VLL06 - LAOS EXPLORATION

Day 1: Arrival in Vientiane

Activities:

• Arrive at Wattay International Airport, where you will be warmly welcomed by your Vietnam Legend Travel guide.

• Transfer in a private vehicle to your hotel in central Vientiane.

• After check-in, enjoy the remainder of the day free at leisure. You may relax at your hotel or take a gentle stroll along the tree-lined boulevards of Laos' peaceful capital.

Suggestions for the Evening:

• Visit a riverside restaurant or cafe for your first taste of Laotian cuisine.

• Enjoy a quiet sunset over the Mekong River promenade and get a feel for the local ambiance of this slow-paced capital city.

Overnight: Vientiane

 

Day 2: Vientiane City Tour & Buddha Park (B/L)

Morning:

• Begin your cultural exploration with a visit to Wat Sisaket, renowned for its cloister wall housing thousands of small Buddha statues. The monastery’s serene cloister and ornate murals provide a glimpse into ancient Lao spiritual life.

• Continue to Wat Prakeo, once home to the famed Emerald Buddha. Today, it serves as a museum for religious art and ancient artifacts.

• Pause for photographs at Patuxay Monument, often referred to as the Arc de Triomphe of Laos, and admire its decorative motifs that incorporate typical Laotian designs.

• Proceed to That Luang Stupa, the most sacred religious monument in Laos and a symbol of national pride and identity.

Afternoon: Drive approximately 25km out of town to visit the surreal Buddha Park (Xieng Khuan). Stroll through this open-air sculpture garden containing over 200 Buddhist and Hindu figures in a lush riverside setting.

Evening: Return to the city and optionally browse Anouvong Night Market, where locals and tourists mingle while shopping for handicrafts, trying street snacks, and enjoying the evening river breeze.

Overnight: Vientiane

 

Day 3: Vientiane – Drive to Vang Vieng via Nam Ngum Lake (B/L)

Morning:

• Depart from Vientiane and take the scenic Route #10 to the north.

• Visit Dong Khai Market, a vibrant rural stop where locals sell wild herbs, dried fish, textiles, and seasonal fruits. This gives you a first-hand look into the local economy and culinary culture.

• Reach Ban Tha Huea Pier, where you’ll board a traditional boat for a 2-hour cruise across Nam Ngum Lake. The lake’s emerald waters and forest-clad islands make for a tranquil mid-journey retreat.

• Lunch: Enjoy a freshly-prepared lunch onboard, with views of surrounding hills and floating fish farms.

Afternoon:

• Resume your journey toward Vang Vieng via the Lao-China Expressway.

• Upon arrival, check in to your riverside hotel. Vang Vieng’s dramatic karst limestone formations and pastoral atmosphere provide a perfect escape from city life.

Overnight: Vang Vieng

 

Day 4: Vang Vieng Adventure & Landscape Discovery (B/L)

Morning:

• Drive 15km north to Tham Xang (Elephant Cave). Learn about its role as a spiritual site and wartime shelter.

• Trek across rustic farmlands to reach Tham Nam (Water Cave) and tube through its cold spring-fed river system (up to 500 meters), marveling at the limestone formations within.

• Lunch: Enjoy a BBQ lunch served in a serene rice field hut, surrounded by limestone peaks and lush farmland. This authentic open-air experience offers panoramic views and a chance to unwind in nature.

Afternoon:

• Receive safety instructions before launching a kayak journey down the Nam Song River.

• Stop at Tham Norn Viewpoint to embark on a thrilling zipline adventure: 1,450 meters of zip line divided across 8 cables and 3 suspension bridges.

• Paddle downstream as the sun begins to dip behind the mountain ranges.

Overnight: Vang Vieng

 

Day 5: Vang Vieng – Train to Luang Prabang (B)

Train: EMU C82 | 12:02 – 12:58

Optional Early Morning:

• Experience a Hot Air Balloon Ride, drifting peacefully above rice paddies and karst mountains.

• Operated by Above Laos, the flight offers a safe and scenic journey (30 to 75 minutes), followed by a light breakfast or celebratory toast.

Midday:

• After returning from your optional adventure, check out and head to the Vang Vieng train station.

• Board the express train to Luang Prabang, a fast and comfortable journey through Laos’ lush central highlands.

• Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and relax.

Overnight: Luang Prabang

 

Day 6: Cultural Immersion & Pak Ou Caves (B/L)

Optional Early Morning: Participate in the serene Alms Giving Ceremony (Tak Bat) — an age-old tradition where saffron-robed monks receive offerings from the faithful.

Morning:

• Visit Luang Prabang Morning Market, alive with local activity, produce, and forest-gathered herbs.

• Explore Wat Xiengthong, one of Laos’ most elegant and significant temples, adorned with mosaics and sweeping multi-tiered roofs.

Midday:

• Cruise along the Mekong River toward Pak Ou Caves.

• Visit Ban Xang Hai to observe the traditional process of making Lao Lao rice whisky and sample the brew.

• Continue to Tham Ting and Tham Phoum Caves, home to thousands of Buddha statues placed by pilgrims over centuries.

• Lunch: Dine at a riverside restaurant with scenic views of the Mekong.

Afternoon:

• Explore Ban Xang Khong, where artisans create Saa paper and weave silk by hand.

• Climb Mount Phousi for panoramic sunset views.

• Shop at the famous Luang Prabang Night Market.

Overnight: Luang Prabang

 

Day 7: Waterfall Escape & Local Craft (B/L)

Morning:

• Visit the Royal Palace (National Museum) for insight into Lao royalty and Buddhist heritage.

• Drive to the Khouangsi Waterfalls, passing rural villages.

• En route, stop at Laos Buffalo Dairy Farm to interact with the animals and learn about dairy innovation.

• Lunch: Enjoy a traditional Lao lunch at a nearby restaurant.

Afternoon:

• Swim in Khouangsi's turquoise pools and visit the Asian Bear Rescue Center.

• Return to town and tour the Ock Pop Tok Living Crafts Centre — a riverside weaving haven with live demonstrations, natural dyes, and silk production.

Overnight: Luang Prabang

 

Day 8: Elephant Encounter & Train Return to Vientiane (B/L)

Train: EMU C81 | 16:51 – 18:45

Morning:

• Head to the Elephant Village Sanctuary, where retired working elephants are cared for.

• Feed the elephants, visit the veterinary center and learn mahout commands.

• Take a longtail boat to Tad Sae Waterfall, where you may swim or relax depending on water levels.

• Lunch: Buffet lunch at the sanctuary.

Afternoon:

• Return to Luang Prabang, transfer to the train station.

• Board the express train to Vientiane and check in upon arrival.

Overnight: Vientiane

 

Day 9: Departure from Vientiane (B)

Breakfast at hotel.

Leisure time until your transfer to Wattay International Airport.

Farewell and end of services.

 

Notes:

• Meals Included: B (Breakfast), L (Lunch)

• Optional activities may require advance booking

• Train schedules subject to changes

• Bring appropriate clothing for temples, sturdy footwear, sunscreen, swimwear, and insect repellent

• All activities depend on weather and local conditions