Laos Travel Guide

The Best of Laos in 1 Week

Tourism in Laos is still a relatively new phenomenon and as such, the number of tourist "spots" is still very limited. The only stop that must be included on any Laos itinerary is the ancient capital of Luang Prabang. While some visitors get stuck for weeks or even months in Luang Prabang, the suggested plan below calls for only a couple of days there out of 1 week in the country. This gives you enough time to hit the two most important and interesting cities, Vientiane and Luang Prabang, as well as mix in some outdoor adventure along the caves and rivers in and around Vang Vieng.

Days 1-2: Vientiane

If you're arriving from Bangkok, the capital will most likely be the site of your introduction to Laos time. Stay at the Settha Palace, the most luxurious downtown hotel. Get used to the pace of the sleepiest capital in the world by walking the tree-lined streets. Head over to the Morning Market, home of the best bargain handmade silks and handicrafts in Laos, and bargain hard (and politely). Afterwards, sip a Beer Lao at one of the makeshift bars and restaurants lining the Mekong River and watch the sun set over neighboring Thailand. Head back to your hotel and cap off the night with the fine French cuisine at La Belle Epoque. The next morning, hire a jumbo and visit the odd but fascinating statues at the Buddha Park, followed by stops at Wat Si Saket, home to over 10,000 Buddha statues, and the golden Phra That Luang. Spend the rest of the afternoon ducking into the many silk and clothing stores lining the streets near the riverfront. For dinner, experience the best of Lao cuisine at Kua Lao. After your meal, hear the latest travel news and gossip at Khop Chai Deu.

Days 3-4: Vang Vieng

Take the early bus to Vang Vieng, a 4-hour journey. Once settled, get a local map from your hotel, rent a bicycle, and trek out to Phu Kham Cave, stopping at some of the smaller caves along the way. Spend your evening by the river watching the sun dip behind the distant karst peaks. For your second day, set up a kayaking tour on the Nam Song River with Green Discovery.

Days 5-7: Luang Prabang

An early morning minibus on winding roads through beautiful mountain scenery (keep your camera within reach) drops you off in Luang Prabang before dinner. The long journey will leave you a little worse for the wear, so splurge and have a mind-erasing spa treatment at La Résidence Phou Vao. Wake up at dawn and make merit by giving rice to the monks receiving their daily alms. Stroll the streets of the temple district and admire the glass mosaics at Wat Xieng Thong. Duck into any of the numerous smaller temples and chat with one of the novice monks in residence. After lunch, get a break from the heat at the Royal Palace Museum. Then cross the street and hike to the top of Mount Phousi to enjoy the panoramic view. Spend the evening dining at L'Elephant, followed by a stroll through the Night Market. The next morning, take a longtail boat up the Mekong to the Pak Ou Caves. Spend the afternoon back in the temple district, soaking up the atmosphere at a street-side cafe and, at dusk, listening to the monks chant their evening prayers.

Day 8: Try to Leave

As hard as it might be to accept, the real world beckons. Say goodbye to Lao time. Fly to Bangkok and connect with your return flight home.