Overview
Visit Laos and get the most timeless, undiscovered, and mystical destinations in Southeast Asia. Laos is quietly under the tourist radar compared with its Indochina neighbors, but it’s a real hidden gem of jungle adventures, riverside relaxation, and rich cultural traditions – perfect for those who like to take off-beat trips. Luang Prabang is an ancient city that is rich in culture and history. It has plenty to explore; from natural sites to religious buildings and elegant architecture.
Wake up early in the morning and witness or participate in the ancient Buddhist tradition before immersing yourself in the city’s local heritage. Then explore Xieng Khouang, home to the remarkable Plain of Jars, an enduring archaeological mystery. The Plain of Jars is a collection of 2,000-year-old stone jars ranging in size from 70cm up to 3 or 4 meters. To this day, the true origin, as well as the purpose of these huge jars, remains a mystery. Head to Vientiane for your final nights, falling on colorful temples and the repurposed remnants of the colonial era. Nearby you can visit Pha That Luang, a stunning Hindu temple with an incredible history, and explore the hundreds of old statues and carvings in Buddha Park
Itinerary
Your trip to Laos begins visit Luang Prabang. On arrival at the airport, we will meet you and transfer you to your hotel. Luang Prabang is perhaps the best-preserved traditional city in Southeast Asia. The tranquility and charm of this town with its splendid natural scenery and cultural sights make it one of the most delightful places to visit in Laos. After a short rest, we visit the impressive stupa of Wat Visoun and the shrine of Wat Aham, Wat Mai; we then climb up to the top of Mount Phousi to explore the sacred, gilded stupa as well as capture a beautiful view of the city and the watch the setting sun as it is reflected on the Mekong River. From there, we visit the Night Market, where you can browse a lovely selection of handmade textiles, made by the local and hill-tribe people surrounding Luang Prabang
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Overnight in Luang Prabang
3 Stars - Luang Prabang View Hotel or similar
An optional early start gives you the fantastic opportunity to participate in the daily morning rituals of saffron-clad monks collecting offerings of Alms (ubiquitous sticky rice) from the faithful residents. This tradition is very unique in Laos, being the only Buddhist nation still preserving the procession.
AM: After breakfast, we enjoy a short guided tour seeing the city’s oldest temple Wat Sene, and the magnificent Wat Xiengthong with its roofs sweeping low to the ground, which represents classical Laotian architecture. We then board a cruise upstream on the Mekong River, which also gives us a panoramic view of the tranquil countryside as well as an interesting visit to the mysterious Pak Ou Caves, two linked caves crammed with thousands of gold lacquered Buddha statues of various shapes and sizes left by pilgrims. Along the way, we stop at the small village of Ban Xanghai, where the local rice wine is distilled. We return to Luang Prabang in the afternoon, and on the way, we take a short drive to Ban Phanom, a small village well known for its hand weaving.
PM: We continue our excursion toward Khouangsi Waterfall, en route, we visit local villages of Laos ethnic minority groups at Ban Ouray, Hmong Village, Ban Ou, Laoloum Village, and Ban Thapene, Khmu Village, then drive to the beautiful Khouangsi Waterfall where you can splash around in the turquoise pools or walk along the forest trails. We return to Luang Prabang by late afternoon and continue to Ban Xang Khong, a village well known for silk handweaving and traditional Saa Paper making. We return to the city by late evening to observe the sunset at Wat Siphouthabath
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Overnight in Luang Prabang
3 Stars - Luang Prabang View Hotel or similar
After breakfast, we visit the National Museum (closed Tuesday) at the former Royal Palace, which displays a lovely collection of artifacts, which reflect the richness of Lao culture dating from the days of the early kings right through the last sovereign. Today we leave this charming town and drive to Xieng Khouang. These back roads are a great way to explore and visit the real Laos. We see very few other travelers, mostly rural dwellers who are just as interested in finding out about our lives as we are in theirs. The drive is very long, but we can make many stops at our pleasure, to stretch our legs and take some wonderful photographs. In the afternoon there will be time to see the old capital of Muang Khoun Province and its’ nearby villages.
