20 Days Complete Laos Tour: Vientiane, Luang Prabang, Plain of Jars, Pakse & 4000 Islands

After breakfast, start your guided city tour with Vientiane’s key cultural and historical landmarks. Visit Wat Sisaket, one of Vientiane’s oldest surviving temples, known for its elegant cloisters and thousands of Buddha images. Continue to Wat Ho Phra Keo, a former royal temple once associated with the sacred Emerald Buddha, before exploring That Luang Stupa, the national symbol of Laos, and Patuxay Monument, Vientiane’s distinctive victory arch.

After lunch, drive outside the city to Buddha Park, a riverside sculpture park near the Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge. Here, Buddhist and Hindu-inspired statues create a fascinating open-air collection, offering one of the most unusual and memorable experiences in Vientiane.

Return to the city later in the afternoon and, if time allows, enjoy a peaceful view of the Mekong River around sunset. Dinner is not included this evening, so you can enjoy Vientiane’s local restaurants at your own pace.

Overnight in Vientiane.

After breakfast, leave Vientiane and travel north to Nam Ngum Lake, a scenic reservoir surrounded by gentle hills, fishing villages and small islands. Along the way, stop at Ban Keun, a local village known for traditional salt production and Lao rice wine distillation, offering an authentic glimpse into everyday rural life.

Upon arrival at the lake, board a long-tail boat for a relaxing ride across the calm water, passing small islets and local fishing communities. After lunch, continue by road to Vang Vieng, a peaceful riverside town set against dramatic limestone mountains along the Nam Song River.

Upon arrival, check in to your selected accommodation in Vang Vieng before visiting Tham Jang Cave, once used as a local shelter during times of conflict. The cave visit may include steps and uneven surfaces, so comfortable walking shoes are recommended.

Dinner is not included, leaving you free to enjoy Vang Vieng’s relaxed dining scene.

Overnight in Vang Vieng.

After breakfast, discover Vang Vieng’s natural side with caves, countryside scenery and waterfalls. Travel through peaceful rural roads, passing rice fields and local landscapes on the way to Tham Phoukham Cave, a limestone cavern surrounded by forest and mountain scenery.

The visit may involve uneven ground, steps and short walks, so comfortable walking shoes are recommended. After exploring the cave area, you may have time to cool off at the nearby natural pool, depending on seasonal water conditions.

Later, continue to Kaeng Yui Waterfall, located a short distance from town, where you can relax, enjoy the fresh air and take in the quiet natural surroundings. This easy-paced nature day reveals a quieter side of Vang Vieng beyond its riverside town center.

Dinner is not included after returning to Vang Vieng, giving you a free evening to relax or explore the town.

Overnight in Vang Vieng.

After breakfast, leave Vang Vieng and travel east to Xieng Khouang, a remote highland province known for mountain scenery, ethnic communities and wartime history. This is a long but rewarding overland journey, following winding mountain roads through rural Laos, with changing views of valleys, forested slopes and traditional village life.

Scenic and comfort stops will be made along the way, depending on road conditions and timing. When appropriate, your guide may introduce you to local ethnic communities in a respectful and sensitive way.

This journey offers a deeper look at rural Laos, far from the country’s main tourist routes. As this is a full travel day through mountainous terrain, comfortable clothing, motion-sickness medication if needed and a light jacket are recommended.

Arrive in Xieng Khouang by late afternoon or early evening and check in to your hotel. Dinner is not included this evening, allowing you to rest after the journey.

Overnight in Xieng Khouang.

After breakfast, begin your guided visit to the mysterious Plain of Jars, one of the most remarkable archaeological landscapes in Laos. Scattered across open fields and rolling hills, the ancient stone jars remain an intriguing reminder of a civilization whose origins are still debated today.

Your guide will share the main theories behind the jars and explain how this highland region also played an important role during the Indochina War. Continue to selected heritage and wartime-related sites around Xieng Khouang, depending on local access, timing and road conditions.

Depending on the day’s arrangements, the visit may include cultural stops, viewpoints or wartime-related sites that help bring the province’s layered history into clearer focus. Some walking is required on uneven ground, so comfortable shoes, sun protection and a light jacket are recommended, especially in the cooler highland climate.

Dinner is not included, leaving the evening free to relax after a full day of cultural and historical discovery.

Overnight in Xieng Khouang.

After breakfast, leave Xieng Khouang and travel toward the remote Nam Et-Phou Louey National Protected Area, one of northern Laos’ most important conservation regions. Along the way, the scenery becomes increasingly wild and rural, offering a closer look at forested landscapes, mountain roads and lesser-known local communities.

If access is available, visit the park headquarters or visitor center to learn about the area’s forests, wildlife and community-based conservation efforts. Later, continue to a nearby waterfall or natural swimming area, where you may relax by the water or enjoy a refreshing dip if seasonal conditions are suitable.

