Laos-3-day-itinerary

Laos 3-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Vientiane

  • Morning: Arrive in Vientiane, the capital city of Laos. Visit the Patuxay Monument, a war memorial dedicated to the soldiers who fought for independence from France.
  • Afternoon: Explore the COPE Centre, a museum showcasing the impact of unexploded ordnance (UXO) on Lao communities.
  • Evening: Stroll along the Mekong River and visit the night market.

Day 2: Vientiane to Luang Prabang

  • Morning: Fly from Vientiane to Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Heritage town (approximately 1 hour).
  • Afternoon: Visit the Wat Xieng Thong, a stunning temple with intricate mosaics and carvings.
  • Evening: Explore the Luang Prabang Night Market and try some local street food.

Day 3: Luang Prabang

  • Morning: Take a boat ride along the Mekong River to the Pak Ou Caves, a sacred site filled with thousands of Buddha images.
  • Afternoon: Visit the Kuang Si Falls, a beautiful turquoise waterfall perfect for swimming and relaxation.
  • Evening: Watch the sunset at the Mount Phousi, offering panoramic views of Luang Prabang.

Things to Know

  • Laos is a Buddhist country, so dress modestly when visiting temples.
  • Respect local customs and traditions.
  • Learn some basic Lao phrases, such as “sabai sabai” (hello) and “khop jai” (thank you).

Visa Requirements

  • Citizens of most countries can obtain a visa on arrival at Vientiane or Luang Prabang airports.
  • The cost is approximately $30-$40 USD for a single-entry visa, valid for 30 days.

Transportation

  • Domestic flights: Lao Airlines and Skyway Aviation offer regular flights between Vientiane and Luang Prabang.
  • Tuk-tuks (three-wheeled vehicles) are readily available for short trips in town.
  • Renting a motorbike or car is also an option for longer journeys.

Accommodation

  • Vientiane: Stay at the Settha Palace Hotel, a historic hotel with comfortable rooms and a great location.
  • Luang Prabang: Opt for the Luang Prabang Legend Resort, offering luxurious villas and a relaxing atmosphere.

Food and Drink

  • Try traditional Lao dishes, such as or lam (stew) and tam maak hung (spicy papaya salad).
  • Sample local beers, like Beerlao, at one of the many bars or restaurants.
  • Fresh fruit smoothies and coffee are widely available.

Other Tips

  • Bring sunscreen and a hat to protect yourself from the sun.
  • Bargain when shopping at markets or with tuk-tuk drivers.
  • Be mindful of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas.