3 Days in Laos: The Perfect Itinerary for 2025

Southeast Asian neighbor Laos has a border with Vietnam. This is a beautiful and peaceful country that fascinates visitors with its sacred temples, beautiful waterfalls, Buddha statues of many unique shapes, and the friendly and hospitable smiles of the people. Laos will be a  perfect destination for a memorable trip.

Below are the itineraries for 3 days in Laos that we highly recommend for you:

The ideal time to visit

Laos’ climate shares many characteristics with those of Vietnam, but is somewhat harsher due to the country’s landlocked location. The best time to travel is between December and April of the following year because there is less rain and cooler, more pleasant weather during this time. It is exceedingly hot there throughout the summer months starting in May.

Transpotration

Tuk Tuk

The most common mode of transportation in Laos, tuk-tuks are a must-try when visiting the city during a three-day, two-night trip. More people use tuk-tuks than many cabs.

Tuk Tuk

Public long-distance buses

A common mode of transportation for many people in Laos is the bus, which is a variant of the tuk-tuk. It takes a while to use public ground transportation in Laos. Laotians sacrifice comfort for economy, cleanliness, and quickness. Tickets may sell out at the busiest time of the year, roughly from November to March. You might share a tin bed on the night buses with a complete stranger.

Rental car – The best solution you are looking for

To have a more comfortable itinerary in Laos, you can hire a tourist automobile to travel between cities and provinces. Traveling is an excellent way to experience the entire region because there aren’t many airports and attractions are dispersed.

IDC Travel provides a car rental service. We can make your trip to Laos into an incredible inland tour by including the rest stops, meals, lodging, and activities you specify along the way. Compared to taking the bus or the train, it is safer and more enjoyable.

Detailed information of Laos itinerary 3 days

Day 1: Ha Noi – Vientiane

The capital of Vientiane is the first place you reach after leaving Hanoi. The nation’s capital is a popular travel destination that draws visitors from all around the world. Vientiane is a tranquil city with a lot of beautiful scenery, interesting historical sites, and notable buildings.

The most revered pagoda in the city of Vientiane is Si Muong Pagoda or Si Muong. The temple is located where Sethathirat and Samsenethai streets intersect. The following artworks are included a traditional Laotian temple structure: the primary temple for Buddha worship, and Mother Si Muong’s shrine. You can take part in the “tying the wrist” rite. The Laotian tie as part of a ritual because they feel doing so will bring luck to their families and loved ones.

The Patuxay Victory Monument—Arc Vientiane’s de Triomphe—is the next landmark. The Arc de Triomphe in Paris served as the inspiration for the construction of Patuxai. However, Patuxai remains traditional Lao architecture. The Patuxai monument includes five towers that stand for the five tenets of international peace as well as the five tenets of Buddhism: consideration, adaptability, honesty, honor, and prosperity. There are palm trees, lotus ponds, fountains, and Patuxai gardens all around the monument.

Another destination to see when going to visit Laos in 3 days is That Luang, a representation of Lao Theravada Buddhism. On each floor, there are different architectural styles, which are all based on Buddhist principles. In 1995, to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, the whole edifice was gold-plated.

Day 2: Luang Prabang

On the second day of 3 days in Laos, you should see Luang Prabang – an ancient city located on the banks of the Mekong River. Today, in this city, there are still many ancient relics and architectural works. In 1995, UNESCO also recognized Luang Prabang as an intangible cultural heritage of the world. Here are the destinations not to be missed when coming to Luang Prabang:

The most stunning and historic temple in the old capital is Wat Xiengthong, which is situated where the Nam Khan and Mekong rivers converge. The pagoda serves as a repository for numerous antiquities, religious energy, and indigenous Lao artwork. Wat Xieng Thong, which translates as “temple of the golden city”. The main hall is richly and painstakingly ornamented on the inside and outside with many, exquisite golden borders that pop against the dark lacquer.

Laos Royal Palace Museum, built in 1904, is the palace of King Sisavang Vong and his family. The Luang Prabang Royal Palace features numerous beautiful nods to traditional Lao architecture while maintaining a French Beaux-Arts aesthetic. Currently, the museum exhibits royal religious relics, weaponry, statues, and paintings from many centuries ago; a garage housing the last king’s vehicle collection; and rooms collecting the jewels of Laos.

