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Thailand Laos Trip In 15 Days – Travel Itinerary By Mrs Lucie

Hello, I’m Lucie ! If you fantasise about an adventure rich in culture, nature and all the pleasures of slow travel, this Thailand Laos trip in 15 days could be just the inspiration you need. A recent trip across the border brought me a taste of two amazingly vibrant, diverse countries — each with its own rhythm, flavors, and undiscovered jewels. I was not interested in zipping through a checklist tour. I sought profound stopovers, time to connect and the freedom to savor every moment. So I designed my own tour in Thailand and Laos, striking a balance of vibrant cities and tranquil countryside escapes. And I’m very much looking forward to sharing the adventure with you here on Autour Asia, l’agence voyage en Asie. Next up, I’m going to take you through day by day of my experience, giving you practical advice and personal highlights.

I. Why choose Thailand Laos trip in 15 days ?

A Thailand Laos trip in 15 days is the best fit for the tripcultural exploration, natural beauty and slow traveling. Thailand woos visitors with energy, history and the ever-present smiles of its people — in crowded cities and in quiet temples. Just over the border, Laos has a more gentle pace, life ticks more slowly, traditions linger and nature is at its loveliest and purest.

Combining both of these countries into a well-paced itinerary is the ideal way to see the contrasts of this incredible part of the world – Southeast Asia. You’ll visit sacred Buddhist monasteries, eat the best street food in the world, and get pushed around by monkeys while floating down a jungle river on a raft. If you are asking yourself what to do during the Thailand Laos trip in 15 days, the response comes in different types: trek, chill, learn, taste and connect. This is a trip for the adventurous and the authentic seeker who wants to go beyond the beaten tourist track.

II. Full itinerary for my Thailand Laos trip in 15 days

1. Day 1-2-3: Bangkok – A perfect start to the journey

I began my Thailand Laos trip in 15 days in the heart of pulsating Bangkok, the city that never sleeps. After reaching, I stayed at Loog Choob Homestay, one of the best homestays in Bangkok that gave a cozy feel with a nice local touch to it. It was in a quiet neighborhood, but close enough to the city center, and felt just right and very authentic to us. I like the whole notion of taking the edge off of a trip, and today I walked the streets around the hotel and grabbed some street food and generally got the pulse of the city. There’s just something about Bangkok that naturally ends up making you feel super overwhelmed with life, in a good way.

A deeper dive into the city’s rich cultural end awaited on day 2. One of the oldest and largest temples in Bangkok that I saw was Wat Pho. The giant reclining Buddha blew me away — it was much bigger and more serene than I’d expected. I roamed the serene temple grounds, then did as the Thais do and treated myself to a traditional Thai massage right at the temple, which I highly recommend to anyone visiting. It was a perfect counterpoint to the previous day’s frenetic arrival. For those planning a tour in Thailand and Laos, moments like this are the kind that define the trip; where culture, relaxation and authenticity all meet.

Now that I'd had myself a couple days of cultural sight-seeing I was ready for day three to be shopping and people watching. I dived into the rambunctious Chatuchak Weekend Market, a universe unto itself, its vast grids of shops selling everything from vintage clothing to handcrafted jewelry. After that, I spent the afternoon "chilling" at Siam Paragon which is arguably one of the best malls in Bangkok! But the rooftop pool was my savior and I ended the day lying next to it atop my own hotel, the city below twinkling. It was an excellent way for wrap-up with Bangkok and set-off to the north, in the plan there are many multicultural among my itinerary Thailand Laos 15 days and the same for the unforgettable adventures.

Read more: 1 week in Bangkok

2. Day 4-5: Spiritual immersion and cultural charm in Chiang Mai

I left the buzz of Bangkok behind and took a flight north to Chiang Mai, the cultural capital of Thailand in the mountains. The minute I arrived, I checked into Lanna Wild, a gorgeous, nature-inspired retreat combining traditional Lanna design with eco-conscious comfort. After checking in, I set out to discover the spiritual dimension of the city. Late in the afternoon I went to Wat Doi Suthep, one of the best things to do in Chiang Mai, to clamber up its 306 steps to a gilded temple and stunning views across the city. On the return, I visited Wat Phra Singh, one of Chiang Mai’s most important temples. It was a beautiful building and peaceful setting to be the first on the itinerary of the city’s vast cultural history.

But still high on the spiritual energy of Chiang Mai, I power-rolled on the next day to bond with another side of Thai culture: its reverence for nature and animals. I went with a group to Kanta Elephant Sanctuary, one of the most ethical sanctuaries in the area. No chains, no riding — just feeding, walking and even bathing them in a nearby stream. It was very emotional. The staff also relayed tales about the sanctuary’s conservation work, which made me respect it all the more. Up at Lanna Wild, I relaxed to the sounds of the bush, appreciative of the peace and purposeful moments Chiang Mai had added aboard my Thailand Laos trip in 15 days, before departing further north the next day.

Read more about:
- 5 days in Chiang Mai
- Chiang Mai itinerary 24h

3. Day 6: Exploring nature and local life in Pai

After being steeped in the culture of Chiang Mai, I made a winding journey — the bus ride, though many rent motorbikes, is a scenic trek through mountainous roadways — to a quiet town in northern Thailand, Pai. Pechy was in town to visit the tiny mountain host town of Pai, a place known for its romantic, laid-back vibe, where people could tuck out of sight of the world. The streets were full of eccentric cafes, street art and bohemian vibes that made me feel immediately at home. It’s the sort of place that makes the rest of the world stand still, and that’s all I wanted after being on the move on my itinerary Thailand Laos 15 days – a moment’s respite to recharge for whatever was to come next.

When I got settled, I strolled down Walking Street checking out handmade crafts, talking with local artists and trying some delicious street food. But Pai’s real allure is just outside town. I rented a scooter and drove through the verdant countryside, making a stop at Mor Paeng Waterfall for a cool dip and later enjoying the Tha Pai Hot Springs nestled in nature. For my time in Pai I stayed at Diamond Village Pai - a cozy boutique stay in the hills and rice paddies - peaceful, comfortable with just enough comfort to enjoy that Pai way of life! It was one of the chillest highlights of my Thailand Laos trip in 15 days and the perfect respite between cultural days of discovery and days of nature and adventure.

4. Day 7-8: Adventure and limestone serenity in Vang Vieng

I spent my last days in northern Thailand and then crossed over to Laos along the Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge - a straightforward border crossing that included a short pit stop in Vientiane and then Vang Vieng. Pace change was immediate, quiet rivers, dramatic karst cliffs and a feeling of adventure in the air. That afternoon I suited up to go rock climbing, one of the town’s most popular outdoor activities. The limestone cliffs were both difficult and scenery, and the views back to its top, well worth it. VangVieng was already becoming a nature lover’s dream and one exciting pitstop of my Thailand Laos trip in 15 days.

On day 8, it was all about the great outdoors. I went on a caving tour with a guide who led me down to cool, dark chambers to gape at the surreal crystalline formations that dangle deep within the mountains. I elected to do one of the best things to do in Vang Vieng in the afternoon: tubing Nam Song River. Drifting slowly through the water and past jungle, waterfalls and soaring cliffs I lost all sense of time. It was serene, delightful and a little bit magical — the kind of day that makes you understand why slow travel is so worth it. I stayed the night at Vang Vieng Camellia Hotel, a small and handy spot right in the centre of town.

It is advisable to refer to:
- Top 6 best homestays in Vang Vieng Laos
- 5 days in Vang Vieng

5. Day 9-10: Discovering the spiritual soul of Luang Prabang

I hopped on the high-speed train to Luang Prabang from Vang Vieng after breakfast — it was an awesome, beautiful train ride that took just over an hour. Good thing I’d gotten off that jarring bus in Vienna: By the time I’d been deposited in Bratislava, I was fresh and ready to explore the place. The calm of the town, which had drawn me in the minute I’d arrived. The next morning, I rose at sunrise to see the monks holding a silent, reverent alms-giving ceremony that had a huge impact on me. Then we spent the rest of the day wandering through the delightful unesco old town; rows of French colonial facades sitting serenely with traditional Lao temples. One of my favorite memories was a visit to Wat Xieng Thong. It was the ideal, calm escape from the previous days of adventure I had in this 15-day tour of Thailand and Laos.

After that, I could not resist but visit the Kuang Si Waterfalls the next day to soak for some more natural beauty that this part of the country had to offer me. Diving in the turquoise pools and jungle setting provide a picture-perfect hike — and a refreshing swim. In the afternoon I rode a boat down the Mekong to the reclusive Pak Ou Caves, where thousands of Buddha statues sit silently in candlelit chambers. Back in the heart of town, I ended the day at Luang Prabang’s night market, sampling local snacks such as Laap, and picking up some warm, crusty Lao baguette. I was completely smitten by the town. I spent 2 days staying at Villa Champa, which was definitely one of the best homestays in Luang Prabang that combined relaxation and real Feel of Lao.

