Escape to the countryside to discover the natural beauty of Laos. Spend time relaxing at the Kuang Si Waterfalls and discovering the stunning UNESCO World Heritage listed town of Luang Prabang. Journey to Nong Khiaw, a sleepy riverside town surrounded by bucolic landscapes and charming villages waiting to be explored. Offset the basic accommodation in Nong Khiaw with amazing luxury hotels and beautiful characterful boutique guesthouses and lodges in Luang Prabang! The perfect short itinerary for a quick visit to Laos.
Itinerary Highlights
Visit UNESCO World Heritage listed town of Luang Prabang
Travel out to the rural town of Nong Khiaw to experience how locals live.
Learn about the “Secret War” once fought over Laos
Visit Kwang Si Falls, one of the most serene beautiful waterfalls in Asia!
What’s included
Completely private tours for all activities included
Meet & greet airport service
Luxury and boutique accommodation at your chosen level
Expert guides in each destination
flexibility
This is an example itinerary. It is fully flexible; you can add or detract days and include hotels at your chosen budget. It departs daily.
14
Nights
Price Guide
From $1495+ pp
Our quotes are bespoke for your customised trip. The prices displayed are indicative only, read more
Day 1
arrive in luang prabang
Day 1
Luang Prabang – petanque & Mount Phousi
Upon arrival to Luang Prabang, our guide and driver will be waiting to provide transport to the hotel for check in. After relaxing at the hotel for a bit, head out into town for the first hands-on cultural experience.
In the late afternoon, join the locals in a game of petanque- one of the favourite pastimes of Laos. Receive tips, tricks and cheers from the locals while playing, enjoying some local snacks and drinks along the way.
After the game, and just before sunset, start to ascend the 328 steps that climb to the top of Mount Phousi. Reaching the top, soak in the brilliant panoramic views over the city and surrounding countryside as the sun slowly begins to set. After sunset, head down the mountain and take a stroll through the evening hill tribe market, home to some of the city’s best souvenirs, handicrafts and textiles.
Overnight in Luang Prabang
Day 2
Alms & Kuang Si Waterfalls
For early risers, there is a very special dawn visit to watch the monks collecting 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.
After returning for breakfast, head out from the hotel (09:00) with the guide for a visit to the Traditional Arts & Ethnology Centre. This centre offers some excellent insight into the country’s various ethnic groups and traditional crafts. (Note: closed on Monday).
After visiting the museum, drive into the countryside for a visit to the Kuang Si Waterfalls. Upon reaching the Kuang Si Waterfalls, relax and enjoy the beautiful natural surroundings. At the top of the falls, the adventurous sort can find stunning views (after a short hike), and at the base of the falls, the water collects into tranquil, turquoise pools, perfect for swimming (please dress modestly).
Enjoy a delicious picnic lunch next to the falls.
On the journey back, there is an optional visit to the Free the Bears sanctuary, housing 23 Asiatic Bears rescued from poaching. An additional visit can be made at the unique Lao Buffalo Dairy Farm, a social enterprise that produces sustainable and delicious cheese while giving back to the community and environment. While the buffalo may be the stars here, there are also playful pigs, chickens and rabbits that are just as fun to interact with for the young and young at heart. Enjoy a homemade ice cream at the cafe before saying goodbye to the Buffaloes and the team.
Transfer back to LP this afternoon.
Day 3
Nong Khiaw & the “Secret War”
After breakfast, depart with the guide for the 2.5 hour drive to Nong Khiaw. After checking in to the hotel, enjoy lunch at Nong Khiaw Riverside.
After lunch, visit the historical cave of Pha Thok. The Nong Khiaw villagers used this cave as a war hideout during the “Secret War” to shelter people from bombs dropped in the region. It is about a 30-minute gentle walk from Nong Khiaw town and meanders through beautiful scenery. Learn more about a secret part of Lao history and explore the historical caves with the guide. Walk back to Nong Khiaw along a small path through the rice paddies.
Enjoy the sunset over the river. Overnight in Nong Khiaw
Day 4
Trek to Tad Mok Waterfall, Boat Ride and Khmu Village
Start with a traditional boat, complete with a roof to shade against the sun and any rain, riding upstream on the Nam Ou for around 40 minutes. Surrounded by mountains and passing villages nestled in the forests, you will see Buffalo bathing in the river, people fishing and often children swimming in the river. It is an idyllic location and will give you a peaceful sense of serenity and you enjoy your boat ride. Visit Sopkhong, a small Khmu tribal village where you can learn about their way of life. Then trek through local farmland and rice paddies to the start of the jungle and discover the beautiful limestone, Tad Mok Waterfall. Here you can relax and enjoy a refreshing splash in this perfect setting where lunch is served. After spending 30-40 minutes here we head back to the village along a small dirt road arriving at the river where we take a 5-minute boat ride to another small Khmu village, Huay Hoy. Then take the boat for 35 minutes back to Nong Khiaw.
