Are you planning a trip to Laos but unsure where to go or which route to take?! Look no further – we’ve got you covered with this 30-day Laos itinerary!
This Laos backpacking route takes you all over the country, from the tree-lined streets of Luang Prabang to the far northern highlands and right down to the very south… with loads of incredible places in between!
Short on time? No problem! You can easily adapt this Laos itinerary into a 3-week, 2-week or even a 1-week adventure. Scroll down to explore the best backpacking routes through Laos and get planning your trip today!
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- Laos Backpacking Guide
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- Laos Budget Guide – How Much Does it Cost to Travel Laos?
The Best Laos Backpacking Route
Sandwiched between five other countries, Laos is commonly visited by those following the classic Banana Pancake Trail through Asia. Although well-trodden and popular for many reasons, this route tends to miss out some of the most exciting areas of Laos! The stops along this trail are all in central Laos, which means that the wild north and the laid-back south are often bypassed – and what a shame that is!
To help you get the most out of your trip to Southeast Asia’s only landlocked country, we’ve used our experience to help you get off the beaten tourist trail and explore more of what this fascinating country has to offer!
Where to Begin Your Trip to Laos? 🤔
Where you begin your journey through Laos depends on where you’re coming from. Whether you’re entering from Cambodia, China, Myanmar, Thailand or Vietnam, this itinerary can be adapted to suit any direction of travel. The most popular entry route into Laos is along the Mekong River via the famous two-day slow boat – a backpacker rite of passage! This epic journey will take you from Chiang Khong in Thailand, across the border into Huay Xai, and down to Luang Prabang.
👉 Read More: How to Get to Chiang Khong
💡Top Tip: If you’re not too fussed about riding the slow boat into Laos, then a good alternative start point is Luang Namtha, as from here you can travel north to south without having to go back on yourself too often. You can travel to Luang Namtha easily from Huay Xai or straight from Chiang Rai in Thailand, Sapa or Hanoi in Vietnam, and even some parts of China!
For the purpose of this itinerary, we’ll be starting from the Lao/Thai border town of Huay Xai!
30-Day Laos Itinerary!
🛥️ Days 1-2: Huay Xai – Pak Beng – Luang Prabang
You’ve crossed the border from Chiang Khong to Huay Xai and now your Laos itinerary begins! Huay Xai is a small town, nestled on the banks of the Mekong. It’s where you’ll catch the slow boat for the two-day ride to Luang Prabang, stopping off at Pak Beng overnight before continuing to Luang Prabang the following morning.
Recommended Accommodation in Huay Xai: 1 Min to Slow Boat Guest House
Recommended Accommodation in Pak Beng: The Sanctuary
If you’re willing to juggle your Laos itinerary around a little and have an extra day or two in Huay Xai before your slow boat, consider visiting the Gibbon Experience for an epic adventure of trekking, zip lining and the world’s tallest treehouses!
🏘️ Days 3-4: Luang Prabang
Recommended Accommodation in Luang Prabang: La Casa Nostra
Luang Prabang is a beautifully quaint riverside town, with plenty of things to see and do from delicious restaurants to bustling markets, it is the perfect place to spend a couple of days (or more) after your long boat journey! It’s a popular place and as a result, can feel a little touristy, but I advise you to the most of it – there’s a lot more choice (food/accommodation/transport etc.) here than in some of Laos’ other towns!
While in Luang Prabang, don’t miss:
- Kuang Si Falls and Tat Kuang Si Bear Rescue Centre: You’ve heard the stories, you’ve seen the pictures, now it’s time to see the epic Kuang Si Falls for yourself! Either hire a motorbike or tuk tuk to get there or, if you’re feeling active, why not try this jungle trek to the falls!
- Climb Mt Phousi: Right in the centre of Old Town, Mt. Phousi offers stunning views of Luang Prabang and the surrounding countryside. Climb it in the evening to catch the sunset!
- Visit the Night Market: Grab a cheap bite to eat or some fun souvenirs at Luang Prabang’s famous night market!
- Alms Giving Ceremony: Lacking the authenticity of alms giving in other parts of Southeast Asia, Luang Prabang’s ceremony feels like it’s lost its traditional meaning and is a way for local vendors to make money from tourists. Still, the monks have to eat, so any donations are welcome!
