LAOS OFF THE BEATEN PATH 13 DAYS / 12 NIGHTS

13 Days
TYPOLOGIES

Culture Tour

DIFFICULTY

MIN. AGE

Tour Overview:

Let's embark on a captivating journey through the heart of northern Laos, exploring the enchanting cities and breathtaking landscapes that lie between Vientiane and Luang Prabang.

Our adventure begins in Vientiane, the laid-back capital of Laos. Here, you can visit the magnificent Pha That Luang, a golden stupa that is the national symbol of Laos. The city also boasts a vibrant night market, where you can find everything from local handicrafts to delicious street food.

Next, we journey to Vang Vieng, a town that has transformed from a party destination into a nature lover's paradise. Surrounded by towering limestone karsts and emerald-green rice paddies, Vang Vieng offers a plethora of outdoor activities. You can go kayaking, tubing, or hiking through lush jungle.

Our journey continues to Oudomxay, a charming provincial capital known for its friendly locals and traditional Lao lifestyle. Oudomxay is a great place to experience authentic Lao culture and visit local markets.

From Oudomxay, we head to Luang Namtha, a mountainous region that is home to the Akha, Lahu, and Yao ethnic minorities. Luang Namtha is a popular destination for trekking and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

Houayxay is a small town located on the Mekong River, serving as a gateway to northern Laos. From here, you can embark on a boat trip along the Mekong, taking in the breathtaking scenery and visiting remote villages.

Pakbeng is a peaceful village situated along the Mekong River. It's a popular stop for travelers taking a slow boat from Luang Prabang to Houayxay. Here, you can enjoy the laid-back atmosphere and savor delicious local cuisine.

Our journey culminates in Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Southeast Asia's most enchanting cities. This former royal capital is famous for its stunning temples, French colonial architecture, and vibrant night markets. Don't miss the opportunity to visit Kuang Si Falls, a series of cascading waterfalls surrounded by lush jungle.

Would you like to know more about any of these destinations? Or perhaps you'd like to plan a trip and need more specific information?

Itinerary in details:

Sabaidee! Welcome to Vientiane, Vientiane is a fascinating capital, with a fusion of Lao, Thai, Chinese, Vietnamese, French, and American influences. This charming and easygoing city will provide a smooth introduction to Laos. You are greeted by your driver at the airport for your transfer to the hotel. Rest of the day is at your own leisure.

Overnight in Vientiane.

After breakfast, departure to visit the colorful Thong Khan Kham market. There are many markets in Vientiane. There you will find all the foods that constitute the daily diet of Laotians but also all kinds of products (household appliances, jewelry, etc.). Dried red peppers are widely used in Laotian cuisine, particularly for macerating meat and fish. then visit the imposing Patuxay Monument. which is well known as a Triumphal Arch of Vientiane before continuing to the famous That Luang Stupa.

Continuation of the discovery of the city of Vientiane. We start with Wat Sisaket which is the oldest temple still standing in Vientiane. This amazing structure has remarkable frescoes and images of Buddha, then Haw Prakeo, the former royal temple of the Laos monarchy, which previously housed the famous Emerald Buddha Statue.

In the afternoon: we will visit to Wat Si Muang, which is very famous for its supernatural power. Then go to Buddha Park which takes around 45 minutes. Along the way, stop to take photos of the Friendship Bridge which was built by the Australian government in 1994 and connects Laos and Thailand. Arrive at Buddha Park and enjoy a walk in the park. Also known as XiengKhuan, this park is filled with over 200 Buddhist and Hindu statues. The concrete sculptures are bizarre, yet intriguing, sitting majestically in the peaceful grounds. The peaceful setting of the park on the banks of the Mekong contrasts radically with the somewhat eccentric works sculpted in 1958 by a Laotian shaman-priest-yogi. The concrete sculptures are bizarre, yet intriguing, sitting majestically in the peaceful grounds. Then you also visit the Laos-Thailand Friendship Bridge.

Return to Vientiane city center. The rest of the day is free to take a stroll in charming, relaxing colonial neighborhoods or you can enjoy a cup of coffee in shaded terraces while contemplating scenes of river life as the sun sets on the Mekong.

Overnight in Vientiane.

After breakfast, our driver transfers you to the train station for a journey up to Vang Vieng. You arrive in Vang Vieng, meet our driver and transfer to hotel.

Today's tour combines all the activities that Vang Vieng is famous for: kayaking on the Nam Song River surrounded by rugged karsts and beautiful rural scenery and exploring limestone caves.

