Charming Laos

Charming Laos
Trip style
HISTORY & CULTURE
Cost per Person
USD 1625
Best Time to Travel
JanNovDec
Image
Charming Laos

Laos is home to the most pristine environment and intact cultures. It has a simple village life and the historic royal city of Luang Prabang, where watching hundreds of saffron- robed monks move silently among centuries-old monasteries, that you’ll experience nowhere in Asia.

Trip Highlights
  • Cruise in Mekong River
  • Visit to Ban Phanom,the weaving village
  • Visit the impressive Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge
  • Visit the ruins of Wat Phu
Customize your Tour

We have no fixed routes or packaged tours. Every itinerary is unique and can be customised based on your request and preference. Explore the world your way!

Email us at travel@planettraveller.com to customise this tour.

  • 1
    Luang Prabang- Arrival

    Your holiday in Laos starts today. After arriving at Luang Prabang International Airport, you are met and transferred to the hotel. After a short rest, you visit the impressive stupa of Wat Visoun and the shrine of Wat Aham, Wat Mai; then climb up to the top of Phousi Mount for an enjoyable exploration of the sacred, gilded stupa as well as a beautiful sunset view of the city and the Mekong River. From there, explore Street Night Bazaar, where you can find the lovely collection and handmade textile by local and hill tribe people residing around Luang Prabang. Overnight in Luang Prabang. Optional dinner at one of the finest local restaurants on the bank of Mekong River. Luang Prabang is the best-preserved traditional city in Southeast Asia. The tranquility and charm of this town with its splendid natural scenery and cultural sights make it one of the most delightful places to visit in Laos.

    Meals: No Meals
    Accommodation: Santi Resort
  • 2
    Luang Prabang - Pak Ou Caves

    After breakfast, enjoy a short-guided tour to the city's oldest temple of Wat Sene and the magnificent Wat Xiengthong with its roofs sweeping low to the ground, which represent the classical architecture of Luang Prabang temples. Then board a cruise upstream the Mekong River, which also gives us a beautiful view of the tranquil countryside as well as an interesting visit to the mysterious Pak Ou Caves, crammed with thousands of gold lacquered Buddha statues of various shapes and sizes. Along the way, stop at the village of Ban Xanghai, where they make the distillation of local rice wine. On return, take a short drive to Ban Xang Khong and Ban Xienglek, which is well known for its hand made Jute Sar paper. Overnight in Luang Prabang.

    Meals: Breakfast
    Accommodation: Santi Resort
  • 3
    Luang Prabang- Kuangsi waterfall

    This morning you may want to wake up early and participate in the daily early morning ritual of saffron-clad monks with their black Alms-giving bowls being given offerings from the local people, including the ubiquitous sticky rice. After breakfast, you will visit the morning Phosi Market where you will see such diverse offerings as dried buffalo skin, local tea and saltpeter among the chickens, vegetables and hill-tribe weavings. Then, visit the National Museum, and then you will visit the Ban Ouay, Hmong Hill tribe, Ban Ou, Lowland Lao and Ban Thapene of Khmu village. Continue driving to the beautiful Khouangsi Waterfall where you can splash around in the pools or walk along the forest paths, return to Luang Prabang by late afternoon and continue to Ban Phanom, a well known weaving village. Return to the city by late evening to catch the sunset at Wat Siphouthabath. Overnight in Luang Prabang.

    Meals: Breakfast
    Accommodation: Santi Resort
  • 4
    Luang Prabang- Xieng Khuang

    After breakfast, drive 306 km overland on to a Hill Mountain with splendid natural scenery to Xieng Khuang. Upon arrival, visit the Plain of Jars, an impressive archaeological site where hundreds of large stone jars are littered all over the plateau. If time permits, you will see the old capital of Muang Khoun and the nearby villages, home to the Hmong hill tribe people. They have an interesting local culture and a colorful history. Overnight in Phonsavanh (the capital town of Xieng Khuang).

