Laos Discovery: A 10-Day Journey Through the Best Highlights

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

Embark on an unforgettable 10-day journey through the heart of Laos, designed to unveil the very best of this captivating Southeast Asian gem. This comprehensive tour seamlessly blends cultural immersion, thrilling adventures, and serene natural beauty. Starting in the spiritual and historical hub of Luang Prabang, you'll explore ancient temples, participate in ethical elephant encounters, and marvel at stunning waterfalls. The adventure continues to Vang Vieng, offering exhilarating caving, lagoon relaxation, and river cruises amidst dramatic karst landscapes. Conclude your tour in the charming capital of Vientiane, where you'll discover revered temples, significant monuments, and unique parks, all while experiencing the warm hospitality and rich traditions that make Laos truly special.

OVERVIEW ITINERARY

Here is overview itinerary. Please contact for more details and better offers. 

Day 1: Luang Prabang: Arrival & Leisurely Introduction

Day 2: Luang Prabang: Mekong River Cruise & Cultural Heritage

Day 3: Luang Prabang: Rural Life & Kuang Si Waterfalls

Day 4: Luang Prabang: Ethical Elephant Encounter & Leisure

Day 5: Luang Prabang → Vang Vieng: Ziplining Adventure & Scenic Transfer

Day 6: Vang Vieng: Caves, Lagoons & River Exploration

Day 7: Vang Vieng → Vientiane: Limestone Caves & Capital Arrival

Day 8: Vientiane: City Landmarks & Historical Insights

Day 9: Vientiane: Tranquil Island Discovery

Day 10: Vientiane: Departure

DETAIL PROGRAM:

Day 1: Luang Prabang (Arrival)

• Meals: None

• Accommodation: Hotel in Luang Prabang

• Activities:

  • Upon your arrival at Luang Prabang International Airport (LPQ), you will be warmly welcomed by your guide and transferred directly to your hotel.

  • Check-in at your hotel and take some time to settle in.

  • Spend the rest of the day at your leisure, allowing you to relax, explore the charming surroundings of Luang Prabang city independently, or simply unwind after your journey.

Day 2: Luang Prabang (Mekong River & Cultural Heritage)

• Meals: Breakfast (B), Lunch (L)

• Accommodation: Hotel in Luang Prabang

• Activities:

  • Morning: After breakfast, begin your cultural exploration with a visit to the Royal Palace Museum, a beautiful structure built in 1904 for King Sisavang Vong. The museum offers insights into Lao royalty and history.

  • Next, enjoy a leisurely cruise on the mighty Mekong River upstream to the revered Pak Ou Caves. These sacred limestone caves are filled with thousands of Buddha statues, left by pilgrims over centuries.

  • On your return journey, stop at Ban Xanghai village, known for its traditional distillation of Lao rice wine (Lao-Lao), where you can sample this local specialty.

  • Continue your cultural immersion with visits to two significant temples: Wat Sene, one of Luang Prabang's oldest and most beautiful temples, and Wat Xiengthong, renowned for its stunning classical Lao architecture and intricate mosaics.

  • Explore Heuan Chan, a beautifully preserved 19th-century traditional Lao mansion that offers a glimpse into historical Lao culture and lifestyle. Enjoy an authentic Lao coffee or tea here.

  • Late Afternoon: Ascend Phousi Hill for breathtaking panoramic views of Luang Prabang and the surrounding Mekong River, a perfect spot to witness a mesmerizing sunset.

  • Evening: Descend from Phousi Hill directly into the vibrant Night Market, where you can browse a wide array of handicrafts, textiles, and local souvenirs.

Day 3: Luang Prabang (Rural Life & Kuang Si Waterfall)

• Meals: Breakfast (B), Lunch (L)

• Accommodation: Hotel in Luang Prabang

• Activities:

  • Morning: Begin your day with a unique visit to a community-based rice farm located near Luang Prabang. Here, you'll have the opportunity to participate in traditional farming activities or simply observe the process from a comfortable traditional Lao rice house.

