Laos · Beyond Luang Prabang
Vang Vieng, Vientiane and the Thakhek Loop
Karst mountains and lagoons in Vang Vieng, a human-sized capital in Vientiane, a road trip in Thakhek: the three stops of central Laos.
Vang Vieng
2 to 3 days
Vientiane
1 to 2 days
Thakhek
3 to 4 days
Scenery
Karst, rivers and caves
Between north and south, central Laos has three faces: the mountains and lagoons of Vang Vieng, the quiet capital, Vientiane, and the famous Thakhek Loop, for road trip lovers. Each region of Laos has its own identity. Here is the centre's.
Central Laos
Vang Vieng · Vientiane · Thakhek
Vang Vieng and Vientiane are on the railway line from Luang Prabang. Thakhek is further south, on the Mekong, facing Thailand.
“Each region of Laos has its own identity, and that is what makes this country so fascinating.”
In Vientiane
- Pha That Luang: the country's most sacred monument
- Patuxai: “the Lao Arc de Triomphe”
- Buddha Park: a statue garden outside the city
- In the evening: a walk along the Mekong
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The three stops of the centre
Vang Vieng
Karst mountains, rivers, Blue Lagoons and viewpoints.
Outdoors
Kayaking, hot-air balloons, scooters: Vang Vieng is the adventure town.
Vientiane
A human-sized, calm capital where people take time to live. A good place to catch your breath.
Thakhek
The starting point of the Thakhek Loop, about 450 km by scooter.
The loop
Mountains, caves, villages and rice fields, over three or four days.
Do
- Take the train from Luang Prabang
- Ride the Thakhek Loop on a scooter in good condition
- Keep a quiet day in Vientiane
Avoid
- Riding the loop without scooter experience
- Riding at night
- Seeing Vang Vieng only as a party town
Start in Luang Prabang
Our tours · Luang Prabang
Luang Prabang temples and Mount Phousi
A day in the old town with your guide, in French, English, Chinese or Thai: the day market, the Royal Palace, Wat Xieng Thong and Wat May, then Mount Phousi, by private tuk-tuk.
From 65 € / person
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Our tours · Luang Prabang
Mekong cruise and Pak Ou caves
The town in the morning, then about two hours by private boat on the Mekong to the Pak Ou cave and a village where rice spirit is distilled.
From 78 € / person
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Our tours · Luang Prabang
Kuang Si waterfall and Hmong village
About an hour's drive to the Kuang Si waterfall, a stop in a Hmong village and at the buffalo farm, then the Ock Pop Tok textile workshop before returning to your hotel.
From 72 € / person
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Our tours · Luang Prabang
Street food at the night market
A street food evening guided by our students in training: they learn French with NK Seeds and introduce you to Lao food among the stalls of Luang Prabang.
From 30 € / person
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Our tours · Luang Prabang
Sindad evening, the Lao barbecue
An evening around the sindad, the Lao barbecue you share, with our students in training: they learn French with NK Seeds and introduce you to the meal Lao people love to share with friends.
From 30 € / person
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Frequently asked questions
How do I get from Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng?
By train, in just over an hour, or by minivan on the mountain road.
How many days in Vientiane?
One or two days are enough.
What is the Thakhek Loop?
A road trip of about 450 km by scooter, among mountains, caves and villages, over three or four days.
Is Vang Vieng worth it?
Yes, for its landscapes and outdoor activities.
A question about central Laos?
Write to us: we answer you ourselves, from Luang Prabang. Please book at least one week in advance.
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