Looking for the perfect 2 week Laos itinerary? After spending a month in Laos, I put together an itinerary in Laos making the most of your time and covering the whole country.
Is Laos worth visiting? Laos is a gem that gets skipped a lot by the backpacker traveling through Southeast Asia because it’s not on the banana pancake trail.
Why visit Laos? Filled with incredible waterfalls, scenic mountains and plenty of outdoor activities you won’t run out of things to do in Laos as you explore this untouched country. With an open mind and time backpacking in Laos is one of the most rewarding Southeast Asian destinations.
How long to spend in Laos? 2 weeks in Laos allows you to experience all of the highlights and gets you off-the-beaten path.
This Laos 2 week itineraryis perfect for travelers who want to experience the country at a slower pace and experience parts of Laos that most visitors pass by.
For the purpose of this article, this backpacking Laos travel route will start in the North and end in the South.
For full transparency, I have sprinkled some affiliate links in this post. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases that gives me a small commission at no extra cost to you if you decided to make a purchase. As always, I would never recommend a product or service that I didn't truely believe in. All proceeds go to keep Jess traveling and coffee ☕️. I thank you in advance.
Itinerary for Laos
- 4 DAYS: Luang Prabang
- 3 DAYS: Vang Vieng
- 2 DAYS: Vientiane
- 2 DAYS: Pakse
- 3 DAYS: 4,000 Islands
When to Go to laos
Rainy season is during the summer months May through September. This means that it pours rain every day for at least a couple hours. Laos isn’t as developed as other countries so this makes things very muddy.
If you like to wear white and prefer to stay clean I would opt out of traveling here during the rainy season.
November to February are nice months to travel but will cold at night in the mountains.
March and April are the warmest months.
Before you travel to Laos
- Get a Laos visa ahead of time
- Laotian KIP is the currency of Laos. 8,000 KIP is about 1 USD. ATM’s are easy to find in Laos except in the 4,000 Islands in south so plan accordingly.
- Lao is the official language of Laos but it won’t be too difficult to find English speaking locals.
- Much like the rest of Southeast Asia, celebrations are a mix of tradition, religion, and fun. One of the biggest is Lao New Year or Pi Mai Lao. It’s celebrated all over Laos mid-April. Bun Pha Wet takes place at local monasteries through Decemeber or January. Live bands will play in larger cities.
Day1: Arrive Luang Prabang
Luang Prabang is Lao’s first UNESCO world heritage site and the culture capital of Laos. Besides the preserved architecture, historic temples and the infamous Kuang Si Falls there’s much to see and do in this city or shall I say “small” town.
Luang Prabang sits on a peninsula where the Mekong river and Nam Khan rivers meet. Most places are walkable especially if you stay in the old town area.
Where to Stay in Luang Prabang
I stayed at the My Dream Boutique Resort. The location was great located on the river. The balcony in our room sealed the deal, it was a perfect place to watch the sunset. For a bigger list of where to stay,
Luang Prabang Housing Guide: Best Places to Stay in Luang Prabang
Days 2-3: 2 days in Luang Prabang
The main sites and attractions of Luang Prabang are in close proximity to each other which makes it possible to explore Luang Prabang in a couple days. Plus Luang Prabang is such a laid back place you’ll spend your mornings exploring and your evenings relaxing by the river.
These are the top things to do in Luang Prabang.
Kuang Si Falls
Take a tip to see the famous Kuang Si Falls, a highlight on any Laos itinerary. The powerful waterfalls are located just 45 minutes outside of Luang Prabang.
The tiered waterfalls are hidden in the jungle and cascade down each level creating natural infinity pools. You can easily spend the day here swimming in pools, jumping off trees, and pretending to be Jane or Tarzan.
