A Week in Laos: An Adventure Story from Vietnam

I've been traveling through Southeast Asia for three months. After exploring Thailand and Vietnam, we decided to spend a week in Laos. Before leaving, my partner and I carefully planned our trip by consulting travel groups on Facebook. Everything came together: from December 8th to 15th, 2023, we explored three cities in Laos: Vientiane, Vang Vieng, and Luang Prabang.

I would like to share the details of my current trip to make yours easier, especially if you are planning to travel from Vietnam to Laos.

Written by Preetika Narula (Local Expert)Updated on 21-04-2025

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Day 0: Hanoi-Vientiane

From Hanoi to Vientiane, we opted for the bus rather than the plane for budget reasons. After receiving a recommendation from a Vietnamese friend, we booked our bus tickets with the Tan Ha Linh company .

The reasonable price of 800,000 VND included dinner, lunch the next day, and immigration fees. Our starting point in Hanoi was the Ben xe Nuoc Ngam bus station . Leave early to avoid traffic jams or notify the company in case of delays.

After sleeping soundly all night, we were awakened by the announcement of our arrival at the Nam Phao border. The bus stops here for a break and to complete some border crossing procedures. The mornings in the mountains were rather chilly, so a jacket was essential. 

At the border, several vendors were offering SIM cards claiming they worked perfectly in Laos. We bought one, but it only allowed calls, no text messages. So, we couldn't download local transportation booking apps because we didn't have a verification code. It's better to buy a quality SIM card directly from Vietnam for Laos. Otherwise, wait until you're in Laos to buy it, but not at the border.

The bus then continued its journey to reach the bus station in Laos around 6 p.m. In total, we spent a day on the bus.

Upon arrival, we jumped on a taxi that had just dropped off a passenger and took it to the hotel. After a short rest, we explored the Vientiane night market. My first impression of Laos is that it is very peaceful compared to Vietnam and Thailand. The atmosphere is tranquil, without the usual hustle and bustle of other capital cities, and almost no noise from cars or scooters... 

We enjoyed a dinner of Laotian grilled meats and other delicious dishes whose names we didn't know. We also tried Laotian beer, which is truly delicious! Don't miss this beer!

Day 1: Vientiane & journey to Vang Vieng

In Vientiane, our hotel is located near Patuxai, a monument reminiscent of the Arc de Triomphe in Paris while incorporating Laotian artistic elements. Here, we sought the hotel's help in booking fast train tickets to Vang Vieng. However, they recommended a more economical minivan, about 1/3 the price (150 kLAK/person). We ultimately opted for this alternative, with departure scheduled for 2 p.m.

We passed the time until 2 p.m. by walking to Patuxai, which was about 2 km away. Laos is very peaceful for us, even though it's the capital. The atmosphere is generally very authentic, far from the hectic pace of other Southeast Asian cities. 

Next, we took a tuk-tuk to explore That Luang, the country's iconic temple, located in the heart of the capital. It's featured on the national emblem and Laotian currency. The place is very impressive with its golden colors. I noticed different people praying around the temple. It truly epitomizes the image of a country where Buddhism plays a central role.

Afterwards, we visited the Tatsuo Market. It offered a wide variety of products, but we particularly enjoyed the delicious fruit on offer. For lunch, we returned to our hotel and chose the nearby Saylomyen Café & Hostel. It was great! Good food, delicious drinks at reasonable prices.

At 1 p.m., a tuktuk picked us up from the hotel and dropped us off at the minivan's departure point for Vang Vieng. At the train station, while we waited for the bus, the drivers offered us small sweet apples. The bus departed at 2 p.m. and dropped us off at the Cosiana Vang Vieng Hotel around 4 p.m. 

After checking in and resting for a bit, we went out for dinner in Vang Vieng. The atmosphere here is just as peaceful, representative of what you'd generally find in Laos. I enjoy this atmosphere because it allows me to fully immerse myself in local life and observe everyday life. I recommend the Café de Vang Vieng : great live music, a versatile singer who performed in English, Thai, and Laotian, really nice. 

