Vientiane to Luang Prabang Tour, 4 Days | Ideal Travel Asia
Vientiane to Luang Prabang tour, 4 days: two cities, one train ride
This 4-day Vientiane to Luang Prabang tour is a compact way to see the best of northern and central Laos with a private English-speaking guide and car. After an arrival day, you spend the morning of Day 2 in Vientiane at Wat Sisaket, famous for its thousands of miniature Buddha statues, and Wat Prakeo, the former royal temple that once housed the Emerald Buddha. You’ll stop for photos at the Patuxay Monument, often compared to Paris’s Arc de Triomphe. Then board the high-speed train to Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Heritage town.
On Day 3, climb the 328 steps of Mount Phousi for views of the city and the Mekong River, then visit Wat Mai and the National Museum in the former Royal Palace. In the afternoon, cruise upstream to the Pak Ou Caves, filled with thousands of gilded Buddha statues, stopping at Ban Xang Hai (rice wine) and Ban Xang Khong (silk weaving and Saa paper). The day ends at the Night Market.
Day 4 is a relaxed morning in Luang Prabang before your airport transfer. Your private guide, private air-conditioned car, boat trips, entrance fees, travel insurance and daily breakfast are included. Want more time in Luang Prabang? See our [5-day Luang Prabang tour](link to LPQ2).
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 - LUANG PRABANG
LUANG PRABANG BY TRAIN
After breakfast we will visit the oldest Wat Sisaket with thousands of miniature Buddha statues and the former royal temple of Wat Prakeo, which previously housed the famous Emerald Buddha Image. On the way to the famous and sacred structure of That Luang Stupa, we will stop to take some pictures of the imposing Patuxay Monument, which is well known as Vientiane’s own Arc de Triumph.
We then board speed train to the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage City Luang Prabang. On arrival, transfer to the hotel.
Overnight in Luang Prabang
DAY 3: LUANG PRABANG –PAK OU CAVE
In the morning, we will climb up 328 steps of Mount Phousi for an enjoyable exploration of the sacred, gilded stupa as well as a beautiful overview of the city and the Mekong River. We then visit Wat Mai the largest and most richly decorated of the temples in Luang Prabang, was built in the 20th century; National Museum at the former Royal Palace displays a lovely collection of the artifacts reflecting the richness of Lao culture dating from the days of the early kings right through the last sovereign.
We then board a cruise upstream on the Mekong River, which also gives us a panoramic view of the tranquil countryside as well as an interesting visit to the mysterious of Pak Ou Caves, two linked caves crammed with thousands of gold lacquered Buddha statues of various shapes and sizes left by pilgrims.
Along the way, we will make a stop at Ban Xang Hai village where rice wine is distilled. We will visit the caves of Tham Ting and Tham Phoum which house hundreds of Buddha statues. We return to Luang Prabang in the afternoon, continue to visit Ban Xang Khong, a village well known for silk hand-weaving and traditional Saa paper-making.
We will explore the Night Market, where you can find a lovely selection of handmade textiles made by the hill tribe and local people surrounding Luang Prabang.
Overnight in Luang Prabang
DAY 4: VIENTIANE – DEPARTURE
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for departure.
