Laos: A Sensory Journey 7 Days

Upon arrival in Vientiane, depending on your flight schedule, you will begin your exploration of Laos’ capital. Discover the oldest temple in Vientiane, Wat Sisaket, renowned for its thousands of miniature Buddha statues. Continue to Wat Prakeo, the former royal temple that once housed the revered Emerald Buddha. Visit That Luang Stupa, the national symbol of Laos, and capture photos of Patuxay Monument, often compared to the Arc de Triomphe. Conclude the day with a visit to the COPE Center, dedicated to supporting survivors of unexploded ordnance (UXO) with prosthetics and orthotics, a poignant reminder of the Indochina War’s legacy.

• Overnight in Vientiane
• Meals: None
• Accommodation: Hotel
• Transportation: Private vehicle

After an early breakfast, we depart for Vang Vieng, a 4-hour drive through picturesque landscapes and mountain scenery. Stop at a vibrant local market showcasing goods from various hill tribes. Arrive in Vang Vieng and enjoy lunch at the Organic Farm, savoring traditional Lao cuisine alongside roasted goat cheese and mulberry wine. Explore Than Jang Cave, historically used as a refuge, and spend the afternoon either exploring Vang Vieng on foot or by bicycle, taking a scenic boat ride, or relaxing by your hotel pool.

• Overnight in Vang Vieng
• Meals: Breakfast
• Accommodation: Hotel
• Transportation: Private vehicle

Travel further into the mountains to Luang Prabang, passing through stunning scenery and hill tribe villages. Enjoy lunch at an elevation of approximately 1,300 meters, surrounded by mountain peaks. Arrive in Luang Prabang in the early evening and check into your hotel. Experience a traditional Baci Ceremony, a ritual involving tying strings around the wrist to bestow good luck, and enjoy a cultural show with traditional dance performances.

• Overnight in Luang Prabang
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Accommodation: Hotel
• Transportation: Private vehicle

Start your day with a bicycle tour of Luang Prabang, visiting the Royal Palace Museum, which features artifacts from Laos’ royal history. Explore the city’s oldest temples, including Wat Xiengthong, with its classic Lao architecture, Wat Visoun, and Wat Aham. After a leisurely lunch at your hotel, visit the Arts and Ethnology Centre to learn about Laos’ diverse ethnic cultures. Climb Mount Phousi to see the sacred gilded stupa and enjoy panoramic views of the city and Mekong River at sunset. Conclude the day at Luang Prabang Night Market, renowned for its handmade textiles and crafts.

• Overnight in Luang Prabang
• Meals: Breakfast
• Accommodation: Hotel
• Transportation: Private vehicle

Optionally rise early to participate in the Alms Giving ceremony, a unique Buddhist tradition in Laos. After breakfast, visit the Phousi Market to see local food and products. Journey to Khouangsi Waterfall, where you can swim in the turquoise pools, walk the forest trails, and visit the Bear Sanctuary. Enjoy a picnic lunch by the falls. Return to Luang Prabang and embark on a scenic boat cruise on the Mekong River to Pak Ou Caves, known for their thousands of gold lacquered Buddha statues. Optional visit to Ban Phanom, famous for hand weaving, or return to the hotel for relaxation.

• Overnight in Luang Prabang
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
• Accommodation: Hotel
• Transportation: Private vehicle

Visit Living Land Farm, located 5 km from town, to learn about traditional rice cultivation. Engage in seasonal activities such as identifying rice seeds, ploughing with a buffalo, planting, weeding, and harvesting rice. Sample fresh vegetables from the organic garden and enjoy an all-natural lunch featuring local rice products. Return to Luang Prabang in the late afternoon for the remainder of the day at your leisure.

• Overnight in Luang Prabang
• Meals: Breakfast
• Accommodation: Hotel
• Transportation: Private vehicle

Enjoy a final morning stroll through the Dalat Sao or morning market, where local food and products are on display. Visit the Royal Palace Museum to see artifacts from Laos’ royal era before being transferred to the airport for your departure flight.

• Meals: Breakfast
• Accommodation: None
• Transportation: Private vehicle