All round a good trip, a good introduction to a country I didn't know much about.
Using the train to get to Vang Vieng and Luang Prabang is a smoother and faster way to get to places than going by road, but you are not allowed to take anything which could be considered as a weapon (as in hand luggage on a plane), even in your luggage - it will screened and items confiscated.
Fortunately the guide was able to get things taken from group members taken to Vang Vieng and Luang Prabang by road.
I would recommend this trip if you are interested in visiting south east Asia.
Discover Laos on this 5-day fully guided journey through the mountains, from ancient sites to traditional villages and into the heart of Laos.
The tour starts in Luang Prabang, where we’ll meet before setting off on Route 13 through the highlands and breathtaking scenery to Phonsavanh, where we’ll visit the Plain of Jars, explore authentic local markets, see numerous traditional Hmong and Khmu hill-tribe villages and tour the MAG visitor center. We'll make our way to the magnificent Kong Lor cave where we'll take a tiny boat and follow the river through the 8-kilometer cave through the mountain, before continuing on to Vientiane Capital.
The tour route is Luang Prabang - Phonsavanh - Kong Lor - Vientiane. Please see the itinerary and what’s included sections for more details of this fantastic tour!
From the remarkably relaxed capital of Vientiane, to enchanting, beautifully preserved former capital of Luang Prabang. Discover the spellbinding magic of Laos. Timeless temples, saffron clad monks and spectacular scenery abound!
Discover classic Laos on this 10-day guided tour. Start in the UNESCO heritage ancient royal capital Luang Prabang and travel through Phonsavanh to Vang Vieng to the final destination of Vientiane, the capital of Laos.
In Luang Prabang, visit famous temples that are still used in daily Lao life, experience a boat trip on the mighty Mekong River to the mysterious Pak Ou cave and see other highlights such as stunning waterfalls and a living farm.
Xieng Khouang, the next stop, is best-known for having been heavily bombed during the Indochina War and also for the historic Plain of Jars. In Vang Vieng, visit nearby villages, populated by the Hmong hill tribe and Tai Dam people, who live a simple life but possess a vibrant local culture and an interesting history.
Continue to Vientiane and stop to visit an archaeological site of Vang Xang, where you can admire one of the country’s oldest Buddha statues, dating back to the 11th century.
All accommodation, transport and activities are included on this tour, as well as several meals. Check out the what’s included sections and the detailed itinerary for more information.
Embark on our classic Laos tour and discover its enchanting mix of fairy-tale landscapes, fascinating history, charming culture, and flavorful cuisine. This carefully crafted tour takes you to the heart of Laos, allowing you to experience its three main regions: the historic city of Luang Prabang, the vibrant capital of Vientiane, and the tranquil beauty of southern Laos.
Your holiday in Laos begins with a Luang Prabang city tour, where you’ll explore the Royal Palace Museum, the stunning Wat Mai, and the unique Wat Visoun, also known as ‘The Watermelon Stupa’. From here, journey across Laos' picturesque mountains and lush paddy fields to the charming village of Ban Khoklin and experience the beauty of the Nam Ou River on a private boat ride to the Pak Ou Caves, famous for housing thousands of Buddha statues. Afterward, hop on a flight to Vientiane, where you'll visit the remarkable Wat Sisaket, home to thousands of miniature Buddha statues. In the southern region of Laos, take a long-tail boat ride to Don Khone on Khong Island, where you can explore an intriguing minority village, offering a deeper connection to the local culture.
To make your travel experience as seamless as possible, we provide a hassle-free door-to-airport service with a complimentary one-way chauffeur, ensuring you start your adventure relaxed and refreshed. We are committed to providing a world-class travel experience, with every detail carefully taken care of. Our small group tour, with a maximum of 16 guests, ensures a personalized experience that’s tailored to your preferences. Plus, our 24/7 local assistance and travel guidance ensure you’re supported every step of the way. You’ll also receive an airport meet-and-greet service from a local tour guide, making your arrival as easy and welcoming as possible.
We booked a great tour at short notice (17 km around Luang Prabang). Our guide was great and made the tour unforgettable. He was able to answer all questions about nature and the villagers and accompanied us well throughout the day. We also found the sustainability aspect very convincing. Any time!!
A region endowed with immense natural beauty and an ancient past, Luang Prabang is best seen through a local's eyes. Interested in exploring this area? Then we have the perfect tour for you.
Meet your tour guide at our sales office early in the morning for a forty-minute drive to Pak Ou Village where you are free to explore the many crafts that the locals make before crossing the mighty Mekong River by a small boat to the base of a limestone cliff, the site of the Pak Ou Caves. Take your time to explore the impressive lower grottos filled with Buddhist statues and scented with burning incense. Grab a flashlight and head up through a winding series of stairs to find another fascinating and easily navigable cave filled with ancient Buddhist relics.