This is a long travel day of around 187 kilometers, taking approximately six hours by road. The journey is best enjoyed at a comfortable pace, with scenic stops along the way. Comfortable clothing, suitable walking shoes and swimwear are recommended if you plan to swim.

Dinner is not included this evening and can be arranged locally.

Overnight in Ban That Hium.

After breakfast, continue your overland journey to Nong Khiaw, a beautiful riverside town surrounded by limestone cliffs and mountain scenery. The drive covers around 167 kilometers and takes approximately five hours. Along the way, pass quiet rural landscapes, small villages and scenic northern Laos countryside.

Upon arrival, check in to your accommodation and enjoy some time to refresh after the journey. In the afternoon, visit Tad Mook Waterfall, a peaceful natural site set amid lush greenery. Depending on the season and local conditions, you may enjoy a gentle walk, relax by the falls or simply take in the calm atmosphere of the area.

This well-paced day combines scenic travel with light nature exploration, allowing you to enjoy Nong Khiaw’s quieter charm without rushing.

Dinner is not included in Nong Khiaw, leaving the evening free to relax or explore local dining independently.

Overnight in Nong Khiaw.

After breakfast, begin the day with a visit to the historic Pha Tok Caves near Nong Khiaw. The walk to the caves takes you through rural scenery, rice fields and forested sections, offering a quiet glimpse of daily life in northern Laos.

These caves were once used as shelters during wartime and today combine natural beauty with meaningful historical context. Good walking shoes are recommended, as the visit may include uneven paths and outdoor walking.

After the cave exploration, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before continuing your journey toward the Pak Ou area. The route passes mountain scenery, riverside landscapes and quiet village areas, creating a peaceful transition from the rugged north toward the spiritual atmosphere of the Mekong region.

Dinner is not included, giving you a free evening to rest after the journey or enjoy the local surroundings.

Overnight in the Pak Ou area.

After breakfast, visit the famous Pak Ou Caves, dramatically set in limestone cliffs at the confluence of the Nam Ou and Mekong rivers. Explore the upper and lower caves, where thousands of Buddha images have been placed by local devotees over many generations.

With its peaceful river setting and deep sense of local faith, Pak Ou is one of northern Laos’ most atmospheric cultural sites. After lunch, continue your journey toward Luang Prabang, enjoying the changing riverside and countryside landscapes along the way.

Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and enjoy the evening at leisure in this UNESCO-listed town, known for its quiet streets, temples and relaxed riverside atmosphere. Dinner is not included, giving you the freedom to explore Luang Prabang’s local dining scene independently.

Overnight in Luang Prabang.

After breakfast, begin a guided Luang Prabang city tour through the town’s most important cultural landmarks. Visit the National Museum, formerly the Royal Palace, where you can gain a deeper understanding of Laos’ royal history and cultural heritage.

Continue to Wat Visoun, Wat Mai and the graceful Wat Xieng Thong, one of the finest examples of traditional Lao temple architecture. And then you will enjoy lunch at a local restaurant during the day.

In the late afternoon, climb Mount Phousi for panoramic sunset views over Luang Prabang, the Mekong River and the surrounding hills. The climb includes many steps, so comfortable shoes are recommended, especially during warm weather.

After sunset, you may explore the Night Market independently, where local vendors sell handmade textiles, crafts and souvenirs. Dinner is not included, leaving the evening free to enjoy Luang Prabang’s old town atmosphere and local dining scene independently.

Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Rise early to witness the traditional Tak Bat alms giving ceremony, one of Luang Prabang’s most meaningful spiritual experiences. Your guide will explain how to observe this sacred daily Buddhist ritual respectfully, as it remains an important part of local spiritual life.

After breakfast, travel about 30 kilometers outside town to Kuang Si Waterfall, known for its turquoise pools, forest setting and beautiful multi-tiered cascades. At the waterfall, you may swim in designated areas, relax by the water or follow gentle walking paths to nearby viewpoints.

Comfortable walking shoes, swimwear and a towel are recommended if you plan to swim. On the return journey, stop at a Hmong village, where local handicrafts are often available and you can learn briefly about hill tribe culture.

The rest of the afternoon is free at leisure in Luang Prabang, giving you time for coffee, shopping, self-guided exploration or simply relaxing in the old town.

Overnight in Luang Prabang.

After breakfast, your guide will pick you up from your hotel for a visit to Elephant Village Camp near Luang Prabang, where the focus is on observing, feeding and learning about elephant care.

Upon arrival, receive an introduction to the elephants and learn about their daily care, feeding routine and the camp’s conservation-related work. You will have the opportunity to observe the elephants up close, take part in feeding time and visit areas such as the elephant hospital, museum, gallery and dung paper-making section.

