7N / 8D
Adventure
Family
8 Days Laos Highlights: 7 Nights 8 Days in Vientiane, Vang Vieng and Luang Prabang
Vientiane(2N) → Vang Vieng(2N) → Luang Prabang(3N)
STAY 3✭ hotels
$ 1,010
$ 1,072
5% off
/personDetailed Itinerary
Day 1 Arrival - Vientiane
- On arrival, private transfer to the hotel.
- Visit the Lao National Museum to explore the country's history from prehistoric times to the present day.
- Explore Wat Si Muang, a highly revered temple believed to be guarded by the city's pillar spirit.
- Visit the Patuxai Monument, Vientiane's own "Arc de Triomphe," which commemorates those who fought for independence from France.
- Climb to the top of the Patuxai Monument for a panoramic view of the city.
- End the day with shopping at the Mekong Night Market.
Day 2 Vientiane
- Situated on the banks of the Mekong River, Vientiane is the smallest capital city in Southeast Asia, with a population of over 800,000 inhabitants.
- The city offers a blend of ancient gilded Buddhist temples, French colonial architecture, and excellent walking opportunities along its peaceful riverfront.
- Spend this half-day exploring some of Vientiane’s most remarkable highlights:
- Visit the serene Wat Sisaket, the only temple that survived the Siamese occupation, famed for its Siamese style of Buddhist architecture rather than Lao style. This 19th-century temple is home to over 10,000 Buddha sculptures of various sizes and styles.
- The former royal temple of Wat Prakeo, meaning “Altar of the Emerald Buddha,” is now a museum richly adorned with carved wooden features, a magnificent 16th-century lacquered door with Hindu carvings, and a collection of Buddha statues.
- Continue your visit to That Luang, a gold-covered large Buddhist stupa in the center of Vientiane, generally considered the national symbol of Laos.
- Cap off your visit at the Patouxay Victory Monument, which translates to “Victory Gate.” This massive concrete war monument, similar in style to the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, is dedicated to those who sacrificed their lives for the independence of the nation. Notice the typically Laotian design, decorated with many Buddhist mythological figurines, such as “kinnari” (half-female, half-bird figures). Opt to climb a stairway of 197 steps to the top of the monument for a panoramic view over Vientiane.
- Vientiane is home to some of the most iconic temples and Buddhist sites in the country.
- Located 25 km southeast of downtown Vientiane, Buddha Park, called Xieng Khuan, is a fanciful open-air sculpture garden that houses over 200 giant sculptures of Buddha and Hindu deities.
- One of the most striking sculptures is a giant pumpkin with three floors representing Hell, Earth, and Heaven. Get inside its open mouth and climb staircases from Hell to Heaven, where you will observe a panoramic view over the entire park.
- Then, stroll around the park to observe the many concrete sculptures scattered throughout, including Buddha, Hindu demons, and mythological creatures like a three-headed elephant, which are weathered, giving them an impression of being ancient.
- Apart from the many interesting Buddha statues, you will discover the outstanding 390-foot-long reclining Buddha, located right in the heart of the park. Notice that most of the sculptures are larger than life and made of reinforced concrete, carved with intricate and sometimes bizarre designs.
Day 3 Vientiane - Vang Vieng
- Check out of the hotel and transfer to the railway station for your journey to Vang Vieng.
- Upon arrival, enjoy a private transfer to the hotel.
- Check in to the hotel and later in the evening, explore the area.
- Embark on a private local long-tail boat for a relaxing and insightful cruise on the Nam Song River.
- Capture beautiful landscapes created by the rivers and mountains as the sun sets.
Day 4 Vang Vieng
- The journey to Blue Lagoon is the perfect opportunity to escape the heat for a couple of hours and immerse yourself in the Laotian countryside lifestyle.
- Experience another world where time moves slowly, and local children wave as you drive past.
- Visit the amazing Tham Phou Kham Cave, considered sacred by the Lao people.
- The main entrance requires a steep climb up a trail before the cave descends into the ground through a narrow entrance, opening up into the first chamber that contains a bronze reclining Buddha.
- Continue to the Pha Ngern View Point to capture panoramic photographs of Vang Vieng town and the Nam Song River.
- Head to the magnificent waterfall with gorgeous turquoise water.
- Take a refreshing dip in the stream and pool of the waterfall.
- Visit the famous Tham Chang Cave, named for its remarkable limestone formation, located on the banks of the Nam Song River.
- The cave was notable for sheltering villagers during the Chinese Haw invasion in the 19th century and again during Laos’ civil war.
