Laos Family Adventure

DAY 1: Vientiane Arrival

Sa-bai-dee! Welcome to Vientiane, the vibrant capital of Laos.

Nestled along the banks of the Mekong River, Vientiane is a city where golden Buddhist shrines and monuments stand side by side with weathered French colonial buildings. With cozy cafés, bustling noodle stalls, lively sidewalk markets, and serene, tree-lined streets, Vientiane strikes a unique balance between laid-back charm and vibrant energy—offering an experience unlike anywhere else in Asia.

Upon arrival at the airport, our guide and driver will greet you and escort you to your hotel for check-in (available from 2:00 PM). The rest of the day is yours to relax or explore the city at your leisure.

Overnight at a hotel in Vientiane.

Summary of inclusions

• Private airport transfer
• Hotel in Vientiane

DAY 2: Vientiane Sightseeing

Today, you’ll spend the entire day exploring the highlights of Vientiane, the capital city of Laos.

Begin your tour with a visit to Wat Sisaket, the oldest temple in the city, known for its thousands of miniature Buddha statues. Next, visit the former royal temple of Wat Prakeo, which once housed the famous Emerald Buddha. On the way to the revered That Luang Stupa, stop to snap some photos of the impressive Patuxay Monument, often referred to as Vientiane’s own Arc de Triomphe.

In the afternoon, continue your exploration of Vientiane’s mystical charm with visits to Wat Ong Tue, Wat Inpeng, Wat Haisok, and the Buddha Park, an intriguing collection of Buddhist and Hindu sculptures created by a mystical monk, situated along the Mekong River.

Cap off your day by enjoying a spectacular sunset over the Mekong River.

The evening is free for you to spend at your leisure. Overnight stay in a hotel in Vientiane.

Summary of inclusions

• Private vehicle
• Sightseeing Vientiane
• Breakfast
• Hotel in Vientiane

DAY 3: Vientiane Countryside Explore

After breakfast at the hotel, depart from Vientiane and head to the agricultural village of Ban Hom Tai, situated along the banks of the majestic Mekong River.

Here, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the charming village, visit well-preserved temples, and stop by a local school where you can interact with the children and teachers—perhaps even observing a lesson or presentation.

Next, visit local farms to engage with farmers and learn about traditional farming methods firsthand.

In the mid-afternoon, enjoy the picturesque sight of local villagers fishing on the Mekong River using traditional techniques.

We’ll conclude our day with a visit to Ban Done Ka Say, a village renowned for its diverse array of exotic fruits and vegetables.

Return to Vientiane, where your evening is free to spend as you wish. Overnight at a hotel in Vientiane.

Summary of inclusions

• Private vehicle
• Country village visit
• Breakfast
• Hotel in Vientiane

DAY 4: Vientiane to Vang Vieng

After breakfast, leave Vientiane and embark on a scenic drive northward through stunning rural landscapes, passing by villages, farms, mountains, and cliffs en route to Vang Vieng.

Along the way, there will be opportunities to stop, take in the sights, engage with locals, and gain insight into their way of life. You will also visit the traditional salt-making village of Ban Keun, where you’ll learn how the people of Laos produce salt.

Arrive in Vang Vieng around 3:00 PM.

Situated along the Nam Song River and surrounded by impressive karst landscapes, Vang Vieng is renowned for its natural beauty, which has remained unchanged for centuries. The area is also home to various ethnic groups, including the Kmou and Hmong, each with its own distinctive culture and traditions.

After checking into your hotel, enjoy some free time to stroll around and explore this charming mountain town.

Overnight at a hotel in Vang Vieng.

Summary of inclusions

• Private vehicle
• Sightseeing en route
• Breakfast
• Hotel in Vang Vieng

DAY 5: Vang Vieng Explore

This morning, embark on a delightful long-tail boat ride along the Nam Song River, taking in the serene surroundings. You’ll visit Tham Jang Cave, a stunning cavern filled with impressive stalagmites and stalactites that once served as a refuge for locals during the war.

Next, take some time to explore the nearby village of Ban Huai Ngai, a peaceful community where you can experience the distinct local lifestyle.

The afternoon is yours to enjoy at your own pace. Vang Vieng is known for its outdoor activities, offering a wide range of options. You can choose to go kayaking or tubing down the Nam Song River, explore the water cave, try zip lining, rock climbing, drive ATVs, or even take a hot air balloon ride. Our guide will be happy to assist in arranging any of these activities according to your preference.

Overnight at a hotel in Vang Vieng.

Summary of inclusions

• Boat ride Nam Song river
• Cave explore
• Breakfast
• Hotel in Vang Vieng

DAY 6: Luang Prabang Sightseeing

After breakfast, set out on a drive to Luang Prabang, traveling along one of the most scenic yet challenging routes in Laos. Along the way, we’ll make stops at elevated viewpoints to take in the stunning beauty of the tropical forest.

Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is renowned as one of the best-preserved traditional cities in Southeast Asia. The town’s tranquility, natural beauty, and rich cultural heritage make it one of the most enchanting destinations in Laos and perhaps all of Indochina.

In the afternoon, enjoy a bicycle or green tuk-tuk tour through the ancient town of Luang Prabang, visiting key landmarks such as the iconic Wat Xieng Thong, known for its multi-tiered roofs that sweep close to the ground, and the former Royal Palace, now the National Museum, which houses rare religious and cultural artifacts. You’ll also visit Wat Mai, built in 1796, whose five-tiered roof exemplifies the elegant Luang Prabang architectural style.

Later in the day, climb to the summit of Phousi Mountain for a rewarding exploration of its sacred, gilded stupa and to witness a breathtaking sunset over the city and the Mekong River. Afterwards, stroll through the Night Market, where you can browse a charming collection of handmade textiles created by local artisans and hill tribes from the surrounding area.

The evening is yours to spend at your leisure. Overnight at a hotel in Luang Prabang.

Summary of inclusions

• Private vehicle
• Green tuk tuk
• Sightseeing Luang Prabang
• Breakfast
• Hotel in Luang Prabang

DAY 7: Farming experience

After breakfast, head out of town to a village on the outskirts of Luang Prabang for a unique and enjoyable farming experience. Here, you’ll have the chance to learn about and engage in traditional farming practices that have been a part of Lao culture for centuries.

This educational tour will guide you through the entire rice farming process, from plowing the fields with water buffalo to preparing seeds, planting by hand, harvesting, and processing the rice using traditional tools.

Afterward, you’ll help prepare a delicious lunch, featuring rice and a selection of traditional Lao dishes.

Following the meal and a short break, we’ll return to town to participate in a traditional Baci ceremony, where locals will offer prayers and best wishes for your health and good fortune.

Return to your hotel, and the rest of the day is free for you to relax.

Overnight at a hotel in Luang Prabang.

Summary of inclusions

• Private vehicle
• Luang Prabang farming experience
• Breakfast & lunch
• Hotel in Luang Prabang

DAY 8: Elephant sanctuary visit

After breakfast, head out of Luang Prabang to an Elephant Camp, where you’ll have the opportunity to interact with these giant creatures. Feed the elephants, get close to them, and learn about their significance in Laotian history and culture.

Later, ride on the back of an elephant with your mahout through the tropical forest. The ride is scenic, peaceful, and relaxing, and doesn’t require any special fitness.

After lunch, return to Luang Prabang. On the way, stop at Ban Xang Khong to see their remarkable silk weavings and mulberry paper crafts.

The rest of the day is free for you to explore Luang Prabang at your own pace.

Summary of inclusions

• Private vehicle
• Elephant sanctuary visit
• Traditional village visit
• Breakfast & lunch
• Hotel in Luang Prabang

DAY 9: Kuang Si Waterfalls

Rise early to experience one of Luang Prabang’s most unique traditions: the morning alms-giving ceremony. You might enjoy sitting alongside locals on the roadside, offering food to the procession of monks in saffron robes as they walk quietly in a line, holding their alms bowls.

After breakfast, embark on a drive to the stunning Kuang Si Waterfall, a true gem of the Luang Prabang area. Along the way, visit the hill tribe villages of the Hmong and Khmu, gaining insights into the vibrant cultural diversity of Laos.

At the Kuang Si Waterfall Park, you’ll stop by the Kuang Si Bear Rescue Sanctuary, where you can learn about Asian sun and moon bears and the efforts of the Free the Bears Protection Program.

Kuang Si Waterfall, often considered the crown jewel of Luang Prabang and perhaps all of Laos, is a natural masterpiece. Cascading from a height of 60 meters, its vibrant waters tumble down limestone terraces, creating a series of stunning turquoise pools. The interplay of the white falls, crystal-blue ponds, unique travertine formations, and surrounding lush green jungle creates a breathtakingly picturesque landscape.

One of the best activities here is swimming in the turquoise pools and letting the refreshing water cascade over you. You can also hike along a jungle trail to the top of the falls, where the stream begins, offering a panoramic view of the beautiful landscape below. This spot is particularly delightful for children, who will love spending the day playing in the falls.

Enjoy your time exploring and swimming in the crystal-clear waters. Return to Luang Prabang in the late afternoon, with the evening free to spend at your leisure.

Overnight at a hotel in Luang Prabang

Summary of inclusions

• Private vehicle
• Kuang Si waterfalls explore
• Breakfast
• Hotel in Luang Prabang