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.

Before arriving in Laos, the thought of taking the train stressed me out a little. There were so many negative reviews online about the whole experience. But what I expected to be the most challenging part of our journey actually turned out to be the easiest and one of the best things about Laos!

I did a lot of research before our trip, so I was well prepared for any possible issues.

HOW TO BUY TICKETS FOR THE LAOS TRAIN

The first challenge when taking the train in Laos is figuring out how to buy tickets. The main issue with the Laos-China railway tickets is that you need a local phone number. Without one, you can’t purchase them yourself.

There is an app available, so if you have a local number, you can book tickets by yourself.

Another challenge is that tickets can only be bought up to three days in advance. This means you won’t know for sure if you can travel to your next destination until just a few days before.

You can purchase tickets in person at agencies that sell them, and in most cases, your hotel can help arrange them for you. The other option is to buy them online.

WHERE DID WE BUY OUR TICKETS FOR THE LAOS RAILWAY?

I like to plan my trips a bit in advance, so I decided to buy our tickets through a website called Laos Train Tickets. I chose this agency mainly because of the detailed information on their website and the option to pay with PayPal, which made them seem safe and reliable.

You can select your tickets up to a month in advance. However, this does not mean you will receive them immediately. You will still get them only 2–3 days before your travel date. This option simply makes things easier, so you do not have to worry about last-minute bookings. The agency in Laos purchases the tickets for you.

To book, you will need to provide a photocopy of your passport.

You can choose between economy and business class. If tickets are not available for your selected date, you can select if you would prefer an earlier or later train on the same day, or the same train the following day. Alternatively, you also have an option to take a full refund.

This can happen if the train arriving in Laos from China is already full or if other agencies secure the tickets before them. Keep in mind that all agencies charge more than the official ticket price you would pay through the app.

We received our tickets by e-mail two days before our journey. In the e-mail, you will get a QR code that they will scan at the railway station.

THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE ARRIVING AT A TRAIN STATION IN LAOS

You need to be at the station at least 40 minutes before departure. Keep in mind that the train stations in Luang Prabang, Vang Vieng, and Vientiane are quite far from the city centres.

Before our trip, I read so many horror stories about corrupt railway staff in Laos confiscating travellers’ belongings. But in most cases, these travellers simply were not prepared for the trip.

You need to know what you can and cannot bring on the train in Laos. You cannot pack sharp objects, even in your ‘checked’ luggage. We knew this before travelling to Laos, so we did not pack any scissors, knives, or anything sharp. You cannot bring even the tiniest nail scissors.

The other thing that they have no tolerance for is the aerosols. Bring a deodorant in a stick version, and leave your hairspray at home, otherwise they will confiscate it. You must not bring any flammable materials, electronic cigarettes, or vapes.

Unlike at an airport, your entire bag will be checked, so be sure to follow the rules. If you do not bring any prohibited items with you, they will let you through without any issues.

One thing that really surprised us was the crowds. The Laos Railway stations are locked when there is no train. They only open about one hour before a train arrives. When the Laos Railways station doors open the Chinese tourists start to rush in.

They are pushing you out of the way and making sure that they are the first to enter. Keep in mind that this is one hour before train arrival and that we all already have tickets and assigned seats.

AT THE LAOS RAILWAY STATION

There is not much to do at the train stations in Laos. The stations in Luang Prabang and Vang Vieng are very similar. Plenty of toilets are available but keep in mind that there is no toilet paper, so bring your own.

There are also a few shops and a coffee shop at the station. Enough seating is provided for all the passengers waiting for the train to arrive.

When it is time to start boarding, they check your tickets once again and you are allowed onto the platform. The trains are very punctual, so be ready to board on time.

THE LAOS RAILWAY TRAIN RIDE

We booked business class tickets for both of our train journeys in Laos. We chose this option because the price difference was not significant, but the comfort was much better. In economy class, the seats are narrower with a 3-3 seating configuration.

Business class has only two seats together and offers much more space.

The only downside was that on our second journey, from Vang Vieng to Vientiane, we were assigned separate seats, so we could not sit together.

There is a clean toilet available on the train and you can food and drinks. During the journey, a food cart passes through the train, offering a selection of snacks and drinks.

All the bigger pieces of luggage are stored at the front or the back of each train section.
As for the views, do not expect too much. Since Laos is very mountainous, most of the journey will be inside the tunnels.

OUR EXPERIENCE

Even though the train ride seems stressful when reading online reviews, it actually turned out to be one of the best parts of travelling in Laos. As long as you follow a few simple rules about what to bring and choose the right agency, the whole experience can be smooth and hassle-free.

It is much faster than travelling by road and far more comfortable. We had a great experience, and when we return to Laos, we will definitely take the train again. The journey was easy, stress-free, and efficient, making travel in Laos so much more convenient.

SEE ALSO:

The Perfect Vegan Escape in Luang Prabang: Top Spots to Dine and Unwind

How Easy is it to Be Vegan in Vang Vieng? Discover the Best Plant-Based Restaurants and Activities 

The post What It’s Really Like to Travel on the Laos Railway: Everything You Need to Know appeared first on Vegan Friendly Travel.

We stayed in Luang Prabang for five days, which was the perfect amount of time. It allowed us to explore everything the area has to offer while also having time to relax. We were never hungry and were amazed by the variety of vegan options available in Luang Prabang.

WHERE TO STAY IN LUANG PRABANG

SATRI HOUSE HOTEL

We stayed at the most incredible place in Luang Prabang called Satri House Hotel. It is a colonial-style accommodation with beautiful, lush gardens. The atmosphere in this resort is just amazing. There are a few different buildings, each offering different types of rooms.

