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Vientiane Phuket Cheap Tour 1 Week - Recommendations Of Alain

Hey everyone ! I’m Alain, a backpacker who fell in love with Southeast Asia. It was a week to remember of adventure, culture and nature when I joined a Vientiane Phuket cheap tour 1 week. Sometimes life seemed quiet and steady as the pace of life along the river in Laos, and sometimes packed with high intensity fun like life on the beaches in Thailand; every day was a new step into a new - different - yet very beautiful connected worlds. With Autour Asia — a local agency based in Southeast Asia — traveling was hassle-free and pleasant. No stress, no hurry — just pure authenticity and warm local smiles. Following this narrative, I'd love to take you along on this journey — with laughs and surprises and that feeling of pure freedom that only travel can give.

I. Detailed itinerary: Vientiane to Phuket in 1 week

1. Day 1 – First steps in Vientiane: Calmness and cultural discovery

After landing in Vientiane late in the morning, the city center can be reached from the airport by a short 15-minute drive. The tranquility of the city is a stark contrast to all the hustle and bustle of the big cities of Asia. I check into a peaceful guest house not far from Patuxai, an ideal base to see the city by foot or cycle. Calm streets, a slow pace of life and friendly local smiles had me feel right at home from the very first moments.

That afternoon, I set out to explore two of the city’s best known sites. I am astonished by Pha That Luang from the very first sight — this great golden stupa shines under the sun like a symbol of peace and spirituality. This stop in Vientiane is a crucial stage of my Vientiane Phuket cheap tour 1 week, combining cultural exploration with a tranquil, serene setting. On the way back I popped into Patuxai, also known as the “The Arc de Triomphe of Vientiane”. Its grand yet refined architecture proudly sits in the heart of the city, the panoramic view of Vientiane’s city rooftops at the top is dazzling especially under the golden hour in the late afternoon.

As night descends, I decide to treat myself with a traditional Lao massage at a tiny spa in the downtown area. The greeting is warm and sincere, and the traveling fatigue begins to melt under therapeutic hands within minutes. Encircled by the aroma of natural oils and the gentle sounds of music in the background, I let go fully in this moment of tranquility. Afterward, I drop in to a tiny street stall for a delicious laap with sticky rice, thinking about this gentle introduction to my 1-week Vientiane–Phuket trip. A relaxing and real day — so good a way to drink in the soft Lao vibe.

Accomodation: Vientiane Garden Villa
Daily budget: about $38 (accommodation, meals, traditional massage, transport, drinks, and extras)

2. Day 2 – Temples, history and a bike ride in Vientiane

This morning, I rent a bike near my accommodation to get around in Vientiane. The distances are short, the streets are quiet – so ideal for a leisurely ride. My first stop: Wat Si Saket, one of the most famous temples in Vientiane and the one that houses thousands of tiny buddhas arranged along long, silent galleries. The feeling is mellow, if not timeless. Just across the street stands Haw Phra Kaew, which now serves as a museum containing stunning sculptures and other Buddhist art and artifacts. The gardens are shaded and peaceful, with soft inviting paths leading you to slow down, breathe and just be.

At noon, I stop at a small local stall to enjoy a steaming bowl of khao piak sen, the typical Lao noodles, before cycling a few minutes to the National Museum of Laos. Located in an old colonial building, it traces the country’s history and traditions through objects, photographs, and traditional costumes — a must-do cultural stop on my Vientiane Phuket cheap tour 1 week. The visit is simple but rewarding, perfect for getting a deeper feel of the spirit of Laos.

In the late afternoon, I slowly head back toward Mekong, where the night market is starting to come alive. In this lively and warm atmosphere, every moment brings back the spirit of a Vientiane Phuket cheap trip, with plain meetings and realness. I stroll among the local people and tourists, tasting a few local specialties and admiring the lights reflecting on the river. The atmosphere is congenial, lively and charming - an ideal finale to this second day of wanderings in Vientiane.

Accommodation: Vientiane Garden Villa
Daily budget: about $41 (accommodation, bike rental, meals, drinks and coffee, museum entry, souvenirs, and shopping)

3. Day 3 – Local market and the gentle Lao atmosphere

On my last day in Vientiane, I slow down for a morning walk through Talat Sao Market, one of the best things to do in Vientiane, located only 10 minutes on foot from downtown. Among the vibrant stalls, the smell of spices and the loud voices of sellers, the environment is lively yet friendly. There are cheap, little keepsakes to be had – just perfect to shove into your suitcase. I indulge in a brunch just there: crispy rice pancakes and fresh coconut juice, served with a smile.

