Tailor Made Small Group Journeys
Quality Tours, Great Prices
12 DAYS DISCOVER HIDDEN LAOS
The perfect snapshot of a captivating country, delving into Laos laid back cities, fascinating heritage and compelling landscapes on this 12 days tour....
12
days
TOUR SUMMARY:
Duration: 12 days
Suggested Time: 08:30-16:30 depending on daily itinerary
Location: Vientiane - Xieng Khouang - Luang Prabang - Oudomxay - Ban Sop Jam - Nong Khiaw - Luang Prabang
​
The perfect snapshot of a captivating country, delving into Laos laid back cities, fascinating heritage and compelling landscapes on this 12 days tour....
​
DETAILED ITINERARY:
Day 1: Vientiane – Arrival – City Tour
Upon arrival in Vientiane your guide will meet you and transfer by private air conditiond vehicle to your chosen hotel and check in. Later your guide will meet you for a City Tour to visit That Luang stupa which is a symbol of Laos, followed by a visit to Vat Sisakat Temple. The final stop of the day is Thongkhankham Market where you can experience this local market selling vegetables, meat and fish and take part in local way of life.
The evening is free for you to spend at your leisure where you may wish to explore the local night market on the bank of the Mekong River.
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
-
Panoramic views from the top of Kuang Si Waterfall​
Day 2: Vientiane – Patuxay Monument & Buddha Park
Today, transfer for private air conditioned vehicle 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 Triumph in Paris this is now the landmark of Vientiane.
Later is an opportunity to visit the morning market and Vientiane’s indoor shopping mall where you may wish to purchase souvenirs.
After lunch in Vientiane (not included) we will drive out of the city to the Buddha Park which was built in 1958 AD by Luang Pu Bounleua Sulilat a monk who studied both Hinduism and Buddhism religions.
​Transfer back to Vientiane and check in to your hotel. The remainder of the day is free for you to explore Vientiane at leisure.
Day 3: Vientiane – Xieng Khouang
A 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 Upon arrival in Xieng Khouang we visit the Old Town and the stupa and Vat Piavat temple at Muang Khoun.
Day 4: Xieng Khouang - Plain of Jar sites 1, 2 and 3
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.
Transfer back to your chosen hotel.
Day 5: Xieng khouang - Luang Prabang
An eight-hour drive through the mountainous plateau to Luang Prabang 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 Luang Prabang check in at your chosen hotel. The evening is free for you to spend at your leisure where you may wish to explore the local night market.
Day 6: Luang Prabang – City Tour, National Museum, Mt Phousi & TAEC
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 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.
Upon reaching the main street we will climb up to the top of Mt. Phousi for a 360 degree view of the city.
The final stop is a visit to the Traditional Arts and Ethnology Centre (TAEC) the museum is a dedication to the preservation on the arts and culture of Laos' diverse ethnic groups.
Day 7: Luang Prabang - Alms giving – Buffalo Dairy Farm & Kuang Si Waterfall
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.
After returning to your hotel for breakfast your guide and driver will transfer you by private air conditioned vehicle to the Laos Buffalo Dairy is a social enterprise consisting of a commercial dairy and production facility which makes dairy products for local and overseas customers. Visit the interactive mini farm and training centre within the dairy to learn about the dairy process and how through this social enterprise it supports local people from villages in and around Luang Prabang by renting their buffalo, which provides the families with a regular income stream from an under-utilised resource, namely female buffalo.
​
Departing the Laos Buffalo Dairy a 15 minute drive takes you to the stunning Kuang Si Waterfall. Take a leisurely hike through the national park towards Kuang- Si Waterfall and pass by the Asian Bear Rescue Centre. Enjoy feeling the mist of the cool, turquoise waters 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.
​
Transfer back to Luang Prabang by private sir conditioned vehicle.
Day 8: Luang Prabang – Elephant Camp, Whiskey Village and Pak-Ou Cave
You will be met at the lobby of your chosen hotel by your private guide and transferred by private air conditioned vehicle to the elephant camp.
Upon arrival you will receive a short introduction about these majestic animals (join in) before enjoying a 30 minute bareback elephant ride riding on the neck of the elephant (join in, one person per elephant)
​
From the Elephant camp you will transfer to 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 Beer Lao in popularity. At Ban Xang Hai boat pier your private boat awaits. Cruising by boat to explore the sactuaries of Pak-Ou Cave and witness the intriguing sight of over 4,000 Buddha images. Enjoy lunch in a local restaurant (not included)
​
Cruise back to Luang Prabang on the Mekong River and observe the picturesque limestone formations and local way of life along the river.
​
Transfer back to your hotel.
Day 9: Luang Prabang - Oudomxay
Today transfer by private air conditioned vehicle to Oudomxay which is one of the most accessible provinces in northern Laos – located about five hours from Luang Prabang. Featuring rugged mountains shrouded in mist, the province has three main rivers running through it – the Nam Ou, Nam Beng and Nam Tha. It’s also home to 23 ethnic minorities including Khmu, Hmong and lowland Lao – each with their own traditions and languages.
Upon arrival visit That Phou which can be found at the top of the hill in the middle of Meuang Xay town. Here you will not only get to see the beauty of this stupa, which is thought to have been built originally by the Thai Leu during the 14th century, but you’ll also get panoramic views of the city.
Day 10: Oudomxay - Muang Khua - Ban Sop Jam Khmu - Muang Ngoi
Today we will drive to Muang Khau, approximately 3 hours where our boat awaits to cruise down on the Nam - Ou river, (approximately 2 hours) Upon reaching the dam the boat stops where we will disembark and take a Tuk – Tuk (approximately 15 minute drive) to the bottom of the dam where another boat awaits to continue the journey to Ban Sop Jam, which has very stunning mountain views along the river banks. The cruise will stop at Ban Sop Jam then we cruise further down river to Old Muang Ngoi. Check in to your guest house and then take approximately 1 hour walk to visit the Ban Na Khmu Village. Here is also the opportunity to observe the unique way of life of the Khmu (Lao Hill Tribe)
​
The remainder of the day is at leisure.
Day 11: Muang Ngoi – Nong Khiaw – Luang Prabang
After breakfast continue by private boat from Old Muang Ngoi to Nong Khiaw (approximately 1 hour cruise)
​
Nong khiaw is the Gem of Northern Laos. It is a small town on the bank of Nam Ou river boast gorgeous backdrop of imposing Limestone Mountains, picturesque river views and genius local colour. Upon arrival visit the Tham Pha Thok cave which was used as a war shelter during the Indochina war between 1964 – 1973. Since this time the cave has now become a main visiting attraction.
​
Later transfer by private air conditioned vehicle to Luang Prabang. On the way making a stop at Ban Na Yang Tai Leu Village where you can experience the locals handicraft village with weaving and natural colour dyeing and also a chance to observe traditional way of life before arriving in Luang Prabang in the late afternoon.
​
Check in at your chosen hotel.
Day 12: Luang Prabang – Departure
The day is at your leisure to have opportunity to explore more of the great city of Luang Prabang and to pick up any last minute souvenirs before transferring to the airport to depart to your next destination.
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