Laos round trip - the heart of Indochina

Upon arrival in Vientiane, your guide awaits you! They will take you to your hotel, where you can drop off your things and freshen up for the rest of the day.

In the afternoon, set off for your first exciting tour of Laos’ capital. Vientiane is the busiest and most modern city in the southeast Asian country. You’ll find many shops, restaurants, and bars on the main streets. Vientiane is more of a quaint village away from the main roads, with numerous temples luring you in with their shady spots to have a break.

Next, you’ll visit Vat Sisaket, an artfully designed temple and the oldest in the capital. The Buddhist temple nestles in the heart of Vientiane with its many wonderfully crafted Buddha statues. Discover the most beautiful corners of the venerable Wat Si Saket and learn more about the history of the building and the locals’ religious traditions.

Continue your tour to Vat Phra Keo, a former temple now used as a religious museum. Then, visit That Luang Stupa, the most important historical, religious, and cultural symbol of Laos.

At the end of this eventful day, you’ll drive past the 49-meter high triumphal arch.

2 nights in Vientiane, including daily breakfast

In the morning, your guide awaits you in the lobby for your tuk-tuk safari! Drive to an organic and vegetable farm just outside of Vientiane and immerse yourself in the life of the Laotian rural population. Help the farmers harvest rice and vegetables and learn about their local agriculture.

After learning how to farm, use today’s farming ingredients for a delicious lunch.

In the afternoon, you’ll go back to Vientiane in a tuk-tuk and take part in a traditional cooking class. Under the guidance of a professional cook, you’ll prepare a typical Lao meal to eat afterward. Roast and cook with fresh ingredients from the market and learn insider tips about Laotian cuisine.

Only 150 kilometers separate Vang Vieng from the state capital, but it’s much more idyllic here. Vang Vieng is famous for its breathtaking nature and beautiful scenery, the perfect place for numerous activities and panoramic views. If you want to see other highlights of the area, we recommend a trip to the caves or relaxing amongst its tropical landscape.

After you arrive at the hotel, the rest of the day is at your leisure. In the evening, you have the option to take a long boat trip on the Nam Song, where you can watch the sunset cascade over the rocky landscape.

2 nights in Vang Vieng, daily breakfast included

In the morning, cycle to the Vang Vieng surroundings. As you ride through the endless rice fields, you’ll discover stunning rock formations and quaint villages. Take a tour of a nearby cave and stroll through the local market. Are you interested in trying fiery Laotian specialties?

In the afternoon, continue to the sacred Tham Phou Kham Cave. Wander through the paths until you suddenly discover a reclining, bronze-colored Buddha in the center of the cave. As you continue to explore the interior, you’ll come across a turquoise river that pours into a lagoon. Swing from one of the ropes into the cool water! If time permits, you can hike up the adjacent Pha Ngeun Mountain (approx. 40 to 60 minutes) from the summit and enjoy a unique view of the region.

After a hearty breakfast, you’ll leave the picturesque Vang Vieng and drive along lush green mountain ridges to Luang Prabang, the former capital of the country and today’s spiritual and cultural center of Laos.

Once in Luang Prabang, you’ll first go to your hotel, where you can freshen up before pick up in the late afternoon. Your guide will take you to Mount Phou Si, a 328 step climb to an indescribable sunset view of the river valley.

After you have reached the foot of the mountain, stroll through the local night market. Take a look at the souvenirs and handicrafts from all parts of the country! You can also try the snacks offered at the food stalls.

4 nights in Luang Prabang, daily breakfast included

Today you’ll explore the most important sights of the city by bike. Begin the journey back in time at the National Museum, which was once the seat of the royal family.

Continue to Vat Sene, one of the country’s most beautiful temples and the center for traditional art. Then you will cycle to Vat Visoun, the oldest temple built in 1513 and home to a significant collection of ancient wooden Buddhas.

