11 Days / 10 Nights Premium Tour of Laos

Upon your arrival at Luang Prabang International Airport ✈️, you will be warmly greeted by Laos Travel’s representative 👨‍✈️, who will assist with your luggage and escort you in a comfortable private, air-conditioned cab 🚘 to your hotel in the heart of the UNESCO-listed town. After a smooth check-in, enjoy a refreshing welcome drink 🍹 and take some time to unwind in your room or explore the peaceful surroundings of Luang Prabang, a city known for its golden-roofed temples, tree-lined streets, and serene riverside charm. In the evening, you may wish to stroll through the night market 🛍️, dine at a local riverside café, or sample delicious dishes at one of the many night food stalls 🍜. Your guide will be happy to provide personal dining recommendations to make your first evening in Laos truly memorable.

Overnight: Luang Prabang 

Following the breakfast 🍽️ at your hotel, begin the day with a guided visit to the former King's Palace, now the National Museum 🏛️, where you'll admire an impressive collection of royal artifacts — including rare 20th-century furniture, traditional Lao costumes, sparkling jewels, and ceremonial tools. Then, head to the sacred and iconic Wat Xieng Thong 🕍, Luang Prabang’s most revered temple, admired for its graceful rooflines and intricate mosaics. Next, embark on a scenic private boat cruise 🚤 along the Mekong River, enjoying views of riverside life and the gentle rhythm of the water. Your cruise will take you to the mystical Pak Ou Caves 🕯️, home to thousands of gold-lacquered Buddha statues nestled inside limestone chambers — a truly spiritual and awe-inspiring sight. Continue to Ban Muang Keo Village 🧵, where locals still preserve traditional crafts like silk weaving and rice whisky distillation. Before the sun sets, ascend the steps of Mount Phousi 🌄 for panoramic views of the old town and the confluence of rivers glowing in golden twilight — a perfect end to a culturally immersive day.

Overnight in Luang Prabang 🛏️.

Following the breakfast 🍽️ at your hotel, begin your day with an early and deeply spiritual experience – the revered Tak Bat Alms Giving Ceremony 🙏. Just before sunrise, observe hundreds of saffron-robed monks walking silently from the 35 ancient temples 🛕 of Luang Prabang, collecting alms from devoted locals in a ceremony that has been upheld for centuries.

After returning to the hotel and enjoying your breakfast, embark on a scenic drive of approximately 30 kilometers (1 hour) through the lush Lao countryside in your private, exclusive cab driven by an English-speaking chauffeur 🚘. Your first destination is the Kuang Si Bear Rescue Centre 🐾, nestled in the jungle near the waterfalls. Founded in 2003, the center is dedicated to saving sun and moon bears from poaching and illegal trade. You’ll take part in the bears’ midday scatter feed 🍎, a unique and rewarding hands-on experience.

Next, continue on foot to the Kuang Si Waterfall 💦, one of Laos' most stunning natural landmarks. The 60-meter high cascade feeds into a series of serene turquoise pools perfect for swimming or relaxing. For those seeking adventure, follow the forest trail to the top of the waterfall for a breathtaking viewpoint and a refreshing dip in the upper springs.

Enjoy a tranquil picnic lunch 🧺 amidst the park's shady trees and misty air. In the late afternoon, return to Luang Prabang where the remainder of the day is yours to unwind or further explore the town’s colonial streets, riverside cafés ☕, or vibrant night markets 🎨 at your own pace.

Overnight Stay: Luang Prabang 🌙

Following the breakfast 🍽️ at your hotel in Luang Prabang, embark on a scenic and adventurous drive 🚘 southward to Vang Vieng, covering approximately 185 km over 7 hours through dusty rural villages and winding mountain roads 🏞️. Along the way, make a refreshing stop in Kasi 🍌🍍, a fertile region famous for its delicious tropical fruits. As the journey continues, marvel at the ever-changing terrain — from rolling hills to jagged limestone cliffs — although do note that parts of the route may be rough due to ongoing construction work on the new railway from China 🚧. Upon reaching Vang Vieng, nestled along the serene Nam Song River, you'll be welcomed by dramatic karst landscapes and tranquil riverside charm 🏕️. After checking into your hotel, take some time to relax and later connect with your guide to customise the adventures for the next few days amidst nature's embrace 🌿.

Overnight in Vang Vieng 🛏️.

After breakfast 🍽️ at your hotel in Vang Vieng, prepare for a full day of exhilarating outdoor exploration amidst the stunning countryside landscapes 🌿. Your English-speaking chauffeur and guide will drive you northward 🚘 to begin with a visit to the mystical Tham Xang (Elephant Cave) 🐘, named after an intriguing limestone formation resembling an elephant, perched scenically along the Nam Song River. Soak in the panoramic views 🏞️ before continuing to Tham Hoi (Snail Cave) 🐌, a winding cavern that extends deep into the mountain — here, you'll float gently on inflatable tubes 🛶 through narrow, water-filled passages, admiring spectacular limestone formations.

