Most travelers visit Laos as part of a larger Southeast Asia backpacking trip, often passing through rather than truly exploring everything the country has to offer.
If you’re not one of those travelers and want to fully experience arguably one of the most relaxed and laid-back countries in Southeast Asia, then this backpacking itinerary is for you!
With this guide, I’ll take you from northern to southern Laos in just 2 weeks, covering all the incredible places this country has to offer. So without further ado, let’s do Laos justice and explore it thoroughly with this itinerary!
Laos 2-Week Itinerary Map
| ☀️ Day 1-3: | Luang Prabang |
| ☀️ Day 4-6: | Vang Vieng |
| ☀️ Day 7-8: | Vientiane |
| ☀️ Day 9-10: | Savannakhet |
| ☀️ Day 11-12: | Pakse |
| ☀️ Day 13-14: | Don Det |
- Laos 2-Week Itinerary Map
- 2 Weeks Backpacking Laos Itinerary
- Laos Travel Video
- When to Visit Laos?
- How to Get to Laos?
- How to Get Around Laos?
- How Much Money Do I Need for 2 weeks in Laos?
- Is it Safe in Laos?
- Internet in Laos
- What to Pack for Laos
- Further Reading for Laos
2 Weeks Backpacking Laos Itinerary
Day 1-3: Luang Prabang (3 nights)
This itinerary begins in Luang Prabang, which is, hands down, one of my favorite cities in Laos. It is a charming little city nestled between the rolling hills of Northern Laos. As Laos' old capital, you will be able to travel back in time, walk among the stunning architecture, and experience the rich culture and history, all the while enjoying some of the best Laotian food offerings you can find.
After you arrive in Luang Prabang and settle into your accommodation, in the late afternoon, you can go and visit Haw Pha Bang, probably one of the most recognizable landmarks in the city, and admire its stunning architecture from the outside, but don't go inside yet. We will do that the next day.
Our plan for this evening is to hike up to the top of Phousi Hill at sunset and admire the incredible 360° view of the surroundings while you bask in the lights of the golden hour.
- Northern Laos: Wildlife Conservation, Permaculture, and Meditation Practice with Monks (14 days)
- Spirit of Laos (16 days)
- Laos Highlight Tour in 7 Days (7 days)
To reach the top of Phousi Hill, you need to climb a series of staircases that wind their way up the hillside. The climb is relatively easy for most people and should take no more than 10 minutes to reach the top.
After sunset, you can make your way down, and you will find a Night Market right on the main street, where you can stroll around and go on a shopping spree.
The night market is extremely active every day, with lines and lines of shops selling unique souvenirs, from Sabaidee t-shirts to trinkets made out of bomb fragments. Spend at least an hour walking around, find something to eat, and then retreat for the night.
The next day, wake up as early as 5:30 AM and go out to witness the almsgiving ceremony in front of the Wat May Souvannapoumaram, which should happen around 6 AM every morning. The Almsgiving Ceremony is a significant and traditional Buddhist practice that involves the offering of food and other essentials to Buddhist monks and nuns as a way of making merit. You can also participate even if you are not a Buddhist.
The ceremony is quite brief, so if you want to witness it, make sure to be there no later than 6:30 AM, or else you will miss it. To participate, you can purchase one of the offering packages sold by vendors who will assist you during the ceremony.
After you are done with the almsgiving ceremony, you should also check out Luang Prabang's Morning Market, which has sprung up along the back alleyway, one street away from the main road.
I highly recommend you try the congee at this unnamed restaurant that I accidentally stumbled upon while exploring the morning market. Get the congee and a few pieces of fried dough to dip in it, and you're good to go.
After the morning market, you can check out the Royal Palace Museum, which is housed in the former royal palace. This palace was built in 1904 during the French colonial period as a residence for the Laotian royal family. The palace served as the official residence of the monarchs until the monarchy was abolished in 1975.
Inside the museum, you will find several well-preserved rooms of the Royal Palace, from the main hall called the Throne Room to the bedrooms of the royal family. Walking around the museum, you will get a glimpse of what life was like for the royal family back then. You will feel like you are being transported back in time.
After that, you can spend the rest of the day visiting the main tourist attractions in Luang Prabang, such as Wat Xiengthong, an awesome temple complex with many impressive structures, such as a classic Lao-style ordination hall, the Chapel of the Funerary Carriage that houses the elaborate and ornate funeral carriage used for royal processions, and more.
