One Week in Laos: The Best Laos Itinerary

Laos is home to magnificent Buddhist temples, architecture that juxtaposes East and West, pristine natural landscapes, and plenty of outdoor pursuits.

As it’s still relatively untouched by mass tourism, spending one week in Laos provides you with the opportunity to experience the splendor of Southeast Asia without the crowds, hustle, and bustle. 

To help you see the best of Laos in one week, I have curated the following itinerary which features where to go, where to stay, how to get around the country, and what to do.

Read on and discover the perfect Laos itinerary which allows you to maximize your time and see all the most beautiful places in Laos!

*Disclosure: This post contains a few affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through my link.*

Overview of Your One Week Laos Itinerary

Rather than telling you exactly how to spend your one week in Laos day by day, this itinerary is divided by region.

For each city, I have suggested where to stay, where to eat, and what to do while you’re there. This way you can choose to spend your days in Laos doing the activities and tours that most appeal to you.

Breakdown of your one week in Laos

The three areas that you will visit during your one week in Laos are the following:

• Luang Prabang (2 days)
• Vang Vieng (3 days)
• Vientiane (2 days)

If it’s more convenient for you, it is also possible to flip this Laos travel itinerary and start in Vientiane which also has its own international airport.

Map for your Laos itinerary

Below you can find a customized map that includes all the locations you’re going to visit on this Laos itinerary.

I marked the 3 main areas you’ll visit during your one week in Laos with different colors – I used blue for Luang Prabang, green for Vang Vieng, and red for Vientiane, so you can easily see which places you’re going to visit in each city.

How to use this map: This map is fully interactive, so you can move around, zoom in/zoom out, and click on the icons. If you want to see a larger map, click on the bracket in the upper right corner. To see more details and the different layers, click on the tab in the upper left corner. If you want to save it for later, click on the star icon next to the name of the map. Then simply open Google Maps either on your desktop or phone, go to ‘Saved’/’Maps’, and open the map whenever you need it.

Day 1-2: Luang Prabang

Luang Prabang is located in the mountainous north of Laos in a valley at the confluence of the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the town is brimming with ancient architecture that fuses together traditional Lao styles with colonial French builds. 

This is a laid-back city where the pace of life is slow. There are no huge skyscrapers or busy highways to contend with.

Spending 2 days in Luang Prabang is the perfect length of time to experience the major sites as part of your Laos itinerary and see why so many travelers consider this one of the loveliest cities in Southeast Asia.

How to get to Luang Prabang

If you are traveling from overseas then you will likely arrive at Luang Prabang International Airport (LPQ). The airport is located 4 km (2.5 miles) northeast of the city.

You can fly directly to Luang Prabang from a select number of major Southeast Asian airports, Hanoi and Bangkok specifically, and if you are traveling from further afield you will likely transfer at one of these airports.  

Where to stay in Luang Prabang

The historic heart of Luang Prabang sits right at the meeting point of the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers.

It is best to stay as centrally as possible so that you can make the most of the attractions in town and plan some early starts which are mandatory for your one week in Laos. Besides, this way you can save some cash by exploring on foot. 

Here are my top picks for where to stay in Luang Prabang for different budgets.

• Luxury: Pullman Luang Prabang
• Mid-range: The Belle Rive Boutique Hotel
• Budget: Villa Mahasok Hotel

Best things to do in Luang Prabang

• Luang Prabang Old Town: Explore the charming blend of traditional Lao and colonial French architecture on foot or by rental bike. Alternatively, opt for a tuk-tuk tour with a professional guide to dive deeper into the town’s history.
• Mount Phu Si: If you want to see the best sunset in Luang Prabang, head up to Mount Phu Si. It’s a bit of a climb – over 300 steps – but the views from the golden stupa at the top are worth every step!
• Royal Palace: Built in 1904, this former royal residence of King Sisavang Vong showcases a blend of Lao and French styles. Now a museum, it houses royal relics, Buddhist artifacts, and a glimpse into royal family life.
• Temples of Luang Prabang: With 34 temples in the city, there’s plenty to explore. You can visit independently or as part of this heritage sites of Luang Prabang guided tour if you want to glean more insight into Laotian culture.
• Kuang Si Waterfall: Hike through jungle foliage to one of Laos’s most stunning waterfalls. Swim in the turquoise pools or climb to the top of the 50-meter cascade for an unforgettable experience.
• Night Market: Held on Phothisalath Road every evening, the market is perfect for picking up street food, textiles, and handmade gifts while soaking in the lively atmosphere.

