7 Days • 6 Nights
Classic Laos: Luang Prabang & Vientiane
Tour Includes
About the Trip
You'll rise for the dawn alms-giving procession, explore Luang Prabang's gilded temples and French-colonial streets, swim beneath the turquoise Kuang Si Falls, cruise the Mekong to the Pak Ou caves, and discover Vientiane's stupas and riverside calm. Night markets, sticky rice and sunsets over the river fill the days.
With hand-picked hotels, private guides and the flights arranged, all you have to do is slow down and fall for gentle Laos.
Trip Highlights
- The dawn alms-giving procession in Luang Prabang
- The gilded temples of Wat Xieng Thong and Mount Phousi
- The turquoise cascades of the Kuang Si Falls
- A Mekong cruise to the Buddha-filled Pak Ou caves
- The lively Luang Prabang night market
- Vientiane's That Luang stupa and Patuxai
- A sunset over the Mekong
- Short flights and river boats included
Day by Day
A detailed day-by-day plan for this 7-day journey.
Arrive in the enchanting old royal capital and settle in. A welcome dinner introduces Lao flavours as your gentle journey begins.
Rise early for the moving dawn alms-giving procession, then explore the gilded Wat Xieng Thong and the royal temples, the museum, and climb Mount Phousi for sunset over the Mekong.
A morning at the turquoise, tiered Kuang Si Falls, swimming in the pools and visiting the bear rescue centre, with a local village and a lunch en route.
A serene Mekong cruise upriver to the Pak Ou caves, crammed with thousands of Buddha images, stopping at a whisky and weaving village, with lunch aboard.
Fly to the sleepy capital of Vientiane, exploring the golden That Luang stupa, Wat Sisaket and the Patuxai monument.
Visit the surreal Buddha Park with its giant sculptures, the COPE centre, and the riverside, with a sunset over the Mekong.
A final breakfast before your transfer to Vientiane airport.
Where You Will Travel
What's inside the package?
Inclusions
- Private airport transfers and private guides in each city
- 4 nights Luang Prabang, 2 nights Vientiane
- Daily breakfast, a welcome dinner and a Mekong cruise lunch
- A Luang Prabang city tour with Wat Xieng Thong and Mount Phousi
- The Kuang Si Falls and a Mekong cruise to the Pak Ou caves
- A Vientiane city tour with That Luang and the Buddha Park
- A domestic flight Luang Prabang-Vientiane
- All temple and site entrance fees per the itinerary
Exclusions
- International airfare to and from Laos
- Laos visa fees (visa on arrival or eVisa)
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary or inclusions
- Drinks unless specifically stated
- Optional excursions and experiences
- Personal expenses, tips and gratuities
- Anything not specifically mentioned under Package Inclusions
Know when to go.
- Visa: Most nationalities can obtain a visa on arrival or an eVisa for Laos; check your passport's eligibility. Your passport should be valid at least six months with a blank page
- Currency: The currency is the Lao Kip. Cash is king outside the main towns, and while US dollars and Thai baht are sometimes accepted, carry kip for markets, temples and rural areas — ATMs are limited
- Best season: The cool, dry season from November to February is ideal; March to May is hot and can be hazy from farming fires, and June to October brings the green monsoon
- The pace of Laos: Laos is famously laid-back and unhurried — embrace 'bor pen nyang' (no worries) and the gentle rhythm, which is part of its charm
- The alms-giving: In Luang Prabang, monks collect alms at dawn in a moving ritual. Observe quietly and respectfully from a distance, or participate sensitively with your guide's advice — never intrude
- Temple etiquette: Cover your shoulders and knees and remove your shoes at temples. Women should never touch a monk, and always lower yourself below monks and Buddha images
- Getting around: Mountain roads are winding and slow, so some legs use short domestic flights or scenic river boats, all arranged for you
- UXO awareness: Parts of Laos still hold unexploded ordnance from past conflict, so always stay on marked paths and trails, especially around the Plain of Jars
- Health: Drink bottled or filtered water, use mosquito repellent, and enjoy freshly cooked food. Comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended
- Connectivity & power: A local SIM is cheap but signal can be patchy in remote areas — a welcome excuse to slow down. Power is 230V with type A/B/C plugs, so bring an adapter
Frequently Asked Questions
What meals are included?
Daily breakfast is included throughout, along with a welcome dinner and the specific meals named in the itinerary, such as a Mekong cruise lunch. Other meals are left free so you can enjoy Laos's fragrant, French-influenced cuisine.
Are transfers and touring private?
Yes — you travel with your own licensed guide and private driver (or boat on the Mekong), so everything is arranged for you.
Do I need a visa for Laos?
Most visitors can get a visa on arrival or an eVisa. We guide you to the requirements for your nationality before you travel.
When is the best time to visit?
November to February is the cool, dry and most comfortable season. March to May is hot and sometimes hazy, and June to October is the lush, quieter green season.
What is the alms-giving ceremony?
At dawn in Luang Prabang, hundreds of monks walk the streets to collect alms of rice from kneeling locals. It is a moving, sacred ritual best observed quietly and respectfully, or joined sensitively with your guide's advice.
Can the itinerary be customised?
Absolutely. Durations, towns, hotels and experiences can all be tailored, and we can add a Mekong cruise, the 4000 Islands, Vang Vieng or trekking. Just tell us what you have in mind.
How do we travel around Laos?
By a mix of short domestic flights, private cars and scenic river boats, all included and arranged, with a private guide in each region.
Is the dawn alms-giving worth the early start?
Absolutely — it is one of Southeast Asia's most moving sights, as hundreds of monks walk in silent procession at first light. We show you how to observe or participate respectfully, without intruding.
Is seven days enough for Laos?
Yes — it covers the two essential places, Luang Prabang and Vientiane, at Laos's gentle pace. It extends beautifully with Vang Vieng, a Mekong cruise or the south.
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