Laos Packages: Embark on a Grand Tour of Charming Laos

Highlights of the Trip

Laos is known for its mountainous landscape and scenic views. Home to many tribal villages, beautiful landscapes and historic sites, Laos offers many exciting experiences for travellers to discover and we offer a range of Laos packages to get the very best from your trips to Laos. From the capital city Vientiane, where you can take in the colonial architecture and bustling nightlife, to trekking options in the picturesque hills and valleys of Luang Prabang, this country has something to offer every visitor.

During this captivating 12-Day tour of Laos, you will discover the most beautiful temple in Luang Prabang at the Vat Xieng Thong temple. You can uncover the tranquil Khouang Sy Waterfalls and connect with the natural beauty Laos has to offer. This tour will also provide you with many enriching cultural experiences, such as discovering the bustling H’mong market, relaxing on a boat cruise along the serene Hinboun river, and even uncovering Ban Khiet Ngong village, populated by the Suay ethnic group.

You might like to consider our Luang Prabang flight-only package which aligns seamlessly with this tour Luang Prabang, Laos 12-Day Flight-only Package (asiara-holidays.com)

Destinations and the Landmarks / Sights to Visit

Luang Prabang

• National Museum: A must-visit destination for anyone interested in learning about the rich history and culture of Laos.
• Vat Xieng Thong: Also known as the ‘Golden City Temple’, it is one of the most famous and venerated temples in the country.
• Tham Ting and Tham Phoum Caves: A major attraction for tourists due to their stunning natural beauty and historical significance.
• Khouang Sy Waterfalls: A mesmerising natural wonder situated in the middle of a thick, lush jungle.

Vang Vieng

Vang Vieng Caves: These caves have been formed over millions of years, creating an intricate network of tunnels and passages that are waiting to be discovered.

Vientiane

• Vat Sisaket: One of the oldest and most well-preserved temples in the country.
• Ho Phrakeo: A royal temple for the purpose of housing the Emerald Buddha.
• Patouxai: Built in the 1960s to honor those who fought for independence from colonial rule.
• That Luang Stupa: An iconic symbol of the country and a significant religious monument for Buddhists around the world.

Savannakhet

• Thakhek: This off-the-beaten-path destination is often overlooked by tourists, making it a hidden gem for those who do make the journey.
• Pha Tha Inghang: Commissioned by King Sumihatham 200 years ago.
• Phu Xieng Thong National Park: This breath-taking national park showcases some of the country’s most spectacular landscapes, from cascading waterfalls to lush green forests and towering limestone cliffs.

Pakse 

• Tad Fan Waterfalls: This magnificent waterfall is made up of two cascades, with a height of over 120 meters.

Khone Island

• Old French Railway: The railway, built by the French in the early 20th century.
• Liphi Waterfall: This waterfall stretches over 10 meters wide and plunges down a staggering height of 21 meters.
• Khone Phapeng Waterfalls (mainland): Known as the largest waterfall in Southeast Asia, this natural wonder is a breath-taking sight to behold.

Cultural Experiences & Activities of this Holiday

Ban Xang Hai Village: A small, charming village located in northern Laos, just outside the UNESCO World Heritage town of Luang Prabang. Known for its traditional handicrafts, Ban Xang Hai has become a popular destination for tourists looking to experience authentic Lao culture.

Hill Tribe Villages: Explore these exquisite destinations, such as the H’Mong community at Ban Thinkeo, the Khmu village of Ban Thapaene, and the Lao Loum village of Ban Xom, which is renowned for its cotton production.

H’Mong Market: The H’Mong market in Laos is a lively and bustling hub of activity, filled with colorful clothing, handicrafts, and delicious food. It is a cultural and economic centre for the H’Mong people, one of the largest ethnic groups in Laos.

Yaheune, Lavai, and Katu Communities: Three distinct indigenous groups that have been living in the country for centuries. These communities have unique cultures, traditions, and ways of life that have been passed down from generation to generation.

Coffee Plantation: The coffee industry in Laos has a long and rich history, dating back to the French colonial era in the late 19th century. The unique combination of fertile soil, favourable climate, and expert farming techniques have made Laos one of the top coffee producing countries in the world.

