{"id":12158,"date":"2022-07-21T11:48:31","date_gmt":"2022-07-21T11:48:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/blog\/?p=12158"},"modified":"2025-05-08T12:48:58","modified_gmt":"2025-05-08T12:48:58","slug":"laos-country-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/blog\/laos-country-guide","title":{"rendered":"Laos Country Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Visiting <a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/country\/laos-trip\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Laos<\/a> is like being let in on a secret. This is a country where burbling rivers and quiet country roads lead you between ancient royal towns (there really aren\u2019t any cities in Laos) and temples, French-influenced villages and traditional tribes. Amongst it all, there\u2019s always a chance to discover something beautiful, whether you crave kayaking across rivers and lagoons, admiring gilded Buddhas, or letting the country\u2019s unhurried atmosphere wash over you. And if you\u2019re not sure where to begin, our Laos country guide will provide a helping hand and ensure your dream trip becomes a reality.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_12165\" style=\"width: 1430px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/region\/luang-prabang-trip\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-12165\" class=\"wp-image-12165 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2022\/07\/Luang-Prabang.png\" alt=\"Laos country guide\" width=\"1420\" height=\"947\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=900,height=600,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2022\/07\/Luang-Prabang.png 900w, https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=1439,height=960,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2022\/07\/Luang-Prabang.png 1439w, https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=375,height=250,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2022\/07\/Luang-Prabang.png 375w, https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=450,height=300,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2022\/07\/Luang-Prabang.png 450w, https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=768,height=512,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2022\/07\/Luang-Prabang.png 768w, https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2022\/07\/Luang-Prabang.png 1420w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1420px) 100vw, 1420px\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-12165\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">The intricately painted Wat Xiengthong in Luang Prabang<\/p><\/div>\n<h2>Luang Prabang &amp; Pakbeng<\/h2>\n<p>Much of life in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/country\/laos-trip\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Laos<\/a> takes place along the rivers and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/region\/luang-prabang-trip\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Luang Prabang<\/a> is no exception. An erstwhile royal capital, the town sits at the sacred meeting place of the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers, blending a 1,500-year-long history with plenty of natural beauty. Take your time wandering between bamboo houses, French villas and over 30 ornately-painted wats &#8211; and definitely wake early to see the saffron-robed monks collecting their alms. As for those natural surrounds, mountains rise amongst pockets of emerald forest and rice paddies and there are many trekking and biking opportunities, as well as the chance to swim in the turquoise pools of the Kuang Si Waterfall. Should you be planning a cruise down the Mekong, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/region\/pakbeng-trip\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Pakbeng<\/a> sits in sleepy solitude between Luang Prabang and the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/country\/thailand-trip\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Thai<\/a> border and makes the perfect pitstop to enjoy a Beerlao at sunset.<\/p>\n<p><strong>How do I do it?<\/strong><br \/>\nIf you\u2019re already in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/country\/laos-trip\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Laos,<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/region\/vientiane-trip\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Vientiane<\/a> offers multiple flights a day to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/region\/luang-prabang-trip\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Luang Prabang<\/a>, while Pakse offers two flights a week. There are also flights from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/region\/chiang-mai-trip\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Chiang Mai<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/region\/hanoi-trip\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Hanoi<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/region\/siem-reap-trip\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Siem Reap<\/a>, as well as multiple daily flights from Bangkok. After landing in Luang Prabang, a private transfer or taxi journey will take you to the main town. It\u2019s also possible to travel by train (2 &#8211; 3 hours) or road (5 &#8211; 6 hours) from Vientiane. Of course, Luang Prabang falls along the Mekong River circuit, which extends from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/country\/thailand-trip\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Thailand<\/a> into Laos with multiple stops along the way.