Highlights of Laos

Highlights of Laos

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8 Days From

$1070

Highlights of Laos

8 Days Starting in Vientiane and ending in Luang Prabang

Visiting: Vientiane, Vang Vieng, Luang Prabang

Tour operator:

Explore!

Tour code:

LAH

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

4 - 16

Physical rating:

Moderate

Age range:

16-99

Special diets catered:

Vegans, Vegetarians

Tour operated in:

English
From: $1070

NB: Prices correct on 21-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

Tour Overview

On this short trip we visit glittering temples, explore vast caves and underground caverns, witness monks collecting alms at sunrise and discover natural blue waterfalls, all inside of eight days.

Luang Prabang - Soak up the city's charming mix of French colonial architecture and golden Buddhist temples
Vientiane - Explore the sleepy Laotian capital and haggle for colourful goods at the river-side nightmarket
Vang Vieng - Wander amongst the towering limestone karst scenery or kayak the gentle Nam Song River

Highlights

  • An 8-day scenic train trip through the heart of fascinating Laos with its laid-back charm

  • Discover the gilded Buddhist temples and French colonial heritage of Luang Prabang, the ancient capital of Laos

  • Wander amongst the towering limestone karst scenery in Vang Vieng and kayak the gentle Nam Song River

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Join Trip In Vientiane

Location: Vientiane

Accommodation: Hotel, New Rose Boutique

Accommodation Name: Sabaidee @ Lao Hotel

Located on the banks of the Mekong River, the Laos capital is a relaxed place that has a feel more similar to a provincial town than a capital city. Weathered French Colonial mansions give way to golden temples, and the languid pace of life here makes it an ideal place to explore by bicycle.



For those arriving on time our Leader plans to meet you in the hotel reception at 6pm for the welcome meeting and for those that wish, there is the chance to go out for dinner. There are no other activities planned today, so you are free to arrive in Vientiane at any time. If you would like an airport transfer today, you'll need to arrive into Watty International Airport (VTE) which is 15 minutes from our hotel. Should you miss the welcome meeting, your Leader will inform you of any essential information as soon as you catch up in the hotel lobby at 8am on day two.



If your flight arrives earlier in the day, perhaps you might choose to see the unique Buddhist stupa of Pha That Luang before enjoying a Beerlao by the river at sunset. This is the best way to end the day, start your adventure and meet your fellow explorers.

Day 2: In Vientiane, Explore The Capital; Free Afternoon

Location: Vientiane

Accommodation: New Rose Boutique Hotel

Accommodation Name: Sabaidee @ Lao Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

This morning we include a sightseeing tour around the city. This is a low-built, red roofed attractive capital city, with a French feel and a relaxed atmosphere. We explore some of the best sights including the Victory Gate which is a Triumphal Arch with good views of the town, the That Luang stupa which is said to contain a hair of the Buddha, and Wat Sisaket, a beautiful temple packed with fine Buddha images.



This afternoon is left free for further exploration. It is possible to visit nearby Buddha Park, a vast green expanse just 30 minutes from the city that houses a beguiling selection of Buddhist and Hindu statues. Alternatively you may choose to visit the COPE Museum, a not-for-profit organisation set up to provide prosthetic limbs to the many victims of the unexploded ordinance (UXO) left behind from the Vietnam war. The museum does an excellent job of giving some of the background to the bombing campaign, along with showcasing the important work the COPE foundation is doing. Most report it to be a sobering, emotive but rewarding experience that enhances one's understanding of this fascinating country.

Day 3: Take The Train To Vang Vieng, Afternoon At Leisure

Location: Vang Vieng

Accommodation: Diamond Gold Hotel

Accommodation Name: Silver Naga Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

This morning we make our way to Vientiane railway station to board the newly constructed Boten-Vientiane Railway for the short two hour journey to Vang Vieng. Opened in December 2021, this ambitious collaboration between Laos and China connects the Chinese Railway system at the northern border with the Thai Railway system across the Friendship Bridge in the South. The railway now connects a series of rural villages in Laos and will be a huge booster to trade, in a country that has a poorly connected road network through mountainous terrain. Using a fleet of modern trains that travel at speeds of up to 160 km/h, they have also opened up traveller networks in Laos and made previously challenging journeys much more comfortable.

The first leg of our train journey rolls past lush rice paddies and across a patchwork of farmers' fields, with small pockets of villages visible as we whoosh by towards Vang Vieng. Upon arrival, the afternoon has been left free to explore our new surroundings.

We recommend a short stroll down to the riverbank this evening in time for sunset, where there are a number of areas to sit and take in dramatic scenery. Watch people float down the river as the sun starts to dip behind the mountains and the sky turns a deep burnt-orange, just be sure to bring a camera to catch some sunset snaps.

Day 4: Free Day In Vang Vieng. Optional Visit To Caves Or Kayaking On Nam Song River

Location: Vang Vieng

Accommodation: Diamond Gold Hotel

Accommodation Name: Silver Naga Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Vang Vieng enjoys an idyllic setting. Perched on the banks of the Nam Song river it is surrounded by a patchwork of lush rice paddies and set to a backdrop of towering jagged limestone cliffs. Once known as a party-town for backpackers, present-day Vang Vieng has now re-invented itself as the home of adventure travel in Laos, where its setting lends itself to a host of activities for anybody from casual walkers to adrenaline thrill-seekers.



