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One of the most undiscovered countries in Southeast Asia, Laos is a land of stunning natural landscapes, rich history and culture, and laid-back vibes. Many travelers underestimate Laos, sometimes skipping it completely. However, it has its own unique charm and attractions unlike Southeast Asia’s other destinations that make it more than worth your time. This one-week Laos itinerary takes you to three of the country’s must-visit destinations: Luang Prabang, Vang Vieng, and Vientiane. Explore ancient temples and turquoise blue waterfalls in Luang Prabang, beautiful scenery and outdoor adventures in Vang Vieng, and museums and cultural landmarks in Vientiane. You’ll be glad you visited Laos before it becomes just as popular as its neighboring countries.
Laos Itinerary: FAQs
Why should I visit Laos?
Imagine stunning temples, laid-back towns, and breathtaking natural scenery – this is Laos. Often overlooked for the rest of Southeast Asia, this relatively undiscovered country will surprise you in the best way. Whether you want to relax on a river cruise or go paramotoring over the mountains, there’s something for everyone. You can have the most chill or exciting day you want, as there’s always tons of diverse activities to choose from.
If you need a reason to visit Laos, let it be that the country is becoming more and more discovered. After traveling around the rest of Southeast Asia, I found my time in Laos to be much more chill and less touristy. However, this won’t last long. Laos is popping up on traveler’s radars and becoming more developed every single year. I highly recommend going while part of the fun is enjoying it before everyone else finds out about it!
Lucky enough to be on a Southeast Asia backpacking trip? Check out my 3-6 month route, including this Laos itinerary!
How long do I need in Laos?
This one-week Laos itinerary is the perfect introduction to Laos. You’ll want at least a week to explore Luang Prabang and Vang Vieng, the top places to visit. If you have more time, even better! In the north, you can spend a couple of days hiking and chilling in the small village of Nong Khiaw. If you have even more time, you can venture south to Pakse, Don Det, and the 4000 Islands.
If you’re going to extend your time in Laos, keep in mind that travel days can be long and uncomfortable. This Laos itinerary is completely doable by high speed train, making travel days easy and quick. However, the train doesn’t go everywhere and the roads are usually in poor condition, so bus and van journeys are less than ideal. If you’re going to spend more than a week in Laos, consider factoring in days for travel and don’t move around too quickly.
When to visit Laos?
The best time to visit Laos is during the dry season, between November and February. December and January are especially ideal, with the most moderate weather. When March comes around, so does burning season, a period when farmers burn leftover vegetation after harvest. During this time, the air quality drops greatly, which can affect visibility and pose health concerns. There are no set dates for this, but it’s usually in March and April.
How to get around Laos?
Launched just a few years ago, the Laos-China Railway (LCR) has made getting around Laos much easier and faster. It runs from the Chinese border in Boten down south to Vientiane. With this Laos itinerary, you’ll be taking the train from Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng and Vang Vieng to Vientiane. Both journeys are just one hour! If you’re traveling during peak season, book your tickets 2-3 days in advance here to guarantee a seat.
Once you’re in Luang Prabang, Vang Vieng, and Vientiane, you can easily get around on foot, rent a motorbike, or hire a tuk tuk. Luang Prabang is doable almost entirely on foot if you stay in the Old Quarter. Vang Vieng is more spread out, so you’ll need to drive yourself or hire a driver (I recommend the latter, as the roads aren’t paved well). In Vientiane, you can either walk or get a taxi, depending on where you want to go.
If you’ve spent time in Southeast Asia, you might be used to Grab (their version of Uber). Laos is the only country in Southeast Asia that doesn’t have Grab! Instead, they have an app called Loca. I only used it once, but it serves the same purpose as Grab.
How to book the best hotels in Laos?
The best booking platform for finding and reserving great hotels in Laos is Agoda. It’s owned by the same company as Booking.com but is based in Southeast Asia, making it great for finding any hotels you need. If you’re a backpacker staying in hostels, then Hostelworld is consistently the best hostel booking platform worldwide, and Laos is no exception. Book your Laos accommodations on Agoda today:
Don’t want to search for the best option, or just don’t have time? That’s what I’m here for! I’ve linked the best hotels and hostels through Agoda and Hostelworld for each destination on this Laos itinerary. As a professional travel advisor, I’ve vetted or personally stayed at these suggested properties. Properties marked with “$$$” are 4 or 5-star luxury properties, “$$” are 3 and 4-star mid-range hotels, and “$” are hostels.
How to book the best activities and excursions in Laos?
The best activity and excursion booking platforms for Laos are Klook and GetYourGuide. Both websites have thousands of trustworthy travel experiences with verified user reviews. I use Klook and GetYourGuide to book almost all my excursions in Asia, and you’ll find links throughout the article to great experiences I’ve personally vetted or experienced myself.
Is Laos safe for solo travelers?
