We are please to share ideas about suitable itineraries for 5 days in Laos
The plans include some attractions in famous cities such as Vientiane, Luang Prabang, and Savannakhet. Planning a travel itinerary is not easy, especially when you have only 5 days in Laos. Let us help you to prepare a perfect trip to discover this mysterious country within a short amount of time.
5 Days in Northern Laos
- Wat Xieng Thong
For those who love to discover the history, nature and ethnic minorities in Laos, the northern region should be included on your itinerary. Luang Prabang is the most sought-after destination when planning a tour to Laos. It is definite that a visit to this city should start with Wat Xieng Thong, this city’s most impressive temple. Built in the 16th century by King Setthathirath, this temple represents typical Lao crafts and arts with sophisticated carvings, mosaic items, and especially sweeping two-tiered roofs. Other things to do in this city is discovering Lao history in Royal Palace Museum, visiting some religious sites, and relaxing at a local coffee shop. A little bit far from the center of Luang Prabang, Pak Ou Caves and Kuang Si Waterfall are also two favorite spots chosen by foreign travelers.
- Plain of Jars
Located in Xieng Khouang Province in the northeast of Laos, Plain of Jars is a mysterious ancient scene which is the Asian version of Stonehenge in the United Kingdom. Hundred of clay jars spread over the plain which can be dated to the ancient civilization over 2000 years ago. Scientists still cannot explain how people can place the jars onto the plain, nor the purposes they served.
- Vang Vieng – Laos
Situated in the middle of Luang Prabang and Vientiane, Vang Vieng is a famous tourist destination in the country which takes 4 hours driving from Vientiane. Tourists can enjoy exciting and thrilling activities here such as rope swinging, zip lining, swimming, and diving into blue lagoon, and large decks. The spectacular view to Nam Song River along the town is also an unforgettable memory on travelers’ minds.
Muang La is a heaven for those who are eager to discover colorful ethnic culture, trek to hill tribes and admire emerald rice fields. Tourists can also enjoy soaking in hot springs here whilst listening to the sound of nature: bird singing, wind blowing, and water flowing. One inconvenience of this town is that there are not many types of accommodation here.
- Nong Khiaw
Sitting on the bank of Nam Ou River, Nong Khiaw (also spelt Nong Kiaow and Nong Kiau) is an awe-inspiring town with karst limestone mountains, splendid rivers, and lush vegetation. You can observe the laid-back lifestyle, interact with local people and participate in some activities such as cycling and trekking in this small town.
Itinerary 1: Luang Prabang – Plain of Jars
- Kuang Si Waterfall
Day 1: Arrive in Luang Prabang. Visit Wat Mai and Mount Phousi
Day 2: In the morning, spend time at Royal Palace National Museum, Wat Visoun, and Wat Xieng Thong. In the afternoon, proceed to Traditional Arts and Ethnology Centre to learn about the history and culture of Laos.
Day 3: Trek to Kuang Si Falls
Day 4: Drive to Xieng Khouang to see the famous Plain of Jars. Back to Luang Prabang in the afternoon.
Day 5: Depart from Luang Prabang.
Itinerary 2: Luang Prabang – Vang Vieng
- Royal Palace – Luang Prabang
Day 1: Arrive in Luang Prabang. Visit Wat Visoun, Wat Xieng Thong, and Mount Phousi
Day 2: In the morning, spend time at Royal Palace National Museum. In the afternoon, trek around Kuang Si Falls.
Day 3: Take a 4-hour drive from Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng. Cruise through Nam Song River.
Day 4: Visit Tham Chang Cave, one of the most beautiful caves in Vang Vieng. Drive back to Luang Prabang in the afternoon.
Day 5: Depart from Luang Prabang.
Itinerary 3: Luang Prabang – Muang La – Nong Khiaw
- Muang La
Day 1: Arrive in Luang Prabang. Transfer to Muang La
Day 2: Discover ethnic villages in Muang La
Day 3: Cruise from Muang La to Muang Khua and reach Nong Khiaw. Admire the beauty of the town.
