Scooter Rental Prices in Laos: 2025 Complete Cost Guide
Understanding scooter rental costs in Laos helps you budget accurately and avoid surprises. This comprehensive guide breaks down daily and weekly rates, deposits, insurance costs, and hidden fees across major cities, plus negotiation tips to get the best deals.
Quick Price Overview
Daily Rate (Automatic): 60,000-100,000 LAK ($3-5 USD)
Daily Rate (Semi-Auto): 50,000-80,000 LAK ($2.50-4 USD)
Weekly Rate: 300,000-500,000 LAK ($15-25 USD)
Deposit: 500,000-2,000,000 LAK ($25-100 USD)
Insurance (Optional): 20,000-50,000 LAK/day ($1-2.50 USD)
Fuel: ~15,000 LAK/liter ($0.75 USD)
City-by-City Price Breakdown
Rental prices vary by location based on tourist demand, competition, and local market conditions.
Vang Vieng
Automatic Scooter
- Daily: 70,000-100,000 LAK ($3.50-5 USD)
- Weekly: 400,000-600,000 LAK ($20-30 USD)
- Monthly: 1,200,000-1,800,000 LAK ($60-90 USD)
Semi-Automatic
- Daily: 60,000-80,000 LAK ($3-4 USD)
- Weekly: 350,000-500,000 LAK ($17.50-25 USD)
- Monthly: 1,000,000-1,500,000 LAK ($50-75 USD)
Deposit: 1,000,000-2,000,000 LAK or passport. Higher competition means better negotiation opportunities. Prices peak during November-February.
Luang Prabang
Automatic Scooter
- Daily: 80,000-120,000 LAK ($4-6 USD)
- Weekly: 450,000-700,000 LAK ($22.50-35 USD)
- Monthly: 1,400,000-2,000,000 LAK ($70-100 USD)
Semi-Automatic
- Daily: 60,000-90,000 LAK ($3-4.50 USD)
- Weekly: 350,000-550,000 LAK ($17.50-27.50 USD)
- Monthly: 1,100,000-1,700,000 LAK ($55-85 USD)
Deposit: 1,000,000-2,000,000 LAK or passport. Slightly higher prices due to UNESCO status and tourist demand. More premium rental options available.
Vientiane
Automatic Scooter
- Daily: 60,000-100,000 LAK ($3-5 USD)
- Weekly: 350,000-600,000 LAK ($17.50-30 USD)
- Monthly: 1,000,000-1,800,000 LAK ($50-90 USD)
Semi-Automatic
- Daily: 50,000-80,000 LAK ($2.50-4 USD)
- Weekly: 300,000-500,000 LAK ($15-25 USD)
- Monthly: 900,000-1,500,000 LAK ($45-75 USD)
Deposit: 500,000-1,500,000 LAK or passport. Capital city with most rental shops and best selection. Competitive pricing and newer scooters available.
Thakhek
Automatic Scooter
- Daily: 70,000-100,000 LAK ($3.50-5 USD)
- Weekly: 400,000-600,000 LAK ($20-30 USD)
- Loop Package: 500,000-700,000 LAK ($25-35 USD)
Semi-Automatic
- Daily: 60,000-80,000 LAK ($3-4 USD)
- Weekly: 350,000-500,000 LAK ($17.50-25 USD)
- Loop Package: 400,000-600,000 LAK ($20-30 USD)
Deposit: 1,000,000-2,000,000 LAK or passport. Famous for the Thakhek Loop. Many shops offer special loop packages with maps and recommendations included.
Pakse / 4000 Islands
Automatic Scooter
- Daily: 60,000-90,000 LAK ($3-4.50 USD)
- Weekly: 350,000-550,000 LAK ($17.50-27.50 USD)
- Monthly: 1,000,000-1,600,000 LAK ($50-80 USD)
Semi-Automatic
- Daily: 50,000-70,000 LAK ($2.50-3.50 USD)
- Weekly: 300,000-450,000 LAK ($15-22.50 USD)
- Monthly: 900,000-1,400,000 LAK ($45-70 USD)
Deposit: 500,000-1,500,000 LAK or passport. Southern Laos has lower prices overall. Limited selection on Don Det/Don Khon islands.
What's Typically Included in the Price
Usually Included
- ✓One helmet (sometimes two)
- ✓Basic lock and key
- ✓Phone holder (at better shops)
- ✓Basic maintenance during rental
- ✓Emergency contact number
Usually NOT Included
- ✗Fuel (scooter comes with minimal gas)
- ✗Insurance coverage
- ✗Rain gear or ponchos
- ✗Maps or GPS device
- ✗Damage repairs (covered by deposit)
Hidden Costs to Watch For
Be Aware of These Extra Charges
Some rental shops add fees that aren't mentioned upfront. Always ask about total costs before signing.
Late Return Fees
20,000-50,000 LAK per hour late. Some shops charge a full extra day if you're more than 2 hours late.
Cleaning Fees
50,000-100,000 LAK if scooter is returned excessively dirty. Reasonable dirt from normal riding is usually okay.
Fuel Replacement
Some shops charge inflated rates (2-3x normal) if you don't return with a full tank. Fill up before returning.
Minor Damage Charges
Scratches: 50,000-200,000 LAK. Broken mirrors: 100,000-300,000 LAK. Cracked fairings: 200,000-500,000 LAK. Document existing damage before leaving.
