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  • Before You Go
    • Vietnam Travel Guide
      • Southern Vietnam
        • Ho Chi Minh City
        • Mekong Delta
        • Phu Quoc
        • Con Dao
        • Mui Ne
      • Central Vietnam
        • Phong Nha
        • Hue
        • Hoi An
        • Da Nang
        • Quy Nhon
        • Phu Yen
        • Da Lat
      • Northern Vietnam
        • Ha Noi
        • Halong Bay
        • Lan Ha Bay
        • Ninh Binh
        • Sapa
        • Ha Giang
        • Cao Bang
        • Pu Luong
    • Cambodia Travel Guide
      • Phnom Penh
      • Siem Reap
    • Laos Travel Guide
      • Luang Prabang
      • Pakse
      • Vientiane
      • Xieng Khuang (Plain of Jars)
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    • Essential Guide
      • Best time to travel Viet Nam
      • Healthy & Safety in Viet Nam
      • Money in Vietnam
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Traditional red-roof stilt houses lining the river in Vang Vieng town, Laos, with dramatic limestone mountains rising in the background.
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Essence of Laos

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Tour info

TOUR CODE
GL07A
Language
English
Destination
Laos
Physicality
1/10
Duration
7 days
Tour Type
Classic & Cultural Tour
Pace
Leisurely
Group Size
Private

Overview

This 7-day journey takes you through the cultural heart of Laos — from the temple-lined streets of Luang Prabang to the quiet capital of Vientiane, with scenic stops in Vang Vieng’s limestone valleys along the way.

You’ll experience the morning alms ceremony, cruise the Mekong to the Pak Ou Caves, swim in turquoise waterfalls, and meet local artisans who keep Lao traditions alive. Travel south by train through mountains and rural plains to discover a slower side of life in Vang Vieng, before reaching Vientiane — where French colonial facades stand beside golden stupas and tranquil riverside cafĆ©s.

Each moment reveals the understated beauty of Laos — calm, genuine, and deeply connected to its people and nature.

Each traveler experiences Laos differently — and this itinerary is fully customizable. Let our local experts tailor it to your pace, passions, and style.

Why you will love this trip

  • Ā Join Luang Prabang’s dawn alms-giving ceremony — one of the oldest spiritual traditions in Laos.
  • Ā Cruise the Mekong River to explore the sacred Pak Ou Caves filled with thousands of Buddha images.
  • Ā Swim at the multi-tiered Kuang Si Waterfall and visit local conservation projects nearby.
  • Ā Take a scenic train ride through misty valleys to Vang Vieng, surrounded by limestone peaks.
  • Ā Visit peaceful temples, caves, and ethnic villages, learning about rural life along the way.
  • Ā Explore Vientiane’s key landmarks — from That Luang Stupa to the surreal Buddha Park on the Mekong.

Itinerary


Day 1 – Arrival in Luang Prabang (B)

Welcome to Luang Prabang — the ancient capital of the Lane Xang Kingdom and a UNESCO World Heritage gem. Upon arrival, your private guide and driver will greet you and transfer you to your hotel.

Spend the rest of the day settling in or taking a gentle walk through quiet streets lined with French villas and golden temples.

Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Included: English-speaking guide Ā· Private driver Ā· Hotel Accomodation








Day 2 – Luang Prabang City Tour & Pak Ou Caves (B)

After breakfast, explore Luang Prabang’s main cultural sites, starting with the National Museum (former Royal Palace) and Heuan Chan Heritage House, where traditional Lao architecture and lifestyle are preserved. Continue to the elegant Wat Xieng Thong, known for its intricate ā€œTree of Lifeā€ mosaic, and the ancient Wat Visoun, the city’s oldest temple, home to the famous ā€œWatermelon Stupa.ā€

After lunch, cruise the Mekong River to the Pak Ou Caves, filled with thousands of Buddha statues left by worshippers over centuries. On your way back, stop at Ban Xang Khong and Ban Xieng Lek to see villagers weaving silk and mulberry paper. Before sunset, climb Mount Phousi for panoramic views, then wander through the lively Night Market filled with handmade textiles.

