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Luang Prabang & Northern Laos — a 7-Day Plan You Can Actually Drive
The 7-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.
7
days
179 km
distance
4.5 h
driving
49
curated stops
💡 Good to know for this plan
- Dry season: alms-giving dawns in Luang Prabang and blue lagoons at Vang Vieng — the classic window.
Day 1 Luang Prabang
🌡 2.1–32.1°C · 🌧 ~2 rain days · ☀ 10.8h light
09:00
Ock Pop Tok Living Craft Centrelocal & traditionalmuseums & heritagecraft beer & pubscoffee & bakes
Watch skilled artisans weave and dye, creating traditional textiles.
50 min · Luang Prabang
09:50
Traditional Arts and Ethnology Centrelocal & traditionalmuseums & heritagecoffee & bakes
Explore Laos' rich ethnic cultures and traditions in this small museum.
50 min · Luang Prabang · 30,000 kip
10:40
Heuan Chan Heritage Housemuseums & heritagecoffee & bakes
Step into history in a preserved pre-colonisation home with crafting demos.
50 min · Luang Prabang · 30,000 kip
open: 09:00-17:00
11:30
Royal Palace National Museummuseums & heritage
Stroll through opulent royal state and private rooms in this museum.
50 min · Luang Prabang · 30,000 kip
open: 08:00-11:30 and 13:30-16:00
12:20
UXO Lao Visitor Centremuseums & heritage
Grasp the impact of unexploded ordnance through exhibits and films.
50 min · Luang Prabang · Free (donation box)
open: M–F 08:00–12:00 and 13:00–16:00
13:10
Nava Mekong Cruiseslocal & traditional
Savor delicious meals while gliding along the serene Mekong River.
90 min · Luang Prabang · US$25-30
open: 10:00-14:00 & 17:00-19:00
14:40
Hmong Night Marketlocal & traditionalbudget eats
Sample dubious but budget-friendly street food.
60 min · Luang Prabang
open: 17:00-22:00
18:30
Books and Tea L'Etrangercraft beer & pubscoffee & bakes
Relax with a drink, book, or movie in a cushion-filled room.
75 min · Luang Prabang
Overnight: Luang Prabang
e.g. Wat That Guest House & Mala Dressmaker · Mekong River View
Day 2 Around Luang Prabang
🌡 2.1–32.1°C · 🌧 ~2 rain days · ☀ 10.8h light
09:00
Phou Si Hillmuseums & heritage
Take in panoramic city views from the summit of this sacred hill.
50 min · Luang Prabang · 20,000 kip (children free)
09:50
Bear Rescue Centremuseums & heritage
Visit rescued bears in peaceful enclosures at this charitable center.
50 min · Luang Prabang · No entrance fee but donations welcomed
10:40
P 70 Pottery, Cooking and Candle Making Classeslocal & traditional
Create pottery, cook tasty dishes, and make candles in a charming setting.
90 min · Luang Prabang · Half-day course for US$37 per person
12:10
Lao Red Cross Saunalocal & traditional
Feel the warmth and relaxation in a traditional Lao sauna.
90 min · Luang Prabang · 1-hour massage 150,000 kip, massage with
open: 09:00-21:00
13:40
Tamnak Laolocal & traditional
Learn to cook flavorful Lao dishes with expert guidance.
90 min · Luang Prabang · 200,000-250,000 kip
open: 10:00-17:00, 17:30-20:30
15:10
Viewpoint Café and Restaurantcoffee & bakes
Dine on high-quality Lao and Western comfort food with a view.
90 min · Luang Prabang
open: 07:00-23:00
16:40
Bamboo Garden Restaurantbudget eats
Savor affordable, delicious Lao cuisine loved by locals and expats.
60 min · Luang Prabang · 40-60,000 kip
open: 08:00-23:00
Overnight: Luang Prabang
e.g. Wat That Guest House & Mala Dressmaker · Mekong River View
Day 3 Around Luang Prabang
🌡 2.1–32.1°C · 🌧 ~2 rain days · ☀ 10.8h light
09:00
Lenou's Librarymuseums & heritage
Enjoy quiet reading and warm hospitality in a village library.
90 min · Luang Prabang
10:30
Rent a motorbikelocal & traditional
Experience the wind rushing past as you explore lush countryside roads.
90 min · Luang Prabang · US$20-25 per day
12:00
Living Land Farmlocal & traditional
Discover organic rice fields and traditional farming tools on a peaceful farm.
90 min · Luang Prabang
13:30
Kuang Si Butterfly Park
Wander among vibrant butterflies in a lush garden near the falls.
50 min · Luang Prabang · $10
open: 11:00-16:00, closed Thursdays
14:20
Pak Ou Caves
Discover serene Buddha-filled caves along the tranquil Mekong river.
50 min · Luang Prabang · 20,000 kip
15:10
Tad Sae Waterfalls
Relax by beautiful tiered waterfalls and enjoy a refreshing bath.
50 min · Luang Prabang · 15,000 kip
16:00
Joma Bakery Cafecoffee & bakes
Enjoy great music, free Wi-Fi, and delicious baked goods.
