The Lao Touch
From the Golden Triangle to the 4000 Islands, an authentic odyssey at the rhythm of the Mekong and the plantations of the Bolovens Plateau.
Duration
10 days
From
€1,200/pers.
Ideal seasons
Jan, Feb, Mar, Nov, Dec
Style
Guided tour
Comfort
Charm & Character
Travelers
Couple, Solo, senior, Honeymoon
The spirit of travel
This Laos circuit invites you to travel along the Mekong, between heritage, nature and encounters with local communities. In Luang Prabang, you discover the charm of the former royal capital through its streets, temples and cultural heritage. Throughout your journey, traditional villages, local markets and meetings with inhabitants allow you to better understand Laotian lifestyles and traditional skills. Your itinerary continues in southern Laos, a region deeply connected to the Mekong. On the Boloven Plateau, you journey through waterfalls, lush landscapes and fertile lands devoted particularly to tea and coffee cultivation. The different stages are also an opportunity to observe the tropical fauna and flora that border the river and surrounding forests, while alternating cultural discoveries and moments in the heart of nature.
Navigations on the Mekong punctuate part of your stay and lead you in particular to the heart of the 4,000 Islands region. Between walks, boat crossings, colonial heritage and exchanges with locals, this journey offers an immersion in different facets of Laos. An itinerary that combines discovery, relaxation, nature and encounters, at the pace of the river and local traditions.
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
Arrival in Bangkok and flight to Chiang Rai
You arrive at the Bangkok international airport in the early morning. After your arrival, you remain in transit at the airport before taking your flight to Chiang Rai.
Chiang Rai → Ban Kiu Karn
Upon arrival at Chiang Rai airport, your driver welcomes you for a transfer without guide to your lodge, located approximately 1 hour 30 minutes away. In the afternoon, you take time to stroll through the village and meet its inhabitants. You discover the local shaman, chat with weavers and meet women who make indigo batiks.
You dine and spend the night at the lodge, in the heart of a Hmong and Lisu village.
Chiang Rai Region
Ban Kiu Karn → Laos
This morning, you are transferred to the immigration post, located approximately 30 minutes away.
You then take a public shuttle to reach Laos, crossing the Mekong River by the Friendship Bridge. For this short transfer, you carry your luggage and budget approximately 1 USD per person for the shuttle.
Upon your arrival in Laos, you complete the entry formalities for the country before being welcomed by your English-speaking local guide. You then head to the jetty to board, from 9 a.m., a private boat heading to Pakbeng. You sail on the Mekong until late afternoon, at which time you reach Pakbeng. Upon arrival, you are transferred to your lodge.
Cruise on the Mekong and Pak Ou Caves
Before breakfast, you may have the opportunity to discover the local market of Pakbeng, meet its inhabitants and soak up the morning atmosphere of this small town in Laos.
You have breakfast at 6:30 AM before being transferred to the pier with your English-speaking guide.
From 8:00 AM onwards, you embark on a private cruise on the Mekong River towards Pakbeng. Along the way, you make a stop at Pak Ou, at the confluence of the Nam Ou River and the Mekong, to discover the Pak Ou caves. They house hundreds of Buddha statues and constitute an important pilgrimage site for Laotians, notably during the Lao New Year in mid-April.
You then resume your navigation and have lunch on board featuring local specialties.
In late afternoon, you arrive in Pakbeng. You are transferred to your guesthouse and settle into your room.
Dinner on your own and overnight in a guesthouse.
Luang Prabang
This morning, you wake up early to attend the Tak Bat (alms-giving ceremony to monks), a Buddhist ritual during which offerings are presented to bonzes who walk silently and barefoot through the streets of Luang Prabang. Laotian and Thai faithful as well as any respectful person can participate in the ceremony or simply observe it, according to their beliefs. A respectful attitude and compliance with rules of propriety is required.
You then return to your hotel for breakfast by passing through the morning market, set up in the alleys around the former Royal Palace. You will discover various products as well as the main ingredients used in the cuisine appreciated by Laotians.
At 08:30 AM, you are picked up at your hotel reception to go to the pier. You cross the Mekong in a dugout canoe to reach the village of Ban Chan, located a few kilometers downstream from Luang Prabang.
