Essential Laos Tour 6 days

Day 01: Vientiane – Arrival

Upon arrival in Vientiane, our guide and driver will be waiting to provide transport to the hotel for check in. 

Vientiane - the Lao capital Vientiane is a charming and fascinating capital, with an interesting mix of Lao, Thai, Chinese, Vietnamese, French, and American influences.

After checking in, enjoy the rest of the day at leisure getting acquainted with the city. vernight in Vientiane.

Day 02: Vientiane – City Discovery (B)

Spend this pleasant day exploring some of Vientiane‘s highlights. We visit  Wat Sisaket, the oldest temple in Vientiane. This beautiful structure features remarkable frescoes and cloister walls where almost 7,000 Buddha statues are laid in all sizes. Nearby is the former royal temple of Haw Pha Kaew, which previously housed the famous Emerald Buddha Image. 

We continue visiting 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, hand make silks to everyday sundries.

Finish the day enjoying a walk along the Mekong riverbank, a good place to enjoy drinks and explore the authentic local way of life. 

Overnight in Vientiane.

Day 03: Vientiane – City Discovery –  Fly to Luang Prabang (B)

Today, 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.

Enjoy your free time here before coming back to the hotel to check out and then being transferred to the airport for the onward flight to Luang Prabang. Upon arrival, our guide and driver will be waiting and transferring to the hotel for check in. 

Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Day 04: Luang Prabang – City Discovery – Luang Prabang (B)

After having breakfast, we get onboard a traditional long-tail boat for cruising gently on the Mekong River to the famous Pak Ou Caves. Upon arrival, start exploring the magical cave systems: the lower cave houses a photogenic group of Buddha statues, silhouetted against the stunning riverine backdrop, the upper cave is a 7-minute climb up steps surrounded by lush trees. You will find Buddhas in every position, every era of life, and every size line the cave walls and understand a sacred religious practice that speaks to the devotion and commitment of Laotians to Buddhism. On the way back to Luang Prabang, stop at Ban Xang Khong and Ban Xieng Lek which specializes in silk weaving and Saa Paper (paper made from the bark of the Saa Tree).

Spend the afternoon on your own at leisure. 

Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Day 05: Luang Prabang – Kuangsi Waterfall – Laos Buffalo Dairy Farm - Luang Prabang (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. 

Additionally, a stop can be made at the unique Lao Buffalo Dairy Farm, a social enterprise that produces sustainable and delicious cheese while giving back to the community and environment. While the buffalo may be the stars here, there are also playful pigs, cheeky chickens and rollicking rabbits that are just as fun to interact with for the young and young at heart. Enjoy a homemade ice cream at the cafe before saying goodbye to the Buffaloes and the team. (Opening hours: 9.30am – 5.30pm, Monday - Sunday)

Spend the evening at leisure. 

Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Day 06: Luang Prabang – Free time - Departure (B)

Have breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy the morning free at leisure until transport is provided to the airport for departure 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.