Explore the Night Market
The night market is open from 4 pm to 10 pm and is not like most markets you will find in South east Asia. This market is filled with hand woven linens, jewelry, and other hand crafts making it more authentic and one of my favorites in Asia. Although the tourists still outnumber the locals, it still as a genuine feel.
royal palace musuem
Once an official residence of the Lao royal family. Today, it’s a museum to Laos culture and history of Laos’ past and present. The Royal Palace Museum is in the center of Luang Prabang and probably walking distance from your hotel.
Give Alms to the Monks
This is a MUST DO on any Laos travel itinerary. Rise early at 5 am to give alms to the monks that start their daily walks through the streets at 5:30.
You’ll need to buy fresh sticky rice the morning of or have an offering of candy. The reception at my hotel provided us with bowls to put our rice in and invited us to kneel next to him in preparation for the alms.
The monks will walk by with their alms bowls open and you’ll put your offerings inside. This was one of the most rewarding experiences I had my whole time traveling through Laos. As long as you show respect this is something that I would NOT miss on this Laos itinerary.
morning market
The morning market is where the locals buy their everyday items like produce, fish and chicken. You must also rise early for this one, the market opens around 5:30 or 6 am. Come here after the alms procession. Here you’ll be able to try some Laos street food.
Enjoy Utopia ↑
Zen by day, Groovy by night’ is Utopias motto and the perfect way to describe it. Not only does the food menu have a wide variety, including many vegetarian options but its also delicious!!
Read a book, play some cards, or sip a hand crafted cocktail as you lounge on the deck and watch the Nam Khan River flow by.
Utopia embodies the Lao saying of PDR – ‘Please don’t Rush’. It even offers yoga at sunrise and sunset. Check out there website here.
luang prabang old town
Old Town is where you’ll find yourself most evenings. Filled with riverfront restaurants, cafes and restored buildings, it’s a perfect place to relax, sip a glass of wine and people watch as you settle into the slower pace that Laos has to offer.
Luang Prabang, Laos Travel Guides
Day 4: explore luang prabang countryside
Arrange bus transportation to VangVieng for tomorrow morning. Tickets will cost around 120,000 Kip per person and can be arranged with the reception at your hotel or you can book again below. It’s about a 5 to 6 hour drive depending on road conditions.
Rent a Scoopi ↑
A scoop is basically a moped. Explore the surrounding area. Relax by the pool. Enjoy a happy hour. Sounds like the perfect day to me.
Travel Tip: If you have dreams of exploring Laos by motorbike (like I had) then you should rent a motorbike for the whole 2 weeks of traveling through Laos. Having your own motorbike gives you ultimate freedom to explore all of Laos undiscovered places. Plus you won’t have to deal with the dreaded buses.
Day 5: Arrive in Vang Vieng
Arrive early afternoon. The only way to get to Vang Vieng is by bus or with your own motorbike.
Once a backpacker party hotspot, Vang Vieng has since calmed down and has rebranded itself as an outdoor & adventure town. Vang Vieng’s biggest lure is the stunning limestone mountains, creating some of the best views in Laos.
This was my favorite place I traveled to in Laos and a town I would not miss.
Where to Stay in Vang Vieng
Vang Vieng is a much smaller town than Luang Prabang and you’ll be able to walk everywhere. There are many hostels, guesthouses and hotels to choose from. We stayed at the Riverside Boutique Resort. I could have stayed here all day and laid by the pool 🧉! For a bigger list of where to stay
Vang Vieng Housing Guide: Best Hotels in Vang Vieng
Days 6-7: Experience vang vieng
I mentioned earlier that Vang Vieng is an outdoor enthusiasts dream. There are tons of activities to get your blood pumping over the next couple days. Here are the top things to do in Vang Vieng.
tubing
Go tubing down the Nam Song River. This is the main reason backpackers flock here. You rent a tube for the day that cost 60,000 Kip. You then float down the river and locals will lasso you and pull you into their bar. How fun is that?!?!
