Laos travel guide: Chill vibes, epic landscapes and the best sandwich of my life

Laos was somewhere I skipped when I first did South East Asia. At the time, it just didn’t fit into my schedule. But when I found myself back around Malaysia and Thailand, I decided to finally go and I’m so glad I did.

Laos sits quietly between Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, China and Myanmar. It is landlocked, often overlooked and totally underrated. It doesn’t have beaches like its neighbours, but what it does have are dramatic limestone mountains, sleepy riverside towns and that laid-back, slow-paced charm that makes you instantly relax.

The best time to visit Laos is generally from November to April, during the dry season. The weather is warm but not unbearable, and the skies are clear, perfect for exploring or chilling by a pool. The rainy season runs from May to October, which means fewer crowds and lush green scenery, though travel can be trickier in some areas due to flooding or muddy roads.

I went to Laos because I wanted somewhere I could chill for a month and get some work done. I needed somewhere cheap, but not a place where I was just killing time. I still wanted to explore. Because of that, I didn’t see as much of the country as I would have liked. I only visited three places in total. But even with that short itinerary, Laos really got under my skin.

It’s such an interesting country. It’s got the charm that most of South East Asia has, but with a unique twist: a French influence. That’s because it was once colonised by France. It’s such a fascinating mix of cultures. One minute you’re surrounded by Buddhist temples, the next you’re sipping an espresso and eating a baguette that could rival Paris.

Also, let’s not gloss over the fact that I had the best sandwich of my life here.

Where I went in Laos

Luang Prabang: A cultural gem

I flew into Luang Prabang from Bangkok. The flight didn’t take long at all and honestly, this is an incredible place to fly into. The landscape is just insane: green mountains, winding rivers and little clusters of houses tucked into the hills.

One thing I was a bit disappointed about was not taking the slow boat from Thailand to Laos. Travelling this way is a really iconic backpacking Laos experience, and I had planned to do it at one point. But since I wasn’t in Northern Thailand at the time, it didn’t make sense logistically. If you are in Chiang Rai or Chiang Mai, I’d recommend it. You can still do slow boat experiences within Laos itself, just not across the border like that.

Luang Prabang itself is a lovely town. It’s calm, walkable, full of cute cafés, local shops and of course the iconic night market. I stayed here for a short while and found it a brilliant base for working remotely in Laos. There’s a good mix of backpackers and locals, and the vibe is very chill.

Top things to do in Luang Prabang:

• Visit Kuang Si Falls, the most stunning turquoise waterfall in Laos. You can swim here too, it’s freezing but very refreshing. You can also hike up to the top of the waterfall for an incredible view.
• Climb Mount Phousi for sunset. The view over the town is unreal.
• Wake up early to witness the Morning Alms Ceremony. Every sunrise, local monks walk silently through the streets collecting offerings of sticky rice from the community. It’s peaceful and moving. Just remember to be respectful, keep your distance and avoid using flash photography.
• Wander through the Luang Prabang Night Market, one of my favourites in South East Asia.
• Visit the many temples in Luang Prabang for a quiet moment of reflection.
• Café-hop. You could easily spend days just working or journaling in cute little spots. Beyond Cafe and Restaurant did the best matcha, it’s just a little walk out of the town, but definitely worth it.

Vang Vieng: Adventure and views

Ah, Vang Vieng. Another iconic Laos stop. Famous for hot air balloons, paramotoring and some seriously jaw-dropping landscapes.

I took the train from Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng, and this journey was honestly an experience in itself. The scenery is next-level. You’re going through mountains, over rivers and past tiny villages. The China–Laos Railway is one of the most efficient transport systems I’ve ever used in Asia. If you can, definitely take the train. It’s smooth, fast and easy. I heard the bus takes ages and can be pretty bumpy.

Vang Vieng is very much a backpacker hub in Laos. It’s also, unfortunately, where there were issues with fentanyl poisoning recently, so keep your wits about you, especially when it comes to drinks and nightlife. But honestly, that’s good advice anywhere.

Best things to do in Vang Vieng:

• Go on a hot air balloon ride over the mountains, magical at sunrise or sunset.
• Try power motoring if you’re feeling adventurous.
• Visit the famous Blue Lagoon and other local lagoons for a swim.
• Café-hop with views of the mountains. A great spot is Naked Espresso, especially if you’re looking for a coworking space.
• Watch the sunset in Vang Vieng from one of the many viewpoints.

There are a number of cafés here where you can sit with a coffee and watch the hot air balloons and paramotors float across the sky at sunset. It’s one of those travel moments that makes you stop and think, this is exactly why I came here.