Enjoy your lunch before crossing the Mekong again by boat and continue with a drive downriver for one and a half hours to the famous Kuang Si Waterfall. On the way, we’ll stop to see the popular Whiskey Village where you have the option to sample the locally made Lao Lao.
The jungle around the waterfall remains lush and beautiful year-round. The waterfall cycles between placid, turquoise waters during the dry season to impressive, roaring falls during the rainy season. Either way, you’re in for a refreshing and beautiful nature experience. Integrated into the landscape is an Asiatic bear sanctuary where you can see these beautiful creatures up close and support efforts to care for the animals in the area.
We’ll end this full-day trip with a return drive to Luang Prabang late in the afternoon.
Please note that the stairs in the lower Pak Ou Cave are short but steep. Access to the upper cave is via a fairly long series of stairs and can be taken at your own pace.
The Pak Ou Cave and Kuang Si Waterfall lie to the north and south of Luang Prabang city, respectively. This tour will take you to both these highlights, with a scenic drive up and down the length of the Mekong River between.
Temples glitter, nature runs wild, and distinct cultures flourish – Laos is a treasure chest just waiting to be unlocked. Luckily, our expert guides are the keyholders, taking you (mostly) by train to discover storied towns and cities, such as Vientiane, Vang Vieng and Luang Prabang, and off-grid to dense rainforests, meandering rivers and hidden waterfalls. To elevate the experience, we stay in a selection of wonderful hotels, including a resort deep within the protected forests of Nam Kat Yorla Pa.
One of Our Top Recommend Trips for 2026… Here’s Why After a brief absence, we’ve returned to Laos. And I couldn’t be more excited. With this new trip, we really are going deeper than we ever have before, allowing you to go far beyond the backpacker trail − Sarah Puttnam, destination expert
Discover the breathtaking beauty of Laos with our Incredible Laos Tour, a country renowned for its rugged mountainous terrain, charming hill tribe settlements, and serene Buddhist monasteries. Your trip to Laos begins with a captivating Luang Prabang city tour, where you’ll explore the vibrant night market before cruising upstream on the Mekong River to Ban Muangkeo. From there, embark on a trek to the Pak Ou Caves, home to thousands of Buddha statues that hold deep spiritual significance.
Next, immerse yourself in the top destinations in Laos as you follow the trekking trails from Ban Longlao to the stunning Kuang Si Waterfall. The trek will take you through lush forests and scenic landscapes, offering the perfect opportunity to connect with Laos' natural beauty. Your holiday in Laos then continues in Vientiane, where you'll visit the famous Wat Sisaket, known for its thousands of miniature Buddha statues. In Pakse, explore the ancient Wat Phou temple complex, a UNESCO World Heritage site that dates back to the 5th century, predating the Angkorian era.
Our small group tour, with a maximum of 16 guests, ensures a personalized and intimate experience. You’ll also enjoy a complimentary one-way chauffeur service from your home to the airport. We guarantee departures with as few as two guests, making it easy to begin your adventure at any time. Plus, with 24/7 local assistance and travel guidance, along with an airport meet-and-greet service from a local tour guide, your journey is in expert hands.
Discover the best of Laos with this compact yet thorough 5-day Classic Laos tour, designed to showcase the country’s unique charm and natural beauty. Although Laos may be small, it’s packed with breathtaking landscapes, rich culture, and fascinating history. Journey through the top tourist destinations in Laos, from vibrant city to the tranquil countryside, where traditional stilt houses and expansive paddy fields seem to emerge from an old postcard. In the capital city, experience a Vientiane city tour to marvel at the fusion of French colonial architecture and stunning Wats and stupas. Meanwhile, Luang Prabang offers a deep dive into Laos’ spiritual heart, with its ancient temples and sacred sites.
Experience the untouched beauty of this country as your holiday in Laos continues in the dense jungle forests, lush rice fields, and vibrant tea plantations that blanket the mountainous terrain. Venture into remote mountain villages to meet the Hmong people and learn about their unique culture and traditions. Take in the refreshing beauty of pristine waterfalls, offering an idyllic retreat into nature.
To make your trip as smooth and enjoyable as possible, we provide a seamless door-to-airport service. No need to worry about transportation or traffic—your journey begins with a complimentary one-way chauffeur service, taking you from your doorstep directly to the airport. Our small group tours, with a maximum of 16 guests, provide personalized attention and a more intimate experience. We guarantee departures with just two guests, giving you flexibility and peace of mind. With 24/7 local assistance and travel guidance, along with an airport meet-and-greet service from a friendly local tour guide, you can rest assured that every aspect of your journey is taken care of.
Alex NguyenTravel Expert in Laos & Thailand
