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[[moriya :]]I found Laos really easy to hitch-hike (march 2016) just get out of the city, and wait for trucks. tell them where do you want to go, and try to say it correct becouse they don't know a lot english, but they will know the places. I had "hitch-hiking helmet" for motorcycle, and then they take you without a question.
== Personal experiences ==
This article is very accurate in that it is possible to hitch hike from north to south, but be prepared for long waits and dusty walks. The road leading from the Chinese boarder to Luang Prabang is currently undergoing upgrades since 2014 and apparently will be completed by August 2015, however when I passed through in November 2014 it looked a long way off with a majority of the road still dirt. It is possible to stay in Wats even in the north of Lao and I had no problem camping, however in Lao there is a law in which any foreigner staying with or in a local Lao person house must be registered with the local village elder, different person from the police so don't worry. This is to protect both you and your host, all the elder will want is to see your passport and if this doesn't happen you may receive a visit from the police next morning as happened to me on my first night in the north of Lao staying in a Wat, yes even in a Wat they must register you. Apart from that Lao is an amazing country with some very very friendly people.
While being slightly put off by the above comments, I persisted in giving Laos a go. Managed to travel all the way from Huay Xai to Vientiane via hitch hiking (apart from one bus journey from Oudomxay to Pak Mong). Do be prepared to wait at least a couple of hours in some places though! A top tip would be keeping your eyes peeled for Chinese number plates (if you see a rather fancy car coming towards you, it's probably Chinese) - about 80% of my rides were with incredibly helpful Chinese visitors, many of whom also shared food, drinks & ciggies :)
GO FOR IT!!!
'''Experience in April 2016''' --[[User:Z-z-z88|Z-z-z88]] ([[User talk:Z-z-z88|talk]])
Crossed Thai-Lao border at Huai Kon - Muang Nguen. Road to [[Sayabory]] (Xayaboury) have extremely low traffic. Something like 1 car per 20-30 minutes. Be ready to spend 1 day to make 50 km. Getting to Hongsa (Ban Phonsai) is relatively easy, but after this village was about 2-3 cars in 4 hours. But it is easy to go from [[Sayabory]] to [[Luang Prabang]], plenty of cars and trucks.
'''Experience in october 2017'''[[User:indogerm|indogerm]]
Entered via [[Boten]] border from china'''Experience in September 2019''' - ''I've entered Laos in Na Meo, hitched to [[Vientiane]] to go to thailand straightawayVietnam. Maximum of kilometres per day were 200 somethingNo problems with getting the visa on the crossing, lots of hills and curvesgot charged 40$ though. Road First 10 or so kilometers on Laos side is in good to very good shape([[Kunming]] - [[bangkok]] highwaydirt/mud/clay road, payed by china almost 0 traffic BUT there was a dude on a bike and thailand when he saw me we both knew and some other)he gave me a ride. Later on I couldn't complain. As described aboveI had no letter, no translator, few carsno sign, just my smile #1 and hand signs. Chinese cars normally mean long distance rides, cigarettes I've hitchhiked from VN border down to 4k islands and good foodback to Thai border close to Pakse. Can also always stop motorcycles, just do some eyecontact Usually I'd walk along the road and wave them everyone down smiling- cars, single riders, trucks. Got rides from all of mentioned. Most people dont wear helmetsNo one asked me for money. When approaching pick upsWaiting time from 15 minutes to 3 hours, try signalling them that you want to go in know the back drill. Took bike riders by surprise - when they stopped I'd point at the road, at the bike and sit on the car is full- lots of them think bike before they cannot offer this to you'd shake the shock off, hahaha. They never protested, took some selfies etc. Hitching LaosAverage speed for pickups was 60 km/h, 30-Totally possible! 40 for bikes and trucks. I always sad had one strange incident, nothing dangerous though - an American dude driving a pickup stopped just to tell me "Bo KIPit's a poor country, you don't hitchhike here"(no money) before entering, nobody refused to take wished megood time and splitted. Enjoyed the awesome nature between rides. Dont forget to get rid of your kip before exiting lao-they are shit. All three citys Besides that hitching in the nortern part Laos was very uplifting and allowed hours of Lao are tourist shit. Avoid them.Go staring at beautiful Asian mountains, go for it!guys.''