As there is plenty of choice available, today has been left free to choose from a number of optional excursions, such as a guided walk past rice paddies to nearby minority villages, a visit to the 2km underground cave network, or kayaking along the gentle Nam Song river.

Day 5: Scenic Train Journey To Luang Prabang And Sunset Visit To Mount Phousi

Location: Luang Prabang

Accommodation: Villa Kieng Kham Hotel

Accommodation Name: Sala Prabang Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

We make our way back to the train station this morning for the second leg of our train journey through the heart of Laos. This journey takes us through the mountains in a series of newly constructed tunnels, with some spectacular mountain scenery to take in in-between tunnels. We arrive into Luang Prabang around two hours later, a journey which used to take a full day when travelling by winding mountain road.

Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Luang Prabang is nestled in a valley of lush rolling hills and sits at the confluence of two rivers, the Khan and the mighty Mekong. Influence from its French occupiers is peppered all over the city, with grand white-washed Indochinese villas lining its leafy streets, oddly complementing the golden-tipped wats (temples) found around almost every corner. Time moves so slowly here that it almost stands still, and a must-do is grabbing a Lao coffee, sitting down outside one of the many cafes and just watching the world go by, in traditional Lao-style.

This evening, there is chance to walk to nearby Mount Phousi and climb its 328 steps in time for sunset, offering excellent panoramic views over this sleepy city and beyond.

Day 6: Morning Walking Tour Of Luang Prabang And Boat Trip To Pak Ou Caves

Location: Luang Prabang

Accommodation: Villa Kieng Kham Hotel

Accommodation Name: Sala Prabang Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today, we'll really get to have a closer look at Luang Prabang. All the main sights of interest are close together and we'll have a chance to walk around the various wats (temples) including the splendid Wat Xieng Thong (the Golden Temple built in 1559), which is strikingly decorated in brilliant red and gold designs, with an imposing tiled roof and mosaic dragon motifs. We'll also visit Wat Sen and the Royal Palace Museum.

We then, board a traditional long-tail boat for the short journey up the Mekong River to Pak Ou Caves. There a number of steps to climb here as we make our way up the limestone cliffs to reach the sacred Buddhist shrine. Although now abandoned by the monks, there is an altar for incense burning, flower offerings and numerous rock shelves crammed with thousands of Buddha images of all shapes and sizes.

The rest of the afternoon has been left free to further explore this charming city, or to relax at one of the many al-fresco coffee shops that pepper the street sides. A visit the Luang Prabang's bustling night market is highly recommended.

Day 7: From Luang Prabang, Visit Kuang Si Waterfalls; Optional Afternoon Cycle To Lao Loum Village

Location: Luang Prabang

Accommodation: Villa Kieng Kham Hotel

Accommodation Name: Sala Prabang Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

This morning, we travel to the beautiful Kuang Si Waterfalls, approximately 45 minutes from Luang Prabang. Passing forested hills and several ethnic minority villages we arrive at the limestone falls that cascade into several turquoise pools below.

\qj We travel back to Luang Prabang where there is an opportunity to take an optional afternoon bicycle trip on the other side of the Mekong to the village of Ban Xieng Mene. Visit some temples and cycle to the ancient Royal temple of Wat Long Khoun, that was formerly used by past Kings and Queens for meditation purposes. Continue by bicycle for around 45 minutes along quiet unpaved roads to the village of Ban Chan, famous for its pottery making to meet the locals and learn about their daily lifestyle.

Day 8: Trip Ends In Luang Prabang

Location: Luang Prabang

Meals Included: Breakfast

The trip ends after breakfast at our hotel in Luang Prabang.



There are no activities planned today, so you are free to depart from Luang Prabang at any time. If your flight is departing later in the day luggage storage facilities are available at our hotel. If you would like an airport transfer today, you need to depart from Luang Prabang Airport (LPQ), which is 15 minutes from our hotel.

What's Included

  • Meals – Breakfast Only

    7 Breakfasts

  • All Domestic Transportation (including internal flights)

  • Airport Transfers at Destination

  • Accommodation

    5 nights simple hotel

    2 nights comfortable hotel

What's Not Included

  • 1 bottle of Mineral Water per person per day

  • Tipping and Gratuities

Meals

Breakfasts: 7

Videos

Check out our Q&As

  • What is the standard of the hotels on this tour?

    5 nights simple hotel

    2 nights comfortable hotel

  • Will there be an escort accompanying this tour?

    Yes

  • Will I know the names and details of all the accommodation before I depart?

    Yes

  • What is the maximum group size?

    16

  • Are airport transfers included in this tour?

    All customers that travel on a Explore group trip will be provided with a complimentary transfer, provided they arrive and depart into the designated airport or train station on the trip start and end dates. This is a great way to start your travels, offering you that little extra peace of mind and comfort in the knowledge that there will be someone at the airport or station waiting to take you t

  • Can you assist with pre or post tour accommodation?