If you are interested in learning a bit more about the lifestyle of the people here many centuries ago, Heuan Chan Heritage House is a great museum you should visit while you are here.
You can also learn why Laos is the most bombed country in the world at UXO Lao Visitor Center, a small museum dedicated to telling the stories of the horrific remnants of war, the terrible consequences of using cluster bombs, and their effect on the people here long after the conflict ended.
After exploring Luang Prabang the entire day, you can spend the evening relaxing and enjoying a nice glass of beer as you watch people at Yuni Yupoun, a cozy restaurant not too far from the night market.
On your last day in Luang Prabang, you can either rent a motorbike or take the 6 USD shuttle service to Kuang Si Waterfall, one of the most impressive waterfalls you will see here.
The place is well known for its impressive amount of water, picturesque multi-tiered cascades, and pristine turquoise blue waters in which you can swim. There is also a nature trail where you can walk around and explore all of its beautiful waterfall tiers.
Expect to spend at least 3 hours here enjoying the waterfall, swimming in one of the many pools, and exploring its nature trail. Kuang Si waterfall has many tiers scattered along the nature trail, so be sure to keep an eye out for them.
Another cool thing about Kuang Si Waterfall and its nature trail is that as you walk along the path, you will also be passing through a bear rescue center, a sanctuary for bears rescued from illegal poaching. You can observe them as they roam around a playground built specifically for them.
Once you are done, you can head back to Luang Prabang and spend the rest of the day relaxing at cafes and enjoying the laid-back vibe of this old capital city.
One of my favorite cafes in Luang Prabang is Le Banneton Café French Bakery, a cozy cafe with a great selection of pastries, breakfast, and coffee to choose from. It is a great place to drop by if you crave Western-style breakfast and bakery goods such as croissants, bagels, and more. So, if you have time, be sure to check it out.
Getting from Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng
You can take the Lao-Chinese high-speed train from Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng. It will take around 50 minutes, which is way faster than taking the bus, which can take over 6 hours due to the poor road conditions. You can book the train ticket here.
The high-speed train station in Luang Prabang is located about 40 minutes from town. You'll need to ask your accommodation to help arrange a transfer there, in addition to purchasing your train ticket to Vang Vieng.
The transfer your accommodation organizes is usually a shared minivan that picks up travelers directly from their hotels. It costs around 40,000 LAK and takes about 40 minutes. Once you arrive at the train station, you can then go through security and hop on the train to Vang Vieng.
Get off at Vang Vieng Train Station and catch one of the many shared minivans waiting for you outside the station to take you to town. It should cost 40,000 LAK per person for this leg and takes about 10 minutes.
Day 4-6: Vang Vieng (3 nights)
It used to be that Vang Vieng was the ultimate place to be if you love to party. However, in recent years, with the increase in tourism, the province has completely transformed this backwater town into the adventure capital of Laos, and that is exactly what we are going to do here.
After you settle for the night, wake up early in the morning the next day and rent a motorbike from this motorbike shop. Head over to Nam Xay Viewpoint and hike up to the top for an incredible view of Vang Vieng from above, with its lush rice paddies and rolling hills.
To get there, you will first have to get to the parking lot where you will find a small shop where you can park your vehicle and begin ascending the mountain. To get here, you can rent a motorbike or a buggy car from Vang Vieng and drive west across the Nam Song River for about 15 minutes, and you should be at the parking lot in no time.
The trail takes about an hour to hike one way. It is incredibly steep and slippery, especially if it rained the day before, so be sure to wear sturdy shoes that you do not mind getting muddy.
After about an hour, you will arrive at the top and be rewarded with an incredible 360° view of the surroundings, which, trust me, will make you completely forget just how tiring the hike was.
After the hike, you can continue west along the gravel road and visit Blue Lagoon 3, one of the many blue lagoons in the area. I prefer this one over the others because there are way fewer people here than, say, Blue Lagoon 1, and I can actually enjoy the solitude and swim at my own leisure.
Once you are done, you can continue around the Vang Vieng loop to explore the countryside and the rice paddies before coming back to Vang Vieng. It should take about 1-2 hours to complete the loop.
On your way back, be sure to visit Tham Chang Cave, a nice and beautiful cave across the Nam Song River that you can explore. To get to Tham Chang Cave, you will first have to drive to this parking lot, pay the parking fee of 5000 LAK, and cross the river with the free ferry service to reach the cave entrance.
