10-Day Budget Solo Trip Itinerary in Laos: Explore Natural Beauty and Culture

Day 1: Explore Vientiane

Vientiane, Laos on April 29, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Joma Bakery Café

Start your day with affordable western-style breakfast and fresh coffee at this popular local spot open from 7am to 9pm.
LAK20000, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Patuxai Monument

Explore this Vientiane landmark inspired by the Arc de Triomphe, offering great city views from the top. Open daily 8am-6pm.
LAK5000, 1h0m

11:00am

Explore Wat Sisaket

Visit the oldest temple in Vientiane known for its thousands of Buddha statues. Open 7am-5pm daily.
LAK10000, 1h15m

12:30pm

Lunch at Kualao Restaurant

Enjoy traditional Lao cuisine in an affordable setting. Open 11am-9pm daily.
LAK40000, 1h15m

2:00pm

Relax by the Mekong Riverside Park

Stroll along the Mekong River, enjoy scenic views and watch locals in this peaceful park open all day.
Free, 1h0m

4:00pm

Visit COPE Visitor Centre

Learn about UXO history in Laos and ongoing efforts to support victims. Open 8am-5pm on weekdays.
Free, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Lao Kitchen

Try delicious and affordable local dishes in a friendly atmosphere. Open daily 11am-10pm.
LAK35000, 1h15m

Day 2: Travel to Vang Vieng

Vang Vieng, Laos on April 30, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Fuji Café

Light Japanese and western breakfast before your road trip to Vang Vieng. Open 7am-10pm.
LAK25000, 1h0m

8:30am

Bus to Vang Vieng

Take a shared bus from Vientiane to Vang Vieng (approx 4 hours). Low cost and scenic.
LAK60000, 4h0m

1:00pm

Check-in budget guesthouse

Settle into affordable accommodation like the Vieng Tara Villa Guesthouse.
LAK100000, 0h30m

2:00pm

Lunch at Num Neua Restaurant

Sample local dishes at this budget-friendly spot open noon-9pm.
LAK35000, 1h0m

3:30pm

Visit Tham Phu Kham Cave and Blue Lagoon

Explore the famous cave and enjoy swimming in the Blue Lagoon. Open daylight hours.
LAK20000, 3h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at The Rolling Pin

Try some western or Lao fusion dishes in a relaxed venue. Open 5pm-10pm.
LAK45000, 1h0m

Day 3: Adventure in Vang Vieng

Vang Vieng, Laos on May 1, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Café de Laos

Simple and affordable breakfast with coffee. Open 7am-9pm.
LAK20000, 1h0m

8:30am

Kayaking on Nam Song River

Rent a kayak and explore the beautiful river, surrounded by limestone karsts. Rental approx 8am-6pm.
LAK75000, 3h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Bub's Café

Budget-friendly menu with international and Lao dishes. Open 11am-9pm.
LAK35000, 1h0m

1:30pm

Climb Pha Ngern Viewpoint

Hike to the viewpoint for panoramic views of the valley. Open daily, best climbed in afternoon.
Free, 2h0m

5:30pm

Relax by the riverside

Enjoy sunset views and calm atmosphere near the river.
Free, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Sakura Restaurant

Japanese and Lao affordable dishes in a welcoming environment. Open 5pm-10pm.
LAK40000, 1h0m

Day 4: Travel to Luang Prabang

Luang Prabang, Laos on May 2, 2025

6:00am

Early breakfast at hostel

Quick, affordable meal before departure. Usually included in stay.
Free, 0h30m

7:00am

Bus from Vang Vieng to Luang Prabang

Shared bus approx 5-6 hours journey covering scenic routes.
LAK90000, 6h0m

1:00pm

Check-in budget guesthouse

Affordable guesthouse such as Saynamkhan Riverside House near the city centre.
LAK110000, 0h30m

2:00pm

Lunch at Tamarind

Taste authentic local dishes at reasonable prices, open 11am-10pm.
LAK50000, 1h0m

3:30pm

Visit Wat Xieng Thong

Explore this iconic temple with historic and architectural significance. Open 8am-5pm.
LAK20000, 1h0m

5:00pm

Walk along the Mekong riverfront

Relax during sunset and enjoy local street food stalls and crafts market.
Free, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Dyen Sabai

Riverside venue serving affordable Lao cuisine and fresh ingredients. Open 5pm-9pm.
LAK45000, 1h15m

Day 5: Explore Luang Prabang Temples

Luang Prabang, Laos on May 3, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Le Café Ban Vat Sene

Enjoy French-style breakfast with great coffee, open 7am-10pm.
LAK30000, 1h0m

9:00am

Visit Mount Phousi

Climb the 328 steps for panoramic views of the city and Mekong River. Open 6am-6pm.
LAK20000, 2h0m

11:30am

Explore Traditional Arts and Ethnology Centre

Learn about Laos’ ethnic groups, cultural exhibits open 8:30am-5pm Tues-Sun.
LAK30000, 1h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Khaiphaen

Support local social enterprise while enjoying simple Lao dishes. Open noon-9pm.
LAK35000, 1h0m

2:30pm

Visit Wat Mai Suwannaphumaham

Admire detailed murals and golden façade of this important temple, open 8am-5pm.
LAK20000, 1h0m

