Laos Elegance Tour

In the morning, we will first visit Wat Si Muang, which is very famous for its supernatural power.

After that, drive to Buddha Park, which is around 45 minutes away. Also known as Xieng Khuan, this unusual park is filled with over 200 Buddhist and Hindu statues.

Returning to town, visit COPE, an association working to help landmine victims. A visit to the center provides in-depth information about the history of the American/Vietnam War and the lasting impact of unexploded ordinances (UXO) in the area, and the efforts underway to clear them.

Start the afternoon with a visit to That Luang, the holiest site in Laos. Constructed by King Setthathirat in the 16th century, the temple is resplendent as the sun shines upon its towering golden spire.

Then, enjoy a panoramic view over the city as you climb the stairs to the top of Patuxay, Vientiane’s own “Arc de Triomphe”.

Continue down Lane Xang Avenue to the serene Wat Sisaket, the only temple left intact after the Siamese (Thai) invasion in 1828.

Continue on to the nearby Wat Phra Keo. Used as a religious museum, Wat Phra Keo displays a collection of both Lao and Khmer works of art.

End your tour of the capital along the banks of the Mekong River as the sun begins to set. Stroll along the river, stop to enjoy a cold drink, or sample a snack from one of the many local food stalls. 

Optional tour: You can also visit Sinouk Coffee Pavilion to discover the Lao coffee, stroll around the mini coffee gallery, view the in-house coffee roaster and try a cup of delicious and unique coffee or tea. Discuss with our guide about this. Entrance fees and extra coffee/drinks are payable on the spot.

Meals: Breakfast
Stay overnight in Vientiane

Our tuk-tuk driver (also our guide) will pick you up at your hotel after breakfast, and take you to an organic rice, fish and vegetable farm on the outskirts of Vientiane.

Run by a Lao non-government organisation using traditional Lao farming methods, this is the perfect place to try your hand at rice farming.

The friendly farmers will show you how to get your feet wet planting rice seedlings (during the rainy season), or if it’s harvest season, then cut and thresh your own rice for lunch!

Do a spot of fishing, collect fresh duck eggs, learn about organic fertiliser and how it is made, and harvest fresh seasonal organic vegetables and bamboo (if in season).

Once you’ve finished in the field, you’ll cook up a traditional Lao lunch with the day’s produce. Learn how to cook sticky rice and make papaya salad, and sit down to enjoy a picnic-style lunch and a well-earned rest.

On the way back into town, we’ll take you to a local fresh food market to check out the amazing diversity of Lao food. Stop for a while in the market for a traditional Lao coffee or sample some delicious Lao sweets.

Transfer back to your hotel late afternoon.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Stay overnight in Vientiane

We leave the capital early for our journey northbound to Ban Thaheua via the highway Vientiane - Vang Vieng.

We will see some breathtaking scenery en route as we pass through spectacular countryside towards the mountainous region.

We will arrive in Ban Thaheua around noon.

In the afternoon, embark on a journey from the Resort, passing by the local primary school with opportunities to visit children on school days. Explore Tha Heua's local market and the village temple, immersing 

yourself in the local culture. Observe the vibrant displays at the town's fish stalls and make a noteworthy stop at the renowned dry fish market, a must-visit for local travelers in the region. Take a break in Houy Pa Mom village for a coffee/tea session in a local home, appreciating the art of hand weaving. Continue with a visit to a Hmong village nestled along the banks of the Nam Ngum Lake. Conclude the excursion with a scenic cycle ride back to the Sanctuary Nam Ngum Beach Resort.

You are then free to stroll around the resort or the nearby area for your own exploration.

Meals: Breakfast
Stay overnight in Ban Thaheua

Optional: Wake up early today, you never want to miss the serene sunrise over the peaceful lake. Our guide will escort you to the nearby area to watch the local villagers preparing for their busy day.

After breakfast, we will transfer to Vang Vieng

Upon arrival, we embark on a full day of adventure, immersing ourselves in the natural beauty of Vang Vieng. Our first stop is Tham Jang, a renowned cave that served as a refuge for local residents during the Chinese invasion two centuries ago.

