The UNESCO World Heritage town of golden temples, the morning alms giving, Kuang Si Falls and a boat trip on the Mekong.
- Duration
- 3 days · 2 nights
- Route
- Vientiane → Luang Prabang
- Starts
- Vientiane
- Ends
- Luang Prabang (airport or station)
- Transport
- Laos–China Railway, private van and Mekong boat
- Best for
- Culture lovers, couples, families and photographers
About this tour
Luang Prabang, where the Mekong meets the Nam Khan, is a UNESCO World Heritage town of golden temples and old colonial houses. Three days give you time for the old town, the morning alms giving, the turquoise pools of Kuang Si Falls and a boat trip on the Mekong.
Highlights
- Fast train from Vientiane in about 2 hours
- Wat Xieng Thong and the Royal Palace Museum
- Sunset from the top of Mount Phousi
- The morning alms giving (Tak Bat)
- Kuang Si Falls and a Mekong sunset cruise
- The Pak Ou Caves by boat
Day-by-day itinerary
- 1
Day 1
Train to Luang Prabang and the old town
Where we go
- Morning train from Vientiane to Luang Prabang (about 2 hours)
- Wat Xieng Thong, the jewel of Luang Prabang's temples
- The Royal Palace Museum (Haw Kham) and Wat Mai
- Climb Mount Phousi for the sunset
- Evening at the night market
- Overnight
- Boutique hotel in the old town
- Transport
- Laos–China Railway, then private van
- 2
Day 2
Alms giving, Kuang Si Falls and a Mekong cruise
Where we go
- At dawn: watch the monks' alms giving (Tak Bat) quietly and respectfully
- Kuang Si Falls: turquoise pools and the bear rescue centre
- Afternoon at leisure in the old town
- Sunset cruise on the Mekong
- Overnight
- Boutique hotel in the old town
- Transport
- Private van and boat
- 3
Day 3
The Pak Ou Caves and departure
Where we go
- Morning boat trip up the Mekong to the Pak Ou Caves, filled with Buddha images
- Back to Luang Prabang for lunch
- Transfer to the airport or the station
- Overnight
- Onward journey
- Transport
- Mekong boat and private van; flight or train to Vientiane
Included
- Train ticket Vientiane–Luang Prabang (second class)
- Private van with driver in Luang Prabang
- Guide speaking Lao, English, Chinese or Thai
- 2 nights in a hotel with breakfast
- Mekong boat trips (Pak Ou Caves and sunset cruise)
- Entrance fees for the sights listed
- Drinking water
Not included
- Flights, or the train back to Vientiane
- 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