That should occupy your entire first day in Vang Vieng. You can spend the evening strolling around Vang Vieng Night Market and go on a shopping spree for souvenirs while also finding some delicious street foods to try.
The next morning, we will join an organized tour and explore the rich nature of Vang Vieng. You can start your day with a hot air balloon ride at sunrise and witness the sleepy town waking up while also enjoying the beautiful scenery of morning mists hovering over rolling mountains across the horizon.
After that, you can join a kayak/tubing/zip-lining tour which will allow you to experience all the cool activities you can do here in one go. You will also see Vang Vieng and its surroundings from a unique perspective as you kayak along the Nam Song River and zip-line through lush forests.
Before ending our last jam-packed day of adventure in Vang Vieng, you can go and chill out at Green Restaurant, a great restaurant with a great view from its patio. They serve both local and international dishes, but my favorite dish from here is their homemade pizza, which is not something I'd expect to love in Laos, but it was delicious!
Getting from Vang Vieng to Vientiane
Again, you can take the Lao-Chinese high-speed train from Vang Vieng to Vientiane. It will take around 50 minutes and you can book the train ticket here.
Vang Vieng Train Station is about 10 minutes away and you can ask your accommodation or approach any of the travel agencies in town to help organize the transfer the day before. It should cost around 40,000 LAK to get from Vang Vieng town to the high-speed train station.
After taking the train, you’ll arrive at Vientiane Train Station, which is located about 45 minutes from the city center. From there, you can either take the green local bus into the city for about 30,000 LAK (1 hour), which drops you off at Talat Sao Bus Station, or opt for one of the many shared shuttle services waiting outside the station. The latter costs between 75,000 and 100,000 LAK and will drop you off directly at your hotel.
Day 7-8: Vientiane (2 nights)
For our third stop, we are heading over to Vientiane, probably one of the most laid-back capital cities you will find in Southeast Asia. Unlike the typically bustling streets and concrete jungles of capital cities like Bangkok and Hanoi, Vientiane feels more like you are in a small and quiet town than a capital city.
After settling in, you can spend the first evening exploring the bustling Night Market, located along the bank of the Mekong River. The night market is always full of people every evening, with many shops lining both sides of the boulevard, making it a perfect place to get oriented in Laos.
Right along the western end of the boulevard, you will find a small temple fair equipped with all kinds of fun amusement rides, such as colorful Ferris Wheels, bouncing castles, and bumper cars, as well as restaurants where you can try some local food.
If you are looking for a place to try some street foods in Vientiane, you can't go wrong with the Food Park Center Point. From fresh coconut juice to Lao-style BBQ sticks, there are countless options for you to try out here. After you are done, retreat for the night and prepare for a jam-packed day of exploration the next day.
One of the most iconic landmarks in Vientiane that you should definitely check out first is Pha That Luang, a stunning golden stupa complex featuring a large central stupa surrounded by smaller stupas and shrines, all painted in gold and covered in traditional Lao design elements with Buddhist symbolism.
Since the temple is approximately 5 km away from the Old Town, you will have to catch a taxi to get here. I recommend asking your accommodation to find a taxi for you, as it will be cheaper than flagging down a tuk-tuk yourself, as they are known to overcharge tourists.
As you make your way back, be sure to check out Patuxay, a striking war monument constructed in the 20th century to commemorate those who fought and died in various wars, including World War II and the Indochina Wars.
Next up, you can visit another incredible temple, Wat Sisaket, one of the oldest temples in the city built in the early 19th century by the last king of the Vientiane Kingdom.
Other temples you might want to check out in Vientiane are Ho Phrakeo Museum, an impressive structure that used to house the Emerald Buddha, Wat Si Muang, a colorful and highly revered temple complex founded in the 16th century, and more.
Be sure to spend some time and learn more about the history of Laos at the COPE Visitor Center, a small museum located inside a hospital, dedicated to telling the stories of the people who are affected by UXO or unexploded ordnance that continues to affect the local people to this day.
These tourist attractions should occupy the first half of your day. For the second half, take bus #14 from the central bus terminal and visit Buddha Park, a unique park filled with incredible sculptures and monuments, all related to Buddhism.
As you walk inside, you will find yourself surrounded by an array of sculptures, including images of Buddha, Hindu gods and goddesses, demons, animals, mythological creatures drawn from local legends, and influences from abroad.