Day 4: Drive back to Luang Prabang, stop for a visit at Pak Ou Caves.
Day 5: Visit Wat Xieng Thong. Depart from Luang Prabang.
5 Days in Northern and Central Laos Combined
Vientiane is a must-go attraction in the country where tourists can discover several historic and religious buildings, colonial architecture, bustling streets, and colorful local markets. That Luang (or the Great Stupa) is a great starting point when coming to this city. From the outside, this place looks like a fortress and features two temples along with the main stupa. Originally established in the 3rd century, That Luang has been undergone many restorations due to foreign invasion. 24 kilometers from the city, Buddha Park is an interesting outdoor collection of huge concrete sculptures of Buddhist and Hindu deities.
Itinerary 1: Luang Prabang – Vientiane
- That Luang
Day 1: Arrive in Luang Prabang. Visit Wat Visoun, Wat Xieng Thong, and Mount Phousi
Day 2: In the morning, spend time at Royal Palace National Museum. In the afternoon, you can choose Pak Ou Caves or Kuang Si Falls.
Day 3: Transfer to Vientiane. Visit some famous spots such as Wat Sisaket, Wat Ho Phra Keo, and That Luang Stupa.
Day 4: Drive out of town along the Mekong River to the extraordinary Buddha Park.
Day 5: Depart from Vientiane
Itinerary 2: Luang Prabang – Vang Vieng – Vientiane
- Wat Sisaket
Day 1: Arrive in Luang Prabang. Visit Wat Visoun, Wat Xieng Thong, and Mount Phousi
Day 2: Visit Pak Ou Caves and Royal Palace National Museum
Day 3: Transfer to Vang Vieng and enjoy a cruise on Nam Song River
Day 4: Drive to Vientiane. Visit Wat Sisaket, Wat Ho Phra Keo and That Luang Stupa
Day 5: Relax before departing from Vientiane
5 Days in Central and Southern Laos Combined
- Bolaven Plateau – Pakse
The south of Laos seems to be quieter and less touristy compared to the north and central, but if you are an adventurous traveler, you cannot miss exploring mesmerizing nature in this region. Pakse is a place where you can spend time exploring nature, religious sites, and ethnic villages. Bolaven Plateau in Pakse is one of the most splendor places in the south of Laos. You can visit lush tea and coffee plantation and enjoy hiking to numerous breathtaking waterfalls. Moreover, you cannot miss Wat Phou, the oldest temple in Laos.
- Dong Natad Forest – Savannakhet
Located alongside the Mekong River, Savannakhet is the home to several tourist attractions such as the splendid Buddhist site – That Ing Hang Stupa and the majority of the town’s architecture is French Colonial. If you are interested in trekking and eco tours, Dong Natad Forest, a ‘Provincial Protected Area’, will not disappoint you with its spectacular landscapes and a wide range of birds. Dinosaur Museum is another must-see place in this town. Three types of dinosaur bones are exhibited which were excavated by both Lao and French effort.
Itinerary 1: Vientiane – Savannakhet – Pakse (by car)
- Wat Phou
Day 1: Arrive in Vientiane. Visit That Luang Stupa and admire sunset on Mount Phousi.
Day 2: Drive to Savannakhet. Visit That Ing Hang Stupa and admire some colonial architecture in the town.
Day 3: Drive to Pakse. Visit Wat Phou.
Day 4: Drive back to Vientiane. Visit Wat Sisaket, Wat Ho Phra Keo.
Day 5: Depart from Vientiane.
Itinerary 2: Vientiane – Savannakhet – Pakse (by air)
- Buddha Park
Day 1: Arrive in Vientiane. Visit Wat Sisaket, Wat Ho Phra Keo and That Luang Stupa
Day 2: Drive out of town along the Mekong River to the extraordinary Buddha Park.
Day 3: Fly to Pakse. Visit Wat Phou.
Day 4: Spend time exploring Bolaven Plateau.
Day 5: Take a morning flight back to Vientiane and depart from Vientiane.
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