    Meals: Breakfast
    Accommodation: Vansana
  • 5
    Xieng Khuang - Vientiane

    After breakfast, visit Central Market, and then free at leisure to further explore the town before you catch a flight back to Vientiane. After checking in to hotel, continue sightseeing tour of Vientiane surroundings; visit the impressive Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge and the Buddha Park, a display of Buddhist and Hindu sculptures created by mystical monks on parkland located by the Mekong River. The spectacular sunset over the Mekong River is a perfect way to finish the day. Overnight in Vientiane.

    Meals: Breakfast
    Accommodation: Novotel
  • 6
    Vientiane

    In the morning, you will explore Vientiane capital city, visit the major sights of the capital; including the oldest Wat Sisaket with thousands of miniature Buddha statues and the former royal temple of Wat Prakeo previously housed the famous Emerald Buddha Image. On the way to the famous and sacred structure of That Luang Stupa, stop to take some pictures of the imposing Patuxay Monument, which is commonly known as Vientiane's own Arc de Triumph. In the afternoon, continue to visit the rest of Vientiane on foot, including Wat Ong Tue, Wat Inpeng and Wat Haisok. Then, pass by the major shopping area continuing to the Vientiane Central Market of Talad Sao and Talad Kouadin where the major goods is displayed, including fresh food, household, textiles, gold, silver and ancient souvenir varied display and return to Mekong Riverside. Overnight in Vientiane.

    Meals: Breakfast
    Accommodation: Novotel
  • 7
    Vientiane- Pakse- Khong Island

    After breakfast, take an early flight to Pakse. On arrival, drive on the National Road No. 13th south to Champassak and visit the ruins of Wat Phu, which is known as the most important Hindu sanctuary of the Khmer Empire between 9th -13th centuries. There is also a chance to visit some nearby Khmer temples and Buddhist shrines. After a short stop, continue to Khong Island by traditional local slow boat. Overnight in Khong Island.

    Meals: Breakfast
    Accommodation: Pon Arena
  • 8
    Khong Island

    Today, enjoy a cruise venturing into the widest reach of the Mekong River from where thousands of islets jut out in dry season, giving this area a lovely name "Siphandon". Along the way, stop at the Liphi Waterfalls and the fisherman village of Ban Khone. On return, take a short drive to the Lao-Cambodia border at Weukham and the sight of Khone Phapheng, which are both South East Asia 's biggest water falls. Overnight in Khong Island.

    Meals: Breakfast
    Accommodation: Pon Arena
  • 9
    Khong Island- Tadlo- Pakse

    Upon leaving Khong Island, continue your journey towards Tadlo, through Boloven Plateau where famous tea and coffee plantation and other lush vegetation and red surface of basaltic soil are incredible all along the way. En route, there are some opportunities to explore part of Boloven Plateau and visit some hill villages of the Katu , Alak and Nge ethnic minority people, and return to Pakse by late evening. Overnight in Pakse.

    Meals: Breakfast
    Accommodation: Champaksak Grand
  • 10
    Pakse - Departure

    There is a free time for your own exploration of Pakse Town before catching either flight to Siem Reap-Cambodia or overland exit through the Chongmek International checkpoint to Ubon Rathani Thailand.

    Meals: Breakfast

Inclusions:

What's Included:
  • Accommodation and meals as indicated in the itinerary
  • Airport transfers
  • Ground transportation with an English speaking driver/guide
  • Sightseeing or activities or safaris as mentioned in the itinerary
  • Taxes
What's Excluded:
  • All items of a personal nature
  • Any increase in taxes, fuel cost and emergency rescue costs
  • Domestic airfare or Train fare
  • Gratuities and Tips
  • International airfare
  • Meals and drinks not specified in the itinerary
  • Souvenirs
  • Visas, Vaccination and Insurance
Activity Level:
Basic

Designed for travellers who enjoy the outdoors, are in good health, and want an interesting yet relaxing holiday experience. These trips may involve walking, trekking, hiking, cycling, rafting or sea kayaking at a very slow pace. Most of these trips are usually a week long in duration. These holidays usually include cultural activities and sightseeing that can be enjoyed by all. There will be exploring on foot as well. Most travellers will find themselves comfortable with the basic activity level trips.

