Discover Laos

Laos Quick Trip

Day 1 – Transfer Vientiane airport to hotel followed by a half day city tour with Vat Sisaket temple, Vat Simuang temple, Hor Prakeo monument and Phra That Luang stupa. One night accommodation in Vientiane.

Day 2 – Early transfer to the Vientiane airport. Arrival transfer in Luang Prabang followed by a full day city tour that includes Vat Visoun, Vat Xieng Thong, Royal Palace Museum, a monks’ school, a weaving village, a paper-making village, Vat Mai and Phou Sii hill. Two nights accommodations in Luang Prabang. (B, L)

Day 3 – Early morning observe hundreds of monks receiving alms. You’ll have the opportunity to offer alms to the monks. Continue, via boat, to the Pak Ou Buddha Caves. This afternoon visit Kuang Sii Waterfall. (B)

Day 4 – Transfer to airport. (B)

Focus on Luang Prabang

Day 1 – Arrival transfer in Luang Prabang. Afternoon visit to Kuang Sii Waterfall. This evening take a guided walking tour of the night market. Three nights accommodations Luang Prabang.

Day 2 – Early morning observe hundreds of monks receiving alms. You’ll have the opportunity to offer alms to the monks, followed by a full day city tour that includes Vat Visoun, Vat Xieng Thong, Royal Palace Museum, a monks’ school, a weaving village, a paper-making village, Vat Mai and Phou Sii hill. (B, L)

Day 3 – This morning’s cooking class (non-private) starts with a market visit. Learn about customs related to Lao cuisine, which is made by grinding fresh spices with a mortar and pestle and by cooking over an open fire. You’ll lunch on the food you prepared. This evening attend a Lao dance performance. (B, L)

Day 4 – Transfer to the airport in Luang Prabang. (B)

A Taste of Laos

Day 1 – Transfer from the airport to your hotel in Luang Prabang. Three nights accommodations Luang Prabang.

Day 2 – Early morning observe hundreds of monks receiving alms. You’ll have the opportunity to offer alms to the monks, followed by a full day city tour that includes Vat Visoun, Vat Xieng Thong, Royal Palace Museum, a monks’ school, a weaving village, a paper-making village, Vat Mai and Phou Sii hill. (B, L)

Day 3 – Early morning observe hundreds of monks receiving alms. You’ll have an opportunity to offer alms to the monks. Full day tour to Pak Ou Buddha Caves by boat. Stop at Ban Xanghai village where Lao rice wine is produced. This evening take a guided walk through the night market. (B, L)

Day 4 – Morning tour to the Kuang Sii Waterfalls. Afternoon transfer to the Luang Prabang airport. Arrival transfer in Vientiane. Two nights accommodations. (B)

Day 5 – Full day city tour including city tour with Vat Sisaket temple, Vat Simuang temple, Hor Prakeo monument and Phra That Luang stupa. You’ll also travel outside the city to Xieng Khuan Buddha Park, Friendship Bridge and National Cultural Park. Time permitting, you might visit Talat Sao market and/or the Carol Cassidy gallery. (B, L)

Day 6 – Transfer to the airport. (B)

Laos In Depth

Day 1 – Transfer from the airport to your hotel in Luang Prabang. City tour with Wat Visoun, That Makmo, National Museum, Wat Mai and Phou Sii hill. Evening guided walking tour of the night market. Three nights accommodations Luang Prabang.

