2 Week Laos Itinerary: Explore Laos Beyond the Crowds
Planning a trip to Laos but only have 2 weeks?
It can feel tough to narrow down what to see in such a short time – but after spending 30 days exploring the country, we’ve crafted the perfect 2-week Laos itinerary to help you make the most of your adventure.
From the laid-back charm of Luang Prabang to the dramatic landscapes of the Bolaven Plateau, this route combines must-see highlights with off-the-beaten-path experiences you won’t find in every guidebook.
Designed for budget-conscious, adventurous travelers, this itinerary balances cultural immersion, outdoor adventures, and plenty of time to soak in the unforgettable vibes of Southeast Asia.
Keep reading to discover the exact 2-week route we recommend, including destinations, travel times, and tips to make your Laos trip smooth and unforgettable.
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2 Week Laos Itinerary Map
The map below shows you the entry and exit points from Laos, the must-see destinations, as well as an optional visit to Nong Khiaw.
2 Week Laos Itinerary: Our Recommended Route
This 2-week Laos itinerary is perfect for travelers looking to explore the main highlights of Laos.
Most travelers start their Laos itinerary in Thailand by taking the 2-day slow boat to Luang Prabang, so that’s where this itinerary begins.
If you’re flying into Vientiane, you can easily loop up to Luang Prabang first and then head back south to continue your journey!
👉 Unsure whether to choose Laos or Vietnam in your backpacking itinerary? Read our comparison post.
An Overview of the Route Around Laos
- Day 1 – Catch the slow boat from Huay Xai (Thailand-Laos border)
- Day 2 – Day on the slow boat – Arrive in Luang Prabang
- Day 3 – Luang Prabang
- Day 4 – Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng
- Day 5 – Vang Vieng
- Day 6 – Vang Vieng to Vientiane to Pakse (Big Travel Day)
- Day 7 – Pakse
- Days 8-9 – Bolaven Loop
- Day 10 – Finish Bolaven Loop – Return to Pakse
- Day 11 – Pakse to Don Det
- Days 12-13 – Don Det
- Day 14 – Don Det to your next destination
TOP TIP: If you get a bus to Luang Prabang instead of the 2-day slow boat, you’ll free up an extra day to spend in another city, or spend one night in Nong Khiaw as well.
Day 1 – Catch the slow boat from Huay Xai
Welcome to Huay Xai, a small but bustling border town that’s the gateway to Laos for most travelers heading south.
💡📝 Know what to expect at the Thailand-Laos border crossing with our step-by-step guide
Most people breeze through here on their way to Luang Prabang or Luang Namtha, but it’s worth a brief pause if you’re up for something unique.
🛏 We Stayed Here in Huay Xai: Over the Moon Hostel is super affordable and has a great rooftop with views over the Mekong.
🍜 Where to Eat: Check out Mae Da Restaurant for a variety of dishes and cheap BeerLao.
📌 Worth Your Time: If you have an extra day to spare, The Gibbon Experience is worth stopping for. Zipline through the jungle and possibly spot wild gibbons. This once-in-a-lifetime experience gets rave reviews!
Day 2 – Float Your Way to Luang Prabang
You’ll arrive in Luang Prabang in the late afternoon and have time to explore in the evening. Spend your first night here exploring the city and taking in the sights around Laos’ capital of culture.
👉 Check out our Luang Prabang itinerary, perfect for first-time visitors.
Finish the day with drinks at a riverside sunset bar, and watch the sun go down over the Mekong. You’ll understand once you’re there – Laos sunsets are so special!
🛏 We Stayed Here in Luang Prabang: Funny Riverside Backpackers is one of our all-time favorite hostels. It’s the perfect mix of chill and social, and the owners are hilarious.
🌸 Looking for more options? These are our top picks for every area in Luang Prabang.
🍜 Where to Eat: Luang Prabang Night Market: Try the garlic pork – it’s worth the wait for a seat.
Day 3 – Explore Luang Prabang
Spend a full day exploring this UNESCO-listed gem. With stunning temples, turquoise waterfalls, and a thriving night market, it’s easy to see why Luang Prabang is one of our favorite spots in all of Southeast Asia.
Things to Do in Luang Prabang:
- Wander through the city’s wats (Vat Visounnalath and Haw Pha Bang are our favs).
- Take a late morning trip to Kuang Si Waterfalls for a swim and a visit to the bear sanctuary.
- Catch a cultural performance at Garavek Storytelling to learn more about Laos’ myths and traditions.
Day 4 – Take the High-Speed Train from Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng
Start your final morning in Luang Prabang early to witness the alms-giving ceremony, a tradition where locals offer food to lines of monks.
