Getting Around Laos with Loca, InDriver, and Other Useful Apps
A Friendly Guide for Foreigners Traveling in Laos
Moving around Laos has become much easier in recent years, especially in cities like Vientiane, Luang Prabang, and Vang Vieng. While tuk tuks and taxis are still part of daily life, many travelers now prefer using ride-hailing apps. The two apps used most often in Laos are Loca and InDriver, and both make transportation more comfortable and easier to understand—especially for people who are new to the country.
Loca is the most trusted and widely recommended app for foreigners. It is developed in Laos, and it focuses on safety and reliability. Every driver is registered, the cars are tracked, and you receive booking details by email. The pricing is clear and fixed, so there is no bargaining or confusion. Many visitors like Loca because the drivers are polite, the vehicles are clean, and the overall system feels professional. You can pay by cash or card, and the app works well in Vientiane and Luang Prabang, with availability sometimes extending to Vang Vieng depending on how many drivers are online.
InDriver, on the other hand, works more like a negotiation app. You enter the price you want to pay, and drivers choose whether to accept or offer another amount. This can be useful during quiet hours or when you cannot find a Loca driver. However, because the system is not fixed-price and drivers are not always screened the same way, it is recommended mainly for short distances and for travelers who are comfortable communicating with drivers directly. Many locals use InDriver for everyday trips, so it can be quite convenient once you understand how it works.
Using these apps is very simple as long as your phone has mobile data. Getting a local SIM card from Unitel or Lao Telecom makes everything easier. Once the app is installed, you set your pick-up point, choose your destination, and the driver will come to you. If they cannot find your exact spot, they usually call, and even if English is limited, the app’s map makes communication easy.
In places like Vang Vieng, ride-hailing apps may have fewer cars during busy times or late evenings. Tuk tuks and hotel drivers are still very common and often helpful. In smaller towns outside the main tourist areas, transportation apps may not be available at all, so arranging a local driver or renting a bicycle or motorbike becomes the easier option. Laos still has a relaxed rhythm, so patience is sometimes needed, especially during rain or peak travel hours.
For long-distance trips such as traveling to the train station, Loca is usually the most comfortable choice. It is safe, clean, and reliable, especially for families with luggage. For exploring within the city, both Loca and InDriver work well as long as you check the price and availability. In Vientiane, traffic can be unpredictable, so leaving early is always helpful.
Ride-hailing apps have made life in Laos much smoother for foreigners. Whether you’re going to the airport, finding your hotel, or just exploring cafés and landmarks, these apps help you travel with confidence. The combination of friendly drivers, simple technology, and fair pricing allows you to enjoy your time in Laos without worrying about transportation.