Exploring Vietnam and Laos COVID Rules: A Comprehensive Guide for International Travelers

Written by Tony Bùi, with over 20 years of experience in the travel industry, personally guiding and organizing tours for over 100,000 travellers across Southeast Asia. This guide draws from firsthand insights, guest feedback from Legend Travel Group surveys.

Travelers, please note: As of 2025, Vietnam and Laos have fully lifted COVID-19 entry restrictions. No testing, vaccination proof, or quarantine is required for either country. Travelers can enter visa-free (if eligible), with e-visas, or visa on arrival options. This guide details current entry rules, cultural etiquette, and tips for a smooth journey, ensuring peace of mind with Legend Travel Group's flexible booking—deposit just 10% up to 30 days before departure.

A Practical, Cultural, and Sustainable Travel Essential

Vietnam and Laos, two of Southeast Asia's most enchanting destinations, offer stunning landscapes, rich history, and welcoming cultures. Vietnam captivates with Ha Long Bay's emerald waters, Hoi An's lantern-lit streets, and Hanoi's bustling Old Quarter, while Laos enchants with Luang Prabang's golden temples, Vientiane's serene Mekong Riverfront, and the misty highlands of Luang Namtha. With COVID-19 rules now relaxed, understanding entry requirements ensures a hassle-free transition from border to exploration, whether joining guided **Vietnam Tours or Laos Tours, or embarking on independent Vietnam Travel or Laos Travel adventures. This guide provides practical entry insights, cultural etiquette, and eco-friendly options, making your trip stress-free—Legend Travel Group offers flexible payments, requiring only a 10% deposit up to 30 days before departure to keep your mind at ease.

Vietnam and Laos are accessible via international airports (e.g., Noi Bai in Hanoi, Wattay in Vientiane) and land borders (e.g., Lao Cai between Vietnam and China, Nong Khai between Thailand and Laos). This guide combines visa and health updates with sustainable Vietnam Travel and Laos Travel ideas for a seamless experience.

Administrative Note

No COVID testing, vaccination, or quarantine is required for Vietnam and Laos. Vietnam offers visa exemptions for 25 countries (15–45 days) or e-visas ($25); Laos provides visa on arrival ($35) or e-visas ($50) for most. Passports must be valid for 6 months with two blank pages. Cultural site entries like Hoi An ($5) or Luang Prabang temples ($2) are affordable. Guided tours cost $15–$80; market purchases $0.50–$20. Key sites are accessible via tuk-tuks, bicycles, or tour transport. Verify entry requirements via official channels or contact Legend Travel Group for assistance.

Vietnam Entry Overview

• COVID Measures: No testing, vaccination proof, or quarantine required. Travelers must complete an online health declaration form upon arrival (via Vietnam Airlines app or airport kiosks) vietnam.travel.

• Visa Options:

  • Exemption: 15–45 days for 25 countries (e.g., UK, France, Germany, South Korea) vietnam-visa.com.

  • E-Visa: 90 days (single/multiple entry, $25) via evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn.

  • Visa on Arrival: Available for tourists at airports (letter of approval required, $25) vietnam-visa.com.

• Entry Points: 8 international airports (Noi Bai, Tan Son Nhat), 33 land borders (e.g., Moc Bai with Cambodia), 13 seaports (Nha Trang, Da Nang) vietnam.travel.

• Tip: Complete health declaration online before flight; carry proof of accommodation for immigration travel.state.gov.

Laos Entry Overview

• COVID Measures: No testing, vaccination, or quarantine needed. Health declaration form may be requested at entry, but it's not mandatory laos.travel.

• Visa Options:

  • Exemption: 30 days for ASEAN nations, Russia, South Korea, Japan, China laosembassy.org.

  • Visa on Arrival: $35 at airports (Luang Prabang, Vientiane) or land borders (e.g., Nong Khai with Thailand); 30 days laos.travel.

  • E-Visa: $50 for 60 days via laoevisa.gov.la.

