8 Days Laos Classic Tour from Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng and Vientiane
Tour Overview
If you’re looking for a Laos tour that gives you an insighful of this landlocked country at glance in a limited time, this 8-day itinerary is a perfect option...
Code of Tour: TAD0000028776
Length of Travel: 8 Day
Destinations of Tour: Luang Prabang → Vang Vieng → Vientiane
Departure City: Luang Prabang
Price of Tour: Request
Type of Tour: Private
Features of Tour: Nature tours Culture tours History tours World heritages tours
If you’re looking for a Laos tour that gives you an insighful of this landlocked country at glance in a limited time, this 8-day itinerary is a perfect option for you. Combining the exciting experiences at UNESCO-listed ancient town of Luang Prabang to spectacular karst landscapes of Vang Vieng along the peaceful Nam Song river and ending at the laidback city of Vientiane with hidden charms, this journey takes you to the true heart of Laos, the most popular tourist destinations that you should not miss out. Beside the ancient temples, natural wonders and historic monuments, you will also have various chances to interact with Lao people from idyllic villages along the way. The unique experiences and interesting excursions will make your Laos vacation an unforgettable journey.
HIGHLIGHTS OF THIS TOUR
Feel the enchanting atmosphere of the well-preserved ancient town of Luang Prabang when visiting famous sites: Wat Visoun, Wat Xiengthong, Wat Mai, Wat Aham, and Royal Palace Museum
Learn about local efforts on protecting wild animals in the Elephant Village and Tat Kuang Si bear rescue center
Immerse in the fresh natural views of Kuang Si waterfall and the surrounding jungle
Explore the countryside villages in Laos and interact with the local people
Get a slice of rural life in Vang Vieng while cruising along the tranquil Nam Song river
Tour around Vientiane’s iconic attractions: Wat Sisaket, That Luang monument, and Victory Monument
DAY 1: LUANG PRABANG
Transfer:
Activities: Welcome to Luang Prabang, transfer to hotel to check in, enjoy a welcome dinner
Welcome to Luang Prabang – one of the most pleasant cities in South East Asia – a UNESCO World Heritage site. Located in northern Laos, at the confluence of the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers, this sacred city boasts golden-roofed wats, saffron robed monks and remnants of French colonial architecture.
When arriving at Luang Prabang airport, you will be welcomed by our driver and guide and then get transferred without guide to hotel. Do the check-in and take a rest. At a scheduled time you will be picked up by our guide and driver to go to a local restaurant for the welcoming dinner. After that, transfer back to your hotel. Then you can spend your free time on joining the lively Night Market or relax at the hotel.
Overnight in Luang Prabang.
Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: 3 Choices
DAY 2: LUANG PRABANG
Transfer:
Activities: Visit highlighted attractions of Luang Prabang city.
An optional early start gives you the fantastic opportunity to participate in the daily morning alms giving ritual to saffron clad monks. This tradition is unique to Laos, being the only Buddhist nation still preserving this procession. Stop and visit fresh local markets and back to hotel for breakfast.
This morning, depart to visit Wat Visoun, the site of impressive Thad Makmo stupa. The Continue to visit Wat Aham. Then, visit to the most photographed temple, Wat Xiengthong. Located at the end of peninsular closed to the confluence of Mekong and Khan River.
This afternoon, continue to former Royal Palace, now the National Museum. Visit Wat Mai, a temple renowned for its golden bas-relief. During Pimai, the Lao New Year, the Prabang normally housed in the Royal Palace Museum is brought and put on public display in this temple.
Meals on your own. Overnight in Luang Prabang.
Experiences:
14
Royal Palace in Luang Prabang
Located on the banks of the Mekong River and facing the sacred Mount Phousi, the Royal Palace was built in 1904 to serve as the residence of King Sisavang Vong and his family during the French colonial era. After the revolution in 1975, the palace turned into a national museum and opened to the public in 1995. On the palace grounds, there are some buildings such as an exhibition hall, Haw Pra Bang that houses the standing Buddha statue called Prabang – the palladium of Laos, Royal Barge Shelter, Staff Headquarters and the Royal Ballet Theater. Besides enjoying the royal religious objects, the last king’s collection of cars, ancient statues, and paintings dating for centuries, you can also marvel at the stunning architecture of the palace that is a blend of traditional Lao style and French Beaux-Arts. The Royal Palace Museum is really well worth a visit to learn about Lao history and culture as well as the royal lifestyle.
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9
Pay a visit to Wat Xieng Thong – the highest symbol of Buddhism in Laos
Wat Xieng Thong, literally translated the ‘monastery of the golden city’, is one of the oldest and most important temples of Luang Prabang as well as one of the highest symbols of Buddhism in Laos. This Buddhist temple was built in 1559-1560 by King Setthathirath in the northern tip of the peninsula where the Mekong River and the Nam Khan River join. After a number of restorations, Wat Xieng Thong now consists of more than twenty structures on the grounds including a sim, a royal funerary carriage house, pavilions, shrines, residences, and gardens. As the temple still keeps its original form, a visit around will show tourists the characteristics of 16th-century Lao art and craft with the 2-tiered roof, colorful mosaics and carvings depicting Lao legends and the tree of life on the rear temple walls. Wat Xieng Thong is also an important venue where significant annual festivities in Luang Prabang are held.
