Laos at A Glance

📍 Vientiane Airport – Vientiane (4 km): 15 min

Upon arrival to Vientiane, our guide and driver will be waiting to provide transport to the hotel for check in. After relaxing at the hotel, enjoy a brief orientation tour of the city. 

In the afternoon, visit Patuxay monument, Laos’ version of the Arc de Triomphe. Climbing its stairs to the top, enjoy sweeping, panoramic views over the city. Afterwards, pay a visit to the holiest site in Laos, That Luang temple. Constructed by King Setthethirat in the 16th century, the glowing temple is one of the most inspiring sights in the city. 

Overnight in Vientiane

Inclusions:

After breakfast at the hotel, enjoy a guided tour to discover the hidden gems of Vientiane. The tour begins at the serene Wat Sisaket, one of the most beautiful temples in the capital, and continues on to Wat Phra Keo. Today used as a museum, this temple displays a brilliant collection of both Khmer and Lao works of art. Nearby is the stunning Presidential Palace. Though it can only be viewed from the exterior, this structure offers some excellent insight into the colonial history of Laos. 

The next stop will be to Wat Simuang, the most popular and venerated temple in Vientiane, before paying a visit to COPE. COPE is an association working to help landmine victims in Laos. A visit here provides in-depth information about the history of the American/Vietnam war and the lasting impact of unexploded ordinances (UXO) in the area, and what efforts are being made to clear them. 

Enjoy the afternoon at leisure strolling along the Mekong River and sampling its range of restaurants. This is also a great time to pay a visit to the nearby evening market; the perfect chance to haggle for some bargains. 

Overnight in Vientiane

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast

📍 Vientiane – Vientiane Airport (4 km): 15 min / Luang Prabang Airport – Luang Prabang (4 km): 15 min / or Vientiane - Vientiane Train Station (17 km): 30 min / Luang Prabang Train Station – Luang Prabang (12 km): 25 min

After breakfast, enjoy free time at leisure for last minute shopping before a transport will be provided to the airport ( or train station) for the flight ( or train) to the capital. 

Suggested flight: Depart Vientiane at 1210 on QV101 (Lao Airlines), landing in Luang Prabang at 1255.

Suggested train: Depart Vientiane at 16.05 on train C84, arriving in Luang Prabang at 18.00.

On arrival in Luang Prabang, our guide and driver will be waiting to provide transport to the hotel.

Overnight in Luang Prabang

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast

Start the day with a half-day guided tour through Luang Prabang. The guide will provide a pickup from the hotel for the transport into the city.

Begin the city tour at the former Royal Palace. Now home to the National Museum, this site is a great place to get acquainted with the history of Laos. Continue on foot to Wat Mai, a temple renowned for its golden bas-relief, followed by Wat Sensoukarahm, which features a beautiful dazzling golden façade. Finish the tour at Wat Xieng Thong, the most revered temple in Luang Prabang. Located at the end of the peninsula, close to the Mekong, this temple was built in 1560 by King Setthathirat and is decorated with ornate carvings and mosaics.

At midday, stop for lunch at a restaurant that promotes traditional cuisine. Learn about the recipes and techniques used for generations of Lao residents while tasting freshly prepared dishes. 

Having had a taste of the spiritual, traditional and culinary side of Luang Prabang, it is time to experience the natural beauty of the region. Drive through the countryside outside Luang Praband to Kuang Si waterfall, a cascading series of pools in the forest. Relax alongside the clear blue waters or opt for an active trek to the top of the falls. 

For further insight into the natural wonders of Laos, a stop can be made at the Asiatic Black Bear sanctuary. Located near the falls, this centre houses endangered bears rescued from poachers. The centre explains the efforts of the passionate animal lovers who are working to stop the poachers and preserve the bear’s natural habitat. Additionally, a stop can be made at the unique Lao Buffalo Dairy Farm, a social enterprise that produces sustainable and delicious cheese while giving back to the community and environment. While the buffalo may be the stars here, there are also playful pigs, cheeky chickens and rollicking rabbits that are just as fun to interact with for the young and young at heart. Enjoy a homemade ice cream at the cafe before saying goodbye to the Buffaloes and the team. (Opening Hours: 9.30am – 5.30pm, Monday - Sunday) 

Late this afternoon it is time to return to the city, driving once again through the vibrant rural landscapes that make up the Laos’ countryside.

