Suggested Laos Itinerary 4 Days. 4 days in Laos

Pack your Laos travel itinerary for 4 days and 3 nights: A journey of discovery from the capital Vientiane to the ancient capital Luang Prabang, from culture to nature exclusively for independent travelers!

Located on the legendary Mekong River, Laos is like a precious gem in the heart of Southeast Asia, attracting tourists with its sacred beauty and rich culture. On a 4-day, 3-night travel itienrary to Laos, from the capital Vieng Chan to the ancient capital Luang Prabang, from ancient temples to beautiful natural landscapes, each trip is like a very personal story, very unforgettable of this country. Let’s explore the beauty only found in the Land of a Million Elephants with Laos itinerary 4 days suggested by Klook below!

Day 1: Travel from Saigon to Vientiane and Explore the Capital

How to get from from Ho Chi Minh City to Vientiane?

Convenient and fast means of transportation from Ho Chi Minh City to Vieng Chan is by plane. You can choose between many airlines such as Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet Air, Lao Airlines, Cambodia Angkor Air,… If it is a direct flight, you can land at Wattay airport (Vientiane) in about 3 hours and 15 minutes).

After landing at Wattay airport – Vientiane, you will move to the central area. This journey takes about 20 minutes if you go by taxi to get to Vientiane city center.

To make traveling easier and save time, you and your family can rent a shuttle bus from Wattay International Airport (VTE) to Vientiane available on Klook.

On the afternoon of your first day in Vientiane, you can explore unique and culturally rich tourist attractions of Laos right in the center.

Patuxay Victory Monument

Patuxay is located in the city center, on Lane Xang avenue, which is one of the main streets of the capital. Patuxay is an important historical and cultural symbol of Vientiane, representing the pride and spirit of the Lao nation.

Overall, this architectural work is divided into 7 floors and 2 sub-floors. This monument is designed in traditional Lao architectural style, with curved lines and sophisticated motifs. In particular, you can see on the dome of the monument carved images and motifs representing typical images of the Land of a Million Elephants such as gods Vishnu and Brahma, three-headed elephant Erawan, kinnaree,…

• Address: Lane Xang Avenue, Vieng Chan
• Opening hours: 8:30 – 17:00
• Ticket price: 3000 Lao Kip

Great Stupa Pha That Luang

Pha That Luang is one of the most famous and sacred tourist attractions in Laos, located in the capital Vieng Chan. With its unique architecture and profound historical significance, the stupa has become a national symbol and an attractive destination for tourists from all over the world.

The most impressive point is the main stupa Pha That Luang which is completely covered with real gold leaf, creating a splendor, magnificence and strong visual stimulation for any visitor. The tower is 45m high with the highest peak covered with real gold. Around the tower there are 332 stylized Bodhi leaf images, nearly 30 large and small stupas, each stupa is gilded and honors the image of Buddha Shakyamuni during his 30 years of practice.

Interestingly, you can see the image of Pha That Luang on the 1,000 Kip banknote.

• Address: That Luang Village, Xaysettha District, Vieng Chan 0100 Laos
• Opening hours: 8:00 – 16:00
• Ticket price: Updated from July 2023: 50,000 Lao Kip

Wat Si Muang

From Pha That Luang, it is about 5 km to Wat Si Muang if you go by taxi or rent a car. Wat Si Muang was built in 1566 and is located at the intersection of Sethathirat and Samsenethai streets in Sisattanak district, Vientiane. This is a temple with a long history and is an inseparable part of the culture and religious beliefs of Lao people.

Si Muang temple is famous for its sacred pillar. The main Buddhist hall is the center of the temple, where important ceremonies are held. In addition, the pagoda has an area to worship Mother Si Muang to honor the woman who sacrificed her life to protect the country according to the legend of Chau Me Si Muang.

Evening is the ideal time to explore the vibrant atmosphere and delicious dishes in the capital Vientiane. A great suggestion for you is to use a Tuk Tuk to see the central streets at night and enjoy the rich culinary culture at the night markets.

Day 2: Vientiane – Luang Prabang and Cultural Experience at the Impressive Temples of the Ancient Capital (#Laos Itinerary 4 Days)

The second day of the 4-day, 3-night tour of Laos will take you from the capital Vientiane to the ancient city of Luang Prabang, which is known as the heart of Lao culture and religion.

Visit Wat Sisaket (#Laos Itinerary 4 Days)

Start your day by visiting Wat Sisaket, an ancient temple over 200 years old in Vientiane. This is a destination not to be missed for those who love the art and religion of the Land of a Million Elephants. | Laos Itinerary 4 Days

The interesting points about Wat Sisaket are all related to extremely impressive numbers. There are 6,840 Buddha statues cast from precious bronze, many of which are plated with gold. If you can find the main wall, this place displays more than 2,000 Buddha statues of all sizes, from small to large, dating from the 16th to 19th centuries. Moreover, Wat Sisaket is also considered a precious “treasure house”, a museum that stores up to 8,000 extremely valuable books.

