A discreet experience in Laos
Between hidden temples and preserved traditions, explore the authentic soul of Laos in complete intimacy.
Duration
11 days
From
€1,440/pers.
Ideal seasons
Jan, Feb, Mar, Nov, Dec
Style
Guided tour
Comfort
Charm & Character
Travelers
Couple, Solo, senior, Honeymoon
The spirit of travel
During this 11-day circuit, we have the opportunity to explore Luang Prabang, a colonial city with exceptional charm. Vientiane is also a city not to be missed, it is a small capital that preserves traditions within itself despite inevitable contemporary trends. During this circuit, we also have the opportunity to engage in various participatory activities that allow us to better understand Laos, its people and its culture.
Throughout the circuit, we participate in various immersive activities that allow us to better understand Laos, its people and its culture. These privileged experiences foster exchanges with local communities and offer an authentic approach to Laotian lifestyle, its traditions and its heritage. A journey marked by discovery, sharing and encounter.
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
Arrival in Vientiane
We arrive at the Vientiane Wattay International Airport and go through immigration formalities. Our English-speaking guide welcomes us there.
We head to our hotel by private car to settle in.
We have the rest of the afternoon free. We can enjoy beautiful walks to observe the majestic temples that line the main street. We also make sure to admire the beautiful colonial buildings in the city center.
At the end of the day, meet at the night market and at Chao Anouvong Park to watch the magnificent sunset over the Mekong. It is the meeting place of locals.
Dinner is on your own, but it is recommended to head to the Suntara restaurant which offers a superb view of the Mekong. It is located in a new trendy neighbourhood where the youth and jet set of Vientiane meet.
Vientiane
After breakfast, we meet our English-speaking guide at 9 am.
Today we discover the daily life of Vientiane by tuk tuk. To start, we stay in the heart of the city to taste kao larm, a sweet snack much appreciated by locals. This sticky rice with coconut is prepared in bamboo tubes. We can also see how this delicious specialty is made.
Then we visit a local fresh food market to appreciate the incredible diversity of Laotian cuisine. From the terrace of a traditional café, we can observe the activities on the market.
Next, we observe craftsmen at work in a family goldsmith workshop that produces complex pieces, both traditional and modern. We discover up close the process of making the pieces and how this traditional craft is passed down from generation to generation.
We enjoy lunch at a Laotian restaurant nestled in a popular residential area.
We then head back towards the city. Optionally, we can make a brief stop at COPE (Rehabilitation Centre for Bomb Victims) on the way. This place reveals to the public the effects of wars and conflicts that struck the region and the country around the 1970s. It displays the consequences that continue to affect the daily life of the local population. It provides insights into Laos's history, including the "Secret War" or "American War" also featuring Vietnam
It is now time for us to go to the temple to learn about the way traditional Laotian Buddhist offerings are made, Mak Beng and Peung pasaat, composed of banana leaves and flower wax. We then carry them to Vat Simueang, a popular temple in the city.
Free dinner. The Dyen Sabai restaurant is an excellent option to soak in a peaceful, intimate and family-friendly atmosphere. This magnificent setting is located on the opposite bank of the Nam Khan. It allows you to discover, among other things, the Sindat, the Laotian barbecue where vegetable broth and grilled meat are cooked at the same time around a metal dome.
Vientiane – Phou Khao Khouay – Vientiane
We leave our hotel at 7:30 am, without a guide, but accompanied by a flora specialist who speaks English.
Around 9:30 am, we arrive at the Ban Hatkhai village where 2 local guides welcome us after preparing the picnic. We have 7 km of track to cross in the park.
The orchid trek starts at the Pha Say waterfall which offers a superb panoramic view of a gorge over 50 m high with thick jungle. On our way to this viewpoint, we are surrounded by dendrobium moshatum and fimbriatum which bloom in long stems and flower in beautiful yellow in March.
We continue the walk on small trails shaded by several types of forests, including bamboo forests, jungles, semi-deciduous and mixed forests that allow us to observe many biotopes. Some places are full of orchids in abundance, indeed, all the rocks are covered with them. This can be an opportunity to learn about medicinal plants and their uses, as well as other plants such as rattans, gingers, dipterocarps and much more.
We have a picnic in the bed of a dry river and in the shade of the trees.
During the afternoon, we enjoy a pleasant swim in a magnificent setting at the Tad Say waterfall.
We then return to Vientiane around 6:30 PM.
Dinner is at your leisure, but the Naga Boat is recommended. Run by an English-speaking Lao owner, this restaurant is housed in a boat moored on the banks of the Mekong.
Vientiane – Salt mines of Ban Khoksaat – Thaheua
We have breakfast before heading to Ban Khoksaat where one of the largest salt mines in the region is located. The Khoksaat mine is situated above a saltwater water table. It is a condensed example of salt extraction in Laos with 2 methods for recovering the precious mineral: either by pumping water from the water table to boil it and recover the salt after evaporation. This more expensive process allows for 2 daily extractions per year; or by draining water in artificial tides allowing for abundant collection every 48 hours, which is only possible during the dry season.
