Luang Prabang and Vientiane in 6 Days: Two Capitals by Express Train

Your guide meets you at Luang Prabang airport and takes you to your hotel. The rest of the day is free to settle in and explore. The old town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, sits on a peninsula between the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers, and it is easy to wander on foot: monasteries with gilded doors, teak houses on stilts, French-era shophouses and riverside cafés perfect for sunset.Overnight: Luang Prabang

Start at the Royal Palace Museum, built in 1904 for King Sisavang Vong. Then cruise up the Mekong past quiet riverside villages to the Pak Ou Caves, two caves in a limestone cliff filled with thousands of Buddha images left by pilgrims, stopping on the way at Ban Xang Hai, known for its rice wine. Back in town, visit Wat Sene and Wat Xieng Thong, then the Heuan Chan heritage house for Lao coffee or tea. See sunset at Wat Phabath and finish at the night market.Overnight: Luang Prabang · Meals: B

Rise early to watch monks walk the streets collecting alms, then see the morning market. After breakfast, climb Phousi Hill for the view, and drive into the hills to Kuang Si Falls, where you can swim in the blue pools or walk to the quieter falls near Ban Thapene. On the way back, stop at Ock Pop Tock, a weaving center by the Mekong. In the late afternoon, board the express train to Vientiane, a ride of about two hours, and transfer to your hotel.Overnight: Vientiane · Meals: B

Visit Wat Si Muang, where locals come for blessings, then drive about 45 minutes to Buddha Park, a riverside garden of more than 200 Buddhist and Hindu sculptures. Back in town, stop at COPE to learn about the legacy of unexploded ordnance in Laos and the people working to overcome it. In the afternoon, see That Luang, the golden national stupa, climb Patuxai for a view down Lane Xang Avenue, and visit Wat Sisaket and Haw Phra Kaew. End with a sunset stroll along the Mekong.Overnight: Vientiane · Meals: B

Drive to Ban Kaolieu and cross by local boat to Don Xing Xu, a quiet island in the Mekong. Walk to a temple where locals pray for lucky numbers, then explore the village, home to around 200 people who keep goats and pigs and farm the riverbanks. Tour the island by tuk tuk or farm tractor, and enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. After time to relax, take the boat back to the mainland and return to your hotel.Overnight: Vientiane · Meals: B, L

Enjoy a free morning for last-minute shopping, a coffee in one of Vientiane's French-style cafés or a walk through the morning market. At the right time, your driver takes you to Wattay International Airport for your onward flight. If you have a late departure, your guide can suggest a final visit, such as the Talat Sao market or a riverside café, so the day does not feel wasted.Meals: B