Within the village, the Pottery House welcomes you for a half-day devoted to local craftsmanship in the company of a family. Terracotta pots and other containers hold an important place in Lao culture, particularly for storing rice, water or padeck, a sauce made from fermented fish.
After a visit to the pottery village and some explanations, you join the center to watch a demonstration. In turn, you learn the local techniques and discover the particularities of Laotian pottery, its design and its adaptation to the tropical climate.
Once the activity is finished, you all share a Lao lunch on site. (Group activity). Then return to Luang Prabang.
In the afternoon, you set out to discover bamboo, which is omnipresent in Laotian culture. On the outskirts of Luang Prabang, The Bamboo Experience welcomes you in a natural environment surrounded by rice fields.
Your discovery begins with a bamboo weaving class led by an experienced weaver. Several activities then allow you to better understand the daily use of products made from bamboo, in particular for fishing and hunting equipment, musical instruments and dance.
You then participate in a cooking class dedicated to bamboo-based dishes. You take part in their preparation before tasting them in the sala overlooking the surrounding landscape.
Note: Depending on the number of participants at the time of confirmation, the group may be divided into two teams for each activity.
Return to the hotel and overnight in Luang Prabang.
Luang Prabang – Kuang Si Falls
After breakfast, you head towards the Kuang Si Waterfall, located 32 km from Luang Prabang. The journey crosses rice paddy landscapes before reaching the cascades and their natural pools with turquoise and crystal-clear waters.
On site, you will also discover a small permanent exhibition dedicated to the preservation of Asian black bears from Southeast Asia, an endangered species.
You then enjoy free time on the site, with the possibility to swim in the natural pools at the foot of the waterfalls.
Picnic lunch near Kuang Si Waterfall.
Before returning to the city, we will make a short thirty-minute detour to the buffalo farm "Lao Buffalo Dairy". You will receive information about the situation of this animal in Laos and the care provided to them.
It should be noted that this animal is emblematic of the countryside in Asian countries. Yet this bovine species is facing extinction despite its importance. The infant mortality rate is around 50% because at this stage, buffalo calves do not have access to sufficient nutrients. With this in mind, the Lao government has organized itself to increase its herds through prevention and breeding projects. This is how the Buffalo Farm in Luang Prabang grew by combining these programs with local breeders. This farm also focuses on the dairy and cheese industry.
At the end of the visit, we taste ice cream made from buffalo milk that are flavored differently depending on the season: with fruit, sesame, lemongrass…
Continue with a visit to Ock Pop Tok: this center is dedicated to promoting products from traditional textile craftsmanship of Laos.
Flight to Southern Laos
After breakfast, you are transferred at 9 a.m. to Luang Prabang airport to take your flight to Paksé, in southern Laos.
Upon arrival, you are welcomed by your English-speaking guide, who knows the region well. After a quick lunch, you set off to discover the Bolovens Plateau, between waterfalls and coffee and tea plantations cultivated on its fertile lands. The region is renowned for its tea and coffee production, which you will have the opportunity to taste. During the journey, you make a first stop at the Tad Lo Falls, before discovering mulberry farms. You then continue towards Thatheng, where you explore several ethnic villages, namely Lao Loum, Taoy and Lavenh.
You finally reach your hotel, set in a natural setting near Paksong, on the Bolovens Plateau.
From Tad Fane Falls to the 4,000 Islands of the Mekong
Bolaven Plateau → Ban Hat Xay Khun
After breakfast, you set off to discover the Tad Fane twin waterfalls, on the Bolovens Plateau. You then continue your journey to Ban Hat Xay Khun, where you board a motorized pirogue. You then navigate the Mekong to reach the heart of the 4,000 Islands region.
Ban Hat Xay Khun → Île De Khong
After 1 hour 30 minutes of navigation, you arrive at the islands of Don Det and Don Khone. Peaceful, these islands retain several traces of their French colonial past, notably old buildings, the bridge connecting the two islands and an old railway once used for transporting goods.
Lunch during a stop on Don Khong island.
