If you squint hard enough, land-locked Laos somewhat resembles a ragged four-leaf clover. In the north are the four ‘leaves’, and its fat stalk leads down to the southeast. Between its northernmost point in Phongsaly Province and its southern reaches along its border with Cambodia in Champasak Province are over 1,000 kilometres of natural beauty, historic buildings, and colourful tradition awaiting your exploration. 

With so much to discover throughout the country, a pertinent question is how long do you need for your ideal Laos itinerary? One week, or three? Or somewhere in between? Essentially it will depend on how much time you have and what you want to see, but we’re going to run through three of our most popular Laos travel itineraries which span different durations to help you plan your ideal Laotian escape.

How many days do you need in Laos?

The question ‘How many days do you need in Laos?’ is a little like asking how long a piece of string is: there is no single right answer. There is plenty to do in the country, and your Laos tour itinerary can be as long or as short as you like (or as long as you can get off work). For example, it’s possible to head over the Mekong to Vientiane, Laos’s capital city, for a short city break, or you can explore the whole country from north to south on an epic odyssey.

Our most popular Laos itinerary ideas vary with their length. The one-week Classic Tour of Laos focuses on the northern regions of Laos. Our 10-day itinerary links the northern and southern regions via a short domestic flight, whereas our 18-day Laos itinerary explores the whole country overland, including the more remote regions and the hill tribes of the far northwest.

The chart below shows how each itinerary divides its time between the north, the south and the remote northwest, so you can see at a glance how far each one takes you.

Northern Laos or the south: which to choose?

The northern and southern regions of Laos both have plenty to offer the discerning traveller, yet they do have differing overall vibes. The north of the country is often seen as the more adventurous of the two, with the south being a little more laid back and relaxed. These views somewhat oversimplify the difference between the two, but they hold truth too.

The north is better for trekking through jungle-clad mountains and is home to Vang Vieng – a riverside town famous for its tubing and kayaking. The cities of Vientiane and Luang Prabang (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) are also found in the north, giving visitors a rich immersion in Laotian tradition too.

The south of the country is seen as being more relaxed, especially in the region known as the 4,000 Islands, where the mighty Mekong slows down a little as it passes through the myriad channels of the river archipelago. The south is also home to the cooler climes of the Bolaven Plateau, and the border with Cambodia is a short distance from the impressive Khone Phapheng Falls.

The 7-day Laos itinerary: the classic route

Duration: 7 days, 6 nights. 
Route: from Luang Prabang to Vientiane. 
Main stops: Luang Prabang, Vang Vieng, Vientiane. 
Ideal for: a first trip, or anyone with a full week.

This Laos itinerary – 7 days and 6 nights long – explores the better-known towns and cities of northern Laos, with a few side quests to explore the natural highlights along the way. You will travel from Luang Prabang to Vientiane, via Vang Vieng. En route, you will also take in the Kuang Si waterfalls, cruise along the Mekong to explore the Pak Ou Caves, and enjoy an excursion to Nam Ngum Lake.

Luang Prabang, days 1-3

• Day 1: arrival in Luang Prabang
• Day 2: temples, Royal Palace, sunset from Mount Phousi
• Day 3: Pak Ou Caves and Kuang Si Falls

On the first day of this itinerary, our staff will collect you from the airport and bring you to the hotel. It’s a good idea to get acclimatised and have a good sleep, as the second day begins early. At 5:30 the next day you will witness the millennia-old tradition of the Tak Bak ceremony, where the city’s saffron-clad monks parade through the streets gathering alms. After this and a hearty breakfast, you will then spend the day exploring Luang Prabang’s temples, palaces and museums before climbing Mount Phousi for a stunning sunset view across the city’s skyline.

The next day, you will cruise along the Mekong to visit the Pak Ou Caves – also known as the Thousand Buddha Caves. After exploring the caves, you will head to Kuang Si Falls, passing through various villages along the way.

