Home › Journeys › Asia › Luang Prabang & Northern Laos

Luang Prabang & Northern Laos: Route Guide

Last updated:

Kuang Si's turquoise pools stepping through the forest
Photo: Basile Morin · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Northern Laos moves at the Mekong's pace. Monks file through Luang Prabang at dawn, the Kuang Si falls pour over blue travertine steps, and Vang Vieng's karst country has grown from party town into the region's prettiest adventure base.

Luang Prabang & Northern Laos is a 340 km one-way journey (self-drive). It works best as 5–7 days; the plan below is the 6-day version for December, built from 282 verified places, with real road-routed transit times, opening hours and daylight checked.

5–7
days
340km
distance
3
Stops
282
curated stops

Plan your own version → 5-day plan · 6-day plan · 7-day plan · best time to go

The route

Luang Prabang→ 180 kmVang Vieng→ 160 kmVientiane

What you'll see

Wat Xieng Thong
Admire the intricate architecture of Luang Prabang's oldest monastery.
Luang Prabang
Xang Cave
Explore a well-lit cave with easy stairs and panoramic farm views.
Vang Vieng
Pha That Luang
Reverence the gleaming, three-layered golden stupa, Laos’ sacred heart.
Vientiane
Royal Palace National Museum
Stroll through opulent royal state and private rooms in this museum.
Luang Prabang
Tham Poukham (Blue Lagoon)
Swim in crystal-clear waters and feed carp in the tranquil lagoon.
Vang Vieng
Patuxai
Marvel at this grand, Buddhist-adorned monument towering above.
Vientiane
Phou Si Hill
Take in panoramic city views from the summit of this sacred hill.
Luang Prabang
Padeng Cave and Ring Cave
Climb rickety ladders to explore limestone caves and scenic mountain paths.
Vang Vieng

Choose your length

5-day plan28 stops · 10.8 h transit5.6 stops/day · 2.2 h transit/daySee the full plan →6-day plan36 stops · 12.2 h transit6 stops/day · 2 h transit/daySee the full plan →7-day plan41 stops · 14.8 h transit5.9 stops/day · 2.1 h transit/daySee the full plan →

When to go

Best months: January, February, November, December

Dry season: alms-giving dawns in Luang Prabang and blue lagoons at Vang Vieng — the classic window.

See the month-by-month breakdown →

Similar journeys

Plan your own version →