Laos Car Rentals

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Top destinations to rent a car in Laos

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Vientiane

Vientiane

What you need to know for your Laos car rental

Reasons to book a car rental in Laos

Renting a car in Laos provides the freedom to explore the country at your own pace, making it a popular choice for tourists. With a rental vehicle, you can easily manage your luggage and enjoy flexible travel plans while visiting various attractions. Whether you are interested in culture, outdoor adventures, or family-friendly experiences, having a car will enhance your journey.

Key attractions like Pha That Luang in Vientiane offer rich cultural experiences, while Kuang Si Falls near Luang Prabang is perfect for those seeking outdoor and romantic adventures. For a relaxing day in the city, Mekong Riverside Park in Vientiane is ideal for family outings and leisure activities. Driving between destinations such as Vientiane, Luang Prabang, and Vang Vieng allows you to conveniently access places like the Blue Lagoon and Phousi Hill without the constraints of public transportation. This flexibility makes car rental particularly appealing for families and those looking to explore Laos' diverse landscapes and vibrant urban areas.

Most popular car rentals in Laos

  • Fullsize Pickup AWD: This vehicle is perfect for adventure travelers, families, or groups, accommodating up to 6 travelers with room for 3 large suitcases or 5 medium suitcases. Its all-wheel drive makes it an excellent choice for navigating Laos’s diverse terrains, ensuring you can explore at your own pace while easily managing your luggage.
  • Midsize SUV: Ideal for families, couples, or small groups, the midsize SUV comfortably accommodates up to 5 travelers and holds up to 3 large suitcases. This option provides a good balance of space and efficiency, making it a suitable choice for discovering the beautiful landscapes and attractions of Laos.
  • Economy: The economy car is an ideal choice for solo travelers, couples, or families needing to fit up to 5 passengers and 2 medium suitcases. It offers a compact size, making it easy to navigate through Laos’s winding roads and manage parking. This option is both budget-friendly and practical for those looking to explore without excess baggage.

Where to stay in Laos

  • Luang Prabang: Known for its rich cultural heritage, Luang Prabang offers a blend of family, business, and city-themed experiences. Travelers can explore attractions such as the stunning Kuang Si Falls, perfect for outdoor adventures, or hike Phousi Hill for breathtaking scenery. The Royal Palace Museum adds a cultural touch to your stay. This city also features shopping centers and public markets, ensuring convenient access to food and drinks at local cafes.
  • Vientiane: The capital city of Laos, Vientiane is ideal for family and business travelers. Key points of interest include the iconic Pha That Luang temple and the beautiful Mekong Riverside Park, great for outdoor activities. The Patuxay monument offers a glimpse into the city's culture. Vientiane also boasts shopping centers and public markets, along with many cafes serving local delicacies, making it a vibrant place to stay.
  • Vang Vieng: Vang Vieng is a lively destination perfect for family and business-themed trips. Notable attractions include the picturesque Blue Lagoon, ideal for scenic views and outdoor fun, and the Kaeng Nyui Waterfall, which is excellent for adventure seekers. The Pha Ngern Viewpoint offers stunning vistas for those looking to explore. With its shopping centers and local bars nearby, Vang Vieng provides a lively atmosphere for tourists.

10 tips to save on your car rental in Laos

  1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by vehicle type and specific features. Whether you're looking for an SUV for extra room, a convertible for summer driving, or an economy car to save on costs, utilize the filters on Expedia to discover the best option for your journey.
  2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental prices can vary based on demand, so it's advisable to secure your car well ahead of your travel dates. By booking in advance, you're more likely to obtain lower rates and enjoy better vehicle availability, especially during peak travel seasons.
  3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Smaller vehicles are typically more affordable to rent and easier to maneuver in crowded areas. Mid-size rentals strike a good balance between cost, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
  4. Age guidelines: Drivers under the age of 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily fees, and certain vehicle types—such as SUVs or luxury models—might not be available. This can also apply to renters over 70 years old. Always verify the age requirements before making a reservation.
  5. Check fuel policies: Some rental agreements require a full-to-full fuel policy, meaning you must return the vehicle with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is usually the most economical choice. Others might offer full-to-empty or prepaid fueling options, which can also be convenient. Just ensure you return the car empty in those cases.
  6. Save on city and airport pickups: There’s often a surcharge for picking up your rental car at airports, but the convenience it provides might make it worthwhile.
  7. Know your payment options: Many car rental companies exclusively accept credit cards for payment.
  8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car rental insurance can help protect you from unexpected expenses and provides peace of mind if something unforeseen occurs during your trip. Adding car rental insurance when booking through Expedia is a straightforward process.
  9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you plan to take long road trips, look for rental options that include unlimited mileage to avoid incurring extra fees.
  10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's license is necessary to rent a vehicle.

