25 Oct 2026
Twin share
£830pp
Single from £1,065
Escorted tour
Highlights of Laos by Train: Vientiane to Luang Prabang – 8 Days
Laos by high-speed train, from the capital to the temples of Luang Prabang.
8 days
From £730
Tour overview
This 8-day trip explores Laos at an easy pace, travelling on the new Laos–China railway, with a tour leader and a group of four to sixteen. You stay seven nights in comfortable hotels with breakfast daily.
In Vientiane you see the Victory Gate, the golden That Luang stupa and Wat Sisaket, then ride the train north to Vang Vieng, set among limestone peaks on the Nam Song River, with a free day for caves or kayaking.
Read more
A second train journey brings you to Luang Prabang, a UNESCO-listed town of temples and French colonial houses. You climb Mount Phousi at sunset, visit Wat Xieng Thong and the Royal Palace, and take a long-tail boat up the Mekong to the Pak Ou Caves.
You can watch the dawn alms-giving and swim at the turquoise Kuang Si Falls. The physical rating is low.
Trip highlights
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That Luang, Vientiane (Day 2)
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The train to Vang Vieng (Day 3)
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Sunset on Mount Phousi (Day 5)
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The Pak Ou Caves by boat (Day 6)
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The morning alms-giving (Day 7)
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Kuang Si Falls (Day 7)
Your route
5 stops from Vientiane to Kuang Si Waterfalls
- Vientiane Days 1–2
- Vang Vieng Days 3–4
- Luang Prabang Days 5–8
- Pak Ou Caves Day 6
- Kuang Si Waterfalls Day 7
Why choose this tour
Fast, scenic train journeys between towns. Three nights in Luang Prabang.
Best suited to
- First-time visitors to Laos
- Culture seekers
- Solo travellers
- Travellers who like an easy pace
Day-by-day itinerary
8 days from Vientiane, Laos to Luang Prabang, Laos
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Day 1 · Vientiane Vientiane
Welcome to Laos.
- Hotel
- Sabaidee @ Lao Hotel or similar
-
Day 2 · Victory Gate, That Luang, Wat Sisaket Vientiane
Vientiane's sights.
- Hotel
- Sabaidee @ Lao Hotel or similar
- Meals
- Breakfast
-
Day 3 · Vang Vieng Vang Vieng
Train to Vang Vieng.
- Hotel
- Silver Naga Hotel or similar
- Meals
- Breakfast
-
Day 4 · Nam Song River Vang Vieng
A free day.
- Hotel
- Silver Naga Hotel or similar
- Meals
- Breakfast
-
Day 5 · Luang Prabang, Mount Phousi Luang Prabang
Train to Luang Prabang.
- Hotel
- Sala Prabang Hotel or similar
- Meals
- Breakfast
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Day 6 · Wat Xieng Thong, Pak Ou Caves Luang Prabang
Temples and caves.
- Hotel
- Sala Prabang Hotel or similar
- Meals
- Breakfast
-
Day 7 · Kuang Si Falls Luang Prabang
Alms and waterfalls.
- Hotel
- Sala Prabang Hotel or similar
- Meals
- Breakfast
-
Day 8 · Luang Prabang Luang Prabang
The trip ends.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Where you stay
- Vientiane (2 nights) Sabaidee @ Lao Hotel or similar
- Vang Vieng (2 nights) Silver Naga Hotel or similar
- Luang Prabang (3 nights) Sala Prabang Hotel or similar
Hotel names are indicative and may be replaced with a property of similar standard and location.
What's included
Included
- Accommodation 7 nights in hotels
- Meals 7 breakfasts
- Train travel Vientiane–Vang Vieng–Luang Prabang
- City tours of Vientiane and Luang Prabang
- Mekong boat trip to the Pak Ou Caves
- Kuang Si Falls
- Tour leader throughout
Not included
- Flights
- Meals not included 6 lunches and 7 dinners
- Laos visa
- Lunches and dinners
- Travel insurance and personal spending
This trip might not be for you if…
Honest disclaimer — please read
- You want an active adventure
- You want most meals included
- You want luxury hotels
- You want flights included — they are not
Good to know
Meals by day
Breakfast: Days 2–8 · Lunch: none included · Dinner: none included
FCDO advice
UK FCDO travel advice for Laos
In pictures
Departures & prices
From £730 per person, twin share, tour only. 13 upcoming departures.
01 Nov 2026
Twin share
£730pp
Single from £955
15 Nov 2026
Twin share
£930pp
Single from £1,155
06 Dec 2026
Twin share
£830pp
Single from £1,055
28 Feb 2027
Twin share
£849pp
Single from £1,118
07 Mar 2027
Twin share
£849pp
Single from £1,118
18 Jul 2027
Twin share
£849pp
Single from £1,118
26 Sept 2027
Twin share
£849pp
Single from £1,118
10 Oct 2027
Twin share
£849pp
Single from £1,118
24 Oct 2027
Twin share
£849pp
Single from £1,118
03 Nov 2027
Twin share
£849pp
Single from £1,118
14 Nov 2027
Twin share
£849pp
Single from £1,118
12 Dec 2027
Twin share
£849pp
Single from £1,118
Frequently asked questions
How do I book this tour?
Tap any "Enquire" button on the page and one of our travel specialists will be in touch within 24 hours (often same day). We'll confirm availability on your preferred date, run through anything you need to know, and only ask for the deposit once you've decided.
What financial protection do I get?
Every Travelisto booking is 100% financially protected. Your money is held in a ring-fenced Trust account until you return from your trip, and we are members of the Protected Trust Services scheme (PTS 6035). Most tours also include ATOL protection where flights are part of the package.
Do I need a visa for Laos?
Yes, UK citizens need a visa, available on arrival or as an e-visa before travel.
What is the train like?
The modern Laos–China railway, with comfortable reserved seats; journeys take one to two hours.
Which meals are included?
7 breakfasts.
Can I have my own room?
A single supplement may be available; otherwise solo travellers share with someone of the same gender.
How many people travel together?
Between four and sixteen, with a tour leader.
Can you tailor the trip?
Yes — every escorted tour can be modified into a private tailor-made version with your own dates, adjusted pace, upgraded hotels and add-on extensions. Tell us what you'd like changed when you enquire and we'll quote it both ways so you can compare.
What if my flight is delayed or cancelled?
If your international flight is part of your booking through us, we re-book at no cost. If you've booked flights separately, the tour's local team holds your transfer slot until you arrive. We strongly recommend a comprehensive travel insurance policy that includes delay and cancellation cover.
ATOL protected
100% financially protected in a Trust bank account
PTS 6035
4.7 on Trustpilot
Tailor-made option
Not quite the right fit? Make it tailor-made.
If this group tour doesn't match your ideal trip, our specialists will turn it into a private tailor-made journey — your own dates, your own pace, upgraded hotels where you want them, and the parts you don't love swapped out. Same destinations, just rebuilt around you.
Contact us for a tailor-made version of this itinerary