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Overnight in Xiengkhouang
3 Stars - Anoulack Khen Lao Hotel or similar
Following breakfast at the hotel, we transfer out to visit the Plain of Jars, an impressive archaeological site encompassing hundreds of large stone jars scattered throughout the plateau. We then board our short flight visit to the charming and fascinating Laos capital Vientiane. On arrival, we check into the hotel.
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Overnight in Vientiane
3 Stars - Lao Plaza Hotel or similar
After breakfast, we see the major sights of the capital; including the oldest Wat Sisaket, the temple with thousands of miniature Buddha statues, and the former royal temple of Wat Prakeo, which previously housed the famous Emerald Buddha Image. On the way to Lao’s national precious heritage, the famous and sacred structure of That Luang Stupa, we stop route to take some pictures of the imposing Patuxay Monument, which is well known as Vientiane’s own Arc de Triumph.
In the afternoon we transfer out to see the Buddha Park, a scattered enchanting collection of Buddhist and Hindu sculptures on the Mekong Riverside meadow, close to the Friendship Bridge. Approximately 200 religious images are dating back over 500 years. A spectacular view over the Mekong River at sunset is a perfect way to finish the day.
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Overnight in Vientiane
3 Stars - Lao Plaza Hotel or similar
Relish a healthy breakfast on the final day of your trip. Complete the hotel check-out formalities after which you can visit the local markets and buy souvenirs for your loved ones. Later, proceed for departure and board your flight back home. Trip ends!
INCLUDES AND EXCLUDES
Trip inclusion
- Accommodation in the room category indicated in the program or similar (subject to availability)
- Meals as mentioned in the program: B= Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner
- Tours and transfers in private AC vehicles
- Local English Speaking Guide
- Entrance fees and sightseeing as mentioned in the program
- Excursions by boat/sampan/tuk-tuk as mentioned in the program
- Drinking water bottle on tour days
- Service charges and government tax
Trip exclusion
- International and domestic airfares,
- Meals and drinks which are not mentioned in the program
- Optional tour.
- Other services are not mentioned in the program
- International flight tickets and airport taxes in economy class/business class
- Visa fees
- Tips and personal expenses.
- Travelers’ Personal insurance.
- Any services not clearly mentioned in the program.
- Porters at hotel
- Surcharge for Peak season; Festivals; X-Mas; New Year (if any)
FAQs
We understand that things happen, sometimes you need to cancel your travel plans, and we are here to help you minimize any inconvenience.
In the event of cancellation, we will refund any payment made to Realistic Asia given that a cancellation fee is applicable.
The cancellation fee will be calculated as follows:
- 60 days prior to arrival date: No cancellation charge. We Guarantee 100% money back + Airfare cancellation fees (according to the airline’s cancellation policy) if any
- 59 – 30 days prior to arrival date: 5% cancellation charge + Airfare cancellation fees (according to the airline’s cancellation policy) if any
- 29 – 15 days prior to arrival date: 10% cancellation charge + Airfare cancellation fees (according to the airline’s cancellation policy) if any
- 14 – 8 days prior to arrival date: 40% cancellation charge + Airfare cancellation fees (according to the airline’s cancellation policy) if any
- 07 days prior to arrival date: 100 % cancellation charge
- No show: 100% cancellation charge
After the trip has commenced, we are unable to refund any amount for unused services due to your early departure, late arrival, or missed days on tours.
Yes, we offer special rates for children. The rate for children applicable for child sharing a room or cabin with two adults is as follows:
- For infant (0 – 2 years old): 10% adult rate.
- 03 – 11 years old: 85% adult rate.
- Child from 12 years old and above will pay as adult.
All tickets: Based on each airlines policy, the price for children will be applied at time of booking.
To book a trip with Wonderscape Travel, you will need to pay a 10% deposit. The deposit is non-refundable.
Final payment is required no later than 30 days prior to departure unless otherwise stated. Some airfares or services must be paid in full at the time of booking.
Yes, there is a single supplement for travelers who request a single room. This is because all of our prices are based on per adult, in double/twin sharing.
