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.

This place was on our bucket list for a long time and did not disappoint. The natural beauty of Vang Vieng is just as breathtaking as it looks in the photos. The locals are incredibly friendly, and the whole area has such a welcoming vibe. We had an amazing time exploring it all. If you are visiting Laos, Vang Vieng is an absolute must-see!

WHERE TO STAY IN VANG VIENG

We stayed at the most perfect place, the Riverside Boutique Resort. We chose this hotel because of the stunning views advertised, and they were even more impressive in person. The rooms are spacious and clean. The highlight of this resort is its beautiful gardens and pool area.

The resort is located next to the river and the famous Namsong Bridge.

The pool at Riverside Boutique Resort is the perfect spot to relax and soak up the breathtaking views after an adventurous day exploring Vang Vieng.

The hotel breakfast is also good, with a few vegan options available. You can enjoy fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as vegan milk for cereal and coffee. Plus, the view from the breakfast restaurant is just as stunning as the rest of the resort.

This resort is often fully booked, so it is best to make a reservation early. ->Check availability here.

VEGAN FOOD IN VANG VIENG

Vang Vieng is more vegan-friendly than you might expect. Vegan restaurants are popular here, thanks to the many backpackers and travellers from around the world. We have put together a list of our favourite vegan dining spots in Vang Vieng.

KAPPHET VEGAN RESTAURANT

Kapphet is a vegan restaurant and guesthouse in Vang Vieng. We went there for dinner, and the owners were incredibly friendly. Both of us decided to try their noodle soup with coconut, and it was amazing.

You can also order sandwiches, burgers, and other dishes with rice or noodles. You must try their coconut smoothie, which is creamy and refreshing! Everything on the menu is fully vegan, so you do not have to worry about a thing.

H&H – VEGAN FOOD OPTIONS IN VANG VIENG

The second restaurant on our list is called H&H. It is a small vegan restaurant by the main road in Vang Vieng. You will have no problem finding it. Their menu has so many options that it was hard for us to choose what to eat. You can order vegan noodles, curries, soups, sandwiches, burgers, and so much more.

The prices are affordable, and the food is very good. We tried their noodles and a sandwich. Both were simple but delicious.

HAPPY MANGO THAI RESTAURANT

It is a Thai restaurant in the lively centre of Vang Vieng. They offer all the famous dishes from Thailand. It is a very popular place so be prepared to wait a little for a table as it can get quite busy.

Their menu is very clear on which food can be made vegan, with a vegan sticker next to the name of the dish. You just need to let staff know that you do not eat eggs and other animal products.
The best dishes for us were panang curry with tofu and vegetables and, of course, our all-time favourite, mango sticky rice.

VEGGIE’S VEGAN RESTAURANT

Veggie’s is a fully vegan restaurant in Vang Vieng. They serve a variety of dishes, including fried rice, curries, spring rolls, noodles, and soups. You can also order vegan sandwiches.

We were in a rush to catch the train, so we grabbed a sandwich to go. It was tasty and turned out to be the perfect snack for our train ride.

VEGAN STREET FOOD IN VANG VIENG

In Vang Vieng, you will find several street food vendors selling sandwiches. Many of them offer sandwiches with tofu, and you can simply ask them to leave out the egg and mayonnaise. The vendors are very friendly and happy to prepare your sandwich just the way you like it.

You can create your own vegan sandwich using vegetables, avocado, and tofu—simple yet delicious!

HOW TO GET TO VANG VIENG?

There are no direct flights or airports in the area The best way to reach Vang Vieng is by taking the Laos speed train. You can start your journey from either Vientiane or Luang Prabang, and the train ride takes about one hour from both cities. It’s a good idea to buy your train tickets in advance.

We researched before purchasing our tickets and chose an agency called Laos Train Tickets. They delivered our tickets on time, so we found them to be reliable. You can book your tickets here.

Alternatively, you can travel by minivan, but it takes much longer. Once you arrive in Vang Vieng, we recommend renting a motorbike to give yourself the freedom to explore the area at your own pace.

WHAT TO DO IN VANG VIENG?

Vang Vieng is a top adventure destination in Laos, but don’t worry if adrenaline-packed activities are not your thing. You can still have an amazing time here.

Our two favourite activities during our stay were:

1. Hiking up the Nam Xay Viewpoint

It is a famous hill with a motorbike parked at the top. However, the hike can be challenging if you are not in good shape. Make sure to wear proper sneakers, and you will also need to climb in some parts.

Bring plenty of water (but do not leave your empty bottle behind, as there’s already too much trash at the top). You will also get quite sweaty, so it is a good idea to carry a change of clothes.

2. Visiting Blue Lagoon 3

After the hike, we headed to Blue Lagoon 3 to cool off. The water is cold and refreshing, and you can dive in using the rope swing, which was so much fun! This is the best lagoon to visit in Vang Vieng. There is also a restaurant on-site, but we did not have the chance to check if there are any vegan options.

If you are looking for more adventurous activities, like paragliding, visiting caves, or zip lining, you have plenty of options. One of the most popular things to do is to go on a hot air balloon ride.

We only stayed in Vang Vieng for 2 nights, because we did not have more time. if you have the option, staying at least three nights is ideal to fully experience everything this area has to offer.

SEE ALSO:

Taste the Best of Hanoi: 9 Vegan Restaurants That Offer an Unforgettable Experience

The post How Easy is it to Be Vegan in Vang Vieng? Discover the Best Plant-Based Restaurants and Activities appeared first on Vegan Friendly Travel.