Where to eat in Luang Prabang

• Yuni Youpon: Constantly rated as the number one restaurant in all of Luang Prabang, this charming restaurant prides itself on serving delicious bites from all over the world.
• Le Calao: Situated within a refurbished colonial mansion, this riverside restaurant offers a view of the Mekong from its elegant balcony while you tuck into traditional Lao dishes.
• Saffron Coffee: Grab a morning coffee and observe the peaceful morning landscape across the Mekong. All-day breakfast and light lunch dishes are on the menu.
• Le Banneton Café French Bakery: Get your fix of quintessential French pastries or quality pizza at this popular bakery. 
• Two Little Birds Cafe: Serving healthy dishes that fuse East and West, this is one of the best places to eat in town if you’re on a plant-based diet.

Day 3-5: Vang Vieng

Vang Vieng is one of the most gorgeous places you’ll experience while traveling around Laos in one week, or perhaps in the world.

This rural setting is where you’ll see limestone mountains, blue lagoons, caves, and plains speckled with rice paddies and tufts of greenery. There are so many incredible things to do in Vang Vieng that you can easily fill three days in the area. 

When Vang Vieng first arrived on the Laos travel scene it rose to fame as a party hotspot. Nowadays it follows in the footsteps of Luang Prabang and provides a far more tranquil experience. You’re more likely to encounter travelers waking up for a sunrise hike or taking a yoga class than partying until dawn. 

How to get to Vang Vieng

The easiest and most cost-effective way of transferring to Vang Vieng from Luang Prabang is by taking a train.

Back in the day the only way to get there was to take a very long (6-7 hours) bumpy ride through the mountains, but luckily with the newly built Boten-Vientiane railway (which is the Lao section of the Lao-China Railway), things have changed.

Now you can easily board a train in Luang Prabang and in a little more than an hour, you’ll arrive in Vang Vieng. The trains are air-conditioned and quite comfortable too, so traveling to Vang Vieng is really a breeze now.

Where to stay in Vang Vieng

In a similar vein to Luang Prabang, the center of Vang Vieng is compact and walkable. If you want to avoid hiring a scooter and paying for tuk-tuks and taxis then you are best staying as centrally as possible so that you can walk to most of the attractions on this Laos itinerary. 

Here are my top hotel recommendations in Vang Vieng.

• Luxury: Riverside Boutique Resort (you can read our complete hotel review here)
• Mid-range: Confetti Garden Resort
• Budget: Sansan Resort

Best things to do in Vang Vieng

• Blue Lagoons: Vang Vieng is renowned for its stunning blue lagoons, perfect for a refreshing swim. There are six lagoons to choose from, each offering turquoise waters and a relaxing escape. Rent a scooter, hire a buggy, or book a tuk-tuk transfer to explore them all.
• Tham Chang Cave: This accessible cave, located just across the Orange Bridge, features a natural spring where you can cool off. While inside, look out for the stalactite shaped like an elephant.
• Nam Song River: Choose between tubing, kayaking, or riding a longtail boat to explore the Nam Song River and its surrounding caves. Tubing is now a safer, more serene experience, while guided kayaking and boat tours offer unique ways to enjoy the scenery.
• Temples of Vang Vieng: Visit Wat That, the largest temple in the area, adorned with golden Buddhas and naga sculptures. For a scenic drive, head to Wat Pho Karm Chai Mong Kol, nestled in lush greenery with breathtaking views.
• Nam Xay Viewpoint: Hike to the top of Nam Xay Viewpoint for stunning views of Vang Vieng’s dramatic landscapes. The climb takes less than an hour, though it’s steep and requires some scrambling, so dress accordingly and keep your hands free.
• Hot Air Balloon Ride: Vang Vieng is one of the most affordable places to experience a hot air balloon ride. Take to the skies at sunrise or sunset with Above Laos for unforgettable views of the countryside.
• Rice Fields: Escape the action and wander through the serene rice fields surrounding the Nam Song River. Cross the Namsong Bridge to explore the picturesque landscapes near Vieng Tara Villa and Maylin Guest House.

