If you ask me, Laos is one of the most underrated destinations in Southeast Asia. If you like traveling somewhere pure and under-the-radar, I bet you’ll love your time in Laos!
I’ve explored the country twice now for a combined 6 weeks. Based on these trips, I can suggest a few wonderful itineraries for Laos.
Nong Khiaw
As always, these are just suggestions. What’s amazing about traveling in this part of the world is that you can always improvise. If you have more than one week in Laos, consider keeping your plans a little flexible. You might hear of interesting things from other travelers while you’re there, so it’s nice to have some extra time for unexpected adventures.
That said, these routes should help you get off to a good start! By the way, don’t miss my guide to traveling Laos, which includes more detail on all the places mentioned here.
Bolaven Plateau
Plan your Laos trip
- Find Laos flights
- Hotels & guesthouses
- Browse hostels
- Book local transport
Laos itinerary for 1 week
If your time in Laos is limited, then you might want to follow a tried-and-true route that is easy to follow.
The Luang Prabang to Vientiane route is exactly that. It’s been traveled for decades, carved out initially by backpackers in the 1990’s. You can do this route in about a week, but it’s better to have at least 9 days. That way you can take the slow boat over the Mekong River from Thailand to Luang Prabang. It does take longer than going by bus, but it’s a fun way of getting introduced to Laos.
Luang Prabang
Luang Prabang is a UNESCO-protected old city notable for its mix of traditional Laotian and French colonial building styles. It’s the biggest tourist destination in Laos; in fact, some even come to Laos just for Luang Prabang. I suggest spending at least 3 days here to allow for plenty of wandering around as well as trips in the area.
Vang Vieng
Moving south, Vang Vieng is the hiking and adventure capital of Laos. Nestled among impressive karst mountains, it’s where you can enjoy nature, take excursions in the area, or float down the river in a canoe or tube.
Vientiane
Finally, make your way to Vientiane, the capital of Laos. Here, I suggest staying no longer than 1 day. Many travelers in Asia agree it’s not such an exciting city. There are few if any major sights and it just doesn’t have the buzz and vibrant life of other Asian cities like many of the ones in Thailand or Vietnam.
Laos itinerary for 2 weeks
This route is an expansion of the classic Laos route, taking in more of the north. If you have the time I highly recommend it, as you’ll be visiting a few less-trodden places and see a different side of Laos.
Many travelers consider the north of Laos the most scenic. It’s the most mountainous region and also has a low population density, so if you enjoy remote places and unspoiled nature then this is a great area to hit up.
Gibbon Experience
From Huay Xai, you can skip the slow boat and head to Luang Namtha. It’s a relaxed town among the rice fields, known as a base for trekking and hill tribe homestay tours in the nearby Nam Ha national park.
Nong Khiaw
Then, head onwards to Nong Khiaw. This might just be my personal favorite place in Laos.
Laos itinerary for 3 weeks
This itinerary includes everything I’ve just mentioned, with the added bonus of visiting the south of Laos.
The south tip of Laos is in some ways a bit less scenic. It’s less mountainous so it has a bit less of an immediate wow-factor, though take a closer look and you’ll find it’s just as amazing as the north.
Bolaven Plateau
Heading to the south is especially fun if you can ride a moped/motorbike. If so, you have two very cool trips to consider. You can go to Thakhek and do the Thakhek motorbike loop, or you can go down all the way to Pakse and do the Bolaven Plateau loop.
Si Phan Don
Go all the way down to the riverine islands of Si Phan Don, where you can reward yourself with some hammock-based chilling and relaxed water-based activities after 3 weeks of intense adventuring.
How to get to Laos
These Laos itineraries are all fine and dandy, but first you’ve got to get to Laos in order to start your trip. Laos isn’t terribly well-connected internationally with flights. You can’t just, say, fly from London to Laos or anything. Such flights don’t exist as Laos is not a major destination.
But there are a fair number of regional flights going into Luang Prabang and Vientiane, so by taking a connecting flight it’s easy to get there. Alternatively, start and end your trip in Thailand. You can fly to Bangkok, travel onwards overland to Chiang Rai and then take a coach into Laos. End your Laos trip in Vientiane, from where you can easily get a coach or train back to Bangkok.
