850 ReviewsIt’s the details that define a journey.
The intention behind each decision.
Begin with a conversation.
Depart from your home country on your flight to Laos.
Most suited for
Couples, Families
Ideal time to visit
October- March
Far from the well-trodden routes of Southeast Asia, this journey takes a more thoughtful path through northern Laos, where travel feels slower, deeper and far more rewarding.
An extraordinary adventure unfolds as you uncover the country’s hidden treasures, from remote ethnic minority villages and vast cave networks carved during the Vietnam War, to dramatic natural landscapes and pockets of rich wildlife.
The Backroads of Laos
As with all our holidays, this itinerary is just a starting point. We will create a bespoke package which will be completely unique for you.
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Day 1
Your adventure begins
Days 2 - 3
The Sleepy Capital Vientiane
You will be met by your guide upon arrival at the airport. Then, transfer to your hotel, where you can relax at leisure.
The next day, enjoy a full day of sightseeing. In particular, visit the fascinating local market of Thongkhankham, where locals shop. Here, a wide variety of unusual foods is on offer.
You will also visit the thousand miniature Buddha statues at Wat Sisaket, the oldest wat in Vientiane. Afterwards, climb to the top of the Patuxai Monument for sweeping city views. Then, continue to the COPE exhibition centre, which highlights the daily struggles faced by local Laotians following heavy bombing during the Vietnam War.
Later in the afternoon, visit the quirky yet impressive Buddha Park. Here, discover an enchanting collection of Buddhist and Hindu sculptures set along the Mekong River.
Day 4
The backroads of Hin Boun
Today you will be driven south towards the mountainous central region of Khammoune and Hin Boun, stopping en route at local temples and markets.
Upon arrival, the rest of the day is at leisure.
Day 5
Kong Lor Caves
After breakfast, take a private cruise to the stunning Kor Long Cave. It’s over 7km long and has a spectacular cavern that is over 100 metres high, full of beautiful stalagmites.
In the afternoon, visit a small local village famous for tobacco drying.
Day 6
Phonsavan, Plain of Jars
Today you will drive along the backroads of Laos towards the Phonsavan region, home to the Plain of Jars. En route, you will have the chance to explore Ban Tabuk, the “bomb boat village”, where fuel tanks from the Vietnam War are in use as boats.
After lunch, you will climb up to Tai Lu weaving village and another Hmong ethnic minority village.
Day 7
Plain of Jars
This morning you will visit the area’s central market, and an NGO called the Mines in Action Group (MAG) to learn about the critical work they do in clearing land mines. You then drive out to the picturesque Jar Site 2 and begin a one-hour trek along the ridge to Jar Site 3, the scenic hilltop location for around 150 jars.
In the afternoon, you visit Jar Site 1, the largest site, containing over 300 jars, before returning to your hotel by late afternoon.
Day 8
Sam Neua
Taking the back roads, you will travel overland towards Sam Neua, a remote and characterful corner of northern Laos. Here, daily life unfolds at a gentle pace. Along the way, the journey is broken up with visits to Hmong and Khmu ethnic villages. You will also enjoy the striking scenery en route.
Before arriving in Sam Neua in the early evening, you will visit the mysterious menhirs, or standing stones, of Hintang.
Day 9
Vieng Xai Caves
Begin the day with an optional stroll around Sam Neua town. Here, explore a local wet market and a weaving house. Then, a 45-minute drive takes you out of town to the Vieng Xai caves. This is a fascinating network used by the Pathet Lao during the Vietnam War as shelter from American bombardment.
Beyond the main caves, there is also an opportunity to explore lesser-visited chambers. These offer striking views over the surrounding countryside. Afterwards, return to Sam Neua by late afternoon.
Day 10
Sam Neua
Spend today at leisure in Sam Neua. Here, life moves slowly, and plans can remain flexible. You might wander through the local market, where traders from surrounding hill tribes gather. Alternatively, simply watch daily life unfold along the quiet streets.
For those keen to explore, there are opportunities to visit nearby villages. This offers insight into traditional ways of life. You could also head into the surrounding countryside, where rolling hills and forested landscapes provide rewarding walks. In addition, visit local weaving communities, known for producing intricate textiles that reflect the region’s cultural diversity.
Alternatively, take time to relax at your accommodation. Soak up the peaceful atmosphere, and reflect on your journey so far before the next chapter begins.
Day 11
Nam Et National Park
Start early this morning, travelling by road before continuing by traditional long-tail boat along the Nam Nern River to reach Nam Et National Park headquarters.
After lunch and an introduction to the park’s conservation work, continue deeper into the forest to your riverside camp. As evening falls, enjoy a relaxed BBQ dinner by the fire.
Later, head out by small boat and drift along the river in the dark, scanning the banks by torchlight with your guide in search of nocturnal wildlife.
Days 12 - 13
Nong Khiaw
On the first morning, you will rise early and explore the park further with your guide, learning about medicinal plants and the history of the area. You will then travel by boat and road to Nong Khiaw, arriving around sunset.
The next day, enjoy leisurely trekking in the beautiful Muang Ngoi area, about an hour’s boat ride from town on the Nam Ou river. On the trek, you will see a Khmu minority village, beautiful rice paddy scenery, caves and a Thai Daeng ethnic village.
