Lost in Laos: Asia's Hidden Gem

Arrival in Vientiane

Arrival in Vientiane, the capital of Laos, to begin the tour.

Vientiane half-day city tour begins

A half-day guided city tour of Vientiane, one of the quietest capital cities in Southeast Asia.

Visit Wat Sisaket

Step inside Wat Sisaket, Vientiane's oldest surviving temple built in 1818, famous for its cloister walls containing thousands of miniature Buddha images in terracotta niches and its distinctive Siamese-style architecture. A serene and historically significant site that escaped destruction during the Siamese invasion of 1828.

Visit Wat Phra Keo

Explore Wat Phra Keo, a former royal temple originally built to house the revered Emerald Buddha, now serving as a museum showcasing some of the finest Lao Buddhist art and religious artifacts in the country. Although the Emerald Buddha now resides in Bangkok, the temple remains an important cultural and spiritual landmark.

Visit Patuxay Monument

Ascend Patuxay, Vientiane's iconic victory gate monument inspired by the Arc de Triomphe and dedicated to those who died fighting for independence from France, featuring intricate Buddhist and Hindu decorative motifs. Climb to the upper levels for sweeping panoramic views over the tree-lined boulevards of the capital.

Visit Wat That Luang

Marvel at Pha That Luang, Laos's most important national monument and a symbol of Lao sovereignty, a magnificent 45-metre golden stupa believed to enshrine a relic of the Buddha dating back to the 3rd century BC. Surrounded by ornate cloisters and statues, this iconic landmark is central to Lao Buddhist identity.

Friendship Bridge & Mekong riverbank

A stroll near the Friendship Bridge and along the banks of the Mekong River.

Lunch at leisure

Transfer to Vientiane railway station

High-speed train: Vientiane to Vang Vieng

Transfer to hotel

Check-in & relax at hotel

Overnight in Vang Vieng

Breakfast at hotel

Depart for Ban Vieng Sa Mai (Khmu village), starting point for kayaking tour

Kayaking Along the Nam Song River

Paddle through the stunning karst limestone scenery along the Nam Song River, enjoying the natural beauty surrounding Vang Vieng. This guided kayaking experience offers a thrilling yet accessible way to explore the region's waterways.

Visit Tham Norn Cave

Explore Tham Norn Cave, a striking limestone cave system near Vang Vieng featuring impressive stalactites and stalagmites. Guides lead visitors through the illuminated caverns, revealing fascinating geological formations.

Explore Tham Ngangfar Cave and Tube Inside Tham Norn Cave

Venture through the mysterious Tham Ngangfar Cave before experiencing the unique thrill of tubing through the underground river passages of Tham Norn Cave. This combination activity is a highlight of adventure tourism in Vang Vieng.

Picnic Lunch by the River

Take a relaxing break with a picnic lunch set against the scenic backdrop of the Nam Song River and surrounding limestone mountains. Enjoy local flavors while soaking in the tranquil riverside atmosphere.

Kayaking Back Toward Vang Vieng Town

Continue your kayaking journey along the Nam Song River, paddling downstream back toward Vang Vieng town through scenic karst landscapes. This return leg offers a relaxed pace with opportunities to appreciate the countryside.

Visit the Blue Lagoon for Swimming and Relaxation

Spend time at the famous Blue Lagoon near Vang Vieng, where clear turquoise waters invite swimming, rope swinging, and relaxation amid lush jungle surroundings. A refreshing and picturesque stop beloved by travelers.

Return to hotel

Overnight in Vang Vieng

Breakfast at hotel

Proceed to railway station

Travel from Vang Vieng to Luang Prabang by train

Private transfer from Luang Prabang train station to hotel for check-in

Scenic Dinner Cruise on the Mekong River with Sunset Views

Board a traditional wooden boat for an elegant dinner cruise along the Mekong River, savoring local cuisine as the sun sets over the mountains. A romantic and memorable way to experience Luang Prabang from the water.

View Pha Tad Ke Botanical Garden and Surrounding Mountains

Explore Pha Tad Ke Botanical Garden, Laos's first botanical garden set across the Mekong River from Luang Prabang, showcasing rare native plants against a backdrop of forested mountains. A serene escape combining horticulture, nature, and stunning scenery.