In the afternoon, as part of my Vientiane Phuket 1-week trip, I take my bike and slowly head toward the Mekong River, about ten minutes away. The route runs through the lively little streets, surrounded by cafés, colonial houses and fruit sellers. As I sit in a tiny, shaded café overlooking the river, I savor a peaceful moment observing the village: robed monks in saffron walk through silently; children playing by the water are laughing; and a handful of travelers exchange tales over a cup of Lao coffee.

Before sunset, I pedal about fifteen more minutes to reach Wat Ong Teu and Wat Mixay, two quiet yet charming temples where the soft sound of bells fills the air. In the evening, I slowly make my way back to the city center to have dinner at a small local stall — a peaceful stop on my Vientiane Phuket cheap tour 1 week. I then raise my glass of Beerlao above the river glowing under the golden evening light — a perfect ending to this third day, filled with serenity, simplicity, and authenticity.

Accommodation: Vientiane Garden Villa
Daily budget: about $35 (shopping, meals, coffee, drinks, transport, and accommodation)

4. Day 4 – Flight to Phuket and first tropical impressions

I left Vientiane early in the morning to catch my flight to Phuket with a short stopover in Bangkok. The entire trip is approximately five to six hours, including the connection and island arrival. As the plane flies over the Andaman Sea, the initial glimpses of turquoise water have me longing for a new scenery. Once at the airport, I board the airport bus – handy, convenient and budget-friendly – that takes approximately 1 hour 15 minutes to arrive to Phuket Old Town.

Early afternoon finds me settling into a tiny typical Sino-Portuguese guesthouse full of charm and family warmth, located right in the old town. As soon as I step outside, I am caught up in the bustle: Thalang and Dibuk streets are flanked with colorful homes, artisan shops and old-fashioned cafés — a very nice stop on my Vientiane Phuket 1-week trip. With my camera in hand, I am more than happy to get lost in these alleys full of character looking for the most beautiful facades.

At the end of the day, I stop by a local food court for a steaming plate of pad thai and some sweet mango sticky rice, before getting swept up in the lively night atmosphere. Lights come on, music fills the air, and Thai smiles brighten the streets. There’s a wonderful mix of warmth, exotic charm, and simplicity in this first evening, which I’m sure marks the beginning of a beautiful adventure in Phuket — part of my Vientiane Phuket cheap tour 1 week. The tone is set for the rest of the journey.

Accommodation: 99 Oldtown Boutique Guesthouse
Daily budget: about $114 (flight, transfer, meals, accommodation, drinks, and extras)

5. Day 5 – Between turquoise sea and green hills of Phuket

This morning, I make my way out of Phuket Old Town by local bus – a straightforward and cheap option to get to the west coast. The 90-minute journey takes me past tropical villages, through rolling green hills and by the side of the road markets; a must-see stage of to my cheap Laos–Thailand itinerary. I get off at Kata Beach and head to my accommodation, which isn't far from the beach. I discover, on reaching there, a magnificent beach with white sand, turquoise sea and a lazy atmosphere. I swim and snorkel in the morning by the rocks and I see colorful fish swim under the clear water. The strong sunlight and calm sea make the photo look like it was from a postcard.

At midday, I enjoy a green curry in a small local restaurant, then I take a tuk-tuk to Karon Viewpoint, sitting on a hill some ten minutes away. From here the 180° panoramic view of Kata Noi, Kata and Karon is stunning. Later, I wander through Kata’s bustling night market, redolent of spices, sampling a few local delicacies before returning to the beach to witness a fiery sunset over the sea. It was an ideal day of unwinding, experiencing and tropical backdrop - really encompassing the essence of my Vientiane Phuket cheap tour 1 week.

Accommodation: Kata Beachwalk Hotel & Bungalows
Daily budget: about $38 (accommodation, local bus, tuk-tuk, meals, and drinks)

6. Day 6 – Island-hopping adventure to the Phi Phi Islands

I woke up before dawn, looking forward to being outside all day. A shuttle bus grabbed me at 7:30 a.m. from where I was staying and brought me to Chalong Pier, a quarter of an hour’s ride. This is a lively and busy harbour which is the only port for day trips to the Phi Phi Islands – speedboats, tourists, escorts all darting around in a jovial morning scene. If you’re still wondering what to do in Phuket, here’s one right answer. The first stop is Maya Bay – a true postcard setting with white sand, coconut trees and crystal clear lagoon. Wearing my mask and snorkel, I go under and find myself surrounded by tropical fish and brilliant coral — I can’t stop staring at the beauty of the sea.

