The Perfect 1 Week Laos Itinerary
Laos is a country filled with adventure, from its secret turquoise lagoons and massive limestone mountains to its unexplored karsts and the Mekong River. Planning a trip to this hidden gem and wondering how to make the most of your 1 week? In this guide, I will outline the perfect 7-day Laos itinerary to ensure you capture all the country has to offer.
You can reverse the itinerary or add/subtract days depending on your interests, but this can serve as the perfect outline for your trip.
Find an in-depth Laos travel guide here that includes tips and tricks for traveling around the country.
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1 week Laos itinerary
Day 1: Fly into Vientiane
As the national capital, it only makes sense to have Vientiane as your first stop during your 1 week Laos itinerary. Vientiane is a walkable city, making it easy to get around. I have created the perfect walking path for you to capture all the capital’s highlights most efficiently.
You can, of course, choose to travel the path by bicycle, motorbike, or taxi, but I recommend going by foot to fully take in your surroundings.
Pro Tip: You will be visiting Temples and National Landmarks that require modest clothing. Be sure to have your knees, shoulders, and mid-sections covered.
Vientiane Walking Path Highlights…
Ho Phrakeo Museum
The entrance fee to this temple museum is 30,000 Kip. No photos or videos are allowed once you are inside the temple. This is stop “C” on the map above.
COPE Visitor Center
This museum tells the story of Laotian experiences during the Vietnam War and the lasting impacts it still has on their lives today. Many artifacts, including prosthetics and “bombies,” as well as short documentaries, are displayed throughout. This is a must-visit during your time in Vientiane.
This is stop “E” on the map above.
Patuxay - Victory Monument
Arguably the most iconic monument in Vientiane, this historical landmark commemorates the country’s struggle for independence from France. Entrance fee: 30,000 Kip to climb to the top of the Arc. This is stop “H” on the map above.
Click here for a more in-depth 1-day itinerary of Vientiane!
Days 2-4: Venture To Vang Vieng
Vang Vieng is a small town in Laos located on the Nam Song River. The train ride from Vientiane to Vang Vieng takes around 1 hour. You can also opt for a 1.5-hour shared van, taxi, or bus.
Highlights of Vang Vieng…
1. Climb up a viewpoint to get lost in Vang Vieng’s breathtaking beauty of limestone mountains…
2. Discovering a cave stretching for miles upon miles…
3. Splashing into a Blue Lagoon….
4. Taking in the views from simply driving your motorbike around will leave you in awe…
Click here for more information on how to spend your 3 days in Vang Vieng!
Days 5-7: Travel To Luang Prabang
Nestled between the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers is Luang Prabang, a charming province in northern Laos. The train ride from Vang Vieng to Luang Prabang is 1 hour. You can also opt for a 5-hour taxi, shared van, or bus ride.
This UNESCO World Heritage town is rich in history, temples, nature, and colonial-era architecture. Click here for more information on the best things to do in Luang Prabang!
Click here for a more detailed Luang Prabang itinerary!
Pro Travel Tip: Laos is quite cheap to travel through, making it the perfect place to explore on a budget. Entrance fees to hikes, caves, temples, and other attractions are usually under $5. It is easy to find cheap accommodation—we stayed in nice places for around $15-20 per night. The average meal at a restaurant costs around $2-10, with local dishes being on the lower end and Western dishes on the higher end (this varies greatly depending on location and food type).
General Information: LAOS
Where to Stay:
Vientiane: I recommend staying in Watchan, Ban Haysoke, or Ban Anou. Each of these areas is centrally located, making it easy to access food, hotels, and all of the top places to explore.
Best Accommodation Options For Every Traveler:
Best Backpacker/Hostel Option: Dream Home Hostel
Best Low-Budget: Sinakhone Vientiane Hotel
Best Mid-Budget: New Champa Boutique Hotel or Chanthapanya Hotel
Best Luxury: Lao Poet Hotel
Vang Vieng: The downtown area of Vang Vieng is quite small, so staying anywhere on either side of the river is fine. I loved where I stayed: Downtown Vang Vieng Hotel.
Best Accommodation Options For Every Traveler:
Best Backpacker/Hostel Option: Downtown Vang Vieng Hotel
Best Low-Budget: Confetti Garden Resort
Best Mid-Budget: Sansan Resort
Best Luxury: Riverside Boutique Resort, Vang Vieng
Luang Prabang: If you plan to walk everywhere, I recommend staying in or near the historic district. There are some lovely options available along the Nam Khan River as well. Being short on time, the closer you are to the historical center, the better.
Best Accommodation Options For Every Traveler:
Best Backpacker/Hostel Option: Chitlatda Bila House
Best Low-Budget: Luang Prabang Villa Sirikili River View
Best Mid-Budget: Chaluenxay Boutique Hotel
Best Luxury: 3 Nagas Luang Prabang - MGallery Hotel Collection
Best Time to Visit:
November - March
How to Get to Laos:
Flying: You can fly right into Luang Prabang International Airport, located around 4 km from the historical city center of LP. An additional airport in Vientiane, Wattay International Airport, is around 3 km from its city center.
Slow Boat: (Chiang Mai/Rai to Luang Prabang) The slow boat trip takes around three days and docks in Luang Prabang. You travel by boat for 12+ hours per day and make two overnight stops in Huay Xai, Chiang Khong, or Pak Beng. I have not done this myself.
Bus / Shared Minivan: You can also book one of these options depending on your destination (Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam). This is a much longer form of travel but can be great for those on a backpacker budget. For more information on these, I recommend checking out 12GoAsia.
How to Get Around:
Train: Already in Laos? The Laos-China railway is an excellent option for simple travel throughout Laos and was my mode of transport between places. For more information on schedules and pricing click here!
Other Options: Taxi, Shared Van, or Bus. Check your hotel or hostel for more information on these. There are some options on Get Your Guide as well.
Best Modes of Transport in Each Place:
Vientiane: By foot
Vang Vieng: By motorbike or ATV
Luang Prabang: By foot
Vegan Food Options:
Vientiane: Coco & Co | Suzette | Annabelle | Senglao Cafe
Vang Vieng: Happy Mango | Kiwi Kitchen | Vela Cafe & Restaurant | Naked Espresso
Luang Prabang: Saffron Coffee| Two Little Birds Cafe | Bamboo Garden | Dyen Sabai | Yuni Yupoun
