Where I Stayed & How Long

Laos was one of the slowest parts of my trip and I mean that in the best possible way.

Compared to the constant movement of some of the previous countries, this route felt calmer, more spacious, and less focused on checking things off.

I stayed longer in fewer places, which gave me time to settle into routines, revisit cafés, and actually enjoy where I was instead of immediately thinking about the next stop.

Luang Prabang (7 nights)

Luang Prabang quickly became one of my favorite towns in Southeast Asia.

I stayed for a full week, which at first felt like a long time, but ended up feeling exactly right. The pace of life there naturally slows you down.

Accommodation: La Palm Garden (€370 for 7 nights)

I stayed slightly outside the center, which turned out to be perfect.

It was quiet, green, and still close enough to walk almost everywhere. After busier cities earlier in the trip, I appreciated returning somewhere peaceful at the end of the day.

Very good breakfast included, plus a nice pool.

My recommendation: at least 4 nights, there’s enough to do for several days, but Luang Prabang is also a place that’s enjoyable simply to exist in.

Pakse (2 nights)

Pakse was more of a practical stop for exploring the Bolaven Plateau and southern Laos. The city itself felt quieter and less polished than Luang Prabang, but it worked well as a base.

Accommodation: Champa Palace Hotel (€90 for 2 nights)

Very clean, modern and comfortable. Breakfast included, limited vegan options.

My recommendation: 2 nights as a gateway for waterfalls, coffee plantations and 1 night for onward travel.

Don Det (4 nights)

Don Det ended up being one of the biggest surprises of the trip.

I almost skipped it because it felt kind of out of the way, but I’m so glad that I didn’t.

Life there felt incredibly simple: hammock sunsets, bike rides, slow mornings, and nowhere you urgently needed to be.

Accommodation: Souksan Sunset Guesthouse (€50 for 4 nights)

Such a good location.

I spent so much time in the hammock watching the sunset over the river. The atmosphere was incredible laid-back and exactly what I wanted at that point in the trip.

Very simple, but clean. Reminded my of the ashram in India. Don’t expect luxury.

My recommendation: 3-4 nights, especially if you want to truly unwind for a few days.

Pakse (1 night again)

I returned to Pakse for one night before flying north again.

Sometimes travel days in Laos require a bit of patience and backtracking. That just became part of the experience.

Same accommodation and price.

Vientiane (1 night)

Accommodation: La Seine Boutique Hotel (€64)

A beautiful hotel right by the river.

I only stayed one night before continuing to Vang Vieng, but it was one of the nicer hotels in Laos.

My recommendation: 1-2 nights. Vientiane is a calmer capital city, but personally I was more drawn to the smaller towns and nature-focused areas in Laos.

Vang Vieng (4 nights)

Vang Vieng felt very different from its old backpacker-party reputation (but I usually avoid the party scene, and I did not go tubing).

What I experienced was dramatic scenery, peaceful river views, and some of the most beautiful landscapes of the trip.

Accommodation: Intimate Riverside Resort (€258 for 4 nights)

One of my favorite stays in Laos.

Beautiful mountain views, peaceful surroundings, and a relaxing atmosphere with an outdoor pool that fit Vang Vieng perfectly.

Very good breakfast included.

My recommendation: 4 nights are enough time to enjoy the scenery, do a few activities, and still slow down.

Vientiane (Final Night)

Accommodation: DoubleTree by Hilton (€94)

My final night in Laos before flying onward to Thailand.

After weeks of slower travel, arriving at a larger international hotel again felt a bit strange and luxurious.

Final Thoughts

Laos wasn’t the country with the most dramatic itinerary or nonstop highlights.

But it was probably one if the places where I felt most at ease.

The slower pace, the nature, the river towns, and the simplicity of life made it feel less like a trip to rush through and more like a place to settle into for a while.

And honestly, I could have stayed longer.