Any 2-pin electrical plug from America or continental Europe can be used in Laos without any adaptor. With American 3-pin plugs, bring an American 3-pin to American 2-pin adaptor, because many outlets won’t take a 3-pin. These adaptors are easy to find in America, difficult to find anywhere else. If you are coming from the UK, Australia, South Africa etc., then you should bring a plug adaptor from your home standard to continental European standard. Note: international adaptors to US standard are usually 3-pin, which won’t work in some power outlets in Laos. That’s why I say that if you need an adaptor, get one that converts to European standard.

Like most of the world, Laos is on 220 volts. If you are coming from America, check the “input voltage” on your phone, laptop etc — if the input voltage is 100-240 volts, then your device is “dual voltage” and you can use it anywhere in the world without a voltage transformer. Almost all portable elecronics in the world today are dual voltage. However if you bring a hair dryer, CPAP machine etc. from America, these often have an input voltage of 100-125 volts (“single voltage”). If you plug these into a 200-volt outlet, they will explode into flames. You can buy lightweight voltage transformers for travel, but they sometimes burn out, and you’ll only know they have burned out when they burst into flames. My strong advice is do not bring any single-voltage devices of any kind from America. If you need a 220-volt CPAP or other essential medical device, buy it in Thailand or some other reasonably developed 220-volt country before coming to Laos.

Pack multiple light layers. In the Cool Season the temperature might fall near freezing at dawn, rising to “damned hot” by mid-afternoon. Pack to be comfortable throughout that transition.

Bring one full-sized backpack with most of your gear (maximum weight 20 kg, hopefully closer to 15 kg) and a small day pack (around 25-30 litres capacity) as your carry-on. When you trek, you’ll leave your big pack in your tour agency’s office, and only carry the day pack.

Bring sturdy hiking boots that support your ankles, and also sandals or flip-flops, which are essential when the hiking trails go through rivers, as they often do.

You usually won’t have electricity when staying in villages on treks. Bring a headlamp, and a power pack to charge your phone or camera.

When on a trek, your shower facilities will almost always be the river, so always pack your swimsuit.

On a trek, all backpackers will usually share a single hut to sleep in. If you snore, bring nasal strips or a mouthpiece or whatever works to keep you quiet. (Although you’ll usually have a power outlet by your bed in hostel dorm rooms, you won’t have any electricity at all in most tribal villages, so CPAP machines will require batteries.)

You’ll always need sun block. You’ll usually need mosquito repellent except late in the dry season. Both can be purchased in Laos, as can toothpaste, shampoo, deodorant etc.

Note: on Laos’ new high-speed train, aerosol sprays of any kind are NOT ALLOWED, in ANY baggage. They will be found on the X-ray, and they will be confiscated. On buses you can bring anything you like, and on planes you can carry aerosol sprays in your checked baggage.

Definitely bring a hat. Wide-brimmed hats are ideal for walking. A snug, skull-fitting baseball hat that fits inside your helmet is the perfect sun visor for motorcycling.

Many tribal village homestays are in Khamu (an ethnically Khmer / Cambodian people), Hmong (an ethnically Mongolian people), Akha or Lenten villages. Your guide will explain any tribal customs that you must observe.