• Address: Lane Xang, Vieng Chan
• Opening hours: 8:00 – 17:00
• Ticket price: 10,000 Lao Kip (for foreigners)

How to travel from Vientiane to Luang Prabang?

Continue your journey by traveling from Vientiane Station to Luang Prabang Station by high-speed train. This is a quick and convenient way to travel, you can rest and admire the wonderful beauty of Laos’ countryside along the way. Estimated travel time is 2 – 2.5 hours. Ticket costs range from 10 – 15 dollars (about 375,000 VND)/trip.

Enjoy lunch at Luang Prbang. You can check out Yuni Youpon restaurant or Taste of Ceylon restaurant to enjoy Asian, Indian, or combination dishes.

Once you set foot in the Ancient Capital of Luang Prabang, you cannot miss the following unique cultural and historical places:

Wat Xieng Thong

Located at the confluence of Nam Khan River and Mekong River, you can rent a motorbike or Tuk Tuk to get to Wat Xieng Thong. This is the largest temple in Luang Prabang, and is associated with an important milestone in Lao history, including that it was the place to witness many coronation ceremonies of Lao Kings in 1975.

The impressive architecture of this temple is that the main hall is decorated majestically and meticulously. Many intricately designed gold borders stand out on the black lacquer background, creating a beautiful and massive picture.

• Address: Khem Khong, Luang Prabang
• Opening hours: 8:00 – 18:00
• Ticket price: 20,000 Lao Kip (~24,000 VND)

Wat Mai Temple

The next place is Wat Mai Temple, only about 10 minutes by car from Wat Xieng Thong, next to the Royal Palace Museum and in front of Pak Kham night market.

Wat Mai Temple, or Wat Mai Suwannaphumaham, is an ancient and sacred temple in Luang Prabang. The highlight here is the five-story red-tiled roof structure decorated with black, red lacquer and gold leaf. In addition, the front porch of the ancient temple is also elaborately designed with golden reliefs telling the story of Buddha and famous deities of Laos.

• Address: Thanon Sisavangvong, Luang Prabang
• Opening hours: 8:00 – 17:00
• Ticket price: 20,000 Lao Kip (~24,000 VND)

National Museum

The National Museum in Luang Prabang is an attraction not to be missed on your travel itinerary. The museum displays a diverse collection of Lao culture and history, from archaeological relics to religious objects, weapons, statues and paintings,… from many centuries ago.

Here, you will also admire an extremely impressive Buddha statue dating back more than 2,000 years. The statue is cast in gold, silver and copper alloy, is 83 cm tall and weighs 50 kg, imbued with the beauty and sacredness of classical Buddhism.

• Address: 27 Ounheun Road, Luang Prabang, Laos
• Opening hours: 8:00 – 16:00
• Entrance fee: 30,000 Lao Kip (~36,000 VND)

Day 3: Continue to Explore Luang Prabang

The third day in Luang Prabang is an opportunity to explore many cultural experiences and enjoy the wonderful nature of the Land of a Million Elephants.

The Alms giving Experience

Starting the day by experiencing alms giving in Laos (morning) will be very interesting. You will witness Luang Prabang’s young monks collecting sticky rice and food as part of their rituals. You will also have the opportunity to participate in sacred rituals by offering food and interacting directly with monks.

Kuang Si Waterfall

The journey continues to take you to the beautiful Kuang Si waterfall, about 30 km from the center of the ancient capital.

Kuang Si Waterfall is a symbol of natural beauty and endless vitality. You will discover a majestic landscape with a complex of 3 waterfalls, of which the main waterfall is up to 60m high. The huge stream of water pouring down from the main waterfall creates an impressive and wonderful landscape. The feeling of standing at the foot of the waterfall, hearing the sound of strong falling water and watching the white water falling from a high height, is truly an unforgettable experience when coming to Kuang Si.

Kuang Si Waterfall Shared Minibus Ticket (Round Trip)

• Opening hours: 8:00 – 17:00
• Ticket price: 20,000 Lao Kip (~24,000 VND)

Ock Pop Tok Living Craft Centre

Ock Pop Tok Living Craft Centre, a famous place for traditional weaving of more than 700 years in Laos. Here, you can admire the exquisite hand-weaving process and interact directly with skilled artisans. In addition, if there is something you like, you can shop for the village’s top handwoven silk products such as Ikat scarves, H’mong floral printed fabrics,… as gifts for relatives and friends.

