Laos · Itineraries
2 weeks in Laos: a north-to-south itinerary
Luang Prabang, Nong Khiaw, Vang Vieng, Vientiane, then the south down to the 4000 Islands: a two-week itinerary to discover Laos without rushing.
Length
14 days
Start
Luang Prabang
End
The 4000 Islands
Best season
November to February
Two weeks is a good amount of time to discover Laos, as long as you don't try to see everything. Here, you shouldn't travel fast: roads are long, and the country is best savoured slowly. Here is a north-to-south itinerary, inspired by the Laos guide Mélissa shared on Instagram.
From north to south
Luang Prabang · Nong Khiaw · Vang Vieng · Vientiane · the south
You start in the north, with Luang Prabang and the mountains of Nong Khiaw. You then head down through the centre, Vang Vieng and the capital, Vientiane, and finish in the far south, on the Mekong, where Laos is at its calmest.
“Here, you shouldn't travel fast.”
Getting around
- The train: it links Luang Prabang, Vang Vieng and Vientiane quickly
- Buses and minivans: for the north and south, slower
- Boat: on the Nam Ou, towards Muang Ngoy
- Pace: keep some days with nothing planned
01
The itinerary, stage by stage
Days 1 to 4
Luang Prabang: temples, Mount Phousi, Kuang Si Falls, Pak Ou Caves and the night market.
Days 5 to 7
Nong Khiaw and Muang Ngoy: sunrise viewpoint, boat on the Nam Ou, villages and rice fields.
Days 8 and 9
Vang Vieng: karst mountains, lagoons and kayaking.
Day 10
Vientiane: Pha That Luang, Patuxai and a walk along the Mekong.
Days 11 to 14
The south: Wat Phou, Don Daeng island, then the 4000 Islands, to end the trip in peace.
Do
- Keep at least 3 days for Luang Prabang
- Take the train between Luang Prabang and Vientiane
- End in the south, to unwind
Avoid
- Changing town every day
- Underestimating travel times
- Trying to fit the far north into two weeks too
Start in Luang Prabang
Our tours · Luang Prabang
Luang Prabang temples and Mount Phousi
A day in the old town with your guide, in French, English, Chinese or Thai: the day market, the Royal Palace, Wat Xieng Thong and Wat May, then Mount Phousi, by private tuk-tuk.
From 65 € / person
See the tour
Our tours · Luang Prabang
Mekong cruise and Pak Ou caves
The town in the morning, then about two hours by private boat on the Mekong to the Pak Ou cave and a village where rice spirit is distilled.
From 78 € / person
See the tour
Our tours · Luang Prabang
Kuang Si waterfall and Hmong village
About an hour's drive to the Kuang Si waterfall, a stop in a Hmong village and at the buffalo farm, then the Ock Pop Tok textile workshop before returning to your hotel.
From 72 € / person
See the tour
Our tours · Luang Prabang
Street food at the night market
A street food evening guided by our students in training: they learn French with NK Seeds and introduce you to Lao food among the stalls of Luang Prabang.
From 30 € / person
See the tour
Our tours · Luang Prabang
Sindad evening, the Lao barbecue
An evening around the sindad, the Lao barbecue you share, with our students in training: they learn French with NK Seeds and introduce you to the meal Lao people love to share with friends.
From 30 € / person
See the tour
Frequently asked questions
Is two weeks enough for Laos?
Yes, for a first trip from north to south, as long as you pick your stops and don't rush.
Where should I start a trip to Laos?
In Luang Prabang, in the north, then head south.
How do I get around Laos?
The train for Luang Prabang-Vientiane, buses and minivans elsewhere, and boats on the Nam Ou.
How many days in Luang Prabang?
Three or four days, for the temples, Kuang Si, the Mekong and the night market.
Planning your itinerary?
Write to us: we answer you ourselves, from Luang Prabang. Please book at least one week in advance.
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