Laos is just passionating. Its temples, delicious food, friendly people, crafts, its street markets, the rich local art, its breathtaking scenery, its charming bars and beautiful Mekong River to complete the harmony. A perfect combination that makes you want to relax and stay there longer.

Staying less than 20 days in Laos is a sacrilege … And we commit that sin! We stayed only eight days as we were leaving to meet a friend in Thailand, so we decided to spend our time in Luang Prabang and on a cruise on the Mekong. We left the country a little sad for having a so short visit in a so beautiful place, but we are sure that one day we’ll be back with more time to spend there. Laos is now in our list of best countries to visit!

What was worth it: Everything!!!
What we wanted to do but we didn’t: A trek in the tribes of Luang Nam Tha in the north, the crazy tubbing and the beautiful scenery of Vang Vieng, the temples of the capital Vientiane, the beautiful and long Kongo Lo Cave and the 4000 islands in the South.

A few tips:

  • BUS TRANSPORTATION: Traveling in Laos is quite complicated. The roads are very bad, the tickets are expensive in general. You spend most of the trip as a jigger bouncing to the sound of the locals people vomiting. In the night bus, you almost can not sleep and it is common to hit his head on the ceiling, hehehe … So allow enough time for travel, because you will need to rest after.
  • BOAT TRANSPORTATION: Traveling by boat in Laos is much nicer and confortable than by bus, but it is usually longer. You will enjoy a nice view and time to rest and relax. So, if you have time prioritize travel by boat. From Luang Prabang you can choose to go in almost any direction of the country.
Our itinerary (8 days)

We left Sapa in northern Vietnam to the border of Dien Bien Phuof with Tay Trang, in Laos. Arriving in Muang Khua we took a bus to Muang Xai and from there another bus to Luang Prabang, where we rested for 5 days. From there we made a two-day cruise on the Mekong River, stopping for the night in half way at Pak Beng and we finally arrived in Huay Xai, where we crossed the river in the border of Chiang Khong, in Thailand.

The best of the country

Best period

Average spent/day
  • 50,00 – 70,00 US$ for the couple

Must-see places

  • Luang Prabang
  • Kuang Si waterfall (Luang Prabang)
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Amazing experiences

  • Do a Mahout course (where you learn to ride the elephants)
  • 2 days cruise on the Mekong River up to the border of Thailand.

Essential cooking

  • Sticky rice
  • Laap (traditional salad with minced chicken, fish sauce, shallots, mint leaves, lemon juice and roasted rice)
  • Tom Kha Kai (coconut milk soup with chicken, galanga Wild, lemongrass, onions and mushrooms)
  • Various dishes of fried yellow noodle with curry
  • Khao Khok Name (mini pancakes with coconut milk)