As the day comes to an end, climb the 328 steps of Mount Phousi, reaching the peak just before sunset. At the top, enjoy some stunning panoramic views over the Mekong and Nam Khan Rivers, the neighboring mountain ranges, and the city’s buildings. A sunset here is simply unforgettable!  

Descend the steps on the opposite side of the hill and stroll to the nearby colourful Night Market. Every evening along the main street, the area’s ethnic groups gather to sell their handicrafts- the perfect location to find souvenirs! 

After the tour, transfer back to the hotel and enjoy dinner independently. 

Overnight in Luang Prabang

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch

For early risers, there is a very special dawn visit to watch the monks collecting the alms.  As the sun begins to rise, long lines of orange-robed monks leave their pagodas and walk barefoot down the streets collecting offerings from Luang Prabang residents. 

After going back to the hotel for breakfast, board a local boat at 9:00 and cruise along the Mekong River to the village parallel to Luang Prabang. Escape from the tourist crowds on this countryside Luang Prabang tour. 

Disembark then continue traveling by tuk-tuk, venturing up the western banks of the Mekong River. Stop at Wat Chom Phet and walk up the stairs to the main building. This ancient temple was once used by the King as a retreat and it’s easy to see why- the breezy pavilion and tropical surroundings create a peaceful environment. 

Continue by tuk tuk to Wat Long Khoun. Built at the same time as Luang Prabang’s Wat Xieng Thong, this royal temple features unique mural paintings that are remarkably well-preserved.

Head further away from civilization, turning down a dirt road for a drive through the countryside. Stop at a Khmu village and meet with the local residents who rely on the land for survival. Their daily life remains largely untouched by the modern world and ancient traditions still guide their actions. 

Drive onwards to the next stop, the Hmong village of Ban Pak Leung. From here take a boat for a short river trip to Ban Chan, a pottery village. Watch as the locals use traditional techniques to craft bowls that are then fired in underground kilns. It is remarkable to see these ancient methods of creating high-quality vessels for daily usage.  

Then it is time to return to Luang Prabang. Travel by boat, admiring the picturesque landscapes and river villages as they pass by.  

Overnight in Luang Prabang

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast

Enjoy a beautiful day exploring the northern region on this Luang Prabang Mekong River cruise. A short transfer will be provided to the city’s sleepy jetty, where palm trees shade the river banks.

Board the Nava Mekong, a traditional wooden river boat oozing with charm. The wide, open-air seating area offers the perfect vantage point for viewing scenes of riverine life. Cast off and cruise upstream traveling at a leisurely pace. Limestone mountains and lush foliage set the backdrop as fishing boats pass by. The occasional riverside village punctuates the landscape. 

After 2 hours, the Nava Mekong will dock at the Pak Ou caves. Take a short walk up the stairs to the cavernous entrance and stare in wonder at the centuries-old Buddha images. More than 4,000 images have been tucked into every nook and cranny over the years, providing a truly magical atmosphere. It is no surprise that the Lao people consider Pak Ou to be one of their most important spiritual sites. 

Return to the ship and resume the Luang Prabang Mekong River cruise, drifting downstream back towards the city. Although following the same path, the ever-changing waterway always offers something new to see. The crew will serve a delicious lunch of freshly-prepared Lao specialties. Sourced from local ingredients and following traditional recipes, the meal is outstanding and made even more memorable thanks to the setting. 

Around 14:00 the Nava Mekong will dock in Luang Prabang where a private car awaits. Return to the hotel for a rest or continue to explore the UNESCO Heritage city. 

Rest of the day at leisure in Luang Prabang 

Overnight in Luang Prabang

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch, 🍗 Dinner

📍 Luang Prabang – Luang Prabang Airport (4 km): 15 min

After breakfast at the hotel, enjoy the morning at leisure until transport is provided to the airport for the departing flight.

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast