Highlights of Laos
Experience Overview
Our eight-day tour of Laos ticks off glittering temples, vast caves and underground caverns. Witness monks collecting alms at sunrise, discover natural blue waterfalls and soak up the atmosphere at riverside markets.
Luang Prabang - Soak up the city's charming mix of French colonial architecture and golden Buddhist temples.
Vientiane - Explore the sleepy Laotian capital and haggle for colourful goods at the riverside nightmarket.
Vang Vieng - Wander amongst the towering limestone karst scenery or kayak the gentle Nam Song River.
Highlights
An 8-day scenic train trip through the heart of fascinating Laos with its laid-back charm|Discover the gilded Buddhist temples and French colonial heritage of Luang Prabang, the ancient capital of Laos|Wander amongst the towering limestone karst scenery in Vang Vieng and kayak the gentle Nam Song River
Trip Details
Product Code: 20369
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Moderate
Transport: BusTrain
Guide Language: English
Tour Operator:
Explore Worldwide
Supplier Code: LAH
Starts: Laos
Finishes: Laos
Duration: 8 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Easy
Includes
- Explore Tour Leader
- Driver(s)
- Local Guide(s)
Accommodation
- Sabaidee @ Lao Hotel
- Silver Naga Hotel
- Sala Prabang Hotel
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $1,410 ($176 /day)
Itinerary
Located on the banks of the Mekong River, the Laos capital is a relaxed place that has a feel more similar to a provincial town than a capital city. Weathered French Colonial mansions give way to golden temples, and the languid pace of life makes it an ideal place to explore by bicycle.
For those arriving on time, our tour leader plans to meet us in the hotel reception at 6pm for a welcome meeting and for those that wish, there is the chance to go out for dinner. There are no other activities planned today, so you're free to arrive in Vientiane at any time. If you'd like an airport transfer today, you'll need to arrive into Watty International Airport (VTE) which is a 15-minute drive from our hotel. If you miss the welcome meeting, our tour leader will inform you of any essential information as soon as you catch up.
If your flight arrives earlier in the day, you might like to see the unique Buddhist stupa of Pha That Luang before enjoying a Beerlao by the river at sunset. This is the best way to end the day, start your adventure and meet your fellow explorers.
Accommodation:
- Type - Hotel
- Accommodation Name - Sabaidee @ Lao Hotel
- Grade - Comfortable
- All Inclusive - No
- Any Meal Provided - No
- Breakfast Provided - No
- Dinner Provided - No
- Lunch Provided - No
- Meal Name - Meals Provided: None
This morning, we'll set out on a sightseeing tour around the city. Vientiane is a low-built, red roofed capital city, with a French feel and a relaxed atmosphere. We'll explore some of the best sights including the Victory Gate which is a Triumphal Arch with good views of the town, the That Luang stupa which is said to contain a hair of the Buddha, and Wat Sisaket, a beautiful temple packed with fine Buddha images.
This afternoon is free for you to explore more solo. You might like to visit the nearby Buddha Park, a vast green expanse just 30 minutes from the city that houses a selection of Buddhist and Hindu statues. Alternatively, you could visit the COPE Museum, a not-for-profit organisation set up to provide prosthetic limbs to the many victims of the unexploded ordinance (UXO) left behind from the Vietnam war. The museum does an excellent job of giving some of the background to the bombing campaign, along with showcasing the important work the COPE foundation is doing.
This evening, why not head out to see the lively night markets that line the Mekong River. They offer a variety of local handicrafts, clothing, souvenirs, and delicious street food. It's a great place to experience the local culture, shop for unique items, and enjoy tasty Lao dishes while watching the sunset over the river.
Accommodation:
- Type - Hotel
- Accommodation Name - Sabaidee @ Lao Hotel
- Grade - Comfortable
- All Inclusive - No
- Any Meal Provided - Yes
- Breakfast Provided - Yes
- Dinner Provided - No
- Lunch Provided - No
- Meal Name - Meals Provided: Breakfast
This morning, we make our way to Vientiane railway station to board the newly constructed Boten-Vientiane Railway for the short two hour journey to Vang Vieng. The recently-opened railway connects a series of rural villages in Laos using a fleet of modern trains that travel at speeds of up to 160 km/h. Upon arrival, the afternoon has been left free to explore our new surroundings.
This evening, why not take a short stroll down to the riverbank as the sun sets, where you can sit and take in dramatic scenery. Watch people float down the river as the sun starts to dip behind the mountains and the sky turns a burnt-orange - be sure to bring a camera to catch some sunset snaps.
Accommodation:
- Type - Hotel
- Accommodation Name - Silver Naga Hotel
- Grade - Comfortable
- All Inclusive - No
- Any Meal Provided - Yes
- Breakfast Provided - Yes
- Dinner Provided - No
- Lunch Provided - No
- Meal Name - Meals Provided: Breakfast
Vang Vieng enjoys an idyllic setting. Perched on the banks of the Nam Song River, it's surrounded by a patchwork of lush rice paddies and set to a backdrop of towering jagged limestone cliffs. Once known as a party-town for backpackers, present-day Vang Vieng has re-invented itself as the home of adventure travel in Laos, where its setting lends itself to a host of activities for anybody from casual walkers to adrenaline thrill-seekers.
