Laos had been on our bucket list for quite some time. It is a beautiful country that many travellers overlook, mainly because it does not have direct access to the ocean. But Laos has so much to offer that you will not even think about missing the beach while you are there.

You could easily spend two weeks exploring Laos, but we chose to split our time. We decided to spend one week in Laos and the other in Cambodia. It turned out to be a fantastic combination for a two-week trip.

We created this itinerary based on our recent journey to Laos.

HOW TO GET TO LAOS?

The easiest way to reach Laos is from Bangkok, especially if you are starting your itinerary in Luang Prabang. Bangkok Airways operates direct flights between Bangkok and Luang Prabang.

You can read more about Bangkok Airways and our experience with them here.

LAOS ITINERARY: 4 DAYS IN LUANG PRABANG

We begin our itinerary in Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in northern Laos. The city is famous for its well-preserved blend of traditional Lao and French colonial architecture.

We spent four nights in Luang Prabang, which felt like the perfect amount of time to explore and soak in the atmosphere.

WHAT TO DO IN LUANG PRABANG?

Day One: Kuang Si Waterfall

The most famous activity in Luang Prabang is visiting Kuang Si Waterfall. You can get there by joining an organised tour or renting a motorbike and riding there yourself. It is not very close to the city, but the ride is enjoyable as you pass through local villages.

The waterfall itself is beautiful and definitely worth a visit. The best time to go is early in the morning to avoid the crowds.

If you are up for a bit of a hike, there is also a treehouse café near the waterfall. It takes some effort to reach, but the experience is well worth it.

Day Two of our Laos Itinerary: The Living Land Company

Another activity we absolutely loved was visiting The Living Land Company, a rice farm where you can learn all about rice production in Laos.

The experience is interactive, fun, and eye-opening. They even provide transportation. It is one of the highest-rated activities in Luang Prabang and a must-do on this itinerary.

->Book the rice farming experience here.

Day 3: Phousi Hill and night market

Phousi Hill is a hill right in the centre of Luang Prabang. For us, the best time to visit was in the middle of the day. Although it was the hottest time, there were no large tour groups, so we had the place almost to ourselves. The hike is short, and the views from the top are absolutely worth it.

Every evening, Luang Prabang’s night market comes to life. It is the perfect place to support local artisans, buy souvenirs, and enjoy some delicious street food.

Day 4 of our Laos itinerary: Orange Robe Tours & UXO Visitors Center

A visit to the UXO Visitors Center is a must if you want to dive deeper into the history of Laos. Here, you will learn about the devastating impact of war on Laos and its lasting consequences.

We also had an amazing experience with Orange Robe Tours, where we walked through a temple with a former monk. He shared insights about his life and daily rituals while he was a monk.

This tour is highly rated, and we recommend it if you want to understand more about the local culture. You can check the availability here.

A visit to the morning market is also a must!

 Since you are spending four nights in Luang Prabang, you will have plenty of time to enjoy all these activities and still have time to relax by the pool.

If you are also looking for the best restaurants in Luang Prabang, check out our guide here.

WHERE TO STAY IN LUANG PRABANG?

We stayed at the amazing Satri House, a beautiful colonial-style hotel. It has incredible gardens and a lovely pool. It is a perfect place to relax after a day of exploring.

The rooms are decorated with old-world charm. Ours was very spacious with a large terrace. The location is also excellent, just a short walk to the Old Town. –>Book this beautiful hotel here.

LAOS ITINERARY: 2 DAYS IN VANG VIENG

We continue our 7-day Laos itinerary in Vang Vieng, a small town in central Laos known as the adventure capital of the country. Vang Vieng is packed with outdoor activities.

You can go kayaking, hiking, caving, rock climbing, and do so much more. It is the perfect place for adventure lovers!

WHAT TO DO IN VANG VIENG?

There is so much to do in Vang Vieng that if you really want to experience the area, it is best to stay for at least three nights. However, since we only have a 7-day itinerary, we will stick to just two days.

Day 1: Explore and Sunset Hot Air Balloon Ride

The best way to start your adventure is by renting a motorbike and exploring the area at your own pace. If you want to make the most of your time, consider booking a sunset hot air balloon ride—the views are breathtaking.

Day 2 of our Laos itinerary: Hike and Blue Lagoon 3

After breakfast, head to Nam Xay Viewpoint, a famous hike known for the two motorbikes at the top. Be prepared—this hike is not for the faint-hearted! Wear proper trainers and sportswear, and don’t forget to bring a water bottle. If you run out, you can buy water at the bottom of the hill.

The hike is short but very challenging. You will be sweating buckets, and at some points, you will need to climb. We hiked in the middle of the day when it was less crowded, but the heat was intense. Still, the views at the top are absolutely worth it!

After the hike, head straight to Blue Lagoon 3 to cool off in the refreshing water. Here, you can enjoy fun activities like a rope swing for jumping into the lagoon. There’s also a restaurant where you can grab lunch and relax.

If you still have energy, you can try zip-lining, kayaking, hiking another hill, or visiting more blue lagoons for a swim.

Want to know our favourite restaurants in Vang Vieng? Check out our guide here.

WHERE TO STAY IN VANG VIENG?

We stayed at Riverside Boutique Resort, which is probably the best accommodation in town. The views from this resort are absolutely breathtaking!

I highly recommend booking a room with a view so you can wake up to the most stunning scenery right from your bed. The resort also has a beautiful pool by the river, offering the perfect spot to relax and take in the incredible surroundings.

If you’re looking for comfort, great service, and amazing views, this is the place to stay! ->Book here!

LAOS ITINERARY: 1 NIGHT IN VIENTIANE

We ended our 7-day Laos itinerary in Vientiane because we had a flight from Laos to Cambodia from here.

Many travel blogs say that Vientiane is not really worth visiting, but for us, a one-night stay was just the right amount of time to get a feel for the city. Two nights would have been too much.

WHAT TO DO IN VIENTIANE?

Since we had limited time, and because there is not much to see in Vientiane, we kept it simple. We visited the Patuxay Victory Monument and the Vientiane Night Market. It was interesting to see how Vientiane differs from Luang Prabang and Vang Vieng.

Every city in Laos has its own unique vibe!

WHERE TO STAY IN VIENTIANE

We stayed at Mintra Hotel, which was a great choice in a perfect location. Everything we wanted to see was within walking distance, and the hotel is also close to the night market. The highlight? A rooftop infinity pool with stunning city views! ->Check availability

HOW TO GET AROUND LAOS

The best way to travel around Laos is by high-speed train, which connects all the cities mentioned in this itinerary. We have written a detailed guide about our experience buying tickets and riding the train—you can read it here.

OUR EXPERIENCE IN LAOS

The locals are very friendly, and we felt safe everywhere we went in Laos. The food is delicious, with some dishes similar to those in Thailand and Vietnam. However, Laos also has its own unique specialities, like sticky rice and larb.

We also highly recommend using an eSIM card that you can get with Airalo.

Prices in Laos are not as cheap as in Vietnam. This might be because many restaurants offer food mainly to tourists and charge higher prices. The same applies to accommodation; we found Vietnam to be much more affordable.

Some of our best travel memories come from Laos, and we hope this 7-day itinerary helps you make the most of your trip!

SEE ALSO:

What It’s Really Like to Travel on the Laos Railway: Everything You Need to Know

The post One Week in Laos: A Perfect 7-Day Itinerary for Culture & Adventure appeared first on Vegan Friendly Travel.