Welcome to another #RAFCARLOSAID!
In this post, I will share my DIY trip to Laos! It was my first time visiting the country, and I was captivated by what it had to offer. Laos has a relaxed pace that I truly enjoyed. Even in the capital, everything moved happily and slowly, which was exactly what I needed.
I'd like to come back again to Laos and meet different people there. The people are friendly and welcoming!
Day 1 : Flight to Vientiane + City Tour
Arrive in Vientiane Leave luggage in Hotel
**Start City tour
Talat Sao Morning Market
Tat Dam Stupa
Wat Sisaket
Ho PhraKeo Museum
Patuxay Museum
Pha That Luang Prabang
Wat That Luang Tai
Mekong River Side Walk & Amusement Park
Day 2 : Vang Vieng + Blue Lagoon
Second Trip High-speed train to Vang Vieng.
Arrive in Vang Vieng
Check-in Hotel & Rent Motorbike
Blue Lagoon
Vang Vieng Walking Street & Night Market
Day 3 : Vang Vieng Tour (Hot Air Balloon + Hike)
05:30 AM - 08:00 AM - Pick Up & Start of Hot Air Balloon Experience
Breakfast in City Center
Hike to Nam Xay Viewpoint
Lunch in the City Center
Arrive at the High-speed train station to Luang Prabang; Arrive in Luang Prabang
Roam around the city
Day 4 : Mekong River Tour
08:30 AM - Start of Mekong Tour
Kuang Si Waterfalls
Pak Ou Caves
Local Villages & Wine Makers
Mekong Sunset
Day 5 : Luang Prabang City Tour
06:00 AM - Alms Giving Ceremony near hotel
Phaosi Hill
National Museum
Wat Xieng Thong Temple
Flight Back
TIPS & GUIDE
If you plan to arrive and depart in Laos the best option is flying from Bangkok to either VTE or Luang Prabang. The flight is expensive so you have no choice. There are no direct flights from Manila to Laos.
Roaming around the City - You can use their ride-hailing application: Loca In Vientiane, places here are a bit far from each other so it is best to use the app if you are solo. Otherwise, you can hire Tuktuk and haggle the price if possible. In Luang Prabang, the city is bikable. You can rent a bike here and roam around the old city and nearby temples. The attractions and places to see here are near to each other.
If you are visiting Vang Vieng, it is best to hire a Motorcycle. Around 150,000kip for two days. No need for a driver’s license just present and deposit your passport.
If going to Lagoon, it is 7km away from the city center. The road is pretty straightforward just take caution about the potholes.
Hot Air balloons are only operational at Sunset and Sunrise. You can book at Above Laos website or you can check with your hotel if they offer a Hot Air Balloon ride. I got my Hot Air Balloon ride at $119.
NAM XAY HIKING TIPS - The best time to visit is during Sunrise or Sunset. Or around 9 AM to 12 noon. No guide will accompany you since the trail is pretty straightforward and you’ll not get lost since there are lots of tourists doing the hike.
The difficulty of the hike is 7/10 for me. Not pretty much air inside but the view is worth it! The entrance fee is 10,000 kip.
MEKONG RIVER TIPS - I booked my tour through Trip.com (Mekong Whole Day Tour) I booked a whole day tour that starts from 8 AM until sunset.
You will be riding a slow boat that is usually used as a public vehicle from Huay Xai to Luang Prabang. So if you are missing the Slow Boat experience this is the best option.
There is no option to swim to Kuansi Waterfalls during the tour. So if that is your plan, book a separate tour
Free Beers and snacks during our tour! and the best is I met a lot of travelers during the trip! One for the books!
BOTEN-VIENTIANE RAILWAY - I book my tickets through 12go.asia - This is the easiest way to secure tickets since same-day purchase is not allowed at any of the railway stations. You can do so, however, 2 days before your day of travel.
The Route is available for VTE to Luang Prabang. The price range when booking in 12go is Twice its price. Since a third party or local is purchasing your ticket. There are instructions about picking up the physical ticket or having an e-ticket. So always read instructions carefully.
The train arrives and leaves on time. So arrive at least an hour before your schedule.
POCKET MONEY & WITHDRAWAL
1,900,000 kip - Allotted for Food, motorcycle rental, and entrance fees.
An additional 750,000 kip was withdrawn to a local ATM in the city. The fee was 25 pesos.
Mastercard or Visa is widely accepted in the machines.
If you are using a credit card as payment (which most Hotels do) there will be a 3% Bank Charge.
HOTELS (WITH LINKS VIA AGODA)
VTE - Barn 1920s Hostel (Shared rooms - Bunk Beds)
Luang Prabang - Barn Laos Luang Prabang (Shared rooms - Bunk Beds)
Vang Vieng - Saphaothong Guesthouse
WHERE TO BOOK TOURS (WT QUICK LINKS)
Train Tickets (12go.asia)
Hot Air Ballon Experience (Above Laos)
Whole Day Mekong Sunset Tour (Trip.com)
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Thank you so much for reading this guide! I hope you'll enjoy your Lao trip soon! I would appreciate it if you could give me support by buying me a coffee! ☕️ Follow me on Instagram for more travel content, and you can also check out my Instagram highlights for the whole trip!
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