• Entry Points: 5 international airports (Wattay in Vientiane, Luang Prabang), 20 land borders (e.g., Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge), 5 seaports laos.travel.

• Tip: Carry USD for visa on arrival (exact change preferred); download e-visa if applicable travel.state.gov.

Respecting Regional Cultural Heritage

Cultural etiquette ensures a smooth experience during Vietnam Tours or Laos Tours. Here’s your guide:

• Greetings: Use “xin chào” (Vietnam) or “sabaidee” (Laos) with a nod or wai (palms together); offer items with both hands culturetrip.com.

• Dress: Modest clothing covering shoulders and knees for temples (e.g., Hanoi’s Temple of Literature, Luang Prabang’s Wat Xieng Thong); carry a scarf ($1 or 25,000 VND/LAK) vietnam.travel.

• Behaviour: Stay quiet in sacred spaces; avoid touching Buddha statues or offerings; ask permission for photos of locals; carry passport securely at borders laos.travel. A guest shared: “Respecting customs eased our Vietnam-Laos trip.”

• Customs: Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated ($0.20–$1 or 5,000–25,000 VND/LAK); avoid littering at cultural sites like Ha Long Bay or Kuang Si Falls; complete residence registration with hotels travel.state.gov.

• Tip: Say “cảm ơn” (Vietnam) or “khop chai” (Laos) for thanks; use eco-friendly reusable water bottles ($2 or 50,000 VND/LAK) for sustainable Vietnam Travel and Laos Travel; keep passport handy. Tony Bùi notes: “Respectful travelers thrive in Vietnam and Laos’ cultures.”

General Tips:

• Language: Carry a phrase card ($1 or 25,000 VND/LAK) for Vietnamese/Lao basics; English is common in tourist areas culturetrip.com.

• Respect: Follow temple rules (remove hats, cover shoulders); avoid drugs (severe penalties); support local vendors in markets.

• Navigation: Use offline maps (Maps.me) for cities like Hanoi or Vientiane; carry a printed e-visa or passport photocopy travel.state.gov.

• Eco-Tip: Opt for bicycles ($1–$3 or 25,000–75,000 VND/LAK/day) or motorbike taxis ($0.50–$2 or 12,500–50,000 VND/LAK) to reduce emissions vietnam.travel.

Below is a curated list of tour options to enhance your visa-prepared journey, based on the latest data from vietnam.travel and laos.travel. Confirm schedules and prices before booking.

1. Self-Guided Cultural Exploration

• Details: Explore Hanoi’s Old Quarter or Luang Prabang’s temples independently after crossing at Noi Bai or Wattay; suitable for prepared travelers; low difficulty vietnam.travel.

• Visa Tips: Use 60-day exemption for Vietnam or visa on arrival ($35) for Laos; carry proof of onward travel laos.travel.

• Schedule: Daily; Old Quarter accessible anytime; Wat Xieng Thong open 8:00 AM–5:00 PM ($1 or 10,000 LAK).

• Cost: Entry: free (markets); Wat Xieng Thong: $1 (10,000 LAK); transport (bicycle: $1–$3 or 25,000–75,000 VND/LAK/day); local purchases: $0.20–$10 (5,000–250,000 VND/LAK).

• Location: Hanoi, Luang Prabang, Vietnam/Laos.

• Eco-Friendly Note: Use bicycles or walk to reduce emissions; avoid littering in cultural areas.

• Tip: Confirm visa status; check evisa.gov.vn; a guest noted: “Self-guided exploration was seamless after crossing.”

2. Legend Travel Group (Group Cultural Tour)

• Details: 1-day group tour visiting Hanoi’s Old Quarter and Temple of Literature after entry at Noi Bai; includes English-speaking guide, transport from Hanoi hotels, lunch, and entry fees; low difficulty.

• Visa Tips: Ensure valid exemption or e-visa; carry passport photocopy; guides assist with registration travel.state.gov.

• Schedule: Daily; departs 7:00 AM from Hanoi hotels; returns by 4:00 PM.

• Cost: $25–$40/person (625,000–1,000,000 VND, includes entry).

• Pick-up/Drop-off: Hotels in Hanoi.

• Eco-Friendly Note: Group transport with fuel-efficient vehicles minimizes impact; supports local communities.

• Tip: Book via legendtravelgroup.com; a guest noted: “Legend’s tour ensured visa compliance and cultural immersion.”

3. Local Vietnam (Combo Cultural and Adventure Tour)

• Details: 1-day guided tour visiting Luang Prabang’s temples and a Mekong River cruise after entry at Wattay; includes English-speaking guide, transport from Luang Prabang hotels, lunch, and entry fees; low to moderate difficulty.

• Visa Tips: Use visa on arrival ($35) or e-visa ($50); carry printed e-visa or passport photocopy; confirm eligibility laos.travel.

• Schedule: Daily; departs 6:30 AM from Luang Prabang hotels; returns by 4:00 PM.

• Cost: $30–$50/person (300,000–500,000 LAK, includes entry).

• Pick-up/Drop-off: Hotels in Luang Prabang.

• Eco-Friendly Note: Small groups and river cruises reduce environmental impact; supports local communities.

• Tip: Book via localvietnam.com (Laos partner sites); a guest noted: “The combo tour was visa-ready and enriching.”

4. Multi-Day Cultural and Adventure Tour (Legend Travel Group)

• Details: 2–3 day tour combining Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, and Luang Prabang after entry at Noi Bai or Wattay; includes English-speaking guide, transport, accommodation, meals, and entry fees; low to moderate difficulty.

• Visa Tips: Use multiple-entry e-visa for multi-country travel; carry printed e-visa or passport photocopy; confirm registration travel.state.gov.

• Schedule: Daily; departs from Hanoi hotels; returns after 2–3 days.

• Cost: $80–$200/person (2,000,000–5,000,000 VND, includes entries).

• Pick-up/Drop-off: Hotels or custom locations in Hanoi.

• Eco-Friendly Note: Uses eco-lodges and fuel-efficient transport; supports local communities.

• Tip: Book Vietnam Tours or Laos Tours via legendtravelgroup.com or WhatsApp (+84 825862222); a guest noted: “The multi-day tour was a visa-smart cultural journey.”

• Self-Guided Exploration: Flexible and authentic, perfect for visa-exempt travelers exploring independently.

• Group Cultural Tours: Affordable and guided, ideal for cultural immersion with visa support.

• Combo Cultural and Adventure Tours: Blend heritage and adventure for a balanced experience.

• Multi-Day Cultural and Adventure Tours: Provide in-depth exploration with expert guidance.

• Eco-Friendly Note: Tours emphasize sustainable transport and local community engagement, promoting responsible Vietnam Travel and Laos Travel.

Key opportunities include:

• Tet (Vietnamese Lunar New Year): Late January–February, festive with family traditions; cool and dry (18–28°C); check dates at vietnam.travel.

• Boun That Luang (Laos): November, spiritual with temple fairs; cool and dry (20–28°C); check dates at laos.travel.

• Year-Round Opportunities: Cool season (November–February, 18–28°C) is best for outdoor cultural visits; wet season (June–October) offers fewer crowds but requires rain gear.

Cool season (November–February, 18–28°C) is perfect for temple tours and festivals. Hot season (March–May, 24–33°C) suits early morning outings. Wet season (June–October, 24–31°C) is budget-friendly but rainy; focus on indoor activities. Morning visits (7:00 AM–11:00 AM) avoid heat and crowds. Verify forecasts via accuweather.com.

• Online Platforms: Book Vietnam Tours or Laos Tours via legendtravelgroup.com ($15–$200). Provide pick-up details (e.g., Hanoi or Vientiane hotels); e-tickets accepted, but printing recommended.

