This 5-day journey offers a well-balanced introduction to Laos, connecting its two most important cultural centers: Luang Prabang and Vientiane. The itinerary combines UNESCO-listed heritage, spiritual landmarks, scenic river landscapes and everyday local life, with comfortable travel by high-speed train between the north and the capital. Carefully paced and easy to follow, the tour focuses on Laos’ essential highlights without demanding activities, making it ideal for first-time visitors seeking a clear and meaningful overview of the country.
Arrival at Luang Prabang airport, pick-up by our driver, then transfer to your hotel.
Luang Prabang, the former and first capital of the Kingdom of Lane Xang, is also the spiritual heart of Laos. The city charms visitors with its colonial architecture blended with local traditions and its peaceful atmosphere.
Free time to relax or explore the surroundings at your own pace. Lunch and dinner are at your own expense (not included). Overnight in Luang Prabang.
Option: Early in the morning, at dawn, you can witness a unique ritual – the monks’ alms-giving procession. In silent lines, they walk through the streets to receive offerings from the faithful – a deeply spiritual moment.
8:00: Depart for the Luang Prabang peninsula, where the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers meet. Board your private longtail boat for a peaceful two-hour cruise along the Mekong, passing limestone cliffs and forested riverbanks.
Visit the Pak Ou Caves, nestled in a cliffside overlooking the river. These natural sanctuaries house thousands of Buddha statues, left by pilgrims over the centuries. It is a deeply sacred site, revered by the Lao people.
Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.
In the afternoon, depart for Kuang Si Waterfalls, located 32 km from the city. These stunning tiered falls feature turquoise pools ideal for swimming. It is one of the most beautiful natural sites in the region.
On the way back, stop at Ban Tha Pan village, inhabited by the Kamu ethnic group, for a moment of exchange about their traditional lifestyle, farming techniques, and handicrafts.
Then, discover Ban Ou village, home to the Lao Loum, the majority ethnic group, known for their hospitality and Buddhist religious practices.
Dinner is at your own expense (not included). Overnight in Luang Prabang.
Free time for your own exploration or to wander through the peaceful lanes of Luang Prabang.
Transfer to Luang Prabang train station to board the high-speed train to Vientiane (without guide). This modern and comfortable mode of transport offers a swift journey through stunning mountain scenery.
Upon arriving at Vientiane Railway Station, you'll be greeted by our local driver and transferred to your hotel in town.
Free time to relax or explore the surroundings at your own pace. Lunch and dinner are at your own expense (not included). Overnight in Vientiane.
8:00: Breakfast at the hotel, then set off to explore Vientiane.
First stop: Vat Sisaket, built in 1818, famous for its thousands of Buddha statues carefully arranged in wall niches. It is one of the few temples that survived the Siamese invasion of 1828.
Right across the street, visit Ho Phra Keo, a former royal chapel turned museum. This prestigious site once housed the Emerald Buddha, now revered in Bangkok. Its refined architecture makes it a gem of Lao religious art.
Make a short stop at Patuxai, the Lao-style triumphal arch built in 1959 as a tribute to war victims. From the top, you can enjoy a beautiful panoramic view of the city.
Continue to That Luang, the great golden stupa and spiritual symbol of the country. Founded in the 16th century by King Setthathirath, this sacred monument represents both the nation’s independence and the Lao people's Buddhist faith.
Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.
In the afternoon, visit Wat Simuang, considered the most revered temple in the city. It is well known for granting the wishes of its devotees.
Then head to the Buddha Park, an unusual spiritual site home to over 200 religious statues, some with strange and fantastical shapes, blending Buddhist and Hindu imagery in a peaceful riverside setting along the Mekong.
A stop at the Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge, located 25 km south of Vientiane, offers a glimpse of this symbolic gateway between the two countries.
Dinner is at your own expense. Overnight in Vientiane.
Free time until the transfer (without guide) to the airport for your departure flight.
Traveling with more than 8 people? You can select a different group size in the next step.
Group Size 9+Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your date of arrival in Vietnam and contain a minimum of two blank pages.
French citizens, as well as nationals of 12 other countries (including Japan, South Korea, the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, and Spain), may enter Vietnam without a visa for stays of up to 45 days. If you plan to stay longer, or if your nationality is not eligible for this exemption, please check with the nearest Vietnamese embassy or consulate, or feel free to contact us for further information.
