Still relatively untouched by tourism, Laos is a glimpse of a traditional Asia that has all but disappeared. Explore this beautiful, tranquil country on an in-depth, 12-day comprehensive tour.
Best of Laos Tour
You’ll visit charming Luang Prabang, the mysterious Plain of Jars, sleepy Vientiane, and the scenic 4000 Islands area of the legendary Mekong River.
An unforgettable way to experience a lovely land most travelers overlook.
Why you’ll love this trip
Explore the golden temples of Luang Prabang
Take a riverboat trip to visit the Pak Ou Buddha Caves
Swim in the turquoise waters of Kuang Si falls
Visit the mysterious and ancient Plain of Jars
Relax in the charming city of Vientiane
Enjoy the stunning scenery of the 4000 islands and maybe even catch a glimpse of the freshwater dolphins
12 days/11 nights
From £1500 per person based on 2 adults travelling together
Perfect holiday as it is or would you like to make a few changes?
As with all our trips, this itinerary can be tailor-made to suit you.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival Luang Prabang
Arrive in Luang Prabang and enjoy a half day tour around this beautiful, World Heritage town. Visit a number of golden Wats (temples) and local sites before spending the afternoon exploring on your own at ‘local pace’.
Day 2: Luang Prabang – Pak Ou Buddha Caves
Take a Mekong riverboat trip up the river to visit the famous and sacred Pak Ou Buddha Caves, home to many thousands of Buddha images placed there by local people since the 16th century. Visit the village of Ban Xang Khong where weaving of traditional Lao textiles still takes place on ancient wooden looms.
Day 3: Luang Prabang – Kuang Si Waterfall
If you wish, get an early start and participate in the traditional Lao rite of almsgiving to the monks. In the city, some 300 monks file through silently collecting alms.
After breakfast, drive to the Kuang Si waterfall for a swim. The falls cascade over many calcified tiers and down several hundred feet into a series of cool, turquoise pools. Enjoy a local lunch before returning to the hotel for an evening at leisure.
Day 4: Luang Prabang – drive to Xieng Khouang
Today drive to Xieng Khouang. The drive takes about 8 hours but is a great way to see more of rural Laos and there will be plenty of stops along the way to stretch your legs and catch the scenic views.
Day 5: Xieng Khouang – Plain of Jars
After breakfast, transfer to the Plain of Jars, one of the more mysterious sites in Laos. Visit the old town and the stupa and temple at Muang Khoun. Enjoy lunch in a local restaurant before returning to your hotel. Afternoon free to explore or relax at leisure.
Day 6: Xieng Khouang – drive to Vang Vieng
Drive to Vang Vieng, a charming small town set amidst mountains with deep caves. The journey takes about 6 hours and you’ll stop for lunch along the way. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and relax on the scenic banks of the Song River.
Day 7: Vang Vieng
Today is free to explore Vang Vieng. You may choose to explore the caves, go kayaking, inner tubing, cycling or simply relax on your balcony with its wonderful views.
Day 8: Vang Vieng – Vientiane
Check out and drive to Vientiane (about 3 hours). Enjoy a city tour of various golden Wats (temples) and monuments, followed by lunch and afternoon at leisure.
Day 9: Vientiane – Pakse – Tad Fane Trek
After a very early breakfast, head to the airport to take a flight to Pakse. Upon arrival, embark on an easy 4 hour hike up to the Dan Sin Say Plateau. The hike goes through a local village, coffee plantations, over a hanging bridge and on to the plains. Huge boulders, epiphytes, wild orchids and large pine trees grow here, creating a very different landscape to other parts of the country. Return to your resort for lunch and the afternoon will be free to relax.
Day 10: Tad Fane – 4000 Islands
After breakfast travel to the 4000 Islands area. En route, visit the famous Khmer Temple complex of Wat Pho which represents the easternmost border of the Khmer empire. Visit an Elephant Camp to see how the handlers (“mahouts”) train these giant friendly beasts. Take an elephant ride to the top of Phou Asa to see mysterious ruins there. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before continuing to 4000 Islands by van and boat.
Day 11: 4000 Islands
Today, enjoy a trip by boat to the largest waterfalls in Asia. Khone Phapeng and Li Phi Falls were the major obstacles which thwarted the French in their efforts to open the Mekong River to navigation. Here also live some 50-100 Irrawaddy (freshwater) dolphins and, if you are lucky, you may catch a glimpse of them. See the small gauge railway and Colonial Bridge built by the French to circumnavigate the falls and then return to the island to spend the afternoon at leisure or exploring the island on your own.
Day 12: 4000 Islands – Pakse – Onward
After breakfast, take a ferry to the mainland and return to Pakse for your onward flight.
“I had a truly memorable experience. The trip through Laos was extensive enough to learn quite a bit about the landscape, people and the country’s history.
My impressions include being blown away by the diversity of the different ethnic groups and their amazing art and crafts. Also the gentleness and humour of the people impressed me considering the hardship they’ve gone through most of last century.”