Today has been left free for you to choose from a number of optional excursions, such as a guided walk past rice paddies to nearby minority villages, a visit to the underground cave network, or kayaking along the gentle Nam Song River.
Accommodation:
- Type - Hotel
- Accommodation Name - Silver Naga Hotel
- Grade - Comfortable
- All Inclusive - No
- Any Meal Provided - Yes
- Breakfast Provided - Yes
- Dinner Provided - No
- Lunch Provided - No
- Meal Name - Meals Provided: Breakfast
We make our way back to the train station this morning for the second leg of our train journey through the heart of Laos. This journey takes us through the mountains in a series of newly constructed tunnels, with some spectacular mountain scenery to take in in-between tunnels. We arrive into Luang Prabang around two hours later, a journey which used to take a full day when travelling by winding mountain road.
Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Luang Prabang is nestled in a valley of lush rolling hills and sits at the confluence of two rivers, the Khan and the mighty Mekong. Influence from its French occupiers is peppered all over the city, with grand white-washed Indochinese villas lining its leafy streets, oddly complementing the golden-tipped wats (temples) found around almost every corner. Time moves so slowly here that it almost stands still, and a must-do is grabbing a Lao coffee, sitting down outside one of the many cafes and just watching the world go by, in traditional Lao-style.
This evening there is chance to walk to nearby Mount Phousi and climb its 328 steps in time for sunset, offering excellent panoramic views over this sleepy city and beyond.
Accommodation:
- Type - Hotel
- Accommodation Name - Sala Prabang Hotel
- Grade - Comfortable
- All Inclusive - No
- Any Meal Provided - Yes
- Breakfast Provided - Yes
- Dinner Provided - No
- Lunch Provided - No
- Meal Name - Meals Provided: Breakfast
Today, we'll get to have a closer look at Luang Prabang. All the main sights of interest are close together and we'll walk around the various wats (temples) including the splendid Wat Xieng Thong, which is strikingly decorated in brilliant red and gold designs, with an imposing tiled roof and mosaic dragon motifs. We'll also visit Wat Sen and the Royal Palace Museum.
Afterwards, we will board a traditional long-tail boat for the short journey up the Mekong River to Pak Ou Caves. There a number of steps to climb here as we make our way up the limestone cliffs to reach the sacred Buddhist shrine - the view at the top makes the walk worth it. Although now abandoned by the monks, there is an altar for incense burning, flower offerings and numerous rock shelves crammed with thousands of Buddha images of all shapes and sizes. After returning to Luang Prabang, the rest of the afternoon is at leisure.
Accommodation:
- Type - Hotel
- Accommodation Name - Sala Prabang Hotel
- Grade - Comfortable
- All Inclusive - No
- Any Meal Provided - Yes
- Breakfast Provided - Yes
- Dinner Provided - No
- Lunch Provided - No
- Meal Name - Meals Provided: Breakfast
Early this morning, we have the chance to witness the alms giving of Luang Prabang. The alms-giving ceremony is a serene daily ritual where locals and visitors offer food to rows of saffron-robed monks at dawn, symbolizing generosity and spiritual reflection.
Afterwards, we'll travel to the beautiful Kuang Si Waterfalls, a 45-minute drive from Luang Prabang. Passing forested hills and several ethnic minority villages, we'll arrive at the limestone falls that cascade into several turquoise pools below.
We'll travel back to Luang Prabang where we'll have the opportunity to take an optional afternoon bicycle trip on the other side of the Mekong to the village of Ban Xieng Mene. On the ride, we'll cross the Mekong and hike to Wat Chom Phet, a temple built by the Thai army in 1880. Please note, we'll need to walk up about 100 steps to visit this small, dilapidated temple, from where we'll have an undisturbed view over the Mekong River and Luang Prabang. Next, we'll peddle to the ancient Royal temple of Wat Long Khoun, that was formerly used by Kings and Queens to meditate. We'll then continue to cycle for around 45 minutes along quiet unpaved roads to the village of Ban Chan, famous for its pottery making to meet the locals and learn about their daily lifestyle
Accommodation:
- Type - Hotel
- Accommodation Name - Sala Prabang Hotel
- Grade - Comfortable
- All Inclusive - No
- Any Meal Provided - Yes
- Breakfast Provided - Yes
- Dinner Provided - No
- Lunch Provided - No
- Meal Name - Meals Provided: Breakfast
Our trip ends after breakfast at our hotel in Luang Prabang.
There are no activities planned today, so you're free to depart from Luang Prabang at any time. If your flight is departing later in the day, luggage storage facilities are available at our hotel.
If you'd like an airport transfer today, you'll need to depart from Luang Prabang Airport (LPQ), which is a 15-minute drive from our hotel.
