Laos Tour Itinerary: Where to Go in 3, 5 or 7 Days

Where to Go in Laos for 3 Days

Ideal for: Weekend travelers, short vacationers, border crossers from Thailand or Vietnam

Option A: Cultural Getaway in Vientiane

Day 1 – VIENTIANE: Arrival & Riverside Culture

Touch down in Vientiane, Laos’ charming capital. Begin your exploration at Patuxay Monument, Laos’ own Arc de Triomphe with sweeping views. Then head to Wat Si Muang, a spiritual heart of the city steeped in legend. Evening comes alive along the Mekong River—browse the vibrant night market, savor grilled meats and sticky rice, and sip on ice-cold Beerlao.

Patuxay Monument (Source: tripadvisor)

Day 2 – VIENTIANE: Buddha Park, War History & Wellness

Venture to the eccentric Buddha Park (Wat Xieng Khuan), where over 200 Buddha statues, demons, and deities scatter across a peaceful meadow. Return to visit the COPE Visitor Center, where stories of resilience unfold from Laos’ war history. Before sunset, unwind like a local with a Lao herbal sauna or spa session.

Buddha Park (Wat Xieng Khuan) (Source: rainforestcruises)

Day 3 – VIENTIANE: Monks & Markets

Rise early to witness the alms-giving ceremony, where barefoot monks silently receive offerings. Then shop for textiles and silverware at Talat Sao Market, before flying out—or catching the train to your next Lao destination.

Estimated Cost: $180–$250 USD per person

Option B: Nature & Adventure in Vang Vieng

Day 1 – VIENTIANE → VANG VIENG: Blue Lagoons & Sunset Peaks

Board the fast train from Vientiane and head to vang vieng laos, a former party town now famous for its karst mountains and caves. Dive into the Blue Lagoon or paddle around. By late afternoon, trek to Nam Xay Viewpoint for jaw-dropping views of limestone peaks and sprawling rice fields.

Trek To Nam Xay Viewpoint (Sours: passportandstamps)

Day 2 – VANG VIENG: Caves, Kayaks & BBQ

Start your day exploring Tham Phu Kham Cave, where a reclining Buddha statue rests in a limestone cathedral. Continue with a kayaking trip on the Nam Song River, a gentle float surrounded by cliffs and jungle. End the day at a local riverside BBQ—grilled fish, sticky rice, and fiery jeow dipping sauce.

Tham Phu Kham Cave (Source: lonelyplanet)

Day 3 – VANG VIENG: Balloons or Bikes

Choose between a sunrise hot air ballooning experience (weather permitting) or rent a bike to explore off the beaten path villages and rice paddies. In the afternoon, hop on a train or minivan back to Vientiane, or connect onward.

Estimated Cost: $220–$280 USD per person

Where to Go in Laos for 5 Days

Option A: Classic Laos Route – Vientiane → Vang Vieng → Luang Prabang

Day 1 – VIENTIANE: Temples, Tuk Tuks & Street Food

Start in the capital city of Vientiane, where French-colonial boulevards meet Buddhist devotion. Explore Patuxay Monument, stroll past the Presidential Palace, and pay your respects at Wat Si Saket. Don’t skip a local dinner of laap, grilled fish, and sticky rice along the night market by the Mekong River. Cap it off with a tuk tuk ride through the lamp-lit lanes.

Wat Si Saket (Source: tripadvisor)

Day 2 – VANG VIENG: Blue Lagoons & Mountain Sunsets

Catch the high-speed train to vang vieng laos—a lush valley surrounded by limestone cliffs. Cool off in Blue Lagoon 1 or 3, marvel at the Tham Chang Cave, then devour spicy noodle soup or khao soi from a street stall. End your day hiking up Nam Xay Viewpoint for a surreal sunset over the emerald rice fields.

Tham Chang Cave (Source: travelocity)

Day 3 – VANG VIENG → LUANG PRABANG: Paddle, Trek & Transfer

Today’s for adventurers! Go kayaking on the Nam Song River, or opt for a half-day trek into local Hmong villages. After lunch, hop the afternoon train to luang prabang. Settle into a boutique hotel or riverside guesthouse with a private room, and take a quiet stroll before bed.

Kayaking On The Nam Song River (Source: thrillophilia)

Day 4 – LUANG PRABANG: Kuang Si Falls & Royal Legacy

Fuel up on Lao coffee, then journey to the turquoise cascades of Kuang Si Waterfall. Don’t miss the Bear Rescue Center tucked inside the forest. Return to town for a visit to the Royal Palace Museum and golden-roofed Wat Xieng Thong, one of Laos’ most sacred landmarks. At sunset, browse the night market for handwoven scarves and river-stone jewelry.

