Luang Prabang – Pak Ou Caves – Kuang Si Waterfalls – Vientiane – Buddha Park
Discover the rich cultural heritage and natural beauty of Laos with this unforgettable journey from Luang Prabang to Vientiane. Start your adventure in the charming UNESCO-listed town of Luang Prabang, where ancient temples and colonial architecture reflect the city’s timeless allure. Cruise along the Mekong River to the spiritual Pak Ou Caves, home to thousands of sacred Buddha images nestled inside limestone cliffs. Refresh yourself at the stunning Kuang Si Waterfalls, known for their cascading turquoise pools and lush surroundings. Then travel south to the vibrant capital city of Vientiane, where French influence meets Buddhist serenity. Explore iconic landmarks and end your journey at the mystical Buddha Park, an open-air sculpture garden filled with over 200 religious statues that blend Hindu and Buddhist art. This itinerary offers a perfect balance of nature, spirituality, and cultural discovery.
DAY 1: Arrival in Luang Prabang (NONE)
On arrival at the Luang Prabang airport, you will be met and transferred to check in the hotel (early check-in upon availability). Situated in the centre of northern Laos, Luang Prabang is classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its outstanding cultural, historic and architectural values and its harmonious relationship between the natural and built environment.
There is no activities planned for today, so you may stroll around for the first impression of this ancient city.
Overnight at hotel in Luang Prabang
Distance:
⦁ Luang Prabang Airport – Luang Prabang Central: 2,5 miles 10 minutes driving transfer
DAY 2: MEKONG RIVER CRUISE – PAK OU CAVE (B/-/-)
Pick up: 08: 30 AM
After breakfast, you will first visit Royal Palace Museum, which was built in 1904 during the French colonial era for King Sisavang Vong and his family.
We then embark on a leisure cruise upstream on the Mekong River, which also gives us a breathtaking view of the tranquil countryside, before reaching the mysterious Pak Ou Caves, two linked caves crammed with thousands of gold lacquered Buddha statues of various shapes and sizes left by pilgrims.
Along the way, we stop at the village of Ban Xanghai, where they make the local rice wine.
On arrival back in the city, we will visit the old Wat Sene and the nearby magnificent Wat Xiengthong a superb piece of Lao temple architecture, which presents a sweeping two-tiered roof and ornate mosaics including a beautiful ‘tree of life ‘glass montage on the rear temple wall.
Next, we will visit Heuan Chan, a 19th-century aristocratic mansion that offers a glimpse into Lao culture through traditional ceremonies, textiles, and family life. This restored mansion stands as a testament to Lao heritage, featuring enriching exhibitions and a documentary on Laos’ customs. After the visit, we’ll have the opportunity to taste authentic Lao coffee or tea, providing a true taste of Laos.
Late afternoon, we will make a stop at Wat Prabath to admire the sunset; this is the ideal place to catch the last beauty of the day.
The tour ends after a visit to the famous Night Market, where you can find a lovely collection of handmade textiles made by local and hilltribe people surrounding Luang Prabang.
Overnight at hotel in Luang Prabang
Distance:
⦁ Luang Prabang Central – Wat Xiengthong: 1,5 miles 5 minutes driving transfer
DAY 3: KUANG SI WATERFALL – VIENTIANE (Train) (B/-/-)
Pick up: 05:30AM – 06:30AM depending on seasons
Wake up as the sun rises, we will prepare to join the most sacred tradition of Laos, the daily morning alms giving, which dates to the 14th century. More than 200 Buddhist monks depart from various temple to gather their daily meal from the faithful residents sitting quietly on the streets.
We then visit the temporary morning market near the former Royal Palace. Just set on the ground, the local people come here to barter their day’s catch from rice, to vegetable, to fish, or chicken.
After breakfast at the hotel, we ascend the 329 steps to the top of Phousi Hill for a panoramic view of the city and the Mekong River. Then transfer directly to the beautiful Kuang Si, which is the biggest waterfall in the Luang Prabang area with three tiers leading to a 50-metre drop into spectacular azure pools before flowing downstream. The pools also make great swimming holes and are very popular with both tourists and locals
There is also the chance to walk to the nearby village of Ban Thapene, and explore the hidden waterfalls, which is rarely visited by other tourists. If you wish, take a short visit to the Bear Rescue Center, which houses a couple of dozen animals rescued from the hands of poachers and traffickers.
On the way back to Luang Prabang, we will take a short visit to the Ock Pop Tock Living Craft Center, set serenely close to the Mekong, this beautiful, traditionally styled workshop, where weavers, spinners and batik makers produce top-quality fabrics, offers free tours every half-hour. This is also one of the best spots to admire the sunset in Luang Prabang.
We then transfer out to the train station to take the speed train to Vientiane (2 hours). Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel in town.
