Two weeks in Laos: a north-to-south itinerary that actually works.

Two weeks in Laos is the sweet spot — enough to see north, center, and south without rushing any of them. Most published itineraries try to fit too much. This one was tested by us, and by travelers who've gone through us.

The route

• Days 1–3 Luang Prabang. Slow days, temples, river, food.
• Day 4 Train to Vang Vieng.
• Days 5–6 Vang Vieng — lagoons, balloon, a slow day in a hammock.
• Day 7 Train to Vientiane.
• Days 8–9 Vientiane — capital, then prep for the south.
• Day 10 Flight or overnight bus to Pakse.
• Days 11–12 Bolaven Plateau coffee loop.
• Days 13–14 4,000 Islands, then exit to Cambodia or fly back from Pakse.

What changes from this baseline

Coming in from Vietnam? Start in Nong Khiaw instead of Luang Prabang and add two days for the slow boat down to Luang Prabang. Coming in from Thailand at the southern border? Reverse it.

What to skip

Vang Vieng if you're not into karst landscapes. Vientiane if you're tight on time — it's the train hub but not the highlight. The south never disappoints; if you have to cut, cut the middle.