Kuang Si Waterfall (Source: discoverlaos)

Day 5 – LUANG PRABANG: Sunrise Ritual & Fly Out

Set your alarm for the ethereal morning alms-giving ritual, where saffron-robed monks walk silently through town. Hike up Mount Phousi just after for panoramic views over the Mekong River and Nam Khan River. One last iced coffee and it’s time to transfer to the airport.

Estimated Cost: $320–$450 USD depending on accommodation class

Option B: Nature & Heritage Immersion – Based in Luang Prabang

Day 1 – LUANG PRABANG: Heritage Walk & Old Town Wonder

Land in luang prabang and walk into a living postcard. Visit the National Museum (former Royal Palace), admire mosaics at Wat Xieng Thong, and learn the city’s layered past. Sip tamarind juice and try your first street food dinner in the night market.

Wat Xieng Thong (Source: wikipedia)

Day 2 – PAK OU & MEKONG: Caves, Whiskey & Slow Boat Charm

Sail upriver on a slow boat to the pak ou caves, where thousands of tiny Buddha statues have been left by pilgrims for centuries. Stop by Ban Xang Hai—the whiskey village—for a taste of traditional Lao lao (sticky rice liquor). Return by boat as the sun glows over the Mekong River.

Pak Ou Caves (Source: wikipedia)

Day 3 – KUANG SI: Falls, Bears & Forest Walks

Take a morning trip to Kuang Si Falls, a dazzling blue waterfall with forest pools perfect for a dip. Visit the nearby Bear Rescue Center, which protects endangered Asiatic black bears from poaching. On the way back, stop at a local farm or rice noodle workshop for fresh lunch.

Bear Rescue Center (Source: thepoortraveler)

Day 4 – LUANG PRABANG: Alms Giving, Village Textiles & Cooking Class

Join the alms ceremony at dawn, then tour a traditional textile village like Ban Phanom. In the afternoon, join a cooking class to make mok pa, spicy papaya salad, and sticky rice over charcoal.

Ban Phanom Textile Village (Source: tracuuquyhoach)

Day 5 – LUANG PRABANG: Coffee, Markets & Farewell

Linger by the river with a final cup of Lao coffee. Visit the local crafts market for last-minute souvenirs before heading to the airport.

Estimated Cost: $300–$420 USD

Where to Go in Laos for 7 Days (Vientiane → Vang Vieng → Luang Prabang → Xieng Khouang)

Ideal for: Deep explorers, culture lovers, Southeast Asia loop travelers

Day 1 – VIENTIANE: A Quiet Capital with Spiritual Power

Your journey begins in the laid-back capital of Vientiane, often overlooked but full of hidden depth. Climb to the top of the Patuxay Monument for panoramic views, learn about war and recovery at the COPE Visitor Center, and enjoy your first Lao meal—laap with sticky rice—by the night market. Watch the sun melt into the Mekong River as you sip Beerlao on a rooftop bar.

COPE Visitor Center (Source: copelaos)

Day 2 – VANG VIENG: Limestone Peaks and Cave Temples

Hop on the Lao-China Railway for a 1.5-hour ride to vang vieng laos. Explore the stunning Tham Phu Kham Cave and swim in the Blue Lagoon, set among karst peaks and rice fields. For sunset, hike or tuk tuk your way to Nam Xay Viewpoint, one of the most rewarding views in Laos.

Swim In The Blue Lagoon (Source: MysteryBar&Lounge)

Day 3 – VANG VIENG ADVENTURE: Paddle or Pedal, Then Ride North

Spend the morning kayaking the Nam Song River, or cycling through serene farmland with water buffalo and mountain silhouettes in the distance. Board the afternoon train to luang prabang—an atmospheric journey through green valleys.

Board Train To Luang Prabang (Source: adventuresofjellie)

Day 4 – LUANG PRABANG: Temples, Waterfalls & Royal Elegance

Start with a visit to Wat Xieng Thong, the jewel of Lao religious architecture. Then drive out to Kuang Si Falls, a cascade of turquoise pools deep in the jungle. On the way back, stop by the Bear Rescue Center, and end your day browsing textiles and antiques at the night market.

Luang Prabang Night Market (Source: newasiatours)

Day 5 – LUANG PRABANG: River Spirit and Sacred Caves

Cruise up the Mekong River by slow boat to the pak ou caves, where over 4,000 Buddha statues gaze down from dark limestone niches. Visit a nearby whiskey village, known for its potent rice wine. Lunch riverside before returning to town for sunset.

