How to Spend 1 Week in Laos

So, you’re planning a trip to Laos? First of all—good choice. This landlocked gem of Southeast Asia often gets overshadowed by its flashier neighbors (Thailand, we’re looking at you 👀), but if you’re into jaw-dropping nature, laid-back vibes, and eating more sticky rice than you thought humanly possible, Laos is your kind of place. We visited Laos in between Thailand and Vietnam, in February.

Here’s how to spend one epic week (six full days) in Laos without losing your sanity, your passport, or your appetite.

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OVERVIEW (CITY BREAKDOWN; Detailed itineraries for each city are linked below)

We flew into Vientiene and flew out of Luang Prabang. You could reverse the order depending on your flight path!

Day 1: Vientiene

Days 2-4: Vang Vieng

Days 5-6: Luang Prabang

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Day 1: Vientiene (1 Day)

Vientiane isn’t your average chaotic Southeast Asian capital. Nope—this city is on Lao time, which means everything moves at nap speed. It’s the perfect soft landing.

– What we did (and what we highly recommend you don’t miss):

🛕 Wat Sisaket – Oldest temple in Vientiane, with thousands of tiny Buddha statues. Peaceful and photogenic.
🐉 That Dam Stupa – A quick but cool stop with mysterious Naga serpent folklore.
🏛️ Patuxay (Victory Monument) – Laos’ Arc de Triomphe with panoramic city views.
🙏 Wat Si Muang – A spiritually significant temple with fascinating legends and vibrant murals.
🍽️ Lunch at Kung’s Café – Hidden gem! Banana flower salad, mango-stuffed rice pancakes, coconut coffee. So good.
🌙 Ban Anou & Vientiane Night Market – Great for street food, souvenirs, and riverside vibes. Don’t miss the cheese pull cake!

– Where we stayed:  Riverside Hotel, a no-frills, comfortable, and well-located option close to the Mekong River.

– Total spent (Approximate CAD, 2 people): $178 (Roughly $45 per person, per night)

SIM: $5
Activities: $0
Accommodations (2 nights): $0 (we used our Expedia points which covered about $61 per night)
Food: $28
Transportation (Loca from the airport to our hotel): $5
Souvenirs: $0
VISAs: $140

More details including VISA Requirements and Pro Tips in our Vientiene blog.

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Days 2-4: Vang Vieng (3 Days)

Hop on a bullet train and head north to Vang Vieng—once a wild party haven, now a nature lover’s playground (with just enough party left for the bold).

– What we did (and what we highly recommend you don’t miss):

🥪 Mama’s Sandwiches – Life-changing. Go twice. No regrets.
🚣‍♂️ Kayaking on the Nam Song River – Peaceful, scenic, and way better than tubing.
🥾 Hiking Nam Xay Viewpoint – Epic views and a motorbike photo-op at the summit.
💦 Blue Lagoon 3 – Chill vibes, fewer crowds, ziplining fun.
🕳️ Cave adventures – Tham Chang for DIY exploration, Water Cave for tubing in the dark.
🎈 Sunset watching – Countryside sunsets with hot air balloons? Unreal.
🌙 Night Market – Mango, jackfruit, Lotte pancakes, and cheap eats galore.

– Where we stayed: River View Villas on Airbnb (if you can brave the shaky bridges; not sponsored)

– Total spent (Approximate CAD, 2 people): $412 (Roughly $69 per person, per night)

Activities: $94
Accommodations (3 nights): $161
Food: $57
Transportation (Locas, bullet train tickets in and out of Vang Vieng, vans/buses): $99
Souvenirs: $1

More details including What to Do and Pro Tips in our Vang Vieng blog.

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Days 5-6: Luang Prabang (2 Days)

You’ve made it to the crown jewel of Laos. Luang Prabang is a UNESCO wonderland of golden temples, French croissants, and orange-robed monks silently gliding through the morning mist.

– What we did (and what we highly recommend you don’t miss):

🌄 Mount Phousi – Catch sunrise or sunset for unbeatable panoramic views.
💦 Kuang Si Waterfalls – Turquoise pools + bear sanctuary = unforgettable day.
🛍️ Night Market – Wander for souvenirs, stay for the street snacks.
🍛 Khaiphaen – Our fave restaurant in Laos. Delicious food, amazing mission.
🍹 360 Sunset Bar – Cocktails with a technicolor sky show.
🛕 Wat Xieng Thong – Peaceful, ornate, and oh-so photogenic.
🚄 High-Speed Train – Laos has bullet trains and they’re chef’s kiss.
🌅 Belle River – Riverside dinner to wrap up your trip just right.

– Where we stayed: Villa Wanika Luang Prabang—charming, central, and total boutique bliss without breaking the bank

– Total spent (Approximate CAD, 2 people): $229 (Roughly $57 per person, per night)

Activities: $30
Accommodations (2 nights): $102
Food: $87
Transportation (LOCAs): $11
Souvenirs: $0

More details including Pro Tips in our Luang Prabang blog.

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Helping You See the Best of Laos 🇱🇦
Alright, let’s get real. Picking which cities to visit in Laos can be a challenge. But if you're short on time and want to see the best of the country, here’s our list based on our travels:
#1. Vang Vieng (for stunning landscapes and adventure)
#2. Luang Prabang (for temples, waterfalls, and slow-life vibes)
#3. Vientiane (for a more relaxed, laid-back vibe) - optional; can be skipped if really short on time

Overall Expenses for ~1 Week in Thailand (CAD, 2 people):
- Technology & Gear (Airalo [You can use our referral code “CELINA4205” to save $4.50 CAD OFF your first purchase]): $5
- Activities: $124
- Accommodations: $264
- Food (we never cooked for ourselves): $172
- Transportation (tuktuks/vans, bullet trains, LOCAS): $114
- Souvenirs/Essentials (keychain): $$1
- VISAs: $140
Total Cost: $945 ($68 per person, per night)

Let us know if you have any questions in the comments below!