On Foot in Luang Prabang and Vientiane
Advisory, October 2026: Walk in towns, and take a local guide for anything rural. Unexploded ordnance from the 1964 to 1973 bombing remains in the Lao countryside, so leave marked paths only with someone who knows the ground, and never touch metal objects. The UK government advises against all but essential travel to Xaisomboun province. Methanol has poisoned visitors in bars, so keep to sealed drinks after a long walk. Check the FCDO advice and the US advisory .
The best walking in Laos is in two flat, compact town centres: the Luang Prabang peninsula and central Vientiane. This page follows a day in order, from the pre-dawn procession to a late cave visit. Carry kip (LAK) for tickets, at roughly 22,000 to 22,500 to the US dollar. There is no Grab in Laos, so agree a tuk-tuk fare before you climb in if your feet give out.
Before 06:00: the alms procession, Luang Prabang
The morning alms procession begins around 05:30 to 06:00, depending on the season. It is a living Buddhist practice, and a quiet watcher is welcome where a crowd of photographers is not. Stand across the street, keep your flash off, and stay out of the line. Do not touch a monk or a bowl, and cover your shoulders and knees. Never buy food from street sellers to hand over for a photograph. If you wish to give out of real devotion, bring fresh rice from the morning market.
Morning: the peninsula loop
The old town is flat and small. Start at the Royal Palace on Sisavangvong Road, pass Wat Mai, follow Sakkaline Road to Wat Xieng Thong, and return along the Nam Khan. In hot months, finish before 10:00 or restart after 15:30.
Mount Phousi. A traverse works well: climb 328 steps from Sisavangvong Road and come down 355 steps on the Nam Khan side. A foreigner ticket costs 30,000 LAK until 14 November 2026 and 60,000 LAK from 15 November, according to the tourism office . The hill is open from about 06:00 to 18:00, and the summit fills at sunset.
Afternoon: the river crossings
In the dry season, from November to May, builders put up bamboo bridges across the Nam Khan. Tolls run about 10,000 to 15,000 LAK per crossing. The bridges are gone in the wet months, so check before planning a route around one.
Vientiane: colonial buildings and monuments
Start early, because there is little shade. The route is about 3 km and takes 2.5 to 3 hours. Begin at the Nam Phou fountain, pass the Presidential Palace, then walk on to Wat Si Saket and Haw Phra Kaew. Finish by following Lane Xang Avenue up to Patuxai. The climb fee at Patuxai is quoted from about 3,000 to 30,000 LAK, so ask at the entrance.
Beyond the cities
Tham Chang, Vang Vieng. The cave lies about 1.5 km south of town, across the river on a footbridge. Expect a small cave fee and a bridge toll, about 15,000 and 5,000 LAK.
Plain of Jars Site 1. Visit the centre first, then ride a short buggy or walk out to the cleared walkway. White markers show cleared ground, while red marks the edge of land that has not been cleared. Stay on the white side.
What to wear and carry
- Closed shoes with good grip, for steps and wet stone.
- Water, a hat and sun protection.
- Clothes that cover shoulders and knees, for temples and the procession.
- A local guide for any hike outside a town.
Read more: sightseeing in Laos describes the temples you pass, and solo activities suits independent walkers. A full plan is in the Laos two day itinerary . Guided walks can be compared on GetYourGuide .