You then have the opportunity to reach Nahm Dong Park by bike, following a flat route that allows you to observe local rural life and soak in its atmosphere. You will also discover the waterfalls known locally as Tad Sompamit.
The end of the day is free. However, you can choose to go in search of Irrawaddy dolphins. As these animals remain wild, their presence at the location is not guaranteed.
Khone Phapheng Falls – Champassak – Vat Phou Temple – Done Daeng
After breakfast, you head to the mainland and drive towards Khone Phapheng Falls, located further south, near the border with Cambodia.
You then head back towards Champassak, with a stop in the Ban Nong Bune village, where you discover impressive wood carvings.
You board a ferry to cross the Mekong once again and reach the colonial village of Champassak.
Lunch at the Nakorn Café restaurant and family guesthouse.
You then head out for a walk to discover the colonial houses, most of which are now abandoned. The day continues with a visit to the Vat Phou temple and its museum. This sanctuary of pre-Angkorian architecture has been listed on the UNESCO World Heritage list since 2001.
You cruise to the Don Daeng Island, where you join La Folie Lodge. You settle into your accommodation, located in the heart of a natural environment, with a pool overlooking the river.
Done Daeng
This day is free and without a guide, an opportunity to enjoy your stay on Don Daeng Island at your own pace. You can relax by the pool and take advantage of the various services offered by the lodge.
To discover the island differently, you also have the possibility of going for a bike ride on the trails of Don Daeng Island. Bikes are provided free of charge at the hotel reception.
Done Daeng - Paksé – departure
At 6:15 AM, you leave Don Daeng island by boat to reach Champassak. Upon arrival, you meet your minivan for your transfer to Paksé airport.
Upon your arrival at Paksé airport, connection with your international flight.
Price per person
Indicative price per person, based on double room. Each trip is customized according to your preferences.
This trip can be tailored to your preferences
This itinerary provides an excellent foundation for discovery, but it can be fully customized. Our local advisors build each trip tailored to your budget, dates and preferences.
Not included
- Laos residence visa (31 – French passports – at 43US$ / person depending on nationality). Plan for a passport-sized photo, a passport valid for at least 6 months after your stay dates
- Domestic and international flights as well as related taxes
- Beverages, tips, personal expenses (internet, laundry, etc.), meals not mentioned
- Travel Insurance
- Bank fees
- All services and meals not clearly indicated in the program
- The fees that could result from delays beyond the control of Laos Mood Travel
- Additional charges that may apply during the "peak season"
Included
- Accommodation in double / twin rooms in selected hotels
- Transport by minivan as mentioned or by tuk tuk and other local transport as indicated in the itinerary
- Private cruises as indicated in the program
- The activities mentioned in the program
- The indicated meals
- English-speaking guide, except for the first day in Thailand, without a guide
- Hiking fees and other visits included in the program
- Permissions and local taxes
Practical Information
Registration is considered firm and final after payment of a deposit of 30% of the total price and acceptance of the specific terms of sale.
The balance must be paid no later than 45 days before the departure date.
See our specific terms of sale for full details.
In the event of cancellation by the traveller, the following fees apply:
- Plus de 60 jours avant le départ : 40 % du prix total (acompte retenu)
- Entre 60 et 30 jours avant le départ : 50 % du prix total
- Moins de 30 jours avant le départ : 100 % du prix total
We strongly recommend taking out cancellation insurance. See our specific terms of sale for full details.
The information below concerns travelers who are nationals of the European Economic Area (EEA), Switzerland, and Canada traveling to Laos for a tourist stay. Entry rules may change, so we recommend verifying this information with the official authorities before your departure.
Passport
To enter Laos, your passport must be valid for a minimum of six months after your entry date into the country and must contain at least two blank pages for immigration stamps and visa affixing.
The document must be in good condition (no damaged, torn, or altered pages).
Visa
Unlike some Southeast Asian destinations, Laos does not offer visa exemptions for nationals of the European Economic Area, Switzerland, and Canada for tourist stays. A visa is therefore mandatory and can be obtained through several methods.