It should take you about an hour to walk around the park before you can catch the bus back from the bus stop on the opposite side of the road from where they dropped you off and retire for the night.
Getting from Vientiane to Savannakhet
To get to Savannakhet, you will have to take bus #20 from the Talat Sao/Central Bus Station in the city center to the Southern Bus Station located about 10 km north of the city center. It should cost about 60,000 LAK per person. Otherwise, a tuktuk would be around 150,000 LAK per person. You can also hire a driver via InDrive to avoid having to negotiate with the tuk-tuk drivers.
There is one day bus and several night buses between Vientiane and Savannakhet, with the day bus leaving at 8 AM and arriving at 5 PM. Since it takes about 9 - 12 hours, overnight buses are also great, with a handful leaving between 6 PM to 8 PM daily. You can book the bus ticket from here.
The bus will drop you off at Savannakhet Bus Station, from where you can walk to the riverside area where most of the accommodations are located. The walk takes about 30 minutes, or you can take a tuk-tuk; just be sure to negotiate the price before getting on!
Day 9-10: Savannakhet (2 nights)
Located on the banks of the Mekong River, Savannakhet is the second-largest city in Laos, after Vientiane. And while it may not be the first place that comes to mind when planning a trip to Laos, that’s exactly what makes it so special for me. It's also a good place to break the trip up as you travel to Southern Laos.
This laid-back city offers a charming mix of faded French colonial architecture, Buddhist temples, and a slow, unhurried pace of life that the Laotian people have perfected. It’s the kind of place where you can wander quiet streets, chat with friendly locals, and stumble upon hidden gems without the crowds.
We can start off the day by going on a morning stroll along the city's promenade that runs along the Mekong River. Here you will find the beautiful Naga Statue, a massive white-and-gold serpent statue with its body and tail arching dramatically above walkers in the riverside park.
From the promenade, you get a pretty awesome view of Mukdahan, a beautiful province in Thailand, complete with its UFO-shaped observation tower and the white Buddha image on the mountain across the Mekong.
Once that is done, you can go and visit That Ing Hang, one of the oldest and most sacred religious sites in Southern Laos, with a beautiful stupa believed to be around 400–450 years old. While records date its construction to the 16th century, some of its Mon-inspired architectural features suggest it may have been built even earlier.
The temple lies about a 30-minute drive from the city center, longer if you’re traveling by Sam Lor, which is extremely slow, and unfortunately, there aren’t many other transport options. The only motorbike rental place in Savannakhet has since closed, so I ended up hiring a Sam Lor driver I found along this road.
They initially asked for 500 THB (330,000 LAK) for the trip, which felt steep, so I negotiated down to 400 THB. Still expensive for the distance, but I didn’t have the energy to haggle further. If you plan to hire a Sam Lor, negotiate hard! Expect to spend about 2 - 3 hours visiting this temple.
After that is done, you can spend the afternoon exploring all the wonderful French colonial architecture in Savannakhet. Many of them are concentrated around the Old Quarter along this road, stretching all the way to St. Theresa's Catholic Church.
You can also go and check out one of my favorite places in Savannakhet, Theater “Lao Chaleun”, an old movie theatre turned into a creative space with beautiful rustic features, brutalist decor, and charming cafes and an ice cream shop you can enjoy. There's just something about old, rustic buildings that always fascinates me.
Despite its partially dilapidated state, the building's distinctive façade and architectural features are still being preserved in their old, rustic condition, which gives this place its unique charm. With its green peeling paint and old wooden tables and chairs, you can't help but grab a coffee and enjoy the quiet, peaceful morning atmosphere here.
Not just that. When evening comes, the square behind Theater "Lao Chaleun" transforms from a quiet, empty space into the bustling Lao Chaleun Night Market, filled with people, street food stalls, and places to drink, perfect for those who are looking for a place to hang out in this laid-back city after sundown.
The night market, also known as Savan Mixay Night Market, stretches from behind Theater "Lao Chaleun" all the way to the bank of the Mekong River. Here, you will find not just street food stalls, but all kinds of entertainment for kids, such as bouncing castles and rental carts, that bring the whole area to life.
