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What To Do And See In Vietnam Laos 2-week Trip ? Advice From Thierry

Embarking on a Vietnam Laos 2-week trip was one of the best travel experiences I’ve ever had. From the busy streets of Hanoi to the peaceful mountains of Luang Prabang, every stop was full of culture, nature, and history. I explored ancient temples, cruised through Ha Long Bay, trekked through Mai Chau villages, learned about history in Dien Bien Phu, and relaxed by the Mekong River. These 14 days in Vietnam and Laos were the perfect mix of adventure and slow travel. If you want a smooth and memorable journey, I recommend Autour Asia, a trusted travel agency in Asia, who made everything easy and enjoyable.

I. Why 14 Days ?

I chose to spend two weeks because it gave me enough time to enjoy both Vietnam and Laos at a comfortable pace. Vietnam is my favorite country—I’ve been there many times, and every trip feels fresh. There’s always something new to see, more local food to try, and friendly people to meet. Laos was completely new for me, and I was really excited to visit the Land of a Million Elephants. I loved the peaceful rivers, green mountains, small villages, and the slower rhythm of life. With 14 days in Vietnam and Laos, I had enough time to enjoy the busy energy of Vietnam and the calm beauty of Laos. It was a simple, happy mix of culture, nature, and local experiences without feeling rushed.

II. My Vietnam Laos 2-week itinerary day-by-day

1. Day 1: Arrival in Hanoi

Jet-lagged but full of curiosity, I landed in Hanoi, the energetic capital of Vietnam. After a quick stop at the airport ATM to get some Vietnamese Dong (VND), I headed straight to the Old Quarter, where the narrow streets were alive with scooters, market stalls, and tempting street food. I checked into a cozy little hotel tucked in one of the alleys and couldn’t wait to dive into local life. First meal of my Vietnam Laos 2-week trip started with a hot bowl of phở, packed with tender beef, fresh herbs, and a good squeeze of lime. The rich broth warmed me up instantly after the long flight.

One thing I quickly realized: cash is a must here. Most local spots don’t take credit cards, so having VND on hand made everything easier. Getting used to the crazy traffic was another adventure. At first, it seemed impossible to cross the street with motorbikes flowing nonstop, but I followed the local rhythm — walking slowly and steadily through the traffic. It felt scary at first but quickly became part of the fun in Hanoi!

2. Day 2: Hanoi City Tour

On my first full day in Hanoi, I wanted to see the most important places. I started at the Ho Chi Minh Complex, where I felt quiet and respectful. I saw the body of Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam’s famous leader, and visited the big Presidential Palace and his small, simple stilt house. After that, I stopped by the One Pillar Pagoda, a tiny pagoda that stands on one column like a flower. It was peaceful. But my favorite place was the Temple of Literature. I loved walking through old courtyards, seeing stone turtles, and reading about students from a thousand years ago. It felt calm, quiet, and full of stories — a perfect start to my Northern Vietnam and Laos tour.

In the afternoon, I walked along West Lake, visited Quan Thanh Temple, and chose to see the Museum of Ethnology. I loved learning about the different people of Vietnam and seeing real village houses. At night, I saw a water puppet show, something I had never seen before. The puppets danced on the water while people played music and told old village stories. It made me smile and feel happy.

3. Day 3: Transfer to Ha Long Bay

The next day, I woke up early and took a bus to Ha Long Bay, a famous place known for its green water and huge limestone mountains. The ride from Hanoi took about 3 hours, but it passed quickly. When I got there, I jumped on the 3-star Ha Long Bay 2-day cruise. As we sailed, I couldn’t stop staring at the tall cliffs rising from the water. We stopped at little islands, walked through big caves, and I even tried kayaking in quiet, hidden lagoons — it felt like a dream.

In the evening, I watched the sunset from the boat deck. The sky turned soft yellow and orange, and everything felt peaceful. After dinner, I joined a cooking class where I learned to make fresh spring rolls. I also tried squid fishing at night — I didn’t catch anything, but it was so much fun!

If you go for a Vietnam Laos 2-week trip, choose your cruise carefully. I picked one with kayaking and a cooking class, and it made my trip more fun. I checked reviews before booking. Also, bring sunscreen and a hat, because the sun is strong on the boat.

4. Day 4: Ha Long Bay and Return to Hanoi

The next morning, I woke up early for a Tai Chi session on the boat’s sundeck. Moving slowly under the morning sky, with the calm water all around me, felt really peaceful. After breakfast, we visited a few more islands and stopped at the famous Sung Sot Cave. It was huge inside, with tall rock formations that looked like dragons and animals. I had never seen a cave that big before! It became the most special moment of my Vietnam and Laos tour.

