Tour of Laos’s characters and legacies

DAY 1: Luang Prabang Arrival

Greetings and welcome to Luang Prabang, the ancient capital of Laos!

As a UNESCO World Heritage site, Luang Prabang stands as one of Southeast Asia’s most beautifully preserved traditional cities. Its serene atmosphere, breathtaking natural landscapes, and rich cultural heritage make it a truly enchanting destination in Laos, perhaps even in all of Indochina.

Upon arrival, you will be warmly greeted at the airport and transferred to your hotel for check-in (check-in is available from 14:00). The rest of the day is yours to unwind or explore this charming town at your leisure.

Overnight stay in a hotel in Luang Prabang.

Summary of inclusions

• Private airport transfer
• Hotel in Luang Prabang

DAY 2: Luang Prabang sightseeing

Wake up early to experience one of Luang Prabang’s most unique traditions: the morning alms-giving ceremony. You can join the locals along the roadside, offering food to the monks as they pass by in their saffron robes, walking slowly in a line with bowls in hand.

Afterward, return to the hotel for breakfast. Later, embark on a bicycle or green tuk-tuk tour to explore the ancient town of Luang Prabang, visiting some of its most iconic landmarks. These include Wat Visoun, known for the impressive Thad Makmo stupa with its rounded dome that reflects a Sinhalese rather than Lao style; Wat Aham and Wat Sene Temple; the renowned Wat Xieng Thong, Luang Prabang’s most photographed temple, famous for its sweeping roof that nearly touches the ground, embodying the classical Luang Prabang style; the former Royal Palace, now the National Museum, housing a vast collection of Laos’ historical and cultural artifacts; and Wat Mai, a temple celebrated for its exquisite golden bas-relief.

In the late afternoon, ascend Phousi Mountain to explore the sacred, gilded stupa and take in a breathtaking sunset view of the city and the Mekong River. Afterward, you can stroll through the Night Market, where you’ll find a charming array of handmade textiles crafted by the local and hill tribe people around Luang Prabang.

The evening is yours to enjoy at leisure. Overnight stay in a hotel in Luang Prabang.

Summary of inclusions

• Bicycle ride
• Sightseeing Luang Prabang
• Breakfast
• Hotel in Luang Prabang

DAY 3: Mekong cruise & Pak Ou cave

After breakfast, head to the pier and embark on a cruise upstream along the Mekong River, offering picturesque views of the peaceful countryside. The journey includes a fascinating visit to the mysterious Pak Ou Caves, filled with thousands of gold-lacquered Buddha statues in various shapes and sizes.

As you cruise back and forth, you’ll also stop to explore traditional local villages such as Ban Xang Hai, where you can observe and learn about the distillation of local rice wine. You’ll also visit Ban Xang Khong and Ban Xienglek, renowned for their traditional silk weaving and handmade flower paper.

The rest of the day is yours to explore the old quarter of Luang Prabang, where you can admire the beautiful colonial architecture. If you’re interested, an optional Laos cooking class is available.

The evening is free for you to enjoy at your own pace. Overnight stay in a hotel in Luang Prabang.

Summary of inclusions

• Mekong River cruise
• Pak Ou cave explore
• Traditional villages visit
• Breakfast
• Hotel in Luang Prabang

DAY 4: Hill tribe villages & Kuang Si falls

After breakfast, set out on a drive to the stunning Kuang Si Waterfall, a true gem of the Luang Prabang area. Along the way, you’ll stop at Hmong and Khmu hill tribe villages, where you can gain insight into the rich cultural diversity of Laos.

Upon arrival at Kuang Si Waterfall Park, you’ll visit the Kuang Si Bear Rescue Sanctuary, where you’ll learn about the Asian sun and moon bears and the efforts of the Free the Bears Protection Program.

Kuang Si is often regarded as the most beautiful natural wonder in Luang Prabang and across Laos. From a height of 60 meters, vibrant waters cascade down limestone formations, creating a series of stunning turquoise pools. The combination of the white falls, crystal-clear ponds, intricate travertine formations, and the lush green jungle forms a breathtakingly picturesque landscape.

One of the best activities here is swimming in the turquoise pools and letting the refreshing waterfalls cascade over you. You can also hike along a jungle trail to the top of the falls for a panoramic view of the stunning water patterns below.

Take your time to explore and swim in the crystal-clear waters. Return to Luang Prabang in the late afternoon, with the evening free for you to enjoy at your leisure. Overnight stay in a hotel in Luang Prabang.

Summary of inclusions

• Private vehicle
• Hill tribe villages visit
• Kuang si falls discovery
• Breakfast
• Hotel in Luang Prabang

DAY 5: Xieng Khoang Explore

After breakfast, set out from Luang Prabang toward Xieng Khouang, home to the renowned archeological site known as the Plain of Jars.

This scenic drive offers an opportunity to take in the breathtaking mountain views and rural landscapes of Laos. Along the way, you’ll make several stops to capture the natural beauty, visit local villages, and engage with the locals. Don’t miss the chance to pause at high viewpoints to fully appreciate the stunning scenery.

Upon arrival in Phonsavan, the provincial capital of Xieng Khouang, check in to your hotel before heading to Muang Khoun. Once the royal seat of the minor kingdom of Muang Phuan dating back to the 16th century, Muang Khoun was heavily bombed during the American War.

Explore the remnants of this historical site, including the unique sitting giant Buddha that still stands amid the columns of Wat Pia Wat, as well as the ruins of several old pagodas. You’ll also see an ancient 30-meter stupa from the Lan Xang/Lanna period. Continue with visits to That Foun Pagoda and That Chonphet Pagoda before returning to Xieng Khouang.

The evening is yours to enjoy at leisure. Overnight stay in a hotel in Xieng Khouang.

Summary of inclusions

• Private vehicle
• Sightseeing Xieng Khouang
• Breakfast
• Hotel in Xieng Khouang

DAY 6: The Plain of Jars

After breakfast, spend the morning exploring the renowned archaeological site known as the Plain of Jars, a mysterious and ancient location where over 300 massive stone jars, carved from solid rock, are scattered across the plateau.

The jars, ranging in height from 1 to 3.25 meters and weighing up to six tons each, are believed to be 2,500 to 3,000 years old. Various theories exist about their purpose, but their true origin remains unknown. It appears they were carved directly from boulders. In the 1930s, French archaeologist Madeleine Colani led research that suggested the jars might have been ancient burial sites, but to this day, their purpose remains an enigma.

During your visit, you’ll explore three of the jar sites and have the opportunity to visit nearby local villages, where you can observe daily village life.

In the afternoon, transfer to the airport for your flight to Vientiane, the capital city of Laos. Upon arrival, you’ll be picked up and taken to your hotel for check-in.

The evening is yours to enjoy at your leisure. Overnight stay in a hotel in Vientiane.

Summary of inclusions

• Private vehicle
• Plain of jars discovery
• Breakfast
• Hotel in Vientiane

DAY 7: 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