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A Journey Through Laos

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A Journey Through Laos
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Experience Travel Group

A Journey Through Laos

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Ideal for a first visit to Laos, this two-week holiday will give you a sense of what makes the sleepy country so unique and special. The journey takes you from the top to the bottom of Laos, travelling easily by slow boat and train. On the way, you'll pass dramatic river gorges and karst scenery, stopping to explore magical Luang Prabang, the capital, Vientiane and the peaceful islands of the south. 

Highlights include:

  • Take in the remarkable scenery as you spend two days on a slow-boat travelling along the Mekong River.
  • Explore the romantic, beautifully preserved town of Luang Prabang with your expert local guide 
  • Travel by train to the sleepy capital Vientiane
  • Relax at a lovely retreat on a small island in the south.

As with all of our suggested itineraries, we can tailor-make your holiday to suit your budget, style and expectations.

DAY 1 DEPART THE UK

Depart the UK on your overnight flight to Chiang Rai in Thailand

DAY 2 & 3 THAI/LAOS BORDER

Relax after your flight with two nights immersed in nature near Chiang Rai at the Thai/Laos border, staying at a delightful property in the hills, offering privacy and opportunities for adventure and exploration. You can get involved in activities, such as trekking, bird watching, cooking classes and yoga.

DAY 4 & 5 DOWN THE MEKONG

You'll be driven to the border crossing at Chiang Khong, where you will take a short boat ride across the river to Laos. Once you've completed immigration formalities, you'll depart on your private boat cruise down the Mekong towards Luang Prabang. The journey takes two days and includes an overnight stop by the river in Pakbeng. This is a lovely way to experience the dramatic mountain scenery and rural day-to-day life along the Mekong. On the second day, you'll arrive in Luang Prabang in the afternoon.

DAY 6-8 LUANG PRABANG.

With your private guide, you'll get an insider's perspective of the temples, learn more about the country's diverse traditions and experience one of the most traditional and ancient Laotian rituals – a Baci Ceremony.

Experience the life of a Lao farmer through a fascinating visit to the Living Lands Organic Farm and get involved in ploughing, planting and harvesting the rice crops.

DAYS  9- 10 VIENTIANE

Board the train for the journey from Luang Prabang 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.

DAYS 11-13 THE SOUTH  

For express check-in, transfer to the airport early this morning onto your flight to Pakse. Upon arrival in Pakse, the boat pier is a short distance, 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 to Don Daeng Island in time for lunch. You'll have the rest of the day to relax or explore this peaceful island. Your accommodation 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, cycle around the nearby little villages, or take a trip 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.

DAY 14 FLY HOME

Depart Laos for your journey back to the UK.

 

As every holiday is unique to you, prices vary. To give you an indication, our holidays typically cost between £4,000 and £6,000 per adult depending on trip length and time of year as well as the hotels and flights involved. We offer child and seasonal discounts. You can read our ultimate guide to holiday costs in Asia for more in-depth information.

To start your journey, talk to one of our friendly consultants today.

Since every traveler is unique - Call our experts on 1-888-577-8452 to create your personalised vacation itinerary.

Inclusions

Your bespoke proposal with Experience Travel Group will include:

  • International Flights (we can omit if you prefer)
  • Accommodation as described
  • Privately guided tours and transfers
  • Tips for guides and drivers
  • Original Experience Travel Group "signature" experiences 
  • Full financial protection (ABTA and ATOL bonding.) 
  • 24-hour in-country backup while away
  • Your dedicated travel expert in the UK 

You can book this holiday tour on its own, with flights or it can be tailored for you.

Here are the hotels and villas within this holiday as standard...

La Folie Lodge

La Folie Lodge, Pakse

La Folie Lodge on the banks of Dong Daeng island. Remote island accommodation on the Mekong, that’s close to perfect.

Lao Poet Hotel

Lao Poet Hotel, Vientiane

Unusual boutique hotel in a great location in the centre of Vientiane

Le Sen

Le Sen, Luang Prabang

Le Sen is a stylish and well designed small hotel on the edge of Luang Prabang.

