At Paradise Travel, we’ve had the pleasure of arranging countless tours for travelers visiting Southeast Asia. If you have 6 days in Laos, you’re in for a treat. Six days is enough to discover several highlights of this exotic country without feeling constantly rushed.
Whether you want to immerse yourself in the deep spirituality of Luang Prabang, zip-line over the karst mountains of Vang Vieng, or discover the untouched coffee plantations of the south, a 6-day trip offers excellent flexibility. Let us help you plan the perfect journey by sharing our most highly requested routes and expert travel tips below.
6-day trip in Laos offers excellent flexibility
Why Choose 6 Days in Laos?
A 6-day itinerary strikes an excellent balance between exploration and the famous “Lao Time” relaxation.
- Three-City Combinations: With the new high-speed railway, 6 days is the perfect amount of time to comfortably visit Luang Prabang, Vang Vieng, and Vientiane in a single trip.
- Deeper Regional Exploration: If you prefer slower travel, 6 days allows you to completely immerse yourself in one region. For example, spending all 6 days trekking in the remote north (Muang La & Nong Khiaw) or exploring the deep south (Pakse & 4,000 Islands).
- Buffer Days: Having nearly a week means you have a buffer day to simply sit by the Mekong River, enjoy a Lao massage, or take an impromptu cooking class without sacrificing key sightseeing time.
Paradise Travel Expert Tip: “For a 6-day trip covering multiple cities, we strongly advise booking open-jaw flights (e.g., flying into Luang Prabang and flying out of Vientiane). This saves you from wasting an entire day backtracking to your original arrival city.”
Best Laos Destinations for Every Type of Traveler
| Travel Style | Destinations | Why It Suits | Suggested Days |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Classic Highlight Reel | Luang Prabang, Vang Vieng, Vientiane | Covers the absolute must-sees: temples, nature, and the capital city, connected via high-speed train. | 6 Days (2 per city) |
| Off the Beaten Track (North) | Muang La, Nong Khiaw | Perfect for trekkers wanting to escape the crowds, visit ethnic hill tribes, and cruise the Nam Ou River. | 6 Days |
| History & Mystery | Luang Prabang, Xieng Khouang (Plain of Jars) | Pairs the royal heritage of the ancient capital with the enigmatic 2,000-year-old stone jars. | 6 Days |
| Southern Waterfalls & Ruins | Vientiane, Pakse (Bolaven Plateau) | Focuses on spectacular waterfalls, coffee plantations, and the ancient Hindu ruins of Wat Phou. | 6 Days |
Suggested 6-Day Laos Itineraries
Route 1: The Classic Laos (Luang Prabang, Vang Vieng, Vientiane)
Best for: First-time visitors who want to see the three most famous destinations in the country.
Day 1: Arrival in Luang Prabang
Arrive in the UNESCO World Heritage city of Luang Prabang. Start your tour at Wat Xieng Thong, the city’s most impressive temple with its sweeping two-tiered roofs. In the late afternoon, climb Mount Phousi to admire a panoramic sunset over the Mekong River.
Day 2: Pak Ou Caves & Kuang Si Waterfall
Take a morning cruise on the Mekong River to the mystical Pak Ou Caves, housing over 4,000 wooden Buddha statues. In the afternoon, drive out to the spectacular Kuang Si Waterfall, famous for its beautifully sculpted limestone pools filled with turquoise water.
Day 3: High-Speed Train to Vang Vieng
Visit the Royal Palace Museum in the morning. In the afternoon, take the scenic high-speed train (approx. 1 hour) to Vang Vieng, a town famous for its towering karst limestone mountains.
Day 4: Vang Vieng Nature to Vientiane
Enjoy Vang Vieng’s outdoor activities. Visit a local fishing village or stop by Nam Ngum Lake for a fresh seafood lunch. In the late afternoon, transfer to the capital city, Vientiane.
Day 5: Vientiane City Tour & Buddha Park
Explore the capital. Visit Wat Si Saket (housing thousands of tiny Buddha images), Wat Ho Phra Keo, and the golden That Luang Stupa. In the afternoon, drive out to the bizarre Buddha Park (Xieng Khuan) to see its massive concrete sculptures.
