Highlights of Laos
$0
per person
10 Days
This 10-day journey reveals the very best of Laos, from its charming capital Vientiane to the river and mountain landscapes of Vang Vieng, the mysterious Plain of Jars in Xieng Khouang, and the timeless beauty of Luang Prabang. Along the way, discover ancient temples, hidden caves, vibrant ethnic cultures, and spectacular waterfalls. Blending history, nature, and local life, this itinerary is perfect for travelers seeking both adventure and cultural depth in one seamless trip.
Highlights:
- Vientiane’s Cultural Gems – Explore Wat Sisaket, Haw Prakeo, Patuxay, and the golden That Luang Stupa.
- Buddha Park – See hundreds of unique statues in a riverside meadow.
- Scenic Journey to Vang Vieng – Mountain landscapes and an 11th-century archaeological site en route.
- Nam Song River Cruise & Caves – Visit Tham Jang and traditional villages of Tai Deang and Souay.
- Ethnic Encounters – Meet Hmong, Souay, and Tai Dam communities in the countryside.
- Xieng Khouang & Plain of Jars – Explore Laos’ most mysterious archaeological site and local markets.
- Luang Prabang’s UNESCO Heritage – Wat Xiengthong, Mekong cruise to Pak Ou Caves, Ban Phanom weaving village.
- Mount Phousi & Night Market – Sunset views and vibrant handicrafts.
- Khouangsi Waterfall – Swim in turquoise pools and stroll forest trails.
- Morning Alms Giving – Witness or join the sacred procession of saffron-robed monks.
Excerpt:
Discover Laos in 10 days: Vientiane, Buddha Park, Vang Vieng, Nam Song River, Tai Deang & Souay villages, Xieng Khouang, Plain of Jars, Luang Prabang, Pak Ou Caves, Mount Phousi, and Khouangsi Waterfall — a perfect blend of history, landscapes, and culture.
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Reviews
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Departure/Return Location
Vientiane (start) - Luang Prabang (finish) -
Departure Time
Flexible, depending on your flight schedule -
Return Time
Flexible, depending on your flight schedule
Tour Plan
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Day 1: Arrival in Vientiane (D)
Upon arrival you will be met and transferred to your hotel for check-in and tour briefing. If time permits we’ll take an orientation walk around the colonial quarter, then to the riverside area. Enjoy welcome dinner at a Laotian restaurant.
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Day 2: Vientiane (B)
This morning we visit Wat Sisaket, the oldest standing temple in Vientiane. The temple is renowned for its remarkable fresco and many hundreds of Buddha statuette. Continue to Haw Prakeo, the former royal temple which ever housed the famous Emerald Buddha statue being worshipped in Thailand now. Pose in front of Vientiane's own Arc de Triumph called Patuxay for pictures before touring That Luang Stupa – the symbol of Laos. Afterwards there’s an opportunity to delve into the daily life of the locals at the Central Market. Afternoon we tour the Buddha Park to see hundreds of Buddha statues on a riverside meadow.
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Day 3: Vientiane - Vang Vieng (B)
We depart Vientiane and journey northbound, taking the national road No. 13 through spectacular countryside. En route we stop by at Vang Xang, a famous archeological site dating back to the 11th century. In Vang Vieng, a small quiet town on a bend of the Nam Song River, we settle into hotel and relax.
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Day 4: Vang Vieng (B)
Enjoy a morning cruise along the Nam Song River and immerse in the mesmerizing tranquility from the pristine setting. Continue to Tham Jang, the most famous out of various caves in Vang Vieng. Tham Jang was a refuge for the locals from a war 200 years ago. Proceed to the villages of the tribal Tai Deang and Souay and study their distinctive cultures. The remainder of the day will be at your own leisure.
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Day 5: Vang Vieng (B)
Board a local tractor heading through paddy fields to Tham Phoukham to tour the beautiful limestone caverns surrounded by natural forests. Afterwards, we return to the Vang Vieng to visit more villages of the ethnic minorities of Hmong, Souay and Tai Dam.
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Day 6: Vang Vieng – Xieng Khouang (B)
Today we proceed overland to Xieng Khouang, 240 km away. Six hours of driving with many stops en route to visit tribal villages. Arriving in Xieng Khouang we’ll visit the local market and a special wood carving shop before settling into the hotel.
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Day 7: Xieng Khouang –Luang Prabang (B)
We tour the mysterious Plain of Jars, an impressive archaeological site where hundreds of large stone jars are scattered all over a plateau. We also visit some nearby villages, populated by the Hmong and Tai Dam before transferring to Luang Prabang. After 240 km through scenic landscape of steep terraced fields and hill villages, we’ll reach the best preserved city in Southeast Asia.
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Day 8: Luang Prabang (B)
This morning we tour the city’s oldest temple Wat Sene and the magnificent Wat Xiengthong with its roofs sweeping down to the ground. We then embark on a cruise upstream on the Mekong River to the mysterious Pak Ou, two linked caves crammed with thousands of gold lacquered Buddha statues of various shapes and sizes left by devoted pilgrims. We also visit Ban Phanom village of skilled hand-weaving women and Ban Xangkhong, the village well known for jute paper, before returning to town. Drive back to town to conquer Mount Phousi for an enjoyable exploration of the sacred, gilded stupas as well as a beautiful sunset view. Later we explore the iridescent Night Market and admire a lovely selection of handicrafts.
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Day 9: Luang Prabang (B)
Early rise to take the fantastic opportunity to watch or participate in the unique daily morning ritual, where hundreds of saffron-clad monks walk in procession collecting offerings of sticky rice from devout residents along the roadside.
Today we’ll visit some villages of Lao ethnic minority groups at Ban Ouay, Ban Ou and Ban Thapene. Continue to the beautiful Khouangsi Waterfall where there’s a chance to cool off in the turquoise pools or to walk along the forest trails. Return to town early in the afternoon and enjoy the rest of the day at own leisure.
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Day 10: Departure (B)
Free until transfer to the airport for departure flight.
Tour Location
Vientiane – Buddha Park – Vang Vieng – Nam Song River – Xieng Khouang – Plain of Jars – Luang Prabang – Pak Ou Caves – Khouangsi Waterfall
The Highlights of Laos – 10 Days tour captures the country’s most iconic landscapes, spiritual heritage, and cultural encounters — from the laid-back capital of Vientiane to the mystical valleys of Luang Prabang.
- Vientiane – Orientation walk, Wat Sisaket, Haw Prakeo, Patuxay (Arc de Triumph), That Luang Stupa, Central Market, and Buddha Park with its extraordinary sculptures.
- Vang Vieng – Scenic countryside drive via Vang Xang archaeological site; Nam Song River cruise; Tham Jang Cave; ethnic villages of Tai Deang, Souay, Hmong, and Tai Dam; limestone mountains and pristine paddy fields.
- Xieng Khouang – Rural road journey through tribal villages; local market; wood-carving community; introduction to the province’s natural beauty and highland culture.
- Plain of Jars – UNESCO candidate archaeological site featuring hundreds of ancient stone jars across the plateau; nearby Hmong and Tai Dam villages.
- Luang Prabang – Wat Sene, Wat Xiengthong, saffron-robed monks, colonial heritage, Mekong River cruise, Ban Phanom weaving village, Ban Xangkhong jute paper village, Mount Phousi sunset, and the Night Market.
- Pak Ou Caves – Limestone caves filled with thousands of Buddha statues of varying sizes.
- Khouangsi Waterfall – Turquoise pools, forest walks, and refreshing natural swimming holes.
A well-paced journey connecting the cultural landmarks, ethnic communities, natural wonders, and ancient mysteries that define Laos.