Other places you shouldn't miss in Savannakhet are Wat Saynhaphum, one of the oldest and most sacred temples in Savannakhet, dating back to the mid-16th century, Savannakhet Dinosaur Museum, a small but charming museum full of dinosaur fossils, and Savannakhet Museum, where you will find a diverse collection of artifacts, archaeological remains, and more.
Where to Stay in Savannakhet?
Getting from Savannakhet to Pakse
To travel from Savannakhet to Pakse, head over to Savannakhet Bus Station and catch one of the six daily buses connecting the two cities. The first bus departs at 8 AM and the last at 3:30 PM, with departures roughly every two hours in between.
Here’s something strange about this route: when the bus arrives at Pakse Northern Bus Station, don’t get off. They often pretend this is the final stop, but in reality, the bus continues to Chitpasong Bus Station in town! You will see locals leaving the bus, but not with their bags, which is not normal.
They may even try to force you off, but don’t fall for it. Talk to other travelers and stand firm about going to the actual station. Within about 15 minutes, they should take you into the city. There’s no need to pay the outrageous tuk-tuk fares. You can read more traveler reviews here to confirm this ongoing scam.
The journey takes about 5 hours and costs 130,000 LAK per person. Tickets can’t be booked online, so you’ll need to purchase them directly at the station. Fortunately, it’s rarely crowded except during major holidays like Songkran or New Year, so you should have no trouble buying a ticket on the same day.
Day 11-12: Pakse (2 nights)
On your first evening in Pakse, I highly recommend taking a walk along the city's riverside promenade. There’s a long stretch of walkway along the Mekong River that’s perfect for watching the sunset and enjoying a relaxing stroll to stretch your legs after the long bus ride from Savannakhet.
If you walk far enough, at around 6 PM every day, you will stumble upon M Park Night Market where you will find a wide variety of street food and drink options to choose from. It's the perfect spot if you're looking to try some local street food in Pakse.
There are plenty of tables and seating available, allowing you to shop around, sample as much street food as you like, and enjoy a lovely dinner before you retreat for the night.
The next morning, you can go and rent a motorbike or a car at KP Car Rental Place and drive to Wat Phou, one of the highlights of visiting Champasak province. This remarkable Khmer temple even predates Angkor Wat in Siem Reap and is considered one of the most sacred sites in Southern Laos.
When you first arrive, you'll hop onto a golf cart that will take you to the temple located at the foothill of the mountain. From there, you’ll walk along a beautiful pathway leading up to the two remaining palaces and then continue up the mountain to a hidden shrine.
Once you reach the two palaces, be sure to take a look at the one on the right, where you'll get a breathtaking view of the revered mountain towering over it. This is an iconic shot of the temple, one you definitely won't want to miss, so make sure to snap some photos!
You can spend some time exploring both palaces before you continue along the pathway towards the stone stairway that will take you to another stunning temple located way up the hill.
It's quite a climb, and certain sections are pretty steep, but the view from the top is absolutely worth the effort. From up there, you'll have an incredible vantage point over the palaces, as well as the reservoir that once fed the surrounding communities. You’ll also see endless rice fields stretching as far as the eye can see; it’s truly a sight to behold.
After you are done with Wat Phou, you can drive back to Pakse and head east to explore Bolaven Plateau, one of the most stunning highlands to explore in Southern Laos, and its crown jewel is Tad Fane Waterfall. This twin waterfall, formed by the convergence of the Champee and Pak Koot rivers, plunges over 120 meters into a lush, mist-filled gorge. It doesn't get more photogenic than this!
The waterfall is located inside a resort, and they have built many cool facilities you can enjoy, from a lovely cafe with a grand view of the waterfall from above, to walkways with viewpoints where you can take photos.
They've also built a zip-line that flies across the gorge, allowing you to witness the waterfall up close as you zip through the air like a gibbon. It's one of the best experiences here! If you're interested in zip-lining, you can book online or pay when you arrive. The price is around 60 USD per person.
Located not too far from Tad Fane Waterfall, you will also find another awesome natural wonder, Tad Yeung Waterfall, another twin waterfall that is more accessible than Tad Fane Waterfall, and you can actually swim in it.
Once you arrive at the parking lot, you will have to hike down through a thick forest on stone stairs for about 2 minutes before you arrive at an opening with a grand view of the waterfall. From the ridge, you can hike to different viewpoints, or you can hike down to the waterfall and go for a swim.