At the end of the day’s trekking, you can join the locals bathing in the river back at Muang Ngoi to cool down at the end of the day. Return to Nong Khiaw by boat by early evening.
Day 14
Luang Prabang
Cruise by private boat down the Nam Ou river, enjoying the lush green forests and stunning landscapes. En route stop and visit the Pak Ou caves, set in a limestone cliff facing the Mekong river and crammed with thousands of Buddha statues.
You will then continue downstream and arrive in Luang Prabang, where the rest of the afternoon can be spent at leisure.
Day 15
Luang Prabang
Today there is an optional early start at 5:30 am to witness and partake in the daily ritual of “tak bat” or alms-giving to monks.
You will then have a city tour of Luang Prabang, including Wat Visoun, the Arts and Ethnology Centre and the textile villages of Ban Xangkhong and Ban Xienglek.
Day 16
Luang Prabang
After breakfast, you will visit the local Phosi market and Ock Pop Tock, a silk weaving centre.
You will then drive out of town to the beautiful Kuang Si waterfall, where you can cool off with a refreshing swim in the turquoise pool or walk along the forest trails.
Next to the falls is a Bear Rescue Centre, which does a great job in protecting and rehabilitating the rare Asiatic Black Bear.
Day 17
Fly home
Transfer to Luang Prabang airport for your flight home.
An Epic Adventure Across Southeast Asia
There were moments while I was out and about where I thought that everyone should experience this kind of mindful travel that Experience Travel organises, as it's not backpacking where you tick off the standard party hotspots, and it's not the typical cruise for tourists to visit the standard sightseeing destinations, but an experience where I really felt I got to know the countries, meet great people and do fun stuff that most people miss.
Sven
3 March 2025Excellent
850 Reviews
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What’s included:
With ETG, what’s included is shaped around ease. We take care of the practical details that can distract from the experience itself, so you’re free to relax into the journey and enjoy it as it unfolds.
Here’s what comes as standard in all of our holidays:
All flights (unless you’ve booked your own)
Carefully selected guides and drivers
All accommodation
Many meals and snacks
Immersive experiences throughout
All regional transport
Gratuities
24/7 In-Country support
Personal travel consultant throughout
Pricing:
Each journey is shaped around you, so costs vary depending on season, flight choices, accommodation and how much is built in.
As a guide, most of our two-week trips fall between £5,000 and £10,000 per person.
Some fall below that, particularly for families or travel outside peak periods. Others go beyond it when the brief includes business-class flights, longer stays, or more ambitious hotel choices.
We discuss budget early, so everything is clear from the start.
Meet Our Laos Experts
Ella has a soft spot for Laos – and it shows. She’s wandered the sleepy streets of Luang Prabang at dawn, cruised the Mekong’s hidden stretches, and found those little riverside bungalows that feel like they belong only to you.
“A slower, more thoughtful way to see Laos, where quiet roads lead to river villages, forested hills and moments of genuine connection far from the usual route.”
Ella
Regional Expert
Explore Our Hotels & Villas
Wherever you go, and whatever you do, at the end of every day you can always be sure of a comfortable rest. Every location on our list of hotels is handpicked, and in its own way, shares the history, the hospitality, and the soul of the destination. Below are some examples of the different hotels we use.
The ETG Guarantee
We guarantee you an experience no one else has ever had.
The travel magic you’ll remember won’t be found on a well-trodden – or over-Instagrammed – itinerary. It will be the surprises, discoveries and secrets that you’ll uncover along the way with us.
Do you ever feel like people aren’t listening to you?
We get it. And we will – that’s a promise. Your holiday starts with a proper, no-pressure call to understand what you want, what you don’t want, and what matters to you. From there, we create a completely unique adventure, inspired by our conversation together.
And because of our long-standing relationships with trusted partners across Asia, you’ll have access to experiences you can’t find on Google. The kind of special experiences that are literally impossible to find on your own.
Experiences in Laos
Crafting bespoke packages is the heart of what we do. Each holiday is specially designed to confound preconceptions and share magical, memorable, and truly exceptional experiences.
Important FAQs about Laos
Laos is a country of gentle rhythms, rich traditions, and extraordinary natural beauty. Travelling with ETG means uncovering the quiet charms of this land in a thoughtful and immersive way. From drifting along the Mekong at sunset to exploring golden temples in Luang Prabang or cycling through rural villages, we design holidays that let you experience Laos at its own pace. Our local guides and carefully curated experiences ensure every moment feels authentic, personal, and rewarding, with 24/7 support to keep everything seamless and stress-free.
The best time to visit Laos is during the cool, dry season from November to March, when the weather is pleasant and ideal for exploring cities, temples, and river life. April and May bring hotter temperatures, while the green season from June to October offers lush landscapes, quieter travel, and excellent river cruises thanks to higher water levels. For those looking to avoid crowds, the shoulder months of October and early November are particularly appealing.
Every ETG holiday to Laos is designed to feel seamless, immersive and stress free. We’ll arrange international flights (if you’d like us to), your drivers and guides, and stays in characterful hotels we know and trust.
You’ll experience Laos in a way that’s completely bespoke to you – from quiet moments to big adventures – all planned by our Laos specialists. And while you’re away, our local team is on hand 24/7, so you’ll always feel well looked after.
The Curious Traveller’s Guide to Laos
Discover a peaceful culture, beautiful scenery and exciting adventure, all in one handy guide.