• Tour Operators: Contact Legend Travel Group for bundled tours with cultural sites, markets, or temples; flexible payments—10% deposit up to 30 days before departure.

• Direct: Entry to temples like Wat Xieng Thong ($1) or Hoi An ($5); book guided tours via local agencies; confirm schedules via vietnam.travel or laos.travel.

• Eco-Tip: Use digital tickets to reduce paper waste; opt for bicycles or tuk-tuks for eco-friendly mobility.

• Tip: Book early for festivals; carry small VND/LAK notes for market purchases; Legend Travel Group ensures visa compliance and peace of mind with flexible terms.

Pack for a comfortable, sustainable visit:

• Documents: Passport (valid 6+ months), printed e-visa ($25–$50 or 625,000–1,250,000 VND/LAK if required), passport photocopy, proof of onward travel, wallet ($5 or 150,000 VND/LAK), tour bookings.

• Clothing: Modest clothing covering shoulders and knees for temple visits; lightweight scarf ($1 or 25,000 VND/LAK); quick-dry clothing and raincoat ($2 or 50,000 VND/LAK) for wet season; comfortable walking shoes ($3 or 75,000 VND/LAK); hat ($2 or 50,000 VND/LAK).

• Essentials: Reusable water bottle ($2 or 50,000 VND/LAK); snacks ($0.20–$1 or 5,000–25,000 VND/LAK, e.g., banh mi or laap); small backpack ($2 or 50,000 VND/LAK); sunscreen ($1 or 25,000 VND/LAK); insect repellent ($1 or 25,000 VND/LAK).

• Tech: Phone with translation apps (e.g., Google Translate); charger ($3–$5 or 75,000–125,000 VND/LAK); local SIM ($2–$3 or 50,000–75,000 VND/LAK); camera ($50 or 1,250,000 VND/LAK) for photos.

• Eco Items: Reusable tote ($1 or 25,000 VND/LAK) for market purchases; phrase card ($1 or 25,000 VND/LAK) with Vietnamese/Lao basics.

• Extras: Small VND/LAK notes for donations or purchases; small first aid kit ($2 or 50,000 VND/LAK); umbrella ($2 or 50,000 VND/LAK) for wet season; money belt ($2 or 50,000 VND/LAK) for valuables. Tip: Pack light (1 small bag, max 5 kg); reusable items support sustainability.

Costs for Cultural Travel in Vietnam and Laos

Cultural Site Visit Costs

• Self-Guided Exploration: Temple of Literature: $1–$2 (25,000–50,000 VND); Wat Xieng Thong: $1 (10,000 LAK); transport (bicycle: $1–$3 or 25,000–75,000 VND/LAK/day); market purchases: $0.20–$10 (5,000–250,000 VND/LAK).

• Group Cultural Tours: $25–$40 (625,000–1,000,000 VND, includes entry).

• Combo Cultural and Adventure Tours: $30–$50 (750,000–1,250,000 VND, includes entry).

• Multi-Day Cultural and Adventure Tours: $80–$200 (2,000,000–5,000,000 VND, includes entry). Safety-Related Costs

• Money Belt: $2 (50,000 VND/LAK).

• Local SIM for Emergency Calls: $2–$3 (50,000–75,000 VND/LAK).

• Travel Insurance (Recommended): $10–$30 (250,000–750,000 VND/LAK). Other Costs

• Local Snacks (e.g., pho, laap): $0.20–$1 (5,000–25,000 VND/LAK).

• Souvenirs (e.g., silk, crafts): $0.20–$10 (5,000–250,000 VND/LAK).

• Donations: $0.20–$1 (5,000–25,000 VND/LAK). Total Daily Cost (Per Person)

• Budget: $15–$40 (self-guided, snacks, transport, entry).

• Mid-range: $40–$70 (group tour, purchases).

• Luxury: $70–$120 (private tour, premium souvenirs). Tip: Budget $15–$120 for tours, visa costs (if applicable), and transport; $0.20–$10 for purchases or add-ons; Legend Travel Group’s flexible 10% deposit up to 30 days before departure keeps things stress-free.