Day 2 – Early morning observe hundreds of monks receiving alms. You’ll have an opportunity to offer alms to the monks. Visit Pak Ou Buddha Caves by boat, Ban Xanghai rice wine village and Ban Phanom weaving village. (B, L)

Day 3 – Morning visit to Tad Kuang Sii Waterfalls where you can swim in the pools. Afternoon at leisure to explore Luang Prabang on your own. (B)

Day 4 – Overland drive from Luang Prabang to the Plain of Jars. This afternoon visit the township and local area. Two nights accommodations in Phonsavan. (B, L)

Day 5 – Morning exploration of the Plain of Jars site and surrounding villages. Afternoon at leisure. (B)

Day 6 – Overland drive to Vang Vieng with village stops along the way. Upon arrival explore the local cavies. One night accommodation in Vang Vieng. (B, L)

Day 7 – Overland drive to Vientiane with stops at Vang Xang cave and an ethnic minority market. Two nights accommodations in Vientiane. (B, L)

Day 8 – Full day city tour including Wat Sisaket, Haw Phra Kaew, Putousay, Phra That Luang stupa, Talaat Sao market, Xieng Khuan Buddha Park, Friendship Bridge, National Cultural Park and a weaving workshop and gallery. (B, L)

Day 9 – Transfer to the Vientiane airport. Upon arrival in Pakse you’ll be met and taken on a tour of the Bolaven Plateau, including a tea and coffee plantation. Continue to Tad Fane Waterfalls with stops at minority hill tribe villages. One night accommodation in Pakse. (B, L)

Day 10 – Visit Wat Phou temple, Kiet Ngong elephant camp and the Si Phan Don 4,000 islands area of the Mekong. Continue to Don Khong Island. One night accommodation on the island. (B, L)

Day 11 – Take a boat trip to Don Khone Island. Continue to Lii Pii Falls where you’ll try to find the endangered Irrawaddy dolphins that live just below the falls near the Cambodian border. Then visit Khon Phapheng Waterfalls before returning to Pakse for a one night stay. (B, L)

Day 12 – Transfer to the Pakse airport. (B)

This tour can be extended by adding hotel nights and additional excursions to Luang Prabang and/or Vientiane, by extending the trip to include northern Laos, by adding a stay at an ecolodge in southern Laos, by adding the Night Safari Adventure.

Safari Adventures

                    Nam Nern Safari

Day 1 – Depart Luang Prabang travel overland to Muang Viengthong. One night accommodation at a 2* (basic) guesthouse. (L, D)

Day 2 – Today you’ll have a full day expedition in Nam Nern, as well as a Night Safari. Nature activities during your trip include wildlife tracking, bird watching, nighttime wildlife spotting, discovering medicinal plants and early morning hikes. Your lunch and dinner will be cooked by local villagers. One night accommodation in a safari tent. (B, L, D)

Day 3 – Travel overland to Nong Khiau. Afternoon boat ride on the Nam Ou River. Visit caves and trek to a hill tribe village. One night accommodation in a bungalow at Nonghia Riverside. (B, L, D)

Day 4 – Morning at leisure to hike to local villages. Return to Luang Prabang in the afternoon. (B, L)

Nam Nern Safari with Samnue & Plain of Jars:

Day 1 – Depart Luang Prabang travel overland to Nong Khiau through an area of traditional villages and lush countryside. Continue with a boat ride on the Nam Ou River and visits to Muang Ngoi and Ban Sopjam traditional handicraft village. Evening welcome by the villagers with a Baci ceremony. One night accommodation at Nong Khiau. (L, D)

Day 2 – Overland to Muang Vieng Thong and begin your Nam Nern Safari. Nature activities during your trip include wildlife tracking, bird watching, nighttime wildlife spotting, discovering medicinal plants and early morning hikes. Your dinner will be cooked by local villagers. One night accommodation at the Safari eco lodge. (B, L, D)

Day 3 – Travel via Ban Son Koua to Sam Neua via a mountain road. One night accommodation in Samnue. (B, L, D)

Day 4 – Walk along the Xam River to the morning market. Continue to Viengsay and learn about the historical significance of the area during the Indochina war. Visit major caves in which members of  the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party lived during the war. Two nights accommodations at Vieng Xai Caves. (B, L)

Day 5 – Visit Hospital Cave, which is now the site of a local school. (B, L)

Day 6 – Overland to Xieng Khouang with stops to see the mysterious menhirs (standing stones) at Hintang, Nam Neun and Thampiu Cave. Two nights accommodations at Plain of Jars. (B, L)

