Laos: June 2007

Laos was very similar to Cambodia in terms of costs. Lodging was cheaper than Vietnam and Thailand but food was more expensive. Many restaurants in Laos are Vietnamese and a bowl of pho was around US$2.00. It was so hot and humid in Laos that we stayed mostly in rooms with air-conditioning. Costs for food and lodging were much more expensive in Vientiane and Luang Prabang than anywhere else in the country.

*We classify food, lodging, and miscellaneous costs as daily costs. Food and Lodging are pretty obvious. The only thing to mention is that beer is included in the Food category. Miscellaneous costs include toiletries, internet cafes, stamps and postage, haircuts, laundry, gasoline, phone calls, and any other small costs we need to keep us going on a daily basis.

**We categorize our non-daily costs into the following categories. Gear is the maintenance of our existing gear as well as new purchases. Maps and guidebooks are also included in this category. Fees, Fines, and Tolls includes visas, banking fees, and any other official fees we are required to pay. Entertainment is used for park and museum entry fees, guided tours, movies, books, and any other activities we do which require payment. The Transportation category includes bus, train, taxi, subway, and ferry rides including any fees we have to pay for the bicycles. Health includes trips to the doctor and medications as well as any immunizations boosters we need.