Relax and Experience Local Riverside Culture and Lifestyle

Spend leisurely time along the Mekong riverside, observing daily life as fishermen, monks, and locals go about their routines in the unhurried Lao way. An immersive cultural experience that offers authentic insight into life along the river.

Visit the Luang Prabang Night Market

Stroll through Luang Prabang's vibrant night market lining the main street, browsing handcrafted textiles, silverware, and souvenirs made by local artisans and ethnic hill tribes. A colorful evening experience blending shopping, culture, and street food.

Overnight in Luang Prabang

Breakfast at hotel

Pick-up from hotel in Luang Prabang and drive to Kuang Si Waterfalls

Explore Kuang Si Waterfalls and Swim in Natural Turquoise Pools

Discover the spectacular multi-tiered Kuang Si Waterfalls cascading into a series of stunning turquoise travertine pools ideal for swimming. Set within lush jungle about 29 km from Luang Prabang, this is one of Laos's most iconic natural attractions.

Visit the Bear Conservation Center Near Kuang Si Waterfalls

Stop at the Tat Kuang Si Bears Rescue Centre, a sanctuary adjacent to the waterfalls that rehabilitates sun bears rescued from illegal wildlife trade. Visitors can observe the bears in large natural enclosures and learn about conservation efforts.

Travel to Pak Ou Caves with a stop at Ban Na Uang Hmong village

Lunch at a Restaurant with Scenic Mekong River View

Enjoy a leisurely lunch at a riverside restaurant overlooking the majestic Mekong River, sampling traditional Lao dishes in a relaxed and picturesque setting. A perfect midday pause combining great food with panoramic views.

Slow Boat Ride on the Mekong River to Pak Ou Caves

Board a traditional slow boat and cruise upstream along the scenic Mekong River, passing limestone cliffs, riverside villages, and lush jungle on the way to the revered Pak Ou Caves. The journey itself is a highlight, offering a peaceful window into rural Lao life.

Visit Pak Ou Caves and Thousands of Buddha Statues

Explore the sacred Pak Ou Caves, two river-carved caverns set into a limestone cliff at the confluence of the Mekong and Nam Ou rivers, housing thousands of gold and wooden Buddha statues left by devotees over centuries. A spiritually significant and visually striking site deeply embedded in Lao culture.

Boat Trip to Ban Xang Hai (Whisky Village)

Take a short boat journey to Ban Xang Hai, a riverside village renowned for producing traditional Lao Lao rice whiskey in large clay jars. Stroll through the village and browse locally made pottery, textiles, and spirits.

Observe Lao Lao Rice Whiskey Production and Taste Local Varieties

Watch villagers demonstrate the traditional distillation process of Lao Lao, the beloved local rice whiskey, using age-old techniques passed down through generations. Sample a variety of flavors including plain, mulberry, and herb-infused versions.

Sunset Boat Ride Returning to Luang Prabang

Drift back to Luang Prabang aboard a traditional wooden boat as the golden hour bathes the Mekong River and surrounding mountains in warm light. A peaceful and scenic conclusion to a day of exploration on the water.

Overnight in Luang Prabang

Breakfast at hotel

Visit Luang Prabang's Morning Market

Rise early to explore Luang Prabang's bustling morning market, where local vendors sell fresh produce, herbs, live animals, and handmade goods in a lively and authentic atmosphere. An excellent opportunity to observe everyday Lao life and discover local ingredients.

Visit Wat Mai Temple

Admire Wat Mai Suwannaphumaham, one of Luang Prabang's most ornate and important temples, distinguished by its five-tiered roof and elaborately gilded facade depicting scenes from the Ramayana and the last life of Buddha. A significant religious and artistic landmark in the UNESCO-listed town.

Explore the Royal Palace Museum

Tour the former royal residence of the Lao monarchy, now converted into a national museum displaying royal regalia, ceremonial artifacts, and gifts from foreign heads of state. The palace grounds also house the revered Phra Bang Buddha statue, the country's most sacred image.

Visit the Traditional Arts and Ethnology Centre (TAEC)

Discover the rich cultural diversity of Laos's many ethnic groups at the Traditional Arts and Ethnology Centre, featuring rotating exhibits of traditional costumes, jewelry, tools, and ceremonies from over 40 minority groups. An enlightening and beautifully curated museum in the heart of Luang Prabang.

Overnight in Luang Prabang

Breakfast at hotel and check-out

Transfer to Airport for departure