The capital, the mountains and the heritage town in one trip, linked by the fast train. The best first trip to Laos.
- Duration
- 5 days · 4 nights
- Route
- Vientiane → Vang Vieng → Luang Prabang
- Starts
- Vientiane
- Ends
- Luang Prabang
- Transport
- Laos–China Railway, private van and Mekong boat
- Best for
- First trip to Laos, families and small groups
About this tour
The best of Laos in five days. Start in the capital, spend a night among the karst mountains of Vang Vieng, then continue by train to Luang Prabang for temples, waterfalls and the Mekong. Every long journey is by fast train, so you spend your time sightseeing, not on the road.
Highlights
- Pha That Luang and Patuxai in Vientiane
- The Blue Lagoon and kayaking in Vang Vieng
- Sunset on Mount Phousi and the morning alms giving in Luang Prabang
- The turquoise pools of Kuang Si Falls
- Every long journey by fast train
Day-by-day itinerary
- 1
Day 1
Arrival and Vientiane city tour
Where we go
- Pick-up at the airport, station or your hotel
- Pha That Luang and Patuxai
- Wat Si Saket
- Sunset and the night market on the Mekong riverside
- Overnight
- Hotel in central Vientiane
- Transport
- Private van
- 2
Day 2
Train to Vang Vieng
Where we go
- Train from Vientiane to Vang Vieng (about 1 hour)
- The Blue Lagoon and Tham Phu Kham cave
- Kayaking on the Nam Song river
- Sunset over the mountains
- Overnight
- Riverside hotel in Vang Vieng
- Transport
- Laos–China Railway and private van
- 3
Day 3
Vang Vieng to Luang Prabang
Where we go
- Optional: sunrise hot-air balloon flight
- Train from Vang Vieng to Luang Prabang (about 1 hour)
- Wat Xieng Thong and the old town
- Sunset on Mount Phousi and the night market
- Overnight
- Boutique hotel in Luang Prabang's old town
- Transport
- Private van and Laos–China Railway
- 4
Day 4
Alms giving and Kuang Si Falls
Where we go
- At dawn: the monks' alms giving
- Kuang Si Falls and the bear rescue centre
- The Royal Palace Museum
- Sunset cruise on the Mekong
- Overnight
- Boutique hotel in Luang Prabang's old town
- Transport
- Private van and boat
- 5
Day 5
Pak Ou Caves and departure
Where we go
- Morning: boat trip to the Pak Ou Caves, or free time
- Transfer to Luang Prabang airport, or the train back to Vientiane
- Overnight
- Onward journey
- Transport
- Boat and private van; flight or train
Included
- All train tickets in the itinerary (second class)
- Private van with driver
- Guide speaking Lao, English, Chinese or Thai
- 4 nights in hotels with breakfast
- Kayaking and Mekong boat trips
- Entrance fees for the sights listed
- Drinking water
Not included
- International flights and visa fees
- Hot-air balloon flight (optional)
- Lunch and dinner
- Personal expenses and tips
These are sample itineraries. Every tour can be private or for a group, changed to fit your dates and interests, and run with a guide in Lao, English, Chinese or Thai. Hotels, inclusions and the price are confirmed in your quotation.
Request this tour — Tell us your dates and the number of travellers. We reply with a confirmed itinerary, hotels and price.
Photos: Basile Morin, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
MVM GROUP