Laos-China Charm: Vientiane, Luang Prabang & Xishuangbanna 6D5N

We will meet you at the designated meeting point in downtown Nong Khai. After completing immigration procedures, we will take you across the Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge, a symbol of goodwill between Thailand and Laos, where you can enjoy beautiful views of the Mekong River as you cross. We begin by visiting Pha That Luang, an important religious and historical site in Laos and the spiritual heart of the Lao people. The grand stupa gleams in gold and showcases classic Lao architecture, surrounded by high walls carved with delicate motifs—a sacred site revered by visitors from both near and abroad. Next, we visit Patuxay (Victory Gate), another prominent landmark of Vientiane built to honor the Lao soldiers who sacrificed their lives in the war. Resembling the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, it is uniquely decorated with traditional Lao artistic motifs. The top of the monument is open for visitors to enjoy panoramic views of Vientiane.

Stop for lunch.

Afterward, we will take you to Vientiane Railway Station to board the high-speed train, train C82 (2nd class seats), heading to Luang Prabang. Along the way, you can admire the scenic natural views and changing landscapes. Upon arrival at Luang Prabang Railway Station, our team will meet you and transfer you into downtown Luang Prabang to visit Mount Phousi (Phou Si Stupa). Situated on a hill in the heart of Luang Prabang, this viewpoint is a sacred sanctuary revered by locals. The climb involves 328 steps, each section offering unique perspectives. At the summit sits a gleaming golden stupa and a viewpoint overlooking the entire town of Luang Prabang, as well as the confluence of the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers.

Enjoy dinner accompanied by a traditional dance performance that beautifully reflects the culture of Luang Prabang, featuring graceful, delicate traditional Lao dance movements.

After dinner, we will take you to check in at your hotel, where you can relax at your leisure.

After breakfast at the hotel, get ready for an exciting new day of sightseeing. We take you to explore key highlights of Luang Prabang, starting with Wat Wisunarat, the oldest temple in Luang Prabang, built in 2058 BE during the reign of King Wisunarat. The temple is famous for That Makmo, a stupa shaped like a watermelon, and traditional architecture that reflects ancient Lao culture. Next, visit Wat Xieng Thong, an important historic temple built between 2102-2103 BE by King Setthathirath, a magnificent example of Lan Xang architecture. Inside, the ordination hall is adorned with intricate glass mosaics and exquisite patterns, making this temple a must-visit highlight in Luang Prabang. We then continue to the Royal Palace, the former palace of the Lao monarchs, now converted into a museum displaying historical artifacts and royal treasures of the Lao monarchy, including the sacred Phra Bang Buddha image, the country's most revered palladium.

Stop for lunch.

Next, we head to Kuang Si Waterfall, a stunning limestone waterfall approximately 70 meters high, cascading down tiered limestone formations into crystal-clear emerald pools. Surrounded by lush, shady nature, the area features scenic walking trails and viewing bridges with a relaxing atmosphere where you can get close to nature. We then visit Suan Phonsouk, a new landmark perfect for nature lovers. The garden's restaurant and cafe are set amidst lush green rice fields surrounded by rolling mountains, offering a peaceful spot to relax with a drink.

After fully enjoying Suan Phonsouk, we take you back to downtown Luang Prabang.

Dinner.

After dinner, feel free to stroll through the Luang Prabang Night Market, shop for local handicrafts and souvenirs, and soak up the charming night atmosphere before returning to the hotel to rest at your leisure.

Start your day with a meaningful morning sticky rice alms giving ceremony, joining in this sacred Buddhist tradition that reflects the way of life and deep faith of the Luang Prabang people. Experience the serene morning atmosphere as monks walk in procession to receive alms from locals and travelers in a simple, warm setting. Afterward, take a leisurely stroll through the Luang Prabang Morning Market, bustling with local life and authentic charm. Here, you will find fresh local foods including vegetables, fruits, meats, and rare forest produce that showcase the region's natural bounty. You can shop for local goods or capture the unique market atmosphere through your camera.

