Experiences to Have on a Two-Week Thailand-Laos Trip
By Thanh Phong · Published · Updated
Table of contents
A two-week tour of Thailand and Laos covers everything that you could possibly need: bustling night markets, magnificent temples, scenic mountains, boat trips, and cuisine to die for. The icing on the cake is the fact that these two countries have their own unique character, so crossing from one to another means beginning a whole new adventure.
The trick is to choose a sensible route. Instead of spending half your vacation traveling between distant attractions, explore northern Thailand before crossing into Laos and following the Mekong River toward Luang Prabang. Here are the experiences that Asia King Travel’s travel experts recommend including in your itinerary.
What Should You Experience in Thailand First?
Days 1–3: Discover Bangkok Beyond the Shopping Malls
Bangkok is the perfect place to start off in. Bangkok's beauty comes in part from its stark contrasts: temple roofs, modern shopping malls, small food carts, and crowded streets can all appear in the same afternoon.
Start with the Grand Palace and Wat Pho, and make sure you pay special attention to the big reclining Buddha. Don't forget to take a boat ride on the Chao Phraya River.
Your evenings can be spent at the street food places. Sample some pad Thai, pork skewers, sticky rice with mango, and the famous boat noodles. The Yaowarat Road of Chinatown is especially recommended for food lovers.
Day 4: Take a Day Trip to Ayutthaya
Ayutthaya, located about 80 km north of Bangkok, provides an insight into the royal capital of Thailand. The historical site at Ayutthaya consists of temple ruins, brick stupas, and Buddha images that narrate the story of the great city.
Cycling is a pleasant way to explore Ayutthaya's historic temples during the cooler months, especially if you start early in the morning. However, from March to May, the afternoon heat can make cycling uncomfortable. A private car or tuk-tuk is often a better choice for families and travelers who prefer a more relaxed visit.
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Day Trip to Ayutthaya
Days 5–6: Enjoy Chiang Mai's Food, Temples and Countryside
Fly north to Chiang Mai and trade Bangkok's fast pace for a more relaxed atmosphere. Walk around the Old City, visit Wat Phra Singh and Wat Chedi Luang, and browse the local markets.
Do not leave without trying khao soi, a northern Thai curry noodle soup usually served with crispy noodles on top. A cooking class is another worthwhile experience if you want to learn how local ingredients come together.
Nature enthusiasts can take a day trip to the national park of Doi Inthanon, which features mountain landscapes and waterfalls. If choosing to go on an elephant sanctuary tour, opt for one where animal welfare comes first, and no elephant riding is offered.
Those who enjoy playing golf might want to squeeze a game into their itinerary before they leave Thailand. Golf in Thailand is varied, from championship golf courses to beautiful resort courses near various cities. Information about the golf courses can be found at SawadeeGolf, giving the player an insight into the playing conditions.
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Day 7: Travel to Chiang Rai and Prepare for Laos
Take a trip to Chiang Rai and visit Wat Rong Khun, which is famously called the White Temple. It is very unique due to its all-white exterior and decorative artworks.
If time permits, explore another local attraction before resting for the border journey. Chiang Rai is also a useful place to organize onward transport to Chiang Khong, the Thai border town across the Mekong from Huay Xai in Laos.
Which Experiences Make Laos Special?
Days 8–9: Cross the Mekong and Take the Slow Boat
Cross into Laos through the Chiang Khong–Huay Xai border area, completing the necessary immigration formalities before continuing your journey.
From Huay Xai, consider the traditional two-day slow boat to Luang Prabang, with an overnight stop in Pak Beng. The journey follows the Mekong past forested hills, riverside settlements and stretches of countryside that are difficult to appreciate from a highway.
Take the Slow Boat on Mekong River
Pack yourself some snacks, drinking water, sunblock, and a book. Boat facilities and seats differ according to each boat; it is recommended that you have this verified beforehand.
This journey is about the experience, not speed. If you would rather spend more time exploring destinations, flying to Luang Prabang is an alternative worth considering.
Days 10–11: Explore Luang Prabang and Kuang Si Falls
Luang Prabang should not be visited merely to capture its image on camera. Luang Prabang’s historical center is characterized by a mixture of Lao architecture and European colonial architecture, and these features were the ones that contributed to the UNESCO designation of the city as a World Heritage Site in 1995.
Check out Wat Xieng Thong temple, visit the former Royal Palace that now houses a museum, and walk along the Mekong riverside. The night market is a great spot to shop for textiles, souvenirs, and snacks.
The next day, visit Kuang Si waterfalls, which is a complex of several falling water bodies surrounded by the forest. Turquoise pools are famous here; however, people can swim there only at certain places where permitted.
Plan a river route from Laos. Your travel designer adjusts the route, pace, hotels and dates until the journey is yours.
Day 12: Experience Vang Vieng's Limestone Landscapes
Head down to Vang Vieng, which features stunning limestone peaks overlooking the Nam Song River. The scenery is what will keep you here, and there are many ways for you to appreciate that.
You can take a kayak ride, explore the surrounding countryside on a bicycle, or take a tour to some of the caves and lagoons in the region. For those who like adventure, you can hike to a viewpoint. Make sure to wear suitable footwear because the trail is steep and sometimes slippery.
You do not need to squeeze every activity into one day. Pick one outdoor adventure and leave time to relax beside the river. Check local weather and activity conditions before booking, especially during the rainy season.
Days 13–14: Finish in Vientiane
Continue your journey by train or any other means of transport to Vientiane, the capital of Laos. Laos-China Railway runs from major cities along this route and thus is a good option to consider rather than driving over longer distances. Make bookings through proper official channels and find out about current departures.
Visit the national and religious landmark known as Pha That Luang, and then move on to visit the victory monument called Patuxai. Wat Sisaket would be a good choice for those who are interested in religion.
Finish with a meal near Mekong. Try laap, a traditional meat-based dish served with sticky rice, herbs, lime, and local seasonings.
Patuxay in Vientiane
When Is the Best Time for This Trip?
November through February is generally a comfortable period for exploring northern Thailand and Laos, with cooler conditions than the hottest months. However, weather varies by location, and mountain mornings can feel chilly.
Heat and haze may be common during March and April in the north. The rainy season may cause problems for trekking, driving, and riverside activities; therefore, it is advised to consult weather forecasts first.
How Can You Make Two Weeks Count?
The magic of a Thailand–Laos trip lies in the contrast between the two countries. Thailand brings energetic cities, celebrated cuisine and an abundance of activities. Laos offers river journeys, historic streets, and landscapes that reward a slower pace.
Give Bangkok time to surprise you, enjoy northern Thailand before crossing the border, and resist the urge to race through Laos.
Conclusion
A two week Thailand Laos trip may not be enough to see everything, but they offer plenty of opportunities to discover what makes each country unique. Choose the activities that appeal to you, plan your transfers carefully, and leave a little room for unexpected discoveries. Sometimes, the moments you didn't plan become the best memories of the trip.
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