Regularly hailed as the most beautiful country in Southeast Asia, Laos is characterized by the expansive Mekong River that flows through its heart, with dense tropical forest either side and a backdrop of stunning mountains. Starting from the sleepy capital Vientiane where has many giant Buddha temples. Continue to Luang Prabang, you will be introduced to the spiritual centre of the country and its former capital. Next, we will take to the waters of the Mekong River to visit the Pak Ou Caves, lined with thousands of golden Buddha statues. Continuing up the river, we will arrive at the eco-friendly Ou-Kamu Lodge for an overnight stay in this natural paradise.
Arrive Vientiane. Your guide and private car will meet you and transfer you to your hotel for check-in.
In the afternoon, start your Laos highlight tour with a visit to Patuxay monument, Laos’ version of the Arc de Triomphe, where you can climb the stairs to the roof for sweeping panoramic views of the city. Next, your tour takes you to That Luang, the holiest site in Laos. Constructed by King Setthethirat in the 16th century, the temple is resplendent as the sun is shines upon its towering golden spire.
Overnight in Vientiane.
After breakfast at your hotel enjoy a guided tour to discover the hidden charms of Vientiane, whose name means ‘the city of sandal wood’. Vientiane is one of the quietest capitals in the world, far away from the bustle and hustle of other Asian capitals and far from the real-estate frenzy of the regional megalopolis.
Your tour begins at the serene Wat Sisaket, the only temple left intact after the Siamese (Thai) invasion in 1828. It is one of the most beautiful temples in the capital, and its breezy teak covered hallways are filled with thousands of miniature Buddha statues.
Continue on to the nearby Wat Phra Keo. Used as a religious museum, Wat Phra Keo displays a collection of both Lao and Khmer works of art. Also nearby, is the Presidential Palace. Although you are not allowed to visit inside, it is a good glimpse in to the town’s colonial past as this building formerly served as the French governor’s palace. Stop at Wat Simuang, the most popular and venerated temple in Vientiane, as it is considred the guardian of the spirit of the city. Upon its grounds, you will find an Angkorian-era pillar and it is a popular belief that if you circle it three times and make a wish, then that wish will come true.
Afternoon at leisure. Overnight in Vientiane.
Free time this morning at leisure.
Your guide and private car will then transfer you to the airport for your departure flight QV105 departing at 13:00 to Luang Prabang, the highlight of this Laos tour. Arrive Luang Prabang at around 13:40. Your guide and private care will meet you and transfer you to your hotel for check-in.
Free time in the afternoon to wander the lanes of the spiritual capital and UNESCO World Heritage Site, Luang Prabang.
As the day comes to an end climb the 328 steps that lead to the top of Mount Phousi where you will be rewarded with marvelous views of the Mekong and Nam Khan Rivers, the neighboring mountain ranges, and the city buildings. The sunset views are particularly spectacular as the sun casts glorious colors over the peaceful scenery below. Descend the steps on the opposite side of the hill and stroll to the nearby colorful Night Market. Every evening along the main street, the area’s ethnic minorities gather to sell their handicrafts. The quiet evening atmosphere and soft lights of the stalls combine to create a magical market setting from which to shop for souvenirs.
Overnight in Luang Prabang.
Today, take a half-day guided tour of Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Your guide will pick you up from your hotel after breakfast.
Start your city tour at the former Royal Palace, now the National Museum, where you will explore the history of Laos. Continue on foot to Wat Mai, a temple renowned for its golden bas-relief, and Wat Sensoukarahm, which features a beautiful dazzling golden façade. Finish the tour at Wat Xieng Thong, the most revered temple in Luang Prabang. Located at the end of the peninsula, close to the Mekong, this temple was built in 1560 by King Setthathirat and is decorated with ornate carvings and mosaics.
Then transfer back to your hotel or restaurant of your choice.
Overnight in Luang Prabang.
Optional: For early risers, there is a very special dawn visit to watch the monks collecting the alms. As the sun begins to rise, long lines of orange-robed monks leave their pagodas and walk barefoot down the streets collecting offerings from Luang Prabang residents. It is a beautiful, serene ceremony that highlights the spiritualism of the Laos people. Return to the hotel for breakfast.
After breakfast, visit the refreshing waters of the Kuang Si Waterfalls, located at 32 km from Luang Prabang. These waterfalls, a highlight of this Laos tour, cascade down a multilevel limestone formation creating a series of turquoise blue pools perfect for swimming in on a hot day. The jungle and dense woods surrounding the falls is filled with wildlife and pleasant walks can be taken along the natural footpaths. (Note: when bathing, please wear a sarong, no bare bodies). En route, there is an option of stopping at a small village inhabited by one of the country’s numerous ethnic minorities where you will learn more about their traditional way of life and unique customs.
Overnight in Luang Prabang.
After breakfast depart from Wat Xieng pier to embark on a cruise up the Mekong River from Luang Prabang to the Kamu Lodge.
Along the way stop at the Pak Ou Caves. Locally referred to as Tam Ting, these two caves are carved out of towering limestone cliffs and contain thousands of gold lacquered Buddha statues. The Buddhas range in size from a few centimeters to the size of a human. The caves are as well a destination for local pilgrimages.
Continue upriver for another hour to reach the Kamu Lodge for lunch time. The Kamu Lodge features 20 private canvas tents, each one of which is protected from the elements by a thatch roof. The tents are also decorated with bamboo and wooden furniture allowing the Lodges’ grounds to harmoniously blend with surrounding nature. They each feature private attached bathroom and toilet with solar powered hot water and electricity.