Detailed Itinerary

  • 1
    Luang Prabang- Arrival

    Your holiday in Laos starts today. After arriving at Luang Prabang International Airport, you are met and transferred to the hotel. After a short rest, you visit the impressive stupa of Wat Visoun and the shrine of Wat Aham, Wat Mai; then climb up to the top of Phousi Mount for an enjoyable exploration of the sacred, gilded stupa as well as a beautiful sunset view of the city and the Mekong River. From there, explore Street Night Bazaar, where you can find the lovely collection and handmade textile by local and hill tribe people residing around Luang Prabang. Overnight in Luang Prabang. Optional dinner at one of the finest local restaurants on the bank of Mekong River. Luang Prabang is the best-preserved traditional city in Southeast Asia. The tranquility and charm of this town with its splendid natural scenery and cultural sights make it one of the most delightful places to visit in Laos.

    Meals: No Meals
    Accommodation: Santi Resort
  • 2
    Luang Prabang - Pak Ou Caves

    After breakfast, enjoy a short-guided tour to the city's oldest temple of Wat Sene and the magnificent Wat Xiengthong with its roofs sweeping low to the ground, which represent the classical architecture of Luang Prabang temples. Then board a cruise upstream the Mekong River, which also gives us a beautiful view of the tranquil countryside as well as an interesting visit to the mysterious Pak Ou Caves, crammed with thousands of gold lacquered Buddha statues of various shapes and sizes. Along the way, stop at the village of Ban Xanghai, where they make the distillation of local rice wine. On return, take a short drive to Ban Xang Khong and Ban Xienglek, which is well known for its hand made Jute Sar paper. Overnight in Luang Prabang.

    Meals: Breakfast
    Accommodation: Santi Resort
  • 3
    Luang Prabang- Kuangsi waterfall

    This morning you may want to wake up early and participate in the daily early morning ritual of saffron-clad monks with their black Alms-giving bowls being given offerings from the local people, including the ubiquitous sticky rice. After breakfast, you will visit the morning Phosi Market where you will see such diverse offerings as dried buffalo skin, local tea and saltpeter among the chickens, vegetables and hill-tribe weavings. Then, visit the National Museum, and then you will visit the Ban Ouay, Hmong Hill tribe, Ban Ou, Lowland Lao and Ban Thapene of Khmu village. Continue driving to the beautiful Khouangsi Waterfall where you can splash around in the pools or walk along the forest paths, return to Luang Prabang by late afternoon and continue to Ban Phanom, a well known weaving village. Return to the city by late evening to catch the sunset at Wat Siphouthabath. Overnight in Luang Prabang.

    Meals: Breakfast
    Accommodation: Santi Resort
  • 4
    Luang Prabang- Xieng Khuang

    After breakfast, drive 306 km overland on to a Hill Mountain with splendid natural scenery to Xieng Khuang. Upon arrival, visit the Plain of Jars, an impressive archaeological site where hundreds of large stone jars are littered all over the plateau. If time permits, you will see the old capital of Muang Khoun and the nearby villages, home to the Hmong hill tribe people. They have an interesting local culture and a colorful history. Overnight in Phonsavanh (the capital town of Xieng Khuang).

    Meals: Breakfast
    Accommodation: Vansana
  • 5
    Xieng Khuang - Vientiane

    After breakfast, visit Central Market, and then free at leisure to further explore the town before you catch a flight back to Vientiane. After checking in to hotel, continue sightseeing tour of Vientiane surroundings; visit the impressive Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge and the Buddha Park, a display of Buddhist and Hindu sculptures created by mystical monks on parkland located by the Mekong River. The spectacular sunset over the Mekong River is a perfect way to finish the day. Overnight in Vientiane.

