days and can be extended once for an additional 30 days.

E-visas can also be applied for online in advance. The online electronic visa process is straightforward and visas are generally valid for 30 days at a cost of $50 USD for citizens from most countries.

Laos Visa

Visa for Myanmar
Currently, citizens from eight countries are exempt from needing a tourist Myanmar visa. For 6 of them (Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Philippines, Thailand), the visa exemption is valid for trips of up to 14 days. For the other two (Vietnam and Singapore), tourists can stay for up to 30 days with no visa. Passport holders from most other countries can apply for a tourist eVisa.

The tourist eVisa can be applied for online and allows for stays of up to 28 days. It costs USD $50 to apply for the visa, and eVisa holders must enter through, Yangon International Airport, Nay Pyi Taw International Airport, Mandalay International Airport, or Kawthaung Land Border Checkpoint with Thailand.

Myanmar Visa

Laos vs. Myanmar in Tourism: Both Are Not that Developed

In general, both Laos and Myanmar are less developed in their tourism infrastructure than other Southeast Asian countries. The good side is that both places have preserved a strong send of cultural authenticity. On the other hand, however, this does mean that accommodation options can be limited in some areas.

Myanmar has several large population centers, and the former capital of Yangon is home to more than 5 million people. Mandalay is the second largest city in Myanmar and is a major tourist destination. These and other popular destinations such as Bagan and Inle Lake have a range of options for visitors. International hotel chains have started to establish a presence there in recent years, and there are some Myanmar luxury hotels and resorts. Boutique and mid-range hotels are easy to find in many places, and for budget-conscious travelers, guesthouses and budget hotels are readily available.

Among Laos tourism, Vientiane is the capital and largest city in the country and is one of the most stunning cities in Laos for tourists. Savannakhet, Pakxe, and Thakhek are also good cities to visit for tourists, with plenty of things to see and do. Accommodation options are a little more limited than in Myanmar, but high-end hotels and resorts can be found in large cities and scenic places. Tourist areas usually have good boutique and mid-range hotel options, and guesthouses and hostels are common across the country.

13 Days Myanmar and Laos in Focus

Mandalay - Heho - Bagan - Yangon - Vientiane - Luang Prabang

Laos vs. Myanmar in Sightseeing: Both are Authentic & Pristine

There is so much to see in both countries from historical and cultural attractions to the natural environment.

In Myanmar, the most popular historic site is the famous Bagan Temple Complex, located in central Myanmar on the banks of the Irrawaddy River. Originally begun in the early 2nd century, this vast complex of temples grew through the centuries to become the pre-eminent site in the Pagan Empire. There are also hundreds of ancient temple sites that date back over 1,500 years, the 2,400-year-old site of the city of Beikthano, of the legendary Tagaung Dynasty, the stunning City of Immortals at Ammanpura, and many others.

In Laos, there are several notable sites to visit, starting with the city that is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in itself, Luang Prabang. An ancient town that has remained intact for a thousand years, In the central-north area of Laos lies the famous Plain of Jars, believed to have been carved in the Bronze Age, and in southern Laos lies the ancient Khmer temple complex of Vat Phou, which dates back to around the 7th century.

If you are looking for sheer volume, then Myanmar has more historic sites, and while little beats the temples of Bagan, the ancient charm and beauty of Luang Prabang is the unmatched tourist attraction of both countries.

Of the two countries, Myanmar is also the only one with beaches. Along the beautiful 2,228 km coastline, are hundreds of small tropical islands. More than two dozen popular tourist beaches lie along this vast coastline, including the famous beaches of Ngapali, Ngwe Saung, Chuang Tha, and Kanthaya.

Laos, being a landlocked country, does not have a coastline with beaches, but does have some interesting alternatives. The Don Daeng Island in the middle of the Mekong River may not be a swimming beach, but the many sandbanks around the island make for good beach substitutes.

Unfortunately, no river island can be a real substitute for a coastal beach, with stunning white sand and cool clear waters for swimming. So when it comes to a beach holiday, Myanmar will be the best place to go.

7 Days Myanmar and Laos Tour with Ngapali Beach Relaxing

Yangon - Bagan - Ngapali Beaach - Luang Prabang

Laos vs. Myanmar in Tour Length: It Takes about 6 Days for Each Country

At least 6 days are needed to explore either Laos or Myanmar without rushing through the main highlights.

6 days for Laos tour would allow for 2 days exploring Luang Prabang, visiting historic temples, participating in the almsgiving ceremony, and enjoying the scenic beauty of Kuang Si Falls. Vang Vieng also needs 1-2 days to spend time along the Nam Song River, and exploring the limestone karst landscapes. The remaining time should be spent in Vientiane visiting key attractions such as Pha That Luang, Wat Si Saket, and Patuxai Monument. This would still leave enough time for some souvenir shopping in local markets.

A good experience with a Myanmar tour needs to include Yangon, Bagan, Mandalay, and Inle Lake. The vibrant markets and street food of Yangon are a great introduction to the country before traveling to the ancient temple complex at Bagan. Mandalay is a must-see location with the Royal Palace and Mahamuni Pagoda, plus some time to enjoy the views from Mandalay Hill. Finally, you can fly to Heho and then transfer to Inle Lake to explore its unique stilt villages, floating gardens, and serene landscapes.

12 Days Myanmar and Laos Highlights Tour

Yangon - Bagan - Inle Lake - Mandalay - Vientiane - Luang Prabang

Laos vs. Myanmar in Transportation: Both Are Less Crowded

Big cities in Southeast Asia are known for their crazy traffic, but Laos and Myanmar are the exceptions. There is still traffic in the major cities in these countries, but congestion doesn’t reach the levels seen in places like Vietnam. However, in rural areas, road conditions can vary, so drivers still need to take care.

