Looking for a Northern Laos Travel Itinerary to fit your 10 days travel plan? Look no further!
My experience travelling in Northern Laos is fantastic. I enjoyed every minute of it. The ambience has its charm. The living pace is slow, which enabled me to travel slowly and embrace the unique, local culture.
I spend 10 days in Northern Laos exploring the local villages, enjoying a meal at the riverside and hiking to beautiful viewpoints.
This Northern Laos travel itinerary is for you if you are:
- Looking for a laid-back vibe to relax in between your backpacking journey
- Wanting to explore a place for its unique charm
- Keen on exploring the outdoors
This Northern Laos travel itinerary is NOT for you if you are:
- Looking to go to well-known tourist spots
- Constantly want to be on the go
- Prefer the lively energy of the city
DISCLOSURE
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Northern Laos Travel Itinerary: Where to go?
Vientiane
Number of days to spend: 1 day
Many travellers may comment that Vientiane is a town that is ok to give it a miss.
I will say, “Do visit Vientiane”. You have made it to Laos, and because many said, “There is nothing in Vientiane, ” you decide to miss it.
Go and spend a day in Vientiane. Visiting Vientiane on my trip to Northern Laos enabled me to realise how various international organisations and NGOs play a key role in Laos’s development and policy support.
Check out the Buddhist temple, Pha That Luang. The large, golden-covered temple is beautiful. The clouds in the sky make the view of the golden-covered temple amazing.
Visit the night market to explore some local street food. Most visitors to the night market are local Laotian, packing food for their families at home.
Consider a local Laotian massage if you need to relax after travelling earlier in the day.
The golden-covered temple, Pha That Luang in Vientiane
Vang Vieng
Number of days to spend: 3 days
Vang Vieng is known as a backpacker’s party destination. However, there is a growing number of boutique hotels.
The stunning landscape is just outside of town. The river behind the town is crystal clear.
Wake up early to get the best tuk-tuk deal to visit Nam Xay Viewpoint, the viewpoint with the motorbike at the top.
Then, cool off at one or two blue lagoons, which are nearby. The water is very refreshing and the calm atmosphere is worth the visit.
If your budget allows, hop onto a hot air balloon ride to enjoy the best sunset from above.
I have written a full guide on how to explore Vang Vieng without a motorbike. Unlike the perception many travellers give, you do not need to know how to ride a motorbike to explore Vang Vieng.
On top of Nam Xay Viewpoint
Luang Prabang
Number of days to spend: 3 days
The charming town is great for exploring the various coffee shops and watching the world pass by.
Start the day early by visiting Kuang Si Waterfall before many tour buses arrive. Then, stop by a local coffee shop to get a cup of coffee.
Hike up to Buddha’s Footprint Temple for a great city view. Skip Phousi Hill as the crowd is crazy and is not worth the stress!
View from the top of Buddha’s Footprint Temple
In the evening, check out Luang Prabang Night Market for a great variety of local Laotian food and best buys of linen clothes.
On the next day, wake up early to witness the alms-giving ceremony. Then, stroll along the streets and in the local shops to purchase the best souvenirs for your loved ones.
Later in the day, I enjoyed the view of the river, watching many boats just passing by as the sunset in the background.
Spend your last day in Luang Prabang strolling around the city and enjoying the beauty of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, with a cup of coffee in your hand.
Streets of Luang Prabang as the sunsets
Nong Khiaw
Number of days to spend: 3 days
Public transport availability to Nong Khiaw is not as available compared to the other places in Northern Laos. However, the relaxing and peaceful ambience is worth the hassle of visiting Nong Khiaw.
Spend a night near Nam Ou River and watch the local fishermen catching fish with traditional fishing nets. Then, witness the many longtail boats transporting goods and villagers between the village along the river, which are only accessible by boat.
Spend another night above the clouds at Phar Khew Lom to witness the sunset and sunrise. The unique experience is worth the 2-hour hike. Head over to my detailed guide for hiking in Nong Khiaw as I detailed my hiking experience.
The calm view of Nong Khiaw
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Northern Laos Travel Itinerary: The best experiences
Hiking to the highest peak above the clouds in Nong Khiaw
The view from the peak at Phar Khew Lom was amazing. I had a bird’s eye view of Nong Khiaw town and the longtail boat passing through the Nam Ou River.
The hike is not challenging but requires stamina. There are rest stops for resting and catching your breath before continuing your hike to the summit.
Consider opting for a 2D1N hiking option to enjoy the surroundings fully. Otherwise, allocate 4 to 5 hours to hike to the peak during sunset or sunrise to witness the transition from day to night or vice versa.
View from the top of Phar Khew Lom
Exploring the Blue Lagoon in Vang Vieng
The best combination to cool down after sweating profusely under the sun and then drying up before riding a tuk-tuk back to your accommodation.
This involves no sand that sticks to your skin, and gets your bag and belongings sandy, which makes it difficult to keep it clean.
The Blue Lagoon in Vang Vieng is beautiful. The water is refreshing. The green grassy area at the side makes it softer and more comfortable for relaxing.
Here’s a complete guide to explore Vang Vieng without renting a motorbike.
Checking out Blue Lagoon 2
The ambience of the UNESCO World Heritage Site in Luang Prabang
The well-preserved French colonial buildings and the calming ambience of the town are the best places to rest in between your travels.
The UNESCO World Heritage Site is less touristic enough to relax but sufficiently developed to get all basic needs.
Many have asked if Luang Prabang is still worth visiting. I’ll say, a definite yes!
Enjoying a cup of coffee while people watching in Luang Prabang
Slow boat along the Mekong River
The slow boat journey is calming and relaxing. I have shared my personal experience taking the slow boat and will fully recommend it.
It is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. After travelling to many countries globally, experiencing the slow boat journey is incredible.
If you are considering taking a boat along the Mekong River to catch the sunset in Luang Prabang, consider opting for the slow boat experience to Thailand.
Full details on how to get the slow boat can be referred to in my article where I shared my slow boat experience.
Slow boat from Laos to Thailand
Northern Laos Travel Itinerary: When to go?
Northern Laos is best explored during the dry and cool season. This comfortable weather helps when exploring various places in Northern Laos.
The dry and cool season is between November and February.
During my visit to Northern Laos in November 2024, I was blessed with great weather as there was no rain throughout my 10 days in Northern Laos. The weather was nice to hike above the clouds at Phar Khew Lom. The heat from the sun was lovely, and I got a sun tan at a blue lagoon.
The clouds were clear to enjoy a beautiful sunset from a hot air balloon ride.
Clear sunset at Mekong River in Luang Prabang
Northern Laos Travel Itinerary: Is Northern Laos worth visiting?
Absolutely, yes.
Northern Laos allows escaping momentarily from the usual crowded areas and enjoying a slow living pace.
Travelling in Northern Laos may be intimidating at first as social media has portrayed the country otherwise. However, this Northern Laos travel itinerary will hopefully be able to change your perception of Laos.
Enjoying the slow boat ride