About this trip
Vientiane contributes the seat of government and religion, seen at sites such as Wat Sisaket and the Patuxay Monument, while Luang Prabang supplies the UNESCO temple town, the sunset climb up Mount Phousi and the pools of Kuang Si Falls. Together the two give a rounder sense of the country than a single-city stay, yet without the length of a full circuit through Laos.
Because a short domestic flight covers the distance between them, rather than hours on the road, the five days here stay focused on sightseeing rather than transit. This suits travellers who want more than one base in Laos but only have a tight window, and it slots neatly onto a longer trip through Vietnam, Thailand or Cambodia. For the clearest views at Kuang Si Falls, plus the best conditions for the Mount Phousi sunset, aim for November through February.
Trip highlights
- Sunset views over Luang Prabang from Mount Phousi
- Temple stops at Wat Mai, Wat Visoun and Wat Aham, with a visit to the Night Market
- Optional early-morning alms-giving ritual with saffron-robed monks
- Swimming and forest trails at Kuang Si Falls
- Domestic flight from Luang Prabang to Vientiane
- Full-day Vientiane city tour
Day by day
Day 1: Arrival in Luang Prabang, city tour
After check-in, the rest of the afternoon is given over to three temples: Wat Mai, Wat Aham, and Wat Visoun with its unusual Watermelon Stupa. A climb up Mount Phousi follows, for sunset views across the rooftops and the Mekong, and the evening finishes at the Night Market, where hill-tribe and local weavers sell handwoven cloth.
Day 2: Luang Prabang city tour and Pak Ou Caves
A ride by boat along the Mekong towards Pak Ou Caves rounds out a morning that also takes in the former Royal Palace and more of the town's temples. Generations of pilgrims have left thousands of Buddha figures tucked into the caves' limestone walls.
Day 3: Kuang Si Falls, fly to Vientiane
Early risers can watch, or take part in, the tak bat — the dawn ritual where monks walk through the streets collecting sticky rice from residents, a custom that survives nowhere else among Buddhist nations. Breakfast is followed by time at Kuang Si Falls, with its swimming pools and trails through the forest, before a short flight takes you on to Vientiane.
Day 4: Vientiane full-day city tour
Set beside a length of the Mekong, Vientiane feels unhurried and low-built next to other regional capitals. The day here is arranged around its principal temples and monuments, leaving room to stroll the riverfront and dip into local markets.
Day 5: Departure
The trip ends with a transfer to Vientiane's Wattay International Airport for your connecting or return flight, having taken in the two places in Laos that draw the most visitors.
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
Book this trip
- Days
- 4 nights / 5 days
Sending this does not charge you. We hold the space and confirm within 24 hours.
For visa rules, payment terms and our cancellation policy covering this destination, see the [Laos travel notes](laos/travel-information).
Tell us your preferred dates and how many are travelling, and we'll come back to you with a tailored quote. Nothing is booked until you confirm.