    Meals: Breakfast
    Accommodation: Novotel
  • 6
    Vientiane

    In the morning, you will explore Vientiane capital city, visit the major sights of the capital; including the oldest Wat Sisaket with thousands of miniature Buddha statues and the former royal temple of Wat Prakeo previously housed the famous Emerald Buddha Image. On the way to the famous and sacred structure of That Luang Stupa, stop to take some pictures of the imposing Patuxay Monument, which is commonly known as Vientiane's own Arc de Triumph. In the afternoon, continue to visit the rest of Vientiane on foot, including Wat Ong Tue, Wat Inpeng and Wat Haisok. Then, pass by the major shopping area continuing to the Vientiane Central Market of Talad Sao and Talad Kouadin where the major goods is displayed, including fresh food, household, textiles, gold, silver and ancient souvenir varied display and return to Mekong Riverside. Overnight in Vientiane.

    Meals: Breakfast
    Accommodation: Novotel
  • 7
    Vientiane- Pakse- Khong Island

    After breakfast, take an early flight to Pakse. On arrival, drive on the National Road No. 13th south to Champassak and visit the ruins of Wat Phu, which is known as the most important Hindu sanctuary of the Khmer Empire between 9th -13th centuries. There is also a chance to visit some nearby Khmer temples and Buddhist shrines. After a short stop, continue to Khong Island by traditional local slow boat. Overnight in Khong Island.

    Meals: Breakfast
    Accommodation: Pon Arena
  • 8
    Khong Island

    Today, enjoy a cruise venturing into the widest reach of the Mekong River from where thousands of islets jut out in dry season, giving this area a lovely name "Siphandon". Along the way, stop at the Liphi Waterfalls and the fisherman village of Ban Khone. On return, take a short drive to the Lao-Cambodia border at Weukham and the sight of Khone Phapheng, which are both South East Asia 's biggest water falls. Overnight in Khong Island.

    Meals: Breakfast
    Accommodation: Pon Arena
  • 9
    Khong Island- Tadlo- Pakse

    Upon leaving Khong Island, continue your journey towards Tadlo, through Boloven Plateau where famous tea and coffee plantation and other lush vegetation and red surface of basaltic soil are incredible all along the way. En route, there are some opportunities to explore part of Boloven Plateau and visit some hill villages of the Katu , Alak and Nge ethnic minority people, and return to Pakse by late evening. Overnight in Pakse.

    Meals: Breakfast
    Accommodation: Champaksak Grand
  • 10
    Pakse - Departure

    There is a free time for your own exploration of Pakse Town before catching either flight to Siem Reap-Cambodia or overland exit through the Chongmek International checkpoint to Ubon Rathani Thailand.

    Meals: Breakfast

Gallery

Inclusions & Activity Level

Inclusions:

What's Included:
  • Accommodation and meals as indicated in the itinerary
  • Airport transfers
  • Ground transportation with an English speaking driver/guide
  • Sightseeing or activities or safaris as mentioned in the itinerary
  • Taxes
What's Excluded:
  • All items of a personal nature
  • Any increase in taxes, fuel cost and emergency rescue costs
  • Domestic airfare or Train fare
  • Gratuities and Tips
  • International airfare
  • Meals and drinks not specified in the itinerary
  • Souvenirs
  • Visas, Vaccination and Insurance
Activity Level:
Basic

Designed for travellers who enjoy the outdoors, are in good health, and want an interesting yet relaxing holiday experience. These trips may involve walking, trekking, hiking, cycling, rafting or sea kayaking at a very slow pace. Most of these trips are usually a week long in duration. These holidays usually include cultural activities and sightseeing that can be enjoyed by all. There will be exploring on foot as well. Most travellers will find themselves comfortable with the basic activity level trips.