Vang Vieng and Nam Ngum, days 4-5

• Day 4: Vang Vieng
• Day 5: Nam Ngum Lake & Vientiane

Heading south from Luang Prabang, the next day will see you arrive in Vang Vieng. Once famed as a backpackers’ party paradise, the town is a little less raucous these days, but it’s still a great place to enjoy a few adventurous activities. You can tube or kayak down the Nam Song River and trek in the lush mountains for exquisite views across the Laotian landscape.

On day 5, you will head to Nam Ngum Lake to see some traditional Laotian villages and their distinct ways of life. You will also head across the artificial lake via longtail boat to see the fishing villages and their traditional methods. After leaving the lake area, you will continue south to the country's capital city.

Vientiane, days 6-7

• Day 6: Vientiane
• Day 7: Vientiane & departure

The final two days and night will be spent in Vientiane. The capital sits along the banks of the Mekong, offering views across the water to neighbouring Thailand. After breaking fast, you will take in Wat Si Saket, Wat Ho Prakeo, and Laos’ most important religious site, the golden That Luang Stupa. In the afternoon, you will then head to Wat Xieng Khouan, also known as ‘Buddha Park‘, which features sculptures of both Hindu and Buddhist influence.

After dinner by the Mekong, you can then plan the final hours of your itinerary, which may depend on what time you need to head to the airport on the final day.

The 10-day Laos itinerary: north to south

Duration: 10 days, 9 nights. 
Route: from Luang Prabang to Pakse. 
Main stops: Luang Prabang, Vientiane, Bolaven Plateau, Pakse
Ideal for: a more immersive trip, or anyone with a little extra time.

This slightly longer Laos travel itinerary begins in a similar vein to the previous itinerary but also includes the mysterious Plain of Jars and a short domestic flight to the southern city of Pakse. After taking in the sights around Luang Prabang and before heading to Vientiane, you will also head across to Xieng Khouang Province. This region was heavily bombed during the Vietnam War, and it is home to the archaeological area known as the Plain of Jars. The plain features hundreds of stone jars scattered across the plateau, believed to be centuries old. Their exact purpose has long puzzled researchers, though a recent archaeological study has brought us closer to an answer, yet much of the mystery remains.

From here, you will continue to Vientiane.

After exploring Vientiane, you will, for expediency, board a flight to venture into the country’s southern region. Landing at Pakse, you will then explore Wat Phu Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. While in the south, you will also visit the 4,000 Islands, the Bolaven Plateau, and impressive waterfalls.

Luang Prabang and the upper Mekong, days 1-3

• Day 1: Luang Prabang
• Day 2: Luang Prabang and Pak Ou Cave
• Day 3: Kuang Si

Similar to the shorter Laos travel itinerary, you will spend the first few days exploring Luang Prabang and its surrounding attractions. You will enjoy the colonial architecture of the city as well as the temples and waterfalls nearby, and you will also get to interact with the locals of the traditional villages on the outskirts of the city.

The Plain of Jars, day 4

• Day 4: Plain of Jars

After breakfast on day four, the tour will head east to the Plain of Jars. This day takes you a little off the beaten track and into the heart of the Laotian countryside. There will be few tourists compared with the city, but there will be plenty of stunning vistas as you venture farther from civilisation.

Vientiane, days 5-6 

• Day 5: Vientiane
• Day 6: Vientiane

Heading back west again, you will then spend a couple of days exploring the delights of Vientiane. The journey to the capital will include a few cultural stops along the way. You will see vibrant local markets and historic temples before reaching the city in time for a stunning sunset over the Mekong.

The next day will be spent exploring the city’s myriad temples and monuments, including the That Luang Stupa and the Laotian Gate of Triumph.

The deep south: Pakse, Wat Phu and the 4000 Islands, days 7-10

• Day 7: Wat Phu & Don Khong Island
• Day 8: Don Khone & Li Phi Waterfalls
• Day 9: Bolaven Plateau
• Day 10: Pakse & Departure

The next day will begin with a drive to the airport, where you will board a domestic flight down to the city of Pakse. After arrival, you will head to explore Wat Phu. This temple sits at the base of Mount Phu Kao, and parts of it date back as far as the 5th century.

After the temple exploration, you will then transfer to Don Khong - the largest island of the 4,000 Island river archipelago. Here you will experience a slower pace of life, and you will have the chance to explore the island as you wish. The following morning the itinerary will take you to a different island - Don Khone - before heading off to visit the waterfalls near the border with Cambodia.

On the following morning, you will head north again to the cooler climes of the Bolaven Plateau. The plateau is famed for its picturesque forests and waterfalls, and it is also noted for its coffee, tea, cardamom and banana plantations.

On the final day, you will then transfer back to Pakse for your onwards flight.

The 18-day Laos itinerary: the road less travelled

Duration: 18 days, 17 nights.
Route: from Luang Prabang to Pakse, including the remote northwest.
Main stops: Luang Prabang, Vientiane, Oudomxai, Vang Vieng, Bolaven Plateau, Pakse.
Ideal for: a fully immersive trip, or the more intrepid of travellers.

This Laos itinerary - two weeks and a bit long - allows you to fully immerse yourself in Laotian culture, history, and its natural wonders. In addition to visiting Luang Prabang, Vientiane, and Pakse, you will also venture farther from the madding crowds and engage with the hill tribes in the northwestern regions.

You will also travel the length of the country, taking in temples, waterfalls, caves, and jungles on the way. This Laos itinerary will also culminate in the southern regions of the country as you take in Pakse, the 4,000 Islands, and the Bolaven Plateau.

Luang Prabang and the remote northwest, days 1-7 

• Day 1: Arrive in Luang Prabang
• Day 2: Luang Prabang
• Day 3: Kuang Si
• Day 4: Pak Ou Cave
• Day 5: Oudomxai
• Day 6: Muang Sing
• Day 7: Muang La

After spending the first few days in and around Luang Prabang - as with the previous itineraries - this all-encompassing Laos travel itinerary will then whisk you off to the remote northwest of the country. 

Oudomxai and Luang Namtha provinces are home to several different ethnic hill tribes and offer some excellent trekking opportunities. While here, you will visit several different tribes as you make your way to Muang La, a base for your trekking adventures.

Back to the heartland: Plain of Jars, Vang Vieng, Vientiane, days 8-12 

• Day 8: Trekking to Pak Khai and Ban Pavie
• Day 9: Muong Khoua & Muong Ngoy
• Day 10: Nong Khiaw & return to Luang Prabang
• Day 11: Plain of Jars
• Day 12: Vang Vieng

After a couple of days trekking through the remote Laotian wilderness, you will enjoy a relaxing cruise down the Nam Ou River. The cruise will give your legs time to recover from the trekking as the scenery rolls by the deck. You will disembark and overnight in a traditional Laotian village before re-boarding and continuing on to Nong Khiaw, from where you will enjoy a scenic drive the rest of the way back to Luang Prabang. 

The next day will take you to the Plain of Jars and onto Vang Vieng for some more fun on Laos’ rivers, colourful market visits, and some cool and shady cave exploration.

Konglor and the road south, days 13-15 

• Day 13: Vientiane
• Day 14: Kong Lor Cave
• Day 15: Bolaven Plateau

Day thirteen will be spent exploring Vientiane in all its glory. After a day visiting the historic temples and palaces, the tour will continue on to Kong Lor the following morning. Kong Lor Cave is the highlight here. The cave is huge, and you will sail down the river and into the huge cave system, where the only available light comes from the boat. You will also be able to disembark in the cave and follow a short walking tour to see some truly impressive stalactite and stalagmite formations.

After emerging from the subterranean world, you will then continue on towards the Bolaven Plateau in the bright Southeast Asian sunshine. Stopping at stupas and temples along the way, you will appreciate the cooler air of the plateau as you explore its coffee and banana plantations, its waterfalls, and its lush rainforests.

