Essential Laos
Bespoke Holiday Itinerary / Experience Tour

This holiday starts with a couple of days gentle sight-seeing in Chiang Rai, Thailand. Your guide will take you to the Laos border at Huay Xai where you will be transferred over the border to meet your boat – the famous Luang Say Cruise which will take you into Laos for your tour.

Highlights include:

• An introduction to Northern Thailand.
• A glorious slow journey down river from Thailand to Laos.
• Deluxe accommodation in Luang Prabang and Vientiane.
• A fascinating exploration of Luang Prabang.
• The other-worldly Plain of Jars
• Laid back Vientiane.

Your personalised quotation with Experience Travel Group will include:

• International Flights (which can be omitted from your quotation if you prefer)
• Accommodation as described
• Privately guided tours and transfers
• Original Experience Travel Group "Signature" experiences
• Full financial protection (full ABTA and ATOL bonding)
• Meals as described
• 24 hour in-country backup whilst away
• Your own dedicated travel expert in the UK

For more on our pricing policy read here.

Day 1 - depart the Uk

Depart the UK.

Day 2 - chiang rai

Depart from Bangkok and take the short flight to Chiang Rai Airport in Northern Thailand. Transfer to The Legend Chiang Rai Hotel. At Leisure in Chiang Rai and overnight.

Day 3- Chiang Rai

Today you will explore Chaing Rai with your private guide taking in the main highlights of the city. Based on your interests, you could visit the main day market to get a feel for local daily life in Chiang Rai, followed by a trip to Wat Phra Kaew; one of the most important temples in town. 

day 4 - Chiang Rai

Visit the Yao and and Akha hilltribes around the Mae Chan area. You will then visit Mae Sai, the northernmost border between Thailand and Myanmar, followed by the Golden Triangle where the Mekong River and the Ruak River adjoin to form a triangle. Last stop today is the ancient city of Chiang Saen on the steep banks of the Mekong River opposite Laos, with magnificent ruins and temples. 

Day 5- luang say cruise

An early morning pick up for your private transfer to the Laos border. Cross the Mekong by narrow boat and enter Laos. Join the Luang Say Cruise; the luxury slow boat down the Mekong River. The relaxing journey stops at little riverside villages and you overnight at the beautiful Luang Say Lodge near Pak Beng. All meals and drinks are provided free on the boat.

Day 6 - kamu lodge

Rejoin for a second day of cruising through the rapids and bends of the Mekong River. As the boat meanders towards Luang Prabang, stop at the remote Kamu Lodge. Overnight in a luxury tented bungalow at the Lodge enjoying the beautiful natural surroundings.

Day 7 - kamu lodge

At the Kamu Lodge. Take your pick from jungle walks and treks to local archery and herbal medicine or gentle cycling. All meals and drinks included. This lovely lodge gives you a real glimpse of a timeless country. Overnight in luxury tented bungalow at Kamu Lodge.

Day 8 - luang prabang

Transfer by private slow boat from Kamu Lodge to Luang Prabang and check into Satri House, one of Luang Prabang's best boutique hotel's. Afternoon at leisure to explore the magical, mysterious and evocative town of Luang Prabang.

Day 9 - luang prabang

A morning guided walking tour of the sites of Lunag Prabang. The best way to experience this beautiful city is by foot and this tour will give you your bearings and an insight into the fascinating history of this timeless city.

Day 10 - luang prabang

At leisure to explore Luang Prabang. Guided excursions to the nearby Pak Ou Buddha Caves, temples and waterfalls can be included if preferred.

Day 11 - luang prabang - plain of jars

Depart Luang Prabang by private vehicle and make the journey through breathtaking mountain scenery to Phonsovan and the mysterious Plain Of Jars. This journey is a wonderful experience in its own right and the Plain of Jars is an extraordinary area. The hundreds of Stone Jars which cover the area remain the most mysterious of Asia's ancient sites.

Day 12 - plain of jars

Guided tours of the three main safe sites and visits to local villages and sites of interest from the Indochina wars. This was one the main areas of the so called 'secret war' that was waged on Laos away from the eyes of a world watching Vietnam.

Day 13 - plain of jars to vientiane

Morning excursions in and around the town of Phonsovan and the Plain of Jars. Afternoon flight with Lao Airlines to Vientiane. Arrive Vientiane and transfer to Green Park Hotel. Evening free to relax.

Day 14 - vientiane

A guided tour of this charming city in the morning is included from one of our expert local guides and a lunch in one of Vientiane's fine restaurants.

Day 15- flight home

Transfer by vehicle to Vientiene for your flight home. Alternatively we can tailor your tour so that you continue on to one of the neighbouring countries.