Visa on Arrival: available at most international entry points (airports in Vientiane, Luang Prabang, Pakse, as well as certain land border crossings). It allows stays of up to 30 days and is issued in exchange for payment of approximately 30 to 42 USD depending on nationality. A recent identity photograph is generally required.
e-Visa: it is also possible to submit an electronic visa application online before departure through the official portal of the Laotian authorities, for a tourist stay of up to 30 days.
Embassy Visa: the application can be submitted to the embassy or consulate of Laos in your country of residence before departure.
The authorities may also request:
an exit ticket from the country (return or onward flight),
proof of sufficient financial resources for the duration of your stay,
confirmation of an accommodation reservation.
Health and Vaccinations
No vaccinations are mandatory to enter Laos from the EEA, Switzerland, or Canada. However, certain vaccinations are strongly recommended by health authorities:
hepatitis A and hepatitis B,
typhoid,
rabies (depending on activities and areas visited),
Japanese encephalitis (for extended stays in rural areas).
A preventive antimalarial treatment may be recommended for certain regions, particularly rural and forested areas. Consult your doctor or a travel medicine center before departure.
Traveling with Children
Minors must hold their own valid passport covering the duration of the stay, as well as their own visa.
In some European countries, when a minor travels without one of their parents, an authorization to leave the country may be required according to the regulations of their country of residence.
Other Nationalities
Entry conditions may vary depending on nationality. Affected travelers should inquire at the embassy or consulate of Laos in their country of residence.
To participate in our trips, it is strongly recommended to have assistance-repatriation and medical expense coverage abroad.
Your local agency encourages you to review the specific policy developed with our partners CHAPKA ASSURANCES and AXA ASSISTANCE.
To subscribe to an insurance plan, learn about coverage and rates, follow the link below.
CAP EXPLORER: The comprehensive insurance solution designed for a worry-free trip!
Choose the plan that best suits you:
Explorer'Multirisque
Explorer'Annulation
Explorer'Assistance
Explorer' Complémentaire Carte Bancaire
Specific to our trips, we strongly recommend subscribing to them.
If you choose to subscribe to one of these plans, the policy document detailing all coverage and claim declaration procedures is available on the insurer's website.
Your local agency will be aware of it, but only the participant is responsible for complying with claim declaration procedures. The participant must therefore keep this policy document with them throughout their trip.
Chapka — Cap Explorer
Our insurance partnerTravel with peace of mind with our partner Chapka. Cancellation, repatriation, medical expenses, baggage… All the coverage for a worry-free trip.
Travel with peace of mind — I'll handle the insuranceFrequently asked questions
Yes, a tourist visa is required, obtainable on arrival at major entry points (Visa on Arrival, approximately 30-40 USD depending on the entry point) or online (e-visa). Valid for 30 days, extendable. A valid passport required for at least 6 months beyond entry, and two blank pages required.
Go to the My Trips section to find all your projects.
You can send a message to your host directly from the Tea Lounge.
For a tailor-made quality trip, budget between €130 and €210 per day per person, including accommodation, meals, internal transport and activities. International flights (€800-1,200 return) are additional. Laos is a preserved and charming destination, often combined with Cambodia or Vietnam.
Your documents are accessible in the Documents tab of your trip.
Absolutely. We tailor every itinerary to our travelers' profile. For families, we prioritize relaxed paces, family-friendly accommodations, fun and educational activities, and comfortable private transfers. Our English-speaking local guides know how to capture children's attention with age-appropriate anecdotes.
It's simple. You exchange with our local team to define your wishes, budget and dates. You receive a detailed itinerary proposal within 48 hours. You adjust every detail together until you reach the perfect version. You confirm and depart with peace of mind. Your local agency remains available 7 days a week throughout your entire trip.
In case of emergency, contact your local agency immediately.
Payment is generally made in two installments.
Our agency is part of the Nomadays network, registered in France. You benefit from APST (Association Professionnelle de Solidarité du Tourisme) guarantee which covers 100% of your funds. Secure payment, repatriation insurance included, and English-speaking assistance 24/7 on site throughout your stay.
Let's talk about your adventure — Northern Luang Prabang
Ambassador for a gentle Laos, based in Vientiane
In Laos, you need to embrace slowing down. It's often when you take the time that the most beautiful encounters and moments reveal themselves.
— Lay