Last but not least, you can go and visit Tad Champee Waterfall, located not too far from the other falls. However, getting there can be a bit of a challenge due to unclear signs, unreliable GPS, and the dirt roads, which is probably why I like it the most! It's never as crowded as the other two!
In order to get here, you will have to first drive to this dirt road and drive along it through a local village. Continue on and follow the blue sign which says "waterfall" at the bottom as shown in the picture above.
This is a much better swimming spot due to its peaceful atmosphere and spacious pool, perfect for swimming and relaxing. You can even swim up to the waterfall and walk beneath it, which isn't possible at Tad Yeung Waterfall.
After you are done with Bolaven Plateau, you can head back to Pakse and visit other tourist attractions in the city like Wat Phou Salao, one of the best viewpoints in Pakse, Wat Luang, a large temple complex located along the riverside with a stunning view of the Mekong River, and more.
Where to Stay in Pakse?
Getting from Pakse to Don Det
From Pakse to Don Det, there are several shuttle services you can take in the morning starting at 8 AM until 12 PM daily, and it should take about 3 hours before arriving at Nakasong for a ferry transfer to the island.
These routes are run by travel agencies or hotels, so you will have to catch the bus from their own designated pick-up area stated in the ticket. The ticket should cost about 10 USD and you can book it online here.
Day 13-14: Don Det (2 nights)
Last but not least, you can head over to Don Det, a quiet island located about 150 km south of Pakse. The island is located within the Si Phan Don archipelago, also known as the 4000 Islands, and it is a popular spot for backpackers who are looking to do nothing but chill by the Mekong River.
You can reach Don Det by taking a bus to Nakasong, which takes about 3 to 4 hours. From there, a short boat ride will take you to the island, with a total travel time of approximately 5 hours one way. Most hotels and hostels can help you arrange the bus ride. There are two departures daily, both in the morning: one at 7:10 AM and the other at 8:30 AM. The cost is around 170,000 LAK (7.9 USD).
A day trip isn't really feasible as it takes nearly a full day to get there, so I highly recommend staying overnight. There are plenty of local guesthouses and hostels on Don Det, so you'll have no trouble finding a place to stay.
During your visit, you can relax and embrace the slow pace of life by the river, rent a bike to explore the island, or visit Khon Phapheng Falls, the largest waterfall in Southeast Asia by water flow. Spend 2 days here before completing this Laos itinerary, and you can cross the border to Cambodia to visit Siem Reap and more.
Where to Stay in Don Det?
Getting out of Don Det
From Don Det, you can catch one of the many buses to Siem Reap, Cambodia to continue your journey across Southeast Asia. There are several shuttle services connecting the 2 places, costing about 30 USD and taking about 8 hours in total. You should be able to book the ticket online here.
When to Visit Laos?
The best time to visit Laos is from October to April when the weather is cool and less humid, making it great for outdoor activities and offering a high chance of a beautiful clear sky.
It can be extremely humid and hot outside from April to May, while the rest of the months can be rainy. However, that doesn't mean you can't visit Laos during these periods. The summer has some awesome festivals like Songkran, whereas the rainy season does bring down the temperature and makes it a bit more manageable to travel around.
How to Get to Laos?
From the US, you will first have to fly into Bangkok, one of the largest travel hubs in the region, via airlines like Qatar and Emirates. Then, you can take a low-cost flight to Luang Prabang via AirAsia (which takes about 1.25 hours).
From Europe, you also have to fly into Bangkok via airlines such as Emirates, Lufthansa, or KLM. From there, you can fly with AirAsia to Luang Prabang.
From Asia, there should be many options available from airlines like AirAsia or Lao Airlines that will take you from your home country to Luang Prabang in only a few hours.
To find a cheap flight to Laos, I would recommend that you use Skyscanner or Expedia to look for the cheapest route and schedule so you can compare and choose the best one.
How to Get Around Laos?
By Trains: Laos finally has its own high-speed train, thanks to China, making traveling around the country more accessible than ever before.
The high-speed train allows you to travel from Vientiane to Luang Prabang in 2 hours, whereas before, it would have taken 15+ hours due to the poor road condition and the mountainous geography of the north.
Taking the train is hands down the best way to travel around Laos, but there are a few caveats you should know about. For one, most of the train stations are located far away from the city, so you will have to organize a taxi beforehand.