The pool is set among these dreamy gardens, and it feels like a little oasis where you can relax after a long day of exploring. The rooms at Satri House Hotel are decorated with old-world charm. They are spacious and come with a large terrace.

However, the breakfast is not very vegan-friendly. They offer only a few à la carte dishes, but if you ask in advance, they might be able to prepare something vegan for you. Fortunately, with plenty of vegan restaurants around Luang Prabang, this wasn’t a problem for us.

I also tried their spa, and the massage took place in a beautifully peaceful setting with a skilled masseuse. It is not the most affordable spa in the area, but the quality is excellent.

->Check the availability of this beautiful hotel here.

BEST VEGAN RESTAURANTS IN LUANG PRABANG

Luang Prabang has a good selection of restaurants with plant-based options. Some are expensive, while others are very affordable. Food prices in restaurants are generally higher than in some neighbouring countries, mainly because most places cater only to tourists.

MANDA DE LAOS – RESTAURANT IN LUANG PRABANG WITH VEGAN OPTIONS

This is probably the most beautiful restaurant we have ever visited. It is very popular, so you need to make a reservation a few weeks in advance. Every table in the restaurant has a stunning view of the lily pond.

Manda de Laos offers Laotian family cuisine. It is not a vegan or vegetarian restaurant, but they have a few delicious plant-based options on the menu.

They offer vegetarian stew, Lao-style mushroom salad, watercress & tofu clear soup, laap, and mango sticky rice. Their homemade ice cream is also vegan!

The staff are very friendly and attentive. You can ask them about any dish and the possibility of making it plant-based.

MITI RESTAURANT – OUR FAVOURITE SPOT FOR VEGAN OPTIONS IN LUANG PRABANG

Miti Restaurant quickly became our favourite place to eat in Luang Prabang. The main reason? Their incredible coconut ice cream with mango. You have to try it when visiting the city!

They also offer a wide vegetarian menu with plenty of amazing vegan options. You can enjoy dishes like curry with tofu, vegetable noodle soup, fried tofu with basil, fried rice, and much more.

LOST IN BAAN – ASIAN FUSION – RESTAURANT & BAR

We chose this restaurant for our dinner date in Luang Prabang, and it was the best decision ever. The atmosphere is amazing. The place is stylish and modern. They have an impressive cocktail menu as well as a great food selection.

We tried a few of their plant-based dishes, and our favourites were the Carrot Lox, a vegan version of smoked salmon made from carrot with cashew cream cheese, and Mapo Tofummus, a creative dish with tempeh and shiitake mushrooms.

Their menu also includes poke bowls, vegan cheese balls, tempeh, and non-dairy banana ice cream for dessert. It’s not the cheapest place, but with such an innovative menu, it’s totally worth it.

TWO LITTLE BIRDS CAFE – VEGAN RESTAURANT IN LUANG PRABANG

This is a very popular café in Luang Prabang and one of the few fully vegan restaurants in the city. They are well-known for their colourful smoothie bowls.

For breakfast, we shared a smoothie bowl and mushroom toast. It is one of the best breakfast spots for vegans in Luang Prabang. You can also try a few traditional Lao dishes made vegan.

BAMBOO GARDEN RESTAURANT

Bamboo Garden is a family-run restaurant in Luang Prabang. Their menu includes a mix of Lao and Asian fusion dishes, such as larb, fried rice, noodles, and curries. The restaurant serves both meat and plant-based dishes.

The staff understand what vegan means and are very helpful with orders. The portions are big, and the food is delicious!

GRASSHOPPER CAFÉ – VEGAN OPTIONS

This trendy café and yoga studio is located right in the centre of Luang Prabang. We stopped by for breakfast and decided to try their vegan smoothie bowls and coffee.

You can also have toast with avocado and tofu or a healthy bowl with tempeh for breakfast.

SAFFRON COFFEE

This was my favourite place for an afternoon coffee in Luang Prabang. They offer vegan milk options, and I loved my iced coffee with coconut milk, especially with the beautiful view of the Mekong River.

The café has a terrace overlooking the river, just across the street. It was the perfect spot to relax with a good coffee and take in the amazing views. The river is never boring, there are always boats going up and down the stream.

AJAM MORA – NIGHT MARKET STREET FOOD

In the midst of the chaos at the night market street, you will find Ajam Mora. It is a small restaurant that is very affordable and popular with backpackers.

They offer a few vegan dishes. We tried their noodle soup, but it was not our favourite. Maybe we should have ordered something else. Still, it is a good option while exploring the vibrant night market of Luang Prabang.

CAFE AMAZON – VEGAN-FRIENDLY COFFEE IN LUANG PRABANG

If you are a coffee lover like me, you can get a delicious iced coffee with vegan milk at Cafe Amazon. You can also find this café at the airport.

WHAT TO DO IN LUANG PRABANG

One of our best memories from Luang Prabang was visiting the Living Land Rice Farming Experience. This half-day activity teaches you all about the importance of rice in Lao culture. You get to participate in every step of the rice farming process, and at the end, you can try different rice products that are all vegan!

The most famous attraction near Luang Prabang is Kuang Si Waterfall. It is best to visit early in the morning to avoid the crowds. The waterfall is stunning, and if you are up for a hike, there is a treehouse café at the top with beautiful views—but be prepared to get very sweaty!

When in Luang Prabang, you must take a morning walk by the river. Go as early as possible while the city is still half asleep. You will see locals opening their businesses, monks walking through the streets, and far less traffic than later in the day.

SEE ALSO: How Easy is it to Be Vegan in Vang Vieng? Discover the Best Plant-Based Restaurants and Activities 

The post The Perfect Vegan Escape in Luang Prabang: Top Spots to Dine and Unwind appeared first on Vegan Friendly Travel.