After some breakfast, walk over to the Traditional Arts and Ethnology Centre (open 8am to 5pm daily) to learn about the various ethnic groups in Laos. You can also pick up some super cool souvenirs at the gift shop here.
When you’re ready, head to the train station to catch a train to Vang Vieng – “The Adventure Capital of Laos”!
🛑 Make sure you book this in advance as tickets do sell out and you cannot purchase them at the train station on the day of your trip!!
We made the mistake of not booking in advance and ended up on a very unpleasant 5 hour van ride with many hairpin turns and landslides. Learn from us!!
🚆 Check how many seats are left for your travel date ➡
🛏 We Stayed Here in Vang Vieng: Soutjai Guesthouse is tucked away on a quiet street, perfect for avoiding the party crowd.
🍜 Where to Eat: Peeping Som’s: Go for the Korean BBQ—it’s interactive and delicious.
📌 Worth Your Time: If hot air balloon rides and adventure activities aren’t your thing, you can skip Vang Vieng and instead spend a couple of nights in Nong Khiaw after Luang Prabang.
After your time in Nong Khiaw, return to Luang Prabang and take the train directly to Vientiane, then continue on to Pakse.
Day 5 – Pick an Adventure Activity in Vang Vieng
Things to Do in Vang Vieng:
- Start your day with an early morning hot air balloon ride with Above Laos—the sunrise views are absolutely worth it.
- Afterward, spend the afternoon at the blue lagoons just outside of town. There are three options (1, 2, and 3), but we highly recommend Lagoon 3 for its stunning natural waters.
- Finish your day in Vang Vieng by watching the sunset from Nam Xay Viewpoint.
🌄 Vang Vieng is absolutely beautful. These are our top 8 hostel & hotel recs with the best views.
The next morning, you’ll hop on the train to Vientiane, then catch a bus to Pakse. Again, you need to book these tickets in advance as you cannot buy tickets the day of at the station.
🍹 If you’re planning to party in Vang Vieng (or anywhere, really), always stick to sealed drinks for safety. Learn more about mistakes to avoid in Laos here.
Day 6 – A Big Travel Day from Vang Vieng to Pakse via Vientiane
It’s a long travel day, but this is the only one in your itinerary. From Vang Vieng, take the train to Vientiane (about 1 hour) and then either:
- Spend the day in Vientiane, then take a 15 hour night bus to Pakse, arriving between 7:30 and 9am. This is the least expensive option at around $19USD.
- Catch a 1 hour flight from Vientiane to Pakse for around $87USD (without baggage). This is obviously the more convenient option and still fairly affordable.
If you spend your day in Vientiane, here are a few things to do:
- Visit the COPE Center to learn about the lasting effects of the war.
- Sample a variety of local dishes at the night market.
- See Wat Si Saket, a temple known for its thousands of miniature Buddha statues.
- Explore the Lao National Museum to learn about Laos’ history.
Day 7 – Settle into Pakse
In the morning, head over to Miss Noy to secure your motorbike for tomorrow’s adventure. Spend the rest of the day exploring Pakse, hopping between cafes, and preparing for the Pakse Loop.
Pakse is a small, laid-back town that doesn’t have tons of touristy attractions, but it’s the perfect place to relax, recharge, and get ready for the next leg of your journey in Laos.
TOP TIP: When you rent your motorbike, also book your onward transport so you won’t have to worry about it later after the Pakse Loop. We booked our van to Don Det with Miss Noy, and it made life a lot easier!
🛏 We Stayed Here in Pakse: 1918’s Hostel is clean and peaceful, with a huge open common space to chill out in. If this hostel is fully booked, stay at Sanga Hostel.
🍜 Where to Eat: Dok Mai Lao Caffe’ Restaurant, Daejangkuem Pakse Korea Restaurant, and 124 Thaluang Coffee are a few of our favorite restaurants and cafes.
Things to Do in Pakse:
If you have a bit of energy and want to explore more you can visit:
- Champasak Cultural Museum: A small but informative museum where you can learn more about the history and culture of the region.
- Coffee Shops & Cafes: Pakse has a growing café culture, so take time to relax at a local café, enjoy some local coffee (which is pretty great), and just soak in the vibe.
- Pakse Night Market: Head here in the evening for local food stalls, snacks, and a chance to browse handmade goods and souvenirs.
⏳ TOP TIP: Pre-book your hostel for the night you will return from the loop so you can keep your big bag there and don’t have to worry about finding accommodation when you get back from the loop.
Day 8 – Start the Bolaven Loop
For the next three days on your Laos adventure, it’s all about hitting the road on a motorbike and exploring the Bolaven Loop. This scenic route is one of our top experiences in Laos!
As you ride, you’ll pass through lush coffee plantations, stunning waterfalls, local coffee shops, and stay in cozy homestays.