Local Cuisine and Traditional Dishes to try while in Laos

During this tour, numerous opportunities will arise for you to savour the authentic local cuisine, whether from the menus of included meals or from your own culinary exploration during your free time in the itinerary. Indulge in traditional dishes that showcase the rich flavours of the region, including larb, a savoury meat salad made with minced or chopped pork, chicken, or beef, mixed with herbs, spices, and a tangy dressing made from lime juice and fish sauce. Sticky rice, or khao niaw, is a staple in Lao cuisine, and is eaten with almost every meal.

Water-based Activities and Cruises

2 hour Journey up the Mekong River: Reach Pak Ou, where the Nam Ou and Mekong Rivers join.

Boat Cruise on the Hinboun River to Kong Lor Cave.

Ferry Boat Ride over Mekong: Uncover the marvellous Vat Phou Temple.

Cruise through Siphandone. 

Accommodation of this Tour

Luangprabang: Maison Dalabua (Classic Room).

Vangvieng: The Elephant Crossing (Deluxe Room)

Vientiane: Beaurivage Mekong Hotel (Superior Room)

Hinboun: Sala Hinboun (Standard Room).

Savannakhet: Hungthip Hotel (Standard Room)

Pakse: Pakse Hotel (Deluxe Room)

Tad Fan: Tad Fan Resort (Standard Room)

Khong Island: Pon Arena Hotel (Standard Room)

Khonephapheng: Khonephapheng Resort (Superior Room).

If you’re planning a trip to Laos, you might like to read our Laos travel guide or get in touch with us today for more information and start creating your dream Laos itinerary.

Itinerary

Day 1: Luang Prabang – Discover the National Museum.

Upon arriving at the airport, transfer and check in to your hotel. In the afternoon, take a trip to the National Museum (formerly the Royal Palace) and browse its collection of personal artifacts from the Lao Royal Family. Then, head on over to Vat Mai Temple, which was home to a Buddhist patriarch before 1975. Lastly, make your way up Phousi Hill to witness the spectacular sunset view of the city and the Mekong River.

Day 2: Luang Prabang – Welcome a day full of Culture.

After a delicious breakfast, tour Vat Xieng Thong. This temple is known to be the prettiest temple in Luang Prabang, showcasing majestic, low sweeping roofs. Climb aboard a conventional riverboat for a two-hour journey up the Mekong River until you reach Pak Ou, where the Nam Ou and Mekong Rivers join. Visit the esteemed Tham Ting and Tham Phum caves, which house hundreds of Buddha statues. Make a stop at Ban Xang Hai village en route to sample some homemade sticky rice wine. After the tour, take the road back to Luang Prabang, stopping at Ban Xang Khong weaving village to observe the production of traditional mulberry leaf paper. Make sure to admire the beautiful sunset on the Mekong River at Vat Prabath Tai.

✓ Breakfast

Day 3: Luang Prabang – Uncover the Khouang Sy Waterfalls.

After a tasty breakfast, explore the breath-taking Khouang Sy Waterfalls, hidden deep in a lavish tropical forest. Along the way, there will be stops at different hill tribe villages, like the H’Mong community at Ban Thinkeo, the Khmu village of Ban Thapaene, and the Lao Loum village of Ban Xom, which is renowned for its cotton production. After embracing the mesmerising waterfalls, return to Luang Prabang and wander around the bustling H’Mong market.

✓ Breakfast

Day 4: Discover Vang Vien

Depart for Vang Vieng after breakfast and enjoy the amazing views of limestone karsts. Make a few stops at villages on the way and reach Vang Vieng for lunch. Spend the afternoon exploring the Vang Vieng Caves. Vang Vieng Caves are a network of more than 20 caves hidden in the hills of central Laos. These amazing underground caverns offer an exciting and unique experience for tourists in search of adventure! Visiting the caves is a great way to explore the rural and mountainous terrain of the area, and to explore the unique culture and history of Laos.