Laos Royal Palace Museum

Near the Royal Palace Museum on Sisavangvong Street lies the Luang Prabang night market. Sisavangvong street awakes as dusk falls. The busy atmosphere of the Luang Prabang night market is fueled by tourists’ laughter. In the two main sections of the Luang Prabang night market, there are roughly 500 vendors selling traditional foods and gifts. The section selling souvenirs, includes brocade items, handicrafts, T-shirts, and paintings with Luang Prabang’s insignia. Many items at some brocade booths include elephant prints. an emblem for Laos.

Indigenous people also make their own items in front of guests so that guests can see the processes involved in making a product.

Day 3: Xieng Khouang

If Luang Prabang is known for its royal palaces and old French colonial structures, Xieng Khouang gets famous for being the most ancient attraction with breathtaking scenery and world-class attractions. The places we recommend you visit on the third and last day of 3 days in Laos are:

Tourists that travel to Xieng Khouang usually start out in the field of jars. Any visitor to Laos wishes to visit this well-known historical and cultural site. On the Xieng Khouang plateau, close to Kham Muon city, is the field of jars, which is covered in tens of thousands of stone jars. Numerous myths surround the jars, and nobody’s curiosity has yet been satiated by an answer. Furthermore, of the three Indochinese nations, the field of jars was once the bloodiest battlefield in the war against the US, making locals lament a bygone period.

The field of jars

The second place visitors ought to spend some time seeing is That Foun Tower. The Buddha relics from India are interred in That Foun, a 30m-tall structure built in 1576. A Chinese thief (O) once came and dug a hole at the foot of the tower to take the golden Buddha statue inside, according to one of the fascinating traditions about the Buddha found in the Fonun Tower. That relic has now been included in the Tower’s current design. Numerous pilgrims and tourists from the local Buddhist community come to this location every year.

Another itinerary to explore Laos in 3 days

Other Laos itinerary 3 days

Thrilling 3 Days Escape in Northern Laos

• Imagine starting your journey on Day 1, landing amidst the quaint charm of Luang Prabang Airport. You could gently ease into your adventure, exploring the sacred spaces of Vat Vixoune before marveling at That Makmo, fondly nicknamed after its unique, watermelon-esque shape. Let the spiritual ambiance of Vat Xieng Thong, renowned as Luang Prabang’s crown jewel of temples, gently wrap up your first day.
• On Day 2, perhaps let the allure of history guide you to the Royal Palace Museum, (just a little note: it takes a rest day on Tuesday). Then, how about letting the Mekong River’s gentle currents carry you on a cruise, revealing the hidden secrets of the enigmatic Pak Ou Caves? Don’t forget to pause a moment in Thin Hong, where life’s simpler, everyday joys paint a picturesque village scene.
• Day 3 might find you enveloped in nature’s embrace at Kuangsi Waterfall. Imagine dipping into cool, refreshing waters, capturing moments in clicks and snapshots, and walking through the vibrant tapestry of life in Khmu ethnic villages. Then, returning to Luang Prabang, you’d carry back with you not just memories, but stories waiting to be retold

Immerse Yourself in a 3-Day Central Laos Exploration

Itinerary option 1: Vientiane City Wonders and the Mystical Buddha Park

• Day 1: Picture your journey beginning with a warm welcome at Vientiane International Airport, followed by a gentle dive into the spiritual heart of Laos. Visit sacred spaces like Wat Sisaket and Wat Ho Phra Keo before basking in the golden glow of That Luang Stupa. Allow the day to softly conclude with a sunset, casting its hues over Patouxay, a monument whispering tales of valor and remembrance from wars past.
• Day 2: Imagine a scenic drive along the Mekong, leading you to the enigmatic Buddha Park. Your afternoon might weave through history at Kaysone Phomvihane Museum and then to Ta Lat Sao market, where the pulse of Vientiane’s vibrant commerce beats strongly through the stalls and shops.
• Day 3: Allow your senses to dance with the lively colors and scents of the morning market, followed by a historical journey through the Lao National Museum.

Itinerary option 2: Discovering Vientiane City and the Tranquil Nam Ngum Lake

• Day 1: Begin with explorations into the spiritual and historical, visiting well-known sites such as Wat Sisaket, Wat Ho Phra Keo, That Luang Stupa, and the Patouxay.
• Day 2: Picture a journey to Nam Ngum Lake, where a serene boat ride offers an embrace of tranquility, gifting you panoramic vistas of tiny, verdant islands, just a stone’s throw from Vientiane.
• Day 3: Perhaps, weave through time and history at the Lao National Museum and engage in the lively hustle and bustle of a local market, where your senses will dance with the vibrant colors, textures, and aromas of Laotian life.

