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Home Top 10 Best Laos Tours Highlights of Laos - 13 Days / 12 Nights

Highlights of Laos - 13 Days / 12 Nights

Luang Prabang, Vang Vieng, Vientiane, Thakhek, Pakse and 4,000 Islands

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$ 981

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From the heritage Luang Prabang, drive to Vang Vieng and capital city of Laos, go down south to learn more about hill tribes and natural landscape of this corner of the country.

Highlights:

Pay visits to Vientiane and Luang Prabang as well as famous attractions of the two biggest cities in Laos.
Enjoy boat trip in Vang Vieng and explore many legendary caves in the region.
Immerse in the peaceful Hinboun and Thakhek, different from the hustle and bustle of big cities.
Visit Pakse and find the truth why Wat Phou Temple deserves to be a World Heritage.

Brief itinerary

Day 1

Luang Prabang arrival

Day 2

Luang Prabang Ancient Town - Pak Ou Caves (B)

Day 3

Luang Prabang and Kuang Sii Falls (B,L)

Day 4

Luang Prabang - Vang Vieng - Boat trip (B)

Day 5

Vang Vieng surrounding (B)

Day 6

Vang Vieng - Vang Sang - Vientiane (B)

Day 7

Vientiane sightseeing (B)

Day 8

Vientiane - Hin Boun (B)

Day 9

Hin Boun - Thakhek (B)

Day 10

Thakhek - Pakse (B)

Day 11

Pakse - Champasak - Si Phan Don (B)

Day 12

Si Phan Don (B)

Day 13

Si Phan Don - Pakse - Departure (B)

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Day 1: Luang Prabang arrival

Our driver will meet and transfer you to your hotel from Luang Prabang Airport to check in the hotel. The room is at your disposal from 14.00pm. Then you can explore the city on your own.

Meals on your own. Overnight at the hotel.

Transfer: Private car

Included meal: Breakfast

Accommodation: Hotel in Luang Prabang

Day 2: Luang Prabang Ancient Town - Pak Ou Caves (B)

You are recommended to get up early, around 5.30 to 6.30am to visit Vat Nong temple. Here, you will witness The Tak Bat ceremony ("TAK BAT" means giving alms to monks). In this ceremony, from the early morning, people go to the temple and bring food with them. They are filling monks’ bowl with food such as rice, soft drinks, cakes and so on… This ceremony happens in peaceful and respectful atmosphere. That’s why we recommend that you should wear decent clothing when watching the rituals or if you want to save this moment, you should take photos from a distance to show your respect.

When visiting LuangPrabang- the religious capital of Laos, you will explore the most beautiful temples, in particular:

Vat Xieng Thong or Temple of the Royal City- one of the most important of Lao monasteries and remains a significant monument to the spirit of religion, royalty and traditional art.

Vat Visoun- the oldest and one of the most beautiful temples of Luang Prabang.

Traditional Arts & Ethnology Centre- a private non-profit making museum devoted to the different ethnical groups in Laos. The Centre offers certain items for sale, books, photos, and local craftsmanship.

In the afternoon, you will take a road to the pier and board a traditional boat along the Mekong river to visit Pak Ou Cave- the “mouth” of the “Ou” River, a famous cave with hundreds of statuettes of Buddha. Overlooking the river, it shows a splendid view of the Mekong. On the way turn back to town, you will admire spectacular sights at the sunset on the Mekong river, enjoy local snacks & drinks (beer Laos).

Meals on your own. Overnight at the hotel.

Transfer: Private car

Included meal: Breakfast

Accommodation: Hotel in Luang Prabang

Day 3: Luang Prabang and Kuang Sii Falls (B,L)

In the morning, after having a breakfast, you will visit the Royal Palace and then Kuang Sii Waterfall - the biggest in the Luang Prabang area. It is one of Luang Prabang’s most popular tourist attractions thanks to its breathtaking cascades of water. On the way to Kuang Sii Waterfall, you will stop to visit some of the villages- where the older female villagers still dress in traditional costume. Then you will have a picnic lunch at the waterfall. If you want to swim, it is a great place because the waterfall scatters into many basins with deliciously cold water due to the shade given by the surrounding lush tropical jungle. Then, you turn back to Luang Prabang.

Dinner on your own. Overnight at the hotel.

Transfer: Private car

Included meal: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: Hotel in Luang Prabang

Day 4: Luang Prabang - Vang Vieng - Boat trip (B)

In the morning, you will travel by road to Vang Vieng - a riverside town in Central Laos. It is urrounded by splendid karst scenery and overflowing with activities such as caving and tubing down the river. When you arrive at Vang Vieng, check in your hotel.