  • Explore nearby artisan workshops, gaining insight into local crafts, and learn about traditional medicine practices in an organic garden.

  • Afternoon: Visit the stunning Kuang Si Waterfalls, a multi-tiered cascade of turquoise pools nestled in lush jungle. Enjoy ample time for swimming in the refreshing waters.

  • Afterward, make a meaningful stop at the Bear Rescue Center located within the waterfall park, which cares for rescued Asiatic black bears.

  • Conclude your day at the Ock Pop Tock Living Craft Center, where you can observe local artisans creating high-quality fabrics using traditional weaving techniques.

  • Evening: Return to your hotel in Luang Prabang, with the rest of the evening at your leisure.

Day 4: Luang Prabang (Ethical Elephant Village)

• Meals: Breakfast (B), Lunch (L)

• Accommodation: Hotel in Luang Prabang

• Activities:

  • Morning: After breakfast at your hotel, you will be transferred to the Elephant Village Camp for a warm welcome and comprehensive briefing on their ethical conservation efforts.

  • Enjoy the heartwarming experience of feeding the elephants.

  • Explore the camp's facilities, including their elephant hospital, a small museum, gallery, and a unique dung paper facility.

  • Experience being a Mahout with a special one-on-one interaction with an elephant, learning about their care.

  • Take a traditional Lao long boat ride along the serene river to the beautiful Tad Sae Waterfall (seasonal water levels apply). Here, you can relax by the cascades or enjoy a refreshing swim.

  • A delicious buffet lunch with vegetarian options will be served at the camp restaurant.

  • Afternoon (approx. 1:00 PM): Return to your hotel in Luang Prabang, with the rest of the day at leisure to relax or explore further.

Day 5: Luang Prabang → Vang Vieng (Adventure & Transfer)

• Meals: Breakfast (B), Lunch (L)

• Accommodation: Hotel in Vang Vieng

• Activities:

  • Morning (approx. 8:30 AM): Depart from your hotel and transfer to Nahm Dong Park, located 10 km from Luang Prabang, a beautiful eco-tourism destination.

  • After a welcome by the park manager, embark on an exhilarating one-hour zipline ride soaring over the jungle and cascading waterfalls, offering incredible aerial views.

  • Follow this with a trekking adventure (1-3 hours) along picturesque jungle trails, crossing thrilling flying bridges, streams, and discovering natural pools.

  • A delightful picnic lunch will be served at a scenic viewpoint, offering stunning vistas of the surrounding region, including majestic Mount Phousi.

  • Afternoon: Spend the remainder of the afternoon exploring more of the park's attractions or simply relaxing by its refreshing natural pools.

  • Late Afternoon: Transfer to the train station for your comfortable journey to Vang Vieng.

  • Evening: Upon arrival in Vang Vieng, a driver will meet you and transfer you to your hotel for check-in and overnight stay.

Day 6: Vang Vieng (Caves, Lagoons & River Exploration)

• Meals: Breakfast (B), Lunch (L)

• Accommodation: Hotel in Vang Vieng

• Activities:

  • Full Day: Enjoy a full-day adventure exploring the natural wonders of Vang Vieng's dramatic karst landscape.

  • Begin with a visit to Tham Jang Cave, a historical refuge that offered shelter during the Chinese invasion. Explore its fascinating chambers.

  • Continue to Tham Nangfa (Angel Cave), known for its vast limestone formations and stunning stalactites, providing excellent opportunities for photography and quiet contemplation.

  • Next, unwind and relax at Blue Lagoon 2, surrounded by lush greenery and clear blue waters, perfect for swimming, swinging, and enjoying the serene environment.

  • Take a picturesque 30-minute cruise on the Nam Song River aboard a traditional long-tail boat, soaking in the beautiful views of the riverside scenery and towering karsts.

  • Optional Stops: On the return journey, there will be optional stops at charming local villages and a bustling market, offering a glimpse into rural life.

  • Evening: Conclude your day with a serene sunset over the Nam Song River, casting golden hues over the landscape, before returning to your hotel for overnight stay.

