10-Day Laos Itinerary – Top Places to See from Luang Prabang to Pakse

Visitors planning a trip to Laos can see the country’s best tourist destinations and attractions in a relatively short amount of time. A 10-day Laos itinerary covers all the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in historic Luang Prabang, photographs of the magical karsts in Vang Vieng and exploring the glorious night market along the Mekong River in Vientiane. Start planning a trip to Laos with tips from this 10-day Laos itinerary that features everything from kayaking down the Nam Song River to eating French-Laos fusion cuisine in Vientiane.

10-day Laos Itinerary

Visitors to Laos will want to embrace a laid-back journey filled with unique and enriching experiences. Getting around the country might seem different than in other parts of the world, as bookings for transportation often can be arranged on the same day as travel. Guests should be prepared to travel by bus, private driver, taxi and motorbike for most journeys. Train service is available for some trips, but travelers will be taking buses and private cars between most major cities for this 10-day Laos itinerary and should be mindful that travel times on major roadways can be slower at times.

Day 1-3 – Luang Prabang

Travelers can fly directly into Luang Prabang to begin their 10-day holiday in Laos. Adventure seekers also can take a long boat from Huay Xai, in northern Laos from the border of Thailand, to Luang Prabang for a more memorable arrival. The historic town once served as Laos capital, now the entire downtown of the ancient city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site teeming with temples, quaint restaurants and local markets. For the first part of this journey, tourists will want to visit these attractions and attend the following cultural tours in Luang Prabang.

• Royal Palace Museum – built in 1904 for King Sisavang Vong, the palace’s French-Colonial architecture is complimented by traditional Lao artwork and located next to Mount Phousi in historic Luang Prabang. The Royal Palace Museum is open from 8 to 11:30 a.m. and from 1:30 to 4 p.m. daily. Visitors must wear clothing that covers their legs to enter.
• Luang Prabang Night Market – visit from 5 to 11 p.m. daily to shop at dozens of stalls with local crafts, delicious street food and colorful Laos souvenirs.
• Traditional Arts and Ethnology Centre – learn about Laos ethnic groups, traditional clothing, handmade goods and local artifacts through interactive displays and hands-on activities at this family-friendly center that is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.
• Kuang Si Waterfalls – sometimes called Tat Kuang Si, this three-tiered waterfall is about 15 minutes south of the city. Swim in turquoise waters for a minimal fee.
• Wat Xieng Thong – sometimes called the “Golden City Temple,” Wat Xieng Thong dates to the 16th century and features a “tree of life” mosaic.
• Morning alms giving ceremony near Mount Phousi –Watch as local monks, clothed in bright orange robes, parade down the street barefoot to collect food and personal items from locals. This silent and peaceful ceremony takes place on the streets of Luang Prabang Historic District and is open to the public to watch.

Day 4-6 – Vang Vieng

The quintessential outdoor adventure destination, Vang Vieng features numerous attractions, including hot-air balloon rides and kayaking tours down the Nam Song River. The town is nestled on the banks of the river and inside a playground of vast jungles, mountains and limestone karst cliffs. Vang Vieng features several can’t-miss attractions, which all can be seen in three days’ time. However, tourists are known to unpack their backpacks and stay awhile in this friendly rural town packed with locals who loved to take guests on adventures.

• Take a hot-air balloon ride with Above Laos Ballooning
• Do the Nam Song River Cruise
• Swim in the Blue Lagoons
• Explore Tham Jang cave
• Go tubing through Tham Nam
• Tour local rice paddies from Vang Vieng Eco Lodge

Day 7-8 – Vientiane

Take a bus from beautiful Vang Vieng to Vientiane. The journey is about 2.5 hours and promises a different vibe altogether from both Luang Prabang and Vang Vieng. The nation’s new and modern capital sits on the edge of the Mekong River and hosts some of Laos’ most cherished national monuments. For this two-day leg of a Laos itinerary, visitors will want to stop by these Vientiane attractions.

• That Luang Stupa – this 16th-century landmark is featured on Laos currency, and its golden exterior sits just outside town center. Guests should wear clothing that covers their legs while visiting this working religious site.
• Patuxai Monument – get a panoramic view of the city from this structure, which is laden with mosaics and dedicated to Lao soldiers who fought and died for the country’s independence.
• Sisaket Temple – the oldest original temple in Vientiane was built in 1818 and survived the 1828 Siamese occupation. Tourists can view ancient murals from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, just a short walk from the Mekong riverfront.
• Ho Phrakeo Museum – built as a royal chapel in 1565 to house the Emerald Buddha, this temple now houses a museum and souvenir shop that is open from 8 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4 p.m. daily.
• Simuang Temple – sometimes called Wat Si Muang, this cherished religious site was named for a young woman who sacrificed herself to appease angry spirits. It has been the site of royal coronations and is open daily from sunrise to sunset.
• Lao National Museum – open from 8 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, this museum is set in a French colonial building that served as a Laos administrative building in the 1920s. It now houses artifacts that help explain the complicated history of Laos and the importance of the 1970s revolution.
• Vientiane Night Market – this bustling market starts hopping when the sun goes down and offers a mix of street food, clothing, souvenirs and electronics on a promenade along the Mekong River.

Day 9-10 – Pakse & Southern Laos

End a 10-day Laos itinerary in the southern part of the country with some of the regions most scenic and historic landmarks. Pakse is a natural wonderland and the gateway to the Bolaven Plateau and Plain of Jars, a sprawling field of clay pots that remains a mystery to archaeologists to this day. Guests also can explore the wonders of the Mekong River from Pakse, as well as trek to waterfalls and stay in remote villages surrounded by serene nature.

• Wat Luang – this Buddhist temple features murals and river views. Go during sunset for the best photographs.
• Bolaven Plateau – trek around this scenic landscape for views of local coffee plantations, waterfalls and remote villages.
• Tad Fane Waterfall – zipline over this waterfall that flows in Dong Hua Sao National Bio-Diversity Conservation Area.
• Vat Phou in Champasak – an unbelievable architectural site, this landmark Hindu temple complex offers elevated views from a former Buddhist shrine.