• Address: Ban Saylom, Luang Prabang, Laos
• Opening hours: 8:00 – 20:00

End day three by climbing Phousi Hill to watch the beautiful sunset, with panoramic views of Luang Prabang. Then, enjoy dinner at Dyen Sabai or enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of the outdoor night market, with a variety of delicious local dishes.

Day 4: Luang Prabang – Ho Chi Minh City

On the last day of your 4-day, 3-night tour to Laos, you have time to shop for souvenirs and specialties of this country. Visit local stores or night markets beforehand to look for typical gifts such as dried buffalo, dried beef, etc. as gifts.

After checking out of the hotel, you move to Luang Prabang international airport to catch a flight back to Ho Chi Minh City. Because Laos has 2 international airports – one in Luang Prabang and one in Vientiane, you can fly from Luang Prabang to Saigon without having to return to the airport in Vientiane.

Some tips for 4 Days 3 Nights in Laos

Laos, a peaceful neighboring country with ancient sites, pristine nature and unique culture, is becoming an attractive destination for tourists from all over the world. To help you plan an exciting journey to explore Laos, Klook would like to share the most popular and convenient means of transportation:

Airplane – Fast and Convenient

Airplane is the fastest and most time-saving means of travel, it only takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes to get to Vientiane from Ho Chi Minh City. Vietnam Airlines and Lao Airlines are two reputable airlines operating direct flights, with ticket prices ranging from 1,800,000 – 3,500,000 VND/trip depending on time of booking and seat class.

Passenger car – Economical and Comfortable

Passenger cars are a cost-effective means of transportation and are suitable for tourists who want to experience a very “chill” journey. Many reputable bus companies operate the Ho Chi Minh City – Vientiane route, departing from the Western bus station or the Eastern bus station.

Travel time is about 18 – 20 hours, but you can take advantage of the travel time to sightsee and relax. Ticket prices range from 700,000 – 1,000,000 VND/trip depending on bus company and seat type.

Self-driving car – Freedom and Discovery

Self-driving brings flexibility and initiative to your journey, allowing you to explore Laos on your own way. Please apply for a Vietnam-Laos intermodal license, ensuring complete vehicle documents and international driver’s license.

Travel time is about 12 – 14 hours depending on speed and stops. However, you need to pay attention to traffic rules and driving culture in Laos.

Besides the above popular means of transportation, you can also choose to travel by train or combine multiple means of transport to suit your needs and preferences.

Which Hotel to Stay in when Traveling to Laos for 4 Days and 3 Nights?

La Seine Hotel

La Seine Hotel is a 5-star hotel in Vientiane with fully equipped and modern amenities such as restaurant, bar, air-conditioned room system, seating area, TV,… Convenient location from guests. The hotel to Pha That Luang stupa is 5.4 km. Some popular attractions near the hotel include Laos National Museum, Sisaket Pagoda, Hor Phra Keo,… (agoda, booking)

• Address: 160 Quai Fa Ngum Ban Sithan Neua Sikhottabong District n13 Vientiane, Laos P.D.R, Laos
• Reference room price: 2,745,799 VND/night

Lao Plaza Hotel

Lao Plaza Hotel is an ideal 5-star hotel near the airport for you and your family to refer to. This hotel offers a free shuttle service, a 24-hour front desk, free WiFi, a swimming pool, a restaurant and a fully equipped gym. The hotel’s location is 4 km from Wattay International Airport, convenient for traveling from the airport. (agoda, booking)

• Address: 63 Rue Samsenthai, Vientiane, Laos
• Reference room price: 2,384,499 VND/night

Laotel Vientiane

Laotel Viengtiane is a 4-star hotel located in Vientiane. This hotel offers high-end amenities such as an outdoor swimming pool, free private parking, a fitness center, etc. The rooms here are all modernly equipped and you can enjoy a delicious meal. Daily buffet breakfast with a variety of dishes. Additionally, the hotel is just a few kilometers from attractions such as Wat Sisaket and Hor Phra Keo. (agoda, booking)

• Address: Unit 9, Samsenthai Road P.O. Box 585, Vieng Chan, Laos
• Reference room price: 1,166,044 VND/night

Maison Dalabua

Maison Dalabua is a 4-star hotel in Luang Prabang, especially surrounded by tropical gardens, so it brings a wonderful vacation experience to visitors. The hotel offers spacious and comfortable rooms, a 15-minute drive from Luang Prabang airport. Tourist attractions near the hotel include Night Market, Royal Palace,… (agoda, booking)

• Address: Oulapath Khamboua Road, Luang Prabang, Laos
• Reference room price: 2,527,137 VND/night

Thongbay Guesthouse Luang Prabang

Thongbay Guesthouse Luang Prabang is a suitable choice for groups of friends and families when traveling to the ancient capital of Luang Prabang. This 3-star hotel is designed in an ecological resort style, you will be provided with free bicycles, a restaurant, and fully equipped spa facilities. An interesting experience is that guests can enjoy meals in the outdoor dining area, then relax in the mountain view room, enjoying the natural beauty. (agoda, booking)

• Address: Ban Vieng Mai, Vat Sakem, Luang Prabang, Laos
• Reference room price: 2,527,137 VND/night

What to Eat When Traveling to Laos for 4 Days and 3 Nights on Your Own?

