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Laos Highlights & Beyond

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Laos Highlights & Beyond
  • Holidays in Laos
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    • Luang Prabang
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Experience Travel Group

Laos Highlights & Beyond

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Ideal for those who want to get beyond the well-known sites and under the surface of the country without spending too much time on the road. Travel is mainly by boat and train, taking in the remarkable scenery as you go.

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. 

DAY 1 DEPART THE UK

Depart the UK for your flight to Luang Prabang.

DAYS 2-5 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!

DAY 6 & 7 Nong Khiaw    

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.

DAYs 8 & 9 Oudomxay

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.

DAYs  10 & 11 Vientiane 

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.

Days 12-14 The south   

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.

Day 15 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...

Beau Rivage Mekong

Beau Rivage Mekong, Vientiane

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

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.

Nam Kat Yorla Pa Resort

Nam Kat Yorla Pa Resort, Muang La

Adventure and relaxation along the Nam Kat River surrounded by a lush national park.

Nong Khiaw Riverside

Nong Khiaw Riverside, Nong Khiaw

Simple but quality lodge on the beautiful Nam Ou River in the rustic riverside town of Nong Khiaw.

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.

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.

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

Luang Prabang - Full Day Tour

Luang Prabang - Full Day Tour, Luang Prabang

A full day tour exploring the rich cultural heritage of Luang Prabang

Nam Ou Boat Charter

Nam Ou Boat Charter, Nong Khiaw

Hire a private boat to cruise the stunning Nam Ou River in Northern Laos

Off-The-Beaten-Track 4,000 Islands

Off-The-Beaten-Track 4,000 Islands, 4000 Islands

Stray away from the classic 4,000 island trails as you travel by boat, bicycle and on foot.

Pak Ou Caves

Pak Ou Caves, Luang Prabang

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

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.

Map showing Hotels & Experiences associated with 'Laos Highlights & Beyond'

More Holiday Suggestions

A Journey Through Laos

A Journey Through Laos

Exploring sleepy Laos from north to South at an easy relaxing pace on meandering river journeys and trains through mountain passes.

Mountains & Hill Tribes

Mountains & Hill Tribes

Travel by land and river on this incredible adventure exploring the beautiful scenery and fascinating villages of Northern Laos.

Classic Laos

Classic Laos

A once-in-a-lifetime adventure for families or adventurous couples: kayaking, waterfalls, laid back Laos and gorgeous scenery.


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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
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    • Our Brochure
    • Travel Blog
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  • How it works
    • Get in touch
    • Booking with confidence
    • How much does it cost?
    • Financial protection
    • What happens if something goes wrong on my holiday?
    • Working with in-country partners
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  • Immersive Holidays
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    • Ideas & Inspiration
    • Holidays by month
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    • Download Free Country Guides
  • Sustainability
    • Travel Better
    • Our Counter-Carbon Pledge
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    • Building a Sustainable Future
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