Next, head to Tham Nam (Water Cave) 🌊 where a refreshing spring-fed pool awaits you for a quick, revitalizing swim. After a picnic lunch 🍱 surrounded by nature, embark on a scenic trek 🚶‍♂️ through lush rice paddies and local vegetable gardens to reach a nearby Hmong village, offering insight into traditional ethnic life 🏡. The adventure continues as you kayak 🚣‍♀️ downstream on the Nam Song River, gently drifting past serene villages, fishermen, and dramatic karst backdrops — a perfect snapshot of rural Laos.

Conclude your day with a leisurely stroll 🚶 to the riverbank just in time to witness a breathtaking sunset 🌅 over the limestone cliffs.

Overnight in Vang Vieng 🛏️.

After breakfast 🍽️ at your hotel in Vang Vieng, embark on a scenic drive 🚘 of approximately 1 hour through lush fields, gentle hills, and quiet forest landscapes 🌿 to reach the Vang Vieng Elephant Sanctuary 🐘—a peaceful haven devoted to the ethical care, protection, and rehabilitation of Laos' beloved elephants. Upon arrival, enjoy an insightful guided walk through the sanctuary, where you’ll meet free-roaming elephants and hear about their personal rescue stories and habits. You’ll learn about the role elephants once played in Laotian culture and industries, and gain a deeper understanding of their feeding needs, behaviors, and habitat preservation 🐾.

Get hands-on as you feed, photograph, and gently interact with these majestic creatures, and later accompany them to a nearby lake or river for a joyful splash and bath session 💦 — a heartwarming, unforgettable experience. Afterward, enjoy a break with fresh tropical fruits and snacks 🍍🍌 before continuing your journey toward Vientiane, the tranquil capital city of Laos.

On the way, stop at the stunning Nam Ngum Reservoir 🛶—one of Southeast Asia’s largest man-made lakes—for a short boat cruise through serene waters while visiting local fishing communities that thrive here. Later, pause at the vibrant Dongmarkhai Market, famous for its curious selection of snacks, including edible insects 🐜—a fascinating glimpse into local culinary traditions.

Arrive in Vientiane by late afternoon, and enjoy the remainder of the day at your own pace. You may choose to unwind in a riverside café ☕, relax at a local spa 💆‍♀️, shop for souvenirs 🎁, or explore the bustling evening market along the banks of the Mekong River 🌅.

Overnight in Vientiane 🛏️.

After breakfast 🍽️, begin a culturally rich day of exploration through the charming capital city of Vientiane 🏙️ in the comfort of your private car 🚘 with an experienced English-speaking chauffeur. Despite being a capital city, Vientiane retains a serene, laid-back atmosphere, and many of its highlights can be accessed within a short distance of each other. Your first stop is the beautiful Wat Sisaket 🛕, the oldest surviving temple in the city, whose cloister walls are adorned with over 2,000 silver and ceramic Buddha images—an extraordinary sight of devotion and craftsmanship.

Continue on to Wat Phra Keo, once the home of the famous Emerald Buddha, now a museum displaying exquisite Lao and Khmer religious art and artefacts. Not far away lies Wat Si Muang, the most active and revered temple among locals, known for its powerful spiritual aura and frequent offerings.

Your journey proceeds to the iconic Patuxai Monument 🏛️—Laos’ own Arc de Triomphe—where you can choose to climb the monument for panoramic views of the city. Just a short drive away stands the sacred and shimmering Pha That Luang 🛕, the national symbol of Laos and one of its most important Buddhist sites, believed to enshrine a relic of the Buddha himself.

In the afternoon, head out to the quirky and thought-provoking Buddha Park 🌿, located about 25 km (45 minutes) outside the city. Here, marvel at over 200 bizarre and intricate concrete statues of deities, demons, and mythological beings—an artistic blend of Hinduism and Buddhism conceptualized by a mystical yogi-priest.

After a day of unforgettable exploration, return to your hotel. You may wish to explore the riverside night market 🌆, enjoy a leisurely spa treatment 💆‍♂️, or treat yourself to a culinary experience—Vientiane offers a delightful range of Lao, Thai, French, Italian, and even Mexican cuisine 🍜🍕🍷. Ask your guide for personal recommendations.

Overnight in Vientiane 🛏️.

