14-day solo backpacking trip through Thailand and Laos on a budget

Activities & sights

A mix of highlights and slower moments for this crew. Pick from the suggestions rather than trying to fit in everything.

Stage 1 · Days 1–4 · 3 nights

Bangkok, Thailand

Golden temples, river boats and some of the best cheap street food on earth.

Cheap thrills & must-sees

Grand Palace & Wat Phra Kaew2–3 hours · US$15 (THB 500)

The Emerald Buddha and royal halls; dress code enforced.

Wat Arun by river ferry1 hour · About US$3 entry

Cross the river on a local ferry for a few baht.

Chinatown street foodEvening · About US$5 – US$10

Yaowarat Road after dark: noodles, skewers and mango sticky rice.

Use the river ferry and skytrain instead of taxis; ignore anyone saying the palace is closed today.

Stage 2 · Days 4–8 · 4 nights

Chiang Mai, Thailand

Old City temples, night markets and mountain day trips.

Cheap thrills & must-sees

Doi Suthep by songthaewHalf day · About US$3 – US$6 plus entry

Shared red truck up the mountain to the golden temple.

Thai cooking classHalf day · About US$25 – US$35

Market tour and four dishes; one of the best-value classes anywhere.

Sunday Walking Street marketEvening · Free to wander

Street snacks and crafts across the Old City.

February is dry and pleasant; rent a scooter only with a licence and insurance that covers it.

Stage 3 · Days 8–11 · 3 nights

Luang Prabang, Laos

Saffron-robed morning alms, waterfalls and a riverside night market.

Cheap thrills & must-sees

Kuang Si FallsHalf day · About US$3 entry plus transport

Turquoise pools for swimming, shared tuk-tuk from town.

Mount Phousi sunset1 hour · About US$2

Climb the steps for views over the Mekong.

Night market dinnerEvening · About US$2 – US$4

The vegetarian buffet alley is famous with backpackers.

Watch the morning alms silently and from a distance; no flash photos.

Stage 4 · Days 11–14 · 3 nights

Vang Vieng, Laos

Limestone karsts, river tubing, caves and blue lagoons.

Cheap thrills & must-sees

Blue Lagoon & caveHalf day · About US$2 – US$5 plus bike

Cycle out to swim, swing from the tree and explore Tham Phu Kham.

Nam Song tubing or kayakingHalf day · About US$10 – US$20

Float down the river past karsts.

Sunrise hot-air balloon1 hour · About US$90 – US$120

The big splurge of the trip; skip if the budget is tight.

Tubing and drinking don't mix; wear a life jacket and leave valuables at the hostel.

A taste of your trip guides

Beyond the route: local flavours, stories, landscapes and moments picked for this crew. A few ideas for this itinerary.

Food

Street food for a few dollars

Pad thai off a wok, khao soi in Chiang Mai and Lao noodle soup for breakfast. The guide flags what to try and what it should cost.

• Dishes & food culture
• Street-food price points
• What to expect at each price point

Culture

Temples, alms & night markets

Learn temple etiquette, the meaning of the morning alms and how to bargain politely at night markets.

• Cultural experiences
• Local fun facts
• Seasonal festivals

Nature

Waterfalls, karsts & the Mekong

Kuang Si's turquoise pools, Vang Vieng's limestone peaks and slow Mekong views: nature is the best free entertainment here.

• Nature spots
• Nature fun facts
• Signature wildlife

Budget

Travel far on a little

Daily spend targets, cheapest ways between stops and which splurges are worth it, so the money lasts the whole route.

• Daily budget tracker
• Scam warnings
• Free and cheap highlights

Prepare for the trip

• Check Laos e-visa or visa-on-arrival rules for your passport before you go.
• Book the overnight sleeper train a few days ahead on the official SRT site.
• Cover shoulders and knees for temples; carry a light scarf.

Costs for your crew

Dorm beds in social hostels. One traveller. 13 nights.

Planning allowances, not live quotes or a guaranteed minimum. Stays, meals and transport have not been checked against bookable dates. Long-haul flights, travel insurance, Laos visa fees, vaccinations, SIM card and contingency are excluded. Prices in Thailand and Laos are paid in baht and kip; USD figures use planning conversions.