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Where do I start?<\/strong><br \/>\nLuang Prabang is a staple in most <a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/country\/laos-trip\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Laos<\/a> itineraries. Our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/trip\/classic-laos\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Classic Laos trip<\/a> takes you from picturesque <a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/region\/vientiane-trip\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Vientiane<\/a> to adventurous <a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/region\/champasak-trip\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Champasak<\/a>, ending in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/region\/luang-prabang-trip\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Luang Prabang<\/a> for visits to an elephant sanctuary at bathtime and hiking through the mysterious Pak Ou Caves lined with hundreds of Buddha statues.<\/p>\n<div id=\"timbuktu_shortcode\" class=\"alternate is-active\"><div id=\"timbuktu-wp\"><link rel=\"stylesheet\" href=\"https:\/\/fonts.googleapis.com\/css?family=Merriweather:700|Open+Sans:300,600\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/region\/luang-prabang-trip?action=DesignATrip&wId=001&regionName=Luang%20Prabang&regionId=322\" class=\"no_underline timbuktu-test-class\" target=\"_blank\"><div class=\"timbuktu_banner_container image-included\"><div class=\"timbuktu_banner_layout_minimal\"><div class=\"timbuktu_banner\" data-entity-type=\"region\" data-country-id=\"62\" data-region-id=\"322\" >\n                    <figure><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/regions\/kodak_images\/000\/000\/322\/original\/Luang-Prabang-Laos-Timbuktu.jpg?w=150&h=150&auto=format&fit=min&dpr=2&q=50&crop=center center\"data-country-id=\"62\" data-region-id=\"322\" class=\"timbuktu_minimal_image\" alt=\"Luang Prabang Image\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"timbuktu_banner_copy\"><div class=\"timbuktu_banner_heading\">Luang Prabang<\/div><div class=\"timbuktu_button\" style=\"background-color:#128d8d\">Learn more<\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <\/div><\/a><\/div><\/div>\n<div>\n<div id=\"attachment_12163\" style=\"width: 1430px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/region\/champasak-trip\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-12163\" class=\"wp-image-12163 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2022\/07\/Champasak.png\" alt=\"Laos country guide\" width=\"1420\" height=\"947\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=900,height=600,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2022\/07\/Champasak.png 900w, https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=1439,height=960,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2022\/07\/Champasak.png 1439w, https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=375,height=250,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2022\/07\/Champasak.png 375w, https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=450,height=300,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2022\/07\/Champasak.png 450w, https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=768,height=512,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2022\/07\/Champasak.png 768w, https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2022\/07\/Champasak.png 1420w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1420px) 100vw, 1420px\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-12163\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">The ruins of Vat Phou, a Khmer Hindu temple in Champasak<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2>Champasak<\/h2>\n<p>Follow the Mekong River to the south of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/country\/laos-trip\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Laos<\/a> and you\u2019ll discover <a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/region\/champasak-trip\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Champasak<\/a>, encircled by the Phou Khao Mountains and brimming with history. Champasak refers both to the province (Pakse is its capital) and the charming, riverside town, which was once the capital of an independent kingdom. The jewel of Champasak is the captivating Wat Phou Ruins, which are regarded by many as the blueprint for <a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/country\/cambodia-trip\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Cambodia\u2019s<\/a> iconic Angkor Wat. Then, turn your sights to the water and discover a bounty of adventure. Sail amongst the 4,000 Islands archipelago and spy vivid birdlife, laze on a clandestine beach, meet the communities living on one of the few inhabited isles, and kayak down the Mekong alongside endangered Irrawaddy dolphins. Or slow things down with a peaceful journey into the highlands to watch the silk weavers in action, peruse the markets, and taste some of the finest coffee in the world.<\/p>\n<p><strong>How do I do it?<\/strong><br \/>\nIt\u2019s possible to reach <a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/region\/champasak-trip\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Champasak<\/a> by flying from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/region\/vientiane-trip\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Vientiane<\/a> to Pakse, which is 36 km north of the main town. Depending on your previous destination, it\u2019s also common to travel by bus along Route 13 or cross the Mekong River via a ferry, which docks at Ban Phapin. There will be plenty of tuk tuks waiting to take you into Champasak and, once there, it\u2019s easy to get around on foot, bicycle or tuk tuk.