You might be interested in: Luang Prabang itinerary 5 days

6. Day 11-13: Riverside peace and exploration in Nong Khiaw

After so much of the charm of Luang Prabang, I needed a break and since I had a long day off tomorrow, I hired a tuktuk to take me 3 hours north to Nong Khiaw, a small riverside town surrounded by limestone cliffs and foliage. After the frenzy of earlier stops, it seemed like a serene retreat. So I dedicated the afternoon to checking into a riverside guesthouse, drinking Lao coffee while sitting beside the Nam Ou River and relishing stillness. One of those ever so rare moments in my itinerary Thailand Laos 15 days, where actually doing nothing seemed one of the most purposeful things you could be doing-sit there, in the present, amongst nature.

Day 12 found me lacing on my sneakers and hitting the trail for a morning hike to a nearby village, after a day off to rest up, recharge and practice tai chi, with views that opened up on rice paddies and misty mountain peaks. The tranquil rural existence of the landscape that dominated the voyage lent the journey a timeless flip-flop with being in motion. By the afternoon, and there I was back on the river — this time in a kayak, drifting slow down the Nam Ou, testing the seams and suctions of a country new to me. Karst cliffs towered above the river, and the only noise came from the calls of birds and the soft splashing of water. As the sun began to set, everything was kind of golden. It was a tranquil grounding chapter of my Thailand Laos trip in 15 days, and it served to remind me that the best travel experiences are of the quietest places.

On my final full day in Nong Khiaw, I went through a guide in town for a morning of rock climbing. The limestone walls here are good for all abilities, and climbing against the backdrop of the valley was at the same time edifying and terra-firming. After that, I took it easy — strolling the village, meeting some locals and picking up one last Beer Lao by the river. As the sun sank behind the cliffs and long reflections slid over the Nam Ou, I felt I had found the type of restful corner of Laos to which I’d always want to return. It was absolutely the best way to end my Thailand Laos trip in 15 days, full of nature, adventure and touching encounters.

7. Day 14-15: Tranquil escape and hidden trails in Muang Ngoi

I was on a longtail boat — a craft designed for swift trips going short distances upriver — from Nong Khiaw to Muang Ngoi, a serene village tacked along the riverside away from roads and the modern world. It was also a trip back in time: No cars, few people and scant Wi-Fi. In the afternoon I wandered through quiet village roads past children playing by the river and water buffalo feeding in rice fields. Life had been stripped to near-nothing here, and there was something grounding in that. As I ate dinner with a few friends and some sticky rice, grilled fish and stories with them, as they were now our local friends, they smiled graciously at my poor excuses of small talk as the sun began to set. It was one of those rare, genuine moments that make 15 days in Thailand and Laos worthwhile. I stayed the night at Delilah’s Muang Ngoy and the cool ambiance of the place made me easily at home.

After waking to birdsong and the murmur of the Nam Ou outside my bungalow I went for a morning walk through the forest, passing hidden waterfalls and panoramic viewpoints. The hike was a perfect coda to a trip of nature, culture and quiet exploration. In the afternoon, I just sat once more by the river, absorbing the quiet of Muang Ngoi. Two weeks of an organized group trip through the streets, the mountains, the temples and the villages of Thailand and Laos had made my heart brim with moments and opened my eyes and my heart more fully to a quieter and more soulful side of that southeast corner of the world.

This Thailand Laos trip in 15 days gave me much more than beauty photos and well-know sites. It was an experience in both cultures that was an ever-changing one, and that every day taught me something new. From the Thai floating markets to quiet villages on the Nam Ou River to spiritual musings in Luang Prabang, I struck a harmonious chord between discovery, wilderness and people. What I remember most is the feeling of traveling differently — more slowly, more mindfully. For someone in search of a true Thailand Laos 15-day itinerary, I really suggest to discuss with Autour Asia. It is thanks to them that I could enjoy this trip with serenity.

Learn more:

- Solo Female Travel In Thailand For 3 Weeks In October
- 2 Week Itinerary In Thailand Laos
- Thailand Travel Guide
- 16-Day Thailand Laos Cambodia Itinerary
- Thailand and Laos Tours