Package overview
Most short Laos itineraries stop at Vientiane, Vang Vieng and Luang Prabang; this eight-day version adds two nights in Xieng Khuang, home to the Plain of Jars — one of the more unusual archaeological sites in Southeast Asia, and one very few Indian travellers will have heard of. For agents, it's a way to offer something genuinely different from a standard Laos or Vietnam booking, without adding more than a couple of extra days to the itinerary.
The route runs overland from Vientiane through Vang Vieng to Xieng Khuang, then connects to Luang Prabang by a short domestic flight rather than a long return drive. It suits clients with a slight interest in history or off-the-checklist destinations, and works best from November to February, when road conditions through the highlands and river levels in Vang Vieng are most favourable.
Trip highlights
- Vientiane city tour, Buddha Park and a Mekong sunset boat trip
- Blue Lagoon swim and Tham Phukham Cave in Vang Vieng
- The Plain of Jars at Xieng Khuang, including Jar Sites 1, 2 and 3
- Muang Khun, the old provincial capital, and the UXO exhibition room
- Domestic flight from Xieng Khuang to Luang Prabang
- Pak Ou Caves and Kuang Si Falls in Luang Prabang
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Vientiane, city tour
The afternoon tour takes in Wat Sisaket, built in 1818 and the oldest temple still standing in the capital, followed by the Patuxay Monument, Vientiane's own Arc de Triomphe. The day closes with a sunset boat trip on the Mekong River.
Day 2: Buddha Park, transfer to Vang Vieng
A morning visit to Buddha Park, where hundreds of Buddhist and Hindu sculptures imported from India stand in open parkland, is followed by the drive to Vang Vieng. Stops along the way include the KM52 Hmong market and Ban Tha Heu, a village known for dried fish.
Day 3: Vang Vieng sightseeing, transfer to Xieng Khuang
After checking out, the morning covers the local market and Tham Phukham Cave, where the Blue Lagoon offers a swim before the long drive to Xieng Khuang. En route, there's a photo stop at Phou Khoun Phieng Fa restaurant, known for its views over green mountain scenery, before checking in to the hotel in Xieng Khuang.
Day 4: Xieng Khuang and the Plain of Jars
The day covers Xieng Khuang's Central Market and the UXO exhibition room, which documents the province's history of unexploded ordnance, before visiting Jar Site 2 and Jar Site 3 of the Plain of Jars. The route continues to Muang Khun, the old provincial capital, to see the ruins of several pagodas and a large seated Buddha, before finishing at Jar Site 1 — the largest of the sites, set on a hilltop with wide views over the surrounding countryside.
Day 5: Fly from Xieng Khuang to Luang Prabang
A short domestic flight connects Xieng Khuang with Luang Prabang, avoiding what would otherwise be a very long return drive through the highlands. The rest of the day is free to settle into Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Heritage town at the meeting point of the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers.
Day 6: Luang Prabang city tour and Pak Ou Caves
A visit to the National Museum at the former Royal Palace and the temples along the way to Wat Xiengthong is followed by an afternoon Mekong cruise to the Pak Ou Caves, stopping at Ban Xang Hai to see rice wine being made. The caves hold thousands of gold-leafed Buddha statues left by pilgrims, and the day ends with sunset views from the top of Mount Phousi's 328 steps.
Day 7: Luang Prabang city tour and Kuang Si Falls
A second day around Luang Prabang centred on Kuang Si Falls, a multi-tiered waterfall with turquoise pools and shaded forest trails a short drive from town, popular for swimming and a relaxed final day of sightseeing.
Day 8: Departure
Transfer to Luang Prabang International Airport for the onward or homeward flight, closing out a routing that has covered four distinct parts of Laos in just over a week.
What's included
- English-speaking tour guides
- Land transportation by air-con vehicles
- Accommodation based on Twin-shared room with breakfast
- Meals as mentioned in the program (no drinks)
- Boat trips and admissions as mentioned in the program
- Drinking water during the touring day (2 bottles/person/day)
Not included
- Airfare (international and domestic) and airport tax ( on request )
- Visa services (Visa approval letter/Visa stamp fee/ Visa fast track on request)
- Early check-in/late check-out/ room upgrade surcharge
- Other meals, Drinks, and personal expenses (phone call, laundry, tipping etc.)
- Any services not mentioned in the program
- Optional Tours
- HOME
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- INDONESIA
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- Hue
- INDONESIA
- Phnom Penh
- Siem Reap
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Book this package
Visa requirements, payment terms and cancellation rules for this destination are set out on our [Laos travel information page](laos/travel-information).
Rates are quoted on request for your dates, party size and hotel category. Send us the itinerary reference and we will come back with a net B2B quotation.