Following breakfast 🍽️ at your hotel, you’ll be transferred to the airport ✈️ for your southbound flight to Pakse, the bustling capital of Champasak Province. Upon arrival, meet your dedicated Laos Travel guide and chauffeur 🚖, and set off on a breathtaking private drive through the winding roads and misty mountains toward the Bolaven Plateau, a region carved from an ancient volcano 🌋 and known for its cool climate, lush greenery 🌿, and rich ethnic diversity.

Your adventure begins with a visit to the Tad Fane Waterfalls 💦, a spectacular twin-drop cascade plunging 120 meters into a deep gorge within the Dong Hua Sao Nature Reserve. Continue onward to the stunning Tad Champi and Tad Yeung Waterfalls, each surrounded by thick tropical vegetation and perfect for scenic photography 📸 or simply soaking in the natural beauty.

Next, head to a local tea and coffee plantation ☕ nestled in the plateau's fertile soil, where you’ll gain insight into Laos’ thriving coffee industry. Take a refreshing break at the Jhai Coffee House, where an organic cup of hand-crafted brew awaits, served with a unique preparation method. Here, you'll also have the chance to meet friendly locals and ethnic communities who maintain these traditions.

In the late afternoon, drive back to Pakse 🚗 and, if time allows, enjoy a short orientation tour of the city, exploring its colonial-era buildings, Chinese-influenced architecture, and vibrant local markets 🛍️. The evening is yours to relax and unwind at leisure in this laid-back riverside town.

Overnight in Pakse 🛏️.

After breakfast 🍽️, check out from your hotel in Pakse and embark on a scenic private drive 🚘 along the mighty Mekong River toward Don Khong, the largest island in Southern Laos and gateway to the famous 4,000 Islands. En route, stop to explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Wat Phou 🏛️, an awe-inspiring pre-Angkorian temple complex believed to be over a thousand years old. Nestled among lush rice paddies and tranquil waterways, the ruins offer a magical glimpse into the region's ancient spiritual and architectural legacy. Wander through its tumbledown sanctuaries, moss-covered stairways, and lingering Hindu carvings, all under the watchful backdrop of sacred Mount Phou Kao 🏞️.

Continue your journey south while enjoying a local-style lunch 🍱 en route. As the landscape opens into the broad stretch of the Mekong at Siphandon (4,000 Islands) 🏝️, marvel at how the river expands to 14 km wide, dotted with thousands of islets and swirling rapids. By late afternoon, you’ll reach Don Khong Island, a peaceful riverine retreat characterized by traditional villages, small plantations, and laid-back charm. Spend the rest of the day at your leisure—explore the island by bicycle 🚲 or tuk-tuk 🚜, interact with locals, or simply relax and soak in the riverside tranquility.

Overnight in Khong Island 🛏️.

After breakfast 🍽️, embark on an enchanting long-tail boat ride 🛶 to explore the serene Siphandon (4,000 Islands) riverine archipelago. Glide through tranquil Mekong backwaters as you pass clusters of islets and observe local island life — fishermen casting their nets, children swimming, and water buffalo lazing by the shores. Visit the dramatic Liphi Waterfalls 🌊, ominously known as the Corridor of the Devil, which forms a natural barrier between Laos and Cambodia. Though Irrawaddy dolphins once graced these waters, their presence now lives on in memory, with the last known river dolphin in the area sadly passing away in 2022.

Continue your journey to the awe-inspiring Khone Pha Pheng Falls 🌊, the largest waterfall by volume in Southeast Asia. Witness millions of gallons of water thunder down rugged rock formations in a truly spectacular display of nature’s force.

After this thrilling morning, enjoy a delicious Laotian lunch 🍛 at a nearby riverside restaurant. Later, return to the mainland by boat and begin your road journey back to Pakse 🚗, stopping en route at the ancient Khmer temple complex of Wat Phou 🛕 in Champasak. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Wat Phou predates Angkor Wat by nearly five centuries and offers fascinating insights into Hindu and Buddhist spiritual traditions through its intricate carvings, crumbling sanctuaries, and moss-covered ruins.

Arrive in Pakse by evening, where you can unwind and reflect on the day’s cultural and natural wonders.

Overnight Stay: Pakse 🌆.

After breakfast 🍽️, enjoy some final moments in the laid-back riverside town of Pakse. Depending on your flight schedule, you can use this time for some quick last-minute shopping 🛍️, exploring the local markets, or indulging in authentic Lao cuisine 🍜 at a nearby café. If your flight is in the late evening or night, you may conveniently store your luggage at the hotel’s locker room 🧳 after check-out and enjoy the rest of your day at your own pace — perhaps by taking a stroll along the Mekong River 🌅 or visiting local temples 🛕. At your preferred time, our team will arrange a comfortable private cab 🚖 to transfer you to Pakse International Airport ✈️ for your onward journey, leaving you with beautiful memories of your Laos adventure.

Safe Travels !