Unveiling the hidden gems: An unforgettable Laos itinerary 2 weeks
The fantastic county of Laos was the second place we visited while on our backpacking journey through South East Asia. We did this trip a little differently, crossing the border from Thailand and embracing a fantastic journey for 2 days on the Mekong River.
It was a dream come true, navigating the turbulent waters of one of the largest rivers in the world. Our Laos itinerary 2 weeks will take you to discover the ancient Luang Prabang. Move through Laos’ authentic soul in Vang Vieng, and discover the country’s future in a few days in Vientiane.
The landlocked country is unique, offering an incomparable vision of East Asia. With its lush landscapes, ancient temples, and vibrant culture, Laos offers a unique and enriching travel experience. This comprehensive guide presents you with a meticulously planned 2-week itinerary of Laos; that will take you on a remarkable journey through the country’s highlights.
Things to know before travelling to Laos | 2 weeks Laos itinerary
We’ll divide our adventure into two parts: the first week in Northern Laos and the second week in Southern Laos. This way, we get to explore different regions of the country and experience its diverse landscapes and traditions.
However, this is not the conventional Laos backpacking route, which might skip the Mekong River cruise and just fly into Luang Prabang or Vientiane. Our Laos two-week itinerary will take you on an adventurous journey through well-known places and hidden gems.
Also, consider that travelling just with the backpack, with a one-month visa, should allow you to craft the itinerary as you please. In fact, a well-planned “Itinerary Laos” should include a visit to Paske, down south, in the well-known area of 4000 islands. If you have just 2 weeks backpacking, we suggest you stick with the plan and do the memorable route on the Mekong River. We will get more into details as it comes.
Where is Laos
Laos, a landlocked country in Southeast Asia, is often described as a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. Nestled between Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Myanmar, and China, Laos offers a unique blend of natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and a laid-back atmosphere. Picture lush green landscapes, misty mountains, and meandering rivers that seem to tell stories of ancient civilisations.
It’s like stepping into a time capsule where traditions are cherished, and life moves at a more relaxed pace. From exploring ancient temples in Luang Prabang to cruising the mighty Mekong River and encountering rare wildlife in the jungles, Laos promises a journey of adventure and enchantment. Get ready to immerse yourself in a country that captivates the senses and leaves a lasting impression.
How to get around Laos
New High-Speed Trains | Recently, using Chinese funds, Laos has got its first train connections between main cities. Trips that were taking ages on bumpy roads are now squeezed within one hour of a smooth trip. You can book tickets for the fast trains in Laos directly at the counter or through an agent. We skipped the agents to avoid steep fees, and getting tickets directly at the train station three days before was easy. The fees are cheap, and you can choose between business, first and second class. They divide it into three, offering a different service.
Buses and MiniVans | The most budget-friendly way to get around Laos is by minibus services and shuttles. They take you everywhere and usually fees are reasonable. We took them for a few internal short trips. Be aware that roads are pretty something in Laos, often without asphalt, surrounded by jungle or passing by shallow rivers and streams. However, you can grab cheap tickets on 12Go Asia or when not there on BaoLao.
Rent a car | If you want the commodity to reach destinations at your own pace, get a car. It is not the most common way to drive around, but check out the video of the road trip in Laos by 2Passport1Dream reported on youtube for a clear idea. If you want to rent a car in Laos, we suggest checking the offers here.
Cost of Travelling in Laos | Backpacking 2 weeks
We found Laos extremely affordable from the backpacker’s point of view. Depending on the kind of comfort you seek, it comes to a different budgeting. Accommodation in Laos ranges from budget guesthouses to mid-range hotels catering to various budgets. Daily food expenses can be kept low by indulging in delicious local street food and eating at local restaurants.
Transportation costs are also reasonable, with options like local buses, tuk-tuks, and shared vans available for getting around. Entrance fees to attractions and activities are generally affordable, allowing you to explore the country’s wonders without draining your wallet. So, pack your bags and prepare for a fantastic journey through Laos that won’t empty your pockets!
Best time to visit Laos
It’s tough to predict which kind of weather you will find in Laos. We travelled through the country in December, and the weather was fantastic, allowing us to cruise on the Mekong River, as the water was not shallow like at the end of the dry season. Generally, Laos has a tropical climate with two distinct seasons: the dry season and the rainy season.
From November to April, the dry season is generally considered the best time to visit. The weather is pleasant during this period, and you can expect clear skies and warm temperatures. It’s perfect for exploring temples, hiking through lush landscapes, and cruising along the Mekong River. From May to October, the rainy season brings occasional showers and increased humidity.