Secondly, the train system has extremely strict security, almost airport-level. Since you can't load your luggage like on an airplane, items like aerosol or any kind of sprays are prohibited, and they will be thrown away. So, DO NOT PACK any aerosol or spray for this trip. You can leave it in Vientiane before you take a train to your accommodation if you wish to return to the city to fly out.
Since security is tight, you are expected to be at the train station at least an hour before departure in case of a long security line. They also check the ticket three times: once when you enter the station, another when you get on the train, and the last one when you exit the station. So, do not throw away your ticket once you have boarded the train unless you want to pay for it again upon exit.
Lastly, buying a train ticket in person as a foreigner is impossible at the moment, and the only way I found to reserve a train ticket online is via this travel agency. Make sure to book at least 24 hours ahead, as popular routes like Vientiane to Luang Prabang and vice versa get booked out fast.
Other than that, the train system here is way more efficient than I thought it would be. It is also much more comfortable than taking buses, with way more legroom, cleaner facilities, and air conditioning that actually works. It is definitely the best way to get around; just make sure you are aware of the caveats I mentioned above.
For the first half of this itinerary, you can rely on the high-speed train, but for Southern Laos, you will still have to rely on the good old buses to get to places like Savannakhet, Pakse, and Don Det.
By Bus: As mentioned earlier, the high-speed train doesn’t run throughout the country, so you’ll need to rely on good old buses and shuttle services to get around places like Savannakhet, Pakse, and Don Det. Thankfully, the roads and landscape here are not as mountainous as in Northern Laos, making the journey a bit more manageable.
You can often book buses online here, but in some cities, like Savannakhet, it’s best to buy your ticket directly at the bus station on the day of travel. Unless you’re traveling during long local holidays, you should have no trouble getting a ticket the same day.
By Tours: Although many things to do in Laos can be done without an organized tour, certain activities like kayaking, tubing, and hot air ballooning require you to book one to get access to the equipment. The best place to look for tours and day trips is Klook. You can also try sites like Viator and Getyourguide, but I found Klook to be the cheapest.
By Rental Cars: I would not recommend this as the roads in Laos are filled with potholes and are not in excellent condition. However, if you insist on renting your own car and driving, you can click the link below to see how much it would cost to rent one in Laos.
How Much Money Do I Need for 2 weeks in Laos?
From this 2-week itinerary, we can calculate approximately how much money you will be spending here (on average) as follows:
| 🛌 Lodging: | 140 USD (10 USD/Day) |
| 🥘 Food: | 126 USD (9 USD/Day) |
| 🚗 Car Rental: | 105 USD (7.5 USD/Day) |
| 🧗 Activities: | 25 USD (1.78 USD/Day) |
| 💰 Total Budget: | 396 USD (28.28 USD/Day) |
Is it Safe in Laos?
From my experiences, Laos is very safe for tourists to travel around. People are very friendly, and I didn't experience anything unusual throughout my trip here.
That said, it is always a good idea to exercise caution by not leaving your belongings unattended, especially when in crowded places like a market, and ALWAYS keep an eye out for your belongings at all times.
Keep your hands in your pockets when entering or exiting crowded places to secure your phone and wallet. Other than that, you should be perfectly fine traveling around Laos independently.
Internet in Laos
There are 4 major carriers in Laos: Unitel, Laotel, Tplus, and ETL which offer prepaid sim cards tourists can buy while traveling in Laos. That said, if you are looking for a more convenient way, I highly recommend you look into getting eSIMs instead, which is something that you can buy prior to your arrival in Laos.
If you have a smartphone that supports eSIMs, I highly recommend you take a look at these eSIMs. The setup is fast and instant, and you can buy it before your trip, so you don't have to scramble to get one at the airport after a long flight. The data speed is pretty reliable in most cases with LTE speed in big cities, although it can sometimes struggle the further away in remote areas you travel.
For more information on eSIMs in Laos, click here: Check Laos' Available eSIM.
What to Pack for Laos
As you may already know, I am an advocate of light traveling, and indeed, packing light for a journey like this is a unique art form. Here are some packing tips for your upcoming trip to Laos:
- Walking/Hiking Shoes: With all the walking and possible hiking during your travel, a comfortable pair of shoes is a must. I recommend the Timberland 3-Eye Classic Boat Shoes that are my go-to pair for long strolls and hikes.
- Breathable Shirts: Given the potential for hot weather, pack a few breathable shirts for your outdoor adventures.
