top of page

12 DAYS LAOS IN DEPTH DISCOVERY

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, 12-day comprehensive tour.....
Laos Map
12
days

TOUR SUMMARY:

Duration:                  12 days

Suggested Time:   08:30-16:30 depending on daily itinerary

Location:                  Luang Prabang - Plain of Jars - Vang Vieng - Vientiane - Pakse

​

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, 12-day comprehensive tour

​

DETAILED ITINERARY:

Day 1 - Luang Prabang City Tour, Ock Pop Tok Traditional Craft & Sunset Cocktails

You will be met at the lobby of your chosen hotel by your private guide and transferred by private air conditioned vehicle to Wat Xieng Thong temple which is one of the most beautiful in Laos.  Upon leaving Vat Xieng Thong we will take a walk through the streets of Luang Prabang observing the historical architecture of French colonial buildings and local life before paying a visit to the National Museum, the Former Royal palace which was built 1904-1909 by the French Architect and was gift from the French to our last king of Laos. Next is a visit to Vat Visoun temple commonly known as That Mak Mo (the water melon stupa) built in 1520 AD it is now a Buddhist temple Museum followed by a stop at Vat Aham and Vat Mai. Upon reaching the main street of Luang Prabang we will climb up to the top of Mt. Phousi for a 360 degree view of the city.

​

After lunch (not included) you will be transferred by private air conditioned vehicle to Ock Pop Tok.  Meaning 'East meets West' this traditional crafts centre was founded in 2000 Ock Pop Tok has grown from a small shop selling only a few designs, to becoming one of the most important textile and artisan institutions in all of Laos and South East Asia. 

 

You will have the option of choosing one of the following workshops (must be booked in advance):

  • Natural Dye Class - An introduction to silkworms and silk types, students have a hands-on experience with natural dye preparation and create 3 natural dyes using plants directly from a home-grown garden (just like the Lao have done for hundreds of years! At the end of class you will take home 2 dyed silk skeins or 2 cotton napkins and 1 Silk scarf you dyed yourself. 

  • Weaving Class - Your class starts with an introduction to silks, dyeing and weaving techniques. Each student is assigned a loom — a guide and a weaver will help you learn the art of weaving. Upon completion of the class each student receives a 2-colour placemat with Lao motifs woven in class for you to take home as a souvenir.

  • Hmong Batik Drawing (maximum of 3 persons) - Each student will create a wax resistant, Hmong-style design on hand-loomed hemp.  Upon completion of the class each student can take home their 30cm x 46cm hemp piece with wax resin design.

  • Bamboo Weaving - Great for all ages! - Join the master bamboo weaver and learn about the many uses of bamboo in Laos.  Each student will learn how to weave a place mat or traditional fan to take home. 

  • Following the class you will enjoy cocktails and canapes whilst watching the sun set from the river bank of the Mekong River. 

  • Transfer back to your hotel by private vehicle.

PRIVATE TOUR AVAILABLE DAILY
 
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS:
  • Private tour with local guide
  • Views of the stunning scenery of Laos
  • 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
  • Take part in the morning Alms Giving ritual
  • Explore the mysterious Plain of Jars
  • Discover the spectacular 4,000 Islands​
  • Instagram - Black Circle
  • Twitter Basic Black
  • Facebook Basic Black
  • Black LinkedIn Icon
Ock Pop Tock Weaving

Day 2 - Luang Prabang​ - Pak-Ou Cave

Cruise the Mekong River to visit the famous and sacred Pak-Ou Caves. Since the 16th century, the local people have brought images of the Buddha to place in the caves—by now there are thousands. Visit the village of Ban Xang Khong where weaving of traditional Lao textiles takes place on ancient wooden looms.

Pak Ou Cave

Day 3 - Luang Prabang - Alms Giving, Kuang Si Waterfall

If you wish, get an early start and particiate in the traditional Lao rite of giving alms to the monks. Every morning, some 300 monks file through the city silently collecting offerings.  After breakfast, drive to beautiful Kuang Si Waterfall.  The falls cascade over many calcified tiers and down several hundred feet into a series of cool, turquoise pools.  You can cool off with a swim before returning to Luang Prabang.  Enjoy a local lunch before returning to the hotel for an evening at your leisure.

Kuang Si Waterfall

Day 4 - 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.

Temple Laos

Day 5 - Xieng Khouang – Plain of Jars  
After breakfast, I will take you to the Plain of Jars, one of the more mysterious sites in Laos. Visit the Old Town and the stupa and temple at Muang Khoun. Enjoy lunch in a local restaurant (not included) before returning to the hotel.

Plain of Jars

Day 6 - Xieng Khouang – Vang Vieng
Take a six-hour drive along picturesque winding roads to Vang Vieng. There are stunning vistas of towering limestone karst hills around every turn. Enjoy lunch along the way (not included). The afternoon is free for you to relax on the scenic banks of the Song River or explore the lovely town.

Vang Vieng

Day 7 - Vang Vieng
Enjoy the scenic wonders of Vang Vieng at your leisure. You can go inner-tubing in the cool, lazy river, try your hand at kayaking or caving, or just relax and enjoy the amazing views from your balcony.

Blue Lagoon Vang Vieng

Day 8: Vang Vieng – Vientiane
Drive three hours to Vientiane. Visit Wat Sisaket, with its thousands of miniature Buddha statues, as well as many other picturesque sites and monuments, followed by lunch (not included).

Wat Vientiane

Day 9: Vientiane – Pakse  
After an early breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Pakse. Upon arrival transfer by private vehicle to visit Vat Phou, the Khmer Ruin Temple, built in the 7th century where you will learn about Hinduism and Budhism.  This area has been a UNESCO site since 2002.  Afterwards we drive to Dong Khong Island and check in at your hotel.  

Don Khone

Day 10 - Don Khone – 4000 Islands 

After breakfast check out of your hotel where we will then take a local boat downstrem.  Along the way there are many tiny islands and the opportunity to see local way of life with people fishing.  Upon reaching Don Khone Isalnds we will take a walk in the village viewing colonial buildings.  We will then take a local Tuk Tuk to visit the Li Phi Falls.  You'll then cruise through this tropical paradise making a stop at a local village where we will then transfer by private vehicle to Pakse where there is then free time to explore the city from late afternoon.  

Khone Phape Falls

Day 11 - Pakse
Today we drive out of the city to the largest waterfall in Asia, Khone Phape Falls.  If you're lucky, you might see some of the 50-100 Irrawaddy (freshwater) dolphins that make 4000 Lakes their home.  We then drive to the tea and coffee plantations where you can taste some traditional Lao coffee. Spend the afternoon relaxing or exploring Pakse on your own.

Laos Waterfall

Day 12 - 4000 Islands – Pakse

Check out of your hotel and transfer to Pakse airport for your onward flight.

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

  • Ock Pop Tok Traditional Craft Class

  • 2 cocktails and 4 canapes per person (sunset cocktails)

  • 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

bottom of page