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Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: 3 Choices
DAY 3: LUANG PRABANG
Transfer:
Activities: Experience Elephant Riding. Visit few villages of H’mong and Lao Loum People. Relaz at the spectacular Kuang Si waterfall & visit bear rescued centre
This morning, you will be driven to the Elephant Village, a center with a focus on the protection and rehabilitation of elephants in Laos. Upon arrival you will meet the camp manager and hear about the work carried out by a team of dedicated staff and volunteers in caring for the elephants. Get closer to elephants through some activities.
This afternoon, travelling outskirt of Luang prabang, driving through green rice paddies and farms. Stop for visit few villages of H’mong and Lao loum people, your guide can introduce you to local people and its great opportunity for you to involving with their daily activities such as wooden cotton spinning, weaving, rice harvesting and green vegetable farms. On your arrival at the Kuang Si waterfall, enjoy your short walking on trails of falls to visit the bear rescued centre and enjoy front main waterfalls with spectacular views and surrounding of orchids inside the park and falls cascade over many calcified tiers and down several hundred feet into a series of cool, turquoise pools. Driver back to Luang Prabang.
Meals on your own. Overnight in Luang Prabang.
Experiences:
12
Visit the bear rescued center in Luang Prabang
Located 30km southwest of Luang Prabang, Tat Kuang Si Bear Rescue Centre is only a short walk past the entrance gate to Tat Kuang Si Waterfall. Run by Free the Bears with the help from the Laos Department of Forestry since 2003, this excellent center is home to many wild Moon bears rescued from poachers and illegal wildlife trade where they have an open enclosure to live and play freely with lots of trees and swings. Due to the growing population of rescued bears, there are other bear houses built in the hills near Nahm Dong. When visiting the center, you can observe these lovely animals playing and enjoying their food from a viewing platform and along the wooden paths. The visit will be the best chance for visitors to learn about these adorable bears and other wildlife we need to protect. If you want to support the center, you can buy a T-shirt or make a donation.
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Elephant village in Luang Prabang
Established in 2001, Elephant Village is a wonderful place where tourists get to know more about the elephants of Laos who are rescued from the abusive environment or the logging industry and cared by professional veterinarians. In a safe, secure home, on the bank of the Nam Khan river and next to Ban Xieng Lom, these special animals live happily with their herd as well as roam freely in the lush and green jungle every day. When visiting the Elephant Village, tourists can enjoy a lot of daily activities with the lovely elephants such as bathing and feeding your elephants, exploring the elephant hospital to learn how they cared each day or trekking on foot along them through diverse jungle landscapes. The village also offers tourists a lodge area to stay and a restaurant for lunch and dinner. This Elephant Village is one of the best educational and interesting places in Luang Prabang for families with kids.
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12
Spectacular and stunning Kuang Si WaterFalls
No words can describe the stunning of Kuang Si Waterfalls and the emerald water: you must witness in person, the experience will surely exceeds your expectations!Located outside the city of Luang Prabang, Kuang Si Waterfalls are absolutely breathtaking and definitely worth the visit. You can climb up to the falls and take a dip, or walk through the beautiful area and got in the water a bit more downstream, swim or simply put my feet in for a relaxation.Truly, a joyous feast for eyes and ears, for mind and soul !
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Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: 3 Choices
DAY 4: LUANG PRABANG
Transfer:
Activities: Travel Ban Nayang village, Nam Park market, Pa Thok cave. Boat to Ban Sojam, cruise to Muong Ngoy. Overnight at guesthouse
This morning, drive to Nong Khiew. Stop to visit Ban Nayang village and Nam Park market. Arrival in Nong Khiew. Lunch on your own. Visit Pa Thok cave. Then embark on boat to Ban Sojam. Walking to visit this village then continue your cruise to Muong Ngoy. Arrival and check-in guesthouse in Muang Ngoy.
Meals on your own. Overnight in guesthouse at Muang Ngoy. (Simple comfort).
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: 1 Choices
DAY 5: LUANG PRABANG
Transfer:
Activities: Walking to visit some local villages. Embarking on boat to cruise back Nong Khiew. Drive to Luang Prabang & visit Pak Ou Caves
After breakfast, walking to visit some local villages before embarking on boat to cruise back Nong Khiew.
Drive from Nong Khiew to Luang Prabang city. Visit Pak Ou caves at the confluence of the Mekong and Nam Ou Rivers. In these 2 caves are displayed hundreds of sacred centuries-old Buddha images which are the object of pilgrimages during the Lao New Year festivities around mid-April. Heading to Luang Prabang. Arrive and check in hotel in Luang Prabang.
