9 Days • 8 Nights
Laos in Depth: Luang Prabang, Vang Vieng & Vientiane
Tour Includes
About the Trip
You'll explore Luang Prabang's gilded temples and the Kuang Si Falls, take the spectacular mountain road (or new fast train) to Vang Vieng, where limestone peaks rise over the Nam Song river, kayak, cave and swim in the Blue Lagoon, then continue to Vientiane. Balloon rides, river tubing and riverside sunsets fill the days.
With comfortable hotels, private guides and the transport arranged, it is Laos beyond the well-worn trail.
Trip Highlights
- Luang Prabang's temples, alms and the Kuang Si Falls
- The scenic mountain road or fast train to Vang Vieng
- The karst peaks and Nam Song river of Vang Vieng
- Kayaking, caves and the Blue Lagoon
- An optional hot-air balloon over the karsts
- Vientiane's stupas and the Buddha Park
- Riverside sunsets and gentle adventure
- A private guide throughout
Day by Day
A detailed day-by-day plan for this 9-day journey.
Arrive in the enchanting old royal capital and settle in, with a welcome dinner.
The dawn alms-giving, Wat Xieng Thong and the royal temples, the market and sunset from Mount Phousi.
A day at the turquoise Kuang Si Falls, swimming and visiting the bear rescue centre, with a village and lunch en route.
Travel south by scenic mountain road or the new fast train to Vang Vieng, where limestone karsts rise over the Nam Song river. An evening by the water.
A day of gentle adventure — kayaking the Nam Song, exploring a cave by headlamp and swimming in the Blue Lagoon beneath the karsts.
A free day to cycle the countryside, take an optional hot-air balloon over the karsts at dawn, or simply relax by the river.
Travel south to the sleepy capital of Vientiane, exploring the golden That Luang stupa and Wat Sisaket.
The surreal Buddha Park, the Patuxai monument and the riverside, with a sunset over the Mekong.
A final breakfast before your transfer to Vientiane airport.
Where You Will Travel
What's inside the package?
Inclusions
- Private airport transfers and private guides
- 3 nights Luang Prabang, 3 nights Vang Vieng, 2 nights Vientiane
- Daily breakfast, a welcome dinner and a local lunch
- A Luang Prabang city tour and the Kuang Si Falls
- A Vang Vieng kayaking, caves and Blue Lagoon experience
- A Vientiane city tour with That Luang and the Buddha Park
- The scenic road or fast train between towns
- All entrance fees per the itinerary
Exclusions
- International airfare to and from Laos
- Laos visa fees (visa on arrival or eVisa)
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary or inclusions
- Drinks unless specifically stated
- Optional excursions and experiences
- Personal expenses, tips and gratuities
- Anything not specifically mentioned under Package Inclusions
Know when to go.
- Visa: Most nationalities can obtain a visa on arrival or an eVisa for Laos; check your passport's eligibility. Your passport should be valid at least six months with a blank page
- Currency: The currency is the Lao Kip. Cash is king outside the main towns, and while US dollars and Thai baht are sometimes accepted, carry kip for markets, temples and rural areas — ATMs are limited
- Best season: The cool, dry season from November to February is ideal; March to May is hot and can be hazy from farming fires, and June to October brings the green monsoon
- The pace of Laos: Laos is famously laid-back and unhurried — embrace 'bor pen nyang' (no worries) and the gentle rhythm, which is part of its charm
- The alms-giving: In Luang Prabang, monks collect alms at dawn in a moving ritual. Observe quietly and respectfully from a distance, or participate sensitively with your guide's advice — never intrude
- Temple etiquette: Cover your shoulders and knees and remove your shoes at temples. Women should never touch a monk, and always lower yourself below monks and Buddha images
- Getting around: Mountain roads are winding and slow, so some legs use short domestic flights or scenic river boats, all arranged for you
- UXO awareness: Parts of Laos still hold unexploded ordnance from past conflict, so always stay on marked paths and trails, especially around the Plain of Jars
- Health: Drink bottled or filtered water, use mosquito repellent, and enjoy freshly cooked food. Comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended
- Connectivity & power: A local SIM is cheap but signal can be patchy in remote areas — a welcome excuse to slow down. Power is 230V with type A/B/C plugs, so bring an adapter
Frequently Asked Questions
What meals are included?
Daily breakfast is included throughout, along with a welcome dinner and the specific meals named in the itinerary, such as a Mekong cruise lunch. Other meals are left free so you can enjoy Laos's fragrant, French-influenced cuisine.
Are transfers and touring private?
Yes — you travel with your own licensed guide and private driver (or boat on the Mekong), so everything is arranged for you.
Do I need a visa for Laos?
Most visitors can get a visa on arrival or an eVisa. We guide you to the requirements for your nationality before you travel.
When is the best time to visit?
November to February is the cool, dry and most comfortable season. March to May is hot and sometimes hazy, and June to October is the lush, quieter green season.
What is the alms-giving ceremony?
At dawn in Luang Prabang, hundreds of monks walk the streets to collect alms of rice from kneeling locals. It is a moving, sacred ritual best observed quietly and respectfully, or joined sensitively with your guide's advice.
Can the itinerary be customised?
Absolutely. Durations, towns, hotels and experiences can all be tailored, and we can add a Mekong cruise, the 4000 Islands, Vang Vieng or trekking. Just tell us what you have in mind.
How do we travel around Laos?
By a mix of short domestic flights, private cars and scenic river boats, all included and arranged, with a private guide in each region.
Is Vang Vieng still a party town?
Vang Vieng has reinvented itself as a relaxed adventure and scenery destination, with kayaking, caving, ballooning and the beautiful Blue Lagoon amid its stunning karst peaks — a world away from its old reputation.
Do we take the new fast train?
Where it suits your dates, the new Laos-China high-speed railway makes the Luang Prabang-Vang Vieng-Vientiane journey fast and comfortable; otherwise we use the scenic mountain road with photo stops.
More Adventure Journeys
Adventure
Customizable
El Salvador Highlights: Volcanoes, Flowers & Surf
El Salvador Highlights: Volcanoes, Flowers & Surf
El Salvador
Adventure
Customizable
El Salvador Short Escape: Volcanoes & Surf
El Salvador Short Escape: Volcanoes & Surf
El Salvador
Adventure
Customizable
Grand El Salvador: The Complete Country
Grand El Salvador: The Complete Country
El Salvador