Whiskey Village (Source: flickr)

Day 6 – PHONSAVAN: Journey to the Plain of Jars

Today you’ll transfer to Phonsavan in Xieng Khouang—either via domestic flight or a scenic drive (7–8 hours). On arrival, explore Plain of Jars Site 1, a surreal highland plateau dotted with giant stone urns dating back over 2,000 years. It’s a must for those curious about history and ancient enigmas.

Plain of Jars Site 1 (Source: atlasobscura)

Day 7 – PLAIN OF JARS SUNRISE + RETURN TO VIENTIANE

Catch sunrise at Site 2 or 3, mist curling around the mysterious megaliths. After breakfast, fly or drive back to Vientiane to complete the loop—or connect to Vietnam, Thailand, or Cambodia via land or air.

Quick Travel Tips Before You Go

• Visa-Free Access: Travelers from ASEAN, Korea, Japan, Russia, and select European countries enjoy 14–30 days visa-free. Most others can obtain a visa on arrival or eVisa.
• Getting There: Flights from Bangkok, Hanoi, and Siem Reap serve Vientiane, Luang Prabang, and Pakse. Land crossings available via Nong Khai (Thailand), Dien Bien Phu (Vietnam), and Cambodia’s Stung Treng.
• When to Go: The dry season (Nov–March) is ideal. Avoid heavy rains in August–September unless visiting southern laos like Don Det or the bolaven plateau.
• Currency: 1 USD ≈ 20,000 LAK. Daily cost ranges:
  • Backpacker: $25–35
  • Mid-range: $50–80
  • Premium: $100–180
• Connectivity: Grab a Unitel or TPlus SIM at the airport. Many use Indrive for tuk tuk rides and use XE Currency app for rates.
• Getting Around:
  • Lao-China Railway: Efficient for long distances
  • Tuk tuk: Best for short rides
  • Private van hire: Ideal for family trips
  • Slow boat: Unforgettable on the Mekong

Accommodation Recommendations (By Region)

Local Etiquette & Cultural Tips

• Dress modestly at temples—cover shoulders and knees.
• During alms-giving, keep silent, kneel lower than the monks, and never interrupt.
• Photography: Ask before taking photos of locals or monks, especially in rural villages.
• During festivals like Boun Ok Phansa or Pi Mai (Lao New Year), be prepared to get wet and respect local rituals.

Why travel with Impress Travel?

Because we know Laos like the back of our hand. With local guides who’ve explored every corner—from the misty peaks of Phonsavan to the quiet charm of Luang Prabang—we craft personalized 3 to 7-day journeys tailored to your pace and style. Whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or with family, we offer private tours, regional combinations (Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia), and 24/7 multilingual support. Your trip, your way—flexible, insightful, and stress-free.

Let Impress Travel Tailor Your Laos Tours Today!

• Hanoi Head Office: 125 Hoang Ngan, Hanoi
• Tel: (+84) 912 379 189
• Email: hanoi@impresstravel.com

Conclusion

Just 3 days gives you a serene glimpse of temples and river life. 5 days opens the door to adventure and cultural immersion. And 7 days? That’s when Laos truly unfolds—layer by layer, from golden stupas to ancient stone jars. Let Impress Travel show you where to go in Laos—and help you live the journey, not just visit.

FAQ

Which part of Laos should I visit?

If you’re wondering where to go in Laos, the must-visit regions are:

• Luang Prabang for temples, heritage, and river serenity
• Vang Vieng for outdoor adventures and stunning karst mountains
• Vientiane for relaxed capital vibes and cultural depth
• Southern Laos (like Don Det and Bolaven Plateau) for coffee, waterfalls, and local life off the beaten path.

What is the nicest place in Laos?

Most travelers agree: Luang Prabang is the crown jewel. With ancient buddha statues, saffron-robed monks, and French-Indochinese charm, it’s a peaceful, postcard-perfect destination that defines laos where to go.

Where is the best place to start in Laos?

Start your journey in Vientiane if you’re arriving overland from Thailand or Vietnam. It’s easy to navigate, full of landmarks like Patuxay and Wat Si Muang, and well connected by train to vang vieng laos and luang prabang.

What not to miss in Laos?

Don’t leave without:

• The alms-giving ceremony in Luang Prabang
• A sunset at Nam Xay Viewpoint
• A slow boat ride on the Mekong
• The mystical plain of jars in Xieng Khouang
• Local sticky rice, laap, and riverside street food