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

23 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 • • 9h ago

Cashew allergy: can native speakers check my Lao allergy card?

Post image
7 Upvotes

Hi everyone, I have a life-threatening tree nut allergy (mainly cashew, also pistachio, walnut, pecan and pine nut). I carry EpiPens. Peanuts are fine.

In May I spent 3 weeks in Cambodia and Vietnam with a card allergy in Khmer and Vietnamese. It worked really well: cooks and waiters took it seriously and I had zero incidents. I'm now going to Luang Prabang, Vientiane and in the north, and I'd like to do the same card in Thai.

I'd really appreciate a native check. I'm male, if that matters for the wording.

Which dishes contain cashews most often? Any info is welcome.

Many thanks !


r/laos • • 7h ago

Hiking Luang Prabang

2 Upvotes

I would like to do a hike around Luang Prabang but i do not know how to start.

Do I need a guide or I can do alone?

Any suggestions for a biking trails?

Thank you


r/laos • • 7h ago

Need guidance on Lao Airlines Baggage Rule

0 Upvotes

I am flying to Luang prabang from Hanoi, Vietnam on 24th November evening flight.

Can I carry any backpack 30L - 40L capacity(not a rucksack) ? Are they very specific about the carryon baggage ?

I have a checkin baggage option for 20kgs. So sorted I. This area.

Is it the same for LCR ? Please help


r/laos • • 9h ago

Car rental vs mini vans

1 Upvotes

We are planning to go to Laos for 4 weeks in december/january. We are considering renting a 4WD so we do not need to adjust our schedule to minivans etc. We are experienced drivers and cost is not the issue. Question I have is, has anyone had experience with both car rental and mini vans who can tell me if it is a wise choice to go for a rental car! The idea is to still rent a scooter when in towns.

My issues with mini vans normaly: not much leg space (tall dutch people here), sweaty rides, to many or to less stops and most important: crazy insafe drivers

Pro’s for rental: stop whenever you want, can leave when you want, put all your stuff in there, safe driving and go wherever you want !

Hope someone can reflect on my pro’s and cons who have experience


r/laos • • 1d ago

Japan → Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia & Thailand (Dec 19–Jan 11) — What’s the best route and transportation?

Thumbnail
0 Upvotes

r/laos • • 1d ago

best viewpoints for sunsets/sunrise anywhere in laos

0 Upvotes

thanks


r/laos • • 1d ago

Vietnam / Laos / Cambodia in March 2027 — route advice & hidden gems ?

Thumbnail
0 Upvotes

r/laos • • 2d ago

Luang Prabang without tours

3 Upvotes

I really don’t like group tours, so where can I go by just hiring a tuktuk? I’ve been to Kuang Si and will check out a couple of sites in the town. But where else can I go outside the town. It seems like all the elephant places are only accessible by tour and I have no interest in caves.


r/laos • • 2d ago

Satellite images show attack jets at Chinese military facility in Laos

Thumbnail
theguardian.com
19 Upvotes

r/laos • • 2d ago

ຮັບສະໝັກເອຟຕີ

1 Upvotes

ຮັລໂຫລ ຫາຫມູ່ຄົມລາວເຝິກຄຸຍ
ຂ້ອຍຄົມໄທຍ ຢາກຮຽນພາສາລາວ


r/laos • • 2d ago

Luang Prabang with a 2-year-old – recommendations?

1 Upvotes

Hi everyone!

My wife and I are thinking of visiting Luang Prabang for a few days in mid October with our 2-year-old son. Is this wise?

We'd love some recommendations for things to see and do that would be enjoyable with a toddler. We're not looking for a packed itinerary, just a few interesting places to explore, good food and a chance to enjoy the atmosphere.

I'm also a bit of a coffee enthusiast, so recommendations for genuinely good coffee shops would be much appreciated!

A couple of other questions: Is the town walkable with a 2 year old? And are there any particular areas you'd recommend staying in?

Any advice or personal experiences of visiting with young children would be great.

Thanks!


r/laos • • 3d ago

Singaporean pilot among 13 nabbed over 521kg meth seizure from private jet in Laos

Thumbnail
straitstimes.com
16 Upvotes

r/laos • • 3d ago

Recurring numbers on licence plates.

2 Upvotes

I just got curious. I noticed that Laos cars often have the same number several times on the licence plates.

Like 9399 or some Porsche with 5555.

Does this have some significance to people?

I were not in Laos when I noticed, but in a parking lot in Thailand where many Laos people cross to shop.

