Route Laos
Common route
Most travelers follow this route in Laos, choosing to travel from North to South or vice versa. If coming from the North, you either arrive via Northern Thailand or directly in Luang Prabang/Vientiane. Through Northern Thailand, it’s easy to cross into Laos via the town of Huay Xai (also the starting point for the Gibbon Experience). Among backpackers, taking the slow boat from Huay Xai to Luang Prabang is highly popular.
Read more about the slow boat.
From Luang Prabang
Upon arriving in Luang Prabang, you can choose to visit some places in the North, such as Nong Kiau or Muang Ngoy. If you choose not to, you can continue your route further south. The same applies to arriving in Vientiane; you probably want to see Luang Prabang, so head north and then back south. Heading south means visiting Vang Vieng, Thakhek, Pakse and Don Det.
Arriving from south Laos
Travelers arriving in the South follow the same route in Laos but in reverse. You likely cross the border from Cambodia or Thailand. Your first location would be Don Det or Pakse. After that, you are likely to travel north. Through Thakhek and Vang Vieng, you may arrive in Vientiane or Luang Prabang. Personally, I skipped Vientiane. Because I heard from other travellers that it’s not a very nice city with much to do.
More information about Laos
- Budget Laos
- Best time to visit Laos
- Visa Laos
- Currency of Laos
- The Laos Flag
- Learn Laos words
- Safety in Laos
- History of Laos
- Laotian People
- Religion of Laos
- Food in Laos
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Explore other Destinations in Laos
Vang Vieng is known for its beautiful scenery, adventure activities and party.
📍All destinations in Laos : Muang Ngoy, Nong Kiau, Don Det, Vientiane and Pakse
As the most atmospheric city in Laos, Luang Prabang offers plenty of fascinating sights.