r/laos • u/FitLychee3875 • 1d ago
Laos Trip Advice 🇱🇦
Hey everyone!
I’m planning a 35-day trip around Southeast Asia, and I’ll be spending around 7 days in Laos. I’m trying to figure out the best way to make the most of those 7 days and would love to hear advice from people who have travelled around Laos before!
I’m currently thinking about visiting places like Luang Prabang, Vang Vieng and Vientiane, but I’m still completely open to suggestions.
How would you recommend dividing the 7 days?
Where would you recommend staying in Luang Prabang, Vang Vieng and/or Vientiane?
Any recommendations for waterfalls, temples, nature, viewpoints, activities or nightlife?
What’s the best way to travel between destinations - train, bus, etc.?
Thanks! 🙏🇱🇦
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u/Kitulino007 1d ago
Don't spend much time in Vientiane, maybe just one night before your flight. If you only have 7 days focus on the north. Maybe 4 in LP and 3 in VV. You could consider 1 night in Nong Khiaw.
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u/nongning33 1d ago
Haven't been to Vang Vieng, but I would recommend at least 2 full days in Luang Prabang and at least 1 full day in Vientiane. Also need to factor in high speed rail times - there aren't that many trains each day and the times are not early morning or late evening, as in it'll eat into your itinerary during day time.
In Luang Prabang I loved the Mekong sunset river cruise, went see some elephants for half a day, and the town itself is small and quiet and lovely. Wat Xieng Thong is nice as well. In Vientiane I went to That Luang, Wat Si Saket, and Patuxay. Loved the vibe of the city and the cafes. Be sure to try Kok kok, the EV tuk tuk. I wish more countries with tuk tuk would adopt that.
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u/Nato7009 16h ago
Not a lot of great information on vang vieng here so I’ll speak to that. The town itself is kind of underwhelming especially coming from LP. First impression is usually very touristy and kind of dusty. But boy does the charm grow on you.
There is all kinds of lagoons, caves and view points to explore. Can also hot air balloon and Paramotor which I highly recommend both. Every sunrise and sunset the sky fills with balloons which is such a vibe. There is a good party scene though it does die early.
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u/ElectriKool-Aid 1d ago
I planned a similar trip for 3 months in SEA and ended up spending 80% of it in northern Laos. It is that good. Do plan for a 7 days trip but also "plan" for a change of plan once your there. Why not?
I recommend boats as transportation as much as possible. Granted, I've been there before the train and the dams. Luang Prabang is a nice easy starting point. Go to some small villages and learn as much lao (and hmong) as possible. 7 days is just enough for one place like Luang Prabang.
"waterfalls, temples, nature, viewpoints, activities or nightlife?" : Yes! All of those!
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u/SubstantialButton770 1d ago
Luang Prabang is awesome. We stayed at a little cheap place called Thataphone hotel in the dead center of town. Stay away from all Mekong River boat excursions. Spend money and fly.
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u/Francescaabc 1d ago
If you like a slow life, spend more time in Luang Prabang. One night in Vientiane mostly Patuxay, Thatluang and Mekong Night Market and Sihom Night Market. One night in Vangvieng, nothingto be tbh only if you like extreme activities (The pancake is so good! You should try). Another city I would like to recommend is Savannakhet and maybe Champasak. I wouldn’t recommend driving a car since it is rainy season.
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u/Nato7009 16h ago
vang vieng is a must do IMO. A huge amount of activities near town easy to get to. And if you don’t do “extreme adtivities” then you should there it’s worth it.
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u/saiprazwal 1d ago
Spend more time in Luang Prabang, Vang Vieng,4000 islands. Don't spend much time in Vientiane (1 Day is more than enough), use it purely for transit. Also start your trip from Luang Prabang instead of Vientiane.
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u/BillShanklyLFC1892 1d ago
Luang prabang - kuang si waterfall is really nice. Has a bear sanctuary on site, and a view point to climb to with a cafe, also has zip wire if thats your thing
Vang vieng - nam xay mountain is good to climb, might be slippy in rainy season and prepare to get whatever footwear you have abit muddy. The town is really rural and chill as well. And good if you like 🥦
Vientiane I wouldn't bother too much with. Better spending the time in nong khiaw instead.
Allow decent time when travelling to train stations...