Border crossing Thailand Laos 7 days

Day 1: Houayxay – Pakbeng

On arrival at Houay Xai border gate, you are met by the cruise staff and  transferred by the local transport to the boat landing. We board the traditional boat at 9h00 and navigate down the Mekong River. We will explore a part of the Mekong River on two day trip to Luang Prabang. This watercourse comes chiefly from rainfall, which fluctuates seasonally. This thrilling river trip is still a perfect way to admire the fantastic scene with a mixture of the lush jungle, undulating mountains, sleepy villages and riverine life. 

Along the way we have a stop to visit some riverside villages inhabited by the Hmong, Yao and Khmu hilltribe people. They are very poor, but have an interesting local culture and colorful history. The relaxed cruise reaches Pakbeng by mid or late afternoon depending on the water level of the Mekong River. Check in hotel and enjoy your free time.

Overnight in Pakbeng.

Day 2: Pakbeng – Luang Prabang (B)

The exciting river journey continues to Luang Prabang Town via a full day trip from Pakbeng. The boat excursion passes through the stunning landscape to the mysterious Pak Ou Caves, which are set near the meeting of the Mekong and Nam Ou Rivers. These sacred caves are crammed with thousands of gold lacquered Buddha statues of various shapes and sizes. They are  all brought there by devout villagers. 

Upon leaving this sight, we make our way to Luang Prabang Town, with stopover at Ban Xang Hai. This riverside village is famous for the rice alcohol distillation in the traditional way. We can taste the potent local whisky and buy some souvenirs at the village shop houses. The townscape of Luang Prabang comes into view, a sign of our cruise end. You are met by our guide at the boat landing and transferred to your hotel. Check in hotel and free time for your first glimpse of town.

Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Day 3: Luang Prabang -  City Discovery (B)

For early risers, there is a very special dawn visit to watch the monks collecting alms.  As the sun begins to rise, long lines of orange-robed monks leave their pagodas and walk barefoot down the streets collecting offerings from Luang Prabang residents.

After breakfast, visit the Royal Palace featuring the combination of the French beaux-arts styles and traditional Laos architecture. The palace is now turned to a National Museum (close every Tuesday) boating the precious collections of the Royal artifacts. 

Drive or enjoy a leisurely walk on through the peaceful tree-lined streets to admire some of Luang Prabang’s famous temples including Wat Xieng Thong, a great masterpiece of mosaics and carved wood featuring traditional Lao style; Wat Vitsoun, the most ancient temple of Luang Prabang, was built with simple architecture and housed the Prabang Buddhas ancient statues and steeles.

After lunch, head out to visit to Wat Aham, followed by Wat That, where the ashes of King Sisavang Vong are kept inside the large, central stupa.

As the sun begins to set, head for the top of Mount Phousi. Climbing its 328 stairs, reach the peak of the hill just in time for sunset. The viewpoint offers stunning panoramas of the city and sprawling landscapes below. After descent, explore the nearby evening market where a collection of handicrafts and souvenirs can be found.

Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Day 4: Luang Prabang - Kuang Si waterfall - Baci by tuk tuk (B)

Today, spend a half-day discovering the picturesque Kuang Si waterfall. Follow the unpaved trail as it gradually climbs through the forest to reach different levels of natural blue pools, some are shallow and one central pool has a rope swing. Swimming in the refreshing waters is possible, although between November and January the water temperature is very cold. Take a leisurely hike through the natural park past the Asian Bear Rescue Center, home to more than 20 Asiatic Black Bears rescued from dire circumstances. Stroll along with the wooden viewing platform and view the adorable beasts as they lazily lounge or play together or search for food. 

Late afternoon, travel by tuk-tuk to a local house. You will be warmly welcomed by your host before taking part in a Baci ceremony where you will have white cotton strings tied around your wrist for good luck! Baci is a ceremony to celebrate a special event, whether a marriage, a homecoming, a welcome, a birth, or one of the annual festivals. The Baci ceremony can take place any day of the week and all year long, preferably before noon or before sunset. The term more commonly used is su kwan, which means “calling of the soul”. After that, enjoy the authentic home cooked Laos cuisines, chat with the locals and then return to your hotel.

Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Day 5: Luang Prabang – Fly to Vientiane - City Discovery (B)

Enjoy the morning free at leisure until transport is provided to the airport for the flight south to Vientiane. Upon arrival to the capital, our guide and driver will be waiting and transfer to hotel for check in.