Your tour guide will take to to the north of Vang Vieng, where you'll firstly visit Tham Xang (Elephant Cave). This cave owes its name to a remarkable limestone formation, and lies on the banks of the Nam Song River.

The nearby Tham Hoi Cave (Snail Cave) winds its way deep into the mountain. You'll float through the cave on inflatable tubes, exploring its long corridors and wonderful limestone formations. A pool of cool spring water lies at the mouth of Tham Nam (Water Cave), giving you a great opportunity for a swim.

Following a picnic lunch, trek to a Hmong village, passing through rice paddies and vegetable gardens. Return to Vang Vieng by kayaking down the Nam Song, taking you through idyllic scenes of rural life, with limestone mountains in the background.

Rest of the day, you are recommended a short stroll down to the riverbank in time for sunset, where there are a number of areas to sit and take in dramatic scenery. Be sure to bring a camera to catch some amazing snaps.
Overnight in Vang Vieng.

After breakfast, we will catch the express train to Oudomxay. This province is home to 23 ethnic minority groups. Upon arrival, our staff will meet you and transfer you to the jungle resort, Namkat Yolapa. After checking into your hotel to relax for your own time.

Overnight in Oudomxay.

An active day in the jungle. You will take a walk today to the Namkat Waterfall. You walk through the jungle and part of the route you cover via 13 rope bridges. A real adventure! Are you afraid of heights? Let us know and we will adjust the walk. Lunch is organized at the waterfall and then you walk back to the starting point. On the way we stop at a few giant trees.

Overnight in Oudomxay.

After breakfast, we catch the express train to Luang Namtha, which is located on the banks of the Tha River or Nam Tha. Upon arrival, our staff will meet you and transfer you to your hotel for check-in. After a short rest, we will visit the Luang Namtha Museum, which houses collections of anthropological significance. Here, you can see ethnic clothing, tools, instruments, and artworks, providing insight into local culture and history. We will also visit the Lantern Village of Ban Nam Dee, where you can observe ethnic traditions in action and cool off by the beautiful Nam Dee waterfall. In the evening, we will return to Luang Namtha for overnight.

Overnight in Luang Namtha.

Today you will also go on a beautiful hike. The driver will take you to Ban Nam Yang, which is the starting point of the hike. Today you will walk through the forest to the top of the mountain. Along the way you will pass an Akha cemetery. The view from the top is beautiful and after you have rested, the hike continues to an Akha village. The guide will tell you about life in the mountains in the village. On the way back to the hotel we will stop at a Black Tai village.

Overnight in Luang Namtha.

Today you travel further to Houayxay. You are now close to the border and can see Thailand. Houayxay is located on the Mekong River and tomorrow your two-day cruise will start.

Overnight in Houayxay.

You board a ready traditional boat for the trip down the Mekong River. Serene, timeless Laos is one of Asia's most unvisited, unchanged countries. This once-powerful kingdom known as Lane Xang (Million Elephants) was founded in the 14th century with the help of the Khmers, and it went on to become one of the largest kingdoms in Southeast Asia until its demise in the late 19th century. Bisected and bordered by the Mekong River, omnipresent symbol of Indochina, Laos today is an amalgam of cultural influences, Theravada Buddhism, animism, France, and the socialist ideal. It is a peaceful place, and the legendary hospitality, resilience and friendliness of the Lao people is much in evidence. Laos is Old Asia preserved. As your journey downriver you will stop at some tribal minority villages such as the Hmong, Yao, and Khmu.

Overnight in Pakbeng.

Breakfast, as you sail downriver as a second leg, you will pass areas of un-spoilt forest with little villages along the riverbanks and perhaps the odd elephant or two with his mahout. You visit a fishing village and a rice winemaking village and perhaps even taste some of the infamous beverage known as Lao Rice wine. You also visit the Pak-Ou caves, where thousands of Buddha statues are stored. You arrive in Luang Prabang around sunset and transfer to your hotel.

Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Enjoy breakfast at hotel.

Hop on Tuk Tuk and we visit the National Museum at the former Royal Palace displays a lovely collection of the artifacts reflecting the richness of Lao culture dating from the days of the early kings right through the last sovereign. The National Museum and the Central Market are not to be missed. We enjoy a short tour seeing the city’s oldest temple Wat Sene and Wat Xieng Thong, a significant monument to the spirit of religion, royalty, and traditional art. Later we’ll visit the impressive Wat Visoun, the oldest temple that houses many Buddha images. Next is Wat Aham, the ‘Monastery of the Blossomed Heart’ exudes serenity, and Wat Mai, the largest and most richly decorated of the temples in this city.

