Tailor Made Small Group Journeys
Quality Tours, Great Prices
12 DAYS AUTHENTIC LAOS TOUR
Still relatively untouched by tourism, Laos is a glimpse of a traditional Asia that has all but disappeared. Explore this beautiful, tranquil country on an in-depth, authentic 12-day comprehensive tour. Experience local life with the Akha Hill Tribe, visit the UNESCO town of Luang Prabang, discover the mysterious Plain of Jars and enjoy the stunning scenery along the way....
12
days
TOUR SUMMARY:
Duration: 12 days
Suggested Time: 08:30-16:30 depending on daily itinerary
Location: Luang Prabang - Muang La - Luang Prabang - Plain of Jars - Vang Vieng - Vientiane
​
Still relatively untouched by tourism, Laos is a glimpse of a traditional Asia that has all but disappeared. Explore this beautiful, tranquil country on an in-depth, authentic 12-day comprehensive tour. Experience local life with the Akha Hill Tribe, visit the UNESCO town of Luang Prabang, discover the mysterious Plain of Jars and enjoy the stunning scenery along the way.
​
DETAILED ITINERARY:
Day 1 - Luang Prabang - Arrival
You will be met at the airport by your local Private Guide. Take private air conditioned vehicle and transfer to your chosen hotel.
This evening you may wish to take the opportunity to explore the Night Market and walk along the Mekong river at your leisure.
PRIVATE TOUR AVAILABLE DAILY
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS:
-
Private tour with local guide
-
Views of the stunning Laos scenery
-
Experience local way of life along the banks of the Mekong River
-
Witness the intriguing sight of 4,000 Buddha images at Pak-Ou Cave
-
Witness or take part in the morning Alms Giving ritual
-
Explore the mysterious Plain of Jars
-
Visit a traditional Akha Hill Tribe Village​
Day 2 - Cultural Walking Tour & Kuang Si Waterfall
You will be met at the lobby of your chosen hotel. From here we will begin your tour by private air conditioned vehicle driving to the viewpoint of the confluence of the Mekong and Nam Khan River. Walking along the peninsular you will have the opportunity to take photographs of this beautiful landscape. From here we walk through Wat Xieng Thong temple which is one of the most beautiful in Laos. Upon leaving Wat Xieng Thong we will take a walk through the streets of Luang Prabang observing the historical architecture of French colonial buildings and local life. Upon reaching the main street we will climb up to the top of Mt. Phousi for a 360 degree view of the city.
​
Enjoy lunch in a local restaurant in Luang Prabang (not included) before transferring by private vehicle to to Kuang Si Waterfall. On the way to Kuang Si Waterfall we will visit a local market at Phosy where you can observe the locals trading their fresh produce. Upon arrival we will take a leisurely hike through the National Park towards Kuang Si Waterfall. On the way pass by the Asian Bear Rescue Centre. Enjoy feeling the mist of the cool, turquoise water of the different waterfalls. Hike to the top of the main waterfall from where you can enjoy the panoramic views.
Return to the pools at the bottom of the falls where you can enjoy a refreshing swim should you wish.
On your return to Luang Prabang we will make a stop at a local Hmong Village which will give you the opportunity to experience the local way of life of this village and the chance to meet the local people
The day ends upon your return to your hotel.
Day 3 - Alms Giving, Pak-Ou Cave, Whiskey Village & Handicraft Village
Luang Prabang is the perfect place to see one of the most sacred Lao traditions, the Buddhist Alms Giving Ceremony. Rise early to witness the procession of monks. You will have the opportunity to take part in this tradition by offering sticky rice to the monks as they collect their one meal of the day.
Return to the hotel for breakfast. After breakfast at your hotel you will later be transferred by private vehicle to vehicle to a boat pier in Luang Prabang where your boat departs. Take a private boat first stopping at Ban Xang Hai also known as the 'whiskey village' to see the process of making lao-lao, the country's beloved rice whiskey second only to BeerLao in popularity. Explore the sanctuaries of Pak-Ou Cave and witness the intriguing sight of over 4,000 Buddha images. Transfer by private boat to visit Ban Xang Khong Village - Handicraft village - where you will have the opportunity to see locals making local handicrafts by weaving, carving and paper making. This is also an opportunity to purchase these locally made products as souvenirs. Cruise back to Luang Prabang on the Mekong River and observe the picturesque limestone formations and local way of life along the river. Alternatively a transfer by private vehicle can be arranged if preferred.
