Luang Prabang Itinerary

Overview

Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Heritage city, is known for its serene temples, vibrant night markets, and stunning natural surroundings. It’s the ideal starting point for this 7 day Laos travel itinerary.

How Long to Stay in Luang Prabang

3 days

How to Get to Luang Prabang

Fly into Luang Prabang International Airport (LPQ). A taxi to the city center takes ~15 minutes (~50,000 LAK).

Best Hotels to Stay in Luang Prabang

• Hostel: Sa Sa Lao – Eco-friendly with a social vibe.
• Budget: Villa Chitdara – Comfortable and central.
• Boutique: Belmond La Résidence Phou Vao – Luxurious with stunning views.

What to Do in Luang Prabang

• Witness the alms-giving ceremony at sunrise (Free).
• Explore Kuang Si Falls and its turquoise pools (~30,000 LAK).
• Visit the Royal Palace Museum (~30,000 LAK).
• Climb Mount Phousi for panoramic sunset views (~20,000 LAK).

Where to Eat in Luang Prabang

• Tamarind ($$, 4.7/5) – Traditional Lao cuisine and tasting platters.
• Utopia ($, 4.6/5) – Riverside cafe with a chilled vibe.
• Blue Lagoon ($$, 4.5/5) – Upscale with a mix of Lao and Western dishes.

Modes of Transport in Luang Prabang

Rent a bicycle (~20,000 LAK/day) or take tuk-tuks for short distances.

Luang Prabang Digital Nomad Rating

4/5: Peaceful atmosphere with good internet in cafes and accommodations. Nomadlist Luang Prabang.

Vang Vieng Itinerary

Overview

Vang Vieng, a scenic town surrounded by limestone karsts and the Nam Song River, is an adventure lover’s paradise. A key stop on this 7 day Laos travel itinerary, it’s perfect for outdoor activities and relaxation.

How Long to Stay in Vang Vieng

2 days

How to Get from Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng

Take a minivan or VIP bus from Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng, a scenic journey of approximately 4 hours costing around $15 USD.

Best Hotels to Stay in Vang Vieng

• Hostel: Nana Backpackers Hostel – Lively with great facilities.
• Budget: Silver Naga Hotel – Riverside with mountain views.
• Boutique: Riverside Boutique Resort – Stylish and tranquil.

What to Do in Vang Vieng

• Kayak or tube along the Nam Song River (~100,000 LAK).
• Hike to Pha Ngern Viewpoint (~10,000 LAK).
• Explore the Tham Chang Cave (~15,000 LAK).

Where to Eat in Vang Vieng

• Gary’s Irish Bar ($$, 4.6/5) – Hearty meals with a lively atmosphere.
• Earth Recycled Cafe ($, 4.7/5) – Vegan-friendly dishes and great coffee.

Modes of Transport in Vang Vieng

Rent a motorbike (~100,000 LAK/day) or use tuk-tuks for short trips.

Vang Vieng Digital Nomad Rating

3.5/5: Good internet in cafes but limited coworking spaces. Nomadlist Vang Vieng.

Vientiane Itinerary

Overview

Vientiane, Laos’ relaxed capital, is known for its French colonial architecture, riverside charm, and Buddhist temples. It’s the perfect conclusion to this 7 day Laos travel itinerary.

How Long to Stay in Vientiane

2 days

How to Get from Vang Vieng to Vientiane

Take a minivan or VIP bus from Vang Vieng to Vientiane, a comfortable trip of approximately 3 hours costing around $12 USD.

Best Hotels to Stay in Vientiane

• Hostel: Sailomyen Hostel – Budget-friendly and modern.
• Budget: Vientiane Garden Hotel – Comfortable with great service.
• Boutique: Settha Palace Hotel – Elegant and historic.

What to Do in Vientiane

• Visit Pha That Luang, Laos’ most sacred stupa (~10,000 LAK).
• See the Patuxai Victory Monument (~5,000 LAK).
• Stroll along the Mekong Riverside Park at sunset (Free).

Where to Eat in Vientiane

• Khop Chai Deu ($$, 4.6/5) – Traditional Lao dishes in a colonial setting.
• Naked Espresso ($, 4.7/5) – Great coffee and Western breakfasts.
• La Signature ($$$, 4.8/5) – Upscale French-Lao fusion cuisine.

Modes of Transport in Vientiane

Use tuk-tuks or rent a motorbike (~100,000 LAK/day).

Vientiane Digital Nomad Rating

4/5: Good internet, coworking options, and a laid-back vibe. Nomadlist Vientiane.

Extend Your Trip

Extend your 7 day Laos travel itinerary by joining it to the two week Thailand travel itinerary. Fly directly from Vientiane to Bangkok (~1 hour, ~$60 USD). Alternatively, if you’re more budget conscious, you can cross the Friendship Bridge into Nong Khai, Thailand (~30 minutes by bus or tuk-tuk, ~$2 USD for the bridge fee). From Nong Khai, take a train or bus to Bangkok (~8-9 hours, ~$15 USD) where you can start your two week Thailand travel itinerary.