In the evening, you will have the option of attending a performance at the Garavek Theater. Listen to traditional myths and stories in English.

Getting up early today is worth it! Every morning, orange-clad monks walk the streets of Luang Prabang, asking for alms in the houses. Witness this moving ritual before you leave the city and buy some fruit at the morning market.

Continue your journey and reach one of the most beautiful and essential temples in southeast Asia: Wat Xieng Thong. Unlike other sanctuaries, this one has been spared looting and destruction. To this day, it houses religious and cultural treasures.

Finally, you’ll continue to the Mekong banks and board a boat that takes you upriver to the Pak Ou caves. These limestone caves are famous temples and an important place of pilgrimage for devout Buddhists. Since you can only reach the caves by boat, they offer beautiful views of the Mekong and Nam Ou rivers. There are hundreds of Buddha statues of all sizes and materials in the caves.

After the exciting voyage, you’ll return by boat and continue your journey in the car. The next destination is Khuang Si waterfalls. The excursion to the Kuang Si waterfall is a unique experience for all! The waterfalls nestle in the middle of the jungle and invite you to take a refreshing dip in the crystal clear water.

Cycle to the Mekong and hop on a ferry. Explore the area on gravel roads and wave to the local children and farmers. In Ban Nakham, you’ll learn about kolam, a culinary specialty of the area. Then continue cycling through small villages until you end up in Ban Houay Tan, a traditional Khmu village. Enjoy a tasty lunch and marvel at a 500-year-old mango tree. The residents believe that it has magical powers and preserves eternal youth.

Then cross the Mekong again on a fishing boat and end your Luang Prabang city center journey.

Approx. 5 hours by bike, 2 hours of an easy hike, 15-20 minutes by boat.

Today it’s time to say goodbye. Your thrilling and eventful journey of discovery through one of the most exciting countries ends with a transfer to the airport.

Ansara Hotel****, Vientiane, Deluxe Room

This excellent boutique-style hotel is only a few minutes walk from the Mekong and its highlights. There are also a few restaurants and bars nearby.

Enjoy excellent French cuisine in the restaurant or drinks at the lobby bar.

The bright and welcoming rooms come equipped with a balcony, flat-screen TV, and a minibar. There’s also a safe and a wardrobe at your disposal. The private bathroom includes a hairdryer and a shower.

Riverside Boutique Resort****, Vang Vieng, Deluxe Room

This accommodation nestles on the banks of the Nam Song River and welcomes you with elegant architecture in French colonial style and modern decoration. Relax by the pool or enjoy a fresh cup of coffee from the Bolaven Plateau in the restaurant.

The restaurant du Crabe d’Or serves authentic regional dishes and traditional Asian and French dishes. From your table, enjoy stunning views of the limestone cliffs.

All rooms have tiled floors, air conditioning, a flat-screen cable TV, a minibar, and an electric kettle. The private bathroom includes a bathtub, complimentary toiletries, and a hairdryer.

Maison Dalabua***, Luang Prabang, Deluxe Room

Surrounded by lotus ponds and a tropical garden, the lovely hotel is five minutes away from the night market and the royal palace.

The hotel also has a tour desk whose staff can help you organize day trips to regional attractions. You can also use the free rental bikes to explore the city and its attractions.

The restaurant serves delicious Laos specialties, refreshing cocktails, and fruit juices.

The comfortably furnished rooms have a private bathroom and come equipped with cable TV, a minibar, and tea/coffee-making equipment.

Duration of the trip: 9 days / 8 nights

Including

• Accommodation in the mentioned hotels or similar

• Daily breakfast, other meals according to the program

• Transport in a private, air-conditioned vehicle according to the program

• Local English-speaking tour guide

• Visits according to the program, including entrance fees

Excluding

• International flights

• Visa

• Meals and drinks not mentioned in the scope of services

• Personal expenses, such as minibar or tips

• Entrance fees and excursions not mentioned in the scope of services

• High season surcharges

• Insurance