Where to eat in Vang Vieng

• Restaurant du Crabe d’Or: Discover exactly why this is the top-rated restaurant in Vang Vieng! Meals fuse Lao, Asian, and French cuisine paired with imported fine wines with a magical view of the Karst mountains. 
• Thammada Kitchen: This is a small restaurant with a boutique menu that’s bursting with flavor. Try their signature coconut shrimp curry. 
• Phubarn Cafe: A riverside cafe with a good selection of hearty main courses, smoothies, wines, and beers. 
• Naked Espresso: Recover from your early morning antics with a flat white or fresh green tea and a slice of cake at this centrally located cafe.

Day 6-7: Vientiane

Located close to the Thai border, Vientiane is the capital and largest city in Laos. Keeping up with the trend set by Luang Prabang and Vang Vieng, do not travel to Vientiane seeking chaos and noise –  the city maintains the level of calmness that is synonymous with Laos.

The city is punctuated by yet more glorious architecture, temples, landmarks, and places to indulge in Lao cuisine. Dedicating two days of your one week in Laos itinerary is the perfect amount of time to explore the inner city and plan a trip to the outskirts to see some of the unique attractions of Vientiane.

Vientiane is the location of the only other international airport in Laos so you can choose to start your travels here if you prefer.

How to get to Vientiane

Again, the easiest way is to travel by train. The journey only takes a bit more than one hour, making it much quicker and more comfortable than the old bus rides.

Where to stay in Vientiane

Vientiane is the largest place that you will visit during your one week in Laos and as such, the city districts are more spread out.

With two days to spend in Vientiane, it’s best to stay centrally and choose a hotel close to the riverfront in the Ban Haysoke and Watchan neighborhoods. This way you can walk to attractions or hop on the public bus or call a taxi with the rideshare app, LocaLaos.

Here are the three top places to stay in Vientiane with different budgets in mind.

• Luxury: La Seine Hotel
• Mid-range: Lao Poet Hotel
• Budget: Vientiane Boutique Hotel

Best things to do in Vientiane

• Patuxay Monument: This towering archway commemorates Lao independence and war heroes. Inspired by the Arc de Triomphe, it features unique Lao motifs up close.
• Pha That Luang: This iconic 44-meter-tall golden stupa is considered the most important national monument in Laos, symbolizing Lao sovereignty and Buddhism. It’s a stunning sight and a must-visit while in Vientiane.
• Haw Phra Kaew (Hophakaew Museum): Once a Buddhist temple, this museum houses Buddhist relics and artifacts. Its history dates back to 1565 when it was built to enshrine the Emerald Buddha.
• Lao Textile Museum: Explore traditional dyeing and weaving techniques at this museum. The museum is slightly further afield so it requires transport to get there and you may want to coincide it with a trip to the nearby Lao National Museum.
• Temples of Vientiane: Discover Wat That Khao and its colossal reclining Buddha, Pha That Luang with its towering stupa, and the 19th-century Siamese-style Wat Si Saket.
• Chao Anouvong Park: Enjoy riverside views of the Mekong and watch the sunset. Stay for the bustling night market offering street food, handicrafts, and souvenirs.
• Lao Cooking Class: Learn to prepare traditional Lao dishes, starting with fresh herbs from the garden. A hands-on way to bring a taste of Laos back home.
• Buddha Park (Xieng Khuan): Located southeast of Vientiane, this park is filled with Buddha statues and mythological figures from Buddhist and Hindu traditions. You can visit independently or book a Vientiane highlights tour that concludes at the park.

Where to eat in Vientiane

• The Living Library Restaurant: The garden setting is worth it alone but the healthy vegetarian/vegan food makes it all the better. Food is artistically presented and packed with nutrients. 
• Belle Époque Brasserie: An elegant dining room where you can choose between French, Lao, and vegetarian sets or browse an extensive a la carte. 
• The Cabana Design Studio & Café: An arty cafe where you can indulge in healthy brunch plates and not-so-healthy cakes. Their coffees and juices are exactly what you need to recoup some energy in between sightseeing.
• Annabelle: There are two outposts of this cafe in Vientiane, one is situated in the city center while the other is located in Saphanthong Village. It’s a dainty setting where you can sip French coffee and enjoy a butter pastry or stuffed croissant.