In the afternoon, the boat took us back to the harbor and we returned to Hanoi by bus. That evening, I wandered around the Old Quarter, looked for small souvenirs, and found a little café to enjoy a cup of strong local coffee. It was the perfect slow evening after the trip.

Travel tip: Pick a cruise that includes the return trip to Hanoi so you don’t have to worry about transport. Also, I loved walking around the night market in the Old Quarter — it’s great for simple gifts and trying snacks like bánh mì sandwiches.

5. Day 5: Journey to Mai Chau

After saying goodbye to the busy streets of Hanoi, the next chapter of my Northern Vietnam and Laos tour 14 days unfolded in Mai Chau, a peaceful valley surrounded by green hills and rice fields. On the way, we stopped at a Muong tribe village and enjoyed the beautiful views at Thung Khe Pass, where the mist made the mountains look soft and dreamy. In Mai Chau, I stayed in a simple stilt house with a local Thai ethnic family. Waking up to the sounds of roosters and fresh mountain air felt so peaceful. I spent the day walking through small villages, learning about rice farming and traditional weaving.

In the evening, there was a lovely dance and music show. It felt good to just sit quietly, watching the performances, enjoying the moment without rushing. Being alone here made me see everything more clearly. It reminded me that sometimes travel is not about doing the most, but about just being there, feeling the quiet, and seeing new things with fresh eyes.

For the trek, I wore good walking shoes and used mosquito spray — the mountain bugs are strong! I also asked before taking photos of people, which helped me connect better. Slowing down in Mai Chau was one of my favorite parts of my Vietnam Laos 2-week trip.

6. Day 6: Travel to Moc Chau and Dien Bien Phu

The next day, this Vietnam Laos 2-week trip took me from the quiet valley of Mai Chau to the green hills of Moc Chau. Everywhere I looked, I saw endless tea plantations, like soft green waves rolling across the land. I walked through the tea fields, watched how the leaves were picked and processed, and enjoyed tasting fresh, flowery green tea straight from the source. It was so peaceful and simple — just fresh air, green hills, and warm tea in my hands.

From there, the trip took a different turn as I headed to Dien Bien Phu, a place full of history. Walking around this valley, I felt the deep stories of the past. It was here, in 1954, that the famous Battle of Dien Bien Phu happened, changing Vietnam’s future. Being there made me think about how quiet places can hold so much history.

Simple tips I learned: Bring a light jacket for Moc Chau — the evenings were cooler than I expected. In Dien Bien Phu, I gave myself extra time to visit the historical sites properly, and I was glad I did. This part of my trip reminded me how travel can be both calm and eye-opening at the same time.

7. Day 7: Exploring Dien Bien Phu

On my final day in Vietnam, I spent time learning about the history of Dien Bien Phu. The day started with a walk through the local Thai market, full of bright colors, handmade crafts, and fresh local food. After that, I visited the old command post, where General Vo Nguyen Giap planned the famous battle. It was simple but powerful, standing in the same place where history was made. I also explored the Dien Bien Phu Museum, with photos, old weapons, and real stories from the war.

Later, I walked along A1 Hill, where you can still see the old trenches and bunkers. It felt heavy, standing where people fought for freedom. On my Vietnam Laos 2-week itinerary, this was one of the most moving stops, made even better by a local guide who shared real stories from the war.

And here’s my last simple advice for traveling in Vietnam: talk to local people. You don’t need to plan anything big — just sit down at a small place where people are drinking beer and ask if you can join. Even if you don’t speak Vietnamese, people are friendly and will always try to talk to you. Also, if someone you just met invites you to their family meal, don’t feel scared or shy. It’s a normal thing in Vietnam. People are happy to welcome you and share food with you. You will have fun, meet new friends, and learn more about the local life.

8. Day 8: Hello, Laos !

The next part of my Vietnam Laos 2-week trip took to Laos. I crossed the border at Tay Trang, which was easy since I had already arranged my Laos e-visa. After immigration, the journey continued through quiet roads, with green mountains all around. I first stopped in Muang Khua, a small peaceful town, and then made my way to Nong Khiaw, which quickly became one of my favorite places. Sitting by the Nam Ou River, surrounded by tall limestone cliffs, it felt calm and beautiful — a perfect place to slow down and relax.

Vietnam Laos border crossing tips: Before you go, make sure your passport and visa are ready. I also exchanged some money to Laotian Kip in Vietnam, because in small towns like Nong Khiaw, ATMs can be hard to find. Crossing into Laos felt like stepping into a quieter, simpler world.

