Laos by Rail: Vientiane, Vang Vieng & Luang Prabang
Tour overview
The modern Laos–China Railway has made Laos easier than ever. In 7 Nights / 8 Days you travel by comfortable high-speed train from the relaxed capital Vientiane to the karst landscapes of Vang Vieng — kayaking, caves and an optional hot-air balloon — and on to the golden temples and waterfalls of Luang Prabang.
- Laos–China Railway journeys (about 1 hour each)
- Pha That Luang and the Buddha Park in Vientiane
- Kayaking on the Nam Song and the Blue Lagoon in Vang Vieng
- Optional hot-air balloon over the karsts
- Alms-giving, Mount Phousi and Kuang Si Falls
Day-by-day itinerary
VientianeDay 01 · Arrival in Vientiane
Day 01 · Arrival in Vientiane
Airport pick-up and transfer to your hotel. Sunset stroll along the Mekong riverfront and its night market.
VientianeDay 02 · Vientiane Highlights
Day 02 · Vientiane Highlights
Pha That Luang, Wat Si Saket, the Patuxai monument and the COPE visitor centre, then the eccentric Buddha Park by the river.
Vang ViengDay 03 · Train to Vang Vieng
Day 03 · Train to Vang Vieng
Morning train to Vang Vieng (about 1 hour). Afternoon at the Blue Lagoon and Tham Phu Kham cave.
Vang ViengDay 04 · Kayaking the Nam Song
Day 04 · Kayaking the Nam Song
Kayak down the Nam Song river past limestone peaks and visit a water cave by tube. Optional sunrise hot-air balloon flight.
Luang PrabangDay 05 · Train to Luang Prabang
Day 05 · Train to Luang Prabang
Train to Luang Prabang (about 1 hour), then climb Mount Phousi for sunset over the town.
Luang PrabangDay 06 · Temples & the Mekong
Day 06 · Temples & the Mekong
Morning alms-giving (observed respectfully), Wat Xieng Thong and a boat trip to the Pak Ou caves. Farewell Lao dinner.
Luang PrabangDay 07 · Kuang Si Falls
Day 07 · Kuang Si Falls
Swim at Kuang Si Falls and visit a local weaving centre. Free evening at the night market.
Departure dayDay 08 · Departure
Day 08 · Departure
Transfer to Luang Prabang International Airport.
What's included & not included
What's Included
- 7 nights in handpicked 4★ hotels
- Daily breakfast, 4 lunches and 1 dinner
- Train tickets Vientiane – Vang Vieng – Luang Prabang
- Private transfers and touring
- English-speaking guides and tour manager
- Kayaking and entrance fees in the itinerary
What's Not Included
- International flights from Europe
- Visa fees (we advise on the latest rules for your passport)
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Personal expenses, tips and drinks
- Anything not mentioned under inclusions
Hotel details
| Hotel name | City | Stars | Room type | Nights |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Riverside Hotel Vientiane (or similar) | Vientiane | Deluxe Room | 2 Nights | |
| Karst View Resort (or similar) | Vang Vieng | Mountain View Room | 2 Nights | |
| Heritage Villa Luang Prabang (or similar) | Luang Prabang | Deluxe Room | 3 Nights |
Hotels are confirmed at the time of booking; equivalent hotels may be offered depending on availability.
Important info
Train tickets sell out quickly in high season and require passport details — we book them for you. Best season: November to March. The hot-air balloon flight in Vang Vieng is optional and weather-dependent.
Travellers who loved this trip
“Eleven days, three regions, zero stress. Paying in euros to a European company gave us real peace of mind.”
“Our guide knew exactly when to visit each temple to avoid crowds. Angkor at sunrise was breathtaking.”
“Laos was the calm surprise of our Asia trip. The alms ceremony was deeply moving and beautifully explained.”
“Great value and a lovely driver-guide. We would book Eurasia DMC again for our next Asia holiday.”
“India can be overwhelming, but with private drivers and great guides it felt easy and fascinating.”
Questions about this package
How do I confirm my booking?
Send us an enquiry or message us on WhatsApp. Your travel consultant will share the final itinerary, payment details and confirmation voucher.
Can packages be customised for families or groups?
Yes. Every itinerary can be adjusted to your flight times, pace, budget and hotel preferences — or built from scratch.
What is your cancellation policy?
Cancellations made 7 days before travel receive a full refund minus administrative fees and any non-refundable supplier costs. Full details are on our Refund & Cancellation Policy page.
Are international flights included?
International flights from Europe are not included by default, but we are happy to advise on the best routes.
What is included in the package price?
Each package lists exactly what's included and excluded. Typically hotels, breakfast, transfers, guided sightseeing and entrance fees are included.