Laos Overland 8 days

Day 01: Luang Prabang - Arrival

Upon arrival in Luang Prabang, our guide and driver will be waiting and take you to the hotel for check in. 

Luang Prabang is perhaps the best-preserved traditional city in Southeast Asia. The tranquility and charm of this town with its splendid natural scenery and cultural sights make it one of the most delightful places to visit in Laos. 

Free time after checking in hotel. 

Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Day 2: Luang Prabang - Almsgiving - City discovery - Baci by tuk tuk (B)

We get up early this morning to experience the Alms Giving Ceremony which is a very unique experience that should not be missed while in Luang Prabang. Every morning during the sunrise, people line on the streets in order to offer alms to the Buddhist monks. Learning from a legend which said that when people offer alms to the monks, their family’s member from the “other life” also could receive some. This ceremony therefore has been carried on in Luang Prabang for many generations. We are always welcome to participate in this amazing culture. Before heading back to the hotel for breakfast, we also visit a local market where we can either find all local products or taste some simple food that local people use for breakfast every day.

Today, we spend a full day exploring the key highlights that make the elegant tranquility of the charming town of Luang Prabang. 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.

In the afternoon, visit Wat Mai, one of the town's most sumptuous monasteries, famed for its classic Laos architectural style. 

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 3: Luang Prabang - Kuang Si Waterfall - Pak Ou Cave (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. 

Get onboard a traditional long-tail boat for cruising gently on 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).

Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Day 4: Luang Prabang – Xieng Khoang (B)

We start an early morning drive along the winding country path through the rugged and verdant scenery. The journey is very long and strenuous at times, but we can make stops at our pleasure, to stretch the legs and visit some roadside villages. The scenic drive delivers us to Phonsavan Town, a new provincial center of  Xieng Khouang and a gateway to the Plain of Jars sites. The high plateau of Xieng Khouang was heavily suffered from the bombing raids and the intense ground battles. We check in our hotel and catch a quick look at the townscape. There are not much to see in town besides the bustling local market and the bombing history. We can soak up the fresh climate as much as we want since this plateau is tempered by its high elevation, with warm day and cool evening.

Overnight in Xieng Khoang.

Day 5: Xieng khouang – Vang Vieng (B)

Heading out of the town, we travel by road to the enigmatic “Plain of Jars”, an impressive archaeological site where hundreds of large stone jars are littered all over the plateau. These huge jars carved from stone are supposedly over 2,000 years old, but most of the archaeologists are still mystified about their purpose. There are three sites of jars in place, but more interesting is the premier site where numerous jars in different sizes spread across the entire valley.  We visit one of them before we take a short drive to Muang Khoun, the original capital city of Xieng Khouang. This old town was almost obliterated by the American bombing between 1964 and 1973, therefore it was moved to Phonsavanh. Upon arrival in Muang Khoun we have a look at That Foun, an impressive 30-metre tall stupa made of brick with a hole right through the round shape base. The major attraction of this demolished town is Wat Piyawat where sits in state a large robed Buddha. We visit this temple before we set off on our journey to Vang Vieng, driving the zigzag mountain road. We arrive in Vang Vieng by late afternoon or early evening depending on road and traffic conditions.

Overnight in Vang Vieng.

Day 6: Vang Vieng – Vientiane (B)

Today we can get up early to see this stunning scenery before we begin exploring some mysterious caves hidden beyond the towering cliffs in Vang Vieng. The local transport takes to the amazing Tham Jang Cave set by the Nam Song River bank. This remarkable cave, housing an important Buddhist shrine, has been named by a  limestone shape inside. We head to the nearby Tham Hoi Cave, of which the interior goes spirally deep into the mountains, giving an impression of snail. We follow it with the Loop Cave that is naturally adorned with stalagmite formations. The footpaths go along the mountainsides towards the gorgeous Tham Nam Cave.  We have time to enjoy a leisurely swim at a nearby pool and glide through the water tunnel.  We take a walk to Phatthao Village where we meet the Hmong ethnic minority and get a chance to understand a little more about the style and customs of local villagers. We round off our exploration of Vang Vieng and make our way to Vientiane, the capital city of Laos.

Overnight in Vientiane.

Day 7: Vientiane - City discovery (B)

Spend this pleasant day exploring some of Vientiane‘s highlight. We visit  Wat Sisaket, the oldest temple in Vientiane. This beautiful structure features remarkable frescoes and cloister wall where are laying almost 7,000 Buddha statues 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 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 of the day enjoys a walk along the Mekong riverbank, a good place to enjoy drinks and explore the authentic local way of life.

Overnight in Vientiane.

Day 8: 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.