In the afternoon, we spend this half-day visiting the most highlight of Vientiane: Wat Sisaket, the only temple that survived the Siamese occupation and famed for its Siamese style of Buddhist architecture rather than in Lao style; the former royal temple of Wat Prakeo, which means “Altar of the Emerald Buddha”, is now a museum richly adorned with carved wooden features, a magnificent 16th century lacquered door with Hindu carvings and a collection of Buddha statues; That Luang, a gold-covered large Buddhist stupa in the center of Vientiane, generally considered as the national symbol of Laos; the Patouxay Victory Monument, which translates to “Victory Gate”, is a massive concrete war monument similar to in style to the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, dedicated to who sacrificed their lives for the independence of the nation.

Overnight in Vientiane.

Day 6: Vientiane - City Discovery - Buddha Park (B)

After breakfast, we will  start to visit the Lao Textile Museum, 3 traditional houses in a lush garden, and explore a unique private collection of Lao artifacts and textiles. Visit Talat Sao to buy some Lao textiles and basketry as souvenirs. Proceed to the Patouxai, a version of own Arc de Triomphe. This imposing structure stands in Lane Xang Avenue and provides a beautiful view over the town center. The current national symbol of Laos is That Luang Stupa which is the most venerable Buddhist monument. The golden stupa  of this structure was built in Laos style but influenced by Buddhist beliefs

We follow it with a walk around the vibrant Morning Market, a flagship shopping destination in Vientiane. The market interior is crammed with shopping malls that sell everything from medicinal herbs, electronics equipment, silver jewelry, handmade silks to everyday sundries.

Heading out of the town, we then drive past the giant Friendship Bridge which links Thailand and Laos, and continue to the impressive Buddha Park, home to over 200 giant sculptures of Buddha and Hindu deities We walk around these huge images scattered amongst gardens and catch some wonderful photos. The traditional silk is regarded as Lao jewels, many of which are found at the Lao Textile Museum. We make stop at this museum and see a large collection of beautiful silk fabrics. The production technique is sophisticated and potentially one, requiring a high level of perseverance and artistic talent to create exquisite fabrics and natural colors.

Overnight in Vientiane.

Day 7: Vientiane - Departure (B)

After breakfast at the hotel, enjoy your free time at leisure before being transferred to the airport for the onward flight.

List of our hotels:

The hotels offered by Horizon Vietnam Travel are classified from 02 to 05 stars at the international standard, and comfortable with all the required services.

+ Standard Category: 2 stars. The rooms are correct, clean, and equipped with a bathroom, satellite television, and air conditioning.

+ Superior category 3 stars. The rooms are generally spacious, and the services and facilities are more numerous.

+ First class category: 4 stars. The rooms are luxurious and spacious and have a wide choice of quality services.

+ Deluxe Category: 4-5 stars. Hotels are of excellent comfort and have a wide range of excellent services. (swimming pool, spa, jacuzzi…).

+ On the other hand, we have developed fair tourism, through contact with the local population, the possibility of sleeping with the locals and sharing their daily life. The conditions of these accommodations that we offer you are well insured and with the best possible conditions.

Our services include:

• Private transportation with air-conditioned vehicle
• Accommodation in the planned hotels or similar in the program with daily breakfast as mentioned 
• Meals are provided in local restaurants of typical Vietnamese cuisine (B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner included)
• The English-speaking guide for each city.
• All entry fees to tourist sites
• All the permission to enter the tourist areas
• Boat tours as described in the program
• 02 bottles of mineral water of 0,5 (l)/person/day
• Other services as mentioned in the program (bicycle, boat trip, etc...)
• All fees for all other services as clearly described in the program above.

Our services exclude:

• Airfare on all domestic and international flights (quote separately)
• Drinks and surcharge for special requests on foods and meals
• Entrance fees, guide service during free time & other personal expenses
• Surcharge for public holidays (if any)
• Surcharge for other language-speaking tour guides (upon request)
• Travel insurance 
• Vietnam visa stamping fees 
• All other services are not stated in the program.

More information:

Horizon Vietnam Travel gives you an estimated price per person on our website for the group of six people in low season with standard 2 and 3-star hotels.

The price of this trip varies according to the services chosen (category of accommodation, activities during the trip,...), the tourist seasonality of the year (Christmas and end of year holiday, Lunar New Year holiday in Vietnam), the booking delays and especially the number of participants of your group you wish to travel with.

Please note that Horizon Vietnam Travel only organizes private "tailor-made" trips for groups from 2 persons. We generally propose an offer including all the services on the spot from your arrival until your departure.

Depending on your wishes and your budget, this tour can be adapted and modified in terms of duration, content and departure date.

HORIZON VIETNAM TRAVEL calculates its prices as closely as possible in order to guarantee you the best price/quality ratio.

Our advice: the earlier you book, the better your chances of getting good rates, especially for air services, think about it!

Note: The price of international flights is not included in this estimate.

Please note that this tour is only a first draft and you can also customize it according to your wishes. We remain at your disposal to build your trip perfectly to your expectations and your budget

To obtain a detailed and personalized estimate, please contact us to request an estimate.