Itinerary for 8 days in Laos

1. Luang Prabang

The ancient town of Luang Prabang is the old Capital and a UNESCO World Heritage City. Luang Prabang is considered the heart of Laotian culture, where the tourists will be amazed when seeing traditional wooden houses and hints of European architecture, royal structures, several Buddhist shrines, and several places of entertainment.

Wat Xieng Thong
Wat Xieng Thong is the best-known monastery that was built in 1560 by King Setthathirath and among the biggest Buddhist temples (vat or wat) in Luang Prabang. A symbol of great historic importance, its structure has features of 16th-century Lao architecture, with a stunning ‘tree of life’ mosaic set on its western exterior wall, rare Buddhist deities, and a 12-meter-tall memorial carriage.

Royal Palace Museum
It takes about 1 kilometer far from Wat Xieng Thong to the Royal Palace Museum where King Sisavang used to be as a place for relaxing with his family. This palace is now displayed many valuable items of the royal family, the ancient treasured paintings, and status from thousands of years ago.

Phou Si Hill
Located in the ancient town centre and this is where you have an eye-bird view of the whole area of Luang Prabang from the top.  The trail that leads to the peak of Phou Si is a terraced 355 steps winding zig zag. On the way to the hill is Wat Tham Phousi temple which includes a statue of Maitreya Buddha inlaid with cliffs and a reclining Buddha. There’s also a golden temple named Wat Chomsi on the top of the hill contributed since 1804. Standing on top of Phou Si, looking to the left is the Nam Khan stream, and on the right is the peaceful Luang Prabang. At the foot of the mountain is the Royal Palace of Laos with a regal campus, now it is the Royal Museum. Looking far away you can see the great Mekong with the mountains Phou Nang and Phou Thao. The most beautiful moment atop Phousi is when the sunset is dyed red in both the ancient capital of Luang Prabang and the Mekong River. 

Pak Ou Caves
Transfering about 25 km from Luang Prabang, tourists can reach Pak Ou Caves. This Cave 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.

Kuang Si Waterfall
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. It captivates visitors by the beautiful natural swimming pool, with stone steps stratified, crystal clear emerald green water bottom, hidden between the wild and majestic jungle. The complex with many large and small waterfalls is one of the most attractive natural landscapes in the ancient capital of the country.

2. Phonsavan

Phonsavan is central to Xiangkhouang province, formed in the late 1970s. This land is also known as "the hills of paradise". Coming here, you will admire many famous beautiful scenes, picturesque countryside paintings with green hills and immense pine forests. Not only have many interesting features, but Phonsavan also provides you with extremely attractive destinations to explore.

Plain of Jars
There are 3 plain of Jars in Xieng Khieng province and the first one is in Phonsavan. The interesting thing that makes these jars' fields so attractive is the width of thousands of meters of the field with many different ancient stones. There are jars up to 5m high and about 1m in diameter, weighing up to 14 tons. The date of these mysterious jars is determined to be 1500-2000 years old.

Baw Nyai
The hot spring is located in Baw Nyai, about 67 km from Phonsavan and it is a great place to go if you want to relax and soak in a hot tub while looking at the jungle.
There is a scenic hike that takes you to the source of the stream, and you can also stay overnight in a bungalow and have direct access to the baths for which this part of Laos is famous.

That Foun (Foun Stupa)
Situated in the downtown Khoun District, this Buddhist stupa has another name as That Chomsi. It measures about 30 meters and was constructed in 1576. This tower is about 30 meters high, is said to be the place to worship a golden Buddha statue as well as a part of Buddha ashes brought from India inside.

Tham Xang Caves
The Tham Xang Caves, are located in a limestone cliffside, around 36 kilometers outside of Phonsavan but it is worth making the effort to visit. The caves would have once been used by revolutionary fighters who had set up multiple facilities inside the caves the years ago, during the time of the Secret War. To that end, there would have been a complex of the complete cave here including a hospital and a medicine depot. Nowadays, coming to see the caves, you can take a guided tour to learn all about how people would have camped out here in the past.

UXO-Visitor Information Centre
There are two UXO Information Centers in Phonsavan located close together.
This is operated by the British Mining Consulting Group (MAG). Coming here, you will learn about the story of unexploded bombs and mines still scattered throughout parts of Laos.
As you walk around, you can see galleries that will show you how the bombs affect the area, and you may also see some pieces of UXO that are safely secured.
The hub works on donations and they are still actively removing decrypted ordinances in the area, so this is a place worth a visit if you want to do something that also benefits the local community.