Day 6: Departure from Vientiane
Do some last-minute souvenir shopping at the Morning Market or enjoy a French-style breakfast before transferring to the airport for your flight home.
Buddha Park, also known as Xieng Khuan is a sculpture park 25 km southeast from Vientiane
Route 2: History & Mystery (Luang Prabang & Plain of Jars)
Best for: History buffs wanting to see Laos’ most important archaeological site.
Day 1: Arrival in Luang Prabang
Arrive in Luang Prabang and settle in. Visit Wat Visoun and Wat Xieng Thong, followed by a sunset climb up Mount Phousi.
Day 2: Kuang Si Waterfall & Royal Palace
Spend the morning trekking around the turquoise pools of Kuang Si Waterfall. In the afternoon, return to the city to explore the Royal Palace Museum and its historical exhibits.
Day 3: Drive to Xieng Khouang (Plain of Jars)
Take a scenic (though winding) drive through the mountains to Xieng Khouang province. Spend the afternoon exploring the mysterious Plain of Jars, an Asian version of Stonehenge where hundreds of giant stone jars dot the landscape. Their origin remains a mystery to scientists today!
Day 4: Transfer to Vientiane
Travel from Xieng Khouang to Vientiane. After checking into your hotel, head to the Vientiane Night Market by the riverside for street food and shopping.
Day 5: Vientiane City Highlights
Take a full-day city tour: visit Wat Si Saket, Wat Prakeo, Wat Mai, That Luang Stupa, and the Patuxay Monument (Vientiane’s own Arc de Triumph).
Day 6: Departure from Vientiane
Enjoy a relaxed morning coffee before your departure flight.
Kuang Si Waterfall turquoise pools
Route 3: Northern Trekking (Muang La & Nong Khiaw)
Best for: Trekkers, nature lovers, and travelers wanting to interact with remote ethnic communities.
Day 1: Luang Prabang to Muang La
Depart Luang Prabang and drive north into the mountains. Stop in Oudomxay before arriving in Muang La, a town famous for its hot springs and untouched nature.
Day 2: Ethnic Villages Trekking
Trek to remote ethnic villages surrounding Muang La. Visit the Kamu village of Houay Ho, the Loum village of Ban Phonsavan, and the Yang village of Long Ya. Admire the stunning beauty of the Nam Pak River.
Day 3: Ikos & Ban Tauser Villages
Continue your deep dive into the local culture by discovering the Ikos village and Ban Tauser village, learning about their unique traditions and daily life.
Day 4: Drive to Nong Khiaw
Drive from Muang La to Muang Khua. From there, enjoy the spectacular view of the Nam Ou River as you travel to Nong Khiaw, a town surrounded by dramatic limestone karst peaks.
Day 5: Nam Ou River Cruise to Luang Prabang
Take a breathtaking cruise down the Nam Ou River. Stop to explore the Pak Ou Caves before continuing downstream for another 2 hours to arrive back in Luang Prabang.
Day 6: Luang Prabang & Departure
Spend your final morning visiting Wat Xieng Thong and the Royal Palace Museum before your afternoon departure.
The Nam Phak River flows through Muang La, a scenic and quiet village area
Route 4: The Southern Adventure (Vientiane & Pakse)
Best for: Travelers seeking quiet landscapes, massive waterfalls, and the ancient 4,000 Islands.
Day 1: Arrival in Vientiane
Arrive in Vientiane. Visit the famous That Luang Stupa and the Patuxay Monument. Enjoy a riverside dinner along the Mekong.
Day 2: Vientiane Temples & Buddha Park
Visit Wat Si Saket and Wat Prakeo in the morning. In the afternoon, take a short drive to explore the massive stone statues at Buddha Park.
Day 3: Flight to Pakse & Bolaven Plateau
Take a morning flight south to Pakse. Spend the day discovering the magnificent waterfalls (like Tad Fane), lush coffee plantations, and colorful ethnic villages of the Bolaven Plateau.
Day 4: Wat Phou & Khong Island
Drive south to visit the ruins of Wat Phou, an ancient Khmer temple complex predating Angkor Wat. Continue your trip down to Si Phan Don (the 4,000 Islands) and stay overnight on Khong Island.