Get a FREE downloadable map + tips to guide you on the loop here 👇
🛏 Where We Stayed on Night 1: We recommend the Sipasert Guesthouse, located right by the beautiful Tad Hang waterfall.
It’s a perfect spot for a relaxing evening walk into the nearby village to find a great dinner spot. We’ve found them on booking.com now if you wanted to book in advance! Check out their positive reviews on Google.
🍜 Where to Eat: I love You restaurant for dinner and Samaki Guesthouse down the street for a delicious breakfast.
Things to Do: The main thing to do in the area is visiting the Tad Lo waterfall, which we highly recommend.
Spend your evening and the following morning swimming in the crystal-clear waters or lounging on the bamboo platforms by the falls.
TOP TIP: If you plan to swim, it’s a good idea to dress modestly to respect local customs, but if you feel confident in a bikini, go for it—just know the local boys may find it interesting!
Day 9 – Admire the Scenery on the Bolaven Loop
On Day 2, you’ll ride a short distance to your next homestay, where you’ll spend the day exploring a mini-loop in the area before returning to the village to relax.
During our stay, we had the chance to accompany our homestay owner’s wife to the market to pick up ingredients for dinner, and then we joined her in preparing the meal.
🏍🗺Grab the full itinerary, tips + a downloadable map of the whole route here!
🛏 We Stayed Here on Night 2: Most travelers stay at Captain Hook’s for the second night, however, we chose Somphone Homestay instead.
🍜 Where to Eat: You’ll eat your meals at the homestay for a small extra cost.
Things to Do: Bike around the mini-loop, then hang out at your homestay in the village.
Day 10 – Finish Bolaven Loop and Return to Pakse
Spend your last day on the road getting back to Pakse and stopping at the cool coffee shops and multiple waterfalls along the way.
After returning your motorbike, head back to your accommodation for a much-needed hot shower. If you’re staying at a hostel, 1918’s Hostel is seriously worth it just for the nice post-trip shower.
To celebrate finishing the Pakse Loop, treat yourself to burgers at SéSé Wine and Beer. They serve legit Western-style burgers from a Belgian-owned shop – 10/10, highly recommend!
After freshening up, enjoying a delicious dinner, and reorganizing your bags, get some rest before your morning van ride to Don Det.
🛑 If you’re not comfortable on a motorbike, there are several single- and multi-day tours around the Bolaven Plateau you can book. This one-day waterfall and ethnic village trip comes highly rated. You can also find tours in Pakse.
Day 11 – Enjoy an Easy Travel Day from Pakse to Don Det
A van to Don Det usually departs around 8 or 9 a.m. and takes approximately three hours to reach the island. Once there, plan to spend three nights unwinding after a packed two weeks exploring Laos.
Dedicate one day to enjoying the activities on the island and another to pure relaxation – think lounging in a hammock or by the river with a refreshing mango smoothie in hand.
TOP TIP: When taking your boat transfer from Nakasong (on the mainland) to the 4000 Islands, ask the driver to drop you off at a location close to your guesthouse. For example, if you’re staying in the southern part of Don Det, request to be dropped off at Taka Pan (The Old French Pier) for added convenience.
🛏 We Stayed Here: Mama Leuah Guesthouse is right on the sunrise side of the island. It was the most relaxing spot, laying in hammocks, watching the buffalo swim downstream during the hot and sticky afternoons.
You can’t book on any typical platform, so email them to confirm your booking in advance.
🏖🌞 Do you want to stay on the sunrise side or the sunset side of Don Det? Our island accommodation guide will help you to decide.
🍜 Where to Eat: Mama Leuah Guesthouse – This spot serves both local and Western dishes, all crafted to perfection.
Treat yourself to French toast in the morning, a chicken schnitzel sandwich for lunch, and their famous pumpkin burger for dinner.
Don’t leave without trying the chocolate sticky rice for dessert – it’s unforgettable!
Days 12 & 13 – Unwind and Kickback in Don Det
Renting a bicycle to explore the islands is a must-do activity in Don Det, but there’s so much more to enjoy! You can:
- Kayak down the Mekong
- Go tubing
- Learn to spearfish
- Simply kick back and unwind
Most activities here can’t be booked in advance, so check with your accommodation or stroll along the main street to spot flyers and recommendations.
👉 Here’s more things to do in Don Det 👈
Whatever you do, don’t miss an afternoon at Mango Bar. With plenty of platforms for lounging, a sandy riverside hill, and a great spot for a swim, it’s the perfect place to relax and soak in the laid-back island vibes.
Day 14 – Leave Don Det for Your Next Destination
💡 Book your onward travel via the offices close to the main port, or online via 12Go.
