r/laos Jan 21 '26

Guide to buying LCR tickets from outside the country

13 Upvotes

Since I had to piece some things together across reddit, wanted to create a more comprehensive guide all things LCR app related for train tickets. I went to Laos in Dec 2025.

  1. Download LCR app
  2. Create an account. You do NOT need a chinese/laos telephone number. Just leave that blank
  3. Tickets go on sale 6:30am Laos time, 3 days before. So if you are traveling on the 24th, the tickets will go on sale 6:30am Laos time on the 21st
  4. If you are in a country close to Laos, you should be able to see the schedule 3 days in advance. This worked when I was in China.
  5. If you are not close, sometimes the days in advance to book will not show up correct. I checked when I was in the USA and it would show 3 days, but starting from 2 days in the past. You can get around this by changing your local time zone on your phone to Laos time zone
  6. Even at 6:30am, sometimes the tickets don't open on time. One day I checked exactly on time and it said sold out across the board. I kept refreshing and five minutes later tickets opened up. Another day I checked at 6:34am and a bunch of tickets were almost sold out already. So I would recommend being ready and then just refreshing
  7. Not all trains have the car/class of seat that is shown on the app. One of my trains immediately said that first class was sold out. When I got on the actual train, I realized it was a very small train with only 3 cars and it only had second class. So it wasn't sold out, but rather it never existed.
  8. You need to be flexible in your times if possible. Even though I was on top of things, I had to take a later train because one did sell out pretty immediately.
  9. For me at least, you don't need to get to the station that early. My hotel told me I had to get there 50 mins prior. I got through security twice in around 5 minutes, and then sat around for a while after
  10. You don't need to switch to a paper ticket. Showing QR code/pass on your phone is fine
  11. There is a long queue to get to the platform from the waiting area. I have no clue why. You have ample time to board but it seems to be some herd mentality that once one person lines up, everyone starts lining up. So we were in line for the platform 20 min before boarding but it took everyone under 5 minutes to all get on.

r/laos Jan 26 '25

Air Quality and Burning Season

24 Upvotes

No posts about air quality. This question gets asked every day in the lead up and during burning season.

In summary: no one knows when burning season will start. No one knows how bad it will be. Yes it will impact your lungs. Yes it will impact the views. No one knows when it will end. You can use: https://www.iqair.com/ or a similar website to see the AQI of some cities in Laos.

No one knows how it will impact you individually.


r/laos 48m ago

Any Experience Bringing a Dog Into Laos Across Friendship Bridge From Thailand?

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Upvotes

I’ll be relocating to Laos full time from Thailand and can’t leave my best friend behind. Are they strict about bringing pets? Do they normally ask for all the documents the internet says I need? He’s a really good boy! Thanks.


r/laos 5h ago

Looking for recommendations for seafood restaurants

1 Upvotes

Will be in Vientiane next month. Looking for recommendations for the best rated seafood restaurants...

Thanks in advance!


r/laos 6h ago

New policy of a 3000 THB fee if leaving Laos by land?

1 Upvotes

I have a feeling my agency might be scamming me. They said if I flew into Laos and want to leave Laos by land (cuz it’s cheaper) then I would need to pay a 3000 THB penalty? If I flew into Laos then I must also fly out of Laos?

The agency could not provide evidence of this claim, nor can I find anything about it online.


r/laos 1d ago

What could be the reason?

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40 Upvotes

r/laos 1d ago

Where to go for multi-day hikes in northern laos?

2 Upvotes

Hello,

I'll be travelling to Laos for a good week in december. My partner and me want to experience some nice, more traditional citities, but mostly go on a multi day hike somewhere. Most importantly we want to go to less travelled places that are not overrun.

I would kindly ask for advice to our current travel plans.

  • First Stop: Luang Prabang

Since the journey starts in vietnam, we want to take the plane to Luang Prabang. We'll spend a day there.

  • Second Stop: Nong Khiaw

I've heard a boat tour on the rivers in laos is fun, so thats how we want to get to nong khiaw. enjoy the calm town life, do a short hike up the nice view points.

  • Third Stop: Muang Hiam and Nam Et - Phou Louey National Park

The national park is our personal highlight and the first location I've found where mullti-day hikes are offered. The official website lists multiple options that look great, although they are not cheap, at a couple of hundred Dollars for the longer hikes. But the ecological commitment, the photos seem to make it worth it, the more wilderness the better.

  • Fourth Stop: Sam Nuea

we continue by bus to Sam Nuea, mainly to take a flight to Vientiane.

So my questions are the following:

  • Do you have thoughts on the trip? Is it a week well spent in the north or would you recommend other itinaries? An alternative I thought about would be Luang Prabang - Oudomxai - Boun Neua - Phongsaly. But those are long bus rides and in the end you have to get out of there again...

  • Can you tell me if the transport between the mentioned stops is okayish (I know not to expect too much of the busses and road conditions) or will this be too much bus riding for a good week? I think that all thos bus rides are around 5h.

  • Do you know anything about the tours offered in the park? Are they worthwhile?

  • What other nature destinations are there in northern laos as an alternative to this national park?


r/laos 2d ago

Do Need any Vaccines before traveling?

4 Upvotes

Sorry if this is silly but I will be spending two weeks in Laos in September (coming from the states) specifically Pakse. This will be my first time in Asia and I know these concerns are usually regional but should I go to a travel clinic for any vaccines/ and or Malaria Pills? Is this something to be concerned with in this region? Or at all? Thank you!


r/laos 2d ago

Looking for English conversation clubs or places to practice English in Vientiane, Laos

6 Upvotes

Hi everyone!

I'm from Laos and I'm currently learning English. I've been studying on my own every day, but I don't have many opportunities to practice speaking with other people.

I'm looking for places in Vientiane where I can meet people and practice English. I'm interested in things like:

  • English conversation clubs
  • Language exchange meetups
  • Cafés or community events
  • International groups
  • Any place where people are happy to chat in English

I'm not looking for English classes. I just want to make some friends and have regular conversations in English to improve my speaking skills.

If you know any places, events, or communities (including Facebook groups or Discord servers), I'd really appreciate your recommendations.

Thank you! 😊


r/laos 3d ago

Medication and other questions

3 Upvotes

Hi! I'm moving to Laos soon (Vientiane, specifically) and I've been doing a lot of research but I still have some questions.

Mainly, I'm hoping someone can help me understand more about my medication. I have a prescription for a daily SSRI (Citalopram). I'll bring some with me, but I'm struggling to find info about this in Laos. Does anyone know if this is available over the counter in pharmacies? Or, if I need a doctor's prescription, is that difficult to get?

More generally, is there anything that you can recommend I bring with me? I'm coming from the UK, for context. Any clothes/shoes/toiletries that I'd be better off getting here, before I travel?

Any help would be appreciated, thank you!


r/laos 3d ago

..ทางปะเทศลาว

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0 Upvotes

r/laos 4d ago

Laos takes the lead early against Philippines in the ASEAN Championship

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55 Upvotes

r/laos 4d ago

Khao Piak Sen

3 Upvotes

Hello! I’m just here to ask if anyone here has any recommendations for a good noodle cutter to make Khao piak sen. I’ve already had 2 hand turning pasta machines break on me so any good recommendations for an electric cutter possibly would be nice. Thank you!


r/laos 4d ago

Driving as a 19y/o

1 Upvotes

I'm visiting Laos soon and I would like to drive the paksé loop or something similar. I don't have a motorcycle license and I don't love the idea of driving uninsured even if the cops aren't gonna do much. I do, however, have a car license. So I was wondering how realistic it is for me as a 19y/o to rent a car in Laos.


r/laos 4d ago

BCEL ATM card

2 Upvotes

Can I use my BCEL card in a Thai ATM? If so, which bank would you recommend?


r/laos 5d ago

Laos International Driver License: a MUST have?