The deep south: Bolaven, Wat Phu and the 4000 Islands, days 16-18

• Day 16: Bolaven Plateau to Champassak
• Day 17: 4,000 Islands
• Day 18: Pakse & departure

The final section of this Laos tour itinerary will then continue to Champasak to visit the ancient ruins of Wat Phu. As with the 10-day Laos itinerary, you will also spend some time chilling among the 4,000 Islands before heading on to Pakse, where the tour will conclude.

Our advice for planning a Laos trip 

Travelling through Laos is incredibly rewarding, but because the country's geography and cultural traditions are so distinct, packing the right gear and understanding local norms will make your journey much smoother.

• Pack for two distinct climates: Laos’ geography features everything from low-lying river islands to high-altitude plateaus, and your clothing should be versatile. The south is generally tropical and warm, but the northern mountains (like Oudomxai) and the Bolaven Plateau get surprisingly chilly in the evenings, especially between November and February. Pack a lightweight fleece, a jacket, and long pants alongside your breathable daytime linen or cotton clothing.
• Essential things to bring: In addition to the obvious essentials like your passport, toiletries, and sunscreen, ensure you pack sturdy, broken-in hiking shoes if you plan to tackle the northern trekking trails on our 18-day Laos itinerary. A lightweight waterproof jacket is a must, even in the dry season, for sudden mountain mists or spray from waterfalls.
• Observe strict temple etiquette: Laos is a deeply Buddhist nation, and sacred sites demand respect. Whenever you are exploring the historic temples of Luang Prabang or Vientiane, ensure your shoulders and knees are covered—sleeveless shirts, short skirts, and shorts are not permitted. Always remove your shoes and hats before stepping inside a temple building, and never point your feet directly at a Buddha image or a monk. 
• Make it your own: Each of the Laos travel itineraries featured above can also be seen as a starting point. All of our tour options are fully customisable, meaning we can tailor the duration, destinations, and activities to match your exact travel style, budget, and timeline. We can even combine our Laos itineraries with trips to neighbouring countries like Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam. For more information about designing your dream Laos itinerary, drop us a message and we’ll be happy to help.

Laos itinerary FAQ

Is a one-week itinerary enough for Laos? 

Largely, the answer will depend on what you plan to see and do whilst in Laos. For many it offers a perfect glimpse of Laotian life for a first visit, but others prefer a longer itinerary. You will get an awesome introduction to northern Laos in a week, but if you want to venture farther afield, you might want to look at one of the longer Laos itineraries.

Northern or southern Laos: which is better?

Both the northern and southern regions of Laos have plenty to offer, and which is better will depend on your plans and bucketlists. As a general idea, the north is seen as being a little more action-orientated, while the south is a bit more relaxed. Our longer Laos itineraries will enable you to decide which is better for you.

What is the best time to visit Laos?

In Laos, the dry season runs from November until March and is generally seen as the best time to visit. During these months you will get the best weather, clearer views across the countryside, and the most suitable conditions for trekking. The shoulder months on either side of the peak months are also popular, but there’s more of a rain risk. The shoulder months can be a little quieter, though, and a little rain does spice up the waterfalls somewhat.

Is Laos safe for tourists?

Yes, Laos is a very safe country to visit. The local culture places high value on respect for others and hospitality, and as such, violent crimes against visitors are extremely rare. As with any other destination, just be vigilant of petty crime when in crowded areas of the bigger cities. Also follow the instructions of your guides when trekking and don’t veer from their chosen paths.

Can you combine Laos with Thailand, Cambodia or Vietnam?

Absolutely. It’’s one of the great benefits of travelling through Southeast Asia - the countries in the region are all well-linked by convenient travel options. You can easily travel to Luang Prabang from Thailand’s Chiang Rai/Chiang Mai region, and you also easily hop across Laos’ southern border to cross into Cambodia. The Laotian capital also sits on the banks of the Mekong River; the river forms the Laos-Thailand border, and crossing here is also very easy. Short flights are also well priced and make connections between Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam simple and convenient. Drop us a line for further information on combining Southeast Asian countries into one itinerary.