Best of Laos

On arrival in Vientiane – the country’s charming capital, a local guide greets the guests at the airport and transfers them to the hotel in the city center. 

The tour begins at Wat Sisaket, the oldest temple in the city, which is filled with thousands of miniature Buddha statues. Then explore Wat Prakeo, the former royal temple that once housed the Emerald Buddha. On the way to That Luang Stupa, stop to visit the imposing Patuxay Monument, known as Vientiane’s own Arc de Triomphe.

Overnight in Vientiane.

Meals: N/A
Accommodation: Hotel in Vientiane.

After breakfast, the journey heads north to Vang Vieng, a small town next to the Nam Song River that is surrounded by jagged limestone karsts. Upon arrival in Vang Vieng, become acquainted with the city on a brief tour before checking into your hotel. The rest of the day is free to explore the town.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Vang Vieng.

Today, guests take a seven to eight-hour drive to Phonsavan – the capital of the Xieng Khoung province. 

*Xieng Khouang, the gateway to the Plain of Jars, is a town that has been totally rebuilt after it was destroyed during the secret war in Laos.

Along the way, enjoy the beautiful scenery and see local village life. In the afternoon, they arrive at Phonsavan. Take a city tour and have the option of visiting MAG, a humanitarian organization clearing the remnants of conflict for the benefit of local communities worldwide (the Mines Advisory Group).

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Phonsavan

After breakfast, guests will take a short trek to explore the mysterious Plain of Jars and the surrounding area. The jars are thought to be 2000 years old, although there is little proof to date them very accurately. Archaeologists still struggle to confirm the specific purpose of the jars; they were used for funerary urns or to store rice wine, and the mystery remains. The visit also includes a stop at Ban Xiengdi to see a small monastery, and a drive through former battlefields from the American War.

In the afternoon, continue a half-day trip to Muang Khoun, a place in the old provincial capital that was not destroyed by the American bombings during the war.

Meals: Breakfast.
Accommodation: Hotel in Phonsavan.

After breakfast, the journey continues to Luang Prabang. The drive along Road 13, with stops at Sala Phoukhou to enjoy the mountain scenery and a local lunch. By afternoon, the travelers arrive in Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Heritage town surrounded by forested hills. Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Luang Prabang

After breakfast, the day begins with a visit to the former Royal Palace. In here, many items are nicely displayed, including rare furniture, traditional costumes and arts, jewelry, ornaments, as well as working tools and utensils of the early part of the 20th century. Later, guests embark on a tour of this enthralling town to visit Wat Xieng Thong, the Golden City monastery, which dates back to the 16th century and is considered to be the finest in Laos. The tour also includes Wat Mai, Wat Vixoun, and That Luang Stupa. In the late afternoon, the group climbs Phousi Hill to see the marvelous panoramic views of the town at sunset over the Mekong River.

Meals: Breakfast.
Accommodation: Hotel in Luang Prabang.

Breakfast at the hotel and then embark on a cruise upstream on the Mekong River to see a breathtaking view of the tranquil countryside, as they also explore the mysterious Pak Ou Caves, two linked caves crammed with thousands of gold lacquered Buddha statues of various shapes and sizes left by pilgrims. Along the way, they stop at the village of Ban Xanghai, where the locals make the rice wine. On return, visit local villages of Lao ethnic minority groups at Ban Ouay, Hmong Village, Ban Ou, Laoloum Village, and Ban Thapene, Khmu Village, then drive to the beautiful Khouangsi Waterfall, where they can cool off with a refreshing swim in the turquoise pools or walk along the forest trails. 

After returning to LuangPrabang by late afternoon, continue to Ban Xangkhong, a village well known for its silk weavings and for its Saa (jute) Papermaking. 

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Luang Prabang.

After breakfast, guests transfer to the airport for the flight to Pakse and Champassak. On the way, visit Wat Phou, the most important Hindu sanctuary of the Khmer Empire. Then continue to Nagasang for a boat cruise to the beautiful Island of Ban Khone, where you can sometimes see Irrawaddy dolphins.

Overnight in Ban Khone.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Ban Khon.

After breakfast, guests board a boat to visit Khone Phapeng Waterfall. Stretching over 14 kilometers, it is recognized as the widest waterfall in the world. The falls resemble a series of rapids that grow powerful during the rainy season. After enjoying the site, the journey continues back to Pakse in the late afternoon.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Pakse.

Have breakfast at the hotel and then enjoy a free morning before driving to the Pakse Airport to catch their departure flight.

Meals: Breakfast