'''Experience in September 2019'''== Cities ==I've entered Laos in Na Meo, Vietnam. No problems with getting the visa on the crossing, got charged 40$ though. [[Huay Xai]] <br/>First 10 or so kilometers on Laos side is dirt[[Vientiane]] <br/mud>[[Luang Prabang]] <br/clay road, almost 0 traffic BUT there was a dude on a bike and when he saw me we both knew and he gave me a ride. Later on I couldn't complain. I had no letter, no translator, no sign, just my smile #1 and hand signs. >I've hitchhiked from VN border down to 4k islands and back to Thai border close to [[Pakse. Usually I'd walk along the road and wave everyone down - cars, single riders, trucks. Got rides from all of mentioned. No one asked me for money. Waiting time from 15 minutes to 3 hours, you know the drill. Took bike riders by surprise - when they stopped I'd point at the road, at the bike and sit on the bike before they'd shake the shock off, hahaha. They never protested, took some selfies etc. Average speed for pickups was 60 km]] <br/>[[Luang Namtha]] <br/h, 30-40 for bikes and trucks. I had one strange incident, nothing dangerous though - an American dude driving a pickup stopped just to tell me "it's a poor country, you don't hitchhike here" wished me good time and splitted. Besides that hitching in Laos was very uplifting and allowed hours of staring at beautiful Asian mountains, go for it guys.>
=== Cities ===
* [[Huay Xai]]
* [[Vientiane]]
* [[Luang Prabang]]
* [[Pakse]]
* [[Luang Namtha]]
[[File:Mule-laos.jpg|700px|center|thumb|[[User:Amylin|Amylin]] hitchhiking out of Luang Nam Tha to the border between Laos and [[China]].]]
{{IsIn|South-Eastern Asia}}
=== Getting in ===
* [http://marcandoelpolo.com/viajar-dedo-por-laos-mision-imposible/ Information, tips and personal experiences of hitch-hiking in Laos. A 1707 km journey on 26 vehicles (only in spanish)], by Marcando el Polo == Nomadwiki & Trashwiki == {{nomadwiki}} {{IsIn|South-Eastern Asia}}
[[nomad:Laos]]
Hitchhiking South East Asia: some tips, at [https://anaimlesshitchhiker.com/2015/02/02/hitchhiking-south-east-asia-some-tips/ an aimless hitchhiker]
Laos
,→Personal experiences
'''Laos''' is a country in South East [[Asia]] surrounded by [[China]], [[Vietnam]], [[Cambodia]], [[Thailand]] and [[Myanmar|Burma]]. Hitchhiking is fairly uncommon, and sometimes people will expect money. Check out the [[Asia phrasebook#Thai|Thai-Lao phrasebook]] for language pointers.
[[File:Mule-laos.jpg|700px|center|thumb|[[User:Amylin|Amylin]] hitchhiking out of Luang Nam Tha to the border between Laos and [[China]].]]
== How to hitchhike ==
'''if If you raise your thumb people will think you just doing 'like' and dont understand it's mean to stop. for hitch-hike take your hand and 'hit' the air'''
Hitching in Laos is very different between the north and south part of the country. While in the south it is relatively easy to hitchhike 300 kilometers a day and people don't commonly expect money, in the north it's hard to go more than 150 a day -- on some roads, expect to cover only as much as you can walk in a day. It can take a long time to be picked up, as few cars drive on the so called 'highway', often just a dirt road with random pavement sections. Looking at the amount of cars (in January 2011 and 2012) there are '''around 1 (pick up, car, truck) per 6 minutes'''. This makes travel in Laos very different from hitching in Thailand. But even in the north it is still possible to get a lift. Solo hitchhikers can get a ride between villages with one of the many motor bikes that roam all over the country.
You should be aware that some maps of Laos (Google Maps in particular is one) are not accurate.
== Language: ==
In the '80s a lot of people went to [[Russia]] for their studies, and these are often people who have cars these days, so you might be able to use your Russian skills. English is not very common outside of cities and tourist destinations. Chinese can be used with the Chinese cars/trucks that take hitchhikers more often.
The google translator doesn't offer Lao language for download and offline use, though it can save the sentences when using wifi. Thai can be downloaded and used offline and many people could understand it without major difficulties.
== Personal experiences ==
'''My personal experience''' - This article is very accurate in that it is possible to hitch hike from north to south, but be prepared for long waits and dusty walks. The road leading from the Chinese boarder to Luang Prabang is currently undergoing upgrades since 2014 and apparently will be completed by August 2015, however when I passed through in November 2014 it looked a long way off with a majority of the road still dirt. It is possible to stay in Wats even in the north of Lao and I had no problem camping, however in Lao there is a law in which any foreigner staying with or in a local Lao person house must be registered with the local village elder, different person from the police so don't worry. This is to protect both you and your host, all the elder will want is to see your passport and if this doesn't happen you may receive a visit from the police next morning as happened to me on my first night in the north of Lao staying in a Wat, yes even in a Wat they must register you. Apart from that Lao is an amazing country with some very very friendly people.
'''Experience in July 2015:'''- ''[[User:Laurieking101|Laurieking101]] ([[User talk:Laurieking101|talk]]) 13 November 2015 - While being slightly put off by the above comments, I persisted in giving Laos a go. Managed to travel all the way from Huay Xai to Vientiane via hitch hiking (apart from one bus journey from Oudomxay to Pak Mong). Do be prepared to wait at least a couple of hours in some places though! A top tip would be keeping your eyes peeled for Chinese number plates (if you see a rather fancy car coming towards you, it's probably Chinese) - about 80% of my rides were with incredibly helpful Chinese visitors, many of whom also shared food, drinks & ciggies :)GO FOR IT!!!''
