Classic Laos

Day 1 – Depart the UK

Depart the UK.

Day 2 – Luang Prabang

You will be met by your guide when you arrive at the airport. You will then be transferred to your hotel where you can spend the rest of the day relaxing at leisure.

Day 3 – Luang Prabang

Today you will explore Luang Prabang by bicycle, including  the quaint Royal Palace Museum, the enchanting temple Wat Xiengthong and the uniqueWat Mai.

In the afternoon cycle out into the countryside to visit small rural villages such as Ban Hat Hien, a traditional black smith village and Ban Xangkhong, a weaving community. Your final stop is the climb up Wat Phonphao, sat atop a hill offering beautiful views over Luang Prabang and the surrounding countryside.

Day 4 – Luang Prabang

Visit the Living Lands Organic Farm where you can interact with the local farmers and experience each step of the rice harvest, including a tasting session of traditional Laotian foods made from rice.

In the afternoon visit the beautiful Kuang Si Waterfall, where you can enjoy a picnic lunch overlooking the falls. Next to the falls is a Bear Rescue Centre, that does a great job in protecting and rehabilitating the rare Asiatic Black Bear.

Day 5 – Luang Prabang

Today is at leisure in Luang Prabang and if interested you can visit local temples or waterfalls.

Day 6 – Vang Vieng

Travel by train from Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng - a journey of 1 hour. Alternatively spend the day travelling by road along a very scenic mountain road, stopping en route at local villages, including those inhabited by the Khmu and Hmong people. 

Day 7 – Vang Vieng

Start your day by travelling 10km north of Vang Vieng to be introduced to the basics of kayaking. The Nam Song River offers various small but fun rapids, and you will have the chance to explore impressive caves full of stalagmites and stalactites. After a picnic lunch you will paddle to an organic farm, where mulberry tea and a variety of fruit wines are produced. You will be back in Vang Vieng in time to enjoy sun set from the river.

Day 8 – Vang Vieng

Today is at leisure in Vang Vieng.

Day 9 – Vientiane

Today you will drive to historic capital city of Vientiane, stopping en route at local villages, markets, salt mines and scenic spots.

Day 10 – Vientiane

Start the day with a visit to the oldest temple in Vientiane, Wat Sisaket. You will then visit the main sites of Vientiane, including the imposing Patuxai Monument, which resembles its Parisian inspiration, the Arc de Triomphe and the golden stupa of That Luang which is Laos’ National icon and most important religious building. 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, followed by the Lao Disabled Womens Centre, which provides valuable training and schooling for disabled women in Laos. 

Day 11 & 12 – Xe Pian National Park

Transfer to Vientiane Airport and fly to Pakse. You will then travel 2 hours by road to Kingfisher Eco Lodge in Xe Pian National Park.

Day 13 – Don Daeng

After breakfast, cross the Mekong by boat to Champasak and 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. Return to Don Daeng by lunchtime, where the afternoon is at your leisure.

Day 14 – Don Daeng

 Today is at leisure in Don Daeng.

Day 15 – Fly home

Transfer to the Thai-Laos border at Chong Mek and onto Ubon Ratchathani to catch your flight home. The journey will take about 4-6 hours.