Vang Vieng
Mountains and landscapes of Laos
Between the train journeys, spend one night in Vang Vieng and visit Tham Jang Cave and the Blue Lagoon. Swimming is subject to local conditions.
Essential Laos Tour — Vientiane, Vang Vieng and Luang Prabang
6 days | 5 nights
Availability: Dates on request
Vientiane, Laos
Luang Prabang, Laos
Tipo: Group tour
Overview
Essential Laos Tour
6 days · 5 nights · Local Spanish-speaking guides · Documentary travel period: all services in October 2026
From Vientiane to Luang Prabang, discover the temples, traditions and landscapes of Laos. Two train journeys connect the cities, while the mountains of Vang Vieng, the Mekong boat trip to Pak Ou Caves and the waters of Kuang Si complete the six-day journey.
Stay two nights in Vientiane, one in Vang Vieng and two in Luang Prabang. Choose the Classic or Selection accommodation combination, with five breakfasts included.
Published prices are per person for exactly two adults sharing a double or twin room. Other occupancies, numbers of paying travellers and travel periods require a separate quotation. Travel dates are on request, with no guaranteed departures.
Journey route
Vientiane, Vang Vieng and Luang Prabang
Arrival in Vientiane, two train journeys to Luang Prabang and excursions returning to the accommodation.
Route: Vientiane → Vang Vieng → Luang Prabang. Arrival in Vientiane on day 1 and departure from Luang Prabang on day 6.
- Overland
- Train
- Boat
- Overnight stay
- Visit
Train from Vientiane to Vang Vieng on day 3 and from Vang Vieng to Luang Prabang on day 4. Visits to Buddha Park, Tham Jang and the Blue Lagoon, the temples and Mount Phousi return to the accommodation for that stage. On day 5, Pak Ou is visited by boat, stopping at Ban Xanghai; Kuang Si is reached by road, with village visits along the way.
Filled markers indicate overnight stays and hollow circles indicate visits. Excursions to Pak Ou, Kuang Si and Buddha Park are return trips. There are no regional flights or return to Vientiane. Connections are schematic, not exact railway tracks, roads or navigable channels; the boundary beside the Mekong is generalised, with Buddha Park located in Laos.
Natural Earth 10m public-domain base; locality points © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL. Documentary itinerary map with a web-adapted layout, preserving the geography and modes of travel shown.
Memorable experiences
Journey highlights
Temples in Luang Prabang, Vang Vieng landscapes and a Mekong boat trip.
Luang Prabang
Temples of the former capital
Visits to the National Museum, Wat Sene and Wat Xieng Thong, followed by a climb up Mount Phousi, weather permitting.
Mekong and Kuang Si
Caves, river and waterfalls
Boat trip to Pak Ou Caves and overland visit to Kuang Si, with villages along the way and return to Luang Prabang.
Travel profile
Who this journey is for
A journey into Lao culture, combining temples, trains, landscapes and nature excursions.
- Couples seeking a cultural journey combining cities and nature
- Friends and groups wishing to discover Laos together
- Travellers interested in temples, traditions and local heritage
- Those wishing to combine mountain landscapes, the Mekong and waterfalls
Hotels, dates and services are subject to availability and reconfirmation. Published prices apply to exactly two adults in a double or twin room; other bookings require a separate quotation. There are walks, cave visits and a climb up Mount Phousi; access and swimming depend on local operations. Transfers and overland visits are private, while the trains are not. The commercial category does not replace each hotel’s declared star rating.
Vang Vieng karst mountains · Basile Morin · CC BY-SA 4.0 · documentary crop under CC BY-SA 4.0
Wat Xieng Thong roof detail · Christophe95 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · documentary crop under CC BY-SA 4.0
Kuang Si natural pools · Basile Morin · CC BY-SA 4.0 · documentary crop under CC BY-SA 4.0
Photographs illustrate the destinations, not the booked hotel. The Vang Vieng landscape does not add a visit to a specific property.
Included
- 5 nights in the selected accommodation combination: Vientiane 2, Vang Vieng 1 and Luang Prabang 2.
