30-Day Laos Itinerary: Unveiling Southeast Asia’s Hidden Gem

About ten days into our 30-day Laos itinerary, we arrived in Luang Prabang – where the serene landscapes and rich culture reaffirmed that dedicating a full month to Laos was absolutely the right choice.

Often overlooked in Southeast Asia itineraries, Laos surprised us at every turn with hidden gems, warm hospitality, and a charm all its own.

Before our trip, we researched extensively and were eager to experience this underrated destination firsthand.

Now, with the government making major investments in tourism and infrastructure, Laos is becoming easier than ever to explore.

If you’re considering a trip, there’s never been a better time to add it to your itinerary.

In this guide, we’ll share our complete 30-day Laos itinerary, including how to get around, must-visit destinations, budget tips, and our favorite experiences from a month on the road.

DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission if you book or buy something through them – at no extra cost to you. We only recommend things we’d actually use ourselves. Read more in our Privacy Policy.

Our Tried-and-Tested 30 Day Laos Itinerary

Day 1: Leave Chiang Rai and Enter Laos via Huay Xai 

Huay Xai is the Laotian border town where the majority of Laos itineraries start when traveling from North to South. (Here’s how to cross the border from Thailand to Laos).

Most travelers only pass through for the night before moving on to Luang Prabang or Luang Namtha. 

However, the office for The Gibbon Experience is here. The reviews for this experience are overwhelmingly positive and it could be a unique opportunity to see gibbons in the wild!

Day 2: Travel by Bus from Huay Xai to Luang Namtha

Your first big travel day in Laos! Book a bus through your accommodation and reach Luang Namtha by early afternoon. This gives you enough time to look around town and book a trek for the following morning. 

⏳ Don’t have 30 days to see all of Laos? Check out our guides for one week in Laos, two weeks in Laos, and Northern Laos.

Day 3-4: Sleep in the Jungles of Luang Namtha

If you enjoy trekking and want an opportunity to visit a less explored region of Laos, book a jungle tour from Luang Namtha.

There are plenty of options in town – we chose this one. After a full day of hiking, you will spend the night in a minority village and trek back to town the following day.

Wake up bright and early to foggy mountains and the sounds of the village. Spend the day hiking through the jungle and rice fields before reaching town for a well deserved rest.

It’s necessary to stay the night in Luang Namtha tonight before moving on to Day 5.

✅ For everything you need to know before, during and after a trek, read our Luang Namtha Guide.

Day 5: Brace Yourself for the Bus from Luang Namtha to Nong Khiaw

The bus to Nong Khiaw isn’t the most comfortable, but my oh my, the destination is worth it. Take the 9am bus from Luang Namtha to Nong Khiaw and arrive by late afternoon. 

No need to book a guesthouse before arriving here – there are plenty to choose from that are not available online.

Day 6-7: Witness Jaw-Dropping Beauty in Nong Khiaw

If you aren’t already feeling it, we can guarantee you’ll wake up a little sore from your hike today. Embrace the essence of Nong Khiaw and spend the day relaxing and recuperating. 

Try a Laos massage or a traditional hair wash, it’s a fun and memorable way to participate in local culture!

Once you’re recharged and rested, get back on the trail and check out some viewpoints in Nong Khiaw. Alternatively, head out on another tour – trekking, kayaking, you name it. 

🌄 Craving more things to do in Nong Khiaw? Read what we got up to here.

Day 8: Go on an Excursion to Muang Ngoi from Nong Khiaw

This is an excursion which could be done as a day trip rather than overnight if you’re short on time. We opted to stay overnight so we didn’t feel rushed. 

While you’re in Muang Ngoi, try the local cuisine called suzy, go on a hike, and take in some epic views from your accommodation. 

Similarly to Nong Khiaw you can just show up and book somewhere. If you want to guarantee a nice place we booked Suan Phao Guesthouse before we arrived.

Day 9: Enjoy a Scenic Journey from Muang Ngoi to Luang Prabang via Nong Khiaw

Today you should head to Luang Prabang. The bus leaves from Nong Khiaw multiple times a day, so you don’t need to rush in the morning.

If you are coming from Muang Ngoi, take the long boat back down the river to Nong Khiaw, then head straight for the bus station.

TOP TIP: For the majority of our trip in Laos, we noticed buses tend to leave in the mornings. In general, assume you will need to spend the night in places before being able to move on. For example, if you choose a day excursion to Muang Ngoi, you’ll still have to stay in Nong Khiaw that night before taking the bus the next day to Luang Prabang. 

Day 10-12: Get a Taste of Laotian City Life in Luang Prabang

Luang Prabang was one of our favorite cities in Southeast Asia. There’s plenty to see and do, plus lots of good food to eat.