Day 5: 4,000 Islands & Return to Pakse
Discover the laid-back life of Khong Island by bicycle. Try to spot the rare Irrawaddy dolphins before driving back to Pakse for an evening flight back to Vientiane.
Day 6: Departure from Vientiane
Transfer to the airport for your flight home.
Bolaven Plateau is a highland region renowned for its lush coffee plantations, rich ethnic villages, and cascading waterfalls.
Costs & Practical Information
With 6 days, your budget will largely depend on how much internal travel you do (flights vs. trains) and your choice of accommodation.
Accommodation: Budget guesthouses cost $10-25 per night. Charming 3-star boutique hotels range from $40-80 per night. Luxury 4 and 5-star properties range from $130-350 per night.
Transportation: High-speed train tickets cost $15-$30. Internal flights (e.g., Vientiane to Pakse) range from $70-$120. Private drivers for day trips run $40-80.
Food: Street food staples cost $2-5. Mid-range restaurants charge $12-25 for a full meal.
| Travel Style | Estimated Cost (6 Days, Per Person) | What’s Included |
|---|---|---|
| Backpacker | $250-$350 | Hostels, street food, tuk-tuks, shared tours |
| Mid-Range | $500-$750 | 3-star boutique hotels, train tickets/internal flights, private transfers |
| Luxury | $1,000+ | 5-star resorts, private guided tours, fine dining, spa treatments |
Essential Travel Tips for Your Trip
- Book Train Tickets Early: The LCR high-speed train is the best way to travel between Luang Prabang, Vang Vieng, and Vientiane. Tickets open 3 days in advance and sell out fast. Have your hotel or a travel agent (like Paradise Travel) book them for you.
- Pack Smart for Temples: Laos is a deeply Buddhist country. Always pack clothing that covers your shoulders and knees for temple visits and the morning Alms Giving ceremony.
- Currency & Cash: Bring crisp, untorn US Dollars to pay for your Visa on Arrival. While ATMs are available in cities, always carry some cash (Lao Kip) for street food and small purchases in rural areas.
- Stay Hydrated: The weather can be intensely hot, especially from March to May. Always carry bottled water during your excursions.
Vientiane-Boten high-speed railway
Plan Your Laos Trip with Paradise Travel
Paradise Travel is a licensed international tour operator and destination management company. We are headquartered in Hanoi. The company has operated tours across Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar, and Thailand since the early 2000s. It proudly holds the TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Award for 2018, 2019, and 2024.
Planning a 6-day trip with multiple cities can be logistically challenging. Let our experts optimize your Laos itinerary so you don’t waste a single minute. Get in touch with our team today!
Address: 81 Alley 12 Dao Tan Street, Giang Vo Ward, Hanoi, Vietnam
Hotline: 0989391076
Email: sales@vietnamparadisetravel.com
FAQs
We are a party of 4 adults we hope to be in Laos from 1st May flying in from Danang and have to leave on the 6th May to catch a connecting flight out of Denang Can you organise a private tour must have a boat and Rail trip included 4 or 5 star accomadation please Phone+65418434416
Thank you for your comment. Please kindly send us an email to sales@vietnamparadisetravel.com. We are looking forward to organising your trip in Vietnam!
Arrive Vientiane on 23 Dec 2023 and departure from Vientiane on 28 Derc 2023
taking train to Luang Prabang.
Day 1: Arrive in Luang Prabang. Visit Wat Visoun, Wat Xieng Thong, and Mount Phousi
Day 2: Cruise through Mekong River to visit Pak Ou Caves. In the afternoon, proceed to Kuang Si Waterfall
Day 3: Visit Royal Palace Museum. In the afternoon, transfer to Vang Vieng.
Day 4: Stop over at Mor Village – a fishing village and enjoy lunch at Nam Ngum Lake area. Transfer to Vientiane.
Day 5: In the morning, visit Wat Sisaket, Wat Ho Phra Keo, and That Luang Stupa. In the afternoon, drive to Buddha Park.
Day 6: Depart from Vientiane