THE UPPER MEKONG
Travel to the Land of a Million Elephants.
Founded in the 14th century, the Ancient Kingdom of Lan Xang once united much of Laos under a realm of spiritual depth and religious architecture.
Luang Prabang, its ancient royal capital, still preserves the essence of this golden era — a tranquil town where gilded temples, saffron-robed monks, and mist-covered mountains meet along the Mekong River.
In the center, travellers can visit the picturesque town of Vang Vieng surrounded by karst landscape.
Further south, Vientiane, the present-day capital, reflects the enduring legacy of Lan Xang through its serene stupas and the timeless Pha That Luang, national pride and symbol of Lao Buddhism.
History CultureLuang Prabang is connected by the Vientiane–Boten railway line operated by Laos-China Railway (LCR).
Train routes to Luang Prabang
Alternatively, Luang Prabang is connected to Vientiane by minibuses operated by Chitpasong Bus.
Bus routes to Luang Prabang
For more information about travelling by train and by bus, please read our Train Guide in Laos and our Bus Guide in Laos.
Vang Vieng is connected by the Vientiane–Boten railway line operated by Laos-China Railway (LCR).
Train routes to Vang Vieng
For more information about travelling by train, please read our Train Guide in Laos.
Vientiane is connected by the Vientiane–Boten railway line operated by Laos-China Railway (LCR).
Train routes to Vientiane
For more information about travelling by train, please read our Train Guide in Laos.
THE LOWER MEKONG
In search for the 4000 islands.
In the heart of southern Laos, Champasak province unfolds as a land of waterfalls and river islands shaped by the mighty Mekong.
From Pakse, the gateway city, travelers can journey into the cool highlands of the Bolaven Plateau, home to lush coffee plantations and majestic waterfalls cascading through verdant forests.
Further south, the river splits into a labyrinth of waterways known as Si Phan Don — the "4000 Islands". Among them, Don Det and Don Khon offer serene landscapes and a tranquil river life, capturing the unhurried essence of Laos where time flows as gently as the Mekong itself.
Nature WildlifePakse is connected to Vientiane by sleeper buses operated by Chitpasong Bus.
Bus routes to Pakse
Alternatively, if you are travelling from Cambodia to Laos, Pakse is connected to Siem Reap, Phnom Penh and Don Det by buses and minivans operated by Asia Van Transfer and VET Air Bus Express.
International bus routes from Cambodia to Pakse
For more information about travelling by bus, please read our Bus Guide in Laos.
Don Det is connected to Pakse by buses operated by VET Air Bus Express.
Bus routes to Don Det
Alternatively, if you are travelling from Cambodia to Laos, Don Det and Don Khon are connected to Siem Reap and Phnom Penh by buses and minivans operated by Asia Van Transfer and VET Air Bus Express.
International bus routes from Cambodia to Don Det and Don Khon
For more information about travelling by bus, please read our Bus Guide in Laos.