This afternoon, you may choose to participate in a variety of different activities. You will be rewarded with a very original Lao experience:
Rice planting and harvesting in surrounding rice fields
Gold panning (January to June) in the Mekong. Anything you find is yours!
Traditional fishing techniques in the Mekong. You can sample your catch for dinner!
Local village visit and encounters
Dinner and overnight at the Lodge.
This morning is at your leisure to enjoy breakfast and relaxing surroundings of the Kamu Lodge. Travel by boat down the Mekong to Luang Prabang, arriving in time for lunch.
Free time at leisure in Luang Prabang.
Your private car and guide will meet you at your hotel and transfer you to the airport for your departure flight.
Hotel rooms with daily breakfasts as mentioned or similar
Transfer services in private air-conditioned vehicle, unless when other vehicles are mentioned
Entrance fees and other boat fees where applicable
Meals as listed in the program (B= Breakfast; L= Lunch & D = Dinner); pre-arranged at local restaurants based on local food with set menus
Local English-speaking guides on day with tours
Government taxes & service charges
Internal airfares in the tour as mentioned
Drinks and other meals not clearly mentioned
Surcharge for special requests on food and meals
Entrance fees, car, and guide service during free time
Travel insurance
All kind of gratuities for guides, drivers, and others
Surcharge for public holidays (if any)
Internal airfares not mentioned in the tour
International airfare from/to your point of arrival/departure
Personal expenses such as bar, telephone. laundry bills,...
All other services not stated in the program
Surcharge for peak season
1. Tourist Visa
Please make sure your passport has at least 6 months validity from the entry date. Also please check whether you need an entry visa to Asian countries before starting your trip. Please consult with our travel consultant if you are not sure.
2. Notes on Airfares
All airfares are subject to change until final purchase.
Eco-flex class: allow to re-book (change date, change flight) without fee, but subject to availability. Passenger(s) pay surcharge between classes (if any)
Refund fee: 15% of airfare plus service charge.
Airport tax included
Child under 2 yrs: 10% of adult airfare; Child from 2 to 11 yrs: 75% of adult airfare
3. Land Transportation
Our price based on the group arrives at one time (on one flight). In case clients arrive at different flight times, and need different airport transfers, the extra transfer will be charged. We apply the same for the departure date.
4. Travel Insurance
Our price of the tour does not include travel insurance. We highly recommend you purchase health/travel insurance for your trip to Asia.
5. Responsibility
Except in situations beyond human control, VietnamStay will be held responsible for any additional expense resulting from the change caused by us in itinerary, transportation, and accommodation.
However, VietnamStay cannot be held responsible for denied boarding, nor for additional costs incurred due to the situations beyond human control.
The detailed program and schedule of flights are subject to changes by the airline without prior notice and in accordance with the weather conditions and daily operation of flights. Consequently, itinerary concerns might be adjusted. If this occurs, VietnamStay will endeavor to secure alternative arrangements.
6. Vaccine
It is not compulsory to get any vaccine to visit our countries. But we encourage you to have popular vaccines such as Diphtheria, Tetanus, Typhoid, Polio…. You may consult your doctor before traveling.
1. How to Book and Confirm Your Tour:
No service secured at our proposal, services in destination (hotel, boat, flight, guide etc) are subject to availability.
Please send a booking order to VietnamStay as soon as you agree on our proposal to secure your trip arrangement. Similar alternative service to be suggested when your choice is unavailable at the time of booking.
2. Passport and Flight Details
Full passport information is required in your booking order for flight reservation & hotel check-in
International flight details of arrival & departure are required for airport transfer arrangements
3. Deposit and Payment
At least 30% deposit of the total tour cost to be deposited upon commitment of the tour.
The outstanding amount to be paid prior to arrival date or at our offices in Viet Nam on your arrival day.
4. Cancellation, Amendment Policy, and Charges
In practice, VietnamStay always does the best to minimize the cancellation penalty for our guests but we must abide by the cancellation policy of each service provider.
Low season 01 May – 30 Sep | High season 01 Oct – 30 Apr | |
More than 20 days prior to the guest’s arrival day | No charge | No charge |
From 16 to 20 days | 10% | 20% |
From 8 to 15 days | 30% | 50% |
From 03 to 07 days | 50% | 75% |
Within 02 days or no show | 100% | 100% |
Please be advised that during Peak Season (Christmas and New Year) and during Public Holidays different cancellation policies may apply. The cancellation policy for such a period will be informed to the client(s) case by case.
5. Children Policy (Land Services Only)
Accompanied child from 1- 4 yrs: Free of charge if sharing existing bed with parents
Accompanied child from 5 – 6 yrs: charge 30% of adult price if sharing existing bed(s) with parents
Accompanied child from 5 – 6 yrs: charge 50% of adult price if using extra bed/mattress in parents’ room
Accompanied child from 7 – 11 yrs: charge 75% of adult price if using extra bed/mattress in parents’ room
Accompanied child from 12 yrs up: pay as adult rate
In case a child under 12 yrs using a twin share room with an adult, please pay full fare.
With VietnamStay, each tour is different according to the customers wishes.
Please share with us your travel need and we will customize it for you.
Fill out our personalized travel form to receive a FREE quote!
Once you receive the personalized quote, you can alter it with us to better meet your requirements.
Send booking order to us as soon as you agree on our proposal to secure your trip arrangement.
After confirmation, VietnamStay will begin arranging the finest services for you.
It’s time to pack your suitcases and embark on an adventure to explore new horizons. Wishing you a safe journey!
