In May 2024, I spent three weeks backpacking in Laos on my own. And honestly, I didn’t really know what to expect. I’d heard it was more laid-back than its neighbours like Thailand and perfect for slow travel. This sounded like exactly what I needed. No strict itinerary, no big expectations: just me, my backpack and a rough idea of where I wanted to go.

In this post, I’m sharing the real story: what I loved, what surprised me, what made me uncomfortable and what I’d do differently. If you’re a solo female traveller thinking about going to Laos, or just curious about what it’s like, I hope this gives you a helpful, honest look at what the experience was really like.

First impression of Laos

I crossed into Laos overland from Thailand, taking the bus from Nong Khai to Thanaleng. It was a pretty straightforward border crossing, though a bit slow and slightly chaotic in that typical Southeast Asian way. There was some waiting around, forms to fill in and not entirely clear instructions. But once I got my visa sorted and officially stepped into Laos, it hit me: this was it. I was really doing this, again in a new country. I had nothing but my backpack and a head full of curiosity. From there, I made my way to Vientiane, ready to see what the next three weeks had in store.

Instead of sticking around in Vientiane, I hopped on a bus straight to Vang Vieng. And from here it’s when Laos really started to blow me away. The landscapes were unreal. The surroundings felt wide open and peaceful, like time moved slower here. And the people? Kind, calm, and quietly friendly. Not many pushy sales pitches or tourist traps if you know how to recognize them and polity refuse them. Just gentle smiles, curious glances, and a genuine warmth that made me feel surprisingly at ease, even as a solo female traveller. It wasn’t loud or flashy, but something about the vibe just clicked.

My personal itinerary

After crossing the border, I skipped Vientiane. This is something I never usually do with capital cities, but other travellers in Thailand had told me it wasn’t really worth the stop. So I trusted the backpacker grapevine and headed straight for the places that had come up again and again in conversations: Vang Vieng, Luang Prabang, Nong Khiaw, Pakse, and the 4000 Islands. Each place had its own vibe, and looking back, I’m glad I followed this trail.

Vang Vieng (4 days)

I started in Vang Vieng, which turned out to be the perfect introduction to Laos. Once known as a chaotic backpacker party town, it’s mellowed out a lot. What’s left is a chilled riverside town surrounded by jaw-dropping limestone karst mountains that practically demand you to slow down and stare. I spent my days swimming in the Blue Lagoons, hiking to viewpoints like Pha Ngern, and exploring caves that felt straight out of an Indiana Jones movie. If you love nature and don’t mind getting a little muddy, Vang Vieng’s your spot.

Tip: hire a scooter to explore the area

Reading tip: Cultural and natural highlights to see and do in Vang Vieng

Luang Prabang (4 days)

Next stop was Luang Prabang. It’s a beautiful colonial towns in the middle of Laos. Colonial architecture, golden temples, monks in saffron robes and quiet streets gave it this magical, slow-travel vibe I couldn’t get enough of. The Kuang Si Falls were the obvious highlight. These are bright turquoise pools you can actually swim in. Even just wandering around the old town or watching the sunset from Mount Phousi felt special. The night market was great too, with plenty of food stalls and handmade goods. It’s touristy, sure, but it still feels authentic and peaceful.

Tip: Best way to book bus tickets in Laos is via 12Go.

Reading tip: Cultural and natural highlights in Luang Prabang

Nong Khiaw (4 days)

After Luang Prabang, I headed north to Nong Khiaw. You have to go through a six hours bumpy bus ride but it was worth the extra effort. This little village sits along the Nam Ou River and is framed by dramatic cliffs and misty mountains. It’s super laid-back and less developed, which I loved. I hiked to the viewpoint for sunrise (it was tough but 100% worth it), walked around in the town and just soaked in the quietness. If you’re craving raw nature, a break from crowds and a place to just breathe, Nong Khiaw delivers.

Reading tip: Cultural and natural highlights in Nong Khiaw

Back to Luang Prabang (1 day)

I passed through Luang Prabang again on my way south, and weirdly, it felt like coming home. I knew where to eat, how to get around, and I even bumped into a few familiar faces from earlier in the trip. It’s one of those places you could stay in for weeks without getting bored or stressed.

Pakse (3 days)

From Luang Prabang, I took the bus down to Pakse. It’s not the most exciting town itself, but it’s the gateway to the Bolaven Plateau and Wat Phou. This is a beautiful ancient Khmer temple complex set against a hillside, with panoramic views of the countryside. It’s like a quieter, less crowded cousin of Angkor Wat. It’s atmospheric, spiritual and well worth the visit.

Reading tip: One of the best monumental highlights in Laos: Wat Phou

4000 Islands (Si Phan Don) (4 days)

My final destination was the 4000 Islands, specifically Don Det. It was the perfect place to unwind before heading out of Laos and going to Cambodia. Think hammocks, sunsets over the Mekong, no cars, and a super chill backpacker vibe. There’s not a much to “do,” which is exactly the point. I biked around Don Det and Don Khon, swam in the river, eat Laos food and just let time pass. It felt like the end of the world in the best way.

Safety as a solo female traveller

Overall, I felt surprisingly safe travelling solo in Laos. People were generally respectful and kept to themselves, and I never felt like I was being stared at or hassled for being a woman alone. That said, I was still cautious. Especially when it came to transport and travelling at night. Mainly because I’d heard mixed stories and didn’t love the idea of arriving somewhere in the middle of the night. Walking alone after dark felt fine in every place I have been to.