4:00pm

Relax at Royal Palace Museum Garden

Stroll around the lush gardens next to the museum, open 8am-4pm daily.
LAK30000, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Coconut Garden

Enjoy budget-friendly meals in a tranquil garden setting, open 5pm-10pm.
LAK40000, 1h15m

Day 6: Kuang Si Waterfalls

Luang Prabang, Laos on May 4, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Your Hostel

Grab a quick breakfast included or from nearby cafés.
Free or LAK15000, 0h30m

8:00am

Bus to Kuang Si Waterfalls

Take a local minivan or shared tuk-tuk for 45 minutes to the famous waterfalls. Open 8am-5pm.
LAK35000, 1h0m

9:00am

Swim and explore Kuang Si Waterfalls

Spend the day hiking around the multi-tier falls and swimming in cool pools.
LAK20000, 4h0m

1:30pm

Picnic or snack at Kuang Si café

Affordable local snacks and drinks available at the site café.
LAK20000, 1h0m

2:30pm

Return to Luang Prabang

Head back to town by bus or tuk-tuk.
LAK35000, 1h0m

4:00pm

Visit Ock Pop Tok Living Crafts Centre

Learn about traditional Lao textiles. Open 9am-5pm except Mondays.
LAK40000, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Blue Lagoon Restaurant

Simple, budget-friendly dishes with local flavours. Open 5pm-10pm.
LAK35000, 1h0m

Day 7: Local Markets and Cultural Immersion

Luang Prabang, Laos on May 5, 2025

6:00am

Alms Giving Ceremony

Witness early morning Buddhist alms giving along the main street, a peaceful and cultural experience near 5:30-6:30am.
Free, 1h0m

7:30am

Breakfast at local street stalls

Try Lao sticky rice and coffee from affordable street vendors.
LAK15000, 0h30m

9:00am

Explore Luang Prabang Morning Market

Shop fresh local produce, handicrafts, and experience daily local life. Open 6am-10am.
Free, 1h0m

10:30am

Visit Traditional Medicine Museum

Small museum dedicated to traditional Lao medicine and practices. Open 9am-4pm.
LAK10000, 1h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Khaiphaen Social Enterprise Restaurant

Affordable and tasty Lao dishes that support community projects. Open noon-9pm.
LAK35000, 1h0m

1:30pm

Visit UXO Lao Information Centre

Understand the impact of unexploded ordnance in Laos and ongoing efforts to clear them. Open 9am-5pm weekdays.
Free, 1h0m

3:00pm

Relaxat a riverside café

Enjoy scenic views and affordable coffee while reflecting on the day.
LAK20000, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Green Star

Budget friendly food with friendly atmosphere. Open 5pm-10pm.
LAK30000, 1h0m

Day 8: Day Trip to Pak Ou Caves

Luang Prabang, Laos on May 6, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Your Guesthouse

Quick and budget friendly breakfast before departure.
Free, 0h30m

8:00am

Boat Trip to Pak Ou Caves

Take a slow boat along the Mekong River to the historic Pak Ou limestone caves filled with thousands of Buddha images. Tours usually start around 8am and last about 4-5 hours.
LAK100000, 5h0m

1:30pm

Lunch in Ban Xang Hai Village

Taste local Lao whisky and snacks in this village on the boat route, known for whisky making.
LAK30000, 1h0m

3:00pm

Return to Luang Prabang

Boat ride back to town enjoying tranquil river views.
Included, 1h30m

5:00pm

Rest or explore night market

Luang Prabang night market features affordable handicrafts and street food. Opens from 6pm.
Free, 2h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Lao PATISSERIE

Affordable Lao and French fusion food and desserts. Open 7am-10pm.
LAK30000, 1h0m

Day 9: Relax and Explore

Luang Prabang, Laos on May 7, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Bouang Café

Cozy café with budget breakfast options and good coffee. Open 7am-9pm.
LAK20000, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Traditional Handicraft Villages

Take a tuk-tuk or bike to surrounding villages like Ban Xang Khong, known for paper making and weaving. Explore artisan crafts for free.
LAK15000, 3h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Café Ban Vat Sene

Affordable Lao cafe serving regional dishes. Open 7am-10pm.
LAK30000, 1h0m

2:30pm

Spa and Massage

Budget-friendly massage centers offer affordable treatments to relax after your travels.
LAK70000, 1h30m

5:00pm

Sunset at Mount Phousi

Enjoy your last sunset in Luang Prabang from this viewpoint.
LAK20000, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Tamarind Market

Lively open-air market serving affordable Lao dishes and live music, open till 10pm.
LAK40000, 1h30m

Day 10: Departure Day

Luang Prabang, Laos on May 8, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Guesthouse

Have a simple last meal before packing, usually included or a local café nearby.
Free or LAK15000, 0h30m

8:30am

Last minute shopping or stroll

Walk through Luang Prabang’s quiet streets for souvenirs or photographs.
Free, 1h0m

10:00am

Travel to Luang Prabang Airport

Take a tuk-tuk or shared taxi for your onward travel. Budget approx 15-30 minutes ride.
LAK40000, 0h30m