While it may not be ideal for outdoor activities, it offers a unique opportunity to witness the country’s vibrant greenery and enjoy fewer crowds. So, whether you prefer sunny days or lush landscapes, there’s a perfect time for you to explore Laos!
Laos Visa
Tourist visas are generally released for 30 days. There are just a certain number of ports of entry allowing a visa on arrival. The Visa on arrival costs about $30, and the official takes about $2 for processing your photo and documents. At the time of our visit, overlanding from Thailand, we paid in Thai Baht.
The Visa on arrival can be extended up to an additional 60 days for certain nationalities, and you need to go through the Department of Immigration in Vientiane.
As of 2023, there are 8 international ports allowing entry with an e-visa requested online. If you are getting into Laos through one of the below, you can request the Visa before arrival. As per the official website, the e-visa is processed within 3 business days. The cost of the e-visa for Laos is $50 + Processing Card fees for US, UK, European and Australian passport holders.
The port of entry to Laos with e-Visa:
Is Laos safe?
Yes. Laos is safe, and locals are always friendly and willing to help you. Even though English is lacking, they try their best to get along with you. We always felt safe in Laos. However, we must say that driving is pretty dangerous. The roads are not asphalted, and there are many uneven paths with cows crossing unnoticed the streets or kids playing. Always make sure you have travel insurance when visiting Laos. CHECK OPTIONS FOR A LAOS TRAVEL INSURANCE.
Laos 2 weeks Itinerary in short
Detailed Itinerary of Laos in two weeks | Laos travel itinerary 2 weeks
Starting from the border town of Huay Xai, you will go down the rapids of the Mekong River on a local boat. Your 2 week Laos itinerary starts with an epic adventure. We will guide you from passing the border to spending the night in remote places without losing grip on the backpacking style but still having comforts.
A Laos 2-week itinerary must include a few days in Luang Prabang, Vang Vieng and Vientiane. These are our three main points that you should use as a hub for experiences and adventures. The stylish French Luang Prabang is, of course, our favourite, but you will discover more about the less popular Vang Vieng.
The once upon a time party town is perfect if you are looking for a natural landscape and pristine atmosphere. Your trip will end in Vientiane, the country’s capital, which is bustling, but still looks like Thai cities 20 years ago. Your Laos itinerary 2 weeks might be extended, continuing the backpacking route to Paske in the south and visiting 4000 islands.
Day 1 and 2 | Mekong River Cruise
Pass the Border with Thailand
After spending almost a month travelling through Thai Northern provinces, exploring Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai and the unspoiled Pai, we decided it was time to head to our 30th country. Aiming to make our trip through South East Asia as sustainable as possible, easing the pressure of creating an excessive carbon footprint on the desire to explore, we crossed the border overlanding.
We will talk about that in another detailed post, but worth saying that it was easier than expected.
If you are going for the same route, you will get a local bus from Chiang Rai to Chiang Khong, passing the border through Friendship Bridge 4. The ride from Chiang Rai takes about 2 hours if the driver continues at every corner to get more pocket money out of hand. If you want more specifics on how to cross the border with Laos from Thailand, check this post.
The border crossing went smoothly, and we were in a new country within 1 hour from the border checks. Head out of the area and board on a van. The fee is THB 100. You will reach Huay Xai in about 20 minutes. Huay Xai is your port to embark for an adventure on the Mekong River.
Buy the tickets for the boat in advance online, as it tends to be sold out days in advance. There is just one boat per day, which makes just a few tickets available.
Stay overnight in Huay Xai
We booked accommodation for the night in Huay Xai to not rush things. However, many budget travellers prefer staying in Chiang Khong or crossing the border early and catching the boat straight away for Luang Prabang. Honestly, we suggest staying in Huay Xai if you have a budget (accommodations are cheap anyway), and waking up in the morning, having breakfast and grabbing your lunch before walking to the port.
The boat leaves around 9 am. We ordered our baguettes from the friendly vendors for the trip the day before and picked them with fresh fruit, snacks, juices and water. Other travellers showed up with beers and alcohol to have a proper party, but they only drank some of it, as the river was rough!
Where to stay in Huay Xai
We stayed at Sabaydee Guest House, which is a guest house right in the centre of the small Huay Xai. For us, being nearby restaurants and bars and at a fair distance from the harbour at this price was a fair compromise. When we arrived on the Thai side, the view of the sunset was one of the best sunsets we had witnessed in our backpacking trip in SEA.
Sabayedee Guest House is nothing luxurious in Huay Xai, but this was the best we could get with our budget. Check all the options for accommodations at the Laos Border.
Embark on the journey on the Mekong River
On your first full day in Laos, you will take the boat from Huay Xai to Luang Prabang. Cruising the Mekong River was my dream, and witnessing a pristine landscape was worth the effort and the money.
It’s time to hop on a boat and cruise along the Mekong River. The trip takes two days, and depending on the season, it might be different. Our friends, cruising just a few days before, told us that it was extremely hot. However, when we did, the wind was harsh, and on the second day, we had to take jumpers and sweatpants. Witnessing life on the river was fantastic as the boat stopped to take villagers to the big city.
They bring on board goods and even scooters, so don’t be shocked. After the first day cruising, you will get to Pak Beng mid-way to Luang Prabang. The little village business is just around tourists from these boats. You only have a few options for the overnight stay. Or you organise in advance, and it gets fully booked within weeks, or stay to the local offer, consisting of basic shared rooms. We booked our accommodation in advance, and it was alright as an experience.
Stay overnight at Pak Beng
We stayed at Janh Ya Phone Guesthouse in Pak Beng, and they are fantastic. You might be one of many on that boat to stay at this place. The owner will come to the port to pick you up, and for a small price, you can request breakfast and lunch for the day after.
It was fantastic to wake up in the middle of nowhere, watching the sunrise on the Mekong River. I think this is one of the best selling points for the accommodation.
Read our guides about South East Asia
Day 3 to 6 | Explore Luang Prabang
While travelling for 2 weeks in Laos, you can’t miss passing by Luang Prabang. This is the main place we suggest pins on your map. The Unesco World Heritage town is higher on the list of places we want to visit again, and for sure, it is worth the ticket to Laos alone. Even if you have a shorter time, like one week in Laos, we suggest concentrating on Luang Prabang.
The former capital holds that melting pot of cultural heritage that comes from when it was a French colony. European culture is awe-inspiring here, and not only with the old generations. We found it lively and affordable, which made our short trip advance from the original 2 days into a week in Luang Prabang. But we had more time.
While in Luang Prabang, you must walk around the night market, climb the stairs to Phousi Hill to watch the sunset, sip a coffee by the Mekong River, or walk on the bamboo bridge. Below are our suggestions for spending days 3 to 6 of your two-week Laos itinerary.
Arrive in Luang Prabang | 2 weeks in Laos
Our adventure begins in the charming city of Luang Prabang, where ancient temples, vibrant markets, and delicious street food await us. We’ll visit the famous Wat Xieng Thong temple, where we’ll marvel at its intricate designs and shiny golden statues. We can also take a boat ride on the Mekong River and witness a breathtaking sunset that paints the sky with colours like an artist’s palette.
Explore the charming Luang Prabang and the temples
We were very impressed by Luang Prabang. I mean, the photos of the old capital are stunning, but experiencing it is even more exciting.
The stylish French city is nestled among some of the most stunning scenery in the whole country. It’s not a secret that Luang Prabang is the favourite city of tourists and is unmissable while visiting Laos.
I personally wake up early in the morning to witness the Alms Giving, and I will give more specifics later in this post. Apart from that, the amount of temples in the centre is insane, and their beauty is like no one else. You will almost feel that it’s not Laos, but it has a mixture of various cultures that makes everything richer.
Discovering the Kuang Si Falls
A couple of days after our arrival in Luang Prabang, it was time for an adventure. We left the hotel on a tour of Kuang Si Falls. Located just a short 30 km (18 mi) outside of the cultural UNESCO World Heritage Site of Luang Prabang, it’s like entering a fairy tale! You’ll hike through lush forests, beautiful waterfalls, and hidden paths through the jungle.
The water is unbelievably crystal-clear turquoise. I mean, the photos are real and not touched as much. You can even swim in the Kuang Si Falls. Take a refreshing dip in the cool pools at the base of the falls. It’s like swimming in a giant natural bathtub!
Explore the Luang Prabang night Market
If you have been to Southeast Asia, you know that markets have a massive part in your trip. Luang Prabang is not short on that, with a considerable market starting around 5 pm daily on the main road. The market features food in the main court with a big stage and artists performing, to about 500 metres of stalls offering local crafts and others.
To be honest, most of the stuff within the market seems imported from Thailand. If you traverse Asia, it might not be the most original place to get souvenirs.
Apart from that, we were worried about food in Laos and its conservation, as a couple of friends recommended being on the watch out. So we stuck with restaurants and skipped eating there.
Early morning Alms Giving
As said, Almsgiving alms in Luang Prabang is something else. After witnessing the one in Chiang Mai and the celebrations in Indonesia, I can clearly testify that it was unbelievably intense. If you want to witness that, you should be outside Haw Pha Bang Temple around 5 am.