- 5 buffet breakfasts, on days 2–6.
- Arrival and departure transfers, hotel/station transfers and overland visits in a private air-conditioned vehicle.
- Local Spanish-speaking guides throughout the itinerary, dedicated assistance and local support.
- Two high-speed trains: Vientiane–Vang Vieng and Vang Vieng–Luang Prabang.
- Mekong boat trip to Pak Ou Caves, stopping at Ban Xanghai.
- Admission and permits for the visits listed in the day-by-day itinerary, including Buddha Park, Tham Jang, the Blue Lagoon and Kuang Si.
- Mineral water: 2 bottles per day.
Not included
- International flights; Laos visa and visa fee; travel insurance.
- Lunches, dinners, drinks, telephone calls, laundry and other personal expenses.
- Tips, ziplining, kayaking and other optional services.
Operational notes
The documented tariffs cover services entirely in October 2026. Start and end dates are arranged in the quotation, with no guaranteed departure calendar. Trips extending into November or other months require a new quotation.
The order of visits may be adjusted according to opening hours, weather and local conditions. Swimming at Kuang Si or the Blue Lagoon follows local guidance.
Train class, times, seats and baggage limits will be advised when booking. Local Spanish-speaking guides may change between stages.
The two trains and the boat trip are included once. There are no regional flights and no included meals other than the five breakfasts on days 2–6.
High-season guide supplements, public-holiday supplements and fuel adjustments depend on the booking. When required, the amounts will be documented and included in the complete quotation before confirmation. Dates with a mandatory supplement not yet priced remain on request.
Single rooms, triple rooms, children and other numbers of paying travellers require a specific quotation. Bed configuration must be reconfirmed at each hotel. Early check-in and late check-out are not included.
Before travelling
Frequently asked questions
Information about the route, included services and travel conditions.
How long is the trip and what is the route?
Six days and five nights: two in Vientiane, one in Vang Vieng and two in Luang Prabang. Arrival is in Vientiane and departure from Luang Prabang, without returning to the capital.
Are the trains and boat trip included?
Yes. The Vientiane–Vang Vieng and Vang Vieng–Luang Prabang trains are included, as is the Mekong boat trip to Pak Ou Caves, stopping at Ban Xanghai. There are no regional flights in the programme.
Is the whole trip private?
The scheduled transfers and overland visits use a private air-conditioned vehicle and local Spanish-speaking guides. The trains are not private; times, seats, class and baggage limits will be advised when booking.
Who do the published prices apply to?
Prices apply to exactly two adults sharing a double or twin room. Single rooms, triple rooms, children, other party sizes and other travel periods require a separate quotation.
What is the tariff validity?
The documented prices cover all services in October 2026, with availability and conditions to be confirmed. Trips extending into November or other months require a new quotation. There are no guaranteed departures.
Which meals are included?
Five buffet breakfasts, on days 2–6. Lunches, dinners and drinks are not included.
What does choosing Classic or Selection mean?
These are two commercial combinations of hotels and rooms. Classic combines hotels with declared four- and five-star ratings, while Selection comprises hotels with declared five-star ratings. Individual ratings and planned rooms appear in the accommodation table.
Are there optional activities or amounts to reconfirm?
The electronic visa service, Baci prayer, Ramayana dance and Garavek storytelling are optional and on request, with a minimum of two participants. Ziplining and kayaking require a specific quotation. Mandatory guide, public-holiday or fuel supplements, when required, must be priced and included in the quotation before confirmation.
Are swimming and cultural experiences guaranteed?
Swimming at the Blue Lagoon and Kuang Si depends on local conditions and safety guidance. Observing the monks’ alms-giving ceremony is optional; to offer food, tell the guide the previous day. Rice-wine tasting and interaction with the bears are not included.
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Itinerary
Day 1
ARRIVAL IN VIENTIANE
Reception at the airport and transfer to the hotel. After check-in, free time to rest or explore the capital independently. First night in Vientiane. No meal is included today.