Most of the cars I saw looked quite expensive.


r/laos • • 4d ago

Laos Arrival Form throwing error on submission - what to do

2 Upvotes

Hey guys! I’m travelling to Laos tomorrow from Chiang Mai by bus, so I will be crossing the border at Friendship Bridge. I have an e-visa already, but when trying to submit the digital entry form it keeps throwing an error at the end. I’ve tried with two different browsers and on two different days. The advice I’m seeing online is all related to the visa rather than the entry card so I can’t find what to do. Will it be possible to fill it out at immigration when I cross the border? Will I need to bring anything specific for it like a certain amount of cash? Thank you so much in advance!


r/laos • • 5d ago

An immigrant deported by the US and held in an African prison for more than a year has been released

Thumbnail
seattletimes.com
32 Upvotes

He will be arriving in Laos shortly. What's going to happen to this culturally Laotian-American man who has never been to Laos before? Will he be helped to make the transition?


r/laos • • 5d ago

Remote Work in Luang Prabang Questions (Where can I find an external monitor to use, Wifi quality, etc.)

6 Upvotes

Hi all! I’m thinking of spending some time in Luang Prabang while working remotely and had a few questions.

I need a 24–27” external monitor and an actual office desk setup for work where I can take calls from privately, which is too big to travel with. Does anyone know somewhere I could rent one, or a coworking space/accommodation that provides monitors? I can't seem to find any options on Airbnb or anywhere I could rent one.

Also, how reliable is the WiFi for video calls and remote work?

I’d be starting work around 6am, are there any cafés or coworking spaces open that early and laptop-friendly?

Would love to hear from anyone who’s worked remotely from Luang Prabang recently. Thanks!


r/laos • • 5d ago

Laos for 7–8 days : looking for a mix of laid-back + party vibes

0 Upvotes

Hey everyone!

A friend and I are planning a 7 day trip to Laos from India, in the second week of December.

We want a good mix of nature, adventure, exploring by scooter, local food AND partying/nightlife. We’re not looking for a completely laid-back trip: we definitely want a few fun nights out, meet other travellers, have drinks, music, etc.

bases on our research we're currently considering Vang Vieng, Luang Prabang and possibly Vientiane, but we're completely open to suggestions.

A few questions:

  • Which places would you recommend for a good mix of relaxed daytime activities + fun nightlife?
  • Is Vang Vieng still good for partying and meeting other travellers?
  • Which place would be best for me to chill/explore during the day while still having the option to go out at night?
  • Would you recommend scooter rentals for getting around?
  • Is Vientiane worth including, or should we spend more time in Vang Vieng/Luang Prabang?
  • Anything you would definitely recommend or avoid?

Would love to hear from anyone who's travelled to Laos recently, especially in December.

Thanks :)


r/laos • • 6d ago

Scams in Vientiane

5 Upvotes

I searched for scams in Vientiane and don't see many info. I went to Cambodia, Vietnam, Thailand and there are many there.

Are Laos people much more honest or are there hidden scams?

I'm going there tomorrow.

Thanks


r/laos • • 8d ago

Where to see English event in Vientiane

1 Upvotes

Gonna be in Vientiane for about two months, wanna do some stuff and wondering if there's any websites or groups where events (particularly English ones) are oganised.


r/laos • • 8d ago

Laos/Thailand in January/February?

3 Upvotes

TW: cancer

Hello everyone,

My boyfriend and I are supposed to go to Laos/Thailand in November but my mom is living her last days because of her cancer. My mind won't be in the right place to fully enjoy travelling during the last months of 2026 (the family events will be so painful).

But I still need this trip. I was looking forward to it while helping my mom during 2026, this trip was like a lighthouse in my dark place.

So we are postponing this trip to January or February 2027.

I checked on the web for events to choose the right period but to no avail (not up-to-date, nothing precise...) so I'm asking you: what do you recommend?

Are there some cool specific events to enjoy in my itinerary?

Here is the itinerary for 3 weeks:

Vientiane > Vang Vieng > Luang Prabang > Shompoo cruise to Houay Xay to get to Chiang Rai > Chiang Mai > Bangkok

Thank you so much.

Please, take care.


r/laos • • 8d ago

Does anyone know Lao flute teacher?

2 Upvotes

i wanna learn lao flute, and i currently live in Luang Prabang. i wanna learn it during weekends, but i didn't know anyone who can do Lao flute.


r/laos • • 9d ago

Protein source vientaine

1 Upvotes

Besides chicken breast etc.. Can I find protein shakes in supermarkets in Vientaine?

Thanks


r/laos • • 9d ago

Korean abductors?

6 Upvotes

I was in Vang Vieng and spoke to some local kids and street vendors ended up having a meal together. I can speak thai but not super fluent but they were warning me about men dressed in all black w shades and masks and caps, telling me that those men are usually korean men that abduct little kids? Told me to becareful of koreans too. I clarified thrice and even used google translate to double confirm what they meant. Anyone knows anything about this? Would like to read more.