Laos Tours and Travel

Day 1 – Luang Prabang

• Arrive at your convenience into Luang Prabang, a beautiful town located at the confluence of the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers.
• Start the visit of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, home to many temples, including Wat Xieng Thong (the Golden City Temple), Wat Phon Sheu (the Mountain Monastery), and Wat Mai Suwan (the Silver Temple).
• Walk up Phousi Mountain for a panoramic sunset view of the city and surrounding mountains.
• Finish the day with a trip to the colorful Night Market.

Day 2 – Luang Prabang and Pak Ou Caves

• In the morning, participate in the traditional alms-giving ceremony, where monks receive offerings from the local people.
• Then, enjoy a guided tour to see the city’s oldest temples that you couldn’t visit the day before.
• Board a cruise up the Mekong River to the mysterious Pak Ou Caves, which are crammed with thousands of gold lacquered Buddha statues of various shapes and sizes.
• Along the way stop at the village of Ban Xanghai, where you can see the locals distilling rice into local Lao Lao wine and whiskey.

Day 3 – Luang Prabang and Kuang Si Falls

• After breakfast, stroll through the Phousi Market where you see many local products such as dried buffalo skin, local tea and salt among the chickens, vegetables and hill-tribe weavings.
• In the afternoon, visit the Kuang Si Falls, a series of cascading waterfalls surrounded by lush jungle. You can go for a swim in the turquoise pools at the base of the falls.
• You can also visit the Bear Rescue Center, managed by an NGO called FreeTheBears.

Day 4 – The Plain of Jars

• Drive to the Xieng Khouang Plateau, home to the mysterious “plain of jars”, a UNESCO site with hundreds of mysterious megalithic jars. This high-altitude region exhibits a rich diversity and stands in contrast to the more tropical parts of Laos. Archaeologists believe that the jars were used 1,500 to 2,000 years ago. Most of the excavated material has been dated to around 500 BC to 800 AD. Anthropologists and archaeologists have theorized that the jars may have been used as funeral urns or perhaps storage for food.
• The plateau itself is scarred by the legacy of American bombing from 1964-1973. The jars lie scattered throughout the northern end of the plain in the Lao Highlands close to the principal mountain range of Indochina which divides Laos and Vietnam. It played a big role in the context of the Vietnam War and the Secret War. On your way to the cultural sites, you might see old Russian tanks and large craters which are now historic remnants themselves.
• Along the way stop at hill-tribe villages, mostly from the Hmong minority.

Day 5 – Phonsavanh – Vientiane

• Start early, riding to the ruins of the old capital of the Phuan kingdom.
• On the way back to Phonsavanh, explore more of the Plain of Jars, either “Site 2” or “Site 3”.
• At site 2 many of the jars show the damage from roots by the effect of time and nature while others are completely split in two by their forest neighbors. This site is less touristy so visitors can feel closer to such incredible historical landmarks and more “green” with more scenic hilltop view of rice paddy fields and the plains below.
• Dinner and Overnight

Day 6 – Vientiane

• Early breakfast and transfer to the airport: A 45-minute flight will bring you to the capital of Laos, Vientiane.
• Today is dedicated to the capital. First up, visit Wat Sisaket, the oldest surviving temple in Vientiane. Be prepared to be awestruck by its thousands of miniature Buddha statues.

• Next, journey to Wat Prakeo, the former royal temple that once housed the revered Emerald Buddha Image. Continuing your exploration to the iconic That Luang Stupa. This magnificent golden structure is a national symbol and a must-see for any visitor to Vientiane.

• Then, check the imposing Patuxay Monument. This majestic archway, often compared to the Arc de Triomphe, offers a perfect opportunity for capturing some memorable photos.

• Depending on the weather, you can then embark on a leisurely walking tour in the afternoon. You could visit serene temples like Wat Ong Tue, Wat Inpeng, and Wat Haisok, or simply relax and soak in the local atmosphere.

• No trip to Vientiane is complete without experiencing its vibrant markets. Navigate through the bustling Talat Sao and Talat Kouadin, the city’s central markets.

Day 7 – Vientiane

• Breakfast at hotel
• Tour concludes

Example of Express Laos Tour (4 days)

Day 1 – Vientiane

• Start your Laotian adventure in Vientiane, the capital city. Despite being a small capital, Vientiane boasts a colonial charm alongside beautiful Buddhist temples.
• Spend the morning exploring Wat Si Saket, the oldest temple in Vientiane, known for its thousands of captivating miniature Buddha statues.
• Next, head to Wat Prakeo, the former royal temple that once housed the Emerald Buddha (now displayed in Bangkok).
• In the afternoon, visit the That Luang Stupa, a magnificent golden landmark considered the most important national monument in Laos.

Day 2 – Vientiane – Mekong River & Night Market

• This morning, take a stroll along the scenic Mekong River for a refreshing perspective of the city.
• In the afternoon, head to the imposing Patuxay Monument for panoramic views of the city. This impressive structure is nicknamed Vientiane’s own “Arc de Triomphe.”
• As the day winds down, explore the vibrant Vientiane Night Market. Immerse yourself in the sights and smells as you browse through an array of local crafts, textiles, and delicious street food.

Day 3 – Luang Prabang and Kuang Si Falls

• Take a short flight from Vientiane to Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This charming town, located at the confluence of the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers, is known for its serene atmosphere and stunning temples.
• In the morning, participate in the traditional alms-giving ceremony, a unique cultural experience where monks receive offerings from the local people.
• Afterward, embark on a walking tour to explore some of Luang Prabang’s many temples, including Wat Xieng Thong (the Golden City Temple) and Wat Mai Suwan (the Silver Temple).
• In the afternoon, take a trip to the breathtaking Kuang Si Falls, a series of cascading waterfalls surrounded by lush jungle. Take a dip in the cool, turquoise pools at the base of the falls or hike the trails that lead to the upper tiers.

Day 4: Luang Prabang – Relaxation & Departure

• After a relaxing breakfast, spend the morning exploring the streets of Luang Prabang or browsing through the shops at the Morning Market.
• Depending on your flight schedule, you may have time to do some last-minute shopping for souvenirs before departing from Luang Prabang.
• This itinerary provides a taste of Laos’ rich culture, from its historical sites and vibrant markets to its stunning natural landscapes. Remember, this is just a suggestion, and you can tailor it to your interests and preferences.