Refer to the 3-day itinerary for Vientiane.

Embark on a journey where each day is a new chapter, filled with the spirit, history, and natural beauty of Central Laos.

3 Enchanting Days in Southern Laos

• Day 1: Unveil Mysteries and Find Peace
  Begin your journey exploring the ancient, mystical Wat Phou before seeking serenity beside the serene Golden Buddha as your day unfolds.
• Day 2: Nature’s Beauty Unleashed
  Embark on a vibrant trek across the lush Bolivian Plateau, culminating with the awe-inspiring spectacle of the Tad Fane Waterfall, where nature’s power and grace collide.
• Day 3: Cultural Exploration
  Conclude your adventure by stepping through time at Wat Tsin and the Champasak Historical Heritage Museum, where Laos’ rich tapestry of history and culture is lovingly preserved and shared.

May your brief, yet soulful journey through Southern Laos linger long in your memory, a treasure trove of moments suspended between the ancient, the spiritual, and the naturally exquisite.”

Southern Laos’ Bolaven Plateau is famous for its breathtaking beauty, ethnic settlements, and old-fashioned coffee estates. What could be more enjoyable than eating breakfast while sipping a cup of authentic Lao specialty coffee at roadside cafes in the cool, crisp air of the Bolaven Plateau. Some of Southeast Asia’s most stunning waterfalls, such as Tad Fane (Paksong), Tad Tayicseua (Paksong), and Tad Champee, are also located on this plateau (between Pakse and Paksong).

Vang Vieng is renowned for its serene rural setting, cool, pure air, and the leisurely but interesting pace of life of the locals. Although Vang Vieng is not famous because of its cuisine, shopping, or performing arts, it is the top destination for individuals who enjoy exploring the outdoors and participating in active sports like climbing, kayaking, skiing, and ziplining.

For your information, you can try to have a more luxurious experience with our golf holidays in Laos that you must try. To get the most out of your trip to this vibrant nation, look into additional Laos trips.

Top dishes to try when you have a Laos itinerary 3 days

Khao Piak Sen

This Laotian pho is also filled with broth made from simmered bones and chicken broth. Chicken, beef, or pork are the key constituents of banh pho. If you want a bowl of Vietnamese pho to have an extra taste, you can also squeeze the soup or add chili. In addition, a basket of raw veggies with lettuce, fresh cowpeas, cinnamon, and other toppings is frequently provided with Pho Lao.

Khao piak sen

Laotians frequently eat Khao Piak, also known as lotus, for breakfast or at any other time of the day. The unique aspect of this dish is that the broth only contains bone broth—neither cinnamon nor anise is used.

Tam Mak Houng

This meal calls for a papaya that is neither too green nor too ripe. Papaya is often grated or chopped into little chunks and squeezed with various seasonings, such as fish sauce, sugar, salt, lemon, and chile. When sampled, papaya salad is slightly spicy from the gourd, lightly sweet from the fish sauce, and sour from the lemon. You can not miss this dish with Laos itinerary 3 days

Tam Mak Houng

Sien Savanh

The local popular street dish is Sien Savanh, or dried beef. Cut into small pieces, the meat will be used in this meal. We marinate a variety of spices such as roasted white sesame, black sauce, oyster sauce, garlic, and pepper. The meal is typically consumed alone, with beer, or alongside sticky rice. The chewy, smokey flavor is frequently what people will always recall.

Sien Savanh

Tips for first-time visitors

Currency

Laotians are quite gentle and easygoing. In tourist destinations, they accept to use of many different currencies such as Kip (Laos), Baht (Thai), and USD (US).

Religion

The following rules you have to must be followed when visiting Buddhist sites:

• Before entering a pagoda, take off your shoes and hat.
• Dress in formal attire.
• When conversing with monks, keep your distance.
• Keep your voice down in places of religion.

There will be many more tours not only in Laos but also in many other countries in Southeast Asia that IDC Travel has carefully designed for you. Do not hesitate to contact us immediately for the opportunity to participate in tours designed by IDC specifically for your interests and needs.