Laos in 10 days: a private itinerary from Luang Prabang to Vientiane

Laos · BookNow guides

Five nights in Luang Prabang, two in Vang Vieng and two in Vientiane give you time for the moments that make a first trip to Laos memorable. Start with the markets and temples of the former royal capital, then travel by train to the limestone valleys and finish on the Mekong in Vientiane.

Days 1–5 | Make Luang Prabang your base

Begin with the former Royal Palace, Wat Xieng Thong and the night market. Climb Mount Phousi for sunset if you are comfortable with stairs. Give a morning to a cooking class that starts at the market and ends with the dishes you prepared for lunch. A Baci blessing with a local family gives the day a more personal close.

Set aside separate days for the Mekong cruise to the Pak Ou Caves and for Kuang Si Waterfalls. At Pak Ou, the main attraction is the collection of Buddha figures left by pilgrims. On the Kuang Si day, the turquoise cascades pair well with a stop at a weaving centre. Swim only where permitted.

Days 6–7 | Take the train to Vang Vieng

The express train leaves more of the day for exploring. The route visits caves and rice-field landscapes, with time on the Nam Song River. A sunset balloon flight is scheduled in the programme and depends on weather and operating conditions. If the balloon is one of your reasons for travelling, tell your adviser while planning.

Days 8–10 | Finish in Vientiane

Stop at Nam Ngum Lake for a boat ride among the islets on the way to the capital. In Vientiane, spend a day on Wat Sisaket, Patuxay and Buddha Park, with time for the market and the Mekong riverfront before your departure.

Who this route suits

Choose this trip if you want Laos itself to be the focus and prefer to settle into a few bases. BookNow’s programme includes the listed meals, admissions, second-class express train, an English-speaking guide as scheduled, and a private vehicle with driver for the road segments. Ask for the full itinerary and tell us which walks, boat rides or craft visits you would like to spend longer on.

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More Laos travel guides

• What to do in Luang Prabang: temples, food and the Mekong
• Vietnam and Laos in 14 days: from Hanoi to Luang Prabang