At the appointed time, transfer to Luang Prabang Railway Station to board high-speed train D88, the Laos-China high-speed railway connecting Luang Prabang and Boten. This route is not only fast and comfortable, but also offers scenic views of the Lao countryside along the way, with a boxed lunch served onboard.

Upon arriving at Xishuangbanna Railway Station, our team will be waiting to welcome you.

Xishuangbanna (also known as Jinghong) is the cultural and tourism hub of the Dai Autonomous Prefecture, rich in the charm of Tai Lue culture and surrounded by natural beauty.

Enjoy dinner featuring local delicacies served in Khantoke style, savoring flavors that blend Lao and Tai Lue culinary traditions alongside decor reflecting tribal heritage. Next, visit the 9 Jom 12 Chiang project, a grand urban development in Xishuangbanna designed to showcase Tai Lue culture fused with modern amenities across more than 600 rai. Highlights include large shopping centers, 5-star luxury hotels, resorts, spas, and cultural event plazas.

Check in to your hotel in Xishuangbanna and rest at your leisure, recharging for tomorrow's adventures.

Photo credit: OKNATION

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel and get ready for today's sightseeing. We take you to Primitive Forest Park, a major attraction in Xishuangbanna. Start by exploring the park, developed to showcase rich natural biodiversity and local ethnic culture. Ride an electric cart through the vast grounds filled with diverse tropical trees. Take an electric cart up the hill to experience spectacular local performances, including an Aini tribal cultural show that highlights the traditions and lifestyle of the Aini people, one of the key ethnic groups in Xishuangbanna. Next, enjoy the famous Peacock Show, watching well-trained, colorful peacocks dance and take flight in a picturesque setting—a signature highlight of Primitive Forest Park.

Then, head over to the Aquarium, home to a wide variety of fish species, and be amazed by the underwater mermaid dance performance.

Enjoy lunch. In the afternoon, we take you to a Tai Lue Village located outside Jinghong, with a history spanning over a thousand years. This community has preserved the unique identity of Tai Lue culture intact. Here, you can observe traditional ways of life, admire classic wooden stilt architecture, and visit the village's ancient temple, reflecting the deep Buddhist faith and heritage of the Tai Lue people.

Dinner.

After dinner, transfer to your hotel and rest at your leisure.

After having breakfast at your accommodation, today we will take you to visit Wat Luang Muang Lue, a famous and important Theravada Buddhist temple in Xishuangbanna. The temple enshrines the largest Buddha statue in the area and was built in 2548 by Yuanhao Tourism Development Company. The temple blends the beauty of Lao and Tai Lue architecture, surrounded by peaceful and shady grounds. For your convenience, golf carts are available for traveling up and down.

Lunch

After lunch, you have free time to shop for Chinese herbal products, such as traditional Chinese medicine and health supplements.

In the afternoon, we will take you to visit Wat Pajie, an ancient temple built in 1158 covering an area of approximately 3,000 square meters. This temple was once the center of Buddhism in Xishuangbanna and an important site for education and religious activities. Inside the temple are important structures such as the ordination hall, vihara, and monk residences. Legend has it that two Burmese monks made a pilgrimage here and founded this temple. Wat Pajie still reflects the unique cultural identity of the Tai Lue people and has received financial support in part from Thai people.

Dinner

After dinner, we will take you to the venue for the Varanasi Show, a spectacular and grand performance that blends ethnic arts and culture with historical stories through dazzling light, sound, and graceful dance. It is considered one of the major highlights of traveling in Xishuangbanna.

After the show, we will transfer you back to your accommodation to relax at your leisure.

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel, pack your luggage, and check out of your accommodation. We transfer you to Xishuangbanna Railway Station to prepare for the journey to Xishuangbanna Railway Station by high-speed train for a memorable return trip to Thailand.

Private tour price depends on the number of travelers.

Adult rates (Luang Prabang 3-star hotel / 12 Panna (Xishuangbanna) 4-star hotel)

11 - 14 travelers: 25,500 THB per person, 15 - 19 travelers: 24,500 THB per person, 20 - 25 travelers: 24,500 THB per person, 26 - 30 travelers: 23,500 THB per person. Single occupancy additional charge: 6,500 THB / per person ** 16 travelers + 1 free **