Laos Unique Tour & Experience Timeless Traditions 6 Days

Laos exudes a graceful elegance worth of a luxury holiday. Experience the charms of this enchanting kingdom with private tours in Vientiane and Luang Prabang. Soak in the tranquillity on a Mekong River cruise, try your hand at cooking with one of the country’s top chef and partake in timeless traditions unique to Laos. 

DAY 1 - LUANG PRABANG – ARRIVAL

Upon arrival to Luang Prabang, one of our representatives will be waiting to provide a VIP welcome in the immigration area. Enjoy a fast-tracked customs experience followed by a private city transfer to the hotel. After checking in at the hotel and relaxing, embark on a brief orientation tour of Luang Prabang.

Just prior to sunset, climb the 328 steps leading to the top of Mount Phousi in the centre of the city. Upon reaching the peak, enjoy stunning panoramic views over the city and surrounding hills. After sunset, descend the steps and pay a visit to the nearby evening market, filled with beautiful hill tribe souvenirs and handicrafts.

For dinner this evening, proceed to l’Elephant, one of the finest restaurants in Luang Prabang, before transport is provided back to the hotel.

Overnight in Luang Prabang

DAY 2 - LUANG PRABANG

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.

Return to the hotel for breakfast.

After breakfast, transfer from the hotel to the historical old town where the tour begins at the fresh market. Accompanied by the guide, walk through rows of stalls selling everything from fresh produce to local specialties. Next, visit the former Royal Palace. Today housing the National Museum, this site is filled with art, artifacts, and jewels offering some insight into the history and rich culture of the country.

After this, continue the tour of Luang Prabang by visiting some of the city’s most important temples. Start at Wat Visoun, home to the famous ‘watermelon’ stupa, before visiting Wat Aham, housing an altar dedicated to the 2 guardian spirits of Luang Prabang.

Enjoy lunch in town at Tamarind, one of the top local restaurant in Luang Prabang (Note: closed on Sundays).

This afternoon head to Ock Pop Tok to discover more about textiles in Laos- including their history, production, and cultural significance.

Overnight in Luang Prabang

DAY 3 - LUANG PRABANG & PAK OU

This morning venture to Luang Prabang’s peninsula where the Mekong and Nam Khan Rivers merge.  The beautiful Wat Xieng Thong is located here and a visit to the temple unveils golden gates, ornaments, and colorful murals.

Board a traditional wooden boat, Nava Mekong, for a relaxing cruise on the mighty Mekong River.

Located upstream from Luang Prabang are the Pak Ou Caves. Locally called Tam Ting, the site thousands of gold lacquered Buddha statues crammed into two caves carved out of a towering limestone cliff.

The boat continues cruising in the vicinity of the caves and will moor during lunch time at the foot of beautiful limestone cliffs. A selection of typical Lao dishes will be served onboard before continuing the cruise back downstream.

The remainder of the day is free at leisure for additional sight-seeing or relaxing in this charming city.

OPTIONAL ACTIVITY: Attend an evening performance at the Royal Ballet Theater.

An optional activity for the evening is attending a performance at the Royal Ballet Theatre. The Ballet works to preserve Laos’ cultural heritage and features spectacular performances including scenes from the Lao-Ramayana and traditional folk/tribal dances. (Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays.)

Overnight in Luang Prabang

DAY 4 - LUANG PRABANG – VIENTIANE

Enjoy the morning free at leisure until transport is provided to the airport for the flight south to Vientiane. Upon arrival to the capital, our guide and driver will be waiting to provide transport to the hotel for check in.

This afternoon, visit COPE, an association working to help landmine victims. A visit to the center provides in-depth information about the history of the American/Vietnam war, the lasting impact of unexploded ordinances (UXO) in the area and the efforts underway to clear them.

Before sunset, enjoy a stroll along the Mekong River banks. For those interested, stop and sample some of the delicious snacks and cold drinks on sale at the numerous riverside stalls.

Overnight in Vientiane

DAY 5 - VIENTIANE

After breakfast, start the day with a visit to the 16th century That Luang, the holiest site in Laos. Afterwards, enjoy a panoramic view of the city after climbing the stairs to the top of Patuxai, Vientiane’s own “Arc de Triomphe”.

Continue to the serene Wat Sisaket, one of the most beautiful temples in the capital, before reaching Wat Phra Keo. Used as a religious museum, Wat Phra Keo displays a collection of both Lao and Khmer works of art.

Enjoy Lunch at Lao Derm Restaurant.

The afternoon is free at leisure for shopping, sightseeing or spa experiences.

For the final evening in Laos, experience one of Laos’ oldest traditions: The Baci. The purpose of the Baci is to “call back” escaped spirits to the body, something that is done before important before major events such as weddings, births, travel, welcoming friends and farewells.

Continue to local restaurant

Overnight in Vientiane

DAY 6 - VIENTIANE – DEPARTURE

After breakfast at the hotel, enjoy the morning at leisure before transport (provided) to the airport for the onward flight.