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Luang Prabang & Northern Laos: 5-Day Plan You Can Actually Drive

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The 5-day version for December: every day fits real transit, opening hours and daylight. Prefer more or fewer days? 5-day plan · 6-day plan · 7-day plan · best time to go.

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5
days
340 km
distance
10.8 h
driving
28
curated stops

💡 Good to know for this plan

Day 1 Luang Prabang

3 curated stops
Transit
4h53
Finish
~17:30
Temperature
13.1°C–25.4°C
Rainy days
~1
Daylight
10.9h
09:00
Kuang Si Falls read more map ↗
Marvel at turquoise waters cascading over limestone terraces.
50 min · Luang Prabang · Foreigners: 60,000 kip, Lao nationals: 10,000 kip
open: 08:00-17:30
11:05
Wat Xieng Thong read more map ↗
Admire the intricate architecture of Luang Prabang's oldest monastery.
50 min · Luang Prabang · Foreigners: 30,000 kip, Lao nationals: 5,000 kip
open: 06:00-18:00
13:05
Pak Ou Caves read more map ↗
Discover serene Buddha-filled caves along the tranquil Mekong river.
50 min · Luang Prabang · 20,000 kip
13:55
Bamboo Garden Restaurant search map ↗
Savor affordable, delicious Lao cuisine loved by locals and expats.
60 min · Luang Prabang · 40-60,000 kip
open: 08:00-23:00
Overnight: Vang Vieng
e.g. Central Hotel (formerly Vang Vieng Central Backpackers) · Nam Song Garden
Find a stay → Tours & tickets for the evening → More on Klook →

Day 2 Around Vang Vieng

6 curated stops
Transit
2h00
Finish
~17:50
Temperature
13.1°C–25.4°C
Rainy days
~1
Daylight
10.9h
09:00
Tham Poukham (Blue Lagoon) search map ↗
Swim in crystal-clear waters and feed carp in the tranquil lagoon.
50 min · Vang Vieng · 10,000k entry
open: 08:00-18:00
10:00
Sunset Hill / Pha Ngeun search map ↗
Hike steep trails for breathtaking 360° views of valleys and karst mountains.
50 min · Vang Vieng · 10,000 kip
11:00
Bicycle drink stop towards Blue Lagoon search map ↗
Refuel with drinks and snacks on a scenic hill en route to adventures.
50 min · Vang Vieng
12:00
Padeng Cave and Ring Cave search map ↗
Climb rickety ladders to explore limestone caves and scenic mountain paths.
50 min · Vang Vieng · 10,000 kip for the hill, 10,000 kip for the cave, 50,000 kip for a guide and 50,000 kip to rent a torch
13:25
Nang Oua Kham Cave search map ↗
Walk through a spacious, muddy cave with easy paths and natural light.
50 min · Vang Vieng · 10,000 kip
15:20
Tham Nam Cave (the Water Cave) search map ↗
Tube through a massive cave, following ropes, and end with a zipline.
90 min · Vang Vieng · 10,000 kip for tube and head torch, 10,000 kip to cross the bridge (although you can swim across the river), 3,000 kip for parking a motorbike or a bicycle
16:50
The Green Restaurant search map ↗
Enjoy a view and varied breakfast with Western and Lao flavors.
60 min · Vang Vieng · pizza costs 150k kip
open: 06:30 - 23:00
Overnight here
e.g. Central Hotel (formerly Vang Vieng Central Backpackers) · Nam Song Garden
Find a stay → Tours & tickets for the evening → More on Klook →

Day 3 Around Vang Vieng

3 curated stops
Transit
0h24
Finish
~14:30
Temperature
13.1°C–25.4°C
Rainy days
~1
Daylight
10.9h
09:00
Xang Cave search
Explore a well-lit cave with easy stairs and panoramic farm views.
50 min · Vang Vieng
10:05
River Swings search
Swing high over the river, but beware of the risks involved.
90 min · Vang Vieng
12:00
Tubing search map ↗
Float down the river with majestic mountain views, ideally starting early.
90 min · Vang Vieng · 55,000 kip for the tube + 60,000 kip deposit
open: 12:00-14:00 is a reasonable time to go because earlier everyone else would be still asleep
13:30
Vangvieng Food Court search map ↗
Choose from many cheap food and drink options, including affordable beer.
60 min · Vang Vieng
Overnight here
e.g. Central Hotel (formerly Vang Vieng Central Backpackers) · Nam Song Garden
Find a stay → Tours & tickets for the evening → More on Klook →

Day 4 Vientiane

6 curated stops
Transit
2h44
Finish
~17:05
Temperature
14.5°C–26.8°C
Rainy days
~1
Daylight
10.9h
11:00
Pha That Luang read more map ↗
Reverence the gleaming, three-layered golden stupa, Laos’ sacred heart.
50 min · Vientiane · 10,000 kip
open: Daily 08:00-17:00
12:00
Patuxai read more map ↗
Marvel at this grand, Buddhist-adorned monument towering above.
50 min · Vientiane · 3,000 kip (to climb)
open: 08:00-17:00
13:00
Wat Si Saket read more map ↗
Immerse in the serene, ancient atmosphere of Vientiane’s oldest temple.
50 min · Vientiane · 5,000 kip
14:00
Wat Si Muang read more map ↗
Witness the lively devotion as followers lift the small Buddha statue.
50 min · Vientiane · Free
15:00
Black Stupa read more map ↗
Feel the ancient aura of the dragon-protected stupa, veiled in greenery.
50 min · Vientiane
16:15
Lao National Museum read more map ↗
Admire artifacts showcasing Laos’ rich prehistoric and cultural history.
50 min · Vientiane · 30,000 Kip for foreigners, 5,000 Kip for Lao nationals
Overnight here
Find a stay → Tours & tickets for the evening → More on Klook →

Day 5 Around Vientiane

6 curated stops
Transit
0h44
Finish
~16:40
Temperature
14.5°C–26.8°C
Rainy days
~1
Daylight
10.9h
09:00
Kaysone Phomvihane Museum read more map ↗
Explore exhibits celebrating the life of Laos' war hero.
50 min · Vientiane · 5,000 kip
open: Tu-Su 08:00-12:00, 13:00-16:00
10:05
Lao Textile Museum search map ↗
Savor unique teas while watching traditional weaving in action.
50 min · Vientiane · 30,000 kip
open: 09:00-16:00 daily
11:10
Wats Onteu, Inpeng, Mixay & Haisok search map ↗
Discover the city’s most visited temples, rich in spiritual heritage.
50 min · Vientiane
12:10
Hire a bicycle from Lao Bike search map ↗
Rent a good-quality bicycle to explore the region freely and comfortably.
90 min · Vientiane · US$2-6 per day
13:50
Presidential Palace search map ↗
Gaze at the beaux-arts architecture topped with a traditional Lao roof.
50 min · Vientiane
14:50
Hophakaew Museum search map ↗
Appreciate the elegant structure of this former royal temple.
50 min · Vientiane · 10,000 kip
15:40
Along the river search
Unwind with a beer and meal as the sun sets over the river.
60 min · Vientiane

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Every stop is a real, sourced place, but opening hours change, roads close and businesses move. Check anything you're paying for before you book.

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