Laos: The Ultimate One Week Itinerary for 2025

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There is so much to love about the country of Laos. Somewhat off the mainstream Southeast Asia backpacker radar, the nation of Laos often slips by unnoticed. This means that Laos offers a refreshingly authentic side of Southeast Asia. On this Laos itinerary, you will get to experience all of the fascinating history, delicious cuisine, affordable prices, friendly locals and beautiful scenery that this region is known for.

Tourism certainly exists here, and certainly you will feel it in the backpacker center of Luang Prabang. However, you needn’t work very hard to escape the relatively well-trodden “Banana Pancake Trail” (Vientiane – Vang Vieng – Luang Prabang). Furthermore, Laos has much less of the rowdy party scene of some places in neighboring Thailand, and it is genuinely a place that travelers come to chill out and take their time.

While one week would give you an absolute bare-bones introduction to the country, this Laos itinerary also proposes some options to extend your trip. It is also a great add-on to our recommendations for Udon Thani, just across the border in eastern Thailand.

Laos is a country where you will want to take your time, connect with the local culture, and soak in the history at a slower pace.

Where to go in Laos?

As a relatively long and thin country, travelers often split Laos into two regions – North and South. Overland travel between the two can be time consuming, so unless you have a lot of time to dedicate to Laos, it is advisable to focus on either the North or the South.

Whereas the South is more rural, hotter and flatter, the North boasts mountainous scenery, slightly cooler temperatures, and the cultural magnet of Luang Prabang. The recommendations below are centered on North Laos.

Core Laos itinerary

Day 1: Vientiane

As the capital and largest city of Laos, it is natural to spend at least one full day in Vientiane. Some travelers dismiss it as an uninteresting place, essentially just in comparison to the Thai capital, Bangkok. However, I believe there is certainly more than enough to do in Vientiane, and it is an interesting first stop on your Laos itinerary.

In the morning, get breakfast at the Talat Sao Morning Market. This is essentially a shopping mall, but inside you will find not only a huge variety of street food, but also textiles, souvenirs, electronics and other items.

Wat Si Saket is a temple in the middle of the city, where you can still quietly watch resident monks carrying out their daily tasks. Since Laos is a country very much attached to its traditional Buddhist roots, even in the capital city you can see temple life go about in its authentic form. Various other temples, such as Wat Ong Teu and Wat Si Muang, offer similar experiences.

The Laos National Museum and the Ho Phrakeo Museum are both interesting destinations to escape the afternoon heat. It is also worth spending a moment at the That Dam Stupa, an ancient stone-built landmark once purported to be protected by a Naga serpent.

In the evening, the riverside Vientiane Night Market is full of unmissable Laotian dishes. You’ll find spicy steamed fish, minced meat salad, and the ubiquitous sticky rice. Enjoy them alongside a cold drink by the river, as you plan for your next day of travel deeper into Laos.

Travel tip: Ask your Vientiane accommodation to book your onward travel on the high-speed railway ahead of time.

The Chinese-built high-speed train is a joy to travel on, but it is virtually impossible for foreigners to book tickets independently from outside the country. Many travel agencies such as this one will be able to help you, for a small added fee.

Days 2-4: Luang Prabang

Recommendation: The classic route goes Vientiane – Vang Vieng – Luang Prabang, but my personal recommendation is to skip Vang Vieng. In recent years, Vang Vieng has become a little over-commercialized (by Laotian standards), and it lacks the Laotian cultural feel of destinations further north. Skipping Vang Vieng will give you more time to delve into the beauty of northern Laos and take multiple excursions from Luang Prabang.

The UNESCO-listed city of Luang Prabang is simply a must-visit place on any Laos itinerary.

For many visitors, Luang Prabang is the absolute heart of Laos. Situated on the banks of the Mekong, Luang Prabang exudes a chilled-out vibe which attracts chilled-out travelers. Indeed, it’s the kind of place where you encounter travelers telling you: “I intended on coming for three days, and x months later, I still haven’t left.”

You will want to spend a full day taking in the main sights of Luang Prabang, one day for a nearby excursion, and one day to relax and take things at your own pace. Days 2, 3, and 4 can be taken in any order, as you prefer.

Day 2: Central Luang Prabang

Essentially, central Luang Prabang is spread over just a few parallel long streets. In this small area, however, there are plenty of historical sites to take in.

Morning in Luang Prabang

Many tourists start their day early to observe and participate in Buddhist monks processing through the town to collect alms. This is a solemn and spiritual occasion. If you attend, it is incredibly important to be nonintrusive in your observing, and not disturb the centuries-old tradition. Dress modestly as instructed, remain peaceful, and enjoy the serenity of this special event.

During the day, Wat Xiengthong is the oldest temple complex in Luang Prabang. This site dates back to the 16th century, and it is particularly striking for its bright colors and meticulous ornamentation. Wat Sensoukharam, Wat Mai, Haw Pha Bang and Wat Aham are other worthwhile stops on your Laos itinerary.

Best riverside lunch spot in Luang Prabang

For one of the best riverside restaurants in Luang Prabang, I can personally recommend Mukdong Restaurant extremely highly. The khao soy served here is fantastic.

Afternoon in Luang Prabang

Just above the National Museum (which is worth a short visit), Phousi Hill stands high over the city center. However, Phousi Hill can get very busy for sunset. Instead, arrive before the camera-toting crowds – around 4pm is a good time, just after the National Museum closes. In the late afternoon you’ll still get a special sense of Luang Prabang’s tranquil atmosphere.

Evening in Luang Prabang

After a while at the top of the hill, make your way down for an evening of sensational food and drink at the night market. At the corner of Sisavangvong Road and Kingkitsalat Road, dozens of street vendors gather for locals and tourists alike to taste fresh and local street food.

