Laos Family Tour from Vientiane to Luang Prabang via Vang Vieng

We depart from the capital early in the morning and head north, taking in stunning views of the scenic countryside as we approach the mountainous terrain. Our first stop is the vibrant and bustling Thalat market, where different hill tribes gather to trade and shop for essentials. Next, we visit Vang Xang, renowned for its 11th-century archaeological site. We then continue to our destination, Vang Vieng, beautifully situated along a bend of the Nam Song River.

Overnight in Vang Vieng.

During our half-day exploration of Vang Vieng, we visit the renowned Tham Jang caves, historically utilized by locals as a refuge from Chinese invaders. We also take a river crossing to Ban Huai Ngai, a charming village where we can observe and experience the diverse ways of life of its residents.

After lunch, we travel north along Route 13 towards Luang Prabang, enjoying the spectacular mountain vistas that make the drive particularly scenic. Following a few photo opportunities, we reach Luang Prabang by early evening.

Overnight in Luang Prabang.

After breakfast, your full-day city tour begins with a visit to the Royal Palace Museum, showcasing a diverse collection of fascinating artifacts. Next, you'll explore the city's oldest temple, Wat Sene, and the stunning Wat Xiengthong, renowned for its sweeping roofs that exemplify traditional Laotian architecture. We also stop by the impressive Wat Visoun and the shrine of Wat Aham.

In the afternoon, we head to the Arts and Ethnology Centre to delve into the rich ethnic cultures of Laos. We then venture outside the city to the weaving villages of Ban Xiengkhong and Ban Xienglek. Returning to Luang Prabang, we visit Wat Mai.

The day concludes with a climb up Mount Phousi to explore the sacred, gilded stupa and enjoy a breathtaking sunset view of the city and the Mekong River. Finally, we visit the Night Market, where you'll find a delightful array of handmade textiles from local and hill tribe artisans. Please note that the Royal Palace Museum is closed on Tuesdays.

Overnight in Luang Prabang.

We begin our day at the morning Phousi Market, where you'll find an array of goods including dried buffalo skin, local tea, saltpeter, and a variety of chickens, vegetables, and hill-tribe textiles. Laos is renowned for its traditional crafts, and today you'll visit several Lao ethnic minority villages: Ban Ouay (Hmong), Ban Ou (Laoloum), and Ban Thapene (Khmu).

Our next stop is the picturesque Kuang Si Waterfall, where you can take a refreshing dip in the pools or stroll along the surrounding forest trails. Afterward, we head back to Luang Prabang.

In the afternoon, we set off on a Mekong River cruise, offering stunning views of the serene countryside. The journey takes us to the intriguing Pak Ou Caves, where two connected caves house thousands of gold-lacquered Buddha statues of varied shapes and sizes left by pilgrims. Along the way, we visit Ban Xanghai, known for its rice wine production. We then disembark to explore traditional villages and take a short drive to Ban Phanom, famous for its handwoven textiles.

Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Depending on your flight schedule, you might have some free time before being transferred to the airport for your departure.