60 min · Luang Prabang
open: 07:00-21:00
Overnight: Luang Prabang
e.g. Wat That Guest House & Mala Dressmaker · Mekong River View
Day 4 Vang Vieng
🌡 2.9–32.6°C · 🌧 ~1 rain days · ☀ 10.9h light
11:31
Tham Poukham (Blue Lagoon)swimming & baths
Swim in crystal-clear waters and feed carp in the tranquil lagoon.
50 min · Vang Vieng · 10,000k entry
open: 08:00-18:00
12:21
Tubinglocal & traditional
Float down the river with majestic mountain views, ideally starting early.
90 min · Vang Vieng · 55,000 kip for the tube + 60,000 kip dep
open: 12:00-14:00 is a reasonable time to go because earlier everyone else w
13:51
Bicycle drink stop towards Blue Lagoonswimming & baths
Refuel with drinks and snacks on a scenic hill en route to adventures.
50 min · Vang Vieng
14:41
Nang Oua Kham Caveswimming & baths
Walk through a spacious, muddy cave with easy paths and natural light.
50 min · Vang Vieng · 10,000 kip
15:31
Teach English to local children with SAE Laolocal & traditional
Share your knowledge and connect with local children in afterschool English classes.
90 min · Vang Vieng
18:30
Vangvieng Food Courtlocal & traditionalcraft beer & pubsbudget eats
Choose from many cheap food and drink options, including affordable beer.
75 min · Vang Vieng
Overnight: Vang Vieng
e.g. Central Hotel (formerly Vang Vieng Central Backpackers) · Champa Lao Bungalow
Day 5 Around Vang Vieng
🌡 2.9–32.6°C · 🌧 ~1 rain days · ☀ 10.9h light
09:00
Organic Farmlocal & traditional
Volunteer in a quiet, noise-free organic farm by the river.
90 min · Vang Vieng
10:30
Sae Lao Organic Garden & Restaurantswimming & baths
Visit an eco-friendly garden and restaurant committed to local conservation.
90 min · Vang Vieng
12:00
Padeng Cave and Ring Cave
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
12:50
Sunset Hill / Pha Ngeun
Hike steep trails for breathtaking 360° views of valleys and karst mountains.
50 min · Vang Vieng · 10,000 kip
13:40
Tham Nam Cave (the Water Cave)
Tube through a massive cave, following ropes, and end with a zipline.
90 min · Vang Vieng · 10,000 kip for tube and head torch, 10,0
15:10
Xang Cave
Explore a well-lit cave with easy stairs and panoramic farm views.
50 min · Vang Vieng
16:00
Gary's Irish Barlocal & traditionalcraft beer & pubs
60 min · Vang Vieng
Overnight: Vang Vieng
e.g. Central Hotel (formerly Vang Vieng Central Backpackers) · Champa Lao Bungalow
Day 6 Vientiane
🌡 5.6–35.3°C · 🌧 ~1 rain days · ☀ 10.9h light
10:57
Lao Textile Museumlocal & traditionalmuseums & heritage
Savor unique teas while watching traditional weaving in action.
50 min · Vientiane · 30,000 kip
open: 09:00-16:00 daily
11:47
Champakham Massage & Spalocal & traditionalswimming & baths
Relax with a traditional Lao massage in a private, tranquil cabin.
90 min · Vientiane
open: 09:00-22:00
13:17
COPE Visitor Centremuseums & heritage
Listen to stories of resilience and recovery from UXO survivors.
50 min · Vientiane · Free
open: 09:00-18:00
14:07
Kaysone Phomvihane Museummuseums & heritage
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
14:57
Patuxailocal & traditional
Marvel at this grand, Buddhist-adorned monument towering above.
50 min · Vientiane · 3,000 kip (to climb)
open: 08:00-17:00
15:47
Lao National Museummuseums & heritage
Admire artifacts showcasing Laos’ rich prehistoric and cultural history.
50 min · Vientiane · 30,000 Kip for foreigners, 5,000 Kip for
16:37
Chokdee Café Restaurant & Belgian Beer Barcraft beer & pubscoffee & bakes
Savour Belgian mussels and fries in a friendly, multilingual setting.
60 min · Vientiane
open: 10:00-23:30
Day 7 Around Vientiane
🌡 5.6–35.3°C · 🌧 ~1 rain days · ☀ 10.9h light
09:00
Presidential Palacelocal & traditional
Gaze at the beaux-arts architecture topped with a traditional Lao roof.
50 min · Vientiane
09:50
Hophakaew Museummuseums & heritage
Appreciate the elegant structure of this former royal temple.
50 min · Vientiane · 10,000 kip
10:40
Centre Medical de l’Ambassade de Francemuseums & heritage
Receive quality primary care and specialist services in a calm, English-speaking setting.
50 min · Vientiane · US$36 per consultation
open: 24/7
11:30
French Cultural Centremuseums & heritage
Enjoy French plays, films, and explore a cozy French library.
90 min · Vientiane
13:00
Monk Chatlocal & traditional
Engage in thoughtful conversations with local monks once a month.
90 min · Vientiane
14:30
Nam Ngum Lakelocal & traditional
Savor fresh lake fish at floating restaurants and enjoy relaxing lake cruises.
90 min · Vientiane
16:00
Ban Lao Beer Gardencraft beer & pubsbudget eats
Relax in a quiet garden with cheap Thai food and refreshing beers.
60 min · Vientiane