At noon, I have a simple lunch on the beach — a plate of fried rice with fresh fruit — before enjoying a bit more sun and sea. In the late afternoon, the boat heads back to Chalong Pier, where I catch the shuttle returning to Kata Beach, tired but happy. To end the day, I treat myself to a traditional Thai massage that instantly melts away the fatigue — an unmissable part of my Vientiane Phuket cheap tour 1 week. In the evening, a local dinner and a short walk under the lights of the night market bring this perfect day between sky and sea to a close.

Accommodation: Kata Beachwalk Hotel & Bungalows
Daily budget: about $60 (excursion, massage, dinner, drinks and snacks, accommodation – lunch included in the tour)

7. Day 7 – Spirituality and farewell to Phuket

It’s my last day under the Thai sun, which I dedicate to a moment of spiritual discovery before heading home. After dropping off my bags at the front desk of my tiny hotel in Kata, I hopped on a scooter and headed to the Big Buddha, a 20-minute ride away — a highlight of my Vientiane Phuket 1-week itinerary. The road curves gradually around tropical foliage, and the view across the bay is breathtaking when you get to the summit. Silence of the place, whisper of the wind and soft ringing of bells create a peaceful mood — a perfect way to conclude this trip on a calm note.

I then continue to Wat Chalong, which is about ten minutes away. This temple with its golden roofs and the smell of incense gives off a tranquil atmosphere. At midday I have a red curry and fresh mango juice at a humble joint before returning to Kata Beach in the afternoon. I pick up my bags and have a last cup of coffee by the sea, my eyes drifting toward the horizon.

In the late afternoon, a shuttle takes me to Phuket Airport, along a winding road passing through green hills and quiet villages. My Vientiane Phuket cheap tour 1 week comes to an end with a touch of gentle melancholy — my heart light and my mind full of sunlit memories from this week spent between the calm of Laos and the exotic beauty of Thailand.

Daily budget: about $36 (meals, transport, free visits, and miscellaneous expenses)

II. Practical tips for a budget Vientiane–Phuket itinerary

Before closing this travel chapter, I’d like to share a few simple tips from my own experience. If, like me, you dream of enjoying a Vientiane Phuket cheap trip without spending too much, these ideas will help you travel smart while making the most of every moment.

• Know when to go: The best time to visit is between November and April, when the weather is dry and sunny — perfect for exploring temples and beaches. If you’re on a tighter budget, travel between May and October: the showers are usually short, nature is lush and green, and accommodation prices drop significantly.
• Visa and entry requirements: Thailand offers a visa exemption for stays under 30 days, while Laos allows visitors to get an online visa (eVisa) or a visa on arrival, valid for 30 days. Just make sure your passport is valid for at least six months after your return date.
• Smart accommodation choices: In Vientiane, pick a small guesthouse or homestay near the city center — everything is within walking distance, from the Mekong to the main temples. In Phuket, the areas of Phuket Town and Kata Beach offer great value, an authentic vibe, and easy access to beaches and viewpoints.
• Getting around on a budget: A bicycle is perfect for Vientiane, a flat and peaceful city. In Phuket, rent a scooter to move freely between beaches, markets, and temples. For longer trips, Grab and local buses are affordable and reliable options.
• Carry some cash: Always keep a bit of cash with you, as cards aren’t accepted everywhere — especially in markets, small restaurants, or local transport. And remember, a great trip doesn’t depend on luxury but on the experiences you live.
• Essentials to pack: Protect yourself from the sun with sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses. Don’t forget mosquito repellent for the evenings, and bring a reusable water bottle to reduce plastic waste. Lastly, a local SIM card or eSIM will help you stay connected easily and at low cost.

This Vientiane Phuket cheap tour 1 week will be an unforgettable journey for me, between the mild sweetness of Laos and the tropical charm of Thailand. Beautiful scenery, authentic smiles, and an incredibly tranquil culture I managed to discover all that in only a handful of days. What this budget Laos Thailand itinerary, organized by Autour Asia, proved to me is that you can absolutely travel differently — just simply, with abandon as well as with real culture, real you. From the Mekong river sunset to the Andaman turquoise waves, each moment has been a true lesson of travel: travel light travel slow and be surprised by the essentials. A unique adventure I would recommend to absolutely anyone who enjoys sincere and meaningful explorations.

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