Day 7 – Visit the local market before continuing to the three sites of the Plain of Jars. In the afternoon you’ll explore the surrounding region where the affects of the “Secret War” are still evident, with bomb casings being used to support buildings and as planters for flowers and vegetable. Visit Sites 1, 2 & 3, as well as Muang Khun, Tai Dam village and Ban Na Pia (War Spoon village). (B, L)

Day 8 – Transfer to the Xieng Khuang airport. (B)

Plain of Jars Extensions

                                                                                             2 Days / 1 Night:

Day 1 – Overland drive from Luang Prabang to the Plain of Jars with stops at villages and a local market. This afternoon visit Plain of Jars site 3. Overnight stay in Phonsavan. (L)

Day 2 – Morning visit to the local market and exploration of Plain of Jars site 1. Transfer to the Xieng Khouang airport. (B)

                          3 Days / 2 Nights:

Day 1 – Overland drive from Luang Prabang to the Plain of Jars with stops at ethnic minority villages. This afternoon visit the township. Two nights accommodations in Phonsavan. (L)

Day 2 – Visit the local market before continuing to the three sites of the Plain of Jars. In the afternoon you’ll explore the surrounding region where the affects of the “Secret War” are still evident, with bomb casings being used to support buildings and as planters for flowers and vegetable. Visit Sites 1, 2 & 3, as well as Muang Khun, Tai Dam village and Ban Na Pia (War Spoon village). (B, L)

Day 3 – After visiting the local market return to Luang Prabang or transfer to the Xieng Khouang airport. (B)

5 Days / 4 Nights Plain of Jars & Vang Vieng:

Day 1 – Overland to Xieng Khouang province, home to the Plain of Jars. Along the way visit a H’mong hill tribe village. Two nights accommodations in Phonsavan. (L)

Day 2 – Visit the local market before continuing to the three sites of the Plain of Jars. In the afternoon you’ll explore the surrounding region where the affects of the “Secret War” are still evident, with bomb casings being used to support buildings and as planters for flowers and vegetable. Visit Sites 1, 2 & 3, as well as Muang Khun, Tai Dam village and Ban Na Pia (War Spoon village). (B, L)

Day 3 – Overland drive to Vang Vieng through an area of ethnic minority villages. Upon arrival in Vang Vieng visit Tham Chang (Frozen Cave). Two nights accommodations in Vang Vieng. (B, L)

Day 4 – Morning bicycle excursion, followed by a visit to an organic farm. Continue with kayaking or taking a boat ride on the Nam Song River. (B, L)

Day 5 – Tour the local market before traveling overland to Vientiane. (B)

5 Days / 4 Nights Plain of Jars & Kong Lor Cave:

Day 1 – Overland to Xieng Khouang province, home to the Plain of Jars. Along the way visit a H’mong hill tribe village. Two nights accommodations in Phonsavan. (L)

Day 2 – Visit the local market before continuing to the three sites of the Plain of Jars. In the afternoon you’ll explore the surrounding region where the affects of the “Secret War” are still evident, with bomb casings being used to support buildings and as planters for flowers and vegetable. Visit Sites 1, 2 & 3, as well as Muang Khun, Tai Dam village and Ban Na Pia (War Spoon village). (B, L)

Day 3 – Overland to the Nam Teun Bridge area with stops at a number of view points overlooking the spectacular limestone karsts. At the Bridge see how local people use B-52 bomber fuel tanks (from the Vietnam War) to make “bomb boats” and if time permits, take a ride on one of the boats. Continue to the National Biodiversity Conservation Area at Teun Hin Boon and experience Lao village life. Two nights accommodations at Ban Nahin. (B, L, D)

Day 4 – Visit Kong Lor village and prepare to cross the massive Kong Lor Cave, via local boat. Continue via foot to Ban Na Tan. (B, L, D)

Day 5 – Following a “Bai Sii” blessing ceremony by local villagers travel overland through Laos National Protection Asia which is home to monkeys, several large cat species including clouded leopards, civit cats and tigers. Arrive in Vientiane in the late afternoon. (B, L)

Pakse & The 4,000 Islands

Day 1 – Transfer from the Pakse airport to your hotel, following a tour of the Vat Phou Mon Khmer temple ruins. Three nights accommodations.

