Laos Highlights — 6-8 Days (Luang Prabang – Vientiane)
Vietnam Explorer:
A 12 – Day Cultural & Scenic Adventure
Laos shines when you slow down. Think dawn bells and saffron robes, palm-lined riverbanks, teak houses and gold-trimmed temples, hand-loomed textiles and market snacks you’ll still be talking about at home. We keep this trip easy and unhurried so you can actually feel the rhythm—private transfers, smart timing, and guides who know when to slip down a back lane or pause for a perfect coffee.
We start in Luang Prabang, where Buddhist traditions are part of daily life. With respectful guidance, you can witness the early-morning alms round, then follow the town’s story through the former Royal Palace, Wat Xiengthong’s sweeping roofs, and quiet courtyards at Wat Mai and Wat Visoun. A Mekong cruise carries you upriver to the Buddha-filled caves at Pak Ou and on to Kuang Si’s turquoise pools for forest trails and a cool dip. Evenings are for sunset on Mount Phousi and the night market’s crafts and easy street food.
Vientiane brings river breezes and café culture—smaller scale, relaxed, and full of symbolism. You’ll see Wat Sisaket’s arcades of Buddha images, Haw Phra Kaew’s museum of sacred art, the golden spire of That Luang, and the French-era sweep of Patuxai. If you like the offbeat, the surreal sculptures at Buddha Park make a great finale. Throughout, we handle the details and the etiquette so your time goes to the things that matter—temples, river light, local flavor, and real conversations.
ITINERARY DETAILS
Day 1 — Arrive Luang Prabang
Meet & greet, seamless transfer, and a relaxed orientation walk in the old town. Dinner in a favorite spot—Lao dishes, riverside air, and an early night if you want it.
Day 2 — Temples & Old Town Rhythm
Optional dawn alms giving (with clear guidance on respectful participation). Explore the Royal Palace Museum, then Wat Xiengthong, Wat Mai, and Wat Visoun. Sunset from Mount Phousi, followed by the night market for textiles and snacks.
Day 3 — Mekong to Pak Ou Caves & Kuang Si Falls
Cruise upriver to the Pak Ou caves and stop at a craft village along the way. Afternoon at Kuang Si: forest paths, viewpoints, and time at the tiered pools. Return via a weaving village to see how silk and cotton become heirloom textiles.
Optional Add-On — Vang Vieng (1–2 nights)
Fold in limestone peak viewpoints, blue lagoons, light hikes, and easy river time. Continue to Vientiane by scenic rail or road.
Day 4 — Fly to Vientiane
Short flight and check-in. Riverside strolls, a café break, and sunset along the Mekong.
Day 5 — Vientiane Highlights
Wat Sisaket and Haw Phra Kaew, a photo stop at Patuxai, and the golden That Luang stupa. In the afternoon, explore the surreal Buddha Park on the Mekong’s edge.
Day 6 — Depart
Private transfer to the airport.
Make It Yours (Optional Add-Ons)
Personalize the journey with countryside cycling on quiet backroads, Hmong/Khmu cultural encounters, or hands-on workshops in pottery, bamboo weaving, or natural dyes. We can add a waterfall conservation visit at Kuang Si, a Lao cooking class, a guided coffee tasting, or a mindfulness/yoga session at a quiet boutique stay. Prefer more scenery? Add a night (or two) in Vang Vieng for karst viewpoints and river time, or simply slow Luang Prabang down with an extra day for markets, galleries, and one more Mekong sunset—your pace, your call.
LJ TRAVEL TIP
Transfer assistance for your departure will be provided.
