Laos On a Glance by Express Train – 6 nights – 7 days

Detailed Itinerary

DAY 01: ARRIVAL IN VIENTIANE – BUDDHA PARK

Arrive at Wattay International Airport and transfer to your hotel in Vientiane (early check-in subject to availability). This relaxed capital, set along the Mekong River, is known for its laid-back charm and slow pace of life.

After some rest, drive 45 minutes to Buddha Park (Xieng Khuan), home to over 200 unique Buddhist and Hindu statues. Return to the city and enjoy a peaceful evening by the Mekong—stroll, relax, or sample local street food at sunset.

Optional: Visit Sinouk Coffee Pavilion to explore Lao coffee culture and enjoy a tasting (payable locally).

Meals: None

DAY 02: VIENTIANE EXPLORATION – VANG VIENG

Start the morning with a visit to That Luang, the holiest site in Laos. Constructed by King Setthathirat in the 16th century, the temple is resplendent as the sun shines upon its towering golden spire.

Then, enjoy a panoramic view over the city as you climb the stairs to the top of Patuxai, Vientiane’s own “Arc de Triomphe”.  Continue down Lane Xang Avenue to the serene Wat Sisaket, the only temple left intact after the Siamese (Thai) invasion in 1828. Continue to the nearby Wat Phra Keo.  Used as a religious museum, Wat Phra Keo displays a collection of both Lao and Khmer works of art.  We then transfer out to the train station to take the afternoon express train to Vang Vieng. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel in town.

Meals: Breakfast

DAY 03: VANG VIENG EXPLORATION

Enjoy a full day exploring the natural beauty of Vang Vieng. Begin with visits to Tham Jang Cave and Tham Nangfa (Angel Cave), known for their impressive limestone formations and stalactites.

Optional ziplining is available for a thrilling aerial view.

Note: An additional charge of $19 per person applies for the zipline.

Continue to Blue Lagoon 3, a peaceful spot perfect for swimming and relaxation amidst lush surroundings.

In the late afternoon, enjoy a 30-minute cruise on the Nam Song River aboard a local long-tail boat, with optional stops at nearby villages and markets on the way back.

Meals: Breakfast

DAY 04: VANG VIENG – LUANG PRABANG – ANCIENT CITY

Take a scenic morning train to Luang Prabang (approx. 1 hour). Upon arrival, transfer to the town center and begin your exploration at the Royal Palace Museum, home to fascinating royal artifacts. Continue to Wat Mai, admired for its intricate golden bas-relief, followed by visits to Wat Sene and the stunning Wat Xieng Thong, showcasing classic Lao temple architecture with elegant roofs and detailed mosaics.

If time allows, head out to Ban Xangkhong Village, known for traditional handicrafts, and nearby Ban Xienglek Village, famous for handmade Saa paper.

Return to the city for a leisurely walk through its charming streets, offering a glimpse into local life. In the late afternoon, climb Mount Phousi to explore its sacred stupa and enjoy panoramic sunset views over the Mekong River. End the day at the vibrant Night Market, perfect for shopping for local textiles and handicrafts.

Meals: Breakfast

DAY 05: BAN CHAN POTTERY VILLAGE – PAK OU CAVES

In the morning, our guide and tuk-tuk driver will transport you to the boat pier, where you’ll embark on a scenic journey downstream the Mekong River to reach Ban Chan Pottery Village. Strolling through the village, exploring the pottery center, a traditional kiln, and the brick factory. Following this exploration, unleash your creativity by crafting a unique souvenir from clay, all while learning traditional Lao pottery techniques. Conclude the experience with a delightful lunch on the terrace, offering picturesque views of the river, before boarding the boat for a return journey to Luang Prabang.

In the afternoon, we continue to embark on the leisurely cruise upstream on the Mekong River, which also gives us a breathtaking view of the tranquil countryside, before reaching the mysterious Pak Ou Caves, a 16th-century cave monastery filled with thousands of Buddha images, located 25 Kilometers North of Luang Prabang in the limestone cliffs overlooking the Mekong River. En route, you will stop at Ban Muang Keo, a well-known village for its traditional Lao rice whisky distilling. We then take the boat back to Luang Prabang.

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 06: MORNING ALMS GIVING – BUFFALO DAIRY FARM - KUANG SI WATERFALLS

Wake up as the sun rises, and we will prepare to join the most sacred tradition of Laos, the daily morning alms giving, which dates to the 14th century. More than 200 Buddhist monks depart from various temples to gather their daily meal from the faithful residents sitting quietly on the streets. We then visit the temporary morning market near the former Royal Palace.

After breakfast, transfer to the Buffalo Dairy Farm on the way to Kuang Si waterfalls, which offers a fun and interesting experience for the kids. From there, transfer directly to the beautiful Kuang Si waterfalls, which are the biggest in the Luang Prabang area, with three tiers leading to a 50-metre drop into spectacular azure pools before flowing downstream. If you wish, take a short visit to the Bear Rescue Center, which houses a couple of dozen animals rescued from the hands of poachers and traffickers.

After visiting Kuang Si waterfalls, you can visit the nearby Butterfly Park, where you can enjoy the afternoon tea with the homemade cookies whilst relaxing inside the green, peaceful garden full of colorful butterflies. Laos is also known for its traditional crafts. We will take a short visit to the Ock Pop Tock Living Craft Center, set serenely close to the Mekong.

Meal: Breakfast

DAY 07: LUANG PRABANG – DEPARTURE

You are free to stroll around the town for your own exploration before taking the departure flight.

Meal: Breakfast