Laos Honeymoon: Vientiane, Nam Ngum Lake, Vang Vieng and Luang Prabang in 13 Days

Your guide and driver meet you at Wattay International Airport and take you to your hotel. Vientiane is a calm, low-rise capital on the bank of the Mekong, where tuk-tuks idle under the trees and old French villas sit beside golden temples. Nothing is planned today, so take your time. In the late afternoon, wander down to the riverside promenade to watch the sun set over Thailand on the far bank, and choose a spot for a relaxed first dinner.Overnight: Vientiane

Start at Wat Si Muang, a temple locals visit for blessings, then drive 45 minutes to Buddha Park, a riverside garden of more than 200 Buddhist and Hindu sculptures. Back in town, visit the Lao Disabled Women's Development Centre and its small craft shop. In the afternoon, see Pha That Luang, the golden stupa that is the country's most sacred monument, climb Patuxai for a view over the city, and visit Wat Sisaket with its thousands of small Buddha images and Haw Phra Kaew, now a museum of Lao and Khmer art. End with a stroll along the Mekong at sunset.Overnight: Vientiane · Meals: B

Enjoy a slow morning before leaving the capital and driving north into the hills. The scenery changes as the road climbs into green countryside, and by around noon you reach Ban Thaheua on the north shore of Nam Ngum Lake, a vast reservoir dotted with forested islands that locals call the sea of Laos. Check in to your bungalow overlooking the water. The rest of the day is free to read on the terrace, take a walk along the shore or simply watch the light change over the lake.Overnight: Ban Thaheua · Meals: B

If you are up early, step outside for sunrise over the lake, and your guide can walk you to a nearby village to see fishermen preparing for the day. After breakfast, set off on a two-hour kayak trip between small islets and fishing villages. The water is calm and the paddling is easy, with no experience needed. Stop at Huay Samom village to meet a host family and see how they weave. Return to the resort before lunch and keep the afternoon free, or ask your guide about cycling or a village walk.Overnight: Ban Thaheua · Meals: B

After breakfast, drive to Vang Vieng, a small town set among limestone towers and rice fields along the Nam Song River. Visit Tham Jang, a cave once used by local people as a refuge, with views over the valley from its entrance. Cross the river for a short drive to the Blue Lagoon, a clear spring-fed pool shaded by trees, perfect for a swim. On the way back you can stop at a village or local market. In the evening, watch the sunset over the Nam Song from your hotel.Overnight: Vang Vieng · Meals: B

Today is yours, with no guide or driver scheduled. Vang Vieng is a lovely place to do very little: breakfast with a view of the cliffs, a stroll through town or a lazy afternoon by the pool. If you feel more active, the area is known for kayaking and tubing on the Nam Song, cycling through the rice fields and ziplines over the forest. Let us know in advance and we will arrange any extra activity you would like.Overnight: Vang Vieng · Meals: B

Enjoy a relaxed morning before your transfer to the station for the afternoon express train to Luang Prabang, a smooth ride of about one hour through tunnels and mountain valleys. On arrival, you are taken to your hotel. Luang Prabang is a UNESCO World Heritage town, set where the Nam Khan meets the Mekong, with more than 30 temples among its old wooden houses and colonial villas. Nothing is planned this evening, so take a first walk through the lanes at your own pace.Overnight: Luang Prabang · Meals: B

Begin at the Royal Palace Museum, built in 1904 for King Sisavang Vong. Then board a boat upstream on the Mekong, stopping at Ban Xang Hai, known for its rice wine, before reaching the Pak Ou Caves, two linked caverns filled with thousands of Buddha images left by pilgrims. Back in town, visit Wat Sene and Wat Xieng Thong with its sweeping roofs and glass mosaic tree of life. If time allows, see the craft village of Ban Xang Khong and the saa paper makers of Ban Xieng Lek. End with sunset at Wat Phabath and the night market.Overnight: Luang Prabang · Meals: B

Rise before dawn to quietly watch the alms round, as monks walk the streets to receive sticky rice, a tradition kept here for centuries. Browse the morning market near the palace, then return for breakfast. Climb the steps of Mount Phousi for a view over the town and the Mekong, and visit the UXO Lao Visitor Centre (weekdays) to learn about the long clearing of unexploded bombs. Drive out to Kuang Si Falls to swim in its turquoise pools, walk to quieter cascades near Ban Thapene and see the Bear Rescue Centre. Stop at Ock Pop Tok on the way back.Overnight: Luang Prabang · Meals: B

After breakfast, visit the Traditional Arts and Ethnology Centre, a small, thoughtful museum on the many ethnic groups of northern Laos, their clothing, crafts and beliefs (closed Mondays). Continue to Ban Phanom, a Tai Lue village famous for hand-woven silk and cotton, where you can watch weavers at their looms. After lunch at a local restaurant, drive out along the Nam Khan River to Chateau Orientale, a peaceful retreat set among gardens and forest on the riverbank, and settle in for three nights.Overnight: Chateau Orientale (Nam Khan) · Meals: B, L

A day with nothing on the schedule and no guide or driver. Sleep in, have a long breakfast and enjoy the quiet of the river. The retreat offers kayaking, cycling and walks through the surrounding countryside, which we can arrange for you in advance. Or simply spend the afternoon on your terrace, listening to the river and watching the mist lift from the hills.Overnight: Chateau Orientale (Nam Khan) · Meals: B

Another free day to enjoy the setting together. If you have not tried it yet, paddle a kayak on the calm stretches of the Nam Khan or take a bicycle along the village lanes. Evenings here are made for a quiet dinner and an early night under a sky full of stars. Let us know in advance if you would like any activities arranged.Overnight: Chateau Orientale (Nam Khan) · Meals: B

Enjoy a final breakfast by the river and some free time at the retreat. At the agreed time, about three and a half hours before your flight, your guide and driver collect you for the transfer back to Luang Prabang International Airport. The drive follows the Nam Khan back to town and takes about an hour, a last chance to watch village life along the river before your flight home or to your next destination.Meals: B