Laos stopover: Vientiane and Luang Prabang in 5 Days

When you arrive in Vientiane, meet and greet with your guide and transfe to the hotel.

Start your tour with the visit to Pha That Luang, famed for its glorious golden stupa which can be dated back to the 3rd century. Standing magnificently against time in the heart of the city, Phat That Luang is revered as the sacred monument and severs as a national symbol of Laos. Further on to Ho Pha Keo, once a royal temple that claimed to house the Emerald Buddha before Siamese seizure several centuries ago. Having been converted into a museum, it contains many beautiful Buddhist sculptures. Nearby visit Wat Sisaket, the oldest temple in Vientiane since 1551, renowned for its stylish Laotian architecture and containing thousands of Buddha relics. Drive along the wide boulevards of Vientiane to visit a momumental arch – Patuxai or Victory Gate, built in resemblance to Arc de Triomphe in Paris but decorated with Lao motifs and designs. Get a panoramic view of the city at the top of Patuxai.

Overnight in Vientiane.

Vientiane – That Luang Stupa

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for flight to Luang Prabang, one of the most fascinating towns in Northern Laos, full of historic temples, cultures and traditions.

Begin the tour with visit to Wat Visoun, the oldest temple in Luang Prabang since 1513 and famous for the collection of Buddha antiques and the impressive That Makmo or The Watermelon Stupa Nearby visit Wat Aham or the temple of the opened heart, beautifully designed with ancient interiors and roof decoration. Next visit to Wat Xieng Thong or The Temple of the Golden City built in 1560 on the confluence of the Mekong and the Nam Khan River. The temple represents a classic architectural style of Luang Prabang and arguably the most beautiful temple in Laos. Then stroll down the Wat Street of Luang Prabang where you may stop if time permiets at Wat Siboun Heang, Wat Si Moung Khoun Wat Sop and Wat Sene. In late afternoon, visit the Mount Phousi for sunset. It is a spectacular hill right in the center of the town with a small temple on top. After climbing 328 steps from the entrance, you can enjoy a picturesque scenery of the town and the river.

Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Luang Prabang – Wat Visoun

Luang Prabang – Pak Ou Caves

Afterwards, take a scenic boat trip along the Mekong River to the famous Pak Ou Caves where you can see the village life along the riverside. The Pak Ou caves are consisted of a lower Tham Ting and an uppoer Tham Phueng, both of which are impressively overhanging on the limestone cliffs. Inside these two caves, you can find thousands of Buddha statues in different shapes, sizes and positions lying all over. Nearby visit an ethnic local village of Ban Xang Hai, famous for its production of local rice wine whisky called lao lao. which is a unique traditional whisky bathing the creatures such as snakes, scorpions, geckos or centipedes. Then visit Ban Xang Khong, renowned for its silk weaving by traditional hand looms and traditional Sa paper making before returning to Luang Prabang for overnight.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Take a trip to one of the most impressive waterfalls in Luang Prabang – the Kuang Si Waterfalls. Its cascading steps of waterfalls and ponds nestled in the forested green trees offers a pleasant, perfect atmosphere for relaxation and swimming. Very close by to the waterfalls is a Khmu Village of Ban Tha Pene where you can visit and touch the village life of Khmu. Return to Luang Prabang and spend the rest of your day freely on your own to explore the town, street, or market further.

Overnight at the hotel in Luang Prabang.

Khouang Si Waterfalls

Take your hearty breakfast. Today you are free on your own at leisure for further exploration and shopping. If you rise early enough, you can enjoy seeing the traditional alms giving to the Buddhist monks in the morning. Transfer out to the airport or departure to the next destination.

End of tour.

Luang Prabang – Wat Visoun