Be sure to have at least one meal at the Night Market, there’s so much food to choose from. We recommend the garlic pork from any of the traditional stalls – so delicious!

🍜 Want to stay close to the night market in Luang Prabang? These are our top recommendations for every budget.

Wake up at sunrise to see the monks collect offerings during the Alms Ceremony. Before the heat kicks in, spend the morning Wat Hopping to see all the main temples.

Our favorites were Vat Visounnalath and Haw Pha Bang.

Head to Kuang Si Falls either via private tuk tuk or an arranged tour through your accommodation. We chose the latter and the price included the journey there, back and 2 hours for exploring and swimming.

This is a must-do excursion in Luang Prabang – if you do nothing else, make sure you see Kuang Si Falls! (But for more things to do in Luang Prabang read this).

Day 13: Use the High-Speed Train to Go from Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng

You can take the 50 minute fast train to Vang Vieng, or the 6 hour bus. The choice is yours, but don’t make the wrong one!

As you move south through your Laos itinerary, you will notice the roads and transit infrastructure begins to improve and journeys are much less windy and bumpy. 

🌄 Still need to book your accommodation in Vang Vieng? These are our top 8 hostel & hotel recs with the best views.

Day 14-15: Go Wild in “The Adventure Capital of Laos”

Fast becoming labeled the “Adventure Capital of Laos”, Vang Vieng has plenty to offer in terms of activities. 

Laos Hot Take: Despite the variety of things to do, we didn’t love Vang Vieng.

There are tons of low-quality adventure sports and lots of partying, which isn’t really our scene anymore.

If you have money to spend on good tours or are willing to compromise on quality, Vang Vieng may be a much better time.

TOP TIP: Do your research on the activities you are booking so you aren’t left disappointed by the service. We met a few backpackers who had a poor experience after booking cheap options for activities such as hot air balloon rides or paramotoring.

Please don’t let us put you off though. There are some stand out activities you should definitely do.

Firstly, wake up early for a sunrise hot air balloon ride with Above Laos.

Next, spend the afternoon at the lagoons outside of town, floating in the natural blue waters. There’s lagoons 1, 2 and 3 – we recommend 3. 

Day 16: Enjoy Efficiency to the Max on the Train from Vang Vieng to Vientiane

Similar to your last travel day, you can choose between a 2-3 hour bus or a 50 minute train. We took the train and would recommend it to anyone. The train is fast, clean, and efficient!

🧳 Want more hot tips for your transit around Laos? We’ve created a comprehensive transport guide that will answer all of your questions.

Day 17: Feel Out the Laotian Capital City of Vientiane 

The capital city often gets missed on people’s Laos itinerary as it is deemed boring and not worth visiting.

Contrary to popular opinion, we enjoyed our time in Vientiane and could’ve spent an extra day (another Laos hot take)!

Be sure to visit the COPE Center to learn more about the effects of the war, then sample an array of local cuisine at the night market. Look out for the stand selling drinks with pudding on top – a decadent way to end your evening.

Day 18: Settle in for a Big Travel Day from Vientiane to Kong Lor

Book a bus to Kong Lor through your accommodation. We stayed at House of Jars in Vientiane and they had extensive bus information available at reception.

Many choose to visit Kong Lor Cave as part of the Thakhek Loop. After some research we decided to only visit the cave by bus as it is a stand out from the motorbike loop. 

Day 19: Explore the Dramatic Kong Lor Cave

Kong Lor village is a site to behold. A mountainous backdrop and luscious tobacco fields make for a beautiful setting to relax in a hammock attached to your bungalow.

Of course, make sure to see the main attraction – Kong Lor Cave. It is a truly breathtaking natural wonder. 

Day 20: Strap In for a Huge Travel Day from Kong Lor to Pakse

Perhaps the worst travel day of the whole of this Laos itinerary. That being said, we’d do it a thousand times over just to see the cave. You will take a songthaew to Thakhek, then a bus to Pakse. 

💡 Need more info on traveling from Kong Lor to Pakse? We’ve got you covered.

Day 21-24: Stay in Pakse and Motorbike Around the Bolaven Loop

After an unforgettable travel day yesterday, take a time out in Pakse before your next adventure.

There are some well-rated hidden coffee shops, tasty local food, and high quality Western food in Pakse.

Be sure to book a motorbike for tomorrow in preparation to start the Bolaven Loop.

In the morning, pick up your motorbike (we recommend using Miss Noy) and head off to explore the region. Notable stops along the way include Mr Vieng Coffee Homestay and Tad Lo Waterfall.

🏍 Unsure about riding a motorbike in Laos? Read all about motorbike safety and tips for riding in Laos here.

On day 2 of the Bolaven Loop, jump back on your motorbike for a quick drive to Somphone Homestay in Kok Phuong Tai Village.

