Laos Best Kept Secrets

Immerse yourself in the vibrant contemporary art scene of Laos as you engage with young artists in the capital city of Vientiane. Indulge in a unique culinary experience with a private dinner set amidst the tranquil beauty of a rice paddy, savoring traditional flavors under the starlit sky. Explore the enchanting UNESCO World Heritage site of Luang Prabang, uncovering its hidden treasures during an exclusive tour that offers insights into the rich cultural heritage and history of this charming city.

Specification: Laos Best Kept Secrets

Country	Laos
Location & Cities	Luang Prabang, Vientiane
Duration	8 Days
Group Size	Private Tour
Tour Type	Bespoke Journey
Trip Grading	Easy

Travel Itinerary

DAY 1

Arrival -Welcome to Vientiane

On arrival in Laos’ capital you will be welcomed by your private tour guide. After a short rest and refreshment at your charming hotel Settha Palace meet with your guide again for a brief tour introduction as you enjoy a sunset cocktail at a scenic spot overlooking the Mekong River.

DAY 2

Vientiane Vibes

Laid back and relaxed, Vientiane is easily explored. Visit the major sights of the capital starting with Wat Si Saket, famous for its cloister walls housing thousands of Buddha images. Then, visit the Royal Temple of Wat Prakeo followed by the Temple of the Emerald Buddha and the Patuxai Victory Gate. Next head on to see the iconic Golden Pha That Luang Stupa, deemed as the most important national monument in Laos. In the afternoon, visit the M Gallery, a venue showcasing the evolving scene of Laos Contemporary Art. Meet with one the renowned Lao artists exhibiting their collections for a private tour of the gallery.

DAY 3

Vientiane to Vang Vieng

After breakfast drive to Vang Vieng. The drive time is around 3.5 hours and along the way you will stop at a local market as well as a fishing village for a quick look around. Later, check in at your hotel located on the bank of the Nam Song River, you will discover Vang Vieng’s beautiful rural surroundings that appear like a scene from an old Asian silk painting. Stroll along the riverside, cross the famous suspension bridge and explore Tam Chan cave, followed by a stunning Sunset Hot Air Balloon Ride. Experience the thrill of seeing the surrounding limestone karsts carved by the mighty Mekong River from a birds eye perspective. See untouched jungles and fields of crops while the people underneath gleefully wave as you pass by. Overnight at the Riverside Boutique Hotel.

DAY 4

Vang Vieng to Luang Prabang

Continue your journey to Luang Prabang with several stops along the way to explore local caves and authentic Hmong mountain villages. Upon arrival in Luang Prabang check into your pool villa at the Sofitel Hotel, where you will spend the next four nights. In the evening discover Lao cuisine in a private setting surrounded with vibrant rice paddies and watch an almost theatrical demonstration as your private chef cooks your traditional lao dinner.

DAY 5

Luang Prabang Discovery

Today, meet Mr. Francis Engelmann, a writer and an independent consultant who has been working closely with UNESCO over the past 10 years. He will guide you through the fascinating heritage of Colonial and Laotian architecture hidden in Luang Prabang and teach you about its history. Walk around secret alleyways and charming streets unknown to the usual tourists. Enjoy a fresh coconut before your guide will continue the tour and show you around the city’s major landmark temples Wat Visoun, Wat Aham, and Wat Xien Thong. What better way to end the day than by visiting a traditional Lao home to take part in a Baci, a sacred ceremony performed to give blessings for good health and luck!

DAY 6

Flavours of Laos

Wake up before dawn to observe a long standing sacred Lao tradition and Buddhist ritual “Tak Bat” known as Almsgiving. After breakfast at the hotel meet with a famous local chef SomSak to discover the secrets of Lao Cuisine. Chef SomSak will take you on a tour around the local open-air morning market to source your ingredients for cooking. Learn the tips and tricks behind traditional Lao cooking and afterwards enjoy the delicious lunch that you have prepared. At 14:00 board the iMekong boat for your private trip upstream along the Mekong River to the sacred Pak Ou caves. Along the way stop at Ban Muang Keo – a village that is well known for its local production of rice whisky as well as for weaving silk textiles on traditional looms. After your discovery of the Pak Ou caves, crammed with thousands of gold lacquered Buddha statues, continue downstream relaxing and enjoying the sunset with traditional canapés and sparkling wine.

DAY 7

Mandalao Elephant Experience

Through its long history, Laos used to be called “Lane Xang”, which can be translated to “The Land of a Million Elephants” Today you will meet some of the remaining 700 animals at the Mandalao Elephant Conservation Centre – one of the leading projects that offers an intimate non-riding experience focused on education and elephant welfare. The tour will give you an in-depth introduction into elephant behaviour and communication. You will meet the elephants within a natural setting by the river and enjoy a spa like bathing experience with them. Afterwards you will go on a trek together passing beautiful Lao gardens before exploring the jungle covered Huay Nok stream. A traditional Lao lunch will be served in banana leaves in the jungle and you will visit the hidden waterfall Tad Kuang Song to take a cool refreshing dip. Walk through a Khmu village and see local life and observe carefully as the mahouts demonstrate how they communicate with their elephants. Use what you have learned to try the same before moving back to the feeding grounds and the elephants’ night-time resting area.

DAY 8

Luang Prabang - Departure

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before transferring to the airport for your onward / return journey.

What´s included

7 nights 5 Star luxury accommodation
Transport in comfortable air-conditioned vehicles
Private Touring
Entrance fees
Local English-speaking guide
Return airport transfers
Meals as mentioned

Excluded

Additional Information

All prices exclude airfares (unless specified), visa fees, travel insurance and any additional personal expenses.

Prices are per person sharing a double room. Single and triple rooms rates are available upon request.

Dates, itineraries and prices are indicative and subject to change based on the season.

Hotels mentioned in the itinerary may change due to availability, but will always be of equivalent or higher category.

Some countries charge additional destination taxes per person or per night that can only be paid directly at the location.

All displayed tour maps are originated from Google Maps and are only indicative. They are not representative of the exact travel routes of the itinerary.

For more details please visit our booking conditions page.

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SKU IJFSPC-ALLCY-144 Category Laos Tags 8-Days, Bespoke Journey, Laos, Luang Prabang, Private Journey, Vientiane

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