Welcome to Laos! On this adventure, you will enjoy unique architecture, vibrant culture, and culinary delights. We will start our adventure in Vientiane and travel through Vang Vieng, Luang Prabang, and Pakbeng.

Day 1: Arrive in Vientiane

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Arrival Airport: Vientiane International Airport (VTE)

Upon arriving at Vientiane (Wattay) International Airport, you will meet your local driver, who will drop you off directly at the hotel. After settling in, take a moment to adjust to the time change and enjoy the rest of the day on your own.

Accommodation: Khamvongsa Hotel or similar

Day 2: Vientiane to Vang Vieng

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After breakfast, enjoy some time on your own. We suggest going to the Patuxai, the Lao Triumphal Arch which dominates the Champs-Elysees. You may climb all the way up to admire a beautiful panoramic view of the city. You may also want to visit Vat Sisaket, which boasts Siamese influence and unique architecture, or Wat Phra Keo, built in 1565 and located in a beautiful garden.

Our driver will pick us up from the hotel in the afternoon, and we will travel four hours to Vang Vieng. Once we arrive, we will check into the hotel. You may explore the city on your own or just relax at the hotel.

Accommodation: The Elephant Crossing Hotel or similar

Day 3: Vang Vieng to Luang Prabang

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We will enjoy a nice drive through the mountains before arriving in front of the characteristic karstic cliffs. Along the way, you’ll stop in small villages trading medicinal plants, lao-lao medicine, and funny critters. Once we arrive in Luang Prabang, you can take some time to explore the city on your own.

Accommodation: Cold River or similar

Day 4: Luang Prabang Tour by Tuk Tuk

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If you like to get up early, you may go to the ritual of the Tak Bak, the offerings to the monks by the faithful, and follow the procession of the bonzes.

After breakfast, we will get to know Luang Prabang via tuk-tuk, stopping to visit the city’s famous temples. First we will visit Wat Xieng Thong. Founded in the 16th century, the "Temple of the Golden City" is considered the most beautiful in the country, with its fine decorations, elaborate mosaic designs, and small red chapel housing a very rare Buddha. The Phra Bang, the Buddha statue that gave the city its name, is housed in a newer chapel in the gardens of the Palace. Finally, we will visit Vat Mai, one of the most beautiful temples in the city, with its special, five-sided roof and its veranda sheltering a golden façade recounting Ramayana episodes and everyday life scenes.

After lunch, we will continue our exploration by visiting Vat Visoun, one of the oldest active temples in the city. Lastly, we will visit the Museum T.A.E., whose collection showcases the great diversity and cultural richness of the different ethnic groups living in Laos (Laos, Hmong, Tai, Kamu, Akha, and more).

At the end of the day, the bravest of us will climb Mount Phousi (about 300 steps), a sacred hill in the center of the peninsula. From its summit, it offers a panoramic view of the city, the Mekong, and the surrounding mountains.

Accommodation: Cold River or similar

Day 5: Luang Prabang and Kuang Sy Waterfalls

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We will begin our day with a morning walk to the local market, then drive to the Kuang Si waterfalls. The transfer will take us along a scenic winding road in the middle of the rice fields and teak plantations. We will walk in the forest, following the river and a succession of basins suitable for swimming.

After lunch, we will enjoy some free time, and those who wish to go for a swim may do so. We will return to Luang Prabang in the afternoon, allowing you to explore on your own and discover the city's small, hidden streets.

Accommodation: Cold River or similar

Day 6: Luang Prabang to Pakbeng

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After breakfast, we will embark on a Mekong river cruise via traditional slow boat. The views on the river are breathtaking, making the boat the perfect place to spend the day.

Before arriving to Pakbeng, we will stop at the confluence of the Mekong and Nam Ou River to discover the sacred caves of Pak Ou. For hundreds of years, they have housed Buddha statuettes deposited by innumerable pilgrims.

You will arrive in Pakbeng at the end of the day, then settle down at the hotel.

Accommodation: Duang Prasert Guesthouse or similar

Day 7: Depart From Pakbeng

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After a delicious breakfast, we will check out of our hotel and continue to the airport to catch our international flights back home or, if you have chosen to extend your adventure, continue on to another adventure in Southeast Asia!

Departure Airport: Vientiane International Airport (VTE)

+ Can you arrange my travel visas?

Requirements for travel visas vary widely depending on your nationality and your destination. Although we are unable to arrange visas on your behalf we are able to help determine if visas are required for the countries you are visiting. If you do require a visa you can arrange them yourself or use the services of a travel agent or visa processing company.

+ Do your tours include international airfare?

Travelers arrive from all over the world to begin our tours, and it is not possible to include international airfare in our prices. We would be happy to help you arrange flights. Just ask for an air quote when making your booking.

+ I'm a solo traveler — will I be charged a single supplement?

We are happy to accommodate solo travelers, but we will add a single supplement charge to your bill.

+ What clothing should I bring for my trip?

We always recommend packing as light as possible; however, the specific requirements for your tour will vary widely depending on where and when you are traveling. Prior to each trip we provide a suggested packing list. The checklist is tour specific and based upon the experience of our ground staff.

+ What vaccinations should I get before my trip?

It's important that you receive the most accurate and up-to-date travel health information for the region you will be visiting. The only one qualified to provide you with this advice is your family physician or a specialist from a Travel Health clinic. We can provide some general guidance on what websites to check, but these websites are no substitute for a personal consultation with a qualified medical professional.