As you embark on this journey with, you will not only discover the beauty and wonder of the destination, but also learn about the importance of sustainable travel. This tour is designed to minimize your carbon footprint while maximizing your cultural experiences. From exploring local villages on foot, to taking public transportation, you will have the opportunity to truly immerse yourself in the local culture and way of life in Laos. Discover the country in a responsible and meaningful way.
Itinerary Highlights
Experience the new train through the country
Explore waterfalls in the north of the country
Meet hilltribes and learn about their culture
Visit the main highlights in the country
Low carbon emissions while traveling
What’s included
Completely private tours for all activities included
Meet & greet airport service
Eco friendly accommodation at your chosen level
Expert guides in each destination
High energy, low carbon activities
flexibility
This is an example itinerary. It is fully flexible; you can add or detract days and add hotels at your chosen budget. It departs daily.
6
Nights
Price Guide
FROM $3199pp
Our quotes are bespoke for your customised trip. The prices displayed are indicative only, read more
Fly to vientiane
Day 1
Vientiane – Arrival – Evening Walking Foodie Tour
Upon arrival into Vientiane, your guide and driver will be waiting at the airport to provide transport to the hotel for check in.
Start this evening’s tour and do things the local way and head to a beer shop with your guide for a sundowner. Sip on cold BeerLao as the sun sets over the Mekong River. Beer shops are popular post-work watering holes and the atmosphere is always enjoyable.
After dark, the street stalls fire up their grills and start cooking. Take a walk through Sihom, an area of small stalls selling cheap but tasty snacks. Wander from stall to stall stopping to taste items such Lao-style donuts, bowls of steaming noodles and pork meatball wraps. Continue to nearby Ban Anou night market, the city’s culinary hub. The market is a hive of activity in the evening with Vientiane’s residents who come to dine with friends or family. Walk through the rows of food stalls and rub-elbows with the locals. The market is a great place to sample exotic snacks such as fried insects or classic Laos favourites like grilled pork skewers.
Having filled up on savoury treats, venture to a hidden sweets shop for dessert. The specialty here is ice cream and sticky rice, an oddly delicious combination. With a full belly, it is time to return to the hotel for a good night’s sleep.
Day 2
Walking city tour of Vientiane
Vientiane is one of Southeast Asia’s most misunderstood cities. While many tourists dismiss it as a modern, dusty capital, it has a unique charm that unveils itself to the intrepid traveller. Spend today getting to know the true lure of Vientiane.
Start the walking tour with a visit to Wat Sisaket, a serene temple whose teak hallways are filled with thousands of miniature Buddha statues. Nearby is Wat Phra Keo where ancient Lao and Khmer art works are on display and the Presidential Palace, a beautiful colonial-style building once used as the French governor’s residence. Next it’s on to Wat Simuang to partake in a unique Laos’ tradition. This is the city’s most venerated temple and the locals believe that any wish will be granted by walking around its main pillar three times.
Take a break at midday for lunch at Mini Makphet is run by Peuan Mit, an organization founded by Friends-International in Vientiane in 2004 to address the needs of street children and young people in Laos.
Then it is on to two of the most recognizable landmarks in Laos: Patuxay and That Luang. Built to resemble Paris’ Arc de Triomphe, Patuxay offers fabulous views over the capital. That Luang is equally impressive, a 16th-century gilded temple that is one of the country’s holiest sites. As evening approaches, join the locals on the banks of the Mekong River. Stroll along the riverside, stopping to enjoy a cold drink or to sample a snack from one of the many food stalls.
Day 3
Vientiane – Vang Vieng by Bicycle
After breakfast then transfer to Vientiane train station to take the train to Vang Vieng.
Suggested Train: C82/VTE-VV/07:30-08:25
Transfer from the train station to your hotel, where your bike will be ready for you. Spend today exploring the natural beauty of central Laos by bike. Start by crossing the Nam Song River, leaving behind any signs of modernity in Vang Vieng and heading into the countryside. Travel through the rice paddies to Tham Pou Kham, a cave located 100 meters underground. Wander around the immense cavern and go for an optional swim in the clean, spring-fed waterhole. Continue through the countryside to Tham Chang Cave. Set high in the cliffs, the cave offers a spectacular view over the surrounding farms and fields. Inside there are plenty of stalactites and stalagmites to explore and a natural spring-fed basin contains cool water for swimming.
Lunch at a local restaurant
Cycle to an organic farm. Take a short walk around to learn about the organic growing process and to see the range of produce being grown. Then return to Vang Vieng for a relaxing afternoon in town. Dinner at Villa Vieng Tara
Day 4
Vang Vieng – Luang Prabang – Full Day Cycling – Evening Foodie tour
After breakfast then transfer to Vientiane train station to take the train to Vang Vieng. Suggested Train: C82/VV-LPQ/08:25-09:23
Transfer from the train station to the hotel will be done by e-vehicle (when available). Upon arrival in Luang Prabang head out on a cycling excursion. Visit the National Museum, once the Royal Palace that now houses an impressive collection of historical relics and informative displays. Cycling through the streets and lanes, Luang Prabang reveals its true charms. Stops will be made a few wats (temples) of importance and to take photos of scenic spots.