The guesthouses and hostels I stayed in felt secure, and staff were usually helpful without being overbearing. As for cultural attitudes, Laos is conservative but not restrictive. I dressed modestly and kept my shoulders covered and wearing longer skirts or pants. This helped me feel more comfortable and respectful. There were a couple of slightly awkward moments (like being the only woman on a boat or in a café full of men), but nothing sketchy ever happened. Compared to other places I’ve travelled solo (for example India), Laos was honestly one of the more relaxed and chill experiences.

Interactions with locals and other travellers

The locals in Laos are warm, quiet and polite. Most people weren’t overly chatty, but they were kind and helpful when I needed directions or tried ordering food in my very limited Lao. The language barrier was definitely there especially in smaller towns like Nong Khiaw. But a smile, some hand gestures, and Google Translate usually did the trick. What I appreciated most was that people didn’t push or hassle tourists much. I never felt like I was being scammed or pressured, which made moving around on my own feel much easier.

As for fellow travellers, I met most people in hostels, cafes and on shared transport. Don Det especially had a social, backpacker vibe. It was perfect for chatting with people over sunset beers or during a bike ride. I also met a few solo female travellers along the way, and it was nice to swap stories and tips. I didn’t join any tour, but even short interactions on buses or at waterfalls led to spontaneous hangouts. It was easy to feel connected without being stuck in a big group, which suited me perfectly.

What I loved most

What really stole my heart in Laos was the natural beauty. Everywhere I went, I was surrounded by rivers, mountains, waterfalls and misty morning views that made everything feel calm and a little magical. I have been watching the sunset over the Mekong in Luang Prabang, hiking to viewpoints in Nong Khiaw, or swimming in the Blue Lagoons in Vang Vieng. The landscapes had this peaceful, untouched quality that I rarely find while travelling.

I also loved the quiet spirituality that runs through daily life. I watched people going to temples to go praying and make offerings. The temples were beautiful and not just for their architecture, but for the sense of calm they gave after a long day of exploring.

What was challenging

As much as I loved Laos, it wasn’t all smooth sailing. Getting around could be a bit of an adventure and not always in the fun way. Buses were often slow, bumpy and occasionally confusing. Schedules changed without warning, and one travel day took way longer than expected.

In more remote places like Nong Khiaw or the Bolaven Plateau, the lack of infrastructure also became clear. Internet could be patchy, ATMs weren’t always easy to find, and I definitely wouldn’t want to deal with a health emergency out there. It wasn’t a dealbreaker, but it’s good to be a bit more cautious.

Costs and budgeting tips

One of the best things about travelling in Laos is how budget-friendly it is. I kept my daily budget around €25–€35, and over three weeks, I spent roughly €600–€700 total. Including accommodation, food, transport and activities. It definitely helps that local guesthouses are super affordable (I often paid €10–€15 per night), and meals at local markets were usually under €3. Street food, night markets and small family-run restaurants were my go-to because it’s more authentic than the touristy spots.

That said, there were a few places where it was worth spending a bit more. I splurged on a couple of nicer guesthouses when I was in Luang Prabang and Nong Khiaw. One tip: always carry cash, especially in small towns. ATMs aren’t always reliable or nearby. Laos is easy to do on a backpacker budget, as long as you avoid overpriced Western cafés (unless you really need that almond milk latte).

Reading tip: 10 Tips for budget travel: How to plan a cost-effective vacation

Practical tips for solo female travellers

If you’re planning to backpack in Laos solo, there are a few things I’d definitely recommend packing. A lightweight scarf or sarong was a lifesaver. It doubled as a temple cover-up, blanket on buses and even a makeshift towel. Loose, breathable clothing is key for the heat and humidity, but remember that Laos is quite modest, especially outside touristy areas. I usually wore long skirts, T-shirts and wide-leg pants, which kept me comfortable and respectful.

Mosquito repellent is a must, especially in the south and near rivers. Those little buggers are relentless. I had the basic travel vaccines (hep A) sorted before going, and I was careful with food and water. I mostly ate from street stalls that looked busy and avoided ice in drinks in more rural spots. A small first-aid kit and some basic meds can be helpful if you need it.

As for safety and staying connected, I used Maps.me and Google Translate constantly. A local SIM card was cheap and made it easy to book accommodation or check bus times. I always have travel insurance, just in case. Honestly, solo travel in Laos is very doable if you’re prepared. It’s one of those places where simple planning goes a long way.

Would I do it again?

Yes, I definitely would. I’d go back to Laos in a heartbeat. It’s one of those countries that quietly gets under your skin, with its slow pace, kind people and jaw-dropping natural beauty. It doesn’t scream for attention like some other Southeast Asian destinations, but that’s exactly what I loved about it. It gave me space to breathe, reflect and really enjoy the simplicity of travel. If I went again, I’d try to get even more off the beaten path. Or maybe do a homestay or spend time in smaller villages that don’t get many tourists.

Would I recommend Laos to other solo female travellers? Absolutely. It’s not without its challenges, but if you’re looking for a peaceful, authentic and budget-friendly adventure, Laos has so much to offer. Go with an open mind, pack a bit of patience, and you’ll find it’s a truly rewarding place to travel solo.

Final thoughts

The slower pace in Laos gave me time to reflect, reset and reconnect with myself in ways that busy city breaks or whirlwind itineraries never do. Travelling solo in a place like Laos taught me to trust my instincts, be more patient, and let go of the need to plan every detail. I learned that solitude can be empowering, and that even on the harder days, I could handle more than I thought.

To any woman thinking about travelling solo in Southeast Asia: do it. Laos, in particular, is a gentle introduction to solo backpacking. It’s safe, beautiful, and full of kind people and peaceful moments. You don’t need to be fearless or outgoing to have an amazing experience. You just need curiosity and a bit of courage to take that first step. The rest, I promise, will unfold in the most surprising and beautiful ways.