5D4N Laos Itinerary: The Ultimate Solo Backpacking Guide

Laos is a landlocked country of northeast-central mainland Southeast Asia. It is known for its tranquil landscapes, rich culture, and warm hospitality and is an ideal destination for travelers seeking a blend of adventure and relaxation. Furthermore, Laos is one of Southeast Asia’s most underrated destinations, boasting the most breathtaking views of nature and lush scenery!

Laos was the last leg of my Indochina backpacking trip, and it was definitely one of those trips I was looking forward to! The country itself offers a perfect mix of nature, history, and local culture, which totally left me in awe for five days. Not to mention the fact that I was able to meet the most hospitable Laotian family while I was exploring Vientiane.

In this blog post, this highlights a comprehensive travel guide to Laos for 5 days and 4 nights!

Where is Laos located?

Laos is situated in Southeast Asia, which shares borders with China to the north, Vietnam to the northeast and east, Cambodia to the south, Thailand to the west, and Myanmar (Burma) to the northwest.

If you’re traveling from a Southeast Asian country, you don’t need a visa to enter Laos. Thus, a visa is not required for a maximum of 30 days. However, for other countries and foreign nationals, you might be required to apply for a visa to enter Laos.

How to get to Laos?

By Air

The most convenient way to get to Laos is by air, with several international airports connecting the country to the rest of the world.

Main International Airports:

Wattay International Airport (VTE) in Vientiane: The capital’s main gateway, with flights from Bangkok, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Kuala Lumpur, and other regional hubs.
Luang Prabang International Airport (LPQ): A popular entry point, especially for travelers interested in exploring the UNESCO-listed town of Luang Prabang.
Pakse International Airport (PKZ): Located in the southern part of the country, it’s ideal for those planning to explore the 4000 Islands region or Bolaven Plateau.

Major Airlines:

Lao Airlines: The national carrier with regular flights from regional destinations.
Thai Airways, Vietnam Airlines, AirAsia, and Bangkok Airways: These airlines also operate flights into Laos, mainly from neighboring countries such as Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia, and Singapore.

If you’re coming from the Philippines, please note that there is no direct flight from Manila to Laos. Thus, you need to fly to and from Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, or Singapore in order to enter Laos.

By Bus

Traveling to Laos by land or by bus is the most popular and the cheapest way to explore Indochina or Southeast Asia. This option is often the most economical, though it can be time-consuming. Several border crossings allow entry from Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia. Usual travel time takes about more than 12 hours up to 24 hours depending on which neighboring country you’re coming from.

Thailand to Laos: Regular bus services run from Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Udon Thani to various parts of Laos, including Vientiane, Luang Prabang, and Pakse.
Vietnam to Laos: Buses from Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and other Vietnamese cities offer routes to major Laotian towns like Vientiane and Savannakhet.
Cambodia to Laos: Though less frequent, buses do operate from Phnom Penh to southern Laos, usually stopping at Pakse.

By Boat

If you’re coming from Thailand, taking a boat is also possible, and it’s one of the cheapest and most unique ways to cross the border between Thailand and Laos. However, please be aware of the fact that traveling from Thailand to Laos by boat is definitely much more consuming than by land, as it takes days to get to Laos.

Mekong River: The two-day slow boat from Chiang Khong in Thailand to Luang Prabang is a popular route. It’s a scenic and leisurely way to enter Laos, offering a glimpse of the country’s stunning river landscapes.

Based on my experience, I opted to travel to Laos by plane because I wanted to save time and maximize the days I had left for my Indochina backpacking trip. I flew with Thai Airways from Thailand to Laos.

Getting Around Laos

When exploring Laos, there are a lot of options to choose from. From exploring one city to another, here are the modes of transport that you can take when in Laos:

Tuk-Tuks and Jumbos

Tuk-Tuks: These three-wheeled vehicles are the most common form of transportation in Laotian cities and towns. They’re ideal for short trips around cities like Vientiane, Luang Prabang, and Pakse.
Jumbos: A larger version of the tuk-tuk, they can carry more passengers and are often used for slightly longer journeys within towns or between nearby villages.

Buses

Local buses: Public buses connect most major cities and towns in Laos. They are the cheapest way to travel long distances, though they can be slow and crowded.
VIP Buses: These are more comfortable than regular buses, often with air conditioning and reclining seats. They connect major tourist destinations like Vientiane, Vang Vieng, and Luang Prabang.
Minivans: Popular for intercity travel, vans offer a faster but more compact alternative to regular buses. They’re popular for routes like Vientiane to Vang Vieng or Luang Prabang.

Motorbikes

Motorbike Rentals: Renting a motorbike or scooter is a popular way to explore Laos, especially in areas like Vang Vieng, the Bolaven Plateau, or the 4000 Islands.

