6 DAYS 5 NIGHTS LUANG PRABANG & VIENTIANE BY EXPRESS TRAIN
Highlights
Experience the best of Laos in just six unforgettable days — from the sacred temples and cascading waterfalls of Luang Prabang to the cultural charm and riverside calm of Vientiane.
This journey seamlessly blends UNESCO heritage treasures, rural life encounters, and a scenic express train ride through the country’s heart. Discover mystical caves, ancient wats, serene island villages, and the creative spirit of the Lao people — all wrapped in warm hospitality and peaceful beauty.
Itinerary
Upon arrival at Luang Prabang Airport, you will be met and transferred to your hotel (early check-in subject to availability). Luang Prabang, located in northern Laos, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its rich culture, history, and architecture.
The rest of the day is free for you to explore this charming ancient town at your own pace. Overnight in Luang Prabang.
After breakfast, visit the Royal Palace Museum, built in 1904 during the French colonial period for King Sisavang Vong and his family.
Then, take a leisurely cruise upstream on the Mekong River, enjoying the tranquil scenery along the way before reaching the sacred Pak Ou Caves — two connected caves filled with thousands of gold-lacquered Buddha statues of various sizes, left by pilgrims over the centuries.
On the return journey, stop at Ban Xanghai, a local village known for producing traditional Lao rice wine.
Back in Luang Prabang, explore Wat Sene and the nearby Wat Xiengthong, one of the city’s most exquisite temples. Admire its elegant two-tiered roof and intricate mosaics, including the famous Tree of Life glass mural on the rear wall.
Continue to Heuan Chan, a beautifully restored 19th-century aristocratic mansion that showcases Lao culture through traditional ceremonies, textiles, and family life. Here, you’ll also enjoy a cup of authentic Lao coffee or tea - a perfect way to experience local flavors.
In the late afternoon, visit Wat Prabath to witness the stunning sunset - a peaceful spot to admire the final glow of the day.
Conclude the day with a stroll through the vibrant Night Market, where you’ll find a delightful array of handmade textiles and crafts created by local and hill tribe artisans. Overnight in Luang Prabang.
Optional: For those interested in ethnic diversity, you may also visit the Traditional Arts and Ethnology Center (closed on Mondays).
Wake up at sunrise to take part in Laos’ most sacred tradition — the daily morning alms giving, dating back to the 14th century. Watch over 200 Buddhist monks walk silently through the streets to collect food offerings from devoted locals.
Next, visit the bustling morning market near the former Royal Palace, where locals trade fresh produce, fish, and poultry right on the ground.
After breakfast at the hotel, climb Phousi Hill (329 steps) for a panoramic view of Luang Prabang and the Mekong River.
Continue to the stunning Kuang Si Waterfall, the largest in the area, cascading through three tiers into turquoise pools perfect for swimming. You may also visit the nearby Ban Thapene Village to explore hidden waterfalls rarely seen by tourists, and stop by the Bear Rescue Center, home to bears rescued from poachers.
On the way back, visit the Ock Pop Tok Living Craft Center, a serene riverside workshop where artisans weave, spin, and create beautiful batik textiles - also an ideal spot to watch the sunset.
Transfer to the train station for your speed train journey to Vientiane (approximately 2 hours).
Upon arrival, you’ll be met and transferred to your hotel in the city. Overnight in Vientiane.
In the morning, visit Wat Si Muang, a temple renowned for its supernatural powers and spiritual significance.
Then drive about 45 minutes to the fascinating Buddha Park (Xieng Khuan), home to over 200 Buddhist and Hindu statues, creating a truly unique and surreal atmosphere.
Return to the city and stop at COPE Visitor Center, an inspiring organization that supports landmine victims. The exhibits offer a powerful insight into the impact of unexploded ordnance (UXO) from the war era and ongoing efforts to assist affected communities.
In the afternoon, visit That Luang, the most sacred monument in Laos. Built in the 16th century under King Setthathirat, its golden spire gleams brilliantly under the sunlight.
