Laos
Classic Laos - 12 Days
A Private Tour visiting Luang Prabang, Xiengkhuang, Vang Vieng, Vientiane, Pakse & 4000 Islands
From ancient towns to the Capital of Laos, this classic tour explores the wonders of Laos from its friendly people and intriguing spiritual culture to its diverse landscapes and natural wonders. Travelling beyond the touristy areas, you’ll discover a side of Laos untouched by the modern world.
Day 1: Luang Prabang arrival
On arrival at the airport, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Your half day city tour begins with a visit to the Royal Palace Museum, which hosts a range of interesting artifacts. We then head to the magnificent Wat Xiengthong with its roofs sweeping low to the ground, which represents classical Laotian architecture. Visit the impressive stupa of Wat Visoun and the shrines of Wat Aham and Wat Mai. Overnight in Luang Prabang
Day 2: Luang Prabang - Big Brother Mouse - Ban Khoklin - Pak Ou Caves (B, L)
The day starts with a visit to the S to select some books for the village visit. We then head north by car along route 13, before taking a unpaved road to Ban Khia Luang village. After lunch we drive to Ban Khoklin, which takes us through some beautiful scenery of mountains and paddy fields. At Ban Khoklin we then board a private boat down the Nam Ou River for 30 minutes to Pak Ou Caves, continue down the Mekong River back to Luang Prabang.
Day 3: Khuang Si Waterfall and Ban Chan (B, L)
Today we cross the Mekong River by boat, to the picturesque village of Ban Chan, a pottery village. We then visit the morning Phousi Market. Laos is also known for its traditional crafts. Visit Ban Ouay, a Hmong village, Ban Ou - a Laoloum village and Ban Thapene, a Khmu village. This then takes us to the beautiful Khuang Si Waterfall where you can cool off with a refreshing swim in the pools or walk along the forest trails.
Day 4: Luang Prabang - Xieng Khuang (B, L)
We make the day drive through wonderful natural scenery to Xieng Khuang. The journey will give you plenty of opportunities for photos and visiting hill tribe villages. Upon arrival, we transfer out to visit Site 1 of the Plain of Jars, an impressive archaeological site where hundreds of large stone jars are scattered all over the plateau.
Day 5: Xieng Khuang - Plain of Jars and Muang Khoun (B, L)
This morning we have time to visit the interesting Central Market in Phonsavan, visit the MAG exhibition and Site 2 of the Plain of Jars before taking a short scenic trek to Site 3 via a Tai Dam and Lao Leum village. Following lunch we have a half day morning tour seeing the old capital of Muang Khoun and the nearby villages, home to the Hmong hill tribe and Tai Dam people.
Day 6: Xieng Khuang - Vang Vieng (B, L)
This morning we have time to visit the interesting Central Market in Phonsavan, and then we transfer to Vang Vieng by road, arriving there midafternoon.
Day 7: Vang Vieng - Half day tour - Vientiane (B, L)
As part of our half day tour in Vang Vieng, we explore the famous caves of Tham Jang, which was once used by the local people as a hideout from Chinese invaders. We also cross the river to Ban Huai Ngai, a very pleasant village where we can explore the different lifestyles of the locals. Following lunch we head south to Vientiane, where we arrive before sunset.
Day 8: Vientiane - Half day city tour (B, L)
Your half day city tour to see the major temples of Vientiane including the oldest Wat Sisaket, a temple of thousands of miniature Buddha statues, and the former royal temple of Wat Prakeo, which previously housed the famous Emerald Buddha Image. We also visit Laotian national icon, That Luang Stupa, and we stop to take some pictures of the imposing Patuxay Monument, which is Vientiane’s own Arc de Triumph.
Day 9: Vientiane - Pakse - 4000 Islands (flight) (B, L)
You will be transferred to the airport early this morning for your flight to Pakse. We drive south to Champassak and to visit the fascinating pre-Angkorian ruins of Wat Phu, one of Southeast Asia's most dramatically situated temples. We have time to explore these intriguing Khmer ruins, which are perched at the base of Mount Phu Kao. Following lunch, we continue to the 4000 Islands area, where you have the rest of the day to relax.
Day 10: 4000 Islands and Surrounding (B, L)
We explore Khone Island. Here we begin by re-tracing the French colonial-past at Ban Khone, where some old colonial houses still stand and glimpse the first Lao railway with its own locomotive. Visit the beautiful Liphi waterfall, also known as the Samphamith, which forms a natural border between Lao and Cambodia. We return to Ban Nakasang and drive to the famous waterfall of Khone Phapeng - the largest waterfall in South East Asia, also known as the 'Niagara of the east'.
Day 11: 4000 Islands - Tad Lo - Pakse (B, L)
We leave for the Bolevean Plateau. It is known for its cooler temperature being located high above the Mekong Valley visit Tad Fan. A trip to the plateau provides a refreshing break from the heat and allows you to observe the cultivation of rich coffee, tea, cardamom, bananas, and other crops that can be seen en route. In the afternoon we arrive at Tad Lo, home to another scenic waterfall and numerous ethnic minority groups. We visit the villages of Alak, Nge, and Katu before returning to Pakse.
Day 12: Pakse departure (B)
After breakfast at the hotel, you will be free to explore the city until transfer to the airport for your onward flight.
End of service
Price for Private Tour: From $1725 per person + Internal Flight - low season (based on 2 adults sharing Star accommodation).
For a precise quote please let us have your dates of travel, number in party, and desired standard of accommodation.
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