10 Days • 9 Nights
Luxury Laos: Private Luang Prabang & a Mekong Cruise
Tour Includes
About the Trip
You'll stay in an exquisite boutique hotel in Luang Prabang, explore its temples privately and dine at its finest tables, take a private sunset cruise on the Mekong, then board an elegant river ship for a luxurious multi-night cruise past riverside villages and the Pak Ou caves, with a jungle spa retreat to finish. Every transfer is private, every experience curated.
For travellers who want Laos's soul with the utmost comfort and privacy, there is nothing like it.
Trip Highlights
- An exquisite boutique hotel in Luang Prabang
- Private temple touring and the dawn alms-giving
- The turquoise Kuang Si Falls, privately
- A multi-night luxury Mekong river cruise
- Riverside villages and the Pak Ou caves
- A jungle or riverside spa retreat
- Fine dining and personal service throughout
- Private guides and transfers throughout
Day by Day
A detailed day-by-day plan for this 10-day journey.
Met privately and transferred to your exquisite boutique hotel. Tonight, a fine welcome dinner to begin a gentle, luxurious journey.
The dawn alms-giving, then a private tour of Wat Xieng Thong and the royal temples, with sunset from Mount Phousi and time for the finest dining.
A private day at the turquoise Kuang Si Falls, swimming in the pools with a gourmet picnic, and the bear sanctuary.
A relaxed day exploring artisan villages and the market, ending with a private sunset cruise on the Mekong with sparkling wine.
Board an elegant river ship and settle into your suite as the luxury cruise begins downstream, with fine dining aboard.
A day gliding past jungle hills and riverside villages, with guided shore excursions to a weaving village and hidden temples, and fine dining aboard.
More river scenery and a visit to the Buddha-filled Pak Ou caves before disembarking, with a transfer to your riverside retreat.
A day of pure relaxation at your jungle-riverside retreat — a couples' spa ritual, a river swim or a gentle walk, with a spa dinner tonight.
A final indulgent day at the retreat — kayaking, cycling the villages or simply your villa and the river.
A final gourmet breakfast before your private transfer to Luang Prabang airport.
Where You Will Travel
What's inside the package?
Inclusions
- Private airport transfers and private expert guides throughout
- 4 nights in an exquisite boutique Luang Prabang hotel, 3 nights on a luxury Mekong cruise, 2 nights at a riverside retreat
- Daily gourmet breakfast, a welcome dinner and a spa dinner, plus all meals aboard the cruise
- A private Luang Prabang temple tour and the dawn alms-giving
- The Kuang Si Falls and a private Mekong sunset cruise
- A multi-night luxury Mekong river cruise with shore excursions and the Pak Ou caves
- A couples' spa experience at the riverside retreat
- A dedicated concierge throughout
Exclusions
- International airfare to and from Laos
- Laos visa fees (visa on arrival or eVisa)
- Travel insurance (essential for a journey of this value)
- Meals and premium beverages beyond those stated
- Additional spa treatments and personal purchases
- Gratuities for guides, crew and staff
- 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.
What is the luxury Mekong cruise like?
An elegant, small river ship with spacious suites, fine dining and guided shore excursions, gliding gently down the Mekong — the most relaxing and refined way to experience the river and its villages.
What hotels do we stay in?
Laos's finest boutique hotels and riverside retreats, chosen for character, setting and service. We confirm the exact properties with you and tailor to your taste.
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