Laos Encompassed

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This 3-week, in-depth holiday is the ultimate tour of Laos, taking in the remarkable contrasts of each of its extraordinary regions. From the dramatic mountains and dense jungles of the north down to the sleepy 4000 islands of the Mekong in the south, via the subterranean caves of the unexplored centre and the romantic UNESCO town of Luang Prabang. Travel along rivers and roads passing through majestic scenery, stopping to explore remote villages or French colonial towns, taste traditional food, absorb the magical atmosphere and relax into the laidback way of life.

Highlights include:

Chance encounters with local villagers in the mountains, far away from the crowds
Taking in the remarkable scenery as you journey down the Nam Ou river aboard your private boat
Exploring the romantic, beautifully preserved town of Luang Prabang with your expert local guide
Traversing subterranean rivers through jungle-clad caves in the unexplored central regions
Discovering faded villas and relics of the French Colonial past
Visiting waterfalls, searching for dolphins and taking time to relax in the 4000 islands

As with all of our suggested itineraries, we can tailor-make your holiday to suit your budget, style and expectations. Find out about our exclusive ‘Journey Planner’ here.

Day 1

Depart the UK on your overnight flight to Vientiane.

Day 2 & 3 Vientiane The Sleepy Capital

Arrive in Vientiane where you’ll meet your expert local guide. Depending on your arrival time you might head out to start exploring on your first day or just settle in to your hotel and and relax.

During your time in Vientiane, you’ll get to experience the sleepy capital from an insider’s perspective. With your private local guide, 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.

Day 4 & 5 Muang La Nature all around

A short flight will take you from Vientiane to Oudmxay in the hills of Northern Laos. From here you’ll travel with your guide and driver for about an hour to your accommodation.There are a couple of fantastic places to stay here, perfect for soaking up the spectacular scenery and abundant nature all around you. Despite the decent accommodation, this area sees few visitors which makes for a very serene environment and 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 some great trekking in the jungle-clad hills and, for those who prefer to take it a bit easier, there are some nice easy walks that could wind up with a picnic at a waterfall or a trip to the local hot springs.

Day 6 Nong Khiaw Journey down the Nam Ou River

Today your guide and driver will take you to Muang Khoua on the banks of the Nam Ou River. Here you’ll board a private boat for the first day of the river journey downstream to Luang Prabang. The initial part of the journey takes around 2.5 hours towards the Nam Ou Dam where you’ll cross to another private boat for the second part of the journey towards NongKhiaw. The scenery en route is remarkable so enjoy sitting back and just taking it all in. The boat stops along the way for swimming and visiting riverside villages. On arrival in Nong Khiaw you’ll transfer to your hotel for an overnight stay.

Day 7 Nong Khiaw Limestone & Jungle

The beautiful area around NongKhiaw is great to explore by bike or kayak. The hotel has bicycles available for hire so you could choose to head out with your guide to the picturesque local limestone caves. However, there is no pressure to do anything much if you prefer to relax; this is a lovely spot to sit back with a book and make the most of laidback Laos.

Day 8 Nong Khiaw to Luang Prabang the Mekong

Continue your journey downstream to Luang Prabang. After about a morning cruising through more spectacular mountain scenery, the Nam Ou meets the Mekong River. The famous Pak Ou caves are situated near the confluence and you can visit them if you choose. Around one hour travelling on the Mekong and you’ll reach Luang Prabang - the river route is a lovely way to arrive into one of Asia's most romantic and beautifully preserved cities.

Day 9-11 Luang Prabang Beautiful Preserved City

Depending on the time you arrive you might like to enjoy lunch before transferring to your hotel.

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 there before the crowds arrive.

There will be free time too, 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!

DAYS 12 & 13 The Plain of Jars Mysterious Ancient Site

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 puzzling of Asia's ancient sites.

During your stay, you can also visit the area’s central market and an NGO called the Mines in Action Group (MAG) to learn about the important work they do in clearing landmines. You then drive out to the picturesque jar sites to take a guided tour along the ridges and visit sites of interest from the Indochina wars.

DAY 14 Phonsovan to HinBoun The Backroads

Today you will drive along the backroads of Laos towards The Kong Lor Caves. Stop along the way for lunch and to explore Ban Thabuk, the “bomb boat village”, where fuel tanks from the Vietnam war are used as boats. Arrive in Hin Boun in the evening and check in to your hotel.

DAY 15 HinBoun Stunning Kong Lor Caves

After breakfast, take a private cruise to the stunning Kor Long Caves. With over 7km of subterranean rivers passing through jungle clad caves this is a wonderful must-see destination. There is a spectacular cavern that is over 100 metres high and is full of beautiful stalagmites.

Day 16 To Thakek Faded French Grandeur

Today you’ll continue your guided journey south, visiting the picturesque Buddha Caves en route. You’ll reach Thakek early afternoon in time to explore this riverside town and enjoy the sunset over the Mekong. Thakek was once a French trading post and as such the streets feature an evocative combination of faded colonial villas and Chinese shophouses.

Day 17 South to Champasak The 4000 Islands

Today is a full day’s road journey through the countryside. You’ll reach the small city of Savannakhet around lunchtime where you can stop for a noodle soup. Reach Chamoasak in the late afternoon and check into the lovely River Resort. With a sandy river beach and infinity pool this is a great spot in which to kick back in comfortable surroundings and while away a few days.

Day 18- 20 Southern Laos Relax and explore

There will be plenty of free time to relax around River Resort. You can also explore the historical town of Champasak, the surrounding villages and the picturesque 4000 islands of the Mekong. Visit beautiful waterfalls, searching for rare freshwater dolphins and meet villagers along the way as they make rice baskets and fish traps from bamboo. At Don Daeng island you could share a home-cooked lunch with a local family or cycle along rice fields before hopping on a boat back across the Mekong to Champasak town to admire the Sisumang Buddha Angkorian temple.

Day 21 Fly Home

Transfer to nearby Pakse and board the first leg of your flight back to the UK.

As every holiday is unique to you, prices vary. To give you an indication, two-week holidays range from roughly £3,000 to £8,000 per adult, with an average price of £3,500. We also offer substantial child and seasonal discounts.

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 or use the quote request form below for your personalised vacation itinerary.