This activity is usually paired with the blue lagoon.
blue lagoon
rent a moped or dune buggy
The landscape in Vang Vieng is breath taking. I traveled to Laos during the rainy season so it was much more fun to explore the area in a Dune Buggy because of all the mud it was easier to be on 4 wheels. Theres i a 24 kilometer loop that has 4 different viewpoints to stop at and go for a hike.
*Note it does cost to go to these viewpoints 5,000 Kip per person.
hiking
The viewpoints that I mentioned above are reached by climbing up the fairly steep limestone mountains. It rained every day of the week that we were here and this made the trails very muddy.
If you only have 2 weeks on your Laos itinerary and hiking is a top priority make sure you come here during dry season.
caving
The most enjoyable cave is Pho Thao. The cave is full of stalagmites and stalactites and you can explore it for over a mile. There will be times that you’ll be in water up to chest deep so make sure you wear clothes that will be comfortable in the water. A dry bag is necessary to keep your belongings dry.
rock climbing
The limestone mountains that encompass Vang Vieng are perfect for rock climbing. Take a full or half day tour to get your adrenaline pumping.
mountain biking
One of my favorite ways to explore an area is by bike and if you like life in the fast lane, mountain biking in Vang Vieng is a great way to view the town and burn a few calories.
On day 7 make sure you arrange for transportation to travel to Vientiene tomorrow with your hotel or prebook here. It cost about $10 and is a 3 hour drive. Buses are frequent, leave in the afternoon so you have one more night in Vang Vieng.
Spend your last night at one of the lively bars in town. My favorite was the Moon Bar because it has a pool table, a friendly staff, and good music. There is also a ‘happy’ menu if you desire.
Read Next: Best Restaurants & Bars in Vang Vieng
Day 8: arrive vientiane
Where to Stay in vientiane
Barn1920’s Hostel
The Barn1920’s Hostel has a friendly atmosphere, great place to meet fellow travelers. Located near the night market and its clean and comfortable.
Moonlight Champa
The Moonlight Champa is in a great location and walking distance to most things to do in Vietiane. It serves a great breakfast and is cost effective.
Bloom Boutique Hotel & Cafe
The Bloom Boutique Hotel & Cafe is located in the center of Vientiane. The hotel itself is colonial and has elegant interior. It is near the night market. Lots of street food and restaurants are also located near by.
Vayakorn Inn
The Vayakorn Inn is walking distance to shops, restaurants, the night market and the river. Located in a quiet area with no street noise.
VKS Hotel
The VKS Hotel is clean and comfortable located near an abundance of street vendors and restaurants.
Settha Palace Hotel
Another gem located in the city center of Vientiane is the Settha Palace Hotel. This is a family run boutique hotel complete with an outdoor pool, fitness center, and spa. If you’re looking for a place with big enjoyable pool, this is the place for you.
Green Park Boutique Hotel
The Green Park Boutique Hotel has an outdoor pool and fitness center. A comfortable and upscale place to stay on the 2 weeks in Laos itinerary.
Top Things to do in Vientiane
On this 2 weeks Laos itinerary you don’t spend much time in the capitol because I it’s allowing you to get more off-the-beaten path. Here are the highlights of visiting Vientiane.
Buddha Park
This quirky attraction is a collection of massive concrete sculptures. The sculptors range from humans, animals, gods and even demons and some may seem a bit bizarre. The cheapest way to get to the park is on the #14 bus from Vientiane’s central bus station. It runs every 15 minutes and cost 6000Kip.
Take the night bus to Pakse. This will save you a night on accommodation but I warn you it will NOT be the best nights sleep.
COPE Visitor Centre
The COPE Visitor Center, which is partly a museum, but also provides insight into the work that COPE does in Laos.
The country of Laos has many unexploded cluster bombs from the Vietnam war that are still causing injuries throughout the country. COPE is an organization that is attempting to find and defuse all of the bombs as well as provide medical attention and supplies to those that get injured. This is a top visit when exploring this area.
Great Sacred Stupa (Pha That Luang)
An iconic site in Vientiane and a symbol of Laos Country. This Impressive “golden Stupa” It is an important place for Buddhists to visit and once a year there is a big gathering of monks coming from all over.
