Laos Highlights Tours. From the remarkably relaxed capital of Vientiane to the enchanting, beautifully preserved former capital of Luang Prabang. Discover the spellbinding magic of Laos. Timeless temples, saffron-clad monks, and spectacular scenery abound!

Day 1: Vientiane Arrival

Welcome to Laos! Enjoy an airport arrival transfer and hotel check-in. Spend the afternoon and evening at leisure.

Day 2: Vientiane city tour ( B, L )

After breakfast, we explore the charming and laid-back capital of Laos with a city tour. We visit the oldest Buddhist monastery temple in the country - Wat Si Saket - and the former royal temple of Haw Pha Kaeo, built to house the famed Emerald Buddha. Today it serves as the national museum of religious art. Learn about Laos’ tragic past and present suffering at the COPE Centre, an organization that works with victims of unexploded bombs and mines. Next visit Pha That Luang, the most important monument in Laos and a symbol of both Buddhist religion and Lao sovereignty. We also stop to view the imposing Patuxay monument - Vientiane’s own Arc de Triomphe. Later in the afternoon enjoy time exploring the hundreds of Hindu and Buddhist sculptures scattered throughout Buddha Park.

Day 3: Vientiane - Vang Vieng ( B, L )

We leave the capital early and journey north through lush countryside to Vang Vieng. Along the way, we visit Ban Keun, famous for its salt extraction plant and a village of local Lao rice wine whiskey distillation. Our next stop is the busy and colorful market of Thalat, where local hill tribes come to trade and shop. Finally, we visit the archaeological site of Vang Xang, which dates back to the 11th century. Arriving at Vang Vieng we check in to our delightfully rustic hotel, nestled on the banks of the Nam Song River. The remainder of the day offers free time, perhaps opt to explore the local caves or take a bicycle ride through the surrounding countryside.

Day 4: Vang Vieng – Luang Prabang ( B , L )

This morning we explore the famous caves of Tham Jang once used by the local people as a hideout during Chinese invasions. We observe the lifestyles of the local people at Ban Huai Ngai village before making our way further north to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed city of Luang Prabang.,   

Day 5: Luang Prabang Tour ( B , L )

Consider rising early this morning to view the daily ritual of saffron-clad monks and their procession down the streets of Luang Prabang collecting alms from the residents. After breakfast this morning we hop on a vintage tuk-tuk and explore the old town of Luang Prabang. Our first stop is the bustling morning market where we learn about some of the local products on offer. We will then visit the magnificent Wat Xiengthong with its low sweeping roof, representing traditional Laotian architecture. We end our morning at the impressive former Royal Palace which is now a national museum filled with ornate reception rooms and spectacular artifacts. This afternoon we make our way to Khouangsi Waterfall, stopping en route at local villages to discover the different ethnic groups in this region. At the falls we can take a dip in the turquoise pools, enjoy the scenery or explore the forest on one of the walking trails.

Day 6: Living Land Farm Experience ( B, L )

This morning we head into the countryside to visit the Living Land Farm for a fun and hands-on half-day farming experience. Learn how rice is planted and cultivated in the rice paddy, experience the life of a rice farmer, and plough the rice paddy with a water buffalo. Then we enjoy a tasty lunch of traditional Lao dishes at the farm's Rice House while soaking up the spectacular views of rice terraces and mountains beyond. The afternoon is free for you to independently explore more of Luang Prabang. Consider visiting the sobering UXO Centre to learn more about the Second Indochina War, take in more of the city's beautiful temples, or head to the Ock Pop Tock weaving center set in beautiful tropical gardens.

Day 7: Luang Prabang Departure ( B )

Spend the morning further exploring this delightful city before hotel check out and an included departure transfer to the airport.

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