On my way to the temple, I have seen many hotels creating a little area within the road for their guests to pay respect to the passing monks. It was fantastic to see how much devotion.
I would like you to maintain distance, don’t disturb locals in their beliefs. It is a sacred moment, and you should not ruin it for the sake of taking one postcard home. Respecting locals is the first way to appreciate your trip and be a good traveller.
Where to stay in Luang Prabang
We stayed in this lovely boutique hotel when we extended our stay in Luang Prabang. Lovely, cosy and quiet is located close to the main market and many other cafes and restaurants.
Day 7 to 10 | Vang Vieng
We have to confess we had high expectations from Vang Vieng. Well, if you are expecting it to be pre-covid, it is not anymore. The party town you might have heard of is today a quiet countryside dusty place. However, if you are looking for stunning beauty full of activities and unique places to explore surrounded by nature, you should book your flight now. We spent four days of our Laos 2 weeks itinerary exploring the city and its surrounding area. We hiked, swam, went through the lake and met other travellers over a pint.
From day 7 to 10, you will be in Vang Vieng mid-way from Vientiane, the Capital. You will hike the Nam Xay Viewpoint, jump into the blue lagoon, and go on an intense trip through the villages on red dirt roads. Let’s dig into the best things to do while in Vang Vieng.
Take the high-speed train from Luang Prabang
The high-speed train from Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng was a smooth and pleasant trip. Entering the station, you should pass through screening and be taught security. It is not allowed to carry most of the stuff banned from flights. Don’t ask us why. Within one hour, you will be in Vang Vieng.
Usually, the stations are well away from the centre of the city, so once you arrive, get on the right end side and catch local transport. These red open vans look like Thai Songtheaw and are cheap. Make sure you have Lao on you. You just request your stop, and they will take you there like a taxi.
Enjoy the atmosphere of Vang Vieng at night
Vang Vieng used to be a party place, and you can feel it from the number of trendy bars and smoke shops. While tubing is still a thing, clubbing is not that wild anymore. We expected more from here, but honestly, when exploring on an intense trip, we don’t look out for the wild but just a couple of beers to chill.
Apart from bars open until late, you should get to Full Moon Bar or Gary’s Irish Bar – The Rising Sun.
Hike to touch the sky | Hike Nam Xay Viewpoint
It was hard to get to the top, but the view from above was fantastic. Nam Xay Viewpoint is the most instagrammable place in Laos for a reason. We don’t know how they carried up that steep rock two entire motorbikes (Legends want that these were assembled there), nor the reason. One thing we know is that the iconic photo and memories of the entire journey are well worth the effort.
Two legendary motorbikes are posed on the rocks overlooking the redlined Laos countryside, limestone rocks and unique views. After the tiring hike, you will grab the local flag and swing it into the sky. Well, it’s not all; before getting to the observation rock, you really have to climb. Put on your best hiking shoes or sneakers, but avoid wearing flip-flops. We also suggest avoiding it when it is raining or after the rain. The terrain is unstable and slippery, as F***.
You must pay the entrance 10K per person (£0.40 | $0.55 | €0.50), and there is a parking spot with a little bar also serving simple hot food.
Explore the Blue Lagoon in Vang Vieng
Days in Vang Vieng are too hot, and being in a landlocked country doesn’t help you cool down. Fans and ACs are not enough. So we rented a scooter at a local place, and we rented it here. Drive through unique scenery, passing by dangerous bridges made of wood and bamboo, suspended by holy providence. You will eventually make it to Vang Vieng Lagoons.
Well, there is not only one. We visited the Blue Lagoon n.3, which was really blue and fantastic. You will have a lot of activities, from zip lines, nature walks, paddle boarding, snorkelling, exploring caves or just chilling. The national park and Lagoon area entrance is just 10K per person (£0.40 | $0.55 | €0.50).
Where to stay in Vang Vieng
BEST PLACES TO STAY IN VANG VIENG
Cosy and comfortable accommodation, Premier Vang Vieng is located close to the city centre. From the hotel, you can reach many restaurants and bars. Unwind and enjoy your stay in Vang Vieng!
Day 11 to 14 | Vientiane
You made it through one of the most beautiful but disorganised countries in the SEA. Taking the bullet train is the fastest and comfy way to get to Vientiane, the country’s capital. The French colonial architecture is still present, but new developments are taking over what once was just unsolved land.
What blows us away is that the Vientiane face of Thailand, divided only by the Mekong River, was wonderful to see the two sides once again.
