If you are planning your Laos itinerary and not sure where to start, let me break down a 10-day travel guide that will take you to the country’s most beautiful places.
After taking a 24-hour bus from Vietnam, I arrived in Laos in December of 2022. I started the trip in the capital city Vientiane and made my way through Vang Vieng, Luang Prabang, and Nhong Khiaw. If I were to describe the entire journey, it would be in three words: rugged, raw, and unforgettable.
Laos has since become one of my Top 5 favorite countries. Ever! This travel guide with a mix of adventure, culture, and stunning landscapes will tell you why.
Best Time to Visit Laos
Weather conditions can make or break your Laos itinerary. So it’s worth taking note that the country only has two seasons: dry and wet.
- Dry season starts in November and ends in April, offering the best conditions for hiking and exploring
- Wet season starts in May and ends in October. Daytime temperatures average around 29°C in the lowlands and 23°C in the mountain valleys
For this 10-day travel schedule, the best time to visit is from November to February, when the weather is pleasantly cool. This season is ideal for biking and walking around Vang Vieng and Luang Prabang, thanks to the refreshing breeze and comfortable temperatures that makes outdoor activities more enjoyable.
How to Travel from Vientiane to Nong Khiaw
Although Laos is not the first country you’ll think of visiting when traveling in Southeast Asia, it remains a popular destination, especially for backpackers. In my experience, this has made getting around easier due to the availability of options. You can take a variation of buses, mini vans, and trains to cross your Laos itinerary from Vientiane to Nhong Khiaw.
Mini Van
I have only used mini vans to travel from Vientiane to Vang Vieng, Vang Vieng to Luang Prabang, and Luang Prabang to Nhong Khiaw because this is the most accessible way of exploring Laos on a budget.
Although, one important thing to note is that the road from Vang Vieng to Luang Prabang is not for the chickenheart – literally. It’s a normal scene that you’ll be sitting next to chickens that cluck the entire duration of the trip. More than that, the road is rugged 90% of the journey and you gotta get those vomit bags ready.
Duration & Cost
- Vientiane to Vang Vieng: 2 to 3 hours | $7 to $12
- Vang Vieng to Luang Prabang: 4 to 5 hours | $18 to $21
- Luang Prabang to Nhong Khiaw: 3 to 4 hours | $7 to $10
Note: You can book your transport from your hostel and they leave on scheduled timetables. Remember that timetables are more limited from Luang Prabang to Nhong Khiaw due to the latter’s remote location.
Bus
One reason why I did not use buses on my Laos trip is that I was trying to save costs on additional transport. Unlike mini vans that pick you up directly from your hostel/hotel, you will need to get to the bus station if you decide to take a bus. Sometimes, they are located far off from your accommodation which could be a slight inconvenience.
Nevertheless, they are still a great option, and here is how you can cross your 10-day Laos itinerary using buses.
Duration & Cost
- Vientiane to Vang Vieng – 2 to 3 hours | $9 to $12
- Vang Vieng to Luang Prabang – 4 to 5 hours | $14 to $15
- Luang Prabang to Nhong Khiaw – 4 hours | $6 to $8
Train
Many travelers I met who traveled by trains on the Laos–China Railway only had good things to say about the experience. It is recommended to book your tickets a couple of days in advance because seats sell out very fast.
- Vientiane to Vang Vieng – 50 to 55 minutes | $15 to $22
- Vang Vieng to Luang Prabang – 50 minutes | $15 to $22
10-Day Laos Itinerary: Vientiane to Nong Khiaw
I mentioned in my blog on Hidden Gems in Asia that Vientiane has a vibe of a slow Sunday and is actually the most unhurried capital I have been. From there, the Laos backpacking route just gets better, with the natural wonders in Vang Vieng, the blended architecture in Luang Prabang, and the remoteness of Nhong Khiaw.
Day 1 – 2: Exploring Mekong and Monuments in Vientiane
Our Laos itinerary starts in the capital, Vientiane. Many travelers skip this part because “capitals are boring anyway,” and this is where they are wrong. Vientiane is actually the most perfect spot to get to know local culture.
You can take a morning run along the Mekong Delta and watch locals as they harvest river algae called kaipen. It’s such a sight seeing them do the work, and if you are brave enough to talk them out to include you, then it will be a fun learning experience.
In the afternoon, you can visit the COPE Visitor Center to learn about Laos’ on-going crisis with leftover explosive weapons, also known as UXO or bombies, from the war. Then you can walk all the way to Phat That Luang, popularly known as the golden temple, then go back to the center and see the Patuxai monument. You can do a walking tour to visit these three must-see attractions in Laos or take a bike for faster transport. Don’t forget to take in a bag of mango on random fruit stands because they are the best – huge, crispy, fresh!
Must-see attractions:
- Mekong River
- COPE Visitor Center
- Phat That Luang
- Patuxai Monument
- Random fruit fruit stands
Where to stay:
Sailomyen Cafe & Hostel budget stay with comfortable beds and clean showers
Day 3 – 5: Vang Vieng’s Lagoons & Hot Air Balloons
Traveling from Vientiane to Vang Vieng is a comfortable two-hour ride in a minivan on a regular day. If you have your travel dates already set, it’s best to book them in advance because Vang Vieng is an absolute favorite among backpackers and seats sell out.