How to Get to Laos
There are plenty of ways to enter Laos, but these are the most common overland routes:
Chiang Rai to Luang Namtha
From Chiang Rai, hop on a bus across the border to Huay Xai. After a night to rest your weary bones, catch another bus to Luang Namtha the next day. Easy peasy!
Chiang Rai to Luang Prabang
The slow boat to Luang Prabang is practically a backpacker rite of passage.
Two days on a wooden bench, floating through beautiful scenery… sounds dreamy to some, but we weren’t exactly sold on the idea of numb butts and questionable bathrooms.
If you’re like us and prefer a little more comfort, this tour is a luxe alternative for the same route.
If you’re short on time (or patience), you can skip the boats and buses entirely by flying straight into Laos.
✈ The main airports are in Vientiane, Luang Prabang, and Pakse, with flights from most major cities in the region.
Where to Go After Two Weeks in Laos
Finished exploring Laos and ready to keep the adventure going? You’ve got some excellent options for crossing borders and exploring more of Southeast Asia.
Don Det to Siem Reap
For this route, we highly recommend Asia Van Transfer. We used them for our trip from Don Det to Siem Reap, and everything went smoothly – no nightmare border crossings here!
Vientiane to Bangkok
For as little as $9 USD, you can catch a 13-hour train ride from Vientiane to Bangkok. Splurging on a sleeper carriage is highly recommended unless you enjoy sitting upright in the dark for hours on end.
Flights are also available from Luang Prabang, Vientiane, or Pakse to most major Southeast Asian cities if you’re ready to skip the long-haul slog.
How to Get Around in Laos
Train Travel: Fast and Fun
The Laos-China Railway (LCR) is modern, fast, and downright delightful. It connects Luang Namtha, Luang Prabang, Vang Vieng, and Vientiane, making travel between these destinations a breeze.
Buses: Cheap but Uncomfortable
Laos buses are, shall we say, memorable. The seats are tiny, the roads are bumpy, and your fellow passengers may include chickens. But hey, it’s all part of the adventure, right?
Songthaews: A Locals Experience
Think of a songthaew as Laos’s take on a tuk-tuk – except bigger, louder, and occasionally crammed with more people than you thought possible.
Our record? A marathon ride from Kong Lor to Pakse. Not the comfiest, but it makes for a great story!
We think we are experts on taking public transport around Laos now – here’s our guide to getting around.
When is the Best Time to Visit Laos?
The dry season (November to April) is hands down the best time to visit Laos. It’s warm but manageable, and most activities are running smoothly.
The rainy season (May to October) has its perks – fewer crowds and lush landscapes – but also comes with flooding risks, higher humidity, and the occasional closed guesthouse.
March and April bring slash-and-burn season, where farmers prepare fields for planting by setting them on fire. This means smoky skies and reduced air quality in rural areas.
How Much Does it Cost to Backpack in Laos?
Over 30 days in Laos, we spent 33,352,000 KIP (about $1,568 USD) for two people. That breaks down to roughly $26 USD per person, per day.
Could you spend less? Absolutely. But we like our trips with a dash of comfort and a side of good food. As budget-conscious 30-somethings, we balance affordability with the occasional treat.
The currency in Laos is Laotian Kip (KIP), but don’t be surprised if guesthouses and restaurants quote prices in USD and then convert to KIP when you pay.
Is Laos Safe to Visit?
As queer women, we felt completely safe traveling throughout Laos. We also met plenty of solo female travelers who shared similar experiences.
Of course, you should always stay alert and aware. Petty theft can happen, and the biggest risk comes from Laos’s unfortunate history as the most heavily bombed country in the world.
When hiking or trekking, stick to marked paths to avoid unexploded ordnance (UXO).
Also, a heads-up about those “Happy Bars” offering shakes and other substances: not only are they illegal, but there are stories of police officers waiting outside to catch unwitting tourists.
Our advice? Stick to the Beerlao. Read more tips on staying safe in Laos.
Is 2 Weeks in Laos Enough?
Yes and no! Two weeks gives you plenty of time to see the major highlights, like Luang Prabang, Vang Vieng, and the 4000 Islands.
If you’re lucky enough to have more time, staying a full 30 days will let you explore the country’s diverse regions at a slower pace – perfect for soaking up Laos’s relaxed vibe and incredible food.
Is Laos Worth Visiting?
In a word: YES. Laos is a country that sneaks up on you. Its laid-back charm, stunning scenery, and warm hospitality make it a destination you won’t forget.
Lonely Planet has noted Laos as one of the best places to visit in 2025 and we couldn’t agree more.
Whether you’re chasing waterfalls, wandering temple-lined streets, or just enjoying the slow pace of life, Laos is 100% worth your time.
