Planned by An Tran,
local expert for Indonesia, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, Vietnam
4.9/5
Starting at USD 1550 per adult / 6 days
International flights not included. Price details
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One of Southeast Asia’s lesser-known countries, Laos is definitely off the beaten track, but it has retained its culture, charm and traditional village life, wild jungle and stunning countryside. Come here for tradition and mystery and a unique adventure.

This itinerary is just a starting point as all services are 100% customizable to suit your travel wants and needs. Looking for different hotels, other experiences or an alternative route? Get in touch with An Tran today to receive your personalized quote. Just enter your details and receive a quote based on your preferences.

Highlights

Overview

Vientiane 2 nights
Xieng Khouang 1 night
Luang Prabang 2 nights

Detailed Itinerary

DAY 1-3

Vientiane

Vientiane Travel guide

DAY 1

Vientiane Buddha Park & Temples

This full-day tour starts early at 8:30am with a visit to Wat Sisaket, the oldest original temple in Vientiane. Built in 1818, Wat Sisaket is the sole survivor of an invasion in 1828. It features remarkable frescoes and 6,840 Buddha images. Nearby is Ho Phra Keo, once the royal temple of Lao monarchy. Built in 1565, Ho Phra Keo has been used as a museum since 1970 and contains some of the finest Buddhist sculptures and artefacts in the country. The main structure originally housed the famous Emerald Buddha that now resides in Bangkok’s Wat Phra Keo. One of the most photographed images of Vientiane is Patousay, the victory gate also known as Anousavari - constructed in 1958, its architecture is inspired by the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. Another famous Vientiane landmark is the That Luang Stupa. King Setthathirath built this great sacred stupa in 1566. Its central structure is 45 meters tall and echoes the curving lines of an elongated lotus. The original stupa was said to contain relics of Buddha. Next we will visit the Morning Market (Talaat Sao), known for its superior silk weaving, metal work, and woodcarving. After lunch, you will have the opportunity to visit Vientiane’s surroundings, including the Buddha Park, located 24 km south of Vientiane, and take a look at the impressive Friendship Bridge. Return to Vientiane and visit the weaving village of Ban Nong Bouathong. The tour finishes with a stroll along the banks of the Mekong River at sunset.

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Accommodation: Dhavara Hotel

DAY 2

Historical Vientiane

The historical tour starts with a visit to Laos National Museum (closed on public holidays), one of the only museums in Vientiane documenting both the history of Laos and the history of the war. Afterwards, we will continue to the former President Kaysone Phomvihane Memorial Museum (closed on Mondays and public holidays). The museum comprises a central statue hall, surrounded by exhibition rooms with dioramas and displays that trace the great man’s life and career in the context of the Lao revolutionary history. After touring the museum visitors can proceed to the Former President Kaysone Phomvihane’s house, historical area located approximately one kilometer from the museum, where the former President's living and working quarters from 1975-1978 can be viewed. Afterwards, there will be a stop for lunch at Kualao Restaurant.In the afternoon, we will go to the Cope Visitor Center (Cooperative Orthotic and Prosthetic Enterprise). Since the war ended in 1975, the country is still trying to clear up a significant amount of UXO's (unexploded ordnance). The center provides prosthetics and mobility devices for those affected by these UXO’s, for free if they cannot afford to pay for them. An interactive exhibit about the UXO problem tells how they affect communities, with stories of injured people and their experiences through their rehabilitation process. It also supplies information about services available, offers training and support to local staff to provide a high level of service, and assistance in developing longer-term strategies for sustainability to ensure the availability of these services in the future. Entry to the visitor’s center is free but there are many ways in which you can support the rehabilitation projects.

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Accommodation: Dhavara Hotel

DAY 3-4

Xieng Khouang

DAY 3

Plain of Jars Tour

You will meet your guide upon arrival at Xieng Khouang Airport and betransferred to Phonesavanh, the new capital city of Xieng Khouang Province, for check-in at your hotel. The Northern province of Xieng Khouang was heavily bombed during the Vietnam War and, as soon as the plane begins to descend, one can notice how much of the province is still pockmarked with sizeable bomb craters. The original capital, Xieng Khouang, was almost totally destroyed, so the capital was moved to Phonesavanh. Near Phonesavanh is the mysterious Plain of Jars, which is soon to be listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage site. The jars mostly weigh between 600 kg and a ton, but the biggest one weighs as much as six tons. The jars have been fashioned from solid stone, most from a tertiary conglomerate known as molasses, similar to sandstone, and a few are granite. The visit to the Plain of Jars takes in site 1 which features 250 jars weighing from 600 kg to one ton, a large area extending around Phonesavanh where several hundred huge jars of unknown origin are scattered about in over a dozen groupings. Several theories have been advanced as to the functions of the jars (burial urns, wine fermenters, rice storage), but there is no evidence confirming one theory over the other. However, in the 1930s, French archeologists found ashes, stone axes, bronze ornaments and ceramics, which may have been offered to the dead. When the Plain of Jars is listed by UNESCO and cleared from remaining UXO, further archeological investigation may offer a clue as to all the unanswered questions regarding the most enigmatic site in Laos. Upon completion of the visit, we will return to Phonesavanh Township.

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Accommodation: Vansana Plain of Jars

DAY 4

On to Your Next Adventure

Today you will discover a new destination. Enjoy a relaxed morning at your hotel before your transfer arrives and you are taken to the next stop on your itinerary.

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Accommodation: Sofitel Luang Prabang

DAY 4-6

Luang Prabang

Luang Prabang Travel guide

DAY 5

Luang Prabang Temples Tour

Visit Wat Visoun, the site of an impressive stupa, That Makmo, stylistically more Srilankalese than Lao. Then walk to the nearby Wat Aham, which is one of the city’s major tutelary shrines. Climb Vat Phousi hill for an outstanding view over the city. Continue to visit Wat Sene, considered one of the country’s most beautiful temples. Next, drive to visit Ban Phanom, a weaving village populated by Thai Lu. Visit the National Museum (former King’s Palace), which displays a collection of personal artifacts of the Royal Family. Then stroll through the lively Central Market where the ethnic minorities of the surrounding villages come to trade their goods every day. Drive to Ban Xang Khong village to see how traditional Sa paper is made. View the sunset from the banks of the Mekong River at Wat Siphoutthabad Tai.

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Accommodation: Sofitel Luang Prabang

DAY 6

Departure day

All of the greatest adventures must come to an end. Accompanied by fond memories, you’ll travel back to the airport for your departure flight and return home.

End in Vientiane

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