Luxury and Adventure in Laos

DAY 1 Vientiane

Arrive in Vientiane. The rest of the day is free to relax. Your hotel is near the Mekong river and many of the main sights of the laid back city.

Day 2 Vientiane

An optional early start enables you to visit the Thongkhankham, a fascinating market where locals shop. A wide variety of weird and wonderful foods are on offer. You continue exploring the city after breakfast by visiting the oldest Wat (temple) in Vientiane, Wat Sisaket with thousands of miniature Buddha statues. Your morning will also include a visit to the former royal temple of Wat Prakeo, which now serves as a museum. As you travel up Lanexang Avenue you have an opportunity to take pictures of the imposing Patuxai Monument. The climb to the top offers great views over Vientiane.  The final visit of the morning will be to the excellent COPE exhibition centre, highlighting a much overlooked aspect of Laos and a major problem that many of the local people face on a day to day basis in the form of unexploded ordnance as a result of heavy bombing campaigns during the Vietnam War era. 

In the afternoon you visit the quirky yet impressive Buddha Park, an enchanting collection of Buddhist and Hindu sculptures on the banks of the Mekong River. By no means historic - Buddha Park was built in the 1950's by a self styled "holy man" - the park features some very photogenic and unusual sculptures, including a huge reclining Buddha, and a giant pumpkin!

A spectacular view of the Mekong River at sunset is a perfect way to finish the day.

Day 3 Vientiane to Luang Prabang

Today you take a short, mid morning flight up to magical Luang Prabang. Upon arrival check in to your deluxe, boutique hotel and the rest of the day is free to explore this wonderful town.

Day 4 Luang Prabang

 Am optional early start  to partake in "Tak Bat" - giving alms to the Buddhist monks. This ancient ritual occurs every morning in Luang Prabang and is a sight to behold.

After breakfast you visit the Royal Palace Museum to get a brief overview of local history. Following this you'll explore Luang Prabangs most famous temples.

In the afternoon a short visit to the Arts and Ethnology Centre which will give you an insight into the cultural and ethnic mix that Laos has. There will also be chance to visit weaving and textile villages.

Towards the end of the day you can climb Mount Phousi with its stunning view over Luang Prabang and the Mekong, the perfect spot to watch the sun set.

Day 5 Luang Prabang

The Nam Khan valley is a short drive out of Luang Prabang and the Elephant Village is set here admist rugged mountians and lush countryside. Today you will have chance to interact with protected Asian elephants in the project area and take a scenic trek along the Nam Khan River. 

Lunch is included at the Mountain View terrace of the Elephant Village with views over the river, the surrounding landscapes and mountains.

Day 6 Luang Prabang

 Today you will combine a morning river boat cruise upstream to the Pak Ou Caves with an afternoon visit to the turquoise pools at the Kuang Sii waterfalls.

DAy 7 DEPARTURE

Today you depart Laos. From Luang Prabang you can connect directly to Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam, please contact us to discuss your requirements, Experience Travel tailor-make private tours incoporating Laos with these neighbouring countries.

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