Wander among the adjacent side streets and alleyways, stopping by to sample as many different local delicacies as your stomach can handle.

Day 3: Excursions from Luang Prabang

Kuang Si Waterfalls

On your second day in Luang Prabang, get out of the city and visit the nearby Kuang Si waterfalls. These multi-tiered waterfalls feed into various pools, in which you can take a refreshing swim. While the Falls are spectacular in any season, they are most impressive in October and November at the end of the rainy season.

If visiting Kuang Si Waterfalls independently, you should get there as early as possible to avoid the late-morning and afternoon crowds.

Xieng Men Village

For another excursion in the afternoon, take a short ferry ride over the Mekong River to Xieng Men. Village life continues over here, and by tuktuk you can visit the temples of Wat Chomphet, Wat Long Koon and Wat Had Siaw. A small cluster of golden shrines can be found in the jungle just above Wat Had Siaw.

At such close proximity to Luang Prabang, an excursion over the Mekong River to Xieng Men village might be one of the highlights of your Laos itinerary.

Day 4: Relaxing in Luang Prabang

Your final day in Luang Prabang is one to really relax. Spend your time simply strolling the streets, and dropping into the temples you didn’t get to yet. Watch as the boats set off along the river, and enjoy your drink of choice at one of the many waterside bars and restaurants.

Also, if you’re looking for a less touristic Wat, head slightly west from the center, and visit Wat That Luang. You’ll see monks going about their daily business, and you may well be the only foreign visitor in there at the time.

For more ideas on how to spend your time in Luang Prabang, don’t miss our ultimate guide to the top things to do in Luang Prabang.

Day 5: Nong Khiaw

The scenery around the small village of Nong Khiaw is simply jaw dropping. Limestone cliffs characterize the landscape here, towering over the village perched on a bend in the Nam Ou river.

In many ways, Nong Khiaw it is the archetypal rural Southeast Asian backpacker paradise, especially for lovers of the outdoors. Hiking, caving, kayaking and cycle routes are all right on your doorstep. For a half-day hike (medium difficulty, with some scrambling in places), I recommend taking the Nang None Trail – “Sleeping Lady Peak” – for stunning views over the river and dramatic topography. The trailhead is just behind the bus station, at this location.

Consider staying for more than one night, in order to make the most of what Nong Khiaw has to offer. There are plenty of restaurants and bars throughout the village. For accommodation, it’s not all backpacker lodges: the riverside Maison de Nong Khiaw Resort offers refined lodgings with a pool and peaceful setting slightly out of the town.

Day 6-7 Muang Ngoi

Muang Ngoi is the real reason you came to northern Laos, and it is very likely to be the absolute highlight of your Laos itinerary. Not served by any major roads, Muang Ngoi is only really accessible by boat (trips leave from the Nong Khiaw jetty here).

What is great about Muang Ngoi? Firstly, this quiet village surrounded by cliffs boasts a stunning natural setting to rival anywhere else in Southeast Asia. At the same time, Muang Ngoi perfectly balances the feeling of an “off-the-grid getaway” while also having the comforts of decent accommodation and eateries.

Muang Ngoi does not feel swamped by tourism – it is only really one street that is populated with guesthouses, and in a matter of minutes you can be entirely among local residents. In recent years, however, the village’s main road has been paved, and more guesthouses are gradually springing up. 2025 is the ideal time to visit Muang Ngoi before word gets out about it.

Best hikes from Muang Ngoi

For things to do in Muang Ngoi, your number one activity should be hiking up to the Phanoi viewpoint. From the top, gaze along the Nam Ou river lazily flowing its way past Muang Ngoi village and through the stunning cliff-dotted landscape. There are two routes up the hill: the short but steep route, and the long but gentle route. I recommend the steep path up to the left (30 minutes, with vines and ropes to help you), and taking the gentler path downwards.

A mostly flat hike of around two hours takes you away from the river to the village of Ban Na. Take your time and enjoy the walk past farmland and rice paddies to your right, again overlooked by towering cliffs. Have lunch in one of the several restaurants in Ban Na. Many also serve as guesthouses, should you wish to spend a night or two in Ban Na village.

Extend your trip: Beyond a one week in Laos itinerary

Let’s be realistic – one week is never going to be enough for a trip to Laos. If you find you have fallen in love with the country like so many other travelers have done, follow either (or both!) of the following recommendations to continue your journey.

Extension option 1: Phonsavan

After heading back to Luang Prabang, the next day take another bus eastwards to Phonsavan. Beside the waterfalls and outdoor activities surrounding the town, there are two main highlights of a trip here:

1. The Plain of Jars: These UNESCO-listed stone funerary structures are scattered across multiple sites near Phonsavon. Some of these date back as far as 500 BCE. There are hundreds of jars to see, and booking a tour in advance can greatly help your visit.
2. Sites from the Second Indochinese War: A slightly more sobering aspect to your Laos itinerary, the bomb-scarred landscape around Phonsavan will show you the devastating extent of the US bombardment. Caves were used as shelters by thousands of people, and various caves can be visited by tours.

Safety tip: Since this is the most heavily bombed area in the world – with many unexploded believed to exist to this day, you should never stray from well-used paths. The best way is to travel with an authoritative local tour guide.

Extension option 2: Muang Xai

This option does not involve backtracking all the way to Luang Prabang. Instead you can catch a short bus ride directly from Nong Khiaw to Muang Xai. Again surrounded by stunning scenery, you should also check out Chong Om Cave. For accommodation which is slightly more luxurious than your average backpackers lodge, stay at the Namkat Yorla Pa Resort just outside Muang Xai.

From there, you could easily continue your trip westwards towards Luang Namtha and destinations in Thailand or China.

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