Multi-Day Routes Through Laos

Safety note as of October 2026: British advice is to avoid all but essential travel to Xaisomboun Province. Live ordnance from the 1964 to 1973 bombing campaign remains in rural areas, so travel on main routes, use marked paths and never touch metal objects. Tourists have died from methanol in bar drinks, so buy sealed drinks only. Mekong boats, white-water rafting, kayaking and swimming have all caused fatalities. Read the UK Foreign Office advice and the US State Department advisory first.

Longer trips in Laos fall into five main shapes. Lao kip (LAK) is the currency, at about 22,000 to 22,500 per dollar, and cash is needed outside hotels.

Option 1: north by train (4 to 6 days)

  • Route: Vientiane, Vang Vieng, Luang Prabang on the Laos-China Railway.
  • Travel time: about 52 to 55 minutes for the first leg, about 50 minutes for the second, and 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours end to end on fast trains.
  • Cost: second class between Vientiane and Luang Prabang is around 330,000 to 360,000 LAK, about USD 15 to 17. Use the LCR Ticket app for live fares.
  • Booking: sales open about a week or less before departure, and trains fill up.
  • Extras: bring your passport for the ID check at the station. The stations are far from the centres, so set aside at least 90,000 LAK for transfers.

Option 2: the Mekong by slow boat (2 days)

  • Route: Huay Xai to Pakbeng (overnight) to Luang Prabang.
  • Cost: about USD 30 to 40 for a public ticket.
  • Advice: take the slow boat rather than a speedboat. The UK Foreign Office says standards vary and hidden obstacles make speedboats dangerous.

Option 3: ziplines and treehouses (2 to 3 days)

  • Where: the Gibbon Experience, Bokeo, reached from Huay Xai.
  • Packages: Giant (2 days), Escape (2 days), Classic (3 days, billed as the best option for spotting gibbons) and Honeymoon (3 days, private treehouse), per the operator’s site .
  • Price: not published online. Book ahead. No sighting is guaranteed.
  • Note: the Bokeo Golden Triangle special economic zone is separate and carries a US caution.

Option 4: the far south (4 to 5 days)

  • Fly to Pakse from Vientiane or Luang Prabang.
  • Ride the Bolaven loop, then see Champasak and Vat Phou.
  • Continue to Nakasang (2.5 to 3 hours from Pakse, about USD 8 by minivan), then go by boat to Don Det or Don Khon for roughly USD 9 to 18 including the bus.
  • On the islands, cycle the old French railway bridge and look at the Li Phi rapids. Khone Phapheng Falls reportedly charge about 55,000 LAK.
  • Si Phan Don offers cycling, rapids and river life. Dolphin trips are not offered on the Lao side.

Option 5: Thakhek Loop (3 to 5 days)

  • Distance: about 450 km by motorbike in Khammouane, finishing at Kong Lor Cave.
  • Risks: accidents are common and fuel stops can be far apart.
  • Rules: wear a helmet, carry insurance that covers motorbike accidents, ride in daylight and never leave your passport as a deposit.

Add-on: Plain of Jars (2 nights)

Fly to Xieng Khouang for Phonsavan. The road along Route 7 is long and carries a US caution.

Read more: day trips in Laos and activities in Laos . Compare stays along these routes on Booking.com .