Trip Type: Private Starts: Vientiane Ends: Luang Prabang Departs: Any day of the year Difficulty: Easy – Mid

Itinerary

Day 1 Vientiane Arrival

You will be warmly welcomed at Wattay Airport – Laos’ international airport. You will also be escorted to your hotel in downtown Vientiane.

Day 2 Vientiane tour, train to Vang Vieng (C82 11:00 – 11:56), Vang Vieng Kayak Tour

After breakfast at your hotel in Vientiane, head to Patuxai Monument, known as the Arcde Triomphe of Vientiane. Coninue to the That Luang Stupa, a national treasure of Laos. Afterwards, we will be transfer to the railway station and take a train to Vang Vieng. (C82 11:00 -11:56) Pick up at Vang Vieng Train Station, check into your hotel, take a break for lunch, and then immediately embark on a kayaking adventure on the Nam Song River. After a 20-minute drive north, your English-speaking guide will give you instructions on how to handle your kayak paddle.  Beggining the adventure by paddling down the river, you will soon reach small rapids while you can enjoy stunning views a long the mountain. We keep paddling until we reach Vang Vieng.  Transfer to your hotel before sunset. The rest of day is your own leisure to explore night market.

(Breakfast, Lunch)

Day 3 Vang Vieng Day Trip

8:30 am after the breakfast you will be picked up by the tour guide to visit Nam Xay Viewpoint, you will start the climb to the viewpoint – 250m (approx. 30mins). Once you reach the top you will find the most spectacular views, with picturesque landscape over the paddy fields that “pop” out in clear view from their flat surroundings.

After the trek back down the mountain, you will continue to visit Tham Phu Kham Cave and Blue Lagoon. Tham Phu Kham Cave and Blue Lagoon is an improvised eco-water park in a scenic village close to Vang Vieng. Observe sharp stalactites and stalagmites as you descend down steep walls to reach the largest hall of the cave, which holds the bronze statue of a reclining Buddha, with several other smaller Buddha images revered by locals. The green-blue waters of the lagoon outside the cave provide a beautiful relaxation spot, as well as the opportunity to re-live your younger years as you jump off a tree into the water. During your tour, you can also try your hand at abseiling one of the water slides. You will be transferred back to the city and have time for lunch.

After spending some free time, transfer to the train station for the afternoon train to Luang Prabang. Upon arrival in Luang Prabang, you will be transferred to your hotel.

(Breakfast, Lunch)

Day 4 Luang Prabang City

The tour begins early in the morning (5:15 am in March to October and 05:45 in November to February. There is also an option without Alms giving). We pick you up from your hotel and you have a fantastic opportunity together with the locals to witness the captivating centuries old daily tradition of the alms giving ceremony. Following that, we visit local morning market.

You return to your hotel for breakfast around 7;00. We will pick you up again at 8:30 and take you to  a small park on the peninsula tip. You will have a brief introduction to Luang Prabang, standing where the Nam Khan River meets the Mekong River. From there, walk to the famous Wat Xieng Thong temple. For centuries, the temple was considered the ceremonial gateway to the city and was the arrival and departure point for foreign dignitaries. We will walk up the stairs to the main gate and enter the temple like ancient dignitaries.

Next, we will go temple hopping in the neighborhood. At Wat Sene, where there is a school for novice monks, you may meet again with novice monks you met on the morning alms. We will drive to Heuan Chan Heritage. There we will see a well preserved traditional Lao house and take a short break in their gardens. Finally, we will visit the Royal Palace.

For lunch, visit the Luang Prabang Bio-Bamboo restaurant in the bamboo grove along the Nam Khan river to enjoy delicious Laotian cuisine served in bamboo bowls.

In the afternoon, we visit Wat Wisunarat to see the oldest Buddhist temple in Luang Prabang, and then the UXO Center for those who want to learn more about war history.  We head out to the Laos Traditional handicraft village Ban Xang Khong well knowned as paper village. You can discover all creations made of paper.

Finish your day by climbing up Phousi Mountain. Rising 150m in the centre of town, Mount Phousi cuts a distinctive figure on the Luang Prabang skyline. The hill is a popular as a place to watch the sunset. From the summit you enjoy spectacular 360 degree views across the city and its many temples, and over the surrounding landscape to the mountains in the distance.

(Breakfast, Lunch)

Day 5 Kuang Si Waterfalls

Pick up from your hotel at 9:00, you will be transfered to Ban Nong Heo, we will have some time to discover the charming Khmu village, with its traditional houses, its water buffalo and free-range ducks walking around, and even the farmers and master blacksmiths dealing with their daily tasks. Then, we will have the chance to join in an easy hike in the countryside, pass over hills, and through forests and plantations, with nice viewpoints to stop at along the way. You can refresh yourself with some fresh sugar cane that can be picked directly from the field to taste the juice. After a 2-hour walk in the beautiful natural environment, we will arrive at Ban Thapene, a village which sits at the foot of the stunning Kuang Si Waterfalls.

Enjoy lunch at the nearby Keo waterfall. We will spend time to explore the stunning Kuang Si Waterfall. On the way back, we will visit the village of the Hmong people. Return to your hotel at around 5 pm.

Day 6 Manifa Elephant Camp / Pak Ou Caves / Mekong River Cruise

After breakfast, pick up at 9:00 and drive to Manifa Elephant Camp. The morning will be spent experiencing elephants.

In the afternoon we will visit Pak Ou Caves by boat. We will see 4000 Buddha icons in the caves overlooking the Mekong River. Enjoy a two-hour sunset cruise on the Mekong River and return to Luang Prabang.

(Breakfast, Lunch)

Day 7 Luang Prabang Departure

Enjoy free time in Luang Prabang until flight time. we will transfer you to Luang Prabang airport.

(Breakfast)

Reference Price

Accommodation prices are subject to change. See spreadsheet for all hotel options.

No accommodation