Begin in Luang Prabang, exploring the mysterious sleepy city with your guide. From here there is an incredible boat journey up to the much less visited north of the country. From there you will travel by road to Vientiane, with its French colonial influences before going on down to Pakse and the beautiful 4000 Islands region.
Depart your home country on your flight to Luang Prabang.
During your stay in Luang Prabang, you’ll spend time with your guide getting a feel for the magical town itself; the effect of Luang Prabang’s ornate Buddhist temples and Indochinese architecture set against a jungle backdrop is spellbinding. A highlight will no doubt be the early morning visit to Kuang Sii Waterfalls where a special permit will allow you to enjoy a gourmet breakfast before the crowds arrive.
There will be free time to absorb the scenery, explore the sleepy backstreets of this UNESCO town, take in the picturesque night markets and perhaps join in with the popular local street sport petanque!
Begin your boat adventure up the Nam Ou, enjoying the lush green forests and breathtaking scenery. Along the way, you’ll stop to visit villages and the mysterious caves of Pak Ou. Reach your destination in the late afternoon.
This beautiful area is great to explore by bike or kayak. The hotel has bikes available, so you could choose to head out with your guide to the picturesque local limestone caves. Another option is the 100 Waterfalls Trek and boat trip, which takes 3 hours uphill but rewards you with one of the most impressive views in Laos.
However, there is no pressure to do much if you prefer to relax; this is a lovely spot to sit back with a book and make the most of laid-back Laos.
This morning, travel north to your next hotel in the Oudomxay province. Your location is in a protected forest reserve alongside a river in a beautiful, rural part of Laos. Staying here offers the opportunity to experience day-to-day village life without feeling that you are just one of many tourists passing through. For adventurous types there is great trekking and other adventure activities in the jungle-clad hills and, for those who prefer to take it a bit easier, there are some lovely easy walks that could wind up with a picnic at a waterfall.
Board the train for the journey from Oudmxay to Vientiane. Until 2021 this would have been an epic drive taking a couple of days but the train has reduced the trip to just a couple of hours.
During your time in Vientiane, you’ll experience the sleepy capital from an insider’s perspective. You’ll explore vibrant Chinatown, discover ex-residences of colonial rulers and follow the Mekong River downstream to the historical temple of Wat Inpaeng. Head to the top of Patuxai monument (a replica of the Arc de Triomphe) at dusk for a panoramic view of the city and then take an evening tour of the food stalls where you can taste a traditional barbecue and experience typical Lao-style dinner culture.
You will be transferred to the airport early this morning, for express check-in, onto your flight to Pakse. Upon arrival in Pakse, you will be driven a short distance to the boat pier, where you will board a traditional private boat for a 2-hour cruise to Champassak. On arrival in Champassak, there is a chance to visit Wat Phou, an ancient Khmer religious complex dating back to the 5th Century. This dramatically sited temple is one of the highlights of any trip to Laos.
After stopping to visit Wat Phou, the boat will take you across to Don Daeng Island, in time for lunch.You’lll have the rest of the day to relax or explore this peaceful island. Your accommodation for the next three nights is at La Folie Lodge, where you can either stay in one of their delightful rooms or a beautiful private villa overlooking the Mekong River.
Your time here is free to relax. If you’d like to explore in more depth you could hire a bike and cycle around the nearby little villages or take a trip over to Don Khone Island. On the island of Don Khone, you can trace the route of an old abandoned railway admiring some of the old French Colonial buildings and the spectacular Khone Phapheng Falls, one of the largest and most powerful waterfalls in Southeast Asia.
Depart Laos for your journey back home.
850 Reviews
With ETG, what’s included goes well beyond the basics. From the moment your trip begins to your final farewell, the essentials are already taken care of, leaving you free to immerse, explore and enjoy without the hassle of hidden extras.
Here’s what comes as standard in all of our holidays:
As every holiday is bespoke, prices vary depending on destination, flights, hotel choices, inclusions and travel dates. We aim to include as much as possible upfront, so you know exactly where you are. As an approximate guide:
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.
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.
Pakse, Laos
Set on Dong Daeng Island in the Mekong, La Folie Lodge offers riverside charm, easy access to Wat Phou and a peaceful base for exploring southern Laos.
Highlights
Scenic riverside setting,
Bikes for local discovery,
Close to Wat Phou
Best for
Couples,
Families
Champasak, Laos
Riverside comfort in Southern Laos with striking Mekong views, a peaceful pool, and easy access to the 4,000 Islands. Ideal for relaxation or exploration.