After relaxing for a while, you will take a boat down Nam Song River - a small river in Laos that flows through the town of Vang Vieng, surrounded by striking karst rock formations. It is a popular tourist destination as many people enjoy seeing the Laotian countryside while going down the river in the inner tube of a tractor tyre or in a kayak. After exploring beautiful view on the river, you will be transfered back by private vehicle.

Meals on your own. Overnight at the hotel.

Transfer: Private car

Included meal: Breakfast

Accommodation: Hotel in Vang Vieng

Day 5: Vang Vieng surrounding (B)

Today, you will spend more time do discover further Vang Vieng - a riverside town in Central Laos. In the morning, you will transfer by car to Ban Pha Thao - about 15 km from North of vang Vieng.

From here, you will start your 2 hour hike and make 2 stops to visit 2 caves. The first stop is Tham Hoi cave ( also known as Snail cave). The entrance to Tham Hoi is guarded by a large Buddha figure. The cave is said to be some four kilometers long.

The next stop is Tham Xang cave ( also known as Elephant cave). Located in a scenic karst area to the northeast of Thakaek, Tham Xang is one of many famous caves known for its remarkable limestone formation. The area surrounding offers beautiful scenery and from the view of the top of the cave entrance you can see the stretching Mekong River. Then, you will continue your trip to Lao Loum village - where you will take a vehicle to the town.

In the afternoon, you will visit the Blue Lagoon. You could also visit a village weaving Lao Loum and H 'mong, Nathong Tai- where you can take a glimpse of daily life of the locals as well as their lifestyle. In the late afternoon, you will come back your hotel.

Meals on your own. Overnight at the hotel.

Transfer: Private car

Included meal: Breakfast

Accommodation: Hotel in Vang Vieng

Day 6: Vang Vieng - Vang Sang - Vientiane (B)

Today, you have chance to visit Tham Chang cave one of the most important caves of Vang Vieng. It is situated on the Southern side of Vang Vieng. Tham Chang (or Jang) became the home for migrating people, who settled near the town’s southern Meuang Xong Village to rise vegetables. At the foot of the cave crystal clear water runs out of the mountain into the river. From this cave, you can see beautiful views of the village and rice fields. After admire charming sight of the cave, you take a road to Vientiane.

On the way, you will visit Vang Sang - where remains dozens of Buddha images dating from the 16th century. Then, make some stops at some villages to have a glimpse of life of the locals. When arriving in Vientiane, our guide will transfer you to the hotel to check in.

Meals on your own. Overnight at the hotel.

Transfer: Private car

Included meal: Breakfast

Accommodation: Hotel in Luang Prabang

Day 7: Vientiane sightseeing (B)

In the morning, you will have chance to visit the vocational training centre - where disadvantaged woman from rural areas are trained a variety of skills of weaving, dyeing and tailoring. Visiting this centre, you will learn how to use traditional materials to make familiar products by your own. Then, you will start your exploration to discover the city.

In your Vientiane tour, you will visit:

Vat PhraKeo- which was built in 1565 is one of the most impressive and interesting temples in Vientiane. It previously housed the famous Emerald Buddha image.

Pha That Louang (built 1566, reconstructed 1930). It is the most important Laotian religious and national monument. The temple has an unique architecture reflecting Lao culture and identity, becoming a symbol of Lao nationalism.

Patuxay-the memorial monument –was built in 1957 and is the most prominent landmark in the city. The architecture of the monument was inspired by the architecture of Triomphe in Paris and combined with typical Lao motifs. From the top of the monument, you can see an excellent panoramic view of the city.

You will have time in the late afternoon to stroll along the Mekong river. Meals on your own. Overnight at the hotel.

Transfer: Private car

Included meal: Breakfast

Accommodation: Hotel in Vientiane

Day 8: Vientiane - Hin Boun (B)

In the morning, after your breakfast, you will take a 6 hour drive to Hinboun, Khammouane. Khammouane is a land of rugged karst mountains which were once the refuge of a succession of ethnic groups fleeing the Haw invasions in the north during the 19th century. On the way, you will visit a 15th century stupa and a hill-tribe market-where you can explore customs, way of living of the locals. It will be a rare opportunity for you to take a plenty of photos to save wonderful moments. In the late afternoon, you will arrive in Hinboun - surrounded by limestone cliffs- a charming lodge with harmonious combination of nature. Here, you will have time for your further exploration the area, integrate into fresh nature.

Meals on your own. Overnight at the hotel.

Transfer: Private car

Included meal: Breakfast

Accommodation: Hotel in Hin Boun

Day 9: Hin Boun - Thakhek (B)

This morning, you will take a boat to explore Kong Lor Cave - one of the longest caves in the country. Konglor cave is a karst limestone cave in Phu Hin Bun National Park, in Khammouane Province, Laos. The karst formation is dramatic and the cave has been known as "one of Southeast Asia's geological wonders".