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Where do I start?<\/strong><br \/>\nWhy not combine the tiny countries of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/country\/laos-trip\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Laos<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/country\/cambodia-trip\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Cambodia<\/a> on this <a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/trip\/a-laos-cambodia-adventure\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">trip<\/a> that takes you from the historic <a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/region\/luang-prabang-trip\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Luang Prabang<\/a>, down the Mekong River to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/region\/champasak-trip\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Champasak<\/a>, before crossing into Cambodia to see the famous Angkor Wat and enjoying a little sunshine and snorkelling on the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/region\/cambodia-s-islands-beaches-trip\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">coast<\/a>.<\/p>\n<div id=\"timbuktu_shortcode\" class=\"alternate is-active\"><div id=\"timbuktu-wp\"><link rel=\"stylesheet\" href=\"https:\/\/fonts.googleapis.com\/css?family=Merriweather:700|Open+Sans:300,600\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/region\/champasak-trip?action=DesignATrip&wId=001&regionName=Champasak&regionId=323\" class=\"no_underline timbuktu-test-class\" target=\"_blank\"><div class=\"timbuktu_banner_container image-included\"><div class=\"timbuktu_banner_layout_minimal\"><div class=\"timbuktu_banner\" data-entity-type=\"region\" data-country-id=\"62\" data-region-id=\"323\" >\n                    <figure><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/regions\/kodak_images\/000\/000\/323\/original\/Champasak-Laos-Timbuktu-h1.jpg?w=150&h=150&auto=format&fit=min&dpr=2&q=50&crop=center center\"data-country-id=\"62\" data-region-id=\"323\" class=\"timbuktu_minimal_image\" alt=\"Champasak Image\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"timbuktu_banner_copy\"><div class=\"timbuktu_banner_heading\">Champasak<\/div><div class=\"timbuktu_button\" style=\"background-color:#128d8d\">Learn more<\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <\/div><\/a><\/div><\/div>\n<div>\n<div id=\"attachment_12168\" style=\"width: 1430px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/region\/vientiane-trip\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-12168\" class=\"wp-image-12168 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2022\/07\/Vientiane.png\" alt=\"Laos country guide\" width=\"1420\" height=\"947\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=900,height=600,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2022\/07\/Vientiane.png 900w, https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=1439,height=960,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2022\/07\/Vientiane.png 1439w, https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=375,height=250,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2022\/07\/Vientiane.png 375w, https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=450,height=300,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2022\/07\/Vientiane.png 450w, https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=768,height=512,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2022\/07\/Vientiane.png 768w, https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2022\/07\/Vientiane.png 1420w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1420px) 100vw, 1420px\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-12168\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Patuxai, Vientiane&#8217;s own Arc de Triomphe<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2>Vientiane<\/h2>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/region\/vientiane-trip\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Vientiane<\/a> stands in a scenic spot along the banks of the Mekong. Blissfully, the capital is no buzzing metropolis and the palm-lined boulevards, restored palaces and artful boutiques are a lovely place to call home for a few days. You can even visit the city\u2019s own Arc de Triomphe! Vientiane has also endured its share of tragedy and the National Museum offers a deeper look at its history, while the Wat Si Saket, one of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/country\/laos-trip\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Laos\u2019<\/a> most revered monuments, is home to thousands of Buddhas and the only temple to survive Siam\u2019s invasion. Stroll through the city and marvel at That Luang\u2019s gleaming, golden stupa, visit grand temples and browse the fantastic markets &#8211; don\u2019t miss out on the famous Sin Dat BBQ!<\/p>\n<p><strong>How do I do it?