Day 5 Vang Vieng - Luang Prabang
- Check out and transfer to the railway station for your train to Luang Prabang.
- Private transfer to the hotel.
- Check in at the hotel.
- In the evening, visit the famous “Buddha Light Show,” a signature performance inspired by Buddhist classics.
- Overnight stay at the hotel in Luang Prabang.
Day 6 Luang Prabang
- UNESCO declared Luang Prabang a World Heritage Site in 1995.
- Located in Laos’s northern mountains at the confluence of the Nam Khan and Mekong rivers, Luang Prabang reflects an intricate blend of French and Buddhist influences.
- Spend a full day exploring the key highlights that contribute to the elegant tranquility of this charming town.
- Start the exploration with a visit to the Royal Palace, which features a combination of French Beaux-Arts styles and traditional Lao architecture.
- The palace has been converted into a National Museum, showcasing precious collections of royal artifacts.
- Drive or enjoy a leisurely walk through the peaceful, tree-lined streets to admire some of Luang Prabang’s famous temples.
- Wat Xieng Thong, considered a significant religious symbol of Buddhist architecture, is a masterpiece of mosaics and carved wood in traditional Lao style.
- Wat Vitsoun, the oldest temple in Luang Prabang, features simple architecture and houses ancient statues and steles of the Prabang Buddha.
- This afternoon, embark on a leisurely boat trip to discover the famous Pak Ou Caves, located about 25 kilometers from downtown Luang Prabang beneath a dramatic karst formation.
- Situated next to the mighty Mekong River and opposite the mouth of the Mekong and Ou rivers, the two magical caves are embedded in a limestone cliff and filled with myriad sacred Buddhist statues and images.
- Board a traditional long-tail boat for a gentle cruise on the Mekong River.
- Admire the sleepy villages mostly visible behind the huge trees, wooden sampans bobbing by the shore attached to bamboo poles, and the floating markers indicating the locations of nets and fish traps.
- Upon arrival, begin exploring the magical cave systems: the lower cave houses a photogenic group of Buddha statues silhouetted against the stunning riverine backdrop, while the upper cave requires a 7-minute climb up steps surrounded by lush trees.
- In the caves, you will find Buddhas in every position, from every era of life, and of every size lining the walls, illustrating the sacred religious practice that reflects the devotion and commitment of Laotians to Buddhism.
Day 7 Luang Prabang & Outskirts
- Nestled in a lush tropical forest, the Kuang Si waterfall is one of Luang Prabang’s most picturesque sights.
- The waterfall features a multi-tiered cascade of pale turquoise blue water flowing from the thick jungle above into perfectly sculpted limestone pools below.
- Enjoy a scenic 1-hour drive south of Luang Prabang, with stops at a vibrant market and a hill tribe village to experience the sights and sounds of local life.
- Follow the unpaved trail as it gradually climbs through the forest to reach different levels of natural blue pools; some are shallow, and one central pool has a rope swing.
- Take a leisurely hike through the natural park past the Asian Bear Rescue Center, which is home to more than 20 Asiatic Black Bears rescued from dire circumstances.
- The bears live in an enclosure with plenty of trees, swings, and other playthings.
- Stroll along the wooden viewing platform to observe the adorable bears as they lazily lounge, play together, or search for food.
Day 8 Luang Prabang - Departure
- Check out of the hotel and transfer to the airport for your flight back home
Stay & Meal Details
Mid-Range
Vientiane
2 nights
Breakfast Included
Vang Vieng
2 nights
Breakfast Included
Luang Prabang
3 nights
Breakfast Included
$1,072
5% off
Package Policies
- Private airport transfers in Vientiane and Luang Prabang
- Private railway station transfers in Vientiane, Vang Vieng, and Luang Prabang
- 1st Class train ticket from Vientiane to Vang Vieng
- 1st Class train ticket from Vang Vieng to Luang Prabang
- Accommodation for 7 nights and 8 days
- Daily breakfast at the hotel
- Private sightseeing as per the itinerary with a private guide
- All entrance tickets
- Charges for private guide and driver
- All applicable international taxes
- GST at 5% on the land package
- TCS at 2% on the land package
- Air tickets to Laos
- Visa fees: US$ 42 per person (subject to change)
Browse More Packages
8 Days Laos Highlights: 7 Nights 8 Days in Vientiane, Vang Vieng and Luang Prabang
Vientiane(2N) → Vang Vieng(2N) → Luang Prabang(3N)
STAY 3✭ hotels
$ 1,010
$ 1,072
5% off
/person