Later, board a traditional Lao long-tail boat for a short journey to Tad Sae Waterfall, where you can relax by the water or swim in the clear pools when seasonal conditions allow. Please bring swimwear, sandals and a towel if you plan to swim, as water levels may vary depending on the time of year.

Lunch is served at the Elephant Camp restaurant, including drinking water, tea and coffee, with vegetarian options available on request. Dinner is not included after returning to Luang Prabang, leaving the evening free to relax or explore the old town.

Overnight in Luang Prabang.

After breakfast, enjoy a full free day in Luang Prabang at your own pace. This self-guided day is ideal for relaxing at your hotel, revisiting a favorite temple, exploring local cafés or simply wandering through the quiet streets of the old town.

No guided sightseeing is included today, giving you the flexibility to shape the day around your own interests. You may choose to spend the day shopping for handicrafts, enjoying the town’s riverside atmosphere or joining an optional activity such as a cooking class if arranged in advance.

Lunch and dinner are not included today, giving you time to explore Luang Prabang’s cafés and restaurants independently. Optional activities, such as a cooking class or local cultural experience, can be arranged in advance upon request.

Overnight in Luang Prabang.

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Pakse, the gateway to southern Laos. Upon arrival at Pakse Airport, you will be welcomed and transferred to your hotel.

The rest of the day is free at leisure, giving you time to rest after the flight or enjoy a self-guided walk around town. No guided sightseeing is included today, allowing the itinerary to slow down before your journey continues to the Bolaven Plateau, Champasak and the 4000 Islands region.

Lunch and dinner are not included today, allowing flexibility around your flight schedule and personal plans.

Overnight in Pakse.

After breakfast, begin your southern Laos discovery with the Bolaven Plateau, an upland region known for waterfalls, coffee-growing areas and ethnic communities. Stop at Pha Suam Waterfall and visit Lao Teung villages for a respectful glimpse into local traditions and daily life.

Continue toward Champasak to visit Wat Phou, a remarkable pre-Angkorian Khmer temple complex set at the foot of Mount Phu Kao. After exploring the atmospheric ruins, continue by road toward the 4000 Islands, also known as Si Phan Don.

This peaceful stretch of the Mekong River is known for its slow pace, river scenery and island life. Arrive on Don Khong Island and check in for the night after a full day of cultural discovery, countryside scenery and overland travel.

Dinner is not included, giving you time to relax and enjoy the quiet atmosphere of Don Khong Island.

Overnight on Don Khong Island.

After breakfast, continue your exploration of the 4000 Islands by long-tail boat, traveling through one of the most scenic stretches of the Mekong River. During the dry season, thousands of small islands and sandbanks appear, creating the distinctive landscape that gives Si Phan Don its name.

Continue to Khone Island, where you can discover traces of the French colonial period, including old houses and the remains of Laos’ first railway. Visit Liphi Waterfall, also known as Samphamith, a powerful cascade located close to the Cambodian border.

Later, return to Ban Nakasang and continue by road to Khone Phapheng Waterfall, one of the largest and most powerful waterfalls in Southeast Asia. This well-rounded day combines Mekong River scenery, island life, colonial history and dramatic waterfalls.

Dinner is not included after returning to Don Khong Island, leaving time to relax and enjoy the quiet riverside atmosphere.

Overnight on Don Khong Island.

After breakfast, enjoy a relaxed morning on Don Khong Island before traveling back to Pakse for your flight to Vientiane. Depending on your flight schedule, you may have free time to rest, enjoy the riverside atmosphere or take a short self-guided walk before departure.

This day is mainly designed for travel and relaxation after your southern Laos exploration. Upon arrival in Vientiane, you will be welcomed and transferred to your hotel for check-in.

No guided sightseeing is included today, allowing you to unwind after the journey and enjoy the evening at your own pace. Lunch and dinner are not included today, allowing flexibility around your flight time and personal plans.

Overnight in Vientiane.

After breakfast, enjoy a full free day in Vientiane at your own pace. You may relax at your hotel, revisit the Mekong Riverside, explore local cafés, shop for souvenirs or simply enjoy the calm rhythm of the Lao capital before the end of your journey.

No guided activities are included today, giving you the flexibility to spend the day according to your own interests. This self-guided day is ideal for slowing down after your southern Laos exploration and final internal flight.

Lunch and dinner are not included, so you can choose where and when to dine independently. Optional sightseeing or local experiences can be arranged in advance if you would like to see more of the capital.

Overnight in Vientiane.

After breakfast, enjoy your final free time in Vientiane until your transfer to Wattay International Airport for your departure flight. Depending on your flight schedule, you may relax at the hotel, take a short self-guided walk nearby or enjoy a final coffee before leaving Laos.

Your driver will transfer you to the airport in good time for check-in. No guided sightseeing is included today, allowing the day to remain flexible and comfortable before departure.

Meals after breakfast are on your own arrangement. This marks the end of your 20-day Laos journey.

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