Vientiane Tour 4 Days: Buddha Park & Lake | Ideal Travel Asia
Vientiane tour, 4 days: temples, Buddha Park and Nam Ngum Lake
This 4-day Vientiane tour is an easy introduction to the capital of Laos, with a private English-speaking guide and car. The city blends Lao, Thai, Chinese, Vietnamese, French and American influences, and Day 2 takes you through the highlights: Wat Sisaket, the oldest surviving temple in Vientiane, lined with thousands of miniature Buddha statues, and Wat Prakeo, the former royal temple that once housed the Emerald Buddha. Continue to That Luang, the sacred stupa that is a national symbol of Laos, and stop for photos at the Patuxay Monument, often called Vientiane’s Arc de Triomphe.
In the afternoon, drive out of the city to Buddha Park, a sculpture garden with hundreds of Buddhist and Hindu statues, and stop at the Lao Textile Museum on the way back to learn about local weaving and handicrafts.
Day 3 is a day trip to Nam Ngum Lake, a huge reservoir north of the city. On the way, visit a local market and the Vang Xang archaeological site, then board a boat for a two-hour lake cruise with lunch on board. You return to Vientiane in the early evening.
Day 1 is an arrival day and Day 4 is a transfer to the airport. Your private guide, private air-conditioned car, boat trips, entrance fees, travel insurance and daily breakfast are included. Want to see more of Laos? Combine this with our Luang Prabang tour for a complete trip.
DAY 1: WELCOME TO VIENTIANE
On arrival at the Vientiane Capital, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Vientiane is a charming and fascinating capital, with an interesting mix of Lao, Thai, Chinese, Vietnamese, French, and American influences.
Overnight in Vientiane
DAY 2: VIENTIANE – CITY TOUR – BUDDHA PARK
After breakfast, we start visiting the major sights of the capital; including the Wat Sisaket, the oldest temple with thousands of miniature Buddha statues and the former royal temple of Wat Prakeo, which previously housed the famous Emerald Buddha Image. Enroute to Lao’s national precious heritage, the famous and sacred structure of That Luang Stupa, you will have the opportunity to take some pictures of the imposing Patuxay Monument, which is well known as Vientiane’s own Arc de Triumph.
In the afternoon, transfer out to visit Buddha Park with thousands of Buddha Statues inspired by Hindu culture. On the way back, we’ll visit Lao Textile Museum to learn more about Lao handicraft culture.
Overnight in Vientiane.
DAY 3: VIENTIANE – NAM NGUM LAKE
This morning, we’ll head out of Vientiane city to make our way to Nam Ngum Lake, a huge reservoir created by damming the Nam Ngum River. Along the way, we will visit local markets (Koud Sam Baht market or Dong Markhai market) where local people gather fresh vegetables, local stuff and a large selection of insects to sell. After that, we will stop to visit Vang Xang, a beautiful archeological site.
Upon arrival at Nam Ngum Lake, we embark on a boat to cruise for 2 hours around the Lake with lunch onboard.
On the way back to Vientiane, if time permits, perhaps you might want to experience gambling at the legal Lao casino (Dansavanh) located in the valley where you can also enjoy a beautiful view of the lake.
We’ll return to Vientiane by early evening.
Overnight in Vientiane.
DAY 4: VIENTIANE – DEPARTURE
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for departure.
