Laos: Luang Prabang to Vientiane | 10 Days 9 Nights

Laos | Luang Prabang to Vientiane

10 days | 9 nights

A private journey through the heritage of Luang Prabang, the limestone scenery of Vang Vieng and the sights of Vientiane. Along the way, learn to cook Lao dishes, join a Baci ceremony, visit weaving villages, cruise the Mekong and discover Kuang Si Waterfalls.

From $3,990 per person, including international flights

Based on two travelers sharing a double room. Subject to travel dates and availability.

Day 1 | Arrival in Luang Prabang

Meals included: Dinner

Welcome to Laos. After immigration and customs at Luang Prabang Airport, meet your private guide and driver for the transfer to the city. Check in if the room is available. Discover local tailoring and made-to-measure clothing. Your guide will adapt the afternoon visits to your wishes and how you feel after the flight. Welcome dinner and overnight in Luang Prabang.

Day 2 | Temples and markets of Luang Prabang

Meals included: Breakfast and lunch

Visit the National Museum in the former Royal Palace, whose collection traces Lao culture from the early kings to the last sovereign. Explore Wat Visoun, Wat Sene and Wat Mai, then admire Wat Xieng Thong, with decorated doorways, a colored-glass Tree of Life mosaic and sweeping three-tiered roofs. Climb 329 steps up Mount Phousi to see the gilded stupa and watch the sun set over the Mekong. Browse handmade textiles at the Night Market. Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Day 3 | Lao cooking class and Baci ceremony

Meals included: Breakfast and lunch

Visit a local market with your cooking instructor and learn about Lao herbs, vegetables and spices. In a traditional kitchen, prepare dishes such as jeow dipping sauce, mok pa fish steamed in banana leaves, larb minced-meat salad, sticky rice and a local dessert. Enjoy your creations for lunch. In the afternoon, meet a family in a nearby village and take part in a Baci (Sou Khouan) ceremony. A village elder offers blessings around a floral arrangement, and white cotton threads are tied around guests’ wrists as a sign of protection, unity and goodwill.

Day 4 | Mekong cruise and Pak Ou Caves

Meals included: Breakfast and lunch

Cruise upstream on the Mekong through quiet countryside to Pak Ou, two linked caves filled with thousands of Buddha figures left by pilgrims. Stop at Ban Xanghai, known for its rice wine. Back near Luang Prabang, visit the weaving villages of Ban Xang Khong and Ban Xieng Lek, and continue to Ban Phanom, renowned for handweaving. Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Day 5 | Kuang Si Waterfalls and traditional arts

Meals included: Breakfast and lunch

Visit the Traditional Arts and Ethnology Centre to see clothing, tools and cultural objects from ethnic communities of the Luang Prabang area. En route to Kuang Si, stop at the Hmong village of Ban Na Ouane. Walk through the park past the bear rescue centre to the turquoise cascades, with time to swim where permitted. On the way back, visit the Ock Pop Tok weaving centre overlooking the Mekong, which supports local weavers. Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Day 6 | Express train to Vang Vieng

Meals included: Breakfast and lunch

After breakfast, transfer to the station for the express train to Vang Vieng. Visit Tham Nang Far and enjoy the view from the Blue Bridge across the Nam Song River. Travel through rice fields to the limestone cave of Tham Poukham, surrounded by forest. Swim in the natural pool near the entrance where permitted, or explore the area on foot. Overnight in Vang Vieng.

Day 7 | Vang Vieng by river and hot-air balloon

Meals included: Breakfast and lunch

Start with a 30-minute long-tail boat ride along the Nam Song and return to the hotel for breakfast. Cross the river to Tham Jang Cave, once used as a refuge, then visit Kaeng Yui Waterfall. End the day with a sunset hot-air balloon flight over limestone peaks and green valleys. The flight lasts approximately 30 to 60 minutes and depends on weather and operating conditions. Overnight in Vang Vieng.

Day 8 | Nam Ngum Lake and Vientiane

Meals included: Breakfast and lunch

After breakfast, drive toward Vientiane via the expressway, stopping in the Phone Hong area. Visit Nam Ngum Lake, a reservoir created by damming the Nam Ngum River, and take an approximately one-hour long-tail boat trip among the islets. Continue to the capital and check in. The program indicates about 3½ hours of driving. Overnight in Vientiane.

Day 9 | Vientiane and its surroundings

Meals included: Breakfast and lunch

Visit Wat Sisaket, known for its miniature Buddha statues, and the former royal temple Wat Phra Keo, which once housed the Emerald Buddha. See the Patuxay Monument and the sacred Pha That Luang stupa, then browse the Morning Market for handmade textiles, antiques and gifts. In the afternoon, visit the Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge and Buddha Park, with Buddhist and Hindu sculptures near the Mekong. Enjoy sunset by the river. An optional spa or massage can be arranged at extra charge. Overnight in Vientiane.

Day 10 | Departure from Vientiane

Meals included: Breakfast

After breakfast, enjoy free time until your transfer to Vientiane Airport for your departure flight.

Suggested hotels

Included

• International flights.
• Accommodation in a shared double room at the suggested hotels or similar.
• English-speaking guide in each area as per the itinerary, plus a private vehicle with an experienced driver.
• Admission to sites listed in the itinerary and meals as indicated by day.
• Second-class express train ticket from Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng and local taxes.

Not included

• Regional flights and airport taxes outside the included international air tickets.
• Travel insurance, Laos visa if required, and meals not listed as included.
• Drinks, tips, personal expenses, optional spa or massage, and services not expressly included.

Useful information

• The express train takes around 50 minutes. Second-class seats are padded, recline slightly and are arranged 3+2.
• Hotel check-in is generally from 2:00 p.m. and check-out by noon.
• The itinerary, activities and flight or train schedules may change or be canceled due to weather or local regulations.