12 days in Laos
- Two Seats Reserved
- 3 hours ago
- 3 min read
Like many other intrepid travelers we love South East Asia - the allure of the tropical jungles, bustling cities, sandy beaches with clear waters - all wrapped in a bundle of completely different culture than what we're used to in the West!
Why Choose Laos?
Laos is known for its breathtaking landscapes, rich culture, and fewer tourists compared to other Southeast Asian destinations. This made it an ideal choice for our adventure. We looked forward to:
Experiencing the Laotian way of life
Exploring ancient temples and stunning waterfalls
Enjoying the tranquility and natural beauty
Travel Itinerary
1 night - slow boat up the mighty Mekong
3 nights - Explore Luang Prabang
4 nights - Thakhek Loop
3 nights - Relax in Don Dot (4000 islands)
At a Glance
Best Time to Visit: Dry season October - April
How long do i need?: 7 days will allow you to see the key backpacker sites, but 10-14 days is ideal to get more under the surface of the country!
Currency: Laotian Kip and USD
Language: Laotian
Budget Level: $
Visa Info: Visa is required for travellers from the UK (eVisa's available and easy to apply for)
Must-See
Top 3 Landmarks:
The Mekong River (more of a continuous feature than a simple landmark! But for anyone obsessed with travel it will feature high on any "must see" list!)
Kuang Si Waterfall
Kong Lor Cave
Hidden Gems:
Li Phi Somphamit secret beach
Huay Xai
Personal Favorite Moment: Pinching ourselves every time we were sat with a cold drink overlooking the infamous Mekong River.
Practical Logistics
Getting Around in Laos
Getting around in Laos is super easy and even more affordable. One of the best resources for travelers is 12go, which offers plenty of options for long-distance transfers within the country.
Overnight Buses: Prices range between £6-£10 per person.
Comfort: The night buses are surprisingly comfortable, even for taller individuals.
Efficiency: All buses we took actually arrived on time or even early.
Overall, traveling by bus in Laos is a convenient and cost-effective way to explore the country.
Local travel
Laos has its own ride-hailing app, Loca. We didn't use this but heard good reviews. Local tuktuks (here they are more like motorbike powered pick ups!) are easy to find and also super affordable. In Luang Prabang, many of these offer excursions out to the Kuang Si Waterfall for just a few dollars per person.
Scooters are also a really affordable way to get around. Daily hire from $5, and the low cost of petrol, make this an ideal if you have a little longer anywhere and want some freedom to get about (please remember to make sure you get a helmet with your rental, and make sure you wear it!)
Day 1 - 2: Slow boat on the Mekong
Day 3 - 5: Explore Luang Prabang
Luang Prabang is a great introduction to the country. A UNESCO World Heritage site, it is easily accessible by air, land, and boat!
Things to do in Luang Prabang
Start Your Day Early with the Alms Ceremony: Participating in the Alms ceremony is a unique experience. Wake up before dawn to catch the monks' sunrise procession. Purchase offerings like sticky rice or fruit from local vendors. Find a spot along the route and present your donation. This ritual helps connect you with local culture and contributes to the community's spiritual life.
Visit the beautiful temples:
Night market:
Kuang Si Falls:
How to get to Luang Prabang
Slow Boat
Plane
Train
Where to stay in Luang Prabang
Day 6 - 9: Drive the Thakhek Loop
What is the Thakhek Loop?
The Thakhek Loop is like the Ha Giang's lesser known brother - no need to scream for attention, letting its beauty speak for itself.
As its name suggests, this is a loop road, starting and ending in the river-side town of Thakhek. 500km (if you include a trip to the Kong Lor cave, which you should!) its a mix of potholed dirt roads where you have to dodge lorries shipping goods from neighboring Vietnam and China, and beautiful tarmac winding through the most jaw-dropping karst mountains, lush valleys, and flooded forests where you won't see another vehicle for miles.
One of the star attractions - the Kong Lor Cave, a 7-kilometer limestone wonderland where you can channel your inner pirate and explore by boat.
How to get to the Thakhek Loop
Where to stay
Day 10 - 11: Relax on Don Det (the 4000 islands)
Things to do in Don Det
How to get to Don Det
Where to stay in Don Det
Food & Drink: List 2–3 "must-try" local dishes and your favorite café or restaurant.
The Final Verdict
Who is this for? (Solo travelers, couples, luxury seekers, or backpackers?)
Overall Rating: A fun 1–5 star or 1–10 score.
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