Vietnam

Land of the Rising Dragon

Laos Highlights

Private Tour

Starting from $899 pp

Overview

Laos Highlights

If you are looking for a slightly more complete tour of Laos then this holiday break takes you up the spine of the country visiting the capital of Vientiane, Vang Vieng and Luang Prabang. Each location has a completely different feel and offers the visitor an array of experiences. The common factor being that you will always be close to the banks of the mighty Mekong River. Throughout the trip however you will see subtle changes as you travel north, such as the architecture differences on the Wat (Pagoda) roofs and the colour of the rice fields.

Vientiane is not one of the largest capitals in the world but it does hold some hidden secrets. From the imposing Patuxay Monument which is Laos version of the Arc de Triumph to the incredible golden stupa of That Luang, the country’s national monument. Moving on to Vang Vieng you will be surrounded by picturesque limestone mountains where you can explore the main caves that dot the area. Alternatively, we can arrange for you to take out a canoe to enjoy an activity day on the water. The climax of your adventure is the picturesque town of Luang Prabang which is the perfect ending to any break away in Asia.

ITINERARY DETAILS

Day 1: Arrive Vientiane

Arrive in Vientiane where you will be met by an Asia for Expats representative who will transfer you to your hotel. Your break then starts by exploring Vientiane’s capital and visiting the major sights of Wat Sisaket, the former royal temple of Wat Prakeo and the imposing Patuxay Monument, which is well known as Vientiane’s own Arc de Triumph. The highlight of the morning is visiting the impressive sacred structure of the gold That Luang Stupa before pausing at the excellent COPE exhibition centre. In the afternoon you get to discover the quirky yet impressive Buddha Park, an enchanting collection of Buddhist and Hindu sculptures on the Mekong Riverside.

*(B)

Day 2: Vientiane to Vang Vieng

This morning you will travel by the picturesque back roads to Vang Vieng. En route you will make a handful of stops from Ban Keun (famous for its salt mine) to Nam Ngum, a picturesque lake created by damming the Nam Ngum River and Tha Heua, a small village that specializes in dried fish. Once you reach Vang Vieng by the mid-afternoon there is time to see the charming Tham Jang cave, which offers stunning views of over the Nam Song River and surrounding karst scenery.

*(B)

Day 3: Vang Vieng

Today begins with a local long-tail boat ride on the Nam Song River to visit an Organic Farm known for its sericulture as well as mulberry tea and wine production; enjoy your private tasting! The afternoon is all about exploring the areas surrounding the caves. First you visit Tham Xang (Elephant Cave) which is also an important Buddhist temple, Tham Hoi cave (Snail cave) with its winding passage ways and the cave of Tham Loup (Deep cave), known for its many stalagmites and stalactites.

*(B)

Day 4: Vang Vieng to Luang Prabang

Leaving Vang Vieng we start the journey to Luang Prabang. Along the way take a short photo-stop at the Mountain view point of Phatang to admire the beautiful scenery. Then we stop at Koe Kuang local forest market, offering edible snakes, rats and assorted reptiles! and then Ban Hin Ngon, a picturesque Hmong village. After a local lunch at Phou Khoun you continue to explore Ban Kiu Kam Pone, a Khmu village before arriving in Luang Prabang. The day ends with a short trip to the top of Phousi Mount at sunset.

*(B)

Day 5: Depart Luang Prabang

After breakfast you start a half day city tour with a visit to the Royal Palace Museum which hosts a range of interesting artifacts. The temple tour begins by taking in some the city’s most beautiful wats; including the magnificent Wat Xiengthong, with its roofs sweeping low to the ground, representing the classical Luang Prabang style and Wat Visoun known as ‘The Water Melon Stupa’ due to its shape. You will then be picked up in plenty of time to be transferred to the airport for your departing flight home.

*(B)

*Please see our list of activities that can be added to your getaway.

Activities

Activities in Vientiane

Night Food Tour
Minimum Number: 1 Person
Duration: from 2 hours
Visit the market near That Luang, wander and learn about different foods and Laotian dinner culture. You will then get to try some tasty dishes as well as a Laos-style BBQ (sindat).

Guided City Tour with Buddha Park

Guided City Tour with Buddha Park
Minimum Number: 1 Person
Duration: from 7 hours
Visit Thongkhankham market, Wat Sisaket, Wat Prakeo and the Patuxai Monument. See the golden stupa of That Luang and visit the COPE Exhibition Centre before driving to the impressive Buddha Park. Upon returning to Vientiane we have the option of stopping at the Lao Disabled Women’s Development Center.

Activities in Luang Prabang

Learn to play Petanque
Minimum Number: 1 Person
Duration: from 2 hours
Enjoy a fun evening playing petanque (les boules) with our resident guide and experienced petanque player. The game is a popular pass-time all over Laos and in particular Luang Prabang with its many local petanque bars. It is always played in a very social atmosphere, with generally the loser buying the winner a drink.