- Take a Cooking Class: Tamarind Restaurant and Cooking School put on some amazing Lao cooking classes – impress your family and friends with your newfound skills when you return home!
🥾 Days 5-7: Luang Namtha
Recommended Accommodation in Luang Namtha: Zuela Guesthouse
Take the 8-9 hour minivan from Luang Prabang to Luang Namtha. It’s a slog but you’ll appreciate the effort when you arrive in the sleepy town, not far from the Chinese border. Renowned for its eco jungle trekking, Luang Namtha is a hotspot among travellers wanting to experience the wilds of Northern Laos.
💡 Top Tip: If you didn’t arrive in Laos via the slow boat and/or have some more time on your hands, you could instead take the two-day boat trip up the Mekong from Luang Prabang to Huay Xai, where you can hop on a bus to Luang Namtha!
While in Luang Namtha, don’t miss:
- Eco-Trekking: On the edge of the Nam Ha National Protected Area, Luang Namtha is a hotspot for jungle trekking! There is a big focus on conserving the natural wilderness and the cultural heritage in this area, and this has seen many eco-conscious companies setting up shop offering all kinds of tour packages! You can do anything from visiting ethnic minority villages to kayaking down the river and spending the night in the jungle!
“We would definitely recommend an overnight trek for the unique experience of spending the night in a remote hill-tribe village, or even camping in the heart of the jungle! The Hiker also offer awesome off-the-beaten-track kayaking and trekking adventures in Nam Ha National Park.”
Will and Ellie, South East Asia Backpacker Contributors
⛰️ Days 8-10: Nong Khiaw
Recommended Accommodation in Nong Khiaw: Meexok and Amanda
From Luang Namtha, take the direct bus to Nong Khiaw – the journey can take anywhere from 5-8 hours depending on how ‘Colin McRae’ your driver is feeling on the day. Much like the last bus journey, this one can feel a little arduous but it’s the last long bumpy journey you’ll need to make in Northern Laos! Keep in mind that even if you get the ‘direct bus’, you may need to swap vehicles in the town of Pak Mong before reaching Nong Khiaw.
Set along the Nam Ou River, Nong Khiaw is hailed as one of the most scenic towns in Northern Laos. Not only does it act as a great place to break up the journey from Luang Namtha, it also has plenty of things to do and you’ll find it easy to fill your days!
While in Nong Khiaw, don’t miss:
- Viewpoints: Nong Khiaw is surrounded in all directions by massive, towering cliffs. There are amazing viewpoints on or near almost every peak you can see from town. Some are easier to reach than others but all offer astounding views!
- Sleep on Top of a Mountain: It’s possible to camp at a few of the viewpoints too. By staying overnight, you’ll get to see the sunset, witness the incredible night sky with almost zero light pollution and see the sun rise again the following morning. It can be cold but the views are well worth the chilly night!
- Caves: There are several caves in and around Nong Khiaw. Many were used by villagers to shelter from American bombing raids during the Vietnam War and offer a fascinating, if not depressing, look at local life at the time.
- Relax: Nong Khiaw is one of those towns that begs you to slow down and relax for a day or two. Don’t resist the pull of a lazy day, travel doesn’t have to be flat-out all the time!
🚐 Day 11: Return to Luang Prabang for one night OR get the train to Vang Vieng
Day 11 brings some choices. You can take the minivan from Nong Khiaw to Luang Prabang and spend a night there before jumping on the incredible Laos/China Railway to Vang Vieng. Or, skip the night in Luang Prabang and get an evening train instead. Either way, the train should be booked in advance using the LCR app for the best price. Tickets are only available three days before your departure date so plan accordingly.
If you opt to get the train the same day as you leave Nong Khiaw, make sure you leave plenty of time between the expected minivan arrival and the train departure. This will cover you in case the minivan runs late (a distinct possibility) and give you time to get from the minivan terminal to the train station. (The latter is located over a half-hour drive from the town centre.)
🛟 Days 12-13: Vang Vieng
Recommended Accommodation in Vang Vieng: Riverside Garden Hostel
After arriving at Vang Vieng train station, you’ll need to get into the town itself. There are plenty of taxis, buses and tuk tuks waiting to whisk you off to your accommodation. It should cost around 30,000-50,000 kip (approx. $1.40-2.30USD) per person.