From day 11 to 14, you will stay in Vientiane; we actually suggest that you don’t spend more time there or even shorten your trip. Vientiane is nice but not exciting. Or I mean this is our opinion and impression.
Take the bullet train from Vang Vieng to Vientiane
As mentioned, the bullet train from Vang Vieng to Vientiane was fast, reliable and comfy. Taking the local shared minivans might take about 7 hours on bumpy roads, while the train takes only one hour. The mid-class ticket cost about 125,000 Kips (£5.30 | $ 6.80 | €6.20). As you can see, you can still travel through Laos backpacking on a budget trip without compromising comfort.
Explore Vientiane
Vientiane was good for a couple of days, and you will likely get around to the riverside and walk through Patuxay, the fantastical arch, a monument in proper French-European Style that functions as a memorial. It is the symbol of the country and an architectural masterpiece of Vientiane.
Like many other cities in SEA, you will find Buddhist temples worth a walk around, and one of them we suggest is just a bit outside of boundaries. Pha That Luang Vientiane is famous for its golden stupa and is easy to reach by tuk-tuk.
The following paragraphs will give you more insight into things to do in Vientiane.
Spend time at the night market on the promenade
The promenade is fantastic and maybe one of the most impressive places in Vientiane at night. While we were not impressed by local food, we must admit that the promenade market has it all, from food to clothes, IT stuff and more.
You can’t miss grabbing some drinks or pushing yourself to walk just around and get souvenirs from Laos. The market is there every night, and the stands start their activities from 5 pm onwards. If you are there for some fun, or with family, down the river, there is a fantastic theme park open every day.
Have you got extra time to visit Laos?
If you have more time to explore Laos, you can drive south and explore the fantastic four thousand islands. This is one of the most extended water supplies of the country and marks the border with Cambodia/Vietnam. It might be the closest thing you have to cool down in a landlocked country.
If you consider visiting 4000 islands in Laos, you should allow at least 4 days to explore it fully. Alone the trip from Vientiane might take a whole day and prove your strength. Yes, Laos doesn’t have an excellent infrastructure, and the brand-new high-speed trains only cover the itinerary from Luang Prabang to Vientiane, passing by Vang Vieng. However, minibuses and private taxis take you everywhere. Check out this service that takes you from Vientiane to Paske.
Relaxing in Si Phan Don (4000 Islands)
Having extra time visiting Laos should allow you to relax and push the stress of the trip away. So your final days of unwinding and relaxing in Si Phan Don, also known as the 4000 Islands. This paradise-like place comprises countless tiny islands scattered across the Mekong River.
Rent a bicycle and explore the islands, feeling the warm breeze on our faces as we ride along. Take a deep and enjoy tubing, one of the most attractive activities in this part of the country for tourists.
FAQ Laos Itinerary 2 weeks
u003cstrongu003eIs two weeks enough to explore Laos?u003c/strongu003e
Absolutely! Two weeks are enough to experience the highlights of Laos and get a taste of its unique culture and landscapes. You can easily squeeze in a Mekong River adventure, visit Luang Prabang and Vientiane and have some exciting days out in Vang Vieng or Penske.
u003cstrongu003eWhat is the best time to visit Laos?u003c/strongu003e
The best time to visit Laos is during the dry season, which is from November to April. The weather is pleasant, and it’s an ideal time for outdoor activities.
u003cstrongu003eDo I need a visa to visit Laos?u003c/strongu003e
Yes, most travellers need a visa to enter Laos. Depending on your passport, you can obtain a visa on arrival or apply for an e-visa before your trip. Make sure to check the visa requirements based on your nationality. If you pass the borders by land, carry a copy of the documents, a passport-sized photo and cash (Thai Baht, USD and local currency accepted).
u003cstrongu003eAre there any safety concerns in Laos?u003c/strongu003e
Laos is generally a safe country to visit, but it’s vital to take basic precautions like any other destination. Be mindful of your belongings, avoid walking alone in secluded areas at night, and follow any travel advisories from your home country.
u003cstrongu003eWhat are some must-try dishes in Laos?u003c/strongu003e
When in Laos, don’t miss the chance to try some delicious local dishes like sticky rice, laap (a minced meat salad), and khao soi (coconut curry noodle soup), mostly prepared in u003cstrongu003eu003ca href=u0022https://italiantripabroad.it/Blog/chiang-mai-itinerary-3-days/u0022u003eNorthern Thailandu003c/au003eu003c/strongu003e. Just to note, we had the best croissant of our life in Laos, in a remote village on the second day of our cruise on the Mekong River, and this comes from the French heritage that remained in the country. For sure, your taste buds will thank you.