Day 2 – This morning you’ll take a one hour elephant ride and will visit a local village. Continue to the Bolaven Plateau to visit the tea and coffee plantations in this lush and scenic area. Visit Tadfane Waterfall before returning to Pakse. (B)

Day 3 – Today’s full day excursion takes you to Si Phan Don (4,000 islands). Drive through an area of mountains and villages to reach the Mekong River. Take a boat ride to Don Khone Island, which you’ll have a chance to explore. Visit Lii Phi Waterfall and Khone Phapheng Waterfall. (B, L)

Day 4 – Transfer to the Pakse airport. (B)

Additional Overnight Adventures & Cruises

2 days/1 night Overland Luang Prabang – Vientiane
Includes an overnight stay in Vang Vieng with Tham Chang cave, an organic farm, bicycling and kayaking. Three meals included.

3 days/2 nights Muang La
Includes a boat ride on Nam Ou River, visits to Ikhos and Hmong villages and two nights at Muang La Resort. Includes six meals.

6 days/5 nights Gibbon Experience
Includes a boat ride on Nam Ou River, visits to Ikhos and Hmong villages and two nights at Muang La Resort followed by a zipline adventure at Houei Xai with two nights at Houei Xai and one night at the Tree House in Nam Kan National Park. Includes 13 meals.

2 days/1 night Private Traditional Mekong Cruise
Starts in Pakbeng and ends at Luang Prabang. Cross the Thailand/Laos border at Houei Say and begin cruising from Pakbeng on the Lao side. Stops include hill tribe villages and Pak Ou Buddha Caves. Overnight at Pakbeng Lodge. Includes four meals.

2 days/1 night Join-In Luang Say Cruise
Starts in Pakbeng and ends at Luang Prabang. Stops include a local village and Pak Ou Buddha Caves. Overnight at Luang Say Lodge. Includes four meals.

3 days/2 nights Join-In Vat Phou Cruise to 4,000 Islands
Starts and ends in Pakse with stops at the Vat Phou ruins, Huei Thamo village, Oum Muong forest temple, Ban Deua Tia village and Ban Veuthong where passengers transfer to smaller boats to visit Khone Island. Before returning to Pakse visit Pha Pheng Waterfall. Includes overnights on board and seven meals.

Favorite Day Trips

Add any of these excursions to your itinerary and ask us about even more options:

Day trips from Vientiane

• Nam Ngum Lake with boat ride, local villages, Vang Xang and the H’mong tribal market.
• Phou Khaokhuay National Park & Orchid Trek with wildlife spotting opportunities, waterfalls and lush forests.
• Vang Vieng day trip including driving through the mountain pass, organic farming, Tam Chang Cave and a boat ride on the Nam Song River.

Day trips from Luang Prabang

• Cooking class including lunch (private or join-in).
• Visit an orphanage school.
• Natural Dyes class or Weaving class.
• Living Lands Community Farm Experience.
• City tour via tuk-tuk or via bicycle.
• Adventure jungle trekking to Kuang Sii Waterfalls & a H’mong village.
• Soft adventure mountain trek to Kuang Sii Waterfalls.
• Kuang Sii Waterfalls by mountain bike.
• A variety of Elephant rides or Mahout training.
• Sangri Laos Expedition.
• Early morning alms giving.
• Traditional Lao Baci Ceremony.
  
• Mekong River cruise.
• Lifetime Experience community based services.

Day trips from Pakse

• Bolaven Plateau with coffee & tea plantations.
• Si Phan Don island.
• Vat Phou ruins & Elephant Village Ban Kiet Ngong.
• Transfer Songmek Thailand/Laos border.