Next, we'll visit Tham Nangfa, also known as Angel Cave. This cave boasts vast limestone formations and breathtaking stalactites in unique configurations. The enchanting beauty of Angel Cave makes it a perfect spot for photography and quiet contemplation. For those seeking an extra thrill, we recommend a zipline flight over the area, offering an exhilarating way to admire the stunning views from above (An additional charge of $19 per person applies for the zipline).

After exploring these magnificent caves, we'll head to Blue Lagoon 3, a tranquil spot ideal for relaxation and cooling off. Surrounded by lush greenery and clear blue waters, Blue Lagoon 3 offers a refreshing escape where you can swim, relax, and enjoy the serene environment.

The return journey to your hotel offers the option to stop at local villages and a market.

The remainder of the day is yours to relax, culminating in the enjoyment of a beautiful sunset over the Nam Song River from your hotel. Your night will be spent in Vang Vieng.

Optional: Consider a hot-air balloon ride over the Vang Vieng mountains during the late afternoon as the sun sets, offering a splendid view of the surrounding nature.

Meals: Breakfast
Stay overnight in Vang Vieng

After breakfast, our driver will take you 14 km north to the amazing Tham Xang (Elephant Cave), located on the banks of the Nam Song River. This important Buddhist temple is named for its remarkable limestone formations resembling elephants.

Next, we head to the nearby Tham Hoi (Snail Cave), which winds deep into the mountains. We'll spend 45 minutes exploring its numerous long corridors and stunning limestone formations.

We will also explore the Loop Cave, known for its impressive stalagmite formations, before continuing on to Tham Nam (Water Cave). At Tham Nam, a cool spring pool lies at the cave's mouth, making it a perfect spot for a refreshing swim. We'll tube through the water-filled cave, which is crystal clear during the dry season.

After this, we trek 2 km to the Hmong village of Phathao, passing through rice paddies and vegetable gardens. Upon arrival, transportation will take us back to Vang Vieng.

You have some time to relax before our guide and driver come to transfer directly to the train station to take the afternoon express train to Luang Prabang.

Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel in town.

Meals: Breakfast
Stay overnight in Luang Prabang

After breakfast, you will first visit the Royal Palace Museum, which was built in 1904 during the French colonial era for King Sisavang Vong and his family.

We then embark on a leisure cruise upstream on the Mekong River, which also gives us a breathtaking view of the tranquil countryside, before reaching the mysterious Pak Ou Caves, two linked caves crammed with thousands of gold lacquered Buddha statues of various shapes and sizes left by pilgrims. 

Along the way, we stop at the village of Ban Xanghai, where they make the local rice wine.

On arrival back in the city, we will visit the old Wat Sene and the nearby magnificent Wat Xiengthong a superb piece of Lao temple architecture, which presents a sweeping two-tiered roof and ornate mosaics including a beautiful ‘tree of life ‘glass montage on the rear temple wall. 

Next, we will visit Heuan Chan, a 19th-century aristocratic mansion that offers a glimpse into Lao culture through traditional ceremonies, textiles, and family life. This restored mansion stands as a testament to Lao heritage, featuring enriching exhibitions and a documentary on Laos' customs. After the visit, we'll have the opportunity to taste authentic Lao coffee or tea, providing a true taste of Laos.

Late afternoon, we will make a stop at Wat Prabath to admire the sunset; this is the ideal place to catch the last beauty of the day.

The tour ends after a visit to the famous Night Market, where you can find a lovely collection of handmade textiles made by local and hill-tribe people surrounding Luang Prabang

After breakfast, transfer to Heuan Chan Heritage House, and embark on an enlightening tour of the historical house and museum. Here, you'll immerse yourself in the fascinating history of Luang Prabang, exploring its distinctive architecture, cultural artifacts, and pivotal events that have shaped this UNESCO World Heritage city.

But the adventure doesn't halt there. Prepare to delve deeper into the tapestry of local traditions and craftsmanship as we transition to the Bamboo Weaving workshop. Here lies a realm where age-old skills and techniques are meticulously preserved and passed down through generations. Bamboo basketry, an integral part of local life, serves not only as a decorative art form but also as a practical necessity. From serving as vessels for food to being utilized in construction and crafting a myriad of tools and objects, bamboo weaving embodies the essence of both utility and beauty

But the exploration doesn't end there. Prepare to venture further into the realm of tradition and craftsmanship as we transition to the Mulberry paper workshop. This is where the art of papermaking comes to life, with skilled artisans crafting each sheet by hand, imbuing it with a distinctive finish that speaks of centuries-old techniques.