You can plan the rest of the afternoon yourself.

Overnight in Luang Prabang.

8:00–8:30. Our English-speaking guide will pick you up from your hotel lobby in Luang Prabang, Laos. Arrive at the Elephant Village Camp: welcome greeting by your guide; participate in a short briefing about elephants. Elephant Feeding: Get up close and personal with elephants. Explore Elephant Village: Visit the elephant hospital, museum, photo gallery, and dung paper making area. One on One Experience/learn to communicate with your elephant: Enjoy the impressive experience of being a mahout! Trek along the Trail of Falls: Enjoy a 2 km trek along our exclusive Trail of Falls.

Lunch: Dine in the forest surroundings with a picnic box lunch prepared just for you at our camp restaurant (vegetarian options available). Continue of the Trail of Falls: Enjoy another 1 km trek on foot along the Trail of Falls, which follows a beautiful stream leading up to Tad Sae Waterfall. Tad Sae Waterfall: Arrive at Tad Sae Waterfall and relax, dip your feet, or take a swim in the clear, cool water.

Return to your hotel in Luang Prabang between 3:00 and 4:00 p.m.

Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Pick up by driver and transfer to Luang Prabang airport for departure to next destination. It’s time to say goodbye, we thank you for traveling with us and warmly welcome you to come again.

Services

What’s include :

TOUR COST INCLUDES:

TOUR COST NOT INCLUDES:

✅ Accommodation: 12-nights with daily breakfast in double / twin shared room

✅ Meals: at local restaurant (Foods only) as mentioned in program (B: Breakfast, L: Lunch and D: Dinner)

✅ Private Transportation: Airport transfers & Tours by air con. vehicles as per program.

✅ Private boat trip as mentioned in program.

✅ Entrance fees: Sightseeing and entrance fees as specified as mentioned in program.

✅ Private Tour Guide: Local English-speaking guide during tours as mentioned in program

✅ Train ticket (2nd class): Vientiane – Vang Vieng / Vang Vieng – Oudomxay / Oudomxay – Luang Namtha.

✅ Join Tour – Mekong Cruise to Buddha Cave

✅ All government taxes.

✅ 24hours supporting hotline.

✅ Cold water and towel during tours

❌ Laos Visa stamp fee – https://laoevisa.gov.la/

❌ All International air tickets.

❌ Other meal, drink, personal expenses, tip, Travel insurance,

❌ International bank transfer fees (Banking fee is covered by the sender)

❌ Another thing not mentioned in included

GENERAL NOTICE:

  • Standard check-in time is 14h00 and check-out time is 12h00 at most of the hotels.
  • Arrival/Departure: Above prices are valid only for group of clients travelling together – arrival and departure with the same flight. Arrival/departure by other flight subject to supplement charge.
  • Program is subject to change without notice due to Airlines unexpected changes of schedule or flight unexpected cancellations.
  • There will be no refund or compensation applied due to force major which effect to visit program.
  • We reserve the right to adjust the prices at any time in the event of an increase of the fuel surcharge applied by airlines companies or any other transport companies.
  • Deadline for flight tickets: We will automatically issue flights 5 days after bookings is confirmed by us, please take note and come back to me within 5 days since booking is confirmed if you find clients don’t want to issue it.

 

Consultant/Emergency Contact:

EURASIE Travel “Best for the Best“ – Head office

#AC04, Street 59CW, Borey Sopheak Meangkul, Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

info@eurasietravel.com.kh / www.eurasietravel.com.kh

 

Hot lines:

+ Mr. Bonny: (+855) 12 608 108 (WHATSAPP)

    ” Possiamo dire che è stata la luna di miele perfetta. Abbiamo avuto la possibilità di entrare a stretto contatto con la gente locale, di vivere diverse esperienze molto interessanti e di visitare dei posti fantastici. Tutto era organizzato in maniera perfetta grazie anche al validissimo supporto del nostro corrispondente Roberto, che non ci ha mai lasciati soli. Da dietro le quinte ci ha assistito per tutta la durata del nostro magnifico viaggio di nozze, dandoci un valido supporto per qualsiasi cosa. Le guide e i drivers erano sempre puntuali, cordiali, molto disponibili e molto preparati. Difficile dire in una sola frase cosa ci sia piaciuto. In una sola parola: TUTTO. L’organizzazione pre e durante il nostro viaggio è stata ineccepibile. Non possiamo che ringraziare Roberto ed Eurasie per questa meravigliosa esperienza.”

    Erika e Andrea

    Tour Vietnam & Cambogia