✓ Breakfast

Day 5: Uncover Vientiane

After enjoying your breakfast, embark on a 3-hour drive to Vientiane. This destination sits along the banks of the Mekong River, the largest river in Southeast Asia, and is the capital of one of the least visited countries in the world. The city is filled with colonial-style buildings, a mix of traditional Lao and Chinese-Vietnamese architecture, and plenty of interesting sights and activities. Once at the Laotian capital, take the afternoon to explore the sites including the Vat Sisaket temple which dates to 1818 and is the only remaining temple from the 1828 Thai invasion, the Ho Phrakeo Chapel, home to the Emerald Buddha from the time of the Lane Xang Kingdom, and the Patouxai and That Luang stupa.

✓ Breakfast

Day 6: Embrace a boat cruise along the Hinboun River.

After an early breakfast at the hotel, travel South of Laos and explore the untouched natural areas of Laos. Make a stop at Pakxan to take in the views before continuing to the Sala Hinboun hotel near the river, surrounded by limestone cliffs. Spend the rest of the afternoon taking a boat cruise on the Hinboun river to the Kong Lor cave, a 7.5km long impressive river cave. This cave is perhaps one of the most exciting and beautiful places to visit in the country. The cave is positioned between lush limestone mountains, between two small villages of Ban Na Hin and Ban Kong Lo.

Kong Lor cave is also very important to the local people who inhabit the area due to its significance in their spiritual life. It is believed to be the home of a spirit or ‘Naga’ that protects the people from floods and other natural disasters.

✓ Breakfast

Day 7: Explore Savannakhet.

Start by heading south to Savannakhet. You will drive next to the Mekong and find yourself weaving between plantations and hills. On your journey to Savannakhet, you will stop by the historic Thakhek, a border town with Thailand, to view the ramparts and French-built houses. Here you can discover the 9th century Sikhotang Stupa. After, discover Pha Tha Inghang, commissioned by King Sumihatham 200 years ago and take some time to explore Savannakhet’s villas and colonial atmosphere.

✓ Breakfast

Day 8: Uncover Phu Xieng Thong National Park.

After a filling breakfast, keep heading south through Laos until you arrive at Phu Xieng Thong National Park. Phu Xieng Thong National Park is a jewel of northern Laos, known for its unique plant life, diverse wildlife, and rare bird species. The most remarkable feature of the park is the dreamlike landscape of rugged mountains, dense forests, and spectacular waterfalls. The atmosphere and silence make it a perfect spot for relaxation and rejuvenation. Take a gentle walk in the woodland here, before arriving in Pakse in the later part of the afternoon.

✓ Breakfast

Day 9: Visit villages of the Yaheune ethnic groups.

After enjoying a delicious breakfast, explore the morning market of Pakse – one of Laos’ largest markets. After, start your drive to gorgeous Bolovens Plateau. Along the journey, take the chance to explore the unique Yaheune, Lavai, and Katu communities, where you can witness the inhabitants’ deepest ancestral traditions and animist beliefs. Then, visit a coffee plantation which supplies the area with freshly roasted coffee beans. After, you will discover Tad Fan waterfalls, one of the area’s greatest attractions. Complete your journey by checking in at the Tad Fane resort and spend the night in a bungalow situated on a hill, with magnificent views of the bellowing waterfalls below.

✓ Breakfast

Day 10: Travel to Don Khong – Embrace a local Ferry Ride.

Start your journey after breakfast by driving back to Road 13 and heading South to Champassak. Before reaching this destination, you can experience a local ferry boat ride across the beautiful Mekong to uncover the iconic Vat Phou Temple. Constructed during the 9th and 12th centuries, this temple served as the origin of Khmer civilization, which preceded Angkor Wat. First a Hindu site, it boasts sculptures of Shiva, known as lingam, and harboured a library. As it underwent a transition from Hinduism to Buddhism in the 16th century, a picturesque pond with a walkway leading to the palace with its lingam structures was added. Climb the steep stairs for an incredible view of the valley before heading back to the pier and crossing the Mekong to Si Phan Done, the “4000 Islands” region. Finally, hop on a ferry boat to Don Khong to conclude your memorable journey.

✓ Breakfast

Day 11: A Long-Tail Riverboat cruise to Khone Phapeng.