Talat Sao Central Market and local cuisine are suggestions for your free time. These activities are not part of the booked visits and any purchases are paid separately.
Overnight: Vientiane · Meals: not included
Day 2
VIENTIANE AND BUDDHA PARK
After breakfast, visit Wat Sisaket and Wat Prakeeo, a former royal temple. Continue to That Luang stupa, with a photo stop at Patuxai Monument.
In the afternoon, travel to Buddha Park to see its collection of sculptures. On the return to the city, visit the Lao Textile Museum, dedicated to traditional Lao textile crafts. Return to the hotel.
Overnight: Vientiane · Second night in the capital
Included meal on day 2: breakfast · Lunch and dinner not included
Transfers and overland visits use a private air-conditioned vehicle, accompanied by a local Spanish-speaking guide. The actual sequence follows local conditions and opening hours.
Overnight: Vientiane · Meals: breakfast
Day 3
VIENTIANE TO VANG VIENG
After breakfast, transfer to Vientiane station and board the high-speed train to Vang Vieng. On arrival, meet the local guide, transfer to the hotel, check in and take time to rest.
In the afternoon, visit Tham Jang Cave, on a hill overlooking the area, and the Blue Lagoon. Swimming depends on local conditions and safety guidance. Afterwards, return to the hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.
Ziplining and kayaking are optional activities, paid separately and subject to availability and quotation. They are not included in the base price.
Overnight: Vang Vieng · One night · Included meal: breakfast
The train is included in the programme. Class, times, seats and baggage limits will be advised when booking; it is not a private train. The photograph illustrates the region’s mountains and does not add a visit to any specific property.
Overnight: Vang Vieng · Meals: breakfast
Day 4
VANG VIENG TO LUANG PRABANG
Breakfast and free time until the station transfer. High-speed train journey to Luang Prabang, followed by a hotel transfer for check-in and rest.
In the afternoon, visit the National Museum in the former Royal Palace. Continue to Wat Sene and Wat Xieng Thong, known for the descending roofs characteristic of Lao architecture.
Later, climb Mount Phousi to admire the city, the Mekong and surrounding mountains. The view depends on weather conditions. Return to the accommodation.
Overnight: Luang Prabang · First of two nights · Included meal: breakfast
This is the second included train journey. There are no regional flights in the programme. Guides are local and may change between stages.
Overnight: Luang Prabang · Meals: breakfast
Day 5
MEKONG, CAVES AND WATERFALLS
Before dawn, observing the monks’ alms-giving ceremony is optional. To offer food, inform the guide the previous day. When observing, remain quiet and keep a respectful distance, with shoulders and legs covered. Afterwards, visit the Morning Market and return to the hotel for breakfast.
Boat trip along the Mekong to Pak Ou Caves, stopping at Ban Xanghai, a village known for traditional rice-wine production. Tasting is not promised. The boat trip is part of the programme and is not charged again as an optional service.
In the afternoon, travel by private vehicle to Kuang Si, visiting Ban Na Ouane and a Hmong village en route. Walk through the park, passing the Asian bear rescue centre. Swimming depends on safety and local operations; no interaction with the animals is included. Return to Luang Prabang for the second night.
Overnight: Luang Prabang · Meals: breakfast
Day 6
DEPARTURE FROM LUANG PRABANG
Breakfast, free time and transfer to the airport at the appointed time. End of services, with no sixth overnight stay. The flight ticket is not included.
Meals on days 5 and 6: breakfast · Trip total: 5 breakfasts, with no lunch or dinner included
Overnight: — · Meals: breakfast
Prices and hotels
Prices and commercial conditions
Prices per person in the selected currency, for exactly two paying adults sharing a double or twin room. Choose one accommodation combination.
The documented prices cover services entirely in October 2026, subject to availability and confirmation. Trips extending into November or other months require a new quotation. Start and end dates are on request, with no guaranteed departures.
| Category | Booking size | Occupancy | Price per person |
|---|---|---|---|
| Classic | 2 paying adults | Double/twin | USD 1,923.33 |
| Selection | 2 paying adults | Double/twin | USD 2,105.00 |
Land package for two people sharing one room, with the two trains and boat trip specified. Flights, visa, insurance, optional services and other exclusions are not included in these amounts.
