How Travelers Can Send Parcels from Laos to Their Home Country
LAOS — Many travelers visiting Laos often buy handicrafts, textiles, coffee, or souvenirs and later realize their luggage may not have enough space to carry everything home. Fortunately, several postal and courier services are available in Laos that allow visitors to send parcels internationally.
These services include both government postal services and private international courier companies, depending on how fast and secure travelers want their shipment to be.
Government Postal Service
The main public service available in Laos is operated by Lao Post, the national postal company. Post offices can be found in major cities such as Luang Prabang, Vientiane, and Pakse.
Lao Post offers several shipping options, including:
- Standard international parcel service
- Registered mail
- EMS (Express Mail Service) for faster delivery
Standard postal services are generally the most affordable option, although delivery times can vary depending on the destination country. EMS is faster but slightly more expensive.
Travelers can visit a post office where staff will help pack and weigh the parcel. Prices depend on the weight, size, and destination country.
Private International Courier Companies
For travelers who need faster delivery or more reliable tracking, private courier companies also operate in Laos.
Some of the most commonly used international shipping companies include:
- DHL
- FedEx
- UPS
These companies usually provide door-to-door delivery, detailed tracking, and faster shipping times, often delivering parcels within a few days to many countries.
However, private courier services are generally more expensive than government postal services. They are often used when shipping valuable items, documents, or fragile products.
Tips for Sending Parcels from Laos
Before sending a parcel internationally, travelers should keep a few things in mind:
- Check whether the item can legally be exported from Laos
- Pack items securely to avoid damage during transport
- Ask about customs declaration forms if sending valuable items
- Keep the receipt and tracking number until the parcel arrives
Visitors sending handicrafts, textiles, or souvenirs may also want to ask the seller if they offer shipping services, as some shops in tourist areas can arrange international delivery directly for customers.
For travelers who have purchased larger items or fragile handicrafts, shipping parcels from Laos can be a convenient solution to ensure their souvenirs arrive home safely.