Then, we headed to the Vang Vieng night market with its food stalls, jewelry, and clothing at reasonable prices. On the way back, we made an impromptu stop at a travel agency and booked an excursion for the next day: zip line, kayaking, and a visit to the Blue Lagoon for 550 kLAK , without lunch. The next day, while waiting for the bus, I spoke to the driver and learned that by booking directly with the agency, we would have saved a third of the price (around 350 kLAK).

Day 2: Vang Vieng

After breakfast at the hotel, a tuk-tuk picked us up and picked up other guests from various hotels before heading to the outskirts to the meeting point for the tour. 

The guide marked the tour symbols on his hand with a marker (we were ZKB for the Zipline, kayaking, and Blue Lagoon). The zipline was interesting. Protective gear was available, but the hat had an unpleasant odor and the gloves were dirty, which might bother those who care about cleanliness. The guides enthusiastically explained safety techniques to us. 

Back around noon, after our activity, we had a surprise: a free lunch with delicious fried rice and chicken skewers with vegetables, even though it wasn't included in the tour.

After a short rest, we resumed kayaking. Experienced kayakers could paddle alone, while those less confident were accompanied by a guide. The Nam Song River, with its fast-flowing sections, was very attractive to kayaking enthusiasts, offering a thrilling experience for adventure seekers. It's an activity I thoroughly enjoy.

After finishing kayaking, we took a tuk tuk to the Blue Lagoon. There are actually three Blue Lagoons with three different circuits . We chose circuit number 1. The water there is a very clear jade green, but the stream is narrow and this section is rather short, so we just contemplated without swimming.

Perhaps it would be better to try Blue Lagoon 2, or even 3, as these places are generally less crowded.

Around 3:00 PM, we returned to the hotel to prepare for the hot air balloon tour to admire the sunset in Vang Vieng at 4:00 PM. My friend purchased this tour for $110 per person (she was the only one participating). Depending on your preferences, this can be considered expensive. We booked this tour on the following website: Hot Air Balloon Tour  (I recommend looking at other agencies to expand your options).

Day 3: Vang Vieng 

We had planned to leave for Luang Prabang by high-speed train in the morning, but wanting to explore more of Vang Vieng, we postponed our departure until the afternoon. Unfortunately, even business class tickets were sold out for that period. We finally chose a guesthouse near the train station for 200 kLAK/night to catch an early train the next day.

>>> Learn more about: Train in Laos: Complete guide for a successful trip

Day 4: Vang Vieng - Luang Prabang

The train leaves Vang Vieng for Luang Prabang at 10:30 a.m. Early in the morning, we went to the train station, went through security, and had our luggage scanned, just like at the airport. The train arrived on time, and the staff seemed quite relaxed and professional. The journey went smoothly.

Arriving in Luang Prabang around noon, we took the elevator from the train station to buy bus tickets to the city center for 40 kLAK per person. The journey takes about 30 minutes. Then, a tuk tuk took us from the central parking lot to our hotel, Villa Ouis Nam Khan on the banks of the Nam Khan River.

After a short break, we strolled along the Mekong River in Luang Prabang to admire the sunset. This is the former capital of Laos, and here, there's a mix of ancient Laotian architecture, centuries-old temples, and also traces of French architecture from the colonial era. It's my favorite city, perfect for those who want to discover the culture, Buddhism, and traditions of Laos.

>>> Some remarks based on my experiences:

Vang Vieng is ideal for outdoor activities, perfect for adventure lovers, while Vientiane offers a mix of tranquility and liveliness, but with a touch of seriousness. Luang Prabang, on the other hand, is an old town imbued with a calm and Zen atmosphere. There are monks and temples on every corner, which really transports you back in time.

During our walk, we noticed stalls along the road offering boat rides on the Mekong. They cost around $40, so we simply asked out of curiosity, but didn't make a reservation. 

We then explored the night market, which offers a variety of clothing, jewelry, paintings, and crafts. To save money, negotiate prices—I bought a painting for 120 klak instead of 450 klak. 

Day 5: Luang Prabang

We got up early to participate in the traditional ceremony where locals offer food to monks in the streets of the old city—the Tak Bat. We purchased a set of offerings, including sticky rice and sweets, for 50 kLAK, and then sat down to offer these gifts in the local style. The vendor kindly arranged our seats. The ceremony began around 6 a.m., and many people were already there by 5:30 a.m., just like us. 

The atmosphere was truly calm and sacred; it was a very moving moment from the beginning until that moment. The monks, barefoot, walked slowly and meditatively to receive food offerings from the faithful. In addition to receiving these offerings, the monks prayed for the donors. 

After the ceremony ended, we wandered the streets, took pictures and enjoyed the morning atmosphere until the day finally dawned.

Next, we climbed to the top of Mount Phou Si to admire the sunrise over Luang Prabang. The mountain isn't very high but it's quite steep, so it's worth considering if you have children. On the way down, we discovered the National Museum opposite the entrance to Mount Phou Si. The entrance fee is 30 kLAK per person.

The central area of the museum displays artifacts, making it a place worth exploring due to its precious objects and magnificent decoration. However, photography is not permitted; you may simply visit and admire the works. To the right of the entrance is a magnificent temple, but you cannot enter it, only admire it from the outside.

At noon, a car picked us up to take us to Kuang Si Waterfall, for only $6. Our hotel helped us with this visit. Kuang Si Waterfall is magnificent, with its successive levels of emerald green water cascading down.

At first, we thought it was just a waterfall, but it's also a bear sanctuary. There are tables and chairs nearby, offering visitors a place to rest and admire the scenery. Kuang Si is truly a must-see in Luang Prabang!

In the evening, we had dinner near the night market in Luang Prabang. Again, it's important to note that Laotian cuisine is very spicy. Don't hesitate to ask the server for less spicy dishes if you're not used to it!

Day 6: Luang Prabang - Hanoi

Our last day in Luang Prabang was a day dedicated to relaxation. We strolled the streets, explored the surrounding area, and visited Wat Xiengthong and other temples along the way, all of which were exceptionally beautiful. 

I highly recommend Wat Xieng Thong in Luang Prabang. Its remarkable architecture, with intricate wood carvings, tells the story of Buddhism.

Afterwards, we had lunch at 3 Thep Restaurant & Bar on the banks of the Mekong River, enjoying a magnificent view and delicious food. It's the only place where we found delicious dishes without being spicy. Vegetarians can also request a customization of their dish; the restaurant takes care of it. I highly recommend it.

We then left the hotel to return to Hanoi. The hotel arranged for a car to take us to the bus station. The Luang Prabang-Hanoi bus ticket costs 800 kLAK per person, excluding immigration procedures.

Day 7: Luang Prabang - Hanoi

The road was often in poor condition, with traffic jams, so we arrived with a delay of 4 hours. The bus finally arrived at the "Nuoc Ngam" bus station in Hanoi around 10:30 p.m.

How much does a one-week trip to Laos cost?

My trip (for 2 people) costs around 280 euros per person, including all the above activities, except the hot air balloon ride which costs 110 dollars. And remember, this is the trip from Vietnam to Laos, not from England.

It should also be noted that our travel experience is suitable for backpackers, young people, or those looking for a budget-friendly option, as it involves a lot of public transportation, which can be uncomfortable, especially for the long journey from Vietnam to Laos. If you have the option, flying saves time and avoids fatigue. A tailor-made trip is also recommended for families with children or the elderly, offering the comfort of a private car and the services of a guide who explains everything in detail. You can consult on: LAOS TOURS

In short, it's definitely worth it. Laos is an extremely peaceful country, rich in cultural architecture, with ancient temples and magnificent landscapes (less spectacular than those of Vietnam or Thailand, but just as beautiful in terms of nature). Above all, the people are very welcoming. Traveling here gave me a feeling of absolute tranquility, completely immersing myself in the Buddhist spirituality of the country. Moreover, the prices are very affordable; it's the cheapest of the neighboring countries. 

I hope this travelogue provides you with practical information for planning your one-week trip to Laos from Vietnam. Feel free to ask any questions; I'll answer to the best of my knowledge. Enjoy your trip!

>>> Also read the other travel stories in Southeast Asia to inspire you:

• My dream stay in Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia for 3 weeks
• Before You Hit the Thakhek Loop, Laos: A Motorbiker’s Prep List
• 3-Week Journey in Cambodia: Tracing the Land of Angkor Temples
• Incredible Vietnam 3 Weeks Itinerary: Between Culture and Nature