The Best of Cambodia & Laos

2 THE BEST OF LAOS IN 1 WEEK
Although infrastructure in Laos is vastly improved, traveling can still be a little rough. If
you have only a week, it is probably best to confine yourself to Vientiane, Vang Vieng,
and Luang Prabang.
Day 1: Vientiane
After arriving in Vientiane, start the day
by visiting the city’s oldest temple, Wat Si
Saket (p. 231). Check out the thousands
of miniature Buddha statues. Then head
for the former royal temple of Haw Pha
Kaeo (p. 228), which previously housed
the famous emerald Buddha image that is
now in Bangkok. On the way to the
famous and sacred structure of Phra That
Luang (p. 230), you can stop to take a
look at the imposing Patuxai Monument
(p. 230), a huge structure very closely
echoing the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. As
the sun goes down, make your way to the
Mekong for a relaxing drink before enjoying
a meal at one of the many superb restaurants
the city has to offer.
Day 2: Vang Vieng
Travel by road to Vang Vieng, possibly
making a stop at the 11th-century archaeological
sight of Vang Xang. Upon arrival at
Vang Vieng, you can cross the Nam Song
River, and then enjoy a short walk or trek
through the breathtaking and eerie karsk
scenery to Tam None cave and the nearby
hill villages. Today ends with a glorious
view of the sunset over the Nam Song
River. Enjoy a quiet dinner in one of the
restaurants in town, although in all honesty
Vang Vieng is a little disappointing on the
food front. Pick one by the river, near the
hospital unless you like noise.
Day 3: Tubing on the Nam Song
River
Have a relaxing and watery day drifting
down the Nam Song river on inflated
tractor-tire inner tubes. This has become a
must-do in Vang Vieng over the years.
Day 4: Driving on Rte. 13
Travel by road on the truly spectacular
Rte. 13 to Luang Prabang. It is one of
Asia’s most beautiful drives. You will need
to start early. The scenery is unrivaled,
with a mixture of steep terraced fields and
hill-tribe villages, and there are some interesting
stops along the way.
Day 5: Luang Prabang
Spend the day wandering the spellbinding
city of Luang Prabang, enjoying the faded
colonial charm of the place including the
city’s oldest temple, the magnificent Wat
Xieng Thong (p. 278). In the afternoon,
take a cruise on the Mekong River, enjoying
the special tranquillity of the area, and
visit the mysterious Pak Ou Caves,
crammed with thousands of gold Buddha
statues (p. 280). Along the way, make a
stop at the village of Ban Xang Hai,
known as Lao Whiskey village for their
local moonshine (p. 281). Once back in
Luang Prabang, take a short drive to Ban
Phanom, well known for its hand weaving
(p. 280). In the evening, wander through
the night market where handicrafts, jewelry,
and souvenirs of all sorts amount to a
shopper’s nirvana.
Day 6: More Highlights of Luang
Prabang
Visit the Royal Palace Museum (p. 270),
which houses a superb collection of Lao
cultural artifacts dating from the days of
the early kings right through to the last
one. Then take a look at the impressive
stupa of Wat Visoun (p. 278), the shrine
of Wat Aham, then climb up to the top of
Phousi Hill for an exploration of the
sacred, gilded stupa, and a beautiful sunset
view of the city and the Mekong River.
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SUGGESTED CAMBODIA & LAOS ITINERARIES 4
THE BEST OF LAOS IN 1 WEEK