Walking Routes in Laos

Safety note as of October 2026: British advice is to avoid all but essential travel to Xaisomboun Province. Bombs from the 1964 to 1973 war left unexploded ordnance across rural Laos, so walk on marked paths, take a local guide for any countryside hike and never touch metal objects. Tourists have died from methanol in bar drinks, so buy sealed drinks. Rivers cause drownings. Check the UK Foreign Office and travel.state.gov before leaving.

Walking in Laos is best in towns. Luang Prabang and Vientiane have compact centres you can cover in a morning, while the countryside calls for a guide. Bring kip (LAK) for entry fees, at about 22,000 to 22,500 to the dollar.

Walks in Luang Prabang

  • Old town loop. The peninsula is flat and small. Begin at the Royal Palace on Sisavangvong Road, pass Wat Mai, take Sakkaline Road to Wat Xieng Thong and come back along the Nam Khan. In the hot months, set out before 10:00 or after 15:30.
  • Mount Phousi. Go up 328 steps from Sisavangvong Road and down 355 steps on the Nam Khan side. The foreigner ticket is 30,000 LAK to 14 November 2026 and 60,000 LAK after that, per the tourism office . Sunset is the busiest hour.
  • Bamboo bridges. Seasonal crossings over the Nam Khan are rebuilt every dry season, from November to May, and disappear in the wet months. Tolls are around 10,000 to 15,000 LAK per crossing.
  • Morning alms. The procession starts around 05:30 to 06:00, varying with the season. It is a religious practice, not a performance. Stand quietly across the street, keep your flash off, and stay out of the procession. Do not touch monks or bowls. Cover shoulders and knees. Do not buy food from hawkers to hand over for photographs. Anyone giving out of real devotion should bring fresh rice from the morning market.

Walks in Vientiane

  • Colonial and monument route. About 3 km, or 2.5 to 3 hours. Start at the Nam Phou fountain, pass the Presidential Palace, continue to Wat Si Saket and Haw Phra Kaew and finish up Lane Xang Avenue at Patuxai. Reports of the climb fee at Patuxai range widely, from about 3,000 to 30,000 LAK, so ask at the entrance.
  • Timing. Aim for early morning, since there is little shade.

Walks beyond the cities

  • Tham Chang, Vang Vieng. The cave is about 1.5 km south of town, over the river by footbridge. Pay a small cave fee and a bridge toll, about 15,000 plus 5,000 LAK.
  • Plain of Jars Site 1. Visit the centre first, then ride a short buggy or walk to the cleared walkway. White markers show cleared ground, and red marks the edge of land that has not been cleared. Stay on the white side.

Tips for the road

  • Pack shoes with a good grip for temple steps and wet stone.
  • Take water and sun protection.
  • There is no Grab in Laos. Agree the tuk-tuk fare before you set off.
  • Hire a local guide for rural hikes.

Read more: sightseeing in Laos and solo activities in Laos . Guided walks can be compared on GetYourGuide .