'''My personal experienceExperience in November 2015''' - ''[[User:Z-z-z88|Z-z-z88]] ([[User talk:Z-z-z88|talk]]) 2 December 2015 - Hitch-hiked from Pakse to Attapeu through Paksong and Sekong (about 200 km). It is was easy to get a car to Paksong, but from Paksong to Sekong was a very few amount of cars and most of them drive short distance 2-40 km. I managed to get to Attapeu, but changed 8 cars. From Attapeu towards Vietnam border (Phou Keua, 2 km away from Cambodia) was extremely small amount of cars. For two hours (morning of working day about 10:00-11:00) I saw only one truck (Vietnamese) going towards Vietnam and few cars. But there is very cheap bus for 6.5 USD which going deep into Vietnam and sent me to Pleiku (6.5 USD for ride about 250 km). On the mountain road from Laos (Attapeu) - Vietnam (Phou Keua) from 11:00 to 14:00 I saw about 10 trucks driving from Vietnam to Laos. So I do not advise to hitch-hike to Vietnam from Attapeu. By the way, local people to the east from Attapeu may speak only Vietnamese.''
'''Experience in July 2015:April 2016'''--''[[User:Laurieking101Z-z-z88|Laurieking101Z-z-z88]] ([[User talk:Laurieking101Z-z-z88|talk]]) 21:13, 13 November 2015 - Crossed Thai-Lao border at Huai Kon - Muang Nguen. Road to [[Sayabory]] (Xayaboury) have extremely low traffic. Something like 1 car per 20-30 minutes. Be ready to spend 1 day to make 50 km. Getting to Hongsa (CETBan Phonsai)is relatively easy, but after this village was about 2-3 cars in 4 hours. But it is easy to go from [[Sayabory]] to [[Luang Prabang]], plenty of cars and trucks.''
'''Experience in November 20152016''' -''I entered Laos in Na Meo at the Lao-[[User:Z-z-z88|Z-z-z88]] ([[User talk:Z-z-z88|talk]]) 07:22, 2 December 2015 (CET)Hitch-hiked Vietnamese border. After I hitchhiked from Pakse there to Attapeu through Paksong Vientiane and Sekong (about 200 km)Pakse I wouldn't say this article is very accurate. It is was easy to get During my time I didn't have a car single lift who wanted to Paksong, but from Paksong to Sekong was a very few amount of cars and most of them drive short distance 2-40 kmcharge me anything. I managed Yeah in remote areas it can be hard to get to Attapeua life since there is less traffic, but changed 8 cars. From Attapeu towards Vietnam border (Phou Keua, 2 km away from Cambodia) was extremely small amount of cars. For two hours (morning of working day I don't know about 10:00-11:00) I saw only one truck (Vietnamese) going towards Vietnam and few carsthe car/calculations above. But there Laos is very cheap bus for 6.5 USD which going deep into Vietnam an awesome country and sent me to Pleiku (6.5 USD for ride about 250 km). On the mountain road from Laos (Attapeu) - Vietnam (Phou Keua) from 11:00 to 14:00 I saw about 10 trucks driving from Vietnam to Laos. So I do not advise to hitch-hike to Vietnam from Attapeu. By the way, local people to the east from Attapeu may speak only Vietnamese.hitchhiking is definitely possible!''
'''Experience in November 2016october 2017 - '''I entered Laos in Na Meo at the Lao[[User:indogerm|indogerm]] -Vietnamese ''Entered via [[Boten]] border. After I hitchhiked from there china, hitched to [[Vientiane ]] to go to thailand straightaway. Maximum of kilometres per day were 200 something, lots of hills and Pakse I wouldn't say this article curves. Road is in good to very accurategood shape([[Kunming]] - [[bangkok]] highway, payed by china and thailand and some other). As described above, few cars. Chinese cars normally mean long distance rides, cigarettes and good food. Can also always stop motorcycles, just do some eyecontact and wave them down smiling. Most people dont wear helmets. During my time When approaching pick ups, try signalling them that you want to go in the back when the car is full- lots of them think they cannot offer this to you. Hitching Laos-Totally possible! I didn't have a single lift who wanted always sad "Bo KIP"(no money) before entering, nobody refused to charge take me anything. Yeah in remote areas it can be hard Enjoyed the awesome nature between rides. Dont forget to get a life since there is less traffic, but I don't know about rid of your kip before exiting lao-they are shit. All three citys in the car/calculations abovenortern part of Lao are tourist shit. Avoid them. Laos is an awesome country and hitchhiking is definitely possible''Go for it!''
'''From [[China]]'''
== External links ==
[[Category:Asia]]
[[es:Laos]]
