5 Days: Vientiane, Luang Prabang, Mekong , Laos

Tour overview:

Visit the sights of this small city on the Mekong River, including Wat Sisaket with its thousands of miniature Buddha statues, Wat Prakeo (the original home of the Emerald Buddha), Wat Simulang, the Patousai, and the striking That Luang monument (the national symbol). The trainline journeys through the lush and green flatlands of Vientiane province, before entering the Karst mountains of Northern Laos.

Day 1 - Arrive Vientiane

Upon arrival you will be met by your guide and driver and transferred to your hotel.

In the afternoon, Your half day city tour begins with the oldest temple in Vientiane, Wat Sisaket with thousands of miniature Buddha statues, and the former royal temple of Wat Prakeo, which now serves as a museum of arts and antiques. Next, we visit Wat Simuang, a fascinating temple which is very popular pilgrimage for the locals. We then travel up Lanexang Avenue you will have the opportunity to take some pictures of the imposing Patuxai Monument, which resembles its Parisian inspiration, the Arc de Triomphe. The climb to the top offers great views over Vientiane. We continue onwards down Rue Singha 23 to Laos’ National icon, and most important religious building, the golden stupa of That Luang. The final visit of the day will be the excellent COPE exhibition centre, highlighting a much overlooked aspect of Laos and a major problem many of the local people face on a day to day basis in the form of unexploded ordnance as a result of heavy bombing campaigns during the Vietnam War area.  

You will be transfer to local restaurant for your dinner tonight. (D)

Day 2 - Vientiane

After breakfast at your hotel, we drive to visit the quirky yet impressive Buddha Park, an enchanting collection of Buddhist and Hindu sculptures on the banks of the Mekong River. By no means historic – Buddha Park was built in the 1950’s by a self styled ‘holy man’ – the park features some very photogenic and unusual sculptures, including a huge reclining Buddha, and a giant pumpkin. Upon returning to Vientiane we have the option of stopping at the Lao Disabled Womens Centre, which provides valuable training and schooling for disabled women in Laos. The women here are friendly, and its interesting to have a chat with them to find out about their lives. The rest of the day is free at leisure. (B, L)

Day 3 - Vientiane / Luang Prabang by Train

Early this morning and check out from your hotel, before being met at 06:30 for a transfer to the train station for your train journey to Luang Prabang.  

Train ride – VTE 07:30 AM – LPQ 09:25 AM.

Go through officialities, which is sometimes a bit inefficient, and make yourself comfortable in the new train service, which is the first in Laos only started operations in December 2021. The trainline journeys through the lush and green flatlands of Vientiane province, before entering the Karst mountains of Northern Laos. Take in the village-life and mountain views while the trainline cuts straight through spectacular mountain sceneries, crossing numerous bridges and tunnels. A final tunnel brings us to the plain where this train station of Luang Prabang is nestled in the mountains. Disembark the train and exit the train station where your guide and driver will meet you and transfer to the town for your city tour with a visit of the quaint Royal Palace Museum that provides a fine overview of the culture and history of this ancient city. We also visit Wat Sen, Wat Visoun, known as ‘The Water Melon Stupa’ due to its shape. Then visit the peninsula to the country’s most historic and enchanting temple, Wat Xiengthong. With its roof that sweeps low towards the ground, this temple's architecture best represents the classical Luang Prabang style and transfer to Mt Phousi for a climb up the sacred hill that offers spectacular sunset vista and a panoramic view over Luang Prabang and across the Mekong River.

Lunch at Local restaurant. (B, L)

Day 4 - Mekong River Excursion

After breakfast, we transfer to the Mekong Riverside where we board a private boat for a cruise upstream, which gives us a panoramic view of the tranquil countryside. We cruise until we reach the mysterious caves of Pak Ou, two caves set in a limestone cliff facing the Mekong River crammed with thousands Buddha statues of various shapes and sizes. We then return downstream, making a stop at Wat Done Khoun temple, a unique temple situated on an island in the Mekong, before continuing to Luang Prabang where we arrive mid-afternoon. (B, L)

Day 5 - Luang Prabang / Depart Laos

Visit the capital’s famous Morning Market. Later, you are taken to the airport to catch your onward flight. (B)

End of service. 

Please note - Hotel check-out time is around 12.00.