Full Itinerary

The Mekong is the essence and soul of Southeast Asia flowing through seven countries including Laos. This tour is a perfect introduction to Laos taking in the magical sights of Luang Prabang, Vientiane and Vang Vieng. Luang Prabang is a beautiful quiet town, nestled among high mountains on the convergence of the Mekong and Khan Rivers, where the timeless, slow paced atmosphere is like nowhere else in the world.

Day 1.  Arrival – Luang Prabang

Day 2.  Lang Prabang – Pak Ou cave 

Day 3.  Luang Prabang – Vang Vieng

Day 4.  Vang Vieng -Explore

Day 5.  Vang Vieng – Vientiane – Departure

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1. Arrival – Luang Prabang

On arrival at Luang Prabang International Airport you will be met and transferred to your hotel.

Wat Visoun

Mount Phousi – Luang Prabang

After check in and time to freshen up we will head out to see the city’s oldest temples, the magnificent Wat Xiengthong with its roof sweeping low to the ground representing classical Lao architecture, the impressive stupa of Wat Visoun and the shrine of Wat Aham. From here we visit the Royal Palace Museum, which hosts a range of interesting artifacts from the Royal period in Luang Prabang.

Late afternoon we climb to the top of Mount Phousi to explore the sacred gilded stupa and to enjoy the panoramic view of the city and the sun setting over the Mekong River. 

Decenting the mountain your will find yourself in the midst of the famous Luang Prabang Night Market, where you can find a unique selection of handmade textiles and handicrafts locally made by both ethnic Lao and hilltribe people surrounding Luang Prabang. 

Your evening is free to explore the market and sample some traditional Lao cruisine at one of the many restaurants the town has to offer.

Overnight in Luang Prabang (B)

Day 2. Lang Prabang – Pak Ou Cave 

This morning we board our private boat for a pleasant and scenic cruise up on the Mekong River to the mysterious Pak Ou Caves. These caves are an ancient pilgrimage site and contain thousands of gold lacquered Buddha images left there over hundreds of years. 

Pakou Caves

Ban Phanom

Returning to Luang Prabang we disembark our boat and have the option of taking a short drive to Ban Phanom, a village famous for its hand weaving or returning to the hotel for free time to relax.

Your afternoon and evening is free to explore Luang Prabang town, take in the Night Market or relax at the hotel.

Overnight in Luang Prabang (B)

Day 3. Luang Prabang – Vang Vieng (Road)

After breakfast we take a stroll through the Dalat Sao or morning market, full of local foodstuffs from the farms and jungles surrounding Luang Prabang. From here it is a short walk to the Royal Palace Museum, which hosts a range of interesting artifacts from the Royal period in Luang Prabang.

Luang Prabang

Royal Palace Museum Luang Prabang

Our drive today takes us into the mountainous regions of northern Laos, amid stunning scenery and through endless ethnic minority villages. We will stop at a mountain top restaurant for lunch with majestic 360 degrees mountain views.

Arriving in Vang Vieng late afternoon we will check into our hotel and take a pleasant boat trip along the Nam Song River that flows between the town and the soaring limestone kryst mountains.

Overnight in Vang Vieng (B)

Day 4. Vang Vieng -Explore

After breakfast this morning we head out on bicycles to explore more of the limestone cliffs, caves and valleys surrounding the town. We will visit the Tham Jang cave, which was used by the local people as a refuge from Chinese invaders 200 years ago. We will also visit ethnic Tai Deang and the Souay hill tribe villages. The hill tribe people are unfailingly friendly, welcoming you with waving hands and smilling faces.

Tham Jang Cave – Vang Vieng

Organic Farm – Vang Vieng

From there we will cycle out to the Organic Farm, where you can visit the mulberry orchard, the goat dairy and see mud bricks being made. Sample some roasted roasted goat cheese and mulberry wine before heading back to town.

The remainder of the day is free to explore, enjoy a few drinks along the river or relax at the hotel.

Over night in Vang Vieng (B)

Day 5. Vang Vieng – Vientiane – Departure (Road)

We have an early departure this morning for the drive to Vientiane. Arriving in the city around midday we will check into the hotel and have time to relax and freshen up.

Wat Sisaket – Vientiane

Wat Prakeo – Vientiane

This afternoon’s city tour enabling you to see the major temples of Vientiane including the oldest, Wat Sisaket, with it’s thousands of miniature Buddha statues, and the former royal temple of Wat Prakeo, which housed the famous Emerald Buddha Image. We also visit the national icon of Laos, That Luang Stupa, stopping along the way to take some pictures of the imposing Patuxay Monument, which is Vientiane’s own Arc de Triumph. 

Heading for the waterfront your evening is free to enjoy a few drinks watching the sunset over the Mekong River, explore the Night Market and take in some of the city’s nightlife.

Your trip ends this evening after our city tour.

Included in above prices:

• Private, Airconditioned Transport
• Boat trips as stated in the itinerary
• English speaking guide
• Admission fees to sites stated in the itinerary
• Meals: daily breakfast at hotel
• Gov’t taxs and service charges
• Luggage handling
• Drinking water

Exclusive of above prices:

• Accommodation on a twin shared basis (quote separately)
• Visas and Immigration fees on arrival
• Domestic airticket
• Int’l air tickets to/from Laos
• Travel and/or Medical Insurance
• Lunch or dinner unless stated in the itinerary
• Single room accommodation (quoted separately)
• Child or adult in triple share accommodation
• Foreign language guides other than English
• Peak Season or Special Events Surcharges
• Tip, drinks and other personal expenses

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