Kuang Si Waterfall Tour
Minimum Number: 1 Person
Duration: from 4 hours
Visit the local Phosi Market and the silk weaving centre of Ock Pop Tock before going for a swim in the beautiful turquoise waters of the Kuang Si Waterfall. After drying off you then have some time to pop next door to the Bear Rescue Centre, which helps protect and rehabilitate the rare Asiatic Black Bear.

Pak Ou Caves & Whisky Village Tour

Pak Ou Caves & Whisky Village Tour
Minimum Number: 1 Person
Duration: from 5 hours
Take a journey up the Mekong River and explore the mysterious Pak Ou Caves. Cross back over the river and stop off at the locally famous whisky village. Learn about the traditional practices of making rice whisky as well as being able to sample a glass or two before taking a stroll around the village.

Luang Prabang City Tour (Half Day)
Minimum Number: 1 Person
Duration: 4 hours
Visit to the Royal Palace Museum, the magnificent Wat Xiengthong and Wat Visoun. Also during this tour you will take a walk up to the top of Mount Phousi where you will get the best panoramic views of the city. It also the perfect way to orient yourself and enjoy the sunset.

Morning Alms and Market Tour
Minimum Number: 1 Person
Duration: from 2 hours
As the sun begins to rise, long lines of orange-robed monks leave their pagodas and walk down the streets collecting offerings from Luang Prabang residents. Afterwards you can visit the Luang Prabang Morning Market before returning to your hotel for breakfast.

Activities in Vang Vieng

Cave & Bike Exploration Tour
Minimum Number: 1 People
Duration: from 7 hours
Visit the picturesque Tham Jang Cave, board a local tractor and drive through paddy fields heading for the Tham Phoukham Caves. Explore the local culture, meet the local villagers and take a swim in the small natural pool in front of the caves to refresh yourself before sitting down to a picnic lunch.

Canoeing & Kayaking Tour Canoeing / Kayaking Tour
Minimum Number: 1 People
Duration: from 5 hours
Start in Ban Phatang (stone village) and kayak your way through the Namsong River. Explore the Thamxang Cave before stopping for lunch. Continue the journey to an organic farm before paddling all the way to Vang Vieng.

Climbing Tours
Minimum Number: 1 People
Duration: from 4 hours
There are many beautiful limestone rocks and mountains to climb around Vang Vieng. Our climbing trips can be both half-day and full-day adventures. They are suitable for beginners and experienced climbers.

Expat Tips

Top Expat Tips:

Ask your guide to take you to one of the Vientiane’s hidden local noodle houses for lunch
Climb to the top of the Patuxay Monument and get a different view of the city
Book the evening tuk-tuk food tour and visit parts of the Vientiane that tourists never venture to

Challenges:

Climb to the top of the giant pumpkin at the quirky Buddha Park
Take the funniest picture at the Buddha Park and send it to us (Prizes awarded at the end of each season)

For Families:

Take the family out on a Vang Vieng canoe adventure
Enjoy the filo pastry pancakes from the street vendors (They taste simply divine)
For the older adrenaline seeking kids then try out the Vang Vieng zip-line

Information

Tour Includes:

Land transportation within Laos by private vehicles.
English speaking guide
Accommodation listed
Breakfasts each morning on the tour
Excursions as mentioned
All admission fees at activities mentioned in the itinerary, temples and attractions.
All taxes

Tour Excludes:

Flights to/from Asia. (Our team can help you arrange flights if requested)
International airport departure taxes
Visa fees
Meals, unless otherwise mentioned
Beverages and personal expenses
Other excursions and entrance fees
Travel insurance (cover against all cancellation costs, medical expenses, including repatriation and evacuation in the event of accident of illness).
All other services not listed in “Tour Includes”.

Flights

We will arrange all flights and transportation within Asia as mentioned in the itinerary. Our team can arrange bonded ATOL flights to/from Asia upon request. Please complete the enquiry form with the necessary information to issue a quote for your international flights.

Visa

A visa is required to enter Laos. Our team will happily advise you on visa requirements.

Passport

Please ensure your passport has a validity of at least six months beyond stay. Also at least one blank page for each of the countries you are visiting and 4 passport-size photos are needed.

Insurance

Please make sure you have comprehensive travel insurance adequate for your holidays and the activities you want to undertake. Your insurance must cover medical costs related to hospitalisation, repatriation and emergency travel.

Vaccinations

Please consult your doctor, clinic or your national Department of Health for recommended vaccinations and medication when travelling to Southeast Asia. It is important to arrange the necessary appointments well in advance of your trip.

Currency

US Dollars (USD) are accepted in some places in Laos. You can exchange US Dollars for the local currency Lao Kip (LAK) once you arrive. For currency conversion please click here.

How to Book

Only once you are fully happy with your tailor-made itinerary you will receive an invoice. In order to secure availability for your booking, tour, activities and accommodation we require a 20% deposit.

Responsible Travel

Asia for Expats is committed to promote tourism that creates better places to live in and better places to visit. As expatriates living in Asia we care about the people and regions where we travel. Please read our Responsible Travel section to find more.

Please note:

Our prices are correct at the time of publishing. They are subject to changes and can only be confirmed after receiving an enquiry.

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