Vang Vieng was infamous for parties and drunken tubing but after a spate of traveller deaths, things have calmed down a lot. The town itself doesn’t really have much going for it but the surrounding countryside is astounding; prompting tour companies to reinvent the town’s image, turning it into a hub of Lao eco-tourism.
While in Vang Vieng, don’t miss:
- Tubing – While the party is certainly toned down these days, you can still go tubing in Vang Vieng. Rent a tube from town and float down the river enjoying the views. There are still a few bars open, so if you fancy a drink or two as you lazily bob on by, pull over for a cold one!
- Hot Air Ballooning – Right now, Vang Vieng is most popular with travellers thanks to the prevalence of hot air balloon rides. Launching for both sunrise and sunset, a hot air balloon offers unparalleled views of the surrounding countryside. Do your research and make sure you’re booking with a well-rated company.
- Blue Lagoons – Hire a scooter and get yourself out to one of the many swimming holes around Vang Vieng. Imaginatively named Blue Lagoon 1, Blue Lagoon 2, Blue Lagoon 3, etc. you’ll need to ask around to see which lagoon will suit you best. Some are very busy but have good infrastructure, toilets, restaurants, etc. while others are quieter and offer little more than a cool pool to swim in.
- ATVs and Dune Buggies – Literally hundreds of dune buggies blast along the roads outside Vang Vieng. They’re loud, obnoxious, slower than a scooter but unbelievably fun to drive. Ask around town to find the best prices – there are plenty of agencies renting them by the hour!
- Viewpoints – While you’ve got transport, consider heading to one of the many viewpoints dotted around town. Almost every mountain has at least one viewpoint, the most famous of which is Nam Xay – you’re bound to have seen the motorbike selfies at the top!
- Rock Climbing – As well as hiking and hot air ballooning, Vang Vieng is becoming a Mecca for climbers in Laos. Whether you’re experienced or a complete beginner, Vang Vieng is an amazing place to lace up those shoes. Book a climbing trip here.
🌇 Days 14-15: Vientiane
Recommended Accommodation in Vientiane: Barn 1920s Hostel
Thanks to the brand new highway between Vang Vieng and Vientiane, getting to the capital has never been easier. The journey takes less than two hours by minibus whereas it used to take up to five hours!
You could also opt to take the Laos/China Railway but once you factor in getting to the train station in Vang Vieng and getting from the train station in Vientiane (which is around 15 km outside the city centre), getting a minibus is the faster option – not to mention cheaper!
Vientiane itself is more overgrown town than city. It’s a pleasant capital to wander in but doesn’t offer a huge amount of attractions for busy travellers. You can easily ‘do’ Vientiane in a couple of days but if you’ve got longer, this sleepy city is a charming place to spend a few days enjoying great coffee, good food and a solid WiFi connection!
While in Vientiane, don’t miss:
- Buddha Park: Around 45 minutes outside the city, Buddha Park is an interesting (some would say bizarre) mix of Buddhist and Hindu statues and iconography. It’s a fun way to spend a morning in Vientiane!
- UXO Museum and MAG Centre: Two small but fascinating and harrowing exhibitions about the scourge of unexploded ordnance in Laos. Both are well worth visiting.
- That Dam Stupa: A 16-century stupa slap-bang in the middle of a roundabout. The juxtaposition of old and new makes for an interesting visit. Plus, there’s a wonderful café just across the road!
- Patuxai (Arc de Triomphe): Located on one of the city’s busiest thoroughfares, Patuxai is a beautiful sight. Consider climbing to the top for cracking views of the city.
🏍️ Days 16-20: Thakek (motorbike loop)
Recommended Accommodation in Thakek: Le Bouton D’or Boutique Hotel
The bus from Vientiane to Thakek takes around five hours and leaves regularly throughout the day. You’ll only need one night in Thakek before jumping aboard a motorbike to take on the epic Thakek Loop, one of the best motorbike trips in Southeast Asia!
Give yourself 3-5 days to complete the loop. Along the way you’ll get right off the beaten track, passing expansive farmland, traditional villages and inquisitive locals, as well as getting the opportunity to take a boat trip into the breathtaking Khong Lor Cave!
If motorbike loops aren’t for you, Thakhek is also a great place for beginner and experienced climbers, offering exciting routes to tackle. Alternatively, you can explore the area’s caves and hidden swimming holes dotted throughout the countryside!