Lao cuisine is a harmonious combination of spicy, salty, sour, and sweet flavors, creating unique and attractive dishes. When traveling to Laos, you must definitely try the following typical dishes to get a complete culinary experience:

Lao Sticky Rice: Delicious sweet sticky rice made from sticky rice, coconut and sugar, is a popular breakfast dish of Lao people. Lao sticky rice has the fragrant, greasy taste of coconut and the sweetness of sugar, giving you abundant energy to start a new day.

Laab Lao: Traditional Lao salad with a unique combination of grilled meat, vermicelli, raw vegetables and spices. Grilled meat is minced, mixed with spices such as chili, lemon, garlic, onions and herbs, then served with vermicelli and raw vegetables. Laab Lao is a cool, refreshing dish that is very popular with tourists.

Khao Soi: Typical noodle dish of Luang Prabang, Laos. Khao Soi has boiling broth made from pork bones, curry and spices, thick noodles and ground pork. This dish is often eaten with raw vegetables, fried onions and chili. Khao Soi brings a rich, greasy and spicy flavor, a dish not to be missed when coming to Luang Prabang.

Savanakhet grilled chicken: Popular dish in Savanakhet, Laos. Savanakhet grilled chicken is marinated with special spices and grilled over charcoal, creating a delicious and rich flavor. Grilled chicken is often eaten with sticky rice or rice, dipped in a typical Lao dipping sauce.

In addition, you should also try some other typical Lao dishes such as:

• Tam Mak Houng: Green papaya salad with sweet, salty and sour taste, is a popular appetizer.
• Or Lam: Spicy and sour soup with beef, vegetables and sour bamboo shoots.
• Kaeng Jeow: Spicy curry with chicken or fish.
• Pha Phaen: Grilled sandwich with meat, eggs and vegetables.
• Luang Prabang Nam Khao: Lam rice dish with grilled meat, raw vegetables and dipping sauce.

Laos Travel Cost 4 Days 3 Nights Reference

Tham Nam Cave Adventure

Category	Cost/person (USD)
Air tickets Ho Chi Minh City - Laos (Round-trip)	326.03
Laos hotel 4 days 3 nights	35.35-117.84
Wattay International Airport (VTE) shuttle service	6.89
Vientiane City tour	49.18
Luang Prabang Classic Tour	59.01
Shared Minibus Ticket to Kuang Si Waterfall	5.90
Tuk tuk	15.000 Lao Kip/ trip/15 minutes
Food	39.28
Sim 4G/ Wifi in Laos	3.54-6.98

Thus, the total expected cost for a 4-day, 3-night trip to Laos is about $432.09 to $589.22 for all types of costs, including air tickets, airport shuttle, tour price to go to many places. Specific costs may change depending on your choices during the trip.

Exploring the land of a million elephants on a 4-day, 3-night Laos tour will be a colorful journey and an impressive cultural and heritage experience. From the proud Patuxay triumphal arch to the spiritual ancient temples in the ancient capital of Luang Prabang, from majestic waterfalls to traditional craft villages, each stop is a profound cultural story and the history of this country.

The post first appeared on Klook Vietnam and was translated and edited by Living Nomads. If you find any images or text that belong to you, please contact us, so we can credit you or give us permission to use them. Thank you very much!

Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in, from and to Vientiane, Luang Prabang you can refer to

• Baci Ceremony
• Classic tour in Luang Prabang
• Luang Prabang Half Day City Tour + Pak Ou Caves
• Shared City Transfers between Luang Prabang and Vientiane
• Luang Prabang Half Day City Tour
• Luang Prabang Cultural Exploration
• Shared City Transfers between Luang Prabang and Vang Vieng
• Kuang Si Waterfall Shared Minibus Ticket (Round Trip)
• Alms Giving Experience & Kuang Si Waterfall
• Luang Prabang Half Day City Tour + Pak Ou Caves
• Tad Sae Waterfalls Bike and Kayak Join In Day Tour from Luang Prabang
• Shared City Transfers between Vientiane and Vang Vieng
• Shared City Transfers between Luang Prabang and Vientiane
• Vientiane City Tour
• Shared Wattay International Airport Transfers (VTE) for Vientiane
• That Luang, Vientiane Museum of Contemporary Arts, and Patuxai Day Tour in Vientiane

Read more Laos guide here