14 Days in Laos: Complete Country Itinerary (North to South)
Two weeks in Laos unlocks the entire country. This complete 14-day Laos itinerary travels from the misty mountains of the far north to the lazy river islands of the deep south. Starting in Luang Prabang, weaving through Nong Khiaw’s dramatic river valley, dropping into Vang Vieng’s karst playground, passing through the capital Vientiane, and finishing among the Mekong’s 4000 Islands — you’ll experience the full spectrum of what makes Laos Southeast Asia’s most authentic destination.
14-Day Itinerary Overview
Route: Luang Prabang (2) → Nong Khiaw (2) → Luang Prabang (1) → Vang Vieng (2) → Vientiane (1) → Pakse / Bolaven Plateau (2) → 4000 Islands (3) → Depart
Best for: Adventurers, slow travellers, motorbike enthusiasts, travellers wanting to see the real Laos beyond the tourist trail
Budget: $400–650 (budget) / $700–1,100 (mid-range) excluding flights
Direction: North to south — start in Luang Prabang, finish in the 4000 Islands (cross into Cambodia or fly from Pakse)
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Days 1–2: Luang Prabang (arrive)
Fly into Luang Prabang and spend two full days exploring the Unesco old quarter. Highlights: Kuang Si Falls (arrive at 8 AM), Wat Xieng Thong, Mount Phousi sunset, night market, Pak Ou Caves boat trip, morning alms ceremony, and a Lao cooking class. Stay in a guesthouse in the old quarter for easy walking access to everything.
Days 3–4: Nong Khiaw
Minivan to Nong Khiaw (3–4 hours). This remote riverside town is one of the most beautiful spots in Laos — towering limestone cliffs, the Nam Ou River, and jungle trails. Do: Pha Tok viewpoint hike, bamboo bridge crossing, boat trip to Muang Ngoi, evening stargazing. Stay in a riverside bungalow and disconnect completely.
Day 5: Luang Prabang (transit)
Return to Luang Prabang by minivan. Use this day for anything you missed — last temple visits, souvenir shopping at the morning market, or a relaxing riverside afternoon. Overnight in Luang Prabang.
Days 6–7: Vang Vieng
Train from Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng (1.5 hours). Two days of adventure. Day 1: Hot air balloon at sunrise, then scooter exploration of Blue Lagoon 1, Tham Phu Kham Cave, and Nam Xay Viewpoint. Day 2: Kayaking the Nam Song River in the morning, Tham Nam water cave tubing in the afternoon.
Day 8: Vientiane
Train to Vientiane (1 hour). Explore the capital in a day: Pha That Luang, Patuxai, Wat Si Saket, Haw Phra Kaew, and the COPE Visitor Centre. Evening Mekong riverfront walk and night market. Stay near the riverfront.
Days 9–10: Pakse & Bolaven Plateau
Fly from Vientiane to Pakse (1 hour, $40–80) or take the overnight VIP bus (12 hours, $15–20). The Bolaven Plateau is a cool highland region famous for coffee plantations and spectacular waterfalls. Rent a motorbike and do the 2-day Bolaven Loop: Tad Fane, Tad Yuang, Tad Champee waterfalls, and overnight at a coffee plantation homestay in Paksong or Ban Houay Hoi. Taste some of the best coffee in Southeast Asia.
Days 11–13: Si Phan Don (4000 Islands)
Bus from Pakse to Nakasang (2 hours, $3–5), then boat to Don Det or Don Khone ($2). Spend three days in complete relaxation mode. Cycle around the car-free islands, watch Irrawaddy dolphins at Don Khone, visit the Khone Phapheng Falls (the largest by volume in Southeast Asia), and lie in a hammock with a book. This is the closest Laos gets to a beach holiday — with zero crowds.
Day 14: Departure
Boat back to Nakasang, bus to Pakse. Fly from Pakse International Airport to Bangkok or Vientiane. Alternatively, cross into Cambodia at the Veun Kham border crossing — just a few kilometres from the 4000 Islands.
Southern Laos Highlights
Bolaven Plateau
Coffee-growing highlands with epic waterfalls — Tad Fane (120m twin cascade), Tad Yuang, and Tad Champee. Cool climate (20°C average), perfect for motorbike loops. Don’t leave without a bag of locally grown arabica.
Si Phan Don (4000 Islands)
The Mekong widens into a river archipelago of thousands of islands. Don Det is the backpacker hub (simple bungalows, hammocks, sunset bars), Don Khone is quieter. Key experiences: Irrawaddy dolphin spotting, Khone Phapheng Falls, cycling through old French colonial ruins (abandoned railway).
Wat Phu Champasak
A Unesco World Heritage Khmer temple complex predating Angkor Wat. Set against the sacred Phu Kao mountain, these 5th-13th century ruins offer a spiritual experience without the crowds of Cambodia’s temples. Accessible as a day trip from Pakse or Champasak town.
Budget Breakdown: 14 Days in Laos
Total estimated cost per person (excluding international flights):
- Budget: $400–650 — dorms, street food, buses, trains, self-guided
- Mid-Range: $700–1,100 — private rooms, restaurants, flights to Pakse, activities
Key expenses:
- 14 nights accommodation: $70–280
- All meals: $50–150
- All transport (trains, buses, flights, minivans): $100–200
- Bolaven motorbike rental (2 days): $16–30
- Hot air balloon (Vang Vieng, optional): $80–110
- Kayaking: $15–25
- Kuang Si Falls: $5–15
Packing for the Complete Laos Trip
Two weeks covering both north and south means variable weather. The north can be cool (10°C evenings in December–January) while the south is hot year-round.
- Layers: One light jacket or fleece for northern evenings and Bolaven Plateau
- Rain jacket: Essential for the Bolaven loop and rainy season (June–October)
- Comfortable walking shoes and flip-flops/sandals
- Swimwear: You’ll use this almost every day — Kuang Si Falls, blue lagoons, river swims, 4000 Islands
- Power bank: Electricity can be unreliable in remote areas like Nong Khiaw and 4000 Islands
- Reusable water bottle: Many guesthouses offer filtered water refills for free or a few cents
Disclaimer: Prices and schedules are approximate and may change. Always check current conditions, entry fees, and transport schedules before travelling. This guide is for general reference only.