Wat Si Saket
If you just go to one temple during your visit to Vientiane, Wat Sisaket should be among the top picks. The temple and the museum have an amazing collection of Buddhist artefacts and statues. Come here to enjoy the peace and tranquillity of this beautiful place.
Day 10: arrive in pakse about 9 am
Recoup and take a nap after that wild night bus journey you just completed.
Also arrange transportation for the day after tomorrow to head to 4,000 islands. It will cost 55,000-65,000 Kip including a ferry ticket to Don Det.
where to stay in pakse
Salachampa Hotel
Located in the center of Pakse, Salachampa Hotel offers simply furnished rooms and the convenience of an on-site restaurant. Staying here includes services like luggage storage and laundry. Rooms start at $20 a night.
Tad Fane Resort
Located walking distance to the Tad Fane Waterfall is the Tad Fane Resort. The rooms are basic but you if you’re looking for a retreat in nature this is the spot for you. Every room comes with a balcony and A/C.
Tad Lo Resort
The Tad Lo Resort has an amazing location on riverside. It’s about a 5 min walk to Tad Lo waterfall.
Champasak Grand Hotel
The Champasak Grand Hotel has large spacious rooms that are tastefully decorated. Located 15 minutes away from the airport. Spa, fitness center and a large outdoor pool.
La Jardin Hotel
The La Jardin Hotel has a quiet but central location. Comfortable beds and an outdoor pool.
Day 11: explore the bolaven plateau by moped
The Bolaven Plateau usually gets skipped on a typical Laos itinerary and people are missing out. There are many waterfalls clustered together located 45 minutes to an hour outside of Pakse.
top things to do in pakse
Tad Fane Waterfall
Tad Fane is the first waterfall you will visit. Two waterfalls cascading down and the most popular waterfall in Southern Laos and reminds me of a scene straight out of Jurassic Park. The Tad Fane Restort is located here if you want to stay in the action. The rooms are basic but come with a balcony and A/C.
Tad Yuang Waterfall
Keep journeying and check out a coffee and tea plantation. Koffie’s Coffee touris a unique, highly informative tour with an overload of information about coffee growing, harvesting, processing and quality of coffee around the world. If you’re willing to splurge on a experience go zip lining and drink coffee above a waterfall. Bucketlist Goals thats all I have to say.
Bolaven Plateau Travel Guide: The Bolaven Plateau in 1 Day
Day 12 – 13: Don dot
The journey from Pakse to Don Det takes a couple hours. Located on a peninsula in the delta of the Mekong and Nam Song River, Don Det is small and easy going.
Where to stay in Don Det
At this point we were ready for some R&R so we stayed at the nicest resort on Don Det, the Little Eden Guesthouse and Resort. A beautiful resort with a deck right on the water than offers the best sunset views on the island. This 3 star resort feels like 5 stars. It’s the only guesthouse on Don Det that has its own pool and it included breakfast.
This was my favorite place that I stayed during my time in Laos and my definition of budget luxury as we didn’t pay more than $30 a night. A must stay on this 2 week Laos itinerary.
For a bigger and more detailed guide on where to stay
Don Det Housing Guide: Where to Stay on Don Det
Top things to do in Don Det
There’s not much to do on Don Det then sit back, relax and completely unplug. Here are a few of the top things to do in Don Det.
bike to don khon
It costs10,000 Kip to rent a bike. Explore Don Det and ride across the island to the bridge that connects you to Don Khon. Take your time and enjoy the rice fields and all the animals you see along the way. You’ll be on your own self guided Laos safari.
I saw water buffalo, cows, goats, dogs, chickens and cats along the way. After all that biking you’ll be ready for a dip in the pool and an iced cold beer. If you’re not staying at Little Eden, you can pay 20,000 to use their pool for the day.