Meals: Breakfast
Stay overnight in Luang Prabang

Wake up as the sun rises, we will prepare to join the most sacred tradition of Laos, the daily morning alms giving, which dates to the 14th century. More than 200 Buddhist monks depart from various temples to gather their daily meals from the faithful residents sitting quietly on the streets.

We then visit the temporary morning market near the former Royal Palace. Just set on the ground, the local people come here to barter their day’s catch from rice, to vegetables, to fish, or chicken.

After breakfast at the hotel, we ascend the 329 steps to the top of Phousi Hill for a panoramic view of the city and the Mekong River.

If time permits, we will visit the UXO Visitor Center (closed on Saturday and Sunday), where you can find the documentation about the secret war in Laos.

Then, transfer to the Buffalo Dairy Farm on the way to Kuang Si waterfalls, which offers a fun and interesting experience for the kids.

We arrive at the beautiful Kuang Si, which is the biggest waterfall in the Luang Prabang area, with three tiers leading to a 50-metre drop into spectacular azure pools before flowing downstream. The pools also make great swimming holes and are very popular with both tourists and locals

There is also the chance to walk to the nearby village of Ban Thapene and explore the hidden waterfalls, which are rarely visited by other tourists

If you wish, take a short visit to the Bear Rescue Center, which houses a couple of dozen animals rescued from the hands of poachers and traffickers.

On the way back to Luang Prabang, we will take a short visit to the Ock Pop Tock Living Craft Center, set serenely close to the Mekong. This beautiful, traditionally styled workshop, where weavers, spinners and batik makers produce top-quality fabrics, offers free tours every half-hour. This is also one of the best spots to admire the sunset in Luang Prabang

Transfer back to your hotel late afternoon. Overnight in Luang Prabang

Meals: Breakfast
Stay overnight in Luang Prabang

Our driver will pick you up and transfer you to the charming Namkhan Ecolodge. Upon arrival, you'll be greeted by a guide from the lodge who will take you on a tour of the grounds. Discover the secrets of Namkhan's origins as you wander through the lush garden brimming with fruits and vegetables, and learn about our greenhouse's agricultural practices. Your journey concludes with a tasting of our farm's homemade delights.

Next, immerse yourself in our bamboo weaving workshop where you'll craft your very own tea filter. Then, indulge in a delightful lunch featuring traditional Lao dishes at our farm-to-table restaurant. For those with dietary preferences or restrictions, rest assured that we cater to vegan and vegetarian diets.

In the afternoon, delight in a leisurely kayaking excursion along the tranquil Namkhan River, allowing yourself to be fully immersed in the serenity of nature along the riverbanks. Alternatively, for a more laid-back experience, you can opt for tubing along the Namkhan River.

As the day draws to a close, it's time to embark on our private BBQ adventure. This exclusive experience features a starter, main course, and dessert, expertly prepared by our talented chef using locally sourced meats paired with delicious sauces and side dishes. While you unwind in our island bamboo huts, our staff will craft a sensational meal that BBQ enthusiasts won't want to miss, including the renowned Luang Prabang Sausage. Your BBQ experience will be complemented by vegetables sourced from our organic farm.

Relish in the fresh countryside air before retiring for the night in one of the lodge's cozy bungalows.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Stay overnight at Namkhan Ecolodge

Start your day with a burst of energy by opting for an invigorating Yoga or Chi Kong class to rejuvenate your spirit. Treat yourself to a delightful breakfast that promises to excite your taste buds and nourish your body and soul.

Next, immerse yourself in a cooking class where you'll discover the wonders of Lao cuisine and learn how to prepare authentic dishes. Our local chef will unveil the secrets behind crafting a delicious Lao meal using flavorsome ingredients sourced from our farm.

Enjoy the lunch featuring the dishes you've prepared yourself.

As the day winds down, bid farewell to this enchanting place and return to your hotel in town.

Meals: Breakfast
Stay overnight in Luang Prabang

You are free to stroll around the town for your own exploration before taking the departure flight

Meals: NONE