Then we continue our journey and have lunch on the way.
We arrive in Thaheua, approximately 25 km from Vang Vieng, on the shores of the Nam Ngum reservoir. This is a village located on the banks of the reservoir created in 1971 due to the construction of a dam on the river of the same name. The population's activities revolve around fishing and fish drying, with products sold as far as Vientiane.
We then settle into our resort located on the shores of the lake.
In the afternoon, we take a 2-hour boat ride on the lake waters to sail between the islets and observe fishermen going about their daily activities.
Thaheua – morning 4x4 excursion
After breakfast, we set off in a 4x4 to travel about thirty kilometers from the resort. We reach the summit of a mountain to enjoy a splendid view of the surrounding landscape. Along a 7 km route, we can observe the traditional and rural life of the villagers.
Return to the resort and lunch on your own.
Free afternoon as well. We can venture over to the floating pool or enjoy other activities offered by the hotel, such as cycling, jet skiing, water skiing, kayaking or pedal boating.
Thaheua – Vang Vieng – Thaheua
We have breakfast before heading out for a day of exploring Vang Vieng and its region. This destination is located just 30 minutes from Thaheua.
To observe the karst landscapes of the region, we make sure to take a tour of the surrounding countryside. Among the sites to prioritize, the Pou Kham caves are worth a detour. We discover a small spring called "Blue Lagoon", ideal for swimming.
We then explore the Ngeun Peak whose summit is accessible on foot. We enjoy a beautiful clear view of the region.
We return to town to visit the organic farm of Phou Dindaeng which is located 3 km from Vang Vieng. The objective of this farm is to promote responsible, organic agriculture and to perpetuate various traditional vegetable growing techniques as well as goat farming.
Lunch on site. Tasting of local goat cheese.
During the afternoon, we head to the Tham Chang caves which are characterized by their limestone formations.
If weather conditions and water levels permit, we paddle down the Nam Song river by kayak. We cover a 3 km route in a sumptuous natural setting.
Finally we head back to our resort in Thaheua.
Thaheua – Luang Prabang
After breakfast, we take the road to Luang Prabang for a winding journey of approximately 6 hours. We observe in particular beautiful mountainous landscapes.
We stop along the way to enjoy the Kasi hot springs.
Lunch at Phou Piengfa with stunning views of the mountains.
Then we visit the Hmong village of Phou Khoune and its market, and continue our journey.
In mid-afternoon, we arrive in Luang Prabang and climb to the top of the Phousi Mountain to contemplate the city and its surroundings until sunset.
We come back down to enjoy the night market which is a true artisanal paradise. We can also defer this visit to another evening at your convenience.
Luang Prabang: City Tour
We have breakfast before starting a cycling tour of the main monuments of Luang Prabang, a city inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list since 1995.
We start with the Royal Palace which has become the National Museum and the Vat Mai as well as the Heritage House or Heuan Chan Heritage. This allows us to better understand the policy of protection and enhancement of the city of Luang Prabang.
At Vat Xieng Mouane, we will have the opportunity to discover crafts dedicated to Buddhist art at its training center. We then walk past the façade of the French Institute of Luang Prabang, former residence of comedian Pierre Desproges.
We leave our bikes to take a tuk tuk for the rest of the day.
We have lunch at the Pha Khao Lao restaurant to taste dishes with local flavors, particularly those from Luang Prabang's culinary art.
If we feel like it, visiting an ethnology museum can occupy an afternoon (closed on Mondays). With this option, we will have the opportunity to better understand the ethnic diversity of Laos as well as its culture.
We then observe a ritual ceremony very much practiced by Hmong minorities. Namely, Laos is a country of many ethnicities with immense cultural wealth that is displayed through a multitude of behaviors, rituals, languages, clothing, beliefs, dialects... This diversity is particularly evident in the northern part of the territory. The Hmongs make up the majority of its population. They are animists who perceive life as a perpetual cycle of birth and rebirth around 2 physical worlds that exist at the same time. These beliefs encompass different types of spirits, including those of ancestors. According to them, a certain number of souls live together in the human body, and in the absence of one of these souls, humans can face illness.
To combat these ailments, the Hmongs invoke Shamans who are in contact with the Gods and spirits, by making offerings around an animal sacrifice. They believe that the souls of sacred animals are in connection with the souls of humans to protect them.
Then we return to the hotel for an immersion in the art of dining in Laos, through a cooking class organized by the renowned Tamarind restaurant. Lao cuisine requires many fresh products, especially herbs.
After preparing the dishes, we sit down to enjoy these delicacies carefully prepared (drinks not included).