Best time to rent a car in Laos

The best value period to rent a car in Laos is August, when demand is low and prices are typically at their lowest. June and July also offer slightly low prices with low demand, making them favorable times for renting. On the other hand, January tends to be the most expensive month due to high demand, with February and November also experiencing slightly high prices. The busiest times for rentals in Laos generally fall between January and April, when demand peaks.

Find Laos Car Rentals

Expedia.com makes it easy for you to book your next Laos car rental. We work with the best car rental companies in Laos, bringing you discount car rental rates and a wide variety of car rental classes including economy, compact, midsize, full-size, convertible, van, luxury and SUV rentals. Our partner car rental companies in Laos offer different pick-up and drop-off options. If you are ready to book your Laos car rental, follow the links on this page to view more information and details on your next short or long term car rental.

Expedia.com offers a wide selection of rental cars in Laos to meet nearly every need. If you need any special equipment, like a child seat or ski rack, let us know and we will forward your request on to the rental car company. And what's more, when you choose to rent a car from one of our Laos airport car rental partners you'll be dealing with a rental car company that has made a special commitment to provide Expedia customers with great customer service, a wide choice of top quality cars, and competitive total pricing.

Expedia.com offers many Laos rental cars pick up locations

Find the best place to get your Laos airport rental cars by searching tons of pickup locations with Expedia.com

Frequently asked questions

What are the cheapest car rentals in Laos?
Smaller car classes often offer more affordable car rentals in Laos — economy and compact cars — which are easy to park and cheap to run for getting around. You'll find them in major cities like Vientiane and Vang Vieng, from nationwide suppliers such as Sixt and Avis. Rates vary by city, pickup point, and season, so compare a few cities and dates on Expedia to find great value for your trip.
What are the best car rentals in Laos?
Car rentals across Laos come in a full range of vehicle types from providers like Sixt, Avis, and Budget, broadly available in major cities such as Luang Prabang, Vientiane, and Vang Vieng. The most common car classes include:
  • Economy 4-5 door
  • Midsize passenger van
  • Fullsize SUV
  • Fullsize passenger van
  • Compact 4-5 door
Choose based on passenger count, luggage, and whether you're driving in the city or covering longer distances between regions.

What are the best car rental companies in Laos?
For car rentals across Laos, well-rated providers like Sixt, Avis, and Budget offer a strong mix of vehicles with wide availability in major cities such as Luang Prabang, Vientiane, and Vang Vieng. Compare suppliers and pickup points on Expedia to find the right vehicle for your trip.
Can I rent a car one-way in Laos?
Yes — one-way car rentals are a great way to see Laos. Pick up in a city like Vientiane and drop off in another, such as Luang Prabang, which is ideal for a cross-country road trip. Providers like Sixt and Avis offer flexible one-way options. A one-way drop-off fee usually applies and can be higher over longer distances, so confirm it when booking on Expedia.
What are the best luxury car rental companies in Laos?
For luxury car rentals across Laos, providers like Budget, Sixt, and Avis offer premium categories — high-end vehicles with extra comfort and space for touring the country in style. You'll find them in major cities such as Vientiane and Luang Prabang. Use Expedia's car-class filters to browse premium options and compare before you book.
What are the best car rentals in Laos for families or groups?
For families or groups exploring Laos, SUVs and minivans give you room for passengers, car seats, strollers, and luggage — available across major cities from Vientiane to Luang Prabang:
  • Sixt: midsize passenger van — seats up to 8 with room for 6 large suitcases
  • Sixt: fullsize SUV — seats up to 6 with room for 3 large or 5 medium suitcases
  • Sixt: fullsize passenger van — seats up to 10 with room for 6 large suitcases
These keep everyone comfortable for both city driving and longer trips between regions. Book a few weeks ahead, as the larger vehicles can have lower availability during busy periods.