🛵 Days 21-24: Pakse and The Bolaven Plateau
Recommended Accommodation in Pakse: Sanga Hostel
Following your motorcycle adventure around Thakek, jump on the bus to Pakse. The journey takes around five hours. The city itself isn’t the most exciting place to be but offers a great jumping-off point for adventures around the Champasak province.
While in Pakse, don’t miss:
- Golden Buddha: The massive Golden Buddha can be seen from almost anywhere in town but it’s only when you’re up close that you get a real idea of the size!
- Wat Phu: These epic Khmer temple ruins dating back to the 5th century are about an hour’s ride from Pakse. You can hire a scooter and ride yourself or join a tour leaving from the city.
- Ride the Bolaven Loop: Another epic motorcycle journey in Laos, the Bolaven Loop takes you across the Bolaven Plateau on a two or four-day trip depending on the route you take. Expect waterfalls, coffee plantations and local villages!
🏖️ Days 25-29: Don Det and the 4000 Islands
Recommended Accommodation on Don Det: Namknong View
From Pakse, jump on a minibus to Don Det and the 4000 Islands for some chilled-out beach vibes in this landlocked country! It takes around 2.5 hours to reach Nakasong Pier and another 15 minutes on a small boat to reach Don Det.
Located in an expansive part of the Mekong, the 4000 Islands feel like the ultimate backpacker haven and are reminiscent of the Thai islands of yesteryear. Relaxation is the name of the game on Don Det!
While in Don Det, don’t miss:
- Kayaking: There are numerous kayak tours available in Don Det. The most popular take you along hidden waterways, amazing hiking trails and to one of Southeast Asia’s largest waterfalls! Book your kayaking trip here.
- Cycle: The island isn’t big but the circumference road is generally well paved and cycling is the ultimate way to get around. Hire a bike from one of the many vendors in town and explore under your own steam!
- Laze on the Beach: There are a number of amazing riverside beaches on the island’s west coast. Just wander down the road until you find one that takes your fancy!
🛂 Day 30 – Leave Laos
And that’s it, 30 days in Laos blow past before you know it. Return to Pakse to catch a flight home or continue your Southeast Asian adventure overland – be it west to Vietnam, south to Cambodia or east to Thailand. Happy travelling!
Shorter Laos Itineraries:
1-Week: 2 days in Luang Prabang -> 🚐 -> 2 days in Nong Khiaw -> 🚐 -> Luang Prabang -> 🚂 -> 2 days in Vang Vieng -> 🚐 -> 1 day in Vientiane.
2-Weeks: 3 days in Luang Prabang -> 🚐 -> 2 days in Luang Namtha -> 🚐 -> 2 days in Nong Khiaw -> 🚐 -> Luang Prabang -> 🚂 -> 2 days in Vang Vieng -> 🚐 -> 1 day in Vientiane -> 🚐 -> 🚤 -> 3 days in Don Det -> 🚐 -> Vientiane to fly out or travel overland into Cambodia or Thailand from Don Det.
3-Weeks: 4 days in Luang Prabang -> 🚐 -> 3 days in Luang Namtha -> 🚐 -> 3 days in Nong Khiaw -> 🚐 -> Luang Prabang -> 🚂 -> 2 days in Vang Vieng -> 🚐 -> 1 day in Vientiane -> 🚐 -> 4 Days Thakek or Pakse for a motorbike adventure -> 🚐 -> 🚤 -> 3 days in Don Det -> 🚐 -> Vientiane to fly out or travel overland into Cambodia or Thailand from Don Det.
Laos Backpacking Itinerary – A Round-Up
Travelling in Laos can, at times, be challenging. Most of the road infrastructure hasn’t been updated for decades and getting to more off-the-beaten-track destinations can prove tricky for tourists. But recent advances such as the Laos/China Railway and the new highway from Vang Vieng to Vientiane have made some journeys much smoother! Endure the hardships and you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking scenery, friendly locals and some fantastic local food!
Will & Ellie | Tapp and Bear Travel
Will and Ellie are the UK travel bloggers behind Tapp and Bear Travel. Originally from Devon and The Cotswolds, they both graduated from Falmouth University with degrees in Marine and Natural History Photography and set off on the adventure of a lifetime!