Luang Prabang – Kuang Si Waterfall – Nahm Dong Park
After breakfast, we head to the famous Kuang Si Falls. These waterfalls are located 32 km from Luang Prabang. The road leading there is lined with splendid rice field landscapes. On site, we enjoy its pools of crystal-clear waters. We will visit its small permanent exhibition focused on the preservation of Southeast Asian black bears threatened with extinction.
Apart from the waterfalls which are a major attraction in the region, we have the opportunity to swim in natural pools with turquoise and crystal-clear waters.
Before returning to the city, we will take a short half-hour detour to the buffalo farm "Lao Buffalo Dairy". There we will receive information about the situation of this animal in Laos and the care given to them.
We can also get close to a few and bottle-feed the young ones. At the end of the visit, we will enjoy artisanal ice creams made from buffalo milk. Available flavors: fruits, sesame, lemongrass (depending on the season).
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 neonatal mortality rate is around 50% because at this stage, buffalo calves do not have access to sufficient nutrients. With this in mind, the Laotian government has organized itself to increase its herds with prevention and breeding projects. This is how the Buffalo Farm in Luang Prabang expanded by coupling these programs with local breeders. This farm is also focusing on the dairy and cheese industry.
At the end of the visit, we taste ice creams made from buffalo milk which are flavored differently depending on the season: fruits, sesame, lemongrass…
In the afternoon, we head to Nahm Dong Park to spend an authentic moment to the sound of waterfalls with magnificent views overlooking the Luang Prabang valley. Various activities await us there, including hiking through the jungle and suspension bridges, zip-lining…
At the end of the day, we return to Luang Prabang where we have the opportunity to participate in a game of pétanque with the locals, a unique moment filled with joy and laughter to share. It should be noted that Laotians are excellent players.
Dinner is free, but the small Restaurant Bamboo Tree Lao is recommended. Chef Linda awaits us there with her refined and very fresh local cuisine. This place overlooks the Nam Kan river, in the heart of the old town.
Luang Prabang – Elephant Camp
We wake up at dawn to participate in the alms-giving ceremony to the monks of the city. This takes place between 5:30 and 6:00 in the morning.
Before returning to the hotel, we can make a detour to the morning market.
With our guide, we leave our accommodation at 8:30 a.m. to head towards the Nam Khan river valley. We will go down to the elephant camp.
On site, we are given a brief introduction to the camp and its elephants before starting the visit. In particular, we are told about their living conditions: veterinary care, food, well-being, etc. We will have the chance to walk alongside one of these Asian giants through the forest.
We can explore the Tad Sae waterfalls, especially from July to December when the pools are full of water.
We then return to the camp to have lunch in the form of a buffet.
In the afternoon, we return to Luang Prabang to learn more about the secrets of bamboo, an important element in Laotian culture. An experienced weaver first teaches us how to weave bamboos. Then a few activities introduce us to the usefulness of bamboo products in daily life (fishing equipment, hunting gear, musical instruments, etc.).
Subsequently, we are given a cooking class on the theme of bamboo-based specialties. We therefore participate in the preparation of dishes that we will taste at dinner in the sala overlooking a magnificent landscape.
Luang Prabang – Mekong River Cruise – Pak Ou Caves
We start the day with a delicious breakfast before visiting Vat Xieng Thong located at the confluence of the Mekong River and the Nam Khan river. It is an emblematic temple of the city that stands out for its typically local architecture. Countless devotees consider it a major pilgrimage site.
We take a shared boat to head to the Pak Ou caves. We stop at the village of Ban Xang Hai which is known for its rice alcohol production. The alcohol content varies from 25 to 40 degrees, so it should be used with great caution.
Lunch on board during the return journey.
In the afternoon, we are invited to enjoy a traditional Laotian massage in Luang Prabang.
After some free time at our own pace, we can do some shopping at the city's galleries. Among many others, the beautiful Bounnachanh craft and textile gallery is worth a visit. It is nestled in an old character house near the Villa Chitdara hotel.
Optionally, we can make a little detour to Ock Pop Tok: this center is dedicated to promoting products from traditional textile craftsmanship of Laos.
We have one last "farewell drink" with a view of the Mekong (beer, fresh coconut milk, fruit shake or others).
We are transferred to the airport to catch the return 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 stay visa (31 – French passports - at 43US$/ person depending on nationality)
- Domestic and international flights as well as related taxes
- Beverages, tips, personal expenses (internet, laundry, etc.), meals not mentioned
- Travel Insurance
- All services and meals not clearly indicated in the program
- Exceptional charges that may apply during New Year's
- Bank fees
Included
- Double/Twin room accommodation in the selected hotels
- Transport by minivan as mentioned or by tuk tuk and other local transport
- Grouped cruise as indicated in the program
- The activities mentioned in the itinerary
- Meals as follows: (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner)
- English-speaking experienced guide, except when otherwise indicated or during free time
- Trekking 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 — Central Vientiane
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
