Laos Encompassed

Day 1 Depart The UK

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

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

Day 4 Down The Mekong

Today 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 boat cruise down the Mekong towards Pakbeng. The journey allows you to enjoy the passing scenery and observe rural life along the Mekong. Stop off en route to visit riverside villages and arrive in Pakbeng before sunset for an overnight stay at a simple hillside lodge overlooking the river. 

Day 5 & 6 Northern Laos

Today, you’ll travel by car towards Oudomxay, making scenic stops along the way. You'll arrive in time for lunch and check in at your off-the-beaten-track resort, set amongst a protected forest. This is a wonderful base for exploring the area, surrounded by mountains and jungles. 

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 7 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 Nong Khiaw. 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 8 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. 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 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 9-11 To Luang Prabang 

Continue your journey downstream to Luang Prabang. After 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.

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 also 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 12 & 13 The Sleepy Capital Vientiane 

Today you will travel by train to the capital Vientiane.

You can choose to head out to start exploring on your first day or just settle into your hotel 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 14 The Backroads to Hin Boun 

Today you will drive along the backroads of Laos towards Hin Boun. Stop along the way for lunch and to see the 15th-century stupa of Prabat Phonsan and the interesting Ban Ton Na Mae Markets. Arrive in Hin Boun in the evening and check in to your hotel.

Day 15 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  Onwards to Thakek 

Today you’ll continue your guided journey south making the first stop at the Phou Pha Marn viewpoint where you can enjoy some impressive vistas of the ancient Karstic forests. Daredevils can opt to climb the Via Ferrata and cross the exhilarating suspended bridges 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 Transfer to the Boloven Plateau 

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 noodle soup. Continue into the Bolaven Plateau, known for its cooler temperature being located high above the Mekong Valley. At the village of Ban Beng, you’ll be met by a Coffee expert, and you’ll switch to a vintage jeep, an ideal vehicle for the next bit of terrain, which is on a route rarely visited by foreigners. By early evening, you'll arrive at the coffee plantation in time for a delicious home-cooked meal.

Day 18 Bolaven Plateau Jeep Tour 

Wake up early if you’d like to see how pretty the sunrise is above the surrounding fields. Your host will roast some fresh coffee while explaining the coffee-growing process from seed to cup. After breakfast, begin your 1-2 hour trek. Along the way, you’ll pass farms of lettuce, peppers, ginger, cucumber, cabbage and more. Later you’ll take a jeep to Tad Moan waterfall where there is time to relax and go for a swim. In the afternoon, head out by jeep and visit some of the interesting villages and trek up to a mountain peak where you will be rewarded with beautiful views of the Plateau. There is even time to visit a cave used as a shelter by villagers during wartime. 

Day 19 - 21 The 4000 Islands 

Leave the Boloven Plateau and head onwards to Pakse and then Don Daeng in the 4000 islands. Your accommodation for the next three nights is at La Folie Lodge, where you can stay in one of their delightful rooms or a beautiful private villa overlooking the Mekong River.

There will be plenty of time to rest and enjoy the peaceful island. You could also opt to cycle along rice fields. 

On your last day, cross by boat to the mainland for breakfast at Wat Phou Temple Complex. This is the oldest Khmer temple in Laos, and it has outstanding architecture. Stairs lead to the main sanctuary located on a terrace, where you will be rewarded with stunning views over the surrounding land and Mekong River. Enjoy a Picnic breakfast while enjoying the captivating landscape.

Day 22 Fly Home

Transfer to nearby Pakse to board your flight back to the UK. This flight is usually via Thailand where you can extend the adventure should you wish.