You will start your expidition by a long tail road along the cave. After reaching the other side, you will trek to neighboring village. Here, you could have a lunch on the river bank (with your own expense) and take a swim to enjoy the freshness of water. You could also find in the region a variety of wildlife including monkeys, several large cats and other fauna. All creat an animated, greeny picture in the combination between human and nature.

In the later this afternoon, you will travel by road for one hour to Thakaek – the capital of Khammouane province. Located on the Mekong river, at the junction of Routes 13 and 12, Thakhek is a quiet town, surrounded by beautiful countryside This city remains many French colonial style official buildings, villas and shops.

Meals on your own. Overnight in Thakhek.

Transfer: Private car

Included meal: Breakfast

Accommodation: Hotel in Thakhek

Day 10: Thakhek - Pakse (B)

After your breakfast, you will visit the local market Talat Lak Sawng - where you can find a rustic life and daily activities of the locals. Discover the local life is something interesting for most tourists.

Then, you will transfer by road to Savannakhet along the National Road 13. Savannakhet is the capital of Savannakhet Province in Southern Laos and is located alongside the Mekong River. It is the second largest city of Laos.

En-route, you will make astop at the site of That Ing Hang- an important place for Buddhists .This is a sacred stupa and reportedly the burial site for one of Buddha’s bones. That Ing Hang Stupa is about nine metres high with beautiful carving and decoration. When arriving in Savannakhet, you visit Museum Dinosaur -located a block from the riverfront near the Thai Consulate.

Then, you will have a lunch at a local restaurant. Your exploration will continue to Pakse about 4 hour drive.

Meals on your own. Overnight at the hotel.

Transfer: Private car

Included meal: Breakfast

Accommodation: Hotel in Pakse

Day 11: Pakse - Champasak - Si Phan Don (B)

In the morning, you will have a visit of Vat Phou Temple - one of the oldest archaeological sites in Laos. For those who are interested in art and history, this temple is an ideal place to explore.

In the afternoon, continue your trip by road until reaching Si Phan Done area. Check in your hotel and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere in this beautiful region.

Meals on your own. Overnight at the hotel.

Transfer: Private car

Included meal: Breakfast

Accommodation: Hotel in 4000 Islands

Day 12: Si Phan Don (B)

After your breakfast, you will ride a bicycle to visit Done Det and Done Khone - where you could explore the ruins of French railway tracks and the beautiful Liphi Waterfall. Enjoy the tranquil atmosphere in the islands and take awesome photos of the local life and natural beauty.

In the afternoon, you will turn back to your hotel. Remainder of day is free at your leisure.

Meals on your own. Overnight in 4000 Islands.

Transfer: Private boat, bicycle

Included meal: Breakfast

Accommodation: Hotel in 4000 Islands

Day 13: Si Phan Don - Pakse - Departure (B)

You will stop at Pa Peng Falls after crossing the Mekong . It is the waterfall located in Southern Laos, near the boder with Cambodia. The falls are characterised by thousands of islands and countless waterways, giving the area its name Si Phan Don or 'The 4,000 islands'.

Then you will turn back to Paske Airport where you catch your flight to next destination.

Meals on your own. End of services.

Transfer: Private car

Included meal: Breakfast

Accommodation: N/A

• More options for travel to Laos: Top 10 Best Laos Tours | Laos Tour Packages

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Highlights of Laos - 13 Days / 12 Nights

Hotel Class

Prices are quoted in US dollars per person for double occupancy

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2 persons

4 persons

6 persons

10 persons

Laos Hidden Charm

Inclusion:

Accommodation in a shared twin or shared double room with daily breakfast
Tours and transfers as mentioned by private air-conditioned vehicle
Boat trips as mentioned in the itinerary
Local English speaking guide
Meals where mentioned (B: breakfast; L: lunch; D: dinner)
Entrance fees

Exclusion:

International flights
Single supplement surcharge
Laos visa
Other meals than mentioned
Other services than mentioned
Drinks, other than water on activity days
Personal expenses (laundry, telephone, drinks, tip...)
Travel insurance

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Important notes:

We strongly recommend the purchase of travel insurance (covering emergency medical evacuation) for trips to Laos.
Prices are valid 30 days from the date of offer. After this date, price and conditions may be readjusted.
The cost of air tickets is subject to change without prior notice by the airlines.
Reservations during peak times (Christmas, New Year, Laos New Year, National Holidays) may be subject to supplementary charges.
Rooms at hotels are available only from 14.00 on arrival day till 12.00 on departure date. A supplement will be added if early check-in or late check-out is desired.
Please note that all the above services & tours have yet to be booked, they are proposed for your information only and we will not make any reservations before we receive your confirmation to do so.
If one or some proposed service(s) is (are) not available at the moment of booking, we will try to find other possibilities/options or other similar service(s) in order to avoid changes to the program.

