This itinerary for 4 days in Laos is designed to showcase the vibrant and majestic cities of Vientiane and Luang Prabang. Over the course of four days, travelers can expect to experience the rich cultural heritage of Laos, explore historical landmarks and temples, sample local cuisine, and take part in outdoor adventures. Here, Travel Authentic Asia will suggest to you some itineraries for 4 days for a perfect trip to Luang Prabang, Vientiane, and a package of these two enticing cities!

4 Days discover the capital city of Laos -Vientiane

Praised as the most relaxed capital city in Southeast Asia, Vientiane is well-known for its French colonial architecture and impressive religious buildings. Even during rush hour, you still can experience life at a leisurely speed in Vientiane! Below is a sample 4-day itinerary in this laid-back city:

Day 1: Half-day Vientiane City Tour and Night Market

The first day can be started with a few well-known sightseeing in this capital basing on your arrival time. That Luang (or the Great Stupa) is considered a perfect choice to start your journey of discovering Vientiene which is built in the 3rd century with the shape of a fortress with 2 temples and a stupa. That Luang that you visit today was restored many times after going through many periods of destruction by the invaders.

It is a must-try to admire the sunset at Patouxay (Arch de Triumph), which was built with the money that the US spent building a new runway for the airport at the end of the Indochina wars, according to rumors. Because of this rumor, Patouxay was also called the vertical runway by the Americans who left! Don’t forget to take a look at the stunning arches inside it.

Vientiane Night Market (open every day) set on the bank of Mekong River is one of the sites that you should not miss whenever put your feet on Vientiene. Tourists can buy various kinds of souvenirs, clothes, and handicrafts in this market, but do not forget to bargain as the first prices are always extravagant. However, this market does not have street food then in case you would like to try some specialties of Vientiane, let go to the opposite side of the market where many restaurants and shops are located.

Day 2: Buddha Park and some religious sites in Vientiane

Located 24 kilometers far from the city, Buddha Park is an attractive outdoor collection of giant sculptures of Buddhist and Hindu Gods made of concrete. In 1958, a priest is known as Luang Pu (Venerable Grandfather) Bunleua Sulilat started to build this park. The most remarkable sculpture looks like a pumpkin which is portrayed for three factors: Underworld, World, and Paradise.

In the afternoon, tourists can drop by some well-known religious places in the city. Built in 1820 near the Royal Palace by King Anouvong, the last King of Vientiane, Wat Si Saket that was built by the last King of Vientiane named Anouvong in 1820. It takes few minutes from Royal Palace and you will see a spectacular place with a five-tiered roof, a charming patio, a fresh garden, and thousands of small Buddha statues are displayed inside this place. Not far from Wat Si Saket,  Wat Ho Phra Keo which is about 500 meters away there, displays a bunch of Laos and Khmer work arts as a religious museum. After visit Ho Phra Keo, let's take a few minutes to view outside the whole Presidential Palace which formerly served as the French governor’s palace to have an overview of the pass.

Day 3: Nam Ngum Lake

You can get away from the hustle and bustle of the city by joining a cruise trip to Nam Ngum Lake, one of the contributors of the Mekong that is a 354-kilometer long. You can have an opportunity to enjoy the splendor of Nam Ngum Reservoir as well as drop by local villages and the remains of the Century Mon-Khmer site. During the trip, you can stop at the Hmong village to visit a local market and explore local life. Then continue with the Archaeological Site of Vang Xang which was built during the Hmong-Khmer Empire between the 8th and 11th century.

Day 4: COPE Visitor Centre - Lao National Museum

Take a visit to an association that specializes in helping colliery victims named COPE that helps you to understand deeply about the American/Vietnam war and the lasting poisonous influence of unexploded ordinances (UXO) in these countries and the attempts to clear them.

Lao National Museum, or Lao National History Museum which was built in 1925, is a perfect site to understand Lao history from prehistoric times to the period of Siamese invasion, the period of French colonial invasion until 1975 when the Laos communist party was born, to learn about the diverse and unique culture, and Laos people through many antiques and artifacts.

Related tour for you:

• Impressions of Laos Tour
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4 Days in Laos: Discover peaceful Luang Prabang

The ancient capital of Luang Prabang is famous for its peaceful atmosphere with lush mountains, red-roofed temples, and the architecture of French-Indochinese style, along with outstanding gastronomy, distinctive cultural traditions, and open-minded local people.

Day 1: Visiting the former Royal Palace and some major religious sites

A visit to Luang Prabang should start with the gorgeous Wat Xiengthong with its distinctive roofs that sweep low to the land to deputize the classical architecture of Laos. The temple which was built in the 16th century by King Setthathirath is a testament to the ingenuity of traditional crafts and decorative art of Laos with sophisticated carvings, multi-tiered tiled roofs, and intricate decorations.

Mount Phousi is a mountain located on a peninsula surrounded by Mekong and Nam Khan rivers where tourists need to climb the 328 steps to the top of the mountain to Wat Chom Si to admire the scenic view of the city and the Mekong River.

Another remarkable attraction in Luang Prabang is the Royal Palace Museum, which hosts a range of interesting artifacts. It was the former Royal King’s Palace which was firstly built in 1904, then the government took it in 1975. The museum displays weapons, paintings, and religious objects that give visitors an overview of the king’s and his family’s life.

Day 2: Trekking to Kuang Si Waterfall

Short trekking to Kuang Si Waterfall can be started from Long Lao Village and don’t miss to take around in this village to discover the life and culture of Khmu and Hmong people here.

Located 32 kilometers from Luang Prabang, the stunning Kuang Si Waterfall will provide you an interesting relaxing swim to refresh yourselves or hiking along the forest trails.

Before coming back to Luang Prabang, you will visit the Kuang Si Falls Butterfly Park (open every day except on Tuesday, and from 03rd May to 19th June each year) for about 15 minutes to explore the plants and butterflies here.

Day 3: Cruising to Pak Ou Caves

Pak Ou Caves houses over 4000 Buddha icons which are considered the most respected holy destination in this country. Joining a leisure cruise to visit Pak Ou and enjoy the charming scenery along the bank of the Mekong river, feel the mysterious caves with thousands of Buddha statues in different shapes and sizes will be an unforgettable experience.

Day 4: Chilling out at some local places

On this last day, let get up early to see the Buddhist Alms Ceremony which happens every day when the sun rises.  You will have an opportunity to learn about the traditional and religious aspects of Laos. Tourists should respect the monks since they are highly appreciated.

Besides, there are some famous coffee shops and restaurants with beautiful French architecture such as Saffron, Dao Coffee, Le Banneton Café and Joma…that you should visit and take some beautiful photos.

4 Days in Laos: Combine Vientiane and Luang Prabang

4 Days in Laos: Combine Vientiane and Luang Prabang

Within 4 days, tourists can explore almost well-known sites in Laos including religious buildings and some natural landscapes.

• Day 1: Arrive in Vientiane, visiting some religious destinations, for example, Wat Sisaket, That Luang monument, night market.
• Day 2: Vientiane – Fly to Luang Prabang. Go sightseeing at Wat Xieng Thong, Wat Mai, Wat Visoun, and the Phousi Temple.
• Day 3: Visit Kuang Si Waterfall or Pak Ou Caves. Drop by weaving village Ban Xangkhong, where tourists can experience and practice jumping into wooden looms with a local expert.
• Day 4: Visit former Royal Palace (National Museum) and depart

This itinerary is perfect for those who want to experience the best of Laos within a short amount of time.

Let's pack your bag and come to explore this amazing cities in Laos!

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