Is one week enough for Laos?

One week covers the main highlights well - Luang Prabang's temples and waterfalls, Vang Vieng's outdoor activities, and Vientiane's markets. You could easily spend longer, but a week gives you a solid taste without rushing.

What's the best way to get between cities?

Tourist buses are comfortable, air-conditioned, and reliable between all three cities. They cost $8-15 and run daily. Local buses are cheaper ($5-8) but less comfortable. Domestic flights are available but expensive and often delayed.

Is it safe to drink tap water?

No. Stick to bottled water ($0.50-1) or bring a good water filter. Ice in tourist restaurants is usually fine, but avoid it in local places. Most guesthouses provide free filtered water refills.

How much should I tip?

Tipping isn't expected but appreciated. Round up restaurant bills or leave 10% at nicer places. For activities and tours, $2-5 per day for guides is fair. No need to tip taxi or tuk-tuk drivers unless they go above and beyond.

What's the deal with the alms ceremony?

Buddhist monks collect food donations every morning at 6 AM. If participating, buy sticky rice from proper vendors (not tourist photo-ops), dress modestly, stay quiet, and never touch monks or their bowls. Many visitors just watch respectfully from the sidelines.

How to spend one week in Laos

One week in Laos works perfectly as a triangle: 3 days in Luang Prabang for temples and waterfalls, 2 days in Vang Vieng for outdoor activities, and 2 days in Vientiane for markets and departure logistics. Fly into Luang Prabang, take buses between cities, and fly out of Vientiane.

Plan your route triangle. Book flights into Luang Prabang and out of Vientiane (or reverse). This avoids backtracking. The standard route is Luang Prabang → Vang Vieng → Vientiane, connected by comfortable tourist buses that run daily.
Book accommodation early in Luang Prabang. Luang Prabang fills up fast, especially May through October. Book guesthouses or boutique hotels in the Old Town area within walking distance of temples. Expect to pay $25-60 per night for decent places.
Get your visa sorted. Most nationalities get 30-day visa on arrival at airports for $35 USD cash (bring passport photos). Or get an eVisa online beforehand for $45 plus processing fees. Overland borders also offer visa on arrival but can be slower.
Plan around the alms ceremony. In Luang Prabang, monks collect alms at 6 AM daily. If you want to participate respectfully, buy sticky rice from proper vendors (not tourist setups) and dress conservatively. Never touch the monks or their bowls.
Book Kuang Si Falls transport. The waterfalls are 45 minutes from Luang Prabang. Book a tuk-tuk for the day ($25-35) or join a group tour ($15-20 per person). Go early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and heat.
Choose your Vang Vieng activities. Decide between tubing (3-4 hours, $15), kayaking ($25-35), or hiking to viewpoints (free). Blue Lagoon is overcrowded - try Tham Phu Kham cave and lagoon instead for half the people.
End in Vientiane for easy departure. Vientiane has the main international airport and more flight options. Spend your last 2 days at Pha That Luang temple, morning markets, and riverside beer gardens. Stay near the Mekong for walkable restaurants.

Is one week enough for Laos?: One week covers the main highlights well - Luang Prabang's temples and waterfalls, Vang Vieng's outdoor activities, and Vientiane's markets. You could easily spend longer, but a week gives you a solid taste without rushing.
What's the best way to get between cities?: Tourist buses are comfortable, air-conditioned, and reliable between all three cities. They cost $8-15 and run daily. Local buses are cheaper ($5-8) but less comfortable. Domestic flights are available but expensive and often delayed.
Is it safe to drink tap water?: No. Stick to bottled water ($0.50-1) or bring a good water filter. Ice in tourist restaurants is usually fine, but avoid it in local places. Most guesthouses provide free filtered water refills.
How much should I tip?: Tipping isn't expected but appreciated. Round up restaurant bills or leave 10% at nicer places. For activities and tours, $2-5 per day for guides is fair. No need to tip taxi or tuk-tuk drivers unless they go above and beyond.
What's the deal with the alms ceremony?: Buddhist monks collect food donations every morning at 6 AM. If participating, buy sticky rice from proper vendors (not tourist photo-ops), dress modestly, stay quiet, and never touch monks or their bowls. Many visitors just watch respectfully from the sidelines.