Board a long-tail riverboat after breakfast and take a cruise through Siphandone ‘The 4,000 Islands,’ a tropical paradise. Amazingly, during the rainy season, the Mekong River can become a staggering 14km wide. When the waters recede, they leave behind a wealth of islands and islets. Today you can explore Khone Island and unlock its colonial past. Discover the old French railway from 1897 designed to detour the impassable rapids obstructing the Mekong River. After, visit the Liphi Waterfall where an endangered colony of Irrawaddy freshwater dolphins reside. Then, before the evening, drive back to the mainland and check in at the Khone Phapheng Resort.

✓ Breakfast

Day 12: Discover the Khone Phapeng Waterfalls.

Today you will uncover the serene Khone Phapeng Waterfalls – the largest cascade on the Mekong River. The waterfalls are a popular tourist attraction and it is home to many species of birds, reptiles, and amphibians. Visitors can take day trips to this stunning location for breath-taking views and a chance to explore nature. A hike along the trails is a great way to get a closer look at the beauty and serenity of the waterfalls.

After exploring this serene destination, travel onwards to Ban Khiet Ngong village, populated by the Suay ethnic group. Here you can take an elephant ride through the primitive jungle and explore the mysterious ruins of Phou Asa Temple. After, make your way to Pakse airport for your departure flight.

✓ Breakfast

Price

£1,919

– Price per person based on two-people group size.

– The price is subject to availability, based on twin or double room sharing.

– Peak season surcharges may apply during local public holidays.

Please note, this package is an example of our many exciting daily offers. We are happy to check up-to-date prices for the dates and times that suit you for your perfect package holiday, or to tailor or upgrade elements of any package. Please feel free to contact us at enquiry@asiara-holidays.com or call us on 01473 356 000.

Tour Map

Tour Summary

Day 1: Arrive in Luang Prabang, visit National Museum, Vat Mai Temple, and Phousi Hill for sunset views.

Day 2: Explore Vat Xieng Thong, cruise to Pak Ou Caves, visit Ban Xang Hai village, and witness sunset at Vat Prabath Tai.

Day 3: Visit Khouang Sy Waterfalls, explore hill tribe villages, and wander the H’Mong market.

Day 4: Depart for Vang Vieng, stop at villages, and explore Vang Vieng Caves.

Day 5: Travel to Vientiane, visit Vat Sisaket, Ho Phrakeo, Patouxai monument, and That Luang Stupa.

Day 6: Cruise along Hinboun River to Kong Lor cave, explore the cave’s natural beauty and cultural significance.

Day 7: Drive to Savannakhet, visit historic Thakhek and Sikhotang Stupa.

Day 8: Journey to Phu Xieng Thong National Park, take a leisurely walk, then proceed to Pakse.

Day 9: Visit Pakse morning market, explore Bolovens Plateau villages, coffee plantation, and Tad Fan waterfalls.

Day 10: Drive to Don Khong, ferry ride to Vat Phou Temple, then to Si Phan Done, and finally to Don Khong.

Day 11: Long-tail boat cruise to Khone Phapeng, explore Khone Island, Liphi Waterfall, and return to Khone Phapheng Resort.

Day 12: Discover Khone Phapeng Waterfalls, explore Ban Khiet Ngong village, ride elephants, visit Phou Asa Temple ruins, and depart from Pakse airport.

FAQs

1. What are the highlights of the tour?
   • The tour covers diverse attractions including cultural landmarks like Vat Xieng Thong and natural wonders like Khouang Sy Waterfalls.
2. How physically demanding is the itinerary?
   • While there’s some walking involved, most activities are accessible to people with moderate fitness levels.
3. Are meals included in the tour package?
   • Breakfast is provided daily, but other meals are typically not included, allowing guests to explore local cuisine.
4. What is the accommodation like during the tour?
   • Accommodations range from comfortable hotels to scenic resorts, offering a mix of modern amenities and local charm.
5. Will there be opportunities to interact with local communities?
   • Yes, visits to hill tribe villages and cultural sites provide insights into the traditions and lifestyles of the local people.
6. Is transportation included between destinations?
   • Yes, transportation is provided as part of the tour package, ensuring convenient travel between attractions.
7. What should I pack for the tour?
   • Essentials include comfortable walking shoes, lightweight clothing, sunscreen, insect repellent, and a camera to capture memorable moments.