Public buses and boats that travel along rivers and lakes are common in both countries. Buses are used both in cities and for long-distance travel. They can get crowded, but with planning you can get a seat on even the busiest routes. Boat travel is usually not overcrowded. Local and tourists travel by boat along the Mekong River in Laos, and at Inle Lake, and along the Irrawaddy River in Myanmar.

Tourists travel by boat along the Mekong River in Laos

Myanmar also has a limited, but expanding railway network. Train travel can be an adventurous way to explore the country and offers unique experiences, such as the scenic train ride to Hsipaw. In Laos, high-speed rail travel is available on the Boten–Vientiane railway, the Lao section of the Lao-China Railway. 20 stations connect Vientiane and the northern town of Boten, significantly reducing travel times.

Boten-Vientiane railway

Laos vs. Myanmar in Tourist Price: Myanmar Is More Expensive than Laos

Neither Laos nor Myanmar are expensive places to travel to. In many areas, the two countries have similar prices. A four-star hotel in Vientiane or Yangon, for example, costs between 50-80 USD per night, and street food is around 1-3 USD. But for other costs, Myanmar is usually a little more expensive.

The cost of a meal at a mid-range restaurant in Myanmar is around 10-20 USD per person, whereas in Laos it ranges between 5-15 dollars. For getting around in cities, a short ride in a taxi in Myanmar will usually be between 2-5 USD. Tuk-tuks are the way to go in Laos, and these only cost between 1-3 USD.

Guided city and temple tours in both countries range between 20-50 USD, but the entrance fees for tourist attractions in Myanmar are higher. Tickets for Wat Phou in Laos, the ancient Khmer temple complex, cost 1.5 USD. To get into the Bagan Archaeological Zone in Myanmar, it will cost 20 USD.

11 Days Myanmar and Laos Tour with Inle Lake Excursion

Yangon - Bagan - Inle Lake - Mandalay - Luang Prabang

Laos vs. Myanmar in Tourism Season: Almost Same Climate Features

Both Myanmar and Laos are tropical countries that are subject to the monsoons that cover Asia. This means that they do have similar climates, however, there are subtle differences in the climactic seasons, which means that there are different times when it is best to visit each country.

The best time to visit Myanmar is in the dry season, from October to May. This is when the country is at its driest and coolest, with very little rain. Similarly, Laos also has a dry season, which runs from October to April, when the weather is cooler and drier as well.

Both countries also have a hot dry season before the monsoon, which runs from March to April and is the hottest time of the year. Similarly, their rainy monsoon season runs from May to late September or early October. The coolest part of the year is also similar in both countries. However, while the temperatures range from 25°C to 31°C in Laos from December to January, in Myanmar, the cooler period is longer and colder, with temperatures ranging from 21°C to 32°C from November to February. This longer and colder cool period means that, for the cooler weather during a dry-season trip, Myanmar has a definite advantage.

14 Days Best of Myanmar and Laos Tour

Yangon - Bagan - Heho - Inle Lake - Mandalay - Amarapura - Mandalay - Vientiane - Vang Vieng - Luang Prabang

Laos vs. Myanmar in Local Food: Both Have Featured Cuisine

The cuisines of the two nations are as different as it is possible to be. In Laos, the cuisine is distinct from other Southeast Asian countries in that the staple foods are things like sticky rice and marinated meats and fish. In Myanmar, the cuisine has been built from an amalgamation of all the country’s regional dishes and has been hugely influenced by the neighboring countries of China, India, and Thailand. Fish are more popular in the coastal regions, while meat and poultry are mainly found in most dishes in the inland regions.

Burmese cuisine is more influenced by India and China, and rice is the staple of the local diet, with heavy use of such things as kaffir limes, spices, and noodles, and food such as samosas, naans, curries, and chutneys are given a distinctly Southeast Asian twist in Myanmar.

In Laos, the emphasis is more on the use of fruits and vegetables, with a variation on the mixes of herbs and a combination of greens and mild spices. The popular dishes include Larb, a marinated meat or fish dish, green papaya salads, or som tam, and local variations of satays, all served with the ever-present sticky rice.

If you like spices, then Myanmar cuisine is the spicier of the two, while the use of green vegetables and fruits, mostly served raw, makes Lao cuisine a better option for lighter, less spicy tastes.

Larb- popular Laos food

The Best Way Is to Visit Laos and Myanmar Together

Laos and Myanmar still represent undiscovered territory for tourists to Southeast Asia making it ideal to visit the two countries together. Sharing not just a border, but also vast swathes of unspoiled natural landscapes, you can deeply immerse yourself in traditional cultures and exotic scenery. A 1-2 week Laos and Myanmar tour of the region will hit all the major spots without rushing you along.

Regular flights between Yangon and Vientiane take around 4 hours and make it easy to travel from country to country no matter where you start. Tour packages can be arranged to cover all the highlights, focus on history, nature, or culture, or do everything if you have the time to stay a little longer.

14 Days Myanmar and Laos Leisure Tour

Yangon - Inle Lake - Bagan - Mandalay - Vientiane - Vang Vieng - Luang Prabang

Conclusion

When you look at both countries, it is still very hard to choose between the two for a vacation, as each has its major pros, and very few cons at all. Beach holidays are definitely better taken in Myanmar, while the stunning cityscape of Vientiane makes for a better city tour. Historically, both places have a long and varied history that makes it hard to choose one over the other, and the similar climates make it a great choice for a combined tour. So if you really cannot choose, then try both, and see which you prefer. Contact us to start planning your Myanmar and Laos tour, we can tailor make the perfect experience to match your exact preferences.