Also, Mama’s Sandwich. Oh. My. God.
This was hands down the best sandwich in Laos. Just a chicken sandwich, but wow, they did it so good. Don’t skip it. There are so many sandwich stands in Vang Vieng, but they’re not all as great as Mama’s.

Vientiane: The underrated capital

Last stop for me was Vientiane, the capital of Laos, and where I flew out from.

I didn’t really know what to expect and to be honest, a lot of other travellers I’d met didn’t rate it. But I actually liked it. You just have to see it for what it is: a city.

It’s very different to the rest of the country, but it has its own charm. There are cafés, temples, markets and a relaxed, local pace to it. I loved wandering around and people-watching.

Things to do in Vientiane:

• Explore Buddhist temples like Wat Sisaket and That Luang.
• Walk along the Mekong River at sunset.
• Visit the Vientiane night market for food and shopping.
• Grab a coffee in one of the city’s many local cafés, they also have a Naked Espresso here.

Places I didn’t go (but heard are incredible)

I only had a month in Laos and I spent a lot of it working, so I didn’t make it to everywhere I wanted. But Laos is the kind of place that sticks with you, and I know I’ll be back. These are the spots that are still high on my list and should probably be on yours too.

Gibbon Experience: An incredible eco-adventure in Laos where you zipline through the jungle and sleep in treehouses. You wake up to gibbons calling at sunrise, and it also supports conservation.

Pakse and the Bolaven Plateau: Known for Laos waterfalls and coffee plantations. Many travellers do the Bolaven Plateau motorbike loop, stopping at waterfalls like Tad Yuang and Tad Fane. It’s scenic, affordable and perfect for adventure lovers.

Nong Khiaw: A hiker’s dream. It’s a quiet, scenic town surrounded by limestone cliffs. You can trek up to Pha Daeng Peak for some of the best views in Laos.

Phonsavan and the Plain of Jars: Famous for its mysterious stone jars scattered across fields. It’s a must for history lovers, with museums explaining Laos’ Secret War history.

Si Phan Don (Four Thousand Islands): In southern Laos, near Cambodia, this area is pure chill. Expect hammocks, sunsets, bike rides and maybe even Irrawaddy dolphin sightings. Don Det and Don Khon are the most popular backpacker islands.

If I’d had another couple of weeks, I would have tried to fit all of these in. Laos might be small, but it’s packed with hidden gems that make you want to return.

What to eat in Laos

Food in Laos is simple, fresh and full of flavour. Thanks to the French influence, you’ll also find amazing baguettes and bakeries everywhere. Here are some Laos dishes you must try:

• Laap (Larb): The national dish, a minced meat salad with lime, chilli and herbs.
• Sticky Rice (Khao Niew): The backbone of Lao cuisine.
• Baguette Sandwiches (Khao Jee Pâté): French-inspired and everywhere. Try Mama’s Sandwich in Vang Vieng.
• Khao Soi: A light, herbal noodle soup (very different from Thai Khao Soi).
• Beerlao: The national beer, best enjoyed at sunset by the Mekong.

Getting around Laos

Getting around Laos was super easy. Even when I landed in Luang Prabang, I found a shared taxi for about a pound.

Transport tips for Laos:

• Take the train in Laos whenever you can, especially between Luang Prabang and Vang Vieng. Just keep in mind that the train station in Vientiane is quite far out the city, so the bus is actually quicker going from Vang Vieng to Vientiane.
• Book through hostels, as they usually include pick-up.
• Use 12Go Asia or Bookaway to plan your route, but I find booking through your hostel more reliable.
• Grab taxis only worked for me in Vientiane.

Laos etiquette and safety tips

Laos is a Buddhist country, and like much of Southeast Asia, a few etiquette basics go a long way:

• Dress modestly when visiting temples.
• Take off shoes before entering homes or temples.
• Ask before taking photos of monks or locals.
• Be respectful and patient; life runs at a slower pace here.
• For solo female travellers in Laos, I found it very safe overall, just use common sense, especially at night.

Laos honestly surprised me. I came here expecting a quiet, cheap place to work for a while, but it ended up being so much more than that. It’s a mix of stunning natural beauty, French colonial charm, warm hospitality and some of the best food and coffee in South East Asia.

If you’re backpacking Laos or planning a solo trip through Southeast Asia, don’t skip it like I once did. Laos is absolutely worth it.

And yes, don’t leave without trying that sandwich in Vang Vieng.