Visa:

You will require a visa to enter Laos. Your consultant will be happy to advise you on visa requirements.

Passport:

Please ensure that you have a valid passport with at least 6 months validity remaining after your return date. You will also need at least one blank page for each of the countries you are visiting.

Booking Procedure:

Only once you are completely happy with any holiday itinerary we create for you will we ask for a payment. In order that we can secure availability for your booking we would typically require a deposit of 30%.

Money Exchange:

Laos’s currency is called the KIP, pronounced “kip”.

Bills that represent Kip are broken down into 500; 1000; 2000; 5000; 10000; 20 000; 50, 000 and 100, 000 KIP denominations. Please be aware that the KIP is a non-convertible currency and cannot officially be exchanged abroad. The official exchange rate in Laos is around 8,000 Kip = 01 USD (as of July 2014).

Foreigner currencies such as US Dollars, Euros, Thai Baht, Australia Dollars…are popularly accepted in Laos to be exchanged in KIP and tourists are entitled to exchange easily money at the current market rate at the banks, airport or at any licensed moneychanger. The presentation of your passport is sometimes requested. Please ask your tour guide for assistance in case you need.

The official currency of Thailand is the Baht (THB).

The official currency of Cambodia is the Riel (KHR).

Unofficially however, US currency (US$) runs the country and is the currency you should bring, mostly in cash - notes should be 2006 series onwards. Clean bills in small denominations are most useful. Notes should be 2006 series onwards. Torn, dirty or old notes, as well as the $2US note will be refused in most businesses. ATMs are available in Phnom Penh, Sihanoukville and Siem Reap and also dispense in both KHR and US$.

The official currency of Vietnam is Dong (VND).

Some establishments will accept US currency (USD), but usually only for large purchases and in some restaurants and hotels that cater to tourists. It's not possible to exchange Vietnamese Dong outside the country, so convert or spend all your Dong before leaving.

The most convenient and cheapest way to obtain local currency in is via an Automated Teller Machine (ATM). ATMs are now available in most towns and visa cash advances are available in major banks. The use of credit cards is restricted, mainly to major hotels. Foreign currency notes that are old, torn or faded can be very difficult to exchange; clean bills in small denominations are most useful. Traveller's cheques are unacceptable to change.

Tipping:

If you're happy with the services provided a tip - though not compulsory - is appropriate. While it may not be customary to you, it's of great significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels, inspires excellent service, and is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry across many Asia destinations. Although can be difficult to source we advise you to carry small notes of local currency each day to make tipping easier. Please note we recommend that any tips are given directly to the intended recipient by a member of your group as our group leaders are prohibited from collecting cash for tips.

The following amounts are per person suggestions based on local considerations and feedback from our past travelers:

- Restaurants: Local markets and basic restaurants - round your bill up to the nearest US$1. More up-market restaurants we suggest 10% to 15% of your bill.

- Local guides: Throughout your trip you may at times have a local guide in addition to your tour leader. We suggest US$2-US$3 per day for local guides.

- Drivers: You may have a range of drivers on your trip. Some may be with you for a short journey while others may be with you for several days. We would suggest a higher tip for those more involved with the group, however we suggest US$1-US$2 per day for drivers.

Please don't tip with coins, very small denomination notes, or dirty and ripped notes. This is regarded culturally as an insult.

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1. ITINERARY AND ACCOMMODATIONS

This tour is designed with balanced activities and pace. If you want to customize it, you may always change its itinerary and accommodations according to your needs.

DAILY PROGRAM

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Day 1: Luang Prabang arrival

Day 2: Luang Prabang Ancient Town - Pak Ou Caves (B)

Day 3: Luang Prabang and Kuang Sii Falls (B,L)

Day 4: Luang Prabang - Vang Vieng - Boat trip (B)

Day 5: Vang Vieng surrounding (B)

Day 6: Vang Vieng - Vang Sang - Vientiane (B)

Day 7: Vientiane sightseeing (B)

Day 8: Vientiane - Hin Boun (B)

Day 9: Hin Boun - Thakhek (B)

Day 10: Thakhek - Pakse (B)

Day 11: Pakse - Champasak - Si Phan Don (B)

Day 12: Si Phan Don (B)

Day 13: Si Phan Don - Pakse - Departure (B)

2. PARTICIPANTS AND DATE OF TRAVEL

This tour is designed with balanced activities and pace. If you want to customize it, you may always change its itinerary and accommodations according to your needs.

Your group includes::

Adult(s)
Child(ren) (2 - 11 years)

The date of your trip:

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