Vientiane and Buddha Park, the train to Vang Vieng for caves and the Blue Lagoon, then three days in Luang Prabang with Kuang Si and Pak Ou.
7 days, 43 stopsBalanced paceNov to FebApproved by TravPa Editors, Nov 7, 2026
Trip at a glance
Add your first day to see each day's date, weather, sunset and closing days.
Day 1: Pha That Luang, COPE and Buddha Park
The golden stupa, the story of unexploded bombs at COPE, lunch among the statues of Buddha Park, then Wat Si Saket and a Mekong sunset.
Check the weekday. Pha That Luang is closed on Mondays.
1
8:30 AMPha That LuangClosed on Mondays and from noon to 1 PM. Come early, before the heat, and cover shoulders and knees.About 1 hour 30 min here
LAK[fee]
Tuk-tuk, about 15 min
2
10:15 AMCOPE Visitor CentreFree entry and open daily from 8:30 AM. Allow about an hour, including a short film in the cave cinema.About 1 hour here
Free to visit
Taxi or tuk-tuk along the Mekong, about 45 min
3
12:00 PMBuddha Park riverside eateryEat by the river at the park eatery, which serves papaya salad, fried bananas and cold drinks.About 45 min here
Pay as you go
Walk about 2 min
4
12:45 PMBuddha Park (Xieng Khuan)Climb inside the giant pumpkin for the view over the statues. The park closes at 4 PM; allow about 90 min.About 1 hour 30 min here
LAK[fee]
Taxi or tuk-tuk back to the center, about 45 min
5
3:00 PMWat Si SaketOpen until 5 PM with a break from noon to 1 PM. See the cloister walls lined with small Buddha images.About 2 hours here
LAK[fee]
Walk about 12 min
6
5:15 PMOptionalVientiane Night MarketStalls go up on the riverside promenade around sunset and stay open until about 10 PM.About 1 hour here
Pay as you go
Walk about 3 min
7
6:15 PMMekong riverside restaurantsPick a riverside restaurant for dinner as the sun sets over Thailand. The riverbank itself has a 10:30 PM curfew.
Pay as you go
Before you go
Plan the train earlyCheck train times in the official LCR Ticket app, which takes bookings up to 7 days ahead. If it will not take your booking, buy at a station.
Avoid starting on a MondayPha That Luang closes on Mondays, so start the plan on another day.
Carry Lao kipYou cannot buy kip outside Laos, and cards work only in larger hotels, restaurants and shops. Change money at a bank or official exchange.
Be careful with spiritsPeople have died of methanol poisoning from spirit drinks bought in Laos, even in licensed bars. Be wary of cocktails and spirit-based drinks.
Cover shoulders and kneesTemples, the alms giving and Phousi expect covered shoulders and knees. Take off hats and shoes before entering a temple hall.
Respect river safetyTubing, kayaking and river swimming have caused drownings. Use a reputable, insured operator and stay off the water after heavy rain.
Where to stay for this plan
Stay near the riverside in Vientiane, in Vang Vieng town center for days 2 and 3, and in Luang Prabang old town for the last four nights.
Map and live prices from Stay22 and its booking partners. TravPa earns a commission if you book; your price stays the same.
Plan last checked Nov 7, 2026. Check individual fee sources before you go. TravPa earns a commission when you book through a partner; your price stays the same.