Having worked up an appetite, stop for lunch at a restaurant known for its local specialties. Having rested and refuelled, return to the bikes and pedal out away from Luang Prabang to discover what awaits beyond the city limits.
Visit Phosy Market which is predominantly selling locally grown produce. Back on the bikes ride on to Ock Pop Tock, a not-for-profit organization aiming to preserve traditional Lao weaving techniques. A short tour reveals the age-old process of creating beautiful Lao textiles- from dying to the actual weaving. One last stop will be made at the Traditional Arts & Ethnology Centre. Spend time taking in the displays of costumes, tools and artifacts. (Note: closed on Mondays).
Optional, if you feel you’re “templed-out”, opt for a visit to the UXO Lao Visitor Center. Here you can learn about the problems caused by unexploded bombs and mines left behind by American armed forces after the end of the Vietnam War and the Secret War. The center provides a free entry and shows the outstandingly courageous work of the Lao National Unexploded Ordnance Programme (UXO Lao) to clear this dangerous ordinance.
This evening take a “foodie walking tour”- starting at Sunset Restaurant (famous for the ‘Obama Coconut’ as this was where the former US President came for a refreshment on his last visit). Dine on a selection of the owners’ favourite local snacks, sip on a fresh coconut while watching sunset over the Mekong. Next, walk (500m) to the bustling night market food stalls. Sit in a reserved stall and try the grilled chicken with a papaya salad. This, of course, must be accompanied with a fresh bottle of beer! Then, continue the foodie tour through the night market to Tangor, a trendy restaurant known for its Indochinese inspired decor and cuisine. Here, indulge in either the red duck curry or fish ceviche accompanied with a selected glass of red or white wine. From here, walk back to the hotel.
(Please note: Most local cuisine is traditionally spicy and hot! Please inform the guide just how much chili is tolerable and he/she will arrange with the restaurants accordingly). Veggie options are available, vegan is much more limited.
Day 5
Luang Prabang – Cycling – Exploring the Mekong’s Hidden Side
Pickup your bikes this morning and cycle towards the former Royal boat pier. Upon arrival at Ban Xieng Mene, we will cycle along the banks of the Mekong on small village paths to Vat Chom Phet. Climb up the stairs to discover this first temple, which used to be King’s favourite temple to retreat when he needed to get away from the court’s troubles.
Continue to Vat Long Khoun, with its unique inner mural paintings, then take a dirt road through the untouched and rarely visited countryside. Along the way stop at a Ban Nakham for snacks and refreshments before though the paddy fields and serene landscapes. Next ride to a Khmu village to meet the elders and then continue to the secret Hoy Khoua waterfall, for a picnic lunch.
Next stop at Ban Pak Loung, a Hmong village, board a private boat to cruise upstream to Ban Chan. The village is renown in the region for its pottery making and visit the underground kilns. These ancestral methods are transferred, from one generation to another and require patience and dexterity. Feel free to support them by buying a little figurine in order to support their handicraft. As you cruise back up to Luang Prabang admire the Mekong river lifestyle and picturesque landscapes.
NOTE; As we aim to limit our carbon footprint on this tour, today’s cycling trip does not include a backup vehicle.
Day 6
Luang Prabang – Oudomxay – Nam Kat Yorla Pa
After breakfast transfer to Luang Prabang train station by e-vehicle( subject to availability) to take the train to Oudomxay. Suggested Train: C82/LPQ-Oudomxay/09:23-10:17 (second class)
Upon arriving in Oudomxay, you will be transferred to the hotel. Then the rest of the day is spent enjoying the activities, such as cycling towards Namkat Waterfall for about 5 km. When reaching the entrance, trek and walk over 13 sky-bridges for around about 1 km. Then to return take 11 zip linings back to the entrance and cycling back to the Tour information’s center.
Day 7
Oudomxay – Luang Prabang – Departure
Depart Vientiane south to Ban Kong Lor. This first leg of the journey takes around three hours and includes an interesting stop at Wat Prabath Phansane (Temple of the Footprint of Buddha) and lunch at a local restaurant. From here continue to the Phou Hin Poun NPA (National Protected Area). The scenery becomes much more spectacular, featuring limestone karsts, forests and rice paddies.
After breakfast, the rest of the day is free to explore the resort until your transfer to Oudomxay train station to take the train to Luang Prabang. Suggested Train: C81/Oudomxay-LPQ/12:45-13:45 (second class)
Upon arrival Luang Prabang then transfers to have lunch at a local restaurant. Enjoy some free time at leisure until transport (provided by guide and driver) to the airport for the departing flight.
on 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 $3199pp
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 Laos itinerary, for example you could head to Thailand for a beach stay or perhaps take a flight to Siem Reap and spend a few days exploring the magnificent temples of Angkor, the opportunities are really endless.
Laos is also easily accessed by the main flight hubs of Hanoi and Bangkok making city stopovers or beach extensions on Asia’s fabulous sandy shores easy to arrange.
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