Next, climb to the top of Patuxay Monument, Vientiane’s version of the Arc de Triomphe, for a panoramic city view. Continue along Lane Xang Avenue to Wat Sisaket, the city’s oldest surviving temple, famous for its thousands of Buddha images and graceful cloisters.
Nearby, visit Wat Phra Keo, now a religious museum housing exquisite Lao and Khmer artifacts.
End your day along the Mekong River, where you can stroll, relax with a cool drink, or try local snacks while watching the sunset. Overnight in Vientiane.
Optional: Visit the Sinouk Coffee Pavilion to discover Lao coffee culture, explore the mini coffee gallery and roasting area, and enjoy a freshly brewed cup of coffee or tea (entrance and drinks payable on site).
Begin your day with a journey to the tranquil Xing Xu Island, located just outside Vientiane. Upon arrival at Ban Kaolieu, board a boat and cruise to the island, sharing the ride with friendly locals.
Once on the island, enjoy a leisurely walk to a revered temple, famous among residents for seeking auspicious numbers often used for lottery luck. You’re welcome to join in this local tradition if you wish.
Continue exploring the charming village, home to around 200 inhabitants who raise pigs, goats, and other livestock. Then, hop on a tuk-tuk or local tractor for a fun island tour, soaking in the peaceful rural atmosphere.
Enjoy a delicious local lunch at a small island restaurant, savoring the authentic flavors of Lao cuisine. Afterward, take time to relax and enjoy the island’s serene scenery before boarding the boat back to the mainland.
Your day concludes with a comfortable transfer back to your hotel in Vientiane.
Free at your own leisure before taking the departure flight
Rate & Booking
Policy
CHILD POLICY & NOTES:
Infant below 2 years old sharing same room with parents is free of charge.
Child below 12 yrs old sharing same room with 1 ADL is charged for 90%.
Child below 12 yrs old with extra bed and sharing same room with parents is charged for 65%.
Child below 12 yrs old No extra bed & sharing same room with parents is charged for 55%
Group tour of full paying 15pax, one (01) tour leader is given complimentary on twin sharing basis include breakfast (domestic air ticket is not applicable) – Maximum 2 FOC
CAR USE POLICY:
• 1 pax - 2 pax: car 7 seats
• From 3 – 6 pax: car 16 seats
• From 7 – 10 pax: car 24 – 29 seats
• From 11 – 19 pax: car 35 seats
• From 20 – 45 pax: car 45 seats
NOTES:
The itinerary can be flexible base on your arrival flight schedule; some sites can be visited
Small deviations in the tour program are sometimes necessary, depending on weather conditions, road conditions, flight schedules and room availability, local or religious festivals, unforeseen circumstances, the sequence of itinerary may need to be changed or alternative sites substituted at short notice, some sites can be visited today to have more time at sites or adding some other sites in the next day (with small surcharge).
Some programs may alter due to local conditions, the size of the group and other unexpected circumstances. We will do our very best to adhere to the set itinerary, however we cannot be held responsible for any last minute changes that might occur. In all such circumstances, the guide will have the final say.
Standard Hotel Check in time: 2:00pm – 3:00 pm (local time)
Standard Hotel Check out time: 11:00am-12pm (local time)
A supplement will be added if early check-in or late check-out is desired.
All bank charges to be born by remitter
All hotel rooms are based on the lowest category of room or Run of House, upgrade is subject to supplement
Halong Cruise Itinerary: The Halong cruise itinerary is subject to change due to weather, tide levels and operating conditions without prior notice.
Please note that all the above services & tours have not booked yet, they are proposed for your information only and HA Travel will not make any reservations before we receive your confirmation
If one or some of the proposed service(s) is (are) not available at the time of booking, we will try to find other possibilities/options or other similar service(s) in order to avoid changes of the program.
Supplement charge for room rate in peak dates depends on the hotel category used. Compulsory gala dinner on X’mas, New Year’s Eve & Lunar New Year’s Eve to be advised upon booking. Prices for group of 15 persons up in 5 stars hotels sometime requires to re-quote bases on the hotel policy.
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