Laos Itinerary: The Best Places to Visit in Laos

Laos Itinerary

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Places To Visit in Laos: Why Go?

We’re going to just come out and say it….Laos is the most underrated country in Asia. For real.

Tourists flock to Laos’s more popular neighboring countries like Vietnam and Thailand, not realizing what they are skipping over, a treasure.

The country of Laos is still so untouched and not phased by the tourists that visit. When compared to some other places in Asia, Laos has not lost its originality and authentic flare.

Be it adventure, scenery or culture, Laos has it all. It’s the perfect country for adventure enthusiasts, history buffs or your average Joe’s who are looking to experience something memorable.

Long story short, Laos should be on everyone’s must-see Asia list.

Two Week Laos Itinerary

If you are looking to see the Laos highlights, the below two-week itinerary is perfect for you! From temples to waterfalls, to villages to cities, to parties to quiet nights, we have the best places to visit in Laos 🙂

Arrive into Luang Prabang: Day 1

Jump start your Laos backpacking adventure by flying or taking the slow boat into Luang Prabang, the largest most northern city in Laos. Regardless of how you choose to get to Luang Prabang, this is the city you’ll start your two-week Laos itinerary in.

A heads up that if you take the slow boat from Thailand to Luang Prabang, you’ll need to add an extra 2 days to this Laos itinerary.

Explore Luang Prabang: Day 2 – Day 4

Luang Prabang is nothing short of amazing and to tell you the truth, unlike any other large city in Asia.

To Luang Prabang’s charm and culture to its French cafes and Buddhist temples, you’ll find no shortage of picture-perfect moments in the Old Quarter of Luang Prabang. Take a stroll down the streets or sunset cruise on the Mekong. Enjoy the many temples in Luang Prabang or go shopping at the night market.

While there are plenty of things to do in Luang Prabang itself, there are loads of other things to experience outside of the city too! From Luang Prabang’s Mandalao Elephant Conservation to the beautiful Laos waterfalls of Kuang Si Waterfall, Luang Prabang will not disappoint.

Trust us on this, you’ll fall in love.

Looking for more tips on Luang Prabang? Get our full list of “What To Do in Luang Prabang” here!

Relax in Nong Khiaw: Day 5 – 7

Three hours North of Luang Prabang, you’ll fund the ultra-chill and ultra-beautiful river-side village of Nong Khiaw, Laos.

Nong Khiaw is the perfect mix of views and pampering. Yes, you read that correctly. How perfect, right?

In Nong Khiaw, get a massage or herbal bath and take in the sunset from Nong Khiaw’s viewpoint. Fair warning, your jaw will hit the floor when you see the epic view.

Outside of town, hike the 100 waterfalls and check out the Pha Tok and Pha Kuang Caves. Waste away your days in a hammock and just chill. Literally, just take in those beautiful quite view of Northern Laos.

Nong Khaiw is pretty much perfect.

Check out “Nong Khiaw, Laos: Your Epic Travel Guide” to plan your best trip to this quiet Laos village

Back to Luang Prabang: Day 8

A fair warning, Laos doesn’t have the best transportation system or infrastructure. In fact, we would venture to say it’s severely lagging in comparison to other Southeast Asian countries.

Getting from Nong Khaiw to the next destination is going to take you two days, solely on the fact that there is no direct route from Nong Khiaw to Vang Vieng.

First, you’ll have to catch the minibus from Nong Khiaw back to Luang Prabang. Then, the next morning, catch a minibus to Vang Vieng.

When you arrive back into Luang Prabang, may we suggest a night at Lao Lao Beer Garden or Utopia. Grab a meal, a few drinks and hang out with travelers from all over the world.

Call it an early night as the next morning, your back on the minibus to head south 5 hours to Vang Vieng!

Experience Vang Vieng: Day 9 – 12

While Vang Vieng is known as a backpacker’s party paradise, and it is, don’t get us wrong, it has so much more to offer than late nights and beer pong.

Nestled amongst limestone mountains and the Nam Song River, Vang Vieng has scenery that will make your heart sing.

While yes, drunken river tubing in Vang Vieng is still a popular activity, it’s by far not your only thing to do in Vang Vieng.

From rock climbing to bicycling the countryside, to kayaking and hiking, you’ll have no shortage of Vang Vieng experiences.

The sunsets will blow your mind, the parties will keep you going into the morning and its beautiful scenery will make you think “why haven’t I visited Vang Vieng sooner?”

Check out our “Backpackers Travel Guide on What to See and Do in Vang Vieng, Laos“

Vang Vieng to Luang Prabang: Day 13

Rounding out your Laos itinerary , you’re heading back to Luang Prabang. If you get into town early enough, catch a sunset at Mount Phousi or head to buffet alley to chow down on some of the best street food in Luang Prabang.

Regardless of what you choose to do, enjoy your last evening in the ever so charming and wonderful country of Laos.

Bye, Bye, Laos: Day 14

The saddest day has come. You have to leave Laos. No matter if you are heading home or carrying onto Thailand, Cambodia or Vietnam, Laos is something you soon won’t forget.

Laos Tours

A great thing about Laos is that for the most part, you can experience the highlights of Laos on your own. However, if you enjoy a guided tour and/or excursion, below are a few recommendations on Laos tours.

Mekong Sunset Cruise: In Luang Prabang, a great way to experience the beauty of Laos is a sunset river cruise on the Mekong River. Relax, eat and enjoy you Laos holiday.
Lao Cooking Class: If you’ve read our other Asia blog posts, you know we absolutely love doing cooking classes! They are such a fun way to experience culture through delicious food.
Local Villages & Scenic Kuang Si Waterfall: Looking to escape the city and get into rural life and nature? This tour from Luang Prabang is a great way to spend a day in Laos!

Where To Stay in Laos

From Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng to Vientiane and all the other amazing cities and towns there are to experience in Laos, check out the latest places and prices below to secure an unforgettable Laotian accommodation.

Booking.com

WANT MORE INFORMATION ON LAOS?!

What To Do In Luang Prabang: One Epic To Do List

Nong Khiaw, Loas: Your Complete Travel Guide

Vang Vieng. River Tubing, Beautiful Scenery & Magic Mushrooms

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Happy Travels,

– Lauren & Jesse Stuart (The Stüs)