Total for a booking of two adults
| Category | Total for two adults |
|---|---|
| Classic | USD 3,846.66 |
| Selection | USD 4,210.00 |
Totals equal twice the published per-person price, before optional services and confirmed supplements. Single rooms, triple rooms, children and other party sizes require a separate quotation.
Optional services per person
Minimum two participants. Services are booked only when expressly included in the quotation and reconfirmed.
| Activity or service | Price per person |
|---|---|
| Laos electronic visa service, single entry | USD 125.00 |
| Baci prayer on request | USD 216.67 |
| Ramayana dance | USD 66.67 |
| Garavek storytelling | USD 58.33 |
The electronic visa service price is not an official fee and does not guarantee eligibility or issuance. Ziplining and kayaking in Vang Vieng require a separate quotation. No optional service is added to the package.
Supplements and expenses to reconfirm
High-season guide supplements, public-holiday supplements and fuel adjustments, when required, will be documented and included in the complete quotation before confirmation. Dates with a mandatory supplement not yet priced remain on request. No fixed amount is published for these supplements.
Tips are suggested, not a mandatory charge. The references below are not added to the package.
| Tip reference | Suggested amount | Base |
|---|---|---|
| Guide and driver | USD 5.00 to USD 10.00 | Per person/day |
| Porters and other drivers specified in the operation | USD 1.00 to USD 3.00 | Per person/service |
Payment and confirmation*
Bookings made 40 days or less before travel require full payment on confirmation.
International payment through Wise: choose a 25% deposit when booking and pay the balance no later than 40 days before travel, or pay in full with an additional 3% discount on the eligible package amount.
The 3% full-payment discount is cumulative with an applicable promotion and is applied successively to the already-discounted eligible package amount, excluding taxes and charges. It does not apply to the deposit option.
*Reference prices. Please enquire about rates and availability for your travel dates.
Currency conversions displayed on the website are indicative. Payment conditions and any applicable documented charges will be specified in the accepted quotation.
Confirmation, amendment and cancellation conditions will be provided and formalised when booking. Charges, taxes and additional services will be specified when applicable and documented.
Planned hotels or similar
Two nights in Vientiane, one in Vang Vieng and two in Luang Prabang. The commercial category and each property’s declared star rating are separate pieces of information.
Classic
| Location and nights | Hotel and room | Rating |
|---|---|---|
|
Vientiane
Nights: 2 |
Declared 4★
|
|
|
Vang Vieng
Nights: 1 |
Declared 5★
|
|
|
Luang Prabang
Nights: 2 |
Declared 4★
|
Mintra: Deluxe Room, with no guarantee of a specific view or balcony. Amari Vang Vieng: 32 m² Superior City View, officially configured as twin. Le Bel Air: 42 m² Garnier, with garden or river view subject to availability; the website shows a king bed. Confirm your preferred configuration at each stage.
Selection
| Location and nights | Hotel and room | Rating |
|---|---|---|
|
Vientiane
Nights: 2 |
Declared 5★
|
|
|
Vang Vieng
Nights: 1 |
Declared 5★
|
|
|
Luang Prabang
Nights: 2 |
Declared 5★
|
Amari Vientiane: 36 m² Deluxe City View, king or twin. Tmark: 32 m² Deluxe, double or twin. Pullman: 42 m² Deluxe, king or twin. Clubs, suites, spa treatments and extra purchases are not included.
Star ratings are declared by the properties or hotel groups; they are not guest review scores or independent government certification. Amari Vang Vieng declares five stars and forms part of the Classic combination with the contracted room.
Hotels are planned or similar, subject to availability; no room is reserved. If a substitution is needed, the similar or higher-category alternative and any price difference will be presented for confirmation. Bed configuration must be reconfirmed; early check-in and late check-out are not included.