You will spend the night here with a lovely family. Before settling in for the night, make sure to drive around the local “mini loop” for magnificent scenery.

➡ For more details on the Bolaven Loop and Pakse, read our day-by-day guide.

Leave Somphone Homestay and spend a final night in Pakse after returning from the loop. Rest and reflect, whilst enjoying a hot shower and the food on offer in the city. 

Day 25: Relish in an Easy Bus Ride from Pakse to Don Det

Book a bus and boat to Don Det via your accommodation or a local travel agent. In comparison to previous journeys, this will feel like a breeze.

It’s short and sweet! Just a comfortable mini bus ride to the pier, then a long boat to the 4000 Islands and you’ll be in paradise. 

Day 26-29: Reflect on an Unforgettable Month from a Hammock in Don Det

As your Laos itinerary begins to draw to a close, make the most of the island vibes on Don Det and the 4000 Islands.

Take it easy today, you’ve earned it after three days on a motorbike! Make sure you choose a guesthouse with balconies and hammocks – there’s no other way!

🏘 Take the guesswork out of where to stay in the 4000 Islands. Read our accommodation recommendations here.

Most guesthouses will have bicycle hire available to you. If your bum has recovered from the motorbike, take a seat on a rustic bicycle to cruise around Don Det and Don Khon.

Throughout the day you will pass waterfalls, swimming spots, and viewpoints across the Mekong river to Cambodia. 

Get your fill of swimming, refreshing smoothies, and tasty dishes at Mango Bar. It’s easy to spend all day here with a book and intermittent swims in the Mekong. 

If you’re feeling up to it, book a sunset kayak trip, then top off the night with a pumpkin burger (a local specialty) at Mama Leuah Guesthouse.

🏖 Want to know more about Don Det? Check out our guide to the 4000 Islands.

Day 30: Leave Laos and Head to Your Next Destination

Book your onward travel at least one day before you plan on leaving.

We were heading to Siem Reap, so we booked our tickets with Asia Van Travel (AVT) directly and would recommend them to anyone.

The entire process including the border crossing was communicated and well planned out. 

Anywhere else you intend to travel next will involve going back to Pakse first. From there you can book your onward travel. 

TOP TIP: We were rather cautious in planning our Laos itinerary for 29 days just to account for any delays or mishaps that would mean we overstay our visas. Luckily, everything ran smoothly but we like to be prepared!

In Hindsight: What We Think of Our Laos Itinerary

Looking back, we could have easily fit more into our Laos itinerary. That being said, we are happy with how it went down.

Sadly, we aren’t the spring chickens we once were (30 hit us hard), and now we need at least 3 days in a place in order to not overexert ourselves. 

Had we spent less time in places such as Luang Prabang, Vang Vieng or Don Det, we would have extra days to explore Laos further.

Our Recommendation: Spend less time in Vang Vieng to add on another experience. For travelers who enjoy getting off the beaten path, we’ve detailed a few alternative options.

Some things we would add to our Laos itinerary are:

• The Gibbon Experience, Huay Xai
• An overnight trek in Nong Khiaw to sleep above the clouds
• An extra night in Muang Ngoi to explore village life further
• Plain of Jars – accessible from Luang Prabang, Vang Vieng or Vientiane 
• A day trip to Buddha Park from Vientiane

You may also notice that we didn’t do the increasingly popular Thakhek Loop. We had previously decided we would only do one motorbike loop and chose to do the Bolaven Loop near Pakse.

Our Accommodation Recommendations in Laos

Here’s a quickfire list of all the hostels and guesthouses we recommend staying in during your time backpacking in Laos.

The only one we didn’t stay in was the Eco Farm in Nong Khiaw because we didn’t book ahead, but that would’ve been our choice otherwise.

🤑 For a full budget breakdown here’s everything we spent during 30 days in Laos.

TOP TIP: Wondering how much cash to carry in Laos? Annoyingly, the maximum you can withdraw at one time is 2,000,000KIP (94USD). Cash is QUEEN in Laos, so take every opportunity to use a BCEL ATM when you see one. This ATM has the lowest withdrawal fee.

Is Laos Worth Visiting?

Whether you spend one week, two weeks or one month in Laos, rest assured you’ll be talking about your visit long after you leave.

Perhaps after reading what we got up to in Laos, you can appreciate why we are passionate about how severely underrated Laos is.

Of course, everyone is entitled to their own opinion. There are aspects of travel where we all differ.

It could be different sacrifices we are willing to make, certain home comforts we can’t go without, or different standards we maintain when traveling. 

For this reason, we don’t doubt that Laos is not for everyone. But if you’re up for a challenge, willing to push yourself, and leave yourself open to new experiences, you will love Laos.

🌏 If your travel style is similar to ours, why not take inspiration from our full 3.5-month long Southeast Asia Travel Route.