3. Nong Khiaw

Nam Ou River
This river is an important part of Northern Laos. You can take a river cruise from Phongsaly province to Luang Prabang with the two sides of towering cliffs interspersed with beautiful comic-book villages. At the same time, it is an opportunity for you to enjoy extremely attractive local specialties because the Nam Ou River is also home to more than 84 species of fish, of which 29 species can only be found in this river.
 

SOUTHERN LAOS
 

4. Pakse

Pakse is a town of Champasack province, located at the confluence of two rivers Xedone and Mekong, a quiet town where life runs along the banks of the Mekong River. This entire area was heavily influenced by French colonialism, as well as the nearby city of Savannakhet. This is not the only land with many interesting tourist attractions, but also a place that hides a lot of cultural and distinctive culinary...Attractions in Pakse are mainly French colonial architecture near the Xe Don River and pristine Buddhist temples such as Wat Phabad, Wat Phousalao, and Wat Luang or the Champasak Provincial Museum, Pakse Market, Xe Don Bridge.

Champasak Palace Hotel
One of the wonderful pieces of architecture that you can not miss when visiting Paske is the impressive Palace of Prince Chao Boun Oum. Now it is Champasak Palace Hotel.

Wat Luang
Situated on the SeDon river and built in 1935, Wat Luang is one of the biggest among the 20 wats and one of the most charming temples in Paske. This colorful temple has a school that teaches Buddhist courses for monks.

Si Phan Don
Not only possessing majestic and pristine scenery, but Si Phan Don also attracts tourists thanks to its strange location. Si Phan Don is located at the 1km stretch of Mekong River, 14km long, flowing through Pakse, Champasak province with 4,000 big and small islands. Among 4,000 islands, Don Khone and Don Det are the 2 largest islands and gather the most tourists because there are many services of accommodation, food, and services. The most interesting thing is that you are immersed in nature, experience unique activities when coming to Si Phan Don.

Wat Phou
If you join a Si Phan Don cruise, you should visit Wat Phou, an old relic that was built in the 10th century. This site owns many beautiful waterfalls with the most famous is Tad Fane. Almost all tourists who have been there having been conquested by the stunning scenery of Wat Phou.

 

CENTRAL LAOS

5. 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!

That Luang Stupa
That Luang Stupa is one of the most important symbols of Laos and a national monument. That Luang Stupa, the Golden Stupa of the Great Tower of Compassion built in the third century BC, Asoka missionaries built a temple here to honor the relics of the Buddha. Wat Ho Phra Keo, Wat Si Muang, Wat Si Saket, and Wat Mai are also these famous places that you should not pass by.

Vientiane Night Market
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.

Buddha Park
Buddha's Garden is a sculpture park that is 25 km southeast of Vientiane, Laos. Although this is not a temple, the park has many images that are directly related to religion, with the meaning of being "Soul City". This Buddha Garden has over 200 Hindu and Buddhist statues, which is considered a sightseeing site for tourists and a public park.

6. Vang Vieng

Located just a few hours from Vientiane, the lovely Vang Vieng with the stunning river will be a remarkable destination for discovery. Vang Vieng has the ideal topography -with the back of the mountain facing the river, a peaceful countryside by the Nam Song river. The wilderness here makes many visitors surprised, after many years this town has not lost its inherent peaceful beauty. After stopping in Vang Vieng, visitors can relax in grass huts built right on the water, leisurely on the buoys to enjoy the fresh air, or go kayaking and relax and watch the sky and clouds. country… After hours of active sports activities, you can leisurely ride along the river, fish quietly, or read books on hammocks hanging on swaying coconut canopy, watching the sun slowly fall at the end of the horizon. When sunset falls, the small, peaceful Vang Vieng becomes bustling, busy with the West Quarter. Visitors can buy all kinds of goods, souvenirs, or any service here at reasonable prices and explore the culture of the indigenous people through rustic dishes. Vang Vieng is full of tourists but still keeps something peaceful and familiar and gives visitors a feeling of indescribable fatigue.
City highlights: Lagoon, Water Cave (Tham Nam), Elephant Cave (Tham Chang) and Kaeng Nyui Waterfall are the most famous site that tourists can not miss.

Muong La
Muang La is a paradise for those who are excited about discovering colorful ethnic culture, trekking to hill tribes, and escaping from a hustle-and-bustle urban life.

This town is overwhelmed by the fresh green of the lush vegetation, green forests, and rice fields paddy. You will love to soak in hot springs and listen to the sounds of nature. This town is also a perfect place for striking trekking routes that will conquest the heart of the adventure tourists.