Lost Key Fees
200,000-500,000 LAK for replacement. Keep your key secure and consider taking a photo of the key code.
Understanding Deposits
Cash Deposit
Amount: 500,000-2,000,000 LAK ($25-100 USD) depending on scooter value and rental duration.
Pros: You keep your passport. Deposit returned immediately upon return if no damage.
Cons: Ties up cash. Some shops may try to withhold for minor issues.
Passport Deposit
Common practice: Many shops accept passport as deposit instead of cash.
Pros: Saves cash. Convenient if you're not carrying large amounts.
Cons: You're without ID. Can't cross borders or check into hotels. Some travelers uncomfortable leaving passport.
Our Recommendation
If staying in one area: Passport deposit is usually fine. If traveling between cities or crossing borders: Pay cash deposit and keep your passport. For long-term rentals (2+ weeks): Negotiate a lower cash deposit or split payment.
How to Get Better Prices
- →Rent for longer periods
Weekly rates are 20-30% cheaper per day. Monthly rates can be 40-50% cheaper. Always ask about weekly/monthly discounts.
- →Visit multiple shops
Prices vary significantly. Check 3-5 shops before deciding. Use quotes from one shop to negotiate with another.
- →Travel during low season
May-October prices can be 20-30% lower. Shops are more willing to negotiate when business is slow.
- →Book directly, not through hostels
Hostels take commission (10-20%). Going directly to rental shops often gets you better rates.
- →Be willing to take older models
Older scooters (but still functional) can be 20-40% cheaper. Perfect if you're on a tight budget.
- →Negotiate politely
Friendly negotiation works better than aggressive haggling. Ask "Is this your best price?" or "Can you do better for a week?"
- →Return customers get discounts
If you rent again from the same shop, ask for a loyalty discount. Many shops offer 10-15% off for repeat customers.
Fuel Costs & Consumption
Fuel Prices
- Regular (91): ~15,000 LAK/liter ($0.75 USD)
- Premium (95): ~16,000 LAK/liter ($0.80 USD)
- Remote areas: +20-30% markup
Fuel Consumption
- Automatic 110-125cc: 35-45 km/liter
- Semi-automatic 110cc: 40-50 km/liter
- Tank capacity: 4-6 liters
Daily Fuel Cost Examples
- Short rides (20-30km/day): ~10,000-15,000 LAK ($0.50-0.75 USD)
- Medium rides (50-80km/day): ~20,000-30,000 LAK ($1-1.50 USD)
- Long rides (100-150km/day): ~40,000-60,000 LAK ($2-3 USD)
- Thakhek Loop (450km over 3-4 days): ~150,000-200,000 LAK ($7.50-10 USD total)
Total Cost Examples
Here's what you can expect to pay for complete scooter rental experiences in Laos:
Weekend in Vang Vieng (3 days)
Automatic scooter rental: 210,000 LAK ($10.50)
Fuel (~60km total): 25,000 LAK ($1.25)
Deposit (returned): 1,500,000 LAK
Total Cost: ~235,000 LAK ($11.75 USD)
One Week in Luang Prabang
Automatic scooter rental (weekly rate): 500,000 LAK ($25)
Fuel (~200km total): 80,000 LAK ($4)
Optional insurance: 140,000 LAK ($7)
Deposit (returned): 1,500,000 LAK
Total Cost: ~720,000 LAK ($36 USD)
Thakhek Loop (4 days)
Semi-automatic scooter rental: 280,000 LAK ($14)
Fuel (~450km): 180,000 LAK ($9)
Deposit (returned): 1,500,000 LAK
Total Cost: ~460,000 LAK ($23 USD)
One Month Exploring Laos
Automatic scooter rental (monthly rate): 1,500,000 LAK ($75)
Fuel (~1,500km total): 600,000 LAK ($30)
Insurance (optional): 600,000 LAK ($30)
Maintenance/repairs: 100,000 LAK ($5)
Deposit (returned): 2,000,000 LAK
Total Cost: ~2,800,000 LAK ($140 USD)
Money-Saving Tips
- 💰Share with a friend
Two people on one scooter cuts costs in half. Make sure the scooter is powerful enough (125cc recommended).
- 💰Fill up at proper gas stations
Roadside bottle sellers charge 2-3x more. Plan fuel stops at official stations.
- 💰Skip optional insurance if you have travel insurance
Check if your travel insurance covers scooter rentals. Can save $1-2/day.
- 💰Bring your own gear
Phone holder, rain poncho, and better helmet from home saves rental fees and is more comfortable.
- 💰Maintain the scooter
Check tire pressure, oil, and brakes regularly. Prevents breakdowns and potential charges.
Final Pricing Tips
- →Get everything in writing
Rental agreement should include: daily rate, deposit amount, return time, damage policy, and emergency contact.
- →Document existing damage
Take photos/videos of all scratches, dents, and issues before leaving. Prevents disputes when returning.
- →Understand the damage policy
Ask specifically: What happens if there's an accident? What's covered? What comes out of deposit?
- →Keep receipts
Save rental agreement, deposit receipt, and any payment receipts. Essential if disputes arise.
- →Budget 20% extra
Unexpected costs happen (repairs, extra fuel, late fees). Having buffer prevents stress.
Ready to Find Your Perfect Scooter?
Now that you know the costs, start comparing rental shops and planning your Laos adventure.