<\/strong><br \/>\nAs <a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/country\/laos-trip\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Laos\u2019<\/a> capital, there are direct flights available to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/region\/vientiane-trip\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Vientiane<\/a> from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/country\/vietnam-trip\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Vietnam<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/country\/cambodia-trip\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Cambodia<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/country\/thailand-trip\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Thailand<\/a>, with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/region\/bangkok-trip\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Bangkok<\/a> being the most common route. If you\u2019re feeling adventurous, travel by train from Thailand or cross the Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge by private transfer. Domestically, there are flights from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/region\/luang-prabang-trip\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Luang Prabang<\/a> and Pakse, and it\u2019s possible to make the scenic drive from Luang Prabang (around 5.5 hours).<\/p>\n<p><strong>Where do I start?<\/strong><br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/region\/vientiane-trip\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Vientiane<\/a> is a popular stop on any <a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/country\/laos-trip\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Laos<\/a> trip and we like combining it with the highlights of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/country\/thailand-trip\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Thailand<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/country\/cambodia-trip\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Cambodia<\/a>. This <a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/trip\/the-best-of-thailand-laos-cambodia\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">trip<\/a> will take you from shining temples and palaces to ancient ruins and royal relics, down the great Mekong River and end at the striking Angkor Wat in Cambodia.<\/p>\n<div id=\"timbuktu_shortcode\" class=\"alternate is-active\"><div id=\"timbuktu-wp\"><link rel=\"stylesheet\" href=\"https:\/\/fonts.googleapis.com\/css?family=Merriweather:700|Open+Sans:300,600\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/region\/vientiane-trip?action=DesignATrip&wId=001&regionName=Vientiane&regionId=325\" class=\"no_underline timbuktu-test-class\" target=\"_blank\"><div class=\"timbuktu_banner_container image-included\"><div class=\"timbuktu_banner_layout_minimal\"><div class=\"timbuktu_banner\" data-entity-type=\"region\" data-country-id=\"62\" data-region-id=\"325\" >\n                    <figure><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/regions\/kodak_images\/000\/000\/325\/original\/Vientiane-Laos-Timbuktu.jpg?w=150&h=150&auto=format&fit=min&dpr=2&q=50&crop=center center\"data-country-id=\"62\" data-region-id=\"325\" class=\"timbuktu_minimal_image\" alt=\"Vientiane Image\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"timbuktu_banner_copy\"><div class=\"timbuktu_banner_heading\">Vientiane<\/div><div class=\"timbuktu_button\" style=\"background-color:#128d8d\">Learn more<\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <\/div><\/a><\/div><\/div>\n<div>\n<div id=\"attachment_12167\" style=\"width: 1430px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/region\/vang-vieng-trip\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-12167\" class=\"wp-image-12167 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2022\/07\/Vang-Vieng.png\" alt=\"Laos country guide\" width=\"1420\" height=\"947\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=900,height=600,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2022\/07\/Vang-Vieng.png 900w, https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=1439,height=960,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2022\/07\/Vang-Vieng.png 1439w, https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=375,height=250,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2022\/07\/Vang-Vieng.png 375w, https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=450,height=300,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2022\/07\/Vang-Vieng.png 450w, https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=768,height=512,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2022\/07\/Vang-Vieng.png 768w, https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2022\/07\/Vang-Vieng.png 1420w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1420px) 100vw, 1420px\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-12167\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">A classic riverside scene in Vang Vieng<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2>Vang Vieng<\/h2>\n<p>On approach to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/region\/vang-vieng-trip\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Vang Vieng<\/a>, it appears to be nothing but limestone mountains, shamrock-green rice fields and wilderness trails for miles and miles. But dig a little deeper and you\u2019ll discover that this beauty spot in the centre of the country is <a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/country\/laos-trip\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Laos\u2019<\/a> adventure hub. Raise your heart rate with a kayak along the burbling Song River, abseil down craggy rock faces, hike to lofty viewpoints and ancient Hmong villages, and glide overhead in a hot air balloon. If you aren\u2019t feeling quite so, ahem, adventurous, Vang Vieng certainly isn\u2019t a bad place to take in the view with a cocktail in hand, before tasting your way through the fantastic night markets\u2026<\/p>\n<p><strong>How do I do it?