Arrive at Luang Prabang International Airport, where you’ll be welcomed and transferred to your hotel. After checking in, spend the rest of the day at leisure, exploring the charming streets and vibrant atmosphere of this ancient city. Take the opportunity to relax and enjoy the local cuisine at a nearby restaurant.
After breakfast, delve into the cultural richness of Luang Prabang. Start your day at the Traditional Art and Ethnology Center to learn about the diverse ethnic groups of Laos. Next, visit Wat Xieng Thong, the most important temple in the city, before embarking on a cruise along the Mekong River to the mysterious Pak Ou Caves. On the return journey, stop at Ban Xanghai to witness the local rice wine production. After lunch, explore the National Museum (Royal Palace), Wat Mai, and the UXO Visitor Centre. Conclude your day with a sunset view from Mount Phousi.
In the morning, visit the Living Land Organic Farm to experience traditional farming practices. Participate in hands-on activities to learn about rice cultivation and rural life. In the afternoon, travel to Kuang Si Waterfall, where you can swim in the pools or walk along the scenic trails. Before returning to Luang Prabang, stop at the Kuang Si Falls Butterflies Park and a buffalo dairy farm.
Depart Luang Prabang for Xieng Khouang, famous for the Plain of Jars and its historical significance during the Indochina War. The scenic journey takes approximately 8 hours, with stops at local villages to observe rural life. Upon arrival in Phonsavanh, check into your hotel and unwind after the day’s travels.
Begin your day by visiting three of the Plain of Jars sites, where you’ll learn about their mysterious origins and significance. Explore local villages to gain insights into the lifestyles of the residents. In the afternoon, visit Muang Khoun, home to the sitting giant Buddha and historical pagodas that survived the bombings. Return to Phonsavanh for the night.
Spend the day exploring nearby villages populated by the Hmong hill tribe and Tai Dam people. Experience their vibrant culture and history firsthand. Later, depart Xieng Khouang and enjoy a scenic drive to Vang Vieng, arriving in the late afternoon.
Start your day with a visit to the local market, where you can witness daily life in a rural setting. Next, visit the Organic Farm Vang Vieng and the Tham Jang Cave, which served as a refuge during the Chinese invasions. In the afternoon, cycle to the stunning Blue Lagoon, where you can swim in its clear waters, and visit the nearby Tham Phoukham Cave. Enjoy a leisurely boat ride along the Nam Song River as the sun sets.
After breakfast, enjoy leisure time in Vang Vieng. Following an early lunch, depart for Vientiane, stopping at Ban Houy Mo, a fishing village. Visit the archaeological site of Vang Xang, home to ancient Buddha statues before arriving in the capital and checking into your hotel.
Begin your tour of Vientiane with a visit to Wat Sisaket, one of the city’s most beautiful temples. Continue to Wat Phra Keo, which houses an impressive collection of Lao and Khmer art. Visit the COPE Center to learn about the ongoing impact of landmines in Laos. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before stopping at Patuxay Monument and the sacred Pha That Luang. End your day at the Buddha Park, home to numerous religious sculptures.
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel and take some leisure time to explore Vientiane on your own. Depending on your flight schedule, you may have time for last-minute shopping or sightseeing before your transfer to the airport for your departure flight.
This 10-day itinerary captures the essence of Laos, offering a balance of cultural immersion, natural beauty, and historical exploration.