Two weeks in Laos is the ideal time to discover the country’s essentials: magnificent Luang Prabang, adventurous Vang Vieng, peaceful Vientiane, and the magic of the South. Here is the 2-week Laos itinerary our agency recommends after more than twenty-five years of tours in this country.

Days 1-2: Arrival in Vientiane

Your journey begins in the Laotian capital, a tranquil city on the Mekong River. Don’t expect a megalopolis: Vientiane is a human-scale capital, relaxing and authentic. Visit That Luang (the Golden Stupa, Laos’ national monument), Patuxai (the Laotian Arc de Triomphe), and Wat Sisaket with its thousands of Buddha statues. In the evening, stroll along the Mekong at sunset — one of the most beautiful in the country.

Days 3-4: Vang Vieng

Heading north, a stop in Vang Vieng is a must. This town, nestled in a landscape of karst peaks and rice paddies, is an essential spot for adventure enthusiasts. Kayaking on the Nam Song River, exploring caves, hiking with views of the karsts, or simply relaxing in cafes overlooking the rice paddies — Vang Vieng appeals to both athletes and contemplatives.

Days 5-8: Luang Prabang

Allow a minimum of four days for this UNESCO World Heritage city, considered one of Asia’s most beautiful. The ideal program:

  • Day 5: Arrival, stroll through the peninsula, sunset from Mount Phousi
  • Day 6: Tak Bat (alms-giving ceremony to monks at dawn), Wat Xieng Thong, night market
  • Day 7: Excursion to Kuang Si Waterfalls, swimming in the turquoise pools
  • Day 8: Pak Ou Caves, visit to artisan villages, sunset on the Mekong

Days 9-10: Slow boat on the Mekong or Nong Khiaw

Option A (if you joined Luang Prabang from the Thai border): travel back up to Huay Xai by boat or plane to continue your journey.
Option B (highly recommended): head to Nong Khiaw for 2 nights in this village of cliffs and wild rivers. This is authentic Laos, far from classic tourist routes.

Days 11-12: Bolaven Plateau and Pakse (South)

Domestic flight to Pakse to discover southern Laos. Day trip to the Bolaven Plateau: coffee plantations, Tad Fane and Tad Yuang waterfalls, ethnic villages. The region produces some of Asia’s best coffees — bringing back Bolaven coffee beans is a local custom.

Days 13-14: Champasak, Vat Phou, and Departure

Final stop: the Khmer temple of Vat Phou in Champasak, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This masterpiece of Khmer architecture is less visited than Angkor but just as impressive — with an added touch of serenity. Return to Vientiane or international flight from Pakse for direct connections to Bangkok or Siem Reap.

Tips for Optimizing Your 2-Week Itinerary

  • Fly between Vientiane and Luang Prabang rather than taking the bus (45 min vs 10h)
  • Prefer Pakse as an arrival or departure point to avoid round trips to Vientiane
  • Book your accommodation in Luang Prabang in advance during high season (Nov–Feb)

This Tailor-Made Itinerary with Asia Safari

Our agency organizes this 2-week Laos tour as a fully customized version: selected accommodations, private transport with local drivers, French-speaking guides. See our flagship 15-day Laos tour or request your personalized quote.