International flights are not included in the price of our tours. You are free to choose and book the flights that best suit your needs and schedule. If you wish, our travel consultants can assist you in finding the best available options.
Valid travel insurance is mandatory to participate in the tour. It must cover the following:
Before departure, please provide us with the following information:
Please check whether your credit card already provides coverage and consider purchasing additional insurance if necessary.
Spring (February to April) and autumn (September to December) are the most pleasant seasons to visit Vietnam, with mild weather and limited rainfall. However, the country stretches over more than 1,600 km, and weather conditions vary significantly. Vietnam can be visited year-round:
Please pack clothing suitable for each region according to your itinerary.
Vietnam operates on GMT+7 year-round. There is no seasonal time change.
The local currency is the Vietnamese Dong (VND). US dollars and euros are sometimes accepted in hotels, but this is not guaranteed.
Tip: Avoid using old, damaged, or torn banknotes, as they are often refused for payment.
If your tour includes domestic flights, the exact schedules, flight numbers, and relevant details will be provided in your travel documents.
Please arrive at the airport at least 2 hours before departure, bringing your passport and electronic ticket (or booking reference).
Baggage: Checked baggage allowance generally ranges between 20 kg and 23 kg, depending on the airline. Cabin baggage is usually limited to 7 kg.
Attention: Additional fees may apply if you exceed the permitted limits. We recommend checking the specific conditions of each airline (Vietnam Airlines, VietJet Air, Bamboo Airways, etc.) before your flight.
Flight schedules are subject to change by the airline. We will keep you informed in case of any updates.
If you have a connecting domestic flight in Vietnam, please follow these steps upon arrival:
Airport staff are generally available to assist you if needed. Do not hesitate to ask for help.
Recommended connection time: minimum 2 hours 30 minutes
This allows sufficient time for possible flight delays, queues at immigration and customs, and transfers between terminals.
Practical tip: At major airports such as Hanoi (Noi Bai) or Ho Chi Minh City (Tan Son Nhat), domestic and international terminals are not always located in the same building. Please allow ample time and follow the signs upon arrival.
No mandatory vaccinations are required to enter Vietnam.
However, health authorities recommend the following vaccinations, especially for long stays or travel in rural areas:
If you are undergoing regular medical treatment, please ensure you bring a sufficient supply of medication for the entire duration of your stay.
Do not forget to carry your prescription, preferably in English, to facilitate any checks or medical consultations on site.
The risk of malaria is very low in Vietnam’s main tourist areas, including Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Ninh Binh, Mai Chau, Pu Luong, Hue, Hoi An, Da Nang, Ho Chi Minh City, and the tourist areas of the Mekong Delta. No malaria prophylaxis is generally recommended for these regions.
However, if you plan to travel to remote rural, forested, or mountainous areas (for example, Muong Te in Lai Chau, certain border or isolated areas of the northern highlands, or deep areas of the Mekong), you should consult a doctor or a travel medicine clinic to assess the need for preventive treatment.
Tips to protect yourself from mosquito bites
Upon your arrival in Vietnam, our driver will be waiting for you at the airport exit, holding a sign displaying: “IZITOUR – [Your name]”.
Please take a moment to carefully check the signs at the arrival exit. If you have any difficulty locating our driver, do not hesitate to contact our assistance team, available 24/7, at the following number:
+84 382 536 266 (direct call or WhatsApp available).
Practical tip: Make sure your phone is activated for international calls or internet access upon arrival to facilitate communication if needed.
Note: At some airports, several drivers may be waiting at the exit. If you do not immediately find our representative, please remain in the meeting area and contact us — we will assist you promptly.
Our small-group tours generally bring together between 4 and 7 participants. You will travel alongside people from diverse backgrounds, with different nationalities, cultures, and ages. This is a great opportunity to share experiences, exchange perspectives, and build meaningful connections throughout the journey.
To ensure that all planned activities run smoothly, punctuality is essential. Please respect the schedules communicated by your local guide to guarantee an enjoyable and seamless experience for the entire group.
For group tours, room allocation is based on the gender indicated on your passport. By default, you will share a twin room with a traveler of the same gender.
You will be accommodated in a single room in the following cases:
In both cases, a single supplement applies. Please contact your travel consultant to check availability and the exact supplement amount.
Note: This supplement does not apply to train cabins, which include four berths per compartment.