Overnight at hotel in Vientiane
Distance:
⦁ Luang Prabang Central – Kuang Si: 20 miles 30 minutes driving transfer
⦁ Kuang Si – Ock Top Tock Living Craft: 18 miles 30 minutes driving transfer
DAY 4: CITY EXPLORATION – BUDDHA PARK (B/-/-)
Pick up: 08:30AM
In the morning, we will first visit Wat Si Muang, which is very famous for its supernatural power. After that drive to Buddha Park which takes around 45 minutes away. Also known as Xieng Khuan, this unusual park is filled with over 200 Buddhist and Hindu statues.
Returning to town, visit COPE, an association working to help landmine victims. A visit to the center provides in-depth information about the history of the American/Vietnam war and the lasting impact of unexploded ordinances (UXO) in the area and the efforts underway to clear them.
Start the afternoon with a visit to That Luang, the holiest site in Laos. Constructed by King Setthathirat in the 16th century, the temple is resplendent as the sun shines upon its towering golden spire. Then, enjoy a panoramic view over the city as you climb the stairs to the top of Patuxay, Vientiane’s own “Arc de Triomphe”.
Continue down Lane Xang Avenue the serene Wat Sisaket, the only temple left intact after the Siamese (Thai) invasion in 1828. Continue on to the nearby Wat Phra Keo. Used as a religious museum, Wat Phra Keo displays a collection of both Lao and Khmer works of art.
End your tour of the capital along the banks of the Mekong River as the sun begins to set. Stroll along the river, stop to enjoy a cold drink, or sample a snack from one of the many local food stalls.
Optional tour: You can also visit Sinouk Coffee Pavilion to discover the Lao coffee, stroll around the mini coffee gallery, view the in-house coffee roaster and try a cup of delicious and unique coffee or tea. Discuss with our guide about
Overnight at hotel in Vientiane
Distance:
⦁ Vietiane – Wat Si Muang: 2 miles 5 minutes driving transfer
⦁ Vientiane Central – Ban Thahuea: 76 miles 2 hour driving transfer
⦁ COPE – Buddha Park: 15 miles 30 minutes driving transfer
DAY 5: DONE XING XU ISLAND (B/L/-)
Pick up: 08:30AM
Begin your journey by heading to the serene Xing Xu Island, situated just beyond Vientiane. Upon reaching Ban Kaolieu, embark on a boat ride to the island, where you’ll share the experience with local residents.
Upon your island arrival, take a leisurely stroll to a revered temple, renowned among locals for seeking auspicious numbers, often used for purchasing lottery tickets. Feel free to try your luck if you wish.
Afterward, explore the quaint village, home to approximately 200 inhabitants who tend to livestock, including pigs and goats. Continue your adventure by hopping on a tuk-tuk or a local tractor to tour the island, immersing yourself in a genuine sense of exploration.
Savor a delectable lunch at one of the island’s local restaurants, relishing the authentic flavors of the region. Following your meal, take ample time to relax and relish the picturesque surroundings before boarding the boat back to the mainland. Finally, your journey concludes with a comfortable transfer back to your hotel.
Overnight at hotel in Vientiane
Distance:
⦁ Vietiane – Xing Xu Island: 40 miles 1 hour 50 minutes driving transfer
DAY 6: VIENTIANE – DEPARTURE (B/-/-)
Pick-up: 2.5 hours before the flight
You are free to stroll around the town for your own exploration before taking the departure flight
Distance:
⦁ Vientiane Central – Vientiane Airport: 5,5 miles 20 minute driving transfer
HOME SWEET HOME!
Included / Excluded
To help you plan your trip, we have put together a list of what's included and what's not included in your tour package. This will give you a clear understanding of what to expect and help you make any necessary arrangements before your journey begins.
- Hotel Accommodation with daily breakfast (shared in twin/ double room)
- Experience English speaking tour manager on tour
- Private transfer and transportation on tour
- Meals are mentioned on program (B: Breakfast, Br: Brunch, L: Lunch, D: Dinner)
- Entrance fees are mentioned on the itinerary
- Daily mineral water (2 bottles/ pax/ tour day)
- All flights with tax
- Visa Approval Letter and Visa Stamping fee at arrival counter
- Travel Insurance
- Early check in or late check out
- Drinks and Beverages
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Surcharge 20% for Public Holidays:
o New Year: 31 December 2024 – 02 January 2025 (inclusive)
o Vietnamese New Year: 28 Januray – 02 February (inclusive)
o Unification Day and May Day: 28 April – 03 May 2025 (inclusive)
o National Day: 28 August – 04 Sep 2025 (inclusive)
o Christmas: 23 – 25 December 2025 (inclusive - TIPPING for local guide, cruise team, tour manager and driver (compulsory)
- All other services are not mentioned on Inclusions
Tour Map
This comprehensive map is designed to guide you through an exciting journey filled with remarkable destinations and captivating experiences.