    Yes, we would be delighted to book extra nights before the start or at the end of your trip, please let us know your requirements at the time of booking.

  • Is there any free time to explore places during the tour?

    Yes

  • What is the fitness level required to do this tour?

    Moderate

  • I'm going on a walking/cycling trip-do I need to train?

    It will depend on the grade and how fit you already are. Check the trip page for details of the walking or cycling grade and how far you’ll be walking/cycling each day. For moderate or challenging trips in particular we’d recommend doing some walks or cycles before you leave to build up your fitness and prepare you for the distances being covered.

  • Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?

    We have a wide range of ages nationalities on our small group trips and they come from all walks of life.

  • Should I get travel insurance?

    Yes–it is a condition of booking that you are fully insured when travelling with us

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    At Explore, we're the experts in adventure travel. Our small group adventure holidays have been running since 1981. Today, Explore is one of the most trusted travel companies in the UK with over 500 trips to more than 120 countries.

  • Can I join the tour once it has departed?

    Yes, but there are no concessions for doing so, and we must have a record in your booking advising as such before the trip departs.

  • Am I contributing to any charity by booking the tour?

    Being a responsible company is a large statement, something that has to be entwined within the very fibre of a company. Discover the charities and partnerships we support as part of this at https://www.explore.co.uk/about/sustainability/charities-and-partners

  • What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?

    We want to be as clear as and as honest as possible about what happens if you decide to that you no longer wish to travel on your trip. Our booking conditions have details of the costs you’ll incur when you cancel-these charges depend on how long it is before your planned departure.

  • What is the accommodation like?

    We choose comfortable accommodation in the best locations possible. We opt for small, local and family-run accommodation where we can, as opposed to large chain hotels. We typically use hotels that are the equivalent of European 3-star, and you’ll usually have an en suite room. Occasionally, where we want to get off the beaten trail we may stay in more basic accommodation.

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    Sustainability is embedded within the fibre of Explore, it emanates from the inside out. But as we enter a new decade it is clearer than ever that our world needs help, and Explore has created a sustainability strategy based on the 2015 UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    Our flexible booking and safety policies mean you're protected before and during your travels with us. Receive a full refund if your trip is cancelled, transfer your trip free of charge up to 10 days before departure minus any irrocoverable costs.

  • Do I need to be very fit to book with you?

    All our trips require some level of active participation. This could be on a cultural trip, trek, safari, expedition or voyage. It is in the interests of all members of the group that everyone should be capable of fully participating in the activities of their chosen trip.

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    Final documents will include a comprehensive trip itinerary, climate and country information, budgeting and packing advice visa and passport information and details on optional activities available.

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    Yes on most of our trips. Most trips are based on customers sharing twin-bedded rooms. If you book a group trip as an individual, you will share a room with someone of the same sex. However, on many trips we offer the opportunity to pay a supplement to pre-book a single room, known as our single room option. On some trips a single room will be provided every night, on others it will be provided o

  • Do we have to be vaccinated against Covid-19 to travel

    It’s now a condition of booking a trip with us that customers should have one of the following before they travel - — Be vaccinated against COVID, having received the full recommended course, and allowing enough time for immunity to take effect. Full vaccination includes any booster required to keep the vaccine valid. — Have taken a negative test (rapid antigen or PCR) within 72hrs of departure.

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Explore will only offer hotels that have specific COVID-19 protocols in place and comply with local government guidelines. We will ensure these measures include; enhanced room cleaning, ventilation, social distancing, regular cleaning and disinfection of high frequency touch points in public areas, food safety, staff re-training and minimising contact within the properties.

Reviews from travellers on this tour

Alan  

Highlights of Laos

As previously mentioned I celebrated my 70th birth

As previously mentioned I celebrated my 70th birthday whilst on the trip and I think I couldn't have had a better time sharing my birthday with a great bunch of people and spending the day travelling through the jungle on a Zip Line and then kayaking..A memorable day..

Valerie  

Highlights of Laos

This was a fantastic tour. 9 days is a bit short,

This was a fantastic tour. 9 days is a bit short, but most people linked it with Vietnam and Cambodia.

Paula  

Highlights of Laos

It was a very varied trip with lots of great momen

It was a very varied trip with lots of great moments. The Cope museum was especially thought provoking. The somewhat creepy caves wereod. The night markets very interesting. It was made even better by the fun nature of my fellow travellers, veryod company and always people to join in with.

Ruth  

Highlights of Laos

Laos is a beautiful country, well worth visiting

Laos is a beautiful country, well worth visiting

Elizabeth  

Highlights of Laos

More relaxed pace than some trips, but this worked

More relaxed pace than some trips, but this worked well

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Book with Confidence

  • Free Date Changes

    Explore! allows you to make 1 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 70 days before the start of the tour.

  • Low Deposit

    Explore! requires a minimum deposit of 10% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of explore! charges.

    Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 69 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.

    At 41 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.

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