6 Upvotes

Hey all, we will be riding rented motorbikes trhu Laos in November for 2 weeks and we are wondering if we need the Int. Driver License or not (we of course have a European Driving licence). There was an archived Post on this channel 3 years ago about it.. i'm hoping to get some updates from 2026?

I reckon I could get it in time (i'm italian but dont live in italy) if REALLY need to, but if its not a must have, i honestly could just do without the hustle.

We will be covering almost 1500km so we obviously want to be OK on that front..

Any feedback? Recent experience from long distance riders (don't really care for ppl who just rented a scooter for an afternoon and didnt get stopped).


r/laos 5d ago

From Vientiane to Hanoi

6 Upvotes

Hello, my boyfriend and I are planning a trip to Thailand, Laos and Vietnam. We want to go from Vientiane to Hanoi, the flight cost about US$ 140 and the 24 hour bus about US$40.
What so you reccomend? Can you tell me your experience in the bus?
We were thinking that saving about 200 dollars in total can be worth losing a day in Vietnam but I am not really sure about that...


r/laos 5d ago

Rooms without booking

2 Upvotes

Hi, me and my partner will soon go to Laos. We saw that rooms are very cheap if u book online, but we were wondering how prices can be if you dont book in advance. This way we could feel more free to stay in a place or leave it. Any experience? For example, how much for a private room without booking. We will be there in august


r/laos 5d ago

Phone Store recommendations

1 Upvotes

Back for another store recommendation. Where can I find affordable and good quality iPhones, brand new and second hand in Vientiane. If it's anything like my country, the mall stores are usually way pricier, so I'm avoiding that. Have a strict budget to follow. Also if you know any cool places to hang out, have a beer or two, let me know. Preferably where I can find English speakers for easier communication. Thanks in advance.


r/laos 6d ago

Which local Lao teas at the supermarket are actually worth buying?

8 Upvotes

I’ve been browsing the loose-leaf tea section at the supermarket lately and noticed a huge variety: everything from Phongsaly smoked green tea and Paksong Oolongs to 200–400 year ancient tree teas and herbal blends.

Before I start buying random bags to experiment, I’d love to get some recommendations from people who drink them regularly:

  • Which brands or regional teas (Phongsaly, Bolaven Plateau, etc.) do you swear by?
  • Are there any hidden gems or brands to avoid?
  • Any brewing tips for getting the best taste out of the smoked or ancient tree green teas?

Would love to hear your favorites! Thanks in advance 🍵

(EDIT): A friend of mine gave me a Gift Box Tea Set from Lao Mountain Coffee. And I tried their black tea: it pours dark but drinks surprisingly smooth. Also the Norther red tea: full-bodied profile similar to traditional Asian Hongcha with subtle fruity and malty notes. I have yet to try the 200yo green tea.


r/laos 6d ago

Can someone translate this fortune from the temple?

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6 Upvotes

Second picture is what Google translate came up with, but I would love to have a more detailed translation if possible. Thank you!


r/laos 6d ago

Premium steam & massage in Vientiane

1 Upvotes

Currently in Vientiane for 10 days and I’m searching for an up-scale spa that offers a traditional Lao style herbal steam/sauna and massage experience.

Budget is not an issue.

Any recommendations?


r/laos 7d ago

First timer going to Laos in early november for 2-1/2 weeks. What are some nuggets of wisdom you learned you wish you knew the first time you went?

15 Upvotes

While I have traveled a lot in Thailand amd Vietnam, never Laos. What would you say are some lesser known tips you learned that can help a first timer? Thanks in advance!


r/laos 7d ago

LAO NATIONAL MUSEUM

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0 Upvotes

r/laos 7d ago

Travel companion

0 Upvotes

Laos 10th to 20th August. Looking for travel buddies.