Laos Heritage Trail

Day 1 

Depart for your flight to Luang Prabang.

Day 2: Luang Prabang 

Upon arrival, you will be met at the airport by your guide and driver and transferred to your hotel.

Day 3: Luang Prabang

You can discuss with your guide whether you would like to get up early today to partake in 'Tak Bat' alms to the Buddhist monks. Luang Prabang comes alive during this unique ritual as the saffron-clad monks pass through the streets. The early start is worth it.

After breakfast, you'll explore Luang Prabang's most famous temples, explore the old streets and a museum or two to give context and colour.

In the afternoon, you'll have a chance to visit the Arts and Ethnology Centre, which will give you an insight into the ethnic mix and culture of Laos. Towards the end of the day, we suggest climbing Mount Phousi which has a panoramic view over Luang Prabang and the Mekong and is a spectacular spot to watch the sunset.

Day 4: luang praban

After breakfast, you visit the local Phosi Market; this is where the locals' shop and your guide will tell you a little about the different products on offer. There will be time to stop at Ock Pop Tock, a silk weaving centre. 

You then take a short drive out of the town towards the Kuang Sii Waterfall. On the way, stop and visit some local villages, representing the main ethnic groups of Laos. Once you reach the waterfall, cool off with a refreshing swim in the turquoise pool or walk along the forest trails.

You'll be back in Luang Prabang for lunch and the afternoon is free to relax or explore.

Day 5: Luang Prabang – Phonsavan

There is an early start this morning for the long drive to Xiengkhuang, famous for the 'Plain of Jars'.

The road follows a twisty mountain route and your first stop at Houi Hei with great views of the surrounding mountains. You continue via a Khmu village before arriving in Phou Khoun for lunch.

 In the afternoon you continue on the road into Xiengkhuang province, reaching the highest altitude of the day 1500m above sea level, shortly after Phou Khoun. The final stop of the day offers a reminder of how significant a part this region played during the Vietnam War, particularly at a hidden Buddha Cave, that served as an army hospital.

Day 6: The Plain of Jars

This morning you visit the Mines Action Group (MAG) office to learn about the vital work they do in clearing land mines and unexploded ordnance in the area. You then drive out to the picturesque Jar Site 2 and begin a 1-hour trek along the ridge to Jar Site 3. Jar Site 3 features around 150 jars located on top of a hill, offering great views.

In the afternoon you visit Jar Site 1, the largest site, containing over 300 jars, before returning to your hotel by late afternoon.

 Day 7. Phonsavan – Sam Neua

Today is a long day as the roads are relatively rough and winding, but the journey is broken up with stops at Hmong villages, as well as with stops to admire the breathtaking scenery.

Following lunch, you visit Hintang where you can see the mysterious menhirs (standing stones). No one is quite sure who built them or why perhaps burial sites or markers of some sort.

Arrive in Sam Neua early evening.

 Day 8. Sam Neua – Vieng Xai Caves

You begin the day with an optional short walk around Sam Neua town and to the river to visit the local "wet market". You then set off on the short 45 minutes' drive to Vieng Xai Caves where the Pathet Lao leaders lived during the "Secret War'. You start your fascinating audio tour and take a tour of the Kaysone Phomvihane Cave and the Prince Soupanouvong (Red Prince) Cave. Kaysone Phomvihane was the leader of the Lao communist movement, so this is a fantastic spot to get your teeth into the recent history of the country. You also tour the Artillery Cave that offers stunning views over the surrounding countryside.

In the afternoon you take an easy walk to some of the less-visited caves and also take in the beautiful limestone karst scenery. Tonight accommodation is in a simple but clean guest house near the caves.

Day 9. vieng xay – Vieng Thong

 After breakfast you travel by road to Vieng Thong, taking in the spectacular mountain scenery en route. You arrive in Vieng Thong by mid-afternoon where after checking in to your simple guesthouse, you have the rest of the day at leisure.

 Day 10: Nam Et National Park (Night Safari)

This morning you board a long tail boat and cruise for 1 ½ hour on the Nam Nern River to your jungle camp where you will enjoy a local lunch and learn about conservation from the park staff.
 Mid-afternoon you depart for your night safari, stopping along the way at a salt lick, where your local guide, a skilled hunter and tracker, identifies animal tracks. After sunset, relax around a campfire and enjoy a BBQ dinner.

A couple of hours after dark you float down the river quietly while your local guide looks for wildlife by torchlight, returning into camp at about 10 pm. Your accommodation for the night is in traditional Lao style huts in the forest.

Day 11: Nam Et National Park – Nong Khiaw

Before breakfast, you explore the jungle where local guides will teach you about medicinal plants and explain the history of the area. After breakfast, you take the boat back to Ban Son Koua, making a stop at a prime spot for bird watching. After lunch, you continue by vehicle to Nong Khiaw, passing through breathtaking scenery along the way. You arrive in Nong Khiaw by early evening.

Day 12: Nong Khiaw – Luang Prabang by boat

This morning you begin your leisurely cruise back to Luang Prabang passing breathtaking limestone karst scenery en route. Enjoy a picnic lunch on the banks of the river amidst some beautiful scenery. In the afternoon relax as you pass lush green forests and rural landscapes before stopping to visit the mysterious caves of Pak Ou, two caves set in a limestone cliff facing the Mekong River crammed with thousands of Buddha statues of various shapes and sizes. 

 Your boat gets you into Luang Prabang in the afternoon and the remainder of the day is free to enjoy being back in this beautiful town.

Day 13: Departure

Today breakfast at the hotel and then enjoy your time at leisure until your guide and private car pick you up and transfer you to the airport for your departure flight.

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