Suggested itineraries for 8 days in Laos

Itinerary 1: Luang Prabang – Vang Vieng – Pakse

Day 1: Arrive in Luang Prabang. Visit Wat Visoun, Wat Xieng Thong, and Mount Phousi.
Day 2: Cruise through Mekong River to visit Pak Ou Caves. Visit Kuang Si Waterfall in the afternoon.
Day 3:  Explore Royal Palace Museum. In the afternoon, drive to Vang Vieng.
Day 4: Drop by Mor Village – a fishing village and have lunch at Nam Ngum Lake area.
Day 5: In the morning, admire Kaeng Nyui Waterfall. In the afternoon, drive to Pakse.
Day 6: Take a flight to Pakse. Discover magnificent waterfalls, imposing mountains, and colorful ethnic villages in Bolaven Plateau Area.
Day 7: Visit the ruins of Wat Phou Temple Complex, and then continue your trip to Khong Island. Overnight in Khong Island.
Day 8: In the morning, drive back to Pakse for a flight back to Luang Prabang. Depart from Luang Prabang.

Itinerary 2: Vientiane – Phonsavan – Luang Prabang

 

Day 1: Arrive in Vientiane. City tour with That Luang Stupa and Patuxay Monument, Vientiane’s own Arc de Triomphe.
Day 2: Morning, visit Wat Sisaket and Wat Prakeo. Afternoon, transfer to Buddha Park.
Day 3: City tour around Vientiane and hang around at Vientiane Night Market at night.
Day 4: Transfer to Phonsavan. In the afternoon, visit the legend Plain of Jars.
Day 5: Refresh yourself at an indoor swimming pool in the big hot spring Baw Nyai while admiring the view outside of a jungle. In the afternoon, transfer to Luang Prabang.
Day 6: In the morning, visit Wat Visoun, Wat Xieng Thong, and Mount Phousi. In the afternoon, visit Kuang Si Waterfall.
Day 7: In the morning, cruise on the Mekong River to visit Pak Ou Caves. In the afternoon, visit Royal Palace Museum.
Day 8: Depart from Luang Prabang.

Itinerary 3: Luang Prabang – Phonsavan – Vientiane – Pakse

Day 1: Arrive in Luang Prabang. Visit Wat Visoun, Wat Xieng Thong, and Mount Phousi.
Day 2: Cruise through Mekong River to visit Pak Ou Caves. In the afternoon, transfer to Kuang Si Waterfall.
Day 3:  Visit Royal Palace Museum. In the afternoon, transfer to Phonsavan.
Day 4: In the morning, visit the legend Plain of Jars. In the afternoon, refresh yourself at an indoor swimming pool in the big hot spring Baw Nyai while admiring the view outside of a jungle.
Day 5: Fly to Vientiane. Visit the famous That Luang Stupa and Patuxay Monument, Vientiane’s own Arc de Triomphe.
Day 6: In the morning, visit Wat Sisaket and Wat Prakeo. In the afternoon, drive to Buddha Park. Visit Vientiane Night Market at night.
Day 7: Fly to Pakse. Explore spectacular waterfalls, splendid mountains, and beautiful ethnic villages in Bolaven Plateau Area.
Day 8: Visit the ruins of Wat Phou Temple Complex, and then continue your trip to Khong Island. Overnight in Khong Island. In the afternoon, fly back to Luang Prabang. Depart from Luang Prabang.

Itinerary 4: Luang Prabang – Vang Vieng – Vientiane

Day 1: Arrive in Luang Prabang. Time for resting at the hotel
Day 2: Luang Prabang sightseeing (Visit Wat Visoun, Wat Aham, Wat Xiengthong, Royal Palace, Wat Mai)
Day 3: Morning, Visit Elephant village – Afternoon, visit Kuang Si Waterfall and villages of Hmong and Lao Loum people.
Day 4: Transfer to Nong Khiew. Visit Ban Nanyang village and Nam park market. Cruise to Muong Ngoy
Day 5: Visit rustic village Houi Hoy on the bank of Nam Ou river. Transfer from Nong Khiew to Luang Prabang. Discover Pak Ou caves.
Day 6: Drive to Vang Vieng, descending the Nam Song by long-tail boat
Day 7: Heading to Tham Jang cave. Drive to Vientiane, visit Wat Sisaket, That Luang monument, Victory Monument. Visit Vientiane Night Market at night.
Day 8: Visit Buddha Park. Departure