Internet speed in Vientiane and Luang Prabang has improved dramatically in recent years. The capital Vientiane now enjoys mobile speeds averaging 70+ Mbps, while Luang Prabang reaches 55+ Mbps in central areas. This guide examines connectivity options across these key Laotian cities, helping travelers and digital nomads choose the right provider for reliable connections during their stay or remote work assignments.
I. Internet Infrastructure in Laos: General Overview
Laos has made significant strides in its internet infrastructure in recent years, though connection quality still varies considerably depending on where you’re staying. The country primarily relies on fiber optic networks, 4G mobile coverage, limited 5G service, and public Wi-Fi hotspots, with four major providers dominating the market: Unitel, Lao Telecom, ETL, and TPlus.
Internet Experience in Vientiane
In the capital city, you’ll find the country’s most reliable connections:
- Fiber internet in hotels and offices typically delivers 50-100 Mbps download speeds
- Mobile 4G averages 20-30 Mbps in most urban areas
- 5G service exists but is currently limited to pilot zones in select neighborhoods
Internet Speed in Luang Prabang
As Laos’ tourism hub, Luang Prabang offers decent but more modest connectivity:
- Fiber connections reach 30-60 Mbps in higher-end hotels and popular cafés
- Mobile 4G typically delivers 10-20 Mbps, sufficient for basic browsing and messaging
- Wi-Fi speeds generally range from 10-30 Mbps but can fluctuate significantly based on time of day and number of users
While these speeds support basic tasks like email, social media, and video calls, Luang Prabang’s internet infrastructure isn’t ideal for bandwidth-heavy activities like large file uploads or live streaming. For travelers planning to work remotely, it’s worth confirming internet speeds with your accommodation before booking.
II. Mobile Data Speed & Coverage (Across Laos)
Network Coverage
Unitel Mobile offers the most comprehensive network coverage throughout Laos, with strong 4G presence in both urban centers and along major highways. Their signal reaches into more rural and mountainous areas than competitors, making them particularly reliable for travelers exploring beyond major cities.
LaoTel Mobile provides excellent coverage in urban centers like Vientiane, Luang Prabang, and Savannakhet, with good 4G connectivity. Their network is somewhat less extensive in remote areas compared to Unitel but still offers reliable service along main transportation routes.
ETL Mobile has decent coverage in major population centers but shows significant gaps in rural and mountainous regions. Their network is primarily concentrated around Vientiane, the Mekong River corridor, and provincial capitals, with limited connectivity in more remote areas.
Tplus Mobile has the most limited coverage among the four carriers, focusing primarily on urban areas and main highways. Their service shows significant gaps in coverage outside major cities, making them less suitable for travelers planning to explore rural Laos.
Internet Speeds (June 2025)
According to Speedtest Global Index, Laos ranks:
- #84 globally for mobile internet with median speeds of 62.86 Mbps download and 19.75 Mbps upload
- #109 globally for fixed broadband with median speeds of 74.47 Mbps download and 65.13 Mbps upload
This represents significant improvement over previous years, with mobile speeds showing a 48% increase from 42.24 Mbps in 2024. Fixed broadband speeds have similarly improved by 64% from 45.45 Mbps in the previous year.
III. Best Internet Providers in Vientiane and Luang Prabang
Finding reliable internet in Laos is essential if you’re planning to stay for more than a few days, especially if you need to work online. While the country’s connectivity has improved dramatically in recent years, choosing the right provider can make a significant difference in your digital experience.
Unitel stands out as the premium choice for connectivity in Laos, offering the most extensive network coverage across both urban and rural areas. Their fiber connections for home and office use are the most reliable in the country, and their mobile data plans provide excellent backup when traveling. While their prices run slightly higher than competitors, most long-term residents find superior reliability well worth the extra cost.
Lao Telecom, the government-backed provider, offers a strong alternative with competitive pricing and widespread infrastructure. They’re particularly known for:
- Attractive bundle packages combining fiber and mobile data
- English-speaking customer service in major cities
- Strong presence in tourist areas and business districts
For those on tighter budgets, ETL/TPlus provides more affordable data packages for casual internet users. Their network is smaller, with coverage primarily in cities and towns, but they frequently offer promotions with significant discounts that make them appealing to less demanding users.
Tips: Prioritize accommodation with verified fiber internet if you need to work online, as many places advertise “high-speed” but actually offer slower shared connections. Always maintain a mobile data plan as backup – even the best fiber connections in Laos occasionally experience outages.
IV. How to Get Internet Access When Travelling to Vientiane and Luang Prabang
Staying connected while exploring Laos is essential for most travelers. Here are the four main options, with eSIM standing out as particularly convenient for international visitors.
eSIM Technology offers the smoothest experience for modern travelers. Unlike physical SIM cards, eSIMs activate digitally via a simple QR code, allowing you to set up your connection before or immediately after landing.
With providers like laosesim, you can:
- Skip the hassle of finding a local mobile shop
- Avoid language barriers and registration paperwork
- Connect instantly with compatible devices (iPhone XR+, Google Pixel 3+, Samsung S20+)
- Focus on enjoying your trip rather than figuring out connectivity
Public Wi-Fi is widely available throughout tourist areas in Laos. Most hotels, cafés, and restaurants offer free Wi-Fi with speeds ranging from 5-50 Mbps. While convenient, these connections may become unstable during peak hours or bad weather, and some establishments require a purchase before sharing their password.
Pocket Wi-Fi devices can be rented at major airports and tourist centers. These portable hotspots allow multiple devices to connect simultaneously but come with daily rental fees and require charging throughout the day.
International Roaming from your home carrier is the simplest but typically most expensive option. Check with your provider before departure, as roaming charges in Laos can accumulate quickly without an international plan.
For most travelers seeking the perfect balance of convenience and value, an eSIM from provides reliable data connectivity without the common headaches of traditional options.
V. FAQs
Is Wi-Fi fast in Laos?
Wi-Fi speed in Laos varies significantly by location. In major cities like Vientiane, you can expect reasonable speeds of 10-30 Mbps in hotels and cafés. However, in smaller towns and villages, connections become much less reliable, often slowing to 1-5 Mbps or experiencing frequent disconnections.
Can I work remotely in Laos?
Remote work is feasible in Vientiane, where fiber connections and coworking spaces provide adequate infrastructure for digital nomads. In Luang Prabang, working remotely is possible but more challenging, with fewer reliable workspaces and more frequent connectivity issues. Smaller destinations are generally not suitable for consistent remote work.
Is eSIM supported in Laos?
Yes, eSIM technology works well in Laos through international providers. While local carriers don’t yet offer eSIM directly, services from global providers deliver reliable data coverage throughout the country’s major tourist and business areas, making it a convenient option for travelers.