SEE THE IRRAWAddY DOLPHINS
These dolphins only 2 places in Southeast Asia and are almost extinct with there being less than 100 left. Take a tour and see these cuties in person. Lunch at Mama’s, the homemade hummus and the curry baguette are something to write home about.
enjoy yet another sunset
I mean enough said.
KHONE PHAPHENG FALLS
Khone Phapheng Falls is the largest waterfall (by volume) in South East Asia and an epic place to visit in Laos. There is a viewpoint that provides great views of the falls below.
Read Next: 4,000 Islands Travel Guide
Anything you would add to this 2 week Laos itinerary? Let me know in the comments below.
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This looks like an amazing trip! Love the hotel suggestions for all ranges! The Bloaven Plateau looks like a cool place to check out!
Laos was an unexpected adventure. The Bolaven Plateau was filled with amazing waterfalls and the best part was that we didn’t plan on going there and ended up there on accident.
This is definitely an away-from-the-city kind of trip. I am curious about making these kinds of trips, being in touch with nature, but for now, we prefer to be heading to cities with the kids.
Yes it definitely took time and effort to get to. I couldn’t even image with kids. Much respect for all you parents out there.
Laos is not really on top of my travel bucketlist although lately I’ve been seeing a lot of wonderful photos of Laos and it makes me want to visit Laos asap, reading this itinerary made me feel like I was also there, thanks for sharing this
Yes Laos was unexpected and took a bit more effort to get to. Glad you enjoyed. Thanks for reading.
Oh my goodness this looks like it would be absolutely amazing. I would love to take a trip like this. Thanks so much for sharing with us!
Your welcome. I think everyone should make a trip to Hawaii at some point in there lives. 🙂
It was quite a journey, unexpected and took more effort than most but I live for adventure!
Thank you so much for this detail guide Jess, I’ve been thinking a lot about visiting Laos, I did not know it was so affordable. Now to convince my husband to come with me.
Haha good luck. Yes Laos is very affordable but takes more time to travel around since the roads arent that good yet. So plan to slow down big time!
this trip looks amazing and the breakdown of what to do each day is so incredibly helpful! I’m all about the food and I can only imagine how good it must have been.
Glad you thought it was helpful and as always the food was great!!
such a great way to explore and know the place. i agree that in enjoying the most of the trip, a week or two is best.
Ya, I feel like you really get a sense of the culture and you get a chance to check out some places that arent as touristy giving you more insight to that country.
The details are really helpful. I must thank you for the in depth research of the laos itinerary.
Thanks for the wonderful post.
Thanks for reading!
I am thinking of visiting Laos next year and your post gives me a fascinating insight about this country and what to do there. It’s just amazing to visit to these exotic places and immerse in all these. Thank you.
Awesome, its a bit more difficult to get to and navigate but nice to explore a place that is less popular, it gives you the feeling of being more authentic.
This place looks heavenly. I loved the catchy photo gallery. You’ve created unforgettable memories and tempted many others to follow your steps.
I can only image what my photos would look like if I traveled here during dry season instead of monsoon season!
My goodness! What a beautiful place! I’d like to see Laos.
I’ve never really thought of Laos, but you’ve just opened my eyes. Thank you.
I never had thought of it either. It definitely wasn’t as easy to get to and navigate as its neighbors in south east Asia but I’m all about the adventure and enjoy that part of travel.
Wow this itinerary looks fantastic! What a fun and adventurous trip you had. I wish I were there!
It was one of my top adventures to date!
Amazing travel guide!
I’ve been to Laos once but I only visited Vientian and Luang Prabang. Thanks to your detailed guide, I will take time to return to Laos and visit other awesome destinations.
Thank you. I spent a month traveling through Laos last summer, beautiful country, untouched and the nicest people.
Great guide, very comprehensive. Loved the photos as well. Hopefully once the borders are open again people will be coming back to Laos to do this.
Yes I can’t wait until the borders are opened again and we can all get back to exploring the far parts of the world! I really enjoyed Laos and the people.