Meals on your own. Overnight in Luang Pabang.
Experiences:
8
Enjoyable Mekong River boat excursion to Pak Ou Cave
When in Luang Prabang, it is recommended to take a boat tour through Mekong river and visit Pak Ou caves. The excursion will bring you pleasant time to see the local life along the way where the mountain, blue sky and spectacular scenery are in harmony to take the picture. The climb to the caves will guide you to superb exploration to see hundreds of Buddha sculptures in a dark cave, which is not only an insight into top attraction in Luang Prabang, but the historical stories of the sacred relics protection from bombings during the Secret War as well.
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Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: 3 Choices
DAY 6: LUANG PRABANG, VANG VIENG
Transfer:
Activities: Drive from Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng. Witness idyllic scenes of rural life & limestone mountain on a long tail boat.
After breakfast, drive to Vang Vieng, drive passes through splendid scenery and past many panoramic lookout points on the winding mountaintop road. There are several stops en route to take photos in the scenery.
Arrive in Vang Vieng and descending the Nam Song by long tail boat leads us through idyllic scenes of rural life: a unique sight with the limestone mountain in the background.
Meals on your own. Overnight in Vang Vieng.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: 3 Choices
DAY 7: VANG VIENG, VIENTIANE
Transfer:
Activities: Explore Tham Chang Cave. Drive to Vientiane & visit highlighted attractions in Vientiane.
After breakfast, heading to Tham Chang cave 172 steps where you can see the spectacular views of the city and the landscape.
Then drive to Vientiane, about 4 hours from the capital. Arrival in Vientiane and visit Wat Sisaket with its thousands of miniature Buddha statues. The huge golden That Luang monument, where all Lao citizen respect as holy pagoda.
Vientiane’s own Victory Monument, which looks like the Arc de Triumph. This was built at the end of the Indochina wars with money rumored to be American, and earmarked for the airport’s new runway. Thus the departing Americans dubbed this monument the vertical runway! Have a look at the lovely arches inside the monument.
Meals on your own. Overnight in Viantiane.
Experiences:
7
Stop at highlighted attractions in Vientiane: Wat Sisaket, That Luang monument, Victory Monument
Contrary to popular belief of a modern and busy city, Vientiane is, in fact, the laidback capital of Laos with unique and hidden charms. To unveil the true lure of Vientiane, let’s join our city tour that takes you to some of the best sights in town. Start with a visit to Wat Sisaket, the oldest temple in the city built in the Siamese style of Buddhist architecture, you will see a huge exhibition of over 2,000 Buddha images well displayed on a cloister wall. Next, it’s on to That Luang monument, a gold-covered large Buddhist stupa which is generally regarded as the national symbol of Laos. This is also the scene of the Boun That Luang, Laos’ most important Buddhist festival. Finally, make your way to Patuxai, the Victory Monument dedicated to those who gave their lives for independence from France. Built to resemble Paris’ Arc de Triomphe, Patuxai offers a stunning view of the town and the Mekong River. Touring around different highlights of Vientiane to gain a better understanding of this charming capital will surely an unforgettable experience that makes your day in Laos.
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Tham Chang cave in Vang Vieng
Considered as the top attraction in Vang Vieng, Tham Cham is a spectacular cave consisting of numerous beautiful and rare stalactites. Located in Meuang Xong Village, this spacious cave was used as a bunker during an invasion in the early 19th century and a haven for local inhabitants in the civil war. To enter the cave, visitors need to climb up the stone stairway with a couple of hundred steps leading to the mountainside entrance. Inside the cave, there are several well-lit pathways that lead to different sections of the cave with myriad stalactites and rocks in weird formations, one of which leads to a nice viewpoint outside where you can take in the countryside scenery. Tham Chang Cave is also an ideal spot to cool off from the hot weather as the temperature inside the cave is fairly low. Besides, tourists can swim in the small pool in front of the entrance or enjoy an outside picnic on a patch of grass near the cave.
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Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: 3 Choices
DAY 8: VIENTIANE
Transfer:
Activities: Be transferred to the airport. Take your onward flight back home or to your next destination
Free time until your transfer by our driver to the airport for your international flight.
END OF SERVICES.
Meals: Breakfast
INCLUSIONS & EXCLUSIONS
Inclusions
Meals
7 Breakfasts, 1 Dinner
Accommodation
Hotel (7 nights)
Transport
Car
Included Services
Accomodation with daily breakfast
Private transport in air-conditioned vehicles
Local English-speaking guides
Water on coach
Entrance fees, performances, boat trips & excursions
Exclusions
International flights to/from Laos
Domestic flights
Travel insurance
Laos Visa stamp fees
Early check-in & late check-out surcharge
Personal expenses
Meals not mentioned
Drinks not mentioned
Tips & gratuities for guides and drivers