Which airports in Laos can I pick up a rental car?
Laos has several international airports with car rental pick-up, so you can start close to wherever you land:
  • Wattai Airport (VTE)
  • Luang Prabang International Airport (LPQ)
Choose the airport nearest your starting city, and compare rental rates at each on Expedia.

What are the best road trips in Laos by rental car?
With a rental car, Laos opens up for multi-stop road trips between its major cities and regions:
  • Vientiane to Vang Vieng — a popular route offering scenic views and adventure
  • Vientiane to Luang Prabang — explore cultural heritage and natural beauty
  • Vang Vieng to Luang Prabang — connect two of Laos' most beloved destinations
A one-way rental works well for point-to-point routes so you don't have to double back. Compare pickup cities and one-way options on Expedia to plan your trip.

Which side of the road do you drive on in Laos?
In Laos, you drive on the right-hand side of the road. Keep to local speed limits and traffic laws for a safe, easy drive while exploring the country's cities and the roads between them. If you're used to driving on the other side, give yourself a little time to adjust — take extra care at intersections and roundabouts, which flow in the opposite direction.
Are there any hidden fees when renting a car on Expedia?
Expedia aims to show the key price and important rental details clearly during booking, so you know what to expect before you reserve. In some cases, car rental companies may apply additional charges at pick-up or during the rental, such as security deposits, tolls, fuel charges, extra driver fees, or local requirements, so it's worth checking the supplier's rental terms before you book.
Are there any long-term car rentals in Laos?
Yes, there are several long-term car rental options available in Laos. Whether you're planning an extended holiday with the family, relocating temporarily, or simply need a vehicle for several weeks or months, many car rental providers offer flexible long-term rental plans tailored to your needs. Click on our long-term car rental deals page, enter your trip information and then book a ride that suits.
Do you need insurance to rent a car in Laos?
No, you don't need personal auto insurance to rent a car in most cases. You will, however, be required to purchase some insurance to cover the duration of the rental. Rental companies will offer this insurance when you rent the car. Certain personal car insurance policies can also be applied to rental cars, and travelers can even use non-owner car insurance if they rent cars often but don't have a car of their own. Additionally, some car rentals simply include rental car insurance within the price of the rental.
How much does it cost to rent a car in Laos?
Budget car rental in Laos can be easy to find, with prices based on rates seen within the past seven days . To find some of the cheapest options, sort your search results by price and use filters to match your budget and travel needs. For added flexibility, it's also worth exploring one-way car rentals.
What are the top car rental deals in Laos?
No matter what kind of vehicle you're looking for, Expedia makes it easy to find a great car rental deal in Laos. The easiest way to get a good deal on a rental car is to use our filters. At the top of the filter list, you'll find a section featuring our best car rental offers. Check the filter for "Great Deal," and your search results will be filled with specials. Compare offers from trusted rental providers, choose the option that fits your trip, and book with confidence. For even more value, bundle your Laos car rental with a hotel or flight to unlock additional savings.
What do I need to rent a car in Laos?
To rent a car in Laos, a current driver's license and a credit card in the same name are essential. If you're opting out of the company's insurance plan, then you may also need proof of other coverage. Rules may differ between rental companies, so read through your policy.
What happens if I need to cancel my Laos car rental?
If you need to cancel your Laos car rental, read over the policy to be sure, but almost all prepaid rentals are eligible for a complete refund if you notify us at least six hours prior to the pickup time, though there may be some exclusions so check your itinerary for more information, or just click through to our Customer Service Portal.

Car Rental Information

Popular car types:
SUV, Full Size, Economy
From the airport to your hotel:
Airport Transportation