9. Day 9: Nong Khiaw - Luang Prabang

In Nong Khiaw, cycling through Nong Khiaw’s rural villages became the soul of my Vietnam Laos 2-week trip. Everywhere I went, friendly farmers and smiling children waved and shouted “Sabaidee!” as I biked by. After Nong Khiaw, I took a beautiful boat ride along the Mekong River to visit the Pak Ou Caves, where thousands of small Buddha statues fill the dark grottoes. I also stopped at Ban Xang Hai, a little village famous for making local rice whisky and wine. The steps up to the caves were a bit steep, so I was happy I wore comfortable shoes and brought a small flashlight to see better inside. Later, I arrived in Luang Prabang just as the monks were lighting candles in the temples — it felt calm and magical.

10. Day 10: Luang Prabang

Luang Prabang’s peaceful atmosphere was the highlight of my 2 weeks in Vietnam and Laos. The streets were full of old temples and pretty French-style houses. I woke up very early, around 5 AM, to watch the alms-giving ceremony. The monks walked quietly through the streets, and people gave them rice and food. It felt very peaceful and special. After that, I went to the Royal Palace Museum to see old things from Laos' history, and I visited Wat Xieng Thong, a big temple with shiny decorations.

Later, I walked to a small Hmong village called Ban Ouay, where people showed me their simple way of life. Then I swam at Kuang Si Falls, where the water was clear and blue. In the evening, I climbed up Mount Phousi to watch the sunset - one of the things to do in Luang Prabang. The walk was hard, but the view was amazing.

11. Day 11-12: Phonsavan

The long drive from Luang Prabang to Phonsavan went through tall green mountains and quiet villages. It was slow, but the views were really pretty, with small wooden houses, fields, and kids waving along the road. During my 14 days in Vietnam and Laos, this drive felt like a peaceful break from busy cities. I was glad I brought snacks, water, and a small travel pillow, because there were only a few places to stop and rest.

In Phonsavan, I explored the central market, looking at local food and handmade crafts. I also visited the MAG center and learned about the old bombs left from the Secret War. The best part was the Plain of Jars, a UNESCO World Heritage site, with hundreds of giant old stone jars sitting quietly in open fields. I went to Sites 1, 2, and 3, and also saw Muang Khoun and nearby villages. I always stayed on the safe marked paths, because some areas still have old bombs. The whole place felt peaceful, but also full of history.

12. Day 13-14: Vientiane

I took a short flight from Phonsavan to Vientiane, the last destination of my Vietnam Laos 2-week trip. The first day there was spent exploring some of the city’s famous places. I visited Wat Si Saket, a peaceful temple with thousands of small Buddha statues, and Haw Pha Kaew, which used to be a temple but is now a museum. I also saw the golden Pha That Luang stupa, shining beautifully in the sunlight, and walked around Patuxai, the Victory Gate that looks like a smaller version of the Arc de Triomphe. It was nice to see both old temples and newer buildings in one day. I also tried tasty Lao food like sticky rice and Laap (minced meat salad) at a small local restaurant.

On my last day, I took it slow. I walked through the busy morning market, bought some small souvenirs, and later enjoyed a quiet walk along the Mekong River. After a simple lunch, I went to Wattay Airport, thinking back on my two amazing weeks full of nature, history, and kind people. I was happy I got to see so many things but also had time to relax at the end. I went to the airport early since immigration lines can take time, and I was glad I did.

III. Perfect Time for 14 Days in Vietnam and Laos

If you’re planning a Vietnam Laos 2-week trip like me, here’s what I suggest for the best time to visit Vietnam and Laos. For beach time, go to Vietnam between February and August when it’s sunny and perfect for relaxing by the sea. In Laos, even without beaches, you can enjoy peaceful boat rides and sunset views on the Mekong River from November to March.

For nature and adventure, I found the best time for trekking in Northern Vietnam is from October to early December, with cool weather and beautiful green landscapes. In Laos, I recommend November to February — it’s cooler, the trails are dry, and it’s less crowded.

For local culture, don’t miss Tết (Lunar New Year) in Vietnam around late January or the Mid-Autumn Festival in September. In Laos, try to visit during Pi Mai Lao (Lao New Year) in April — the country turns into one big joyful water fight!

My Vietnam Laos 2-week trip was not just about seeing new places, but really feeling them. Every day was special, with a perfect mix of culture, history, and beautiful nature. From the busy streets of Hanoi to the peaceful hills of the Plain of Jars, I discovered something new every step of the way. I loved taking it slow — sipping coffee with Hmong grandmothers, listening to veterans’ stories, and joining the monks at sunrise for alms giving. What stayed with me most was the warm energy of the people. The kindness and smiles in Vietnam and Laos made me feel happy and welcome. For anyone planning a trip like this, I highly recommend Autour Asia, a great travel agency in Asia, who made the whole trip simple and unforgettable.