• Cultural Tips: Visit Hanoi’s Temple of Literature or Luang Prabang’s Wat Xieng Thong early (8:00 AM) for serenity; attend Apsara dance in Luang Prabang or street food tours in Hanoi; explore Old Quarter or Mekong Riverfront for crafts and laap; participate respectfully in festivals like Tet or Boun That Luang; visit artisan centers like Artisans Angkor in Siem Reap for traditional crafts (accessible from Vietnam/Laos borders).

• Etiquette: Use “xin chào” or “sabaidee”; dress modestly; stay quiet in temples; avoid touching sacred items; respect monks and festival customs.

• Access: Choose self-guided exploration for flexibility, group tours for guided insights, or multi-day tours for deeper immersion.

• Schedules: Temples open 8:00 AM–5:00 PM; markets open 7:00 AM–10:00 PM; peak crowds in cool season (November–February); book early for festivals.

• Sustainability: Use bicycles or tuk-tuks; carry reusable items; support local vendors with fair purchases.

• Navigation: Use offline maps (Maps.me) for cities like Hanoi or Vientiane.

• Weather: Cool season (Nov–Feb, 18–28°C) ideal; hot season (Mar–May, 24–33°C) suits early mornings; wet season (Jun–Oct, 24–31°C) requires rain gear; check forecasts via accuweather.com.

• Safety Note: Secure valuables with a money belt ($2 or 50,000 VND/LAK); beware of pickpocketing in markets; carry emergency numbers (Police: 113 in Vietnam, 191 in Laos).

• Are COVID tests required for Vietnam and Laos? No, all restrictions lifted; no testing or vaccination proof needed vietnam.travel.

• Do I need a visa to enter Vietnam or Laos? Exemptions for 15–45 days (Vietnam) or 30 days (Laos) for eligible nations; e-visas or visa on arrival for others vietnam-visa.com.

• How much does a Vietnam/Laos visa cost? Vietnam e-visa: $25; Laos visa on arrival: $35 evisa.gov.vn.

• Can I extend my stay in Vietnam or Laos? Yes, Vietnam exemption: 30 days (1,900 THB); Laos e-visa: 30 days ($2) vietnam-visa.com.

• What are the penalties for overstaying? Vietnam: 500,000 VND/day ($20/day); Laos: $10/day travel.state.gov.

• Are there any COVID rules at borders? No, no quarantine or testing; complete health declarations online laos.travel.

Enhance your Vietnam and Laos journey with eco-conscious tours from Legend Travel Group:

• Vietnam & Laos Cultural Eco-Tour ($50–$80/person, 1 day): Guided temple and market tour with sustainable practices.

• Vietnam & Laos Cultural and Adventure Trail ($150–$250/person, 2 days): Explore cultural sites and eco-friendly activities.

• Vietnam & Laos Explorer ($250–$400/person, 3 days): Multi-site adventure with eco-lodges and community-focused activities. Prices include guides, transport, and entry fees; group discounts available. With Legend Travel Group, deposit just 10% up to 30 days before departure for peace of mind. Explore options at legendtravelgroup.com or contact sales@legendtravelgroup.com / WhatsApp (+84 825862222) for your Vietnam Travel and Laos Travel plans.

With Vietnam and Laos COVID Rules now relaxed, and visa options like exemptions and e-visas making entry straightforward, your Southeast Asian adventure awaits. With tour costs from $15–$400, eco-friendly Vietnam Tours and Laos Tours, and attractions like Ha Long Bay and Luang Prabang, this trip offers adventure and sustainability. Whether choosing self-guided or guided Vietnam Travel and Laos Travel, Legend Travel Group ensures a stress-free experience with just a 10% deposit up to 30 days before departure. Respect local customs and plan your visa early for the best experience. Safe travels!

Sources: Internal insights from Legend Travel Group and official Cambodian/Vietnamese travel authorities.