Luang Prabang is the cultural and spiritual capital of Laos. Stroll around the temples and monasteries, and witness the saffron-clad monks receiving alms at dawn. Take a dip in the refreshing Kuang Si Waterfalls and explore the traditional Hmong village. Enjoy sunset and the night market at the Mekong River.
Visit the Patuxai Monument, also known as the Arc de Triomphe of Laos, and enjoy panoramic views of the city skyline from the rooftop. Explore Buddha Park, featuring an assortment of bizarre sculptures, and the serene Wat Si Saket temple. Stroll along the banks of the Mekong River during sunset and dine at the popular Kua Lao restaurant.
Enjoy the impressive view of limestone karsts and rural landscape of Vang Vieng while kayaking or tubing down the Nam Song River. Admire the breathtaking scenery of Tham Phu Kham cave and Blue Lagoon where you can take a swim. Try local organic food and drinks at the popular organic farm.
Explore the mysterious Plain of Jars historical sites, containing over 2,000 giant stone jars dated back to 500 BC. Learn about the history and culture of the Hmong people at the MAG (Mines Advisory Group) Center, where they work to remove unexploded bombs from the region.
Visit Phonsavan’s oldest and largest temple, Wat Phia Wat, and enjoy the panoramic view of the city from the That Foun Stupa. Explore the nearby ethnic group H’mong market and grab a bite of local foods. Time permitting, visit the stunning Nong Tang Lake for a picnic or swim.
Visit Wat Phou, a UNESCO World Heritage site, showcasing the ancient Khmer Empire culture from the 11th-13th centuries. Take a sunset boat ride on the Mekong River and observe traditional village life along the riverbank. Indulge in a traditional Laotian dinner at the Bolaven Cafe.
Explore the Mekong River Archipelago, also known as 4000 Islands. Take a boat trip to visit the Khone Phapheng, Southeast Asia's largest waterfall. Observe the rare Irrawaddy dolphins on the Mekong River. Relax in a hammock, sipping on cold Beer Lao, and enjoy the beautiful sunset at the Don Det island.
End the trip with an early morning visit to the Pakse morning market, where fresh vegetables, fruits, and local products are abundant. Catch your flight back home, and plan your next trip to Laos.
Travel through Laos mainly by road, minibusses, and private transfers. Domestic flights are available but may be unpredictable. The estimated cost for transportation, including airport transfers, public transportation, and private transportation, is approximately $200 per person. Be prepared for winding roads, long-haul journeys with limited stops, and changing weather conditions.
If you have more time, take a boat ride to visit the amazing Tham Kong Lo cave in Khammouane Province. If you have less time, you can skip Phonsavan and visit Pakse directly from Vang Vieng. Be prepared for the heat, humidity, and insects, so bring sunscreen, insect repellent, and light clothing. Bargain when shopping, and try to learn some basic Laotian phrases, as this will help locals warm up to you more quickly.
The main international airports in Laos are Wattay International Airport (VTE) in Vientiane and Luang Prabang International Airport (LPQ) in Luang Prabang. Wattay International Airport is located in the south of Vientiane, approximately 2 miles from the city center. Luang Prabang International Airport is located approximately 3.5 miles from the city center. Tuk-tuks, taxis, and private transfers are available for transportation from the airports to the city center.