Accommodation:
- Type -
- Accommodation Name -
- Grade -
- All Inclusive - No
- Any Meal Provided - Yes
- Breakfast Provided - Yes
- Dinner Provided - No
- Lunch Provided - No
- Meal Name - Meals Provided: Breakfast
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Tour Operator
Explore Worldwide
A prominent adventure travel company with over four decades of experience, this business that offers a comprehensive array of unique and thrilling experiences worldwide. Catering to various interests, they provide small group journeys, walking and cycling trips, solo holidays, and family adventures.
In Business Since 1981
Reviews
Carmel Brown - Traveled, April 2025
Apologies for this belated review. The Laos trip was led by the attentive, convivial and competent Quang. It's great to have someone else keep an eye on everything! The three key destinations gave us a bird's eye view of this diverse country. The optional tours were a great idea as it left scope for personal needs and interests. I loved the walks via villages; was moved by the visit to the landmine agency; sparked by the differences in the locations e.g. Luang Prabang sunset and (not all) older tourist hospitality (visited Ikon Bar); the age-old caves and Buddhist temples.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/16/2025
Tanya - Traveled, February 2025
I booked this trip last minute and wasn't disappointed. Highlights of Laos is an unhurried, relaxed trip. Pavements, like in Vietnam and Cambodia, are uneven and could be tricky for those unsteady on their feet; however, unlike those countries, the traffic is very light and easy to negotiate. Taxis to/ from airports are cheap. The Buddha park was great and COPE museum thought provoking. The rail journeys are smooth and comfortable with lots to look at. Limestone cliffs are dramatic and the hot air ballooning worth it. The walks and steps are relatively easy. Early March was hot. Take easy slip on/off shoes for the many varied and interesting temples along with shoulder coverings and below the knee shorts. Our guide, Quang, was lovely but what really made this trip for me was the fabulous bunch of fellow travellers.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/10/2025
James - Traveled, February 2025
Very relaxing trip. Although very hot over 36 degrees and afternoon walks should be avoided.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/06/2025
Anonymous - Traveled, March 2025
Nice short trip with a taste of laos.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/11/2025
Pat and Brian. - Traveled, February 2025
A busy but unhurried trip through some of the highlights of this country. Well organised with an excellent tour leader, and a great group of fellow travellers. Really enjoyed the visits to some of the places of natural beauty, for example the Blue Lagoon and Kuangsi Waterfalls, plus the old town of Luang Probang with it's colonial buildings and many monasteries.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/04/2025
- Traveled, February 2025
Quang was great , very caring and pleasant. There were a couple of issues with local knowledge as follows:- Got Luang Prabang to go to museum and the local guide could get a ticket as it had closed. Really this should have been bought on the day and we were then shown other. temples nice as they were it was just like it was being dragged out with repetitive information about history in Laos. Then this part was squeezed in early the next day before we went off to the caves , some of us had to miss it because it meant getting up a lot earlier to cram it in. Additional a la k of local knowledge around the Monks alms morning ritual being told you need to get up at 5 am to see this, however, this was not accurate as they do not start walking in the area for alms until sunrise which was 6.15am so an unnecessary early rise and in fact was the day i was flying out so had to leave and missed it, had i had correct info I and many others would have been able to see this ritual which is a key part of the history there. Also, one of our group was fined 300 dollars for having a vape on him at the train station which had not been clarified by Explore staff and actually happened without the leader realising he’d been taken away by security. It is explore’s responsibility to make sure clients and staff have this information made very clear to them. we knew about flammable liquids but not about capes being illegal in laos. You need to ensure information is provided in a clear and written manner as part of the itinerary in future.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/10/2025
Anonymous - Traveled, January 2025
We thoroughly enjoyed our week in Laos. Our group was great fun and the guides did a good job, although sometimes it was confusing having a local guide and a lead guide. The itinerary was good and varied. Hotels were OK given standards in Laos, although the one in Vang Vieng was less good. Packing advice from Explore was somewhat bewildering. Never did work out why suitcases were not recommended. We did take our bicycle helmets but nobody else did!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/12/2025
Tunde - Traveled, February 2025
It was a short introduction to Laos. Some days were busier than others, but altogether it was a nice trip to a not well known small and poor country.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/12/2025
Anonymous - Traveled, February 2025
Our trip leader Quang was awesome. Local guides also good. Accommodation was charming and very well located. One thing is that rooms at Sala Prabang are varied. Hotel is charming and comfortable EXCEPT for my first room 101 which was on the front of the hotel. Dark and noisy. I was moved to cottage 101 further back in the hotel the second night which was lovely. Since all guests are paying same price, I would avoid placing anyone from the group in that room. That is my only criticism. Great trip!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/12/2025
Holly Stewart - Traveled, February 2025
Visiting Laos was everything I had expected. Vivid nature, voluptuous landscapes and a vibrant, hardworking culture. The Highlights of Laos tour with Explore showcased each place perfectly with plenty of things to see and do plus plenty of free time to explore each place. I definitely recommend this tour & I look forward to travelling with Explore again.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/16/2025
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