- Shorts/Jeans: Anticipate lots of walking during your travels? Be sure to pack some breathable shorts and a pair of Levi's jeans for when the weather cools. For women, leggings are excellent for both hot and cold climates, so consider packing some as well.
- Outer Shell Jacket: An outer shell jacket is great for windy or rainy conditions. I highly recommend the Columbia Watertight Jacket (for women). It's lightweight, breathable, and even comes in a cool orange color.
- Microfiber Towel: A Microfiber towel is the ideal backpacker's towel due to its lightness, quick drying, and compressibility.
- Swim Suits: A swim trunk is a must-pack item if you are planning to visit Laos in the summer, just in case there is a body of water you can jump in.
- Camera: You should also pack a good camera for your trip so that you can capture all the beautiful experiences you might have. I recommend the Sony a7R V camera together with the Sony 24-70mm f2.8 GM II lens, which is probably the highest-performance camera and lens combination you can get right now.
- Power Bank: Keep your electronics charged on the go with a 20,000+ mAh Power Bank.
- Water Bottle: The Hydro Flask Trail Water Bottle is a great insulated water bottle to have with you in cities or on hiking trails. It is lightweight and can keep your water cold or warm for more than 12 hours. It's a total game-changer.
- Universal Adapter: You'll need just one universal adapter to plug in your electronics in any country you visit.
- Packing Cubes: Packing Cubes will help you save space in your backpack and keep all your belongings organized.
- Daypack: The Langly Alpha Globetrotter is my go-to everyday camera backpack. It's large enough to carry all my travel gear, and it comes with plenty of slots and pouches. Plus, it's stylish as hell!
- Large Backpack: You will need a large backpack to carry all of your stuff. I recommend the Osprey Atmos AG 65L backpack. With excellent weight distribution and a lifetime guarantee, you can't go wrong with Osprey.
For more information on what I pack in my backpack for this trip, check out: My Packing List: 60 Travel Essentials.
Further Reading for Laos
Looking for more information for your trip to Laos? Here are a selection of articles that might help you with your trip planning:
- For a complete Laos backpacking itinerary, check out: 7 Days Backpacking Laos Itinerary By Train.
- Looking for a complete travel guide to Southeast Asia? You should check out our 3-Month Backpacking Itinerary for Southeast Asia.
- Looking to spend some time in Vientiane, the capital city of Laos? Be sure to check out: 10 Best Things to Do in Vientiane.
- Vang Vieng, the adventure hub of Laos, has much to offer to those seeking adrenaline-rush activities. Here are the 10 Best Things to Do in Vang Vieng.
- Luang Prabang is my favorite city in Laos and is a place not to be missed. Here are the 12 Best Things to Do in Luang Prabang.
- Want to visit Southern Laos? Pakse is a great base for exploring the natural and historical wonders of Champasak Province. For a complete guide to Pakse, check out: Exploring Pakse: 10 Best Things to Do and More.
- Want to go off the beaten path in Laos? How about visiting Savannakhet, a city in Southern Laos full of beautiful french colonial buildings and more. Here's a complete travel guide: Explore Savannakhet: 10 Best Things to Do & More.
- Want to travel from Thailand to Vientiane, Laos? Check this guide out: How to Get From Thailand to Vientiane, Laos & Vice Versa.
- Looking to cross the border from Thailand to Pakse in Southern Laos? Check out: How to Get From Bangkok/Ubon Ratchathani to Pakse, Laos, and Vice Versa.
- Want to cross the border from Mukdahan to Savannakhet in Laos and vice versa? Check out: How to Get From Bangkok/Mukdahan to Savannakhet, Laos & Vice Versa.
- Packing for a trip to visit a place as big as Southeast Asia is extremely daunting. Here's a packing guide to help you: What to Pack for Southeast Asia - The Essential Packing List.
- Not convinced by my words about Southeast Asia? Here are 64 photos that will inspire you to visit Southeast Asia now.
- You can also watch my travel video about Southeast Asia here: Watch the "Asia Alive" travel video.
- You can see all my Laos-related articles on my Laos Travel Guide page.
- For more Southeast Asia-related articles, check out my Southeast Asia Travel Guide page.
- For more of my travel guides like this, visit my Destinations page.
Now that we have all the information we need, it's time to start planning your trip! Here are some resources to help you get going:
Are you planning to travel independently? Be sure to check out my guide on How To Plan A Backpacking Trip here.
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links.