You can do a lot of fun activities while in Vang Vieng but you should do it with active awareness. I arrived in Laos on Christmas Eve and stayed at Nana Backpackers which was then the most popular hostel in town. Two of the staff are from the Philippines which was initially a great experience. However, I lost some US Dollar bills in this hostel despite keeping them in the secret pocket of my backpack (my fault, I should have used a lock).
You can rent a bike or join an organized tour going to Vang Vieng’s three lagoons. I and my friend Marie whom I met on the minivan from Vientiane rented our mountain bikes and braved our way through the rugged roads of Vang Vieng.
While biking is not the most comfortable way to explore this town, I think this is the most scenic and rewarding route you can take, overlooking vast rice fields and limestone hills. You will cross out a handful of caves while visiting the lagoons, so it’s hitting many birds in one stone, really.
While in town, you can also book a Hot Air Balloon ride for sunrise or sunset. It is one of the most affordable spots in the world where you can do this type of activity.
Must-see attractions:
- Lagoon 1, 2, and 3 & caves
- Hot Air balloon experience
- River tipsy tubing
- Gary’s Irish bar
Where to stay:
There are a lot of affordable guesthouses in Vang Vieng. I and Marie shared the room cost and stayed at Ban Lao Bungalows, located in a quiet location with a relaxing nature view.
Day 6 – 7: History and Architecture in Luang Prabang
No Laos itinerary is complete without taking the journey to Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its distinct Lao and French colonial architecture.
The best way to start a day in Luang Prabang is taking part in the Sai Bat or morning alms where you can make an offering to monks while they are doing their morning procession. According to this blog from Tourism Luang Prabang, the ceremony starts at early morning around 05:30 to 06:30 am in March to October and 06:00 to 07:00 am in November to February.
After breakfast, you can take a walking tour and visit temples near the main tourist street. In the afternoon, you can also check out the The Royal Palace Museum in Luang Prabang and learn about local history, including a unique depiction of Lao folklore through a series of paintings hung on the museum’s wall.
Visiting the Luang Prabang night market and trying a variety of Lao street foods is the best way to end the day. There’s so many good things to try, and Lao sausages complemented by a Beer Lao really left a good impression on me.
Must see attractions:
- Sai Bat (morning alms)
- Luang Prabang’s many temples
- Royal Palace Museum in Luang Prabang
- Night Market (best Lao sausages and Beer Lao)
- Bowling alley
- Day trip to Kuang Si Falls
Where to stay:
I stayed at Sunrise Riverside Pool Hostel which has a spacious common area where you can meet other travelers and attend night gatherings + games.
Day 8 – 10: Nhong Khiaw Completes the Laos Itinerary
The best way to end a 10-day Laos itinerary is in Nhong Khiaw, and many skip going to this remote town without realizing they are missing out on so much. If you have a limited time, it’s likely that you’ll cross out the possibility of doing multi-day treks on jungles. While, if you do, I highly recommend booking one, with the untouched beauty that Nhong Khiaw has.
Visit the Pha Daeng Peak to get the most beautiful 360 view of the town and the Nam Ou river. There are other peaks you can visit, but this one has the popular Lao flag that you can swish for a scenic photo. After seeing as many peaks as you can, you can also book a day trip to the 100 Waterfalls, where the boat will take you to a local village to start the tour.
Must see attractions:
- Nam Ou River
- Pha Daeng Peak
- 100 Waterfalls
- Multi-day jungle adventure
Where to stay:
Due to its remote location, you don’t have a lot of accommodation options in Nhong Khiaw. I stayed at Delilah’s Cafe and Hostel which has a great selection of cakes but the beds & toilets are rundown.
Budget-friendly Laos Itinerary: Cost Breakdown
Here is a simple breakdown of my Laos itinerary if you’re looking to keep your travel costs in check.
Accommodation:
Average hostel cost is $10 per night x 9 nights = $90
Food:
$10 per day (I often skip breakfast and go heavy on lunch) x 10 days = $100
Transport:
Taxi in Vientiane and inter-town minivans = $60
Activities:
Includes bike rentals, entrances, and day trip to Kuang Si and 100 waterfalls = $60
My total spending for my 10-Day Laos Itinerary: $310 or 17,700 Philippine pesos.
(This does not include souvenirs I bought for friends and family and a gift I bought when I got invited for a wedding. I also did not have to spend for a visa since Filipinos can stay in Laos visa-free for a maximum of 30 days.)
Laos Itinerary: Ending the Journey
I created a 10-day Laos itinerary for those looking to explore Laos from Vientiane and take the journey to northern towns like Nhong Khiaw. This country has a lot to offer, and if you have time to spare, definitely extend the journey and don’t miss out on the Thakhek Loop in the South.
From Nhong Khiaw, I hitchhiked my way to Pak Mong and took a bus that goes to Chiang Rai, Thailand. Others go back to Luang Prabang and take a two-day slow boat to Thailand. Luang Prabang is also a good point to fly to other Southeast Asian countries like Vietnam which is great convenient if you’re backpacking Southeast Asia.
See you in Laos!