Yes, Laos is safe for solo travelers, including women, thanks to its friendly locals, relaxed atmosphere, and low crime rate. I never felt unsafe as a solo female traveler and the locals were welcoming and helpful. It was also very easy to meet other travelers since many include Laos in their Southeast Asia backpacking trip. This one-week Laos itinerary is exactly how I spent my time as a solo traveler and really enjoyed it. However, it’s always essential to stay alert and be cautious, such as avoiding walking alone late at night and being careful with your belongings in crowded places.
Vang Vieng, Laos is one of my top picks for the best places to solo female travel in Asia!
Laos Itinerary Overview
Days 1-3: Luang Prabang
Days 4-6: Vang Vieng
Day 7: Vientiane
1 Week Laos Itinerary
Luang Prabang: 3 days
Read more: BEST THINGS TO DO IN LUANG PRABANG
Where to stay: $$$: 3 Nagas Luang Prabang MGallery, $$: La Nuit de Laos Guest House, $: La Casa Hostel
Day 1
Today is all about exploring the historically and culturally rich Old Quarter of Luang Prabang. Most of the best things to do in Luang Prabang are located within walking distance, so it’s easy to spend a day wandering around on foot. I’d recommend starting at Wat Xiengthong, the most famous and significant temple. It’s on the far side of town so you can work your way across town efficiently after that. Luang Prabang has temples and cafes on every block, so you can spend a few hours just seeing what you stumble upon. Saffron Coffee is the most famous coffee joint with local blends and riverside seating.
For more information on the best temples and cafes to visit, check out my list of the best things to do in Luang Prabang.
After a morning of temple and cafe hopping, plan to arrive at the National Museum around 1:30pm. It closes for a lunch break everyday until that time, so it’s nice to arrive when it re-opens and beat the afternoon crowds. The museum is a great place to learn more about Lao history, and it’s set inside a former king’s palace. Haw Pha Bang, one of Luang Prabang’s most impressive temples, is also located inside the grounds.
You’ll catch an amazing sunset tonight from the top of Phousi Hill. It’s about 300 steps to the top, but the 360° views of the town, river, and mountains make it well worth the effort. Along the way, there’s plenty of interesting sights and structures to stop at and take a break. There’s two ways to go up and down, but I recommend going up the Nam Khan River side and going down the Sisavangvong Road side so you’re climbing up the more scenic and interesting path. This also puts you out directly at the Night Market, which is the final stop for today! Whether you want souvenirs, clothes, or street food, there’s something for you here. Make sure to turn off the main street onto the side street lined with street food (labeled on Google Maps as “Street For Night Market food”) for the most authentic food.
Overwhelmed planning your trip to Laos and want expert help?
Laos is a dream for adventurous travelers, but it can be tricky to piece together on your own. I specialize in Asia travel and can help you build a personalized itinerary that flows smoothly and fits your travel style.
Let’s plan your perfect Laos trip together.
Day 2
Today, you’ll venture outside of Luang Prabang’s Old Quarter to Kuang Si Waterfall. This natural wonder with four cascading tiers of turquoise blue water is less than an hour outside of the city center, and there’s many ways to reach it. If you’re confident on a motorbike, you can rent one and drive yourself. If not, you can hire a private tuk tuk, take a shared van (cheapest option), or join a guided tour to make a day of it.
Once you’re there, you’ll want a couple hours to explore it all. The forest trail takes you from level to level, where you can find natural pools for swimming before arriving to the final and most impressive falls. There are countless photo opportunities and many chances to swim in the chilly water, if you’re brave enough. You’ll also come across the Tat Kuang Si Bear Rescue Centre at the beginning of the trail, where you can learn about saving the bears in Laos and observe the rescued bears.
After you’re done exploring the falls, I have the BEST lunch spot recommendation. Carpe Diem is a delicious Lao-Western restaurant set directly on a lower part of the falls. It’s private for Carpe Diem customers, so it won’t be too crowded. They even have a private natural swimming pool. It’s just a three minute walk from the entrance of the falls, so don’t miss it!
Kuang Si Waterfall takes about half a day to visit, so you should return with enough time to make it to a sunset river cruise. Watching the sunset from a cruise on the Mekong River is a peaceful, beautiful experience. There are cruises from budget to luxury, but most include at least a free drink and snack. You can also find dinner cruises that include a meal. Sitting back on a lounge chair while watching the river go by and the sky change colors is the perfect way to end your day.
Luang Prabang doesn’t have much nightlife, but if you want to continue the fun after hours, head to the Luang Prabang Bowling Alley. It’s usually crowded and lively, with music playing and backpackers drinking. It’s a ten minute drive outside of the Old Quarter, but any tuk tuk driver will know where to go.