<\/strong><br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/region\/vang-vieng-trip\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Vang Vieng\u2019s<\/a> remote location makes it only accessible via road either travelling by private transfer or bus, which depart from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/region\/vientiane-trip\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Vientiane<\/a> (3 &#8211; 5 hours) and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/region\/luang-prabang-trip\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Luang Prabang<\/a> (6 &#8211; 9 hours). Tuk tuk rides are readily available from the bus station. Minibuses are a faster option, but the slower express buses make the winding mountain roads more pleasant.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Where do I start?<\/strong><br \/>\nA few days in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/region\/vang-vieng-trip\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Vang Vieng<\/a> can easily be combined with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/region\/vientiane-trip\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Vientiane<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/region\/luang-prabang-trip\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Luang Prabang<\/a>, and our trips are fully customisable. Take your pick or make one of your own with a stop in Vang Vieng.<\/p>\n<div id=\"timbuktu_shortcode\" class=\"alternate is-active\"><div id=\"timbuktu-wp\"><link rel=\"stylesheet\" href=\"https:\/\/fonts.googleapis.com\/css?family=Merriweather:700|Open+Sans:300,600\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/region\/vang-vieng-trip?action=DesignATrip&wId=001&regionName=Vang%20Vieng&regionId=324\" class=\"no_underline timbuktu-test-class\" target=\"_blank\"><div class=\"timbuktu_banner_container image-included\"><div class=\"timbuktu_banner_layout_minimal\"><div class=\"timbuktu_banner\" data-entity-type=\"region\" data-country-id=\"62\" data-region-id=\"324\" >\n                    <figure><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/regions\/kodak_images\/000\/000\/324\/original\/Vang-Vieng-Laos-Timbuktu.jpg?w=150&h=150&auto=format&fit=min&dpr=2&q=50&crop=right center\"data-country-id=\"62\" data-region-id=\"324\" class=\"timbuktu_minimal_image\" alt=\"Vang Vieng Image\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"timbuktu_banner_copy\"><div class=\"timbuktu_banner_heading\">Vang Vieng<\/div><div class=\"timbuktu_button\" style=\"background-color:#128d8d\">Learn more<\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <\/div><\/a><\/div><\/div>\n<div>\n<div id=\"attachment_12166\" style=\"width: 1430px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/region\/nong-khiaw-trip\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-12166\" class=\"wp-image-12166 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2022\/07\/Nong-Khiaw.png\" alt=\"Laos country guide\" width=\"1420\" height=\"947\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=900,height=600,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2022\/07\/Nong-Khiaw.png 900w, https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=1439,height=960,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2022\/07\/Nong-Khiaw.png 1439w, https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=375,height=250,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2022\/07\/Nong-Khiaw.png 375w, https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=450,height=300,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2022\/07\/Nong-Khiaw.png 450w, https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=768,height=512,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2022\/07\/Nong-Khiaw.png 768w, https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2022\/07\/Nong-Khiaw.png 1420w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1420px) 100vw, 1420px\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-12166\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">A tranquil bend of Nam Ou River, Nong Khiaw<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2>The North<\/h2>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/region\/muang-la-trip\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Muang La<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/region\/nong-khiaw-trip\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Nong Khiaw<\/a> are the gems of northern <a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/country\/laos-trip\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Laos,<\/a> where remote communities live as they have for hundreds of years and mountains rise like guardians over the green landscapes. Idyllic and under-the-radar, Muang La\u2019s air is broken only by the babble of the Nam Pak River or hot springs, which make excellent spots to spend the evening listening to local gossip or floating on a bamboo raft. Accommodation-wise, choose one of the fabulous eco-lodges and do as little as possible, or head for the hills in search of the best view in the valley. On the other side of the coin is Nong Khiaw, a place made for adventurous travellers. Hike to find hidden waterfalls and historic caves, glide downriver on a raft, cycle into the beautiful surrounds or picnic on a mountain top. Sublime.