I’d be happy to help you plan a 30-day trip to Laos on a budget! Laos is a beautiful country known for its rich culture, stunning natural landscapes and friendly people.
Day 1-3: Arrive in Vientiane and check into budget accommodation (cost: around $20-40 per night)
- Travel method: Fly into Wattay International Airport in Vientiane (cost: around $600-800 per person)
- Activities: Visit the Pha That Luang, the Wat Si Saket and the Patuxai
Day 4-6: Take a bus or minivan to Vang Vieng
- Travel method: Take a bus or minivan from Vientiane to Vang Vieng (cost: around $10-15 per person)
- Activities: Visit the Vang Vieng Caves, the Vang Vieng River and the Vang Vieng Mountain View
Day 7-9: Take a bus or minivan to Luang Prabang
- Travel method: Take a bus or minivan from Vang Vieng to Luang Prabang (cost: around $10-15 per person)
- Activities: Visit the Wat Xieng Thong, the Kuang Si Falls and the Phousi Mountain
Day 10-12: Take a bus or minivan to Phonsavan
- Travel method: Take a bus or minivan from Luang Prabang to Phonsavan (cost: around $10-15 per person)
- Activities: Visit the Plain of Jars, the Phonsavan Market and the Phonsavan War Museum
Day 13-15: Take a bus or minivan to Pakse
- Travel method: Take a bus or minivan from Phonsavan to Pakse (cost: around $10-15 per person)
- Activities: Visit the Wat Luang, the Pakse Market and the Pakse Riverside
Day 16-18: Take a bus or minivan to Champasak
- Travel method: Take a bus or minivan from Pakse to Champasak (cost: around $10-15 per person)
- Activities: Visit the Wat Phu, the Champasak Riverside and the Champasak War Museum
Day 19-21: Take a bus or minivan to Savannakhet
- Travel method: Take a bus or minivan from Champasak to Savannakhet (cost: around $10-15 per person)
- Activities: Visit the Wat Mixay, the Savannakhet Market and the Savannakhet Riverside
Day 22-24: Take a bus or minivan to Thakek
- Travel method: Take a bus or minivan from Savannakhet to Thakek (cost: around $10-15 per person)
- Activities: Visit the Thakek Riverside, the Thakek War Museum and the Thakek Market
Day 25-27: Take a bus or minivan to Vientiane
- Travel method: Take a bus or minivan from Thakek to Vientiane (cost: around $10-15 per person)
- Activities: Visit the COPE Visitor Centre, the Talat Sao and the Wat Ong Teu
Day 28-30: Depart from Laos
- Travel method: Fly out of Wattay International Airport in Vientiane (cost: around $600-800 per person)
The total cost for this itinerary would depend on your accommodation choices, transportation choices and activities you choose to do. However, you can expect to spend around $2000-3000 for the entire trip, this will cover the cost of transportation, accommodation, and entrance fees for activities. Keep in mind that this is just a rough estimate and prices can vary depending on the season and your specific choices. Additionally, food, personal expenses and travel insurance aren’t included in this budget. It’s important to note that Laos is a developing country and the infrastructure may not be as developed as some other countries, so it’s important to be prepared for potential travel delays and have flexibility in your itinerary. Additionally, it’s important to pack lightweight and comfortable clothing as the weather can be quite hot and humid.