Phu-Chaisai

Phu-Chaisai, Chiang Rai

A colourful, comfortable, occasionally eccentric hilltop hideaway resort. Great panoramic views of the northern mountains.

Shompoo Cruise

Shompoo Cruise, Luang Prabang

A two-day journey on by slow-boat boat, taking in the beautiful scenery and rural life along the mighty Mekong River.

You can book this holiday tour on its own, with flights or it can be tailored for you.

Here are the experiences & activities within this holiday as standard...

Baci Ceremony

Baci Ceremony, Luang Prabang

Join in a very traditional Laotian ceremony.

Botanical Gardens & Afternoon Tea

Botanical Gardens & Afternoon Tea, Luang Prabang

Cruise along the Mekong and wander through the botanical gardens, ending the day with afternoon tea.

Breakfast at Kuang Sii Waterfalls

Breakfast at Kuang Sii Waterfalls, Luang Prabang

Beat the crowds with an early morning visit to the stunning Kuang Si Waterfalls.

Evening Game of Petanque

Evening Game of Petanque, Luang Prabang

Join the locals for a friendly and fun evening game of Petanque (Boules). Trust us on this!

Highlights of Vientiane

Highlights of Vientiane, Vientiane

Our signature half day tour on foot and by tuk tuk, taking in some of the lesser known sights.

Living Land Companys Rice Farm Experience

Living Land Companys Rice Farm Experience, Luang Prabang

Organic community farm on the outskirts of Luang Prabang, offering hands on educational tours on rice farming

Pak Ou Caves

Pak Ou Caves, Luang Prabang

Home to many thousands of Buddha images since the 16th century.

Temples of Luang Prabang

Temples of Luang Prabang, Luang Prabang

Wander through the magical temples and sights of Luang Prabang on this full day tour.

Train Through Laos , Vientiane

A great way to traverse the country and reach remote regions with ease.

Vientiane Tuk Tuk Tour

Vientiane Tuk Tuk Tour, Vientiane

Learn to make your own Mak Beng temple offering before presenting it at the Wat Simaung temple with your local guide.

Beau Rivage Mekong

Beau Rivage Mekong, Vientiane

Boutique hotel on the banks of the Mekong River in central Vientiane

Map showing Hotels & Experiences associated with 'A Journey Through Laos'

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~
Your next adventure
starts with a conversation
~

Every ETG journey is unique. Tell us your loves, your hates, your holiday ambitions, your hopes and fears, and we’ll share a suitcase so full of inspired holiday ideas you’ll need to sit on it to shut it tight.

Not sure what you’re looking for? Let us inspire you...

Get in Touch

Call us 020 7924 7133

ETG - immersive holidays that give back, since 2004.
Don’t just see Asia - feel Asia.

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Call
  • Destinations
    • South Asia
      • Sri Lanka
      • The Maldives
      • India
      • Bhutan
    • South East Asia
      • Thailand
      • Vietnam
      • Cambodia
      • Laos
      • Myanmar
      • Indonesia
      • Borneo
    • Middle East
      • Oman
  • Holidays in Laos
    • Classic Holidays
    • Family Holidays
    • In Depth Holidays
    • Multi Country Holidays
  • Guide to Laos
    • Laos Guide
    • Weather & When to go
    • Hotel inspiration
    • Experiences inspiration
    • Laos Travel Blog
  • Places in Laos
    • Overview
    • Luang Prabang
    • Pakse & Southern Laos
    • Northern Laos
    • Plain of Jars
    • Vientiane
  • About us
    • Why choose ETG?
    • Our Story
    • Meet the Team
    • Reviews
    • In the Press
    • Our Offices
    • Our Brochure
    • Travel Blog
  • How it works
    • Where to start...
    • Booking with confidence
    • How much does it cost?
    • Financial protection
    • What happens if something goes wrong on my holiday?
    • Working with in-country partners
    • My Booking
    • Get in touch
  • Immersive Holidays
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    • Holidays by month
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  • Sustainability
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