Day 7: Vang Vieng → Vientiane (Limestone Caves & Capital Arrival)

• Meals: Breakfast (B), Lunch (L)

• Accommodation: Hotel in Vientiane

• Activities:

  • Morning: After breakfast, drive approximately 14 km north to explore more of Vang Vieng's incredible cave systems.

  • Visit Tham Xang (Elephant Cave), a Buddhist temple renowned for its unique limestone formations resembling elephants.

  • Continue to Tham Hoi (Snail Cave) for a captivating 45-minute exploration of its winding corridors and stunning geological formations.

  • Your cave adventure also includes the Loop Cave and Tham Nam (Water Cave), where, during the dry season, you can enjoy a unique experience of swimming and tubing through its clear waters.

  • Mid-day: Embark on a gentle 2 km trek to the Hmong village of Phathao, passing through verdant rice paddies and vibrant vegetable gardens, offering insights into ethnic minority life.

  • Afternoon: Return to Vang Vieng and then begin your scenic drive to Vientiane, the charming capital city of Laos. Vientiane is known for its blend of Lao, Thai, Chinese, Vietnamese, and French influences, evident in its architecture and culture.

  • Evening: Check into your hotel in Vientiane and enjoy the evening at leisure.

Day 8: Vientiane (City Tour)

• Meals: Breakfast (B), Lunch (L)

• Accommodation: Hotel in Vientiane

• Activities:

  • Morning: Begin your Vientiane city tour by visiting the serene Wat Sisaket, one of the most beautiful and oldest temples in the capital, famous for its thousands of Buddha images.

  • Continue to the nearby Wat Phra Keo, which now serves as a religious museum, displaying an impressive collection of both Lao and Khmer works of art.

  • Next, visit COPE (Cooperative Orthotic and Prosthetic Enterprise), an association dedicated to helping landmine victims, providing a somber but important insight into Laos's past challenges.

  • Mid-day: Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, savoring authentic Lao cuisine.

  • Afternoon: Stop at the iconic Patuxay monument, often referred to as Laos's version of the Arc de Triomphe, offering panoramic views from its top.

  • Continue your visit to Pha That Luang, the most sacred monument in Laos, a magnificent golden stupa symbolizing Lao sovereignty and Buddhist faith.

  • Late Afternoon: Drive out of the city to visit the unique Buddha Park (Xieng Khuan), an outdoor sculpture park featuring numerous Buddhist and Hindu religious images.

  • Evening: Return to the city for overnight stay in Vientiane.

Day 9: Vientiane (Done XingXu Island Exploration)

• Meals: Breakfast (B), Lunch (L)

• Accommodation: Hotel in Vientiane

• Activities:

  • Morning: Begin your day with a journey to the tranquil Done XingXu Island, located just outside Vientiane.

  • From Ban Kaolieu, take a traditional boat ride with locals across the river to the island, offering a glimpse into everyday river life.

  • Upon arrival, visit a revered local temple known for its intriguing “lucky numbers,” a place of local superstition and tradition.

  • Explore a small village of about 200 residents, observing their traditional way of life, including the raising of pigs and goats.

  • Experience a unique local mode of transport by riding a tuk-tuk or local tractor to tour the island, navigating its charming paths.

  • Mid-day: Enjoy a traditional lunch at a local eatery on the island, savoring authentic flavors.

  • Afternoon: After some time to relax and take in the serene island scenery, you will return by boat to the mainland and transfer back to your hotel in Vientiane.

Day 10: Vientiane (Departure)

• Meals: Breakfast (B)

• Accommodation: None (Departure Day)

• Activities:

  • Enjoy breakfast at your hotel.

  • You will have leisure time to explore the city on your own, perhaps revisiting a favorite spot, doing some last-minute souvenir shopping, or simply relaxing until your scheduled transfer.

  • At the appropriate time, you will be transferred to Vientiane Wattay International Airport (VTE) for your international departure flight. We wish you a safe and pleasant journey home!

Important Notes