Bicycles

Bicycle Rentals: Renting a bike is another enjoyable way to explore cities and towns like Luang Prabang, Vientiane, and smaller villages in Laos. Many guesthouses and hotels offer bicycles for rent.

Local Trains

Trains: Taking a local train is another way to travel from one city to another. If you plan on visiting the three most popular tourist destinations in Laos, such as Luang Prabang, Vang Vieng, and Vientiane, you can opt to take a local train.

Essential Travel Guide & Tips

The local currency is the Lao Kip (LAK), but US dollars and Thai baht are also widely accepted.
Lao is the official language, but English is commonly spoken in tourist areas.
Laos is a Buddhist country, so dress modestly when visiting temples and be mindful of local customs.
Laos can be very hot and humid, so bring your own sunscreen to protect your skin as much as possible.
If you’re traveling from one place to another, make sure to check all the van, bus, and train schedules, so you can plan your entire trip accordingly. (In my case, I usually travel spontaneously when I’m traveling alone)
Most hotels can rearrange tours for your Laos trip, just do not hesitate to ask.

5D4N LAOS ITINERARY

If you’re traveling to Laos, here’s a sample 5D4N Laos itinerary. Please take note that I was practicing slow travel, thus, I was not able to maximize all the tourist spots in each city.

Day 1

Arrival in Vientiane, Wattay International Airport
Check-in at Sailomyen Cafe & Hostel
Free time, explore Vientiane
Visit Patuxai (Victory Monument) at night
Rest

Day 2

Travel from Vientiane to Vang Vieng (travel time is approximately 2 hours)
Check in at Vang Vieng Central Hotel (3 days and 2 nights)
Rent a motorbike, explore the city
Blue Lagoon
Pull Mind Cafe
Happy Mango Thai Restaurant
Sakura Bar
Night Market
Rest

Day 3

Hike at Namxay Viewpoint
Free time
Eat at a local restaurant

Day 4

Viengtara Vang Vieng Resort (visited a cafe for a million dollar view)
Back to Vientiane
Dinner at Kualao Restaurant
Rest

Day 5

Shopping at Talat Sao
Patuxai (Victory Monument)
Pha That Luang
Wat Si Saket
Back to Manila

Apparently, I’ve spent most of my time in Vang Vieng for 3 days (which I did not regret). Yet I was supposed to visit Luang Prabang as well, but due to the holidays, train seats are fully booked! Nevertheless, I definitely had the most amazing time during my 5-day trip to Laos!

Do’s & Don’ts in Laos

When traveling to Laos, here are some of the things that you need to be mindful of. As a responsible traveler, always remind yourself to respect Lao law, culture, and customs.

The Lao word for “Hello” is Sabai Dee”, and is usually said with a smile.
Do not show too much affection in public. Kissing and hugging in public is impolite.
Show respect and dress neatly while in temples and when taking photos.
Monks are revered and respected in Laos; however, women should not touch a monk or a monk’s robes.
Make sure to ask permission before taking a picture of locals.
Do not touch someone’s head. In Lao culture, it is very impolite.
Do not bathe nude in public.
Avoid taking illegal drugs in Laos.
Do not distribute gifts to children as it encourages begging, but give to an established organization or village elders instead.
Support local craftsmen by purchasing new, quality crafts. Laos loses a little of its heritage every time an antique is taken out of the country.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it safe to travel to Laos?

Yes, traveling to Laos is completely safe. But if you are a solo traveler, especially a female solo traveler, you still need to be more cautious with your surroundings and the people you’re meeting with.

When is the best time to visit Laos?

The best time to visit Laos is between October and April, when the weather’s warm and dry throughout. Meanwhile, when traveling by boat, November to January is the best time to visit Laos, when high water levels make passage easy along Laos’ main waterway, the Mekong River.

Is Laos expensive to travel?

Laos is the cheapest country to visit in Southeast Asia! The cost of living is very low, which makes things in the country very affordable for tourists!

Is Laos worth visiting?

Laos is totally worth visiting! If you’re a sucker for nature views, breathtaking landscapes, unique cultures, off-the-beaten destinations, and less touristy places, Laos is definitely a must-visit!

I only stayed in Laos for 5 days and 4 nights but I completely fell in love with the country. Laos holds a special place in my heart, even if I was not able to stay longer and explore more of its beauty. I’ve met a lot of amazing and beautiful souls, which I will forever remember and hold in my heart. Furthermore, after visiting Laos, this truly enhanced my interest in learning more about Southeast Asian countries: the culture, the people, their economy, and many more. Laos may be a less developed country and one of the poorest in the world, but it completely stole my heart! It’s truly a hidden gem in Southeast Asia! I’d definitely come back again soon!