<\/p>\n<p><strong>How do I do it?<\/strong><br \/>\nBecause of their remote location, it takes some patience to reach <a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/region\/muang-la-trip\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Muang La<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/region\/nong-khiaw-trip\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Nong Khiaw.<\/a> The latter can be accessed by car or bus from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/region\/luang-prabang-trip\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Luang Prabang<\/a> (around 3 hours), or a cruise down the river from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/region\/vientiane-trip\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Vientiane<\/a>. Once there, you\u2019ll mostly walk, cycle or take a tuk tuk from place to place. Muang La can be visited by car, departing from Luang Prabang (5 &#8211; 6 hours) or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/region\/pakbeng-trip\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Pakbeng<\/a> (around 4 hours). You can travel between the two via a cruise along the river, car (2 hours) or bus, which takes around 4 hours &#8211; but the journey is exceedingly scenic.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Where do I start?<\/strong><br \/>\nOur <a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/trip\/off-the-beaten-track-in-northern-laos\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">off the beaten track trip<\/a> is made for exploring these northern highlights. Get your sightseeing done in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/region\/luang-prabang-trip\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Luang Prabang<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/region\/vientiane-trip\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Vientiane<\/a>, then enjoy a river cruise north for the added scenic factor.<\/p>\n<div id=\"timbuktu_shortcode\" class=\"alternate is-active\"><div id=\"timbuktu-wp\"><link rel=\"stylesheet\" href=\"https:\/\/fonts.googleapis.com\/css?family=Merriweather:700|Open+Sans:300,600\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/region\/nong-khiaw-trip?action=DesignATrip&wId=001&regionName=Nong%20Khiaw&regionId=326\" class=\"no_underline timbuktu-test-class\" target=\"_blank\"><div class=\"timbuktu_banner_container image-included\"><div class=\"timbuktu_banner_layout_minimal\"><div class=\"timbuktu_banner\" data-entity-type=\"region\" data-country-id=\"62\" data-region-id=\"326\" >\n                    <figure><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/regions\/kodak_images\/000\/000\/326\/original\/Nong-Khiaw-Prabang-Laos-Timbuktu.jpg?w=150&h=150&auto=format&fit=min&dpr=2&q=50&crop=center center\"data-country-id=\"62\" data-region-id=\"326\" class=\"timbuktu_minimal_image\" alt=\"Nong Khiaw Image\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"timbuktu_banner_copy\"><div class=\"timbuktu_banner_heading\">Nong Khiaw<\/div><div class=\"timbuktu_button\" style=\"background-color:#128d8d\">Learn more<\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <\/div><\/a><\/div><\/div>\n<div>\n<div id=\"timbuktu_shortcode\" class=\"alternate is-active\"><div id=\"timbuktu-wp\"><link rel=\"stylesheet\" href=\"https:\/\/fonts.googleapis.com\/css?family=Merriweather:700|Open+Sans:300,600\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/wizard\/start?action=StartTheWizard&wId=001\" class=\"no_underline timbuktu-test-class\" target=\"_blank\"><div class=\"timbuktu_banner_container image-included\"><div class=\"timbuktu_banner \" data-entity-type=\"country\" data-country-id=\"10000001\">\n                    <figure><img src=https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/images\/affiliate\/start-africa-safari-wizard-timbuktu-travel.jpg?w=500&h=634&auto=format&fit=min&dpr=2&q=50&crop=center center data-country-id=\"10000001\" class=\"timbuktu_desktop_image\" alt=\"Wizard Image\"><img src=https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/images\/affiliate\/start-africa-safari-wizard-timbuktu-travel.jpg?w=768&h=309&auto=format&fit=min&dpr=1&q=50&crop=center center data-country-id=\"10000001\" class=\"timbuktu_mobile_image\" alt=\"Wizard Image\"><\/figure><div class=\"timbuktu_banner_copy\"><div class=\"timbuktu_banner_heading\">Not sure where to go?<\/div>\n                        <span class=\"timbuktu_works\">Answer a few simple questions to get instant trip recommendations<\/span>\n                        <div class=\"timbuktu_button\" style=\"background-color:#128d8d\">Start the wizard<\/div>\n                        \n                    <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <\/div><\/a><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Bound by nature, spirituality &#038; a sense of adventure<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":39,"featured_media":12164,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[112],"tags":[2139,5478,4845,2549,1344,9008,68,5212,5941,5213,5812,5484,5940,5480,5482],"class_list":["post-12158","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-guides","tag-adventure","tag-champasak","tag-country-planning-guides","tag-culture","tag-family","tag-historical-places","tag-honeymoon","tag-laos","tag-laos-country-guide","tag-luang-prabang","tag-muang-la","tag-nong-khiaw","tag-pakbeng","tag-vang-vieng","tag-vientiane"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.5 - 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