Day 5-6
Nong Khiaw to Luang Prabang & Depart
After breakfast, transport will be provided to Luang Prabang, taking approximately 2.5 hours. Check in to the hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.
Day 6, enjoy free time at leisure to explore Luang Prabang until transfer to the airport for your departing flight.
Day 6
travel to next destination
A note on price
The prices outlined above are a rough guide to give you an idea of costs and enable you to budget for your trip.
Guide prices are generally for private arrangements based on twin share, in well located, good quality accommodation (excluding international flights).
Please note costs are indicative and may vary due to a number of factors such as; travel date, hotel choice, room category, number of people travelling and prevailing exchange rates.
Price Guide from $1495+ per person
When to travel
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The optimum time to visit Laos is between mid October and the end of February when the weather is time is generally very pleasant although it can get a little chilly in the mountainous north. (If entering Luang Prabang by boat from Northern Thailand or plan to undertake any river journeys in the North, remember to pack a warm fleece as the mornings on the river can be particularly cold). The hot dry season begins in February when temperatures can reach up to 40c and generally lasts through to April/May. Increasing humidity and temperatures bring on the wet season which lasts from June to October. During this time the Mekong River rises, and flooding of the surrounding area is not uncommon.
January is a dry and relatively cool month in Laos. The days are generally sunny, and the humidity is lower compared to other months. It's a great time for outdoor activities and exploring. Nights can be slightly cooler, so a light jacket or sweater will be needed, especially in the north. Temperature: 20°C - 28°C • Best
February is still dry and temperatures gradually start to warm up. The weather remains pleasant with comfortable temperatures, making it ideal for outdoor adventures and sightseeing. Evenings and early mornings can still be a bit cool, so packing a light layer is advisable. Temperature: 22°C - 31°C • Best
March marks the transition to hotter weather. Days become warmer, and the humidity begins to rise. It's advisable to carry sunscreen and stay hydrated while exploring outdoor areas. Light and breathable clothing is recommended. Temperature: 24°C - 34°C • Good
April is one of the hottest months in Laos. The weather is dry, and temperatures can reach their peak. It's important to protect yourself from the sun and stay hydrated. Light and breathable clothing, hats, and sunscreen are essential. Temperature: 26°C - 36°C • Good
May is characterized by high temperatures and increasing humidity. The rainy season begins towards the end of the month, leading to occasional showers. It's a good idea to have a raincoat or umbrella handy. Light and loose clothing is recommended to cope with the heat and humidity. Temperature: 26°C - 35°C • Mixed
June marks the start of the rainy season in Laos. Rainfall increases, and thunderstorms become more frequent. The temperatures are slightly cooler due to the rain, but humidity remains high. It's advisable to carry a raincoat or umbrella and plan outdoor activities accordingly. Temperature: 25°C - 34°C • Poor
July is part of the wet season with consistent rainfall and overcast skies. Expect frequent showers and occasional heavy downpours. It's recommended to carry rain gear, including a waterproof jacket and footwear, and plan indoor activities. Temperature: 24°C - 33°C • Worst
August experiences similar weather conditions to July, with regular rainfall and high humidity. Rain showers can be intense but are often short-lived. It's advisable to be prepared for wet weather, pack waterproof clothing and footwear, and plan indoor activities. Temperature: 24°C - 33°C • Worst
The rainy season continues in September, with occasional heavy downpours. The humidity remains high, and the weather can be unpredictable. It's recommended to plan indoor activities or visit locations that are less affected by the rain. Waterproof clothing and footwear are essential. Temperature: 24°C - 32°C • Mixed
October marks the transition period between the wet and dry seasons. Rainfall decreases gradually, and there are more sunny intervals. The temperatures become more pleasant, making it a good time for outdoor exploration. Light and breathable clothing is suitable. Temperature: 23°C - 31°C • Good
November is the start of the dry season in Laos. The weather becomes cooler, and rainfall decreases significantly. It's a great time for outdoor activities, as the humidity is lower, and the temperatures are comfortable. A light jacket or sweater may be needed for cooler evenings. Temperature: 21°C - 30°C • Good
December is part of the dry season, with cool and dry weather prevailing throughout the month. The humidity remains low, and there is minimal rainfall. It's an excellent time to explore outdoor attractions and enjoy the pleasant temperatures. A light jacket or sweater may be needed for cooler evenings. Temperature: 19°C - 27°C • Best
Add on’s
There are a multitude of add on holiday options to this short Laos itinerary, for example you could head further north in to Laos and embark on some light (or serious) trekking or perhaps take a flight from Luang Prabang to Siem Reap and spend a few days exploring the magnificent temples of Angkor or over to Hanoi.
Laos can be accessed by air from Hanoi, Bangkok and Siem Reap, by boat from Northern Thailand or for the more intrepid traveller, overland from North East Cambodia or Northern Vietnam.
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