Day 4 - Luang Prabang - Muang La
You will be met at the lobby of your chosen hotel and transferred by private air conditioned vehicle heading north from Luang Prabang to Muang La. The journey takes approximately 6 hours but the drive takes you through some of the most beautiful Laos countryside which is not to be missed . There will be a stop for lunch (not included) along the way.
Check- in at your hotel late afternoon and the rest of the day is at leisure.
Day 5 - Muang La 4x4 Wheel Drive to Akha Hill Tribe Village
Today we will take a 4x4 wheel drive into the mountains for approximately 2 hours, on the way stopping to observe the great view and visiting the Yao hill tribe village which are the sub – group of the Hmong high Lander who originate from China. Experience how they still live today with their very old traditions before driving further reaching the Akha tribe village where we will observe their life styles and traditional homes followed by Lunch (not included) afterwards we will drive back to Muang La.
Day 6 - Muang La - Luang Prabang
Today we will depart Muang La and transfer back to Luang Prabang. The journey takes approximately 6 hours but is another opportunity to view the stunning scenery. There will be a stop for lunch (not included) along the way.
Check- in at your hotel late afternoon and the rest of the day is at leisure.
Day 7 - Luang Prabang - Xieng Khouang
An eight-hour drive to the mountainous plateau of Xieng Khouang is a great way to see more of rural Laos. There are plenty of stops along the way to stretch your legs and photograph the spectacular views. Upon arrival in Xieng Khouang we visit the Old Town and the stupa and Vat Piavat temple at Muang Khoun.
Day 8 - Xieng Khouang - Plain of Jars
After breakfast your guide will take you to visit the Plain of Jars which is one of the most mysterious sites in Laos. You will make a stop at the visitors centre where you will learn about the history of this fabulous site before experiencing these mysterious jars for yourself.
The Plain of Jars are well known as one of Asia's most unusual sites. Hundreds of stone jars weighing up to a tonne scattered over a large area of countryside. The jars are thought to be over 2,000 years old but their origins are still a mystery.
Day 9 - Xieng Khouang - Vang Vieng
After breakfast your guide and driver will transfer you along picturesque winding roads to Vang Vieng. There are stunning vistas of towering limestone karst hills around every turn. Enjoy lunch along the way at a local restaurant (not included). The remainder of the day is free for you to relax on the scenic banks of the Song River or explore the lovely town.
Day 10 - Vang Vieng
You will be met at the lobby of your chosen hotel and transferred by private air conditioned vehicle to visit Tham Chang Cave which was used as a war shelter when the Chinese invaded in 1887. Next visit the Blue Lagoon, a beautiful pool with crystal clear water. The reminder of the day is at your leisure. You can go inner-tubing on the cool lazy river, try your hand at kayaking or caving or just relax from the balcony of your hotel
Day 11 - Vang Vieng - Vientiane
Today enjoy a leisurely three hour scenic drive to Vientiane. Upon arrival lunch will be enjoyed (not included) before visiting That Luang Stupa, which was built in circa 236 BC to keep the relic of Buddha. This is the main worship site for Buddhist people and is now a National Lao symbol. We then take a short drive to Patuxay (the Victory Gate Monument) which was given by the French to Lao Government when we had the first independence in 1946 AD. Resembling the famous Arc De Triomphe in Paris this is now the landmark of Vientiane. Climb to the top of the monument for a panoramic view of the city.
The remainder of the day is at your leisure. This evening you may wish to take the opportunity to explore the Night Market at your leisure.
Day 12 - Vientiane - Departure
The morning is at your leisure, giving you the opportunity for any last minute souvenir shopping until your transfer to the airport.
NOTE:
-
This tour program has been carefully designed and represents experiences we recommend. However, should you wish to amend any element of the program to suit your own interests please let us know so we can create a unique trip just for you.
PRIVATE TOUR RATE: Prices are quoted in US Dollars | Per Person
-
Single supplement applies
-
Our prices represent ground service only, however, if you prefer a package to include accommodation this can be arranged accordingly.
Tour Includes:
Tour Excludes:
-
Private English Speaking Local Guide
-
Tours and transfers as mentioned by air conditioned vehicle
-
Sightseeing entrance fees and permits during guided time
-
Private boat fees
-
International and domestic flights
-
VISA and any VISA related fee - all non ASEAN residents must apply for valid visa
-
Travel Insurance (compulsary)
-
Hotel Accommodation (recommendations can be provided)
-
Services and meals if not mentioned in the itinerary
-
All drinks, including water, soft drinks and alcohol
-
Laundry, telephone calls and any expenditure of a personal nature
-
Tips and gratuities