Highlights
Mekong Views,
Poolside Relaxation,
4,000 Islands Access
Best for
Couples,
Nong Khiaw, Laos
Mandala Ou in Nong Khiaw, Laos, offers riverside charm, traditional rooms and a relaxed base to explore the landscapes of Northern Laos.
Highlights
River views,
Infinity pool,
Peaceful setting
Best for
Couples,
Families
Muang La, Laos,
Nam Kat Yorla Pa Resort in Laos blends comfort, nature and adventure with zip-lining, forest treks, and private pool villas in a remote setting.
Highlights
Forest adventure,
Private villas,
Local cuisine
Best for
Couples,
Families
Luang Prabang, Laos,
A stylish and well-located base near Luang Prabang, Le Sen offers modern comfort, free bikes, a pool and great value for couples, families and solo travellers.
Highlights
Close to Luang Prabang
Stylish rooms
Best for
Couples,
Families
Vientiane, Laos
A bold boutique hotel in Vientiane, Lao Poet offers rooftop views, retro charm and a central base for exploring the capital of Laos in style.
Highlights
Rooftop infinity pool,
Retro-chic Indochina style,
Walkable city location
Best for
Couples,
Families
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 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.
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.
Vientiane, Laos
Join your local guide for a tuk-tuk tour of Vientiane. Begin with a visit to a Mak Beng shop. A traditional temple offering, ‘mak beng’ is the name given to a colourful creation that combines banana leaves and marigold flowers. You’ll have an opportunity to learn how to make one of these offerings, as well as ‘pasaat peung’, which is made with palm leaves and yellow wax, before then visiting Wat Simaung. Built in the 16th century, this temple is one of the city’s most popular places of worship, offering a fascinating insight into Vientiane’s rich traditions of ancient animistic ritual and Theravada Buddhism. Your guide will explain the temple’s history and its importance to the local people before you can to present your own handmade offerings.
Luang Prabang, Laos
The alluring town of Nong Khiaw, divided by the Nam Ou River, is one of the most scenic in Laos and like much of the country, it is best explored by boat and on foot. In the morning, you will board a boat, cruising down the river to the Khmu village of Ban Don Khoune. After a short exploration of the village, you’ll begin your trek, climbing uphill for about three hours, passing by a number of cascades. By lunchtime, you’ll reach the summit where you can enjoy what is one of the most impressive views in Laos. With a stunning backdrop, enjoy a delicious Lao style picnic lunch served on banana leaves before hiking back to Ban Don Khoune where your longtail boat will take you back to Nong Khiaw.
Luang Prabang, Laos
One of Laos’ most popular past times and sports, you’re likely to see many locals playing a friendly game of Petanque (Boules) as you wander the streets. Experience this evening activity for yourself as you battle it out on the green with locals. The team who rolls their balls closest to the stationary ‘jack’ will come out on top! Battle weary, you will end the night with a lovely local-style dinner before heading back to your hotel.
Luang Prabang, Laos
Visit some of Laos’s timeless monuments on a full day tour around the old city, now under UNESCO protection as a World Heritage Site. At about 8.30am head off with your guide to visit Wat Xieng Thong – often said to be Luang Prabang’s most beautiful. It is characterised by roofs sweeping low to the ground and the impressive “tree of life” mosaic. Next visit Vat Visoun, the site of an impressive stupa, That Makmo. Then walk to the nearby Vat Aham, which is one of the city’s major tutelary shrines.
After lunch at a local restaurant visit Luang Prabang’s National Museum, formerly the Royal Palace (not open on Tuesdays). Displayed inside is a collection of personal artifacts of the former Laotian Royal Family. Continue on to visit nearby Wat Mai – the five-tiered roof epitomises the graceful Luang Prabang architectural style. There is also time to take a stroll through the Hmong Market where locals and ethnic minorities from the surrounding villages sell an overwhelming array of handicrafts. Phou Sii hill stands right in the centre of this small city. Climb its 350 steps to enjoy commanding views for many miles in each direction. Wat Phu Sii sits atop the mountain, alongside the skeletons of Indochina war anti-aircraft guns! Sunset can be enjoyed with a cold drink at one of the cafes located along the Mekong River.
Luang Prabang, Laos
After a stroll through the morning markets, you’ll head out to the remarkable Kuang Si falls to enjoy a gourmet picnic breakfast in a peaceful and tranquil setting before most other tourists visit the area. Journey back to Luang Prabang on a private cruise down the Mekong, with an opportunity to visit the famous pottery village of Ban Ou.
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.
Discover a peaceful culture, beautiful scenery and exciting adventure, all in one handy guide.