Day 3
On your last day in Luang Prabang, you’ll visit two museums in the Old Quarter that are important to understanding Lao culture and history: the UXO Lao Visitor Center and the Traditional Arts and Ethnology Center. Both museums are small but packed with information. At the UXO Lao Visitor Center, you can read about the efforts being made to clear Laos of UXOs, educate children to avoid them, and help survivors of UXO accidents. Laos is the most heavily bombed country in history per capita, so this history is very important and still relevant. At the Traditional Arts and Ethnology Center, you can learn about the many ethnic groups of Laos through traditional clothes, crafts, and more.
The rest of the day is up to you – you can explore more temples, go to aesthetic cafes, get a massage, or just relax by the river. In the evening, catch the quick one hour fast train from Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng and get ready for adventures, thrills, and stunning scenery.
Vang Vieng: 3 days
Where to stay: $$$: Riverside Boutique Resort, $$: Vang Vieng Global Guesthouse, $: Vang Vieng Chill House
Day 4
Vang Vieng is known for its bright blue lagoons and scenic viewpoints, and today you’ll see the best of them both. There are lots of lagoons to choose from, simply named Blue Lagoon 1, 2, 3, and on. Most of the lagoons are located on the west side of town, so it’s convenient to visit them on the same day. I recommend prioritizing Blue Lagoon 3 and 2, as these are known to be the best. Blue Lagoon 1 is the most popular, but that also means it’s the most crowded.
To get around today, you have a few choices. If you’re comfortable on a motorbike, you can rent one for an affordable price. Please only do this if you’re experienced, though, as the roads aren’t great and I heard of many unfortunate accidents that happened to inexperienced drivers while I was there. Consider hiring a tuk tuk for the day, instead, especially if you have friends to split the cost with. If you want the thrill of driving without the danger of the motorbike, you can rent a buggy. These small four-wheel cars looked so fun!
Insider tip: Visit Blue Lagoon 3 in the morning before noon, as the rest of the day it will be in the shade and the water is cold.
Spend the morning diving in, floating in tubes, and trying the zip lines before heading to Nam Xay Viewpoint in the late afternoon. This hike is intense, with parts where you’ll be climbing up steep rocks. However, the good news is that it only takes about 30 minutes and is SO worth the effort. I’m not a hiker, so if I can do it, you can do it! On the top, there are two motorbikes where you can pose for the iconic Vang Vieng Instagram picture. Make sure you’re making your way down well before sunset, so you don’t get stuck coming down in the dark.
Day 5
If you loved the Blue Lagoons of yesterday, I’ve saved the best for last! Blue Lagoon 4 is the farthest away and isn’t around any other lagoons, but it’s worth the trip. It’s usually not as crowded as the others and has a rope swing, zip line, and tubes. Afterwards, you can head into the small town of Pha Tang where there’s an Instagram-famous bridge and cute riverside restaurants and cafes.
The sunsets in Vang Vieng are especially spectacular, as the sky comes alive with hot air balloons. Did you know that Vang Vieng is the cheapest place in the world to go on a hot air balloon ride? If you’re up to spend the $100, it’s a crazy cool bucket list experience. You’ll see the mountains, town, and other hot air balloons as the sun sets in the distances. It’s a magical experience that’s worth the splurge if you can swing it, but if you can’t, no worries. The views from any sunset spot in town will be amazing as well. Elevate 9 is a stunning rooftop bar where the balloons fly directly over and around you.
Day 6
On your final day in Vang Vieng, there’s so many adventures to choose from. Vang Vieng is known for “tipsy tubing”, a day spent on the river tubing from bar to bar. I chose to skip it because it was too cold when I visited and I’m not a huge drinker, but if day drinking down a river sounds like your thing and the weather is warm, it’s an infamous backpacker thing to do.
If this doesn’t sound like your thing, no worries. There are lots of other activities, such as kayaking, ziplining, cave exploring, hiking, and rock climbing. No matter what adventure you want to have, chances are Vang Vieng offers it!
Enjoy one last sunset tonight before saying goodbye to Vang Vieng tomorrow morning.
Vientiane: 1 day
Where to stay: $$$: La Seine Hotel, $$: Peaceful Hotel, $: Barn 1920s Hostel
Day 7
Take the one-hour fast train from Vang Vieng to Vientiane in the morning. You should arrive midday and have an afternoon to explore whatever interests you in Vientiane. There isn’t much to do there and everyone I met told me my time was better spent elsewhere, which is why this Laos itinerary only includes one day in the capital. Some of the best things to do in Vientiane include visiting museums like the Lao Textile Museum and the COPE Visitor Centre, exploring cultural landmarks like the Buddha Park and Pha That Luang, and seeing its many temples.
And with that, this one-week Laos itinerary is already over! Vientiane is a great place to catch a flight to your next destination, or you can continue south (on a long bus journey) to Pakse, Don Det, and the 4000 Islands.
Keep reading:
- BEST things to do in Luang Prabang
- Best places to solo travel in Asia as a woman
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