Overnight in Luang Prabang

Included: English-speaking guide Ā· Private driver Ā· Boat trip Ā· Entrance fees Ā·Meals: Breakfast, lunch; Hotel accommodation.








Day 3 – Morning Alms & Kuang Si Waterfall (B)

Rise early to witness the serene alms-giving ceremony, where monks collect their daily offerings in silence. Visit the local Morning Market to see fresh produce and traditional ingredients traded among villagers.

After breakfast, drive to Kuang Si Waterfall, a series of cascading pools set in lush forest — perfect for swimming or relaxing. Visit the nearby Bear Rescue Center which houses a couple of dozen animals rescued from the hands of poachers and traffickers.

Before returning to Luang Prabang, we stop to visit the Kuang Si Falls Butterfly Park, whose mission is to create a research centre studying and publishing about Laos butterflies, host plants and preservation.

On the way back, stop at Ock Pop Tok Living Craft Center, where local weavers create beautiful textiles using traditional dyeing techniques.

Overnight in Luang Prabang

Included: English-speaking guide Ā· Private driver Ā· Entrance fees Ā· Ā·Meals: Breakfast, lunch; Hotel accommodation








Day 4 – Luang Prabang - Train to Vang Vieng (B)

Enjoy a relaxed morning before transferring to the station for your scenic train journey to Vang Vieng (approx. 1 hour). Upon arrival, your local guide will meet you and take you to Wat That, one of the town’s most peaceful temples. Later, climb to Nam Xay Viewpoint for sweeping views over Vang Vieng’s karst peaks — a perfect spot for sunset photos.

Overnight in Vang Vieng

Included: Private driver Ā· Train ticket Ā· Local guide in Vang Vieng Ā· Hotel accommodation








Day 5 – Vang Vieng Countryside & Caves -> Train to Vientiane (B)

After breakfast, set out to explore Vang Vieng’s countryside. Cross the Nam Song River by bridge or boat (depending on the season) and visit Tham Xang (Elephant Cave), named after its natural limestone formation. Continue walking through rice paddies and mountain paths to Tham Hoy and Tham Loup, caves that once served as shelters during past conflicts.

Stop at a nearby Hmong village to learn about daily life and local traditions. End the morning at Tham Nam (Water Cave), where you can cool off by tubing or wading along its underground stream.

In the afternoon, transfer to the train station for your journey to Vientiane, the capital city. Upon arrival, you’ll be met and transferred to your hotel for check-in.

Overnight in Vientiane

Included: English-speaking guide Ā· Private driver Ā· Train ticket Ā· Entrance fees Ā· Hotel accommodation








Day 6 – Vientiane City Tour & Buddha Park (B)

After breakfast, visit Thong Khan Kham Market, a lively spot where locals shop for fresh produce and spices. Continue to Wat Sisaket, housing thousands of Buddha statues, and Wat Phra Keo, now a museum displaying both Lao and Khmer art. Pass by the Presidential Palace before visiting That Luang Stupa, the most sacred monument in Laos.

Climb to the top of Patuxay Monument, Laos’s own Arc de Triomphe, for city views. In the afternoon, drive about 45 minutes to Buddha Park (Xieng Khuan) — an open-air sculpture garden filled with more than 200 statues inspired by Buddhist and Hindu mythology. Stop en route at the Friendship Bridge, connecting Laos and Thailand across the Mekong River.

Return to the city in the late afternoon. You might enjoy a coffee at a riverside cafƩ or take a peaceful walk along the Mekong before sunset.

Overnight in Vientiane

Included: English-speaking guide Ā· Private driver Ā· Entrance fees Ā· Hotel accommodation








Day 7 – Departure from Vientiane (B)

After breakfast, enjoy some free time before your private transfer to the airport for your onward flight.

Included: Private driver

Gallery

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