Laos: Top to Toe
Uncover the rustic charm, ancient sites and natural wonders of Laos on this journey covering the country’s top sights and unique experiences.
Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Si Phan Don and Kuang Si waterfall, marvel at Vientiane’s Buddha Park, and explore enchanting Luang Prabang. Plus, experience time-honoured traditions of Takbat and saa paper-making, and catch a glimpse of the nation’s future on a high-speed railway journey, offering a stark contrast to its traditional beauty.
- 26 Oct 2026 – 07 Nov 2026
from $7,080 pp twin share * - 15 Feb 2027 – 27 Feb 2027
from $7,480 pp twin share *
* Prices and category availability are subject to change without notice.
Itinerary
- Days 1-2 – Fly Overnight to Vientiane:
Fly overnight to Vientiane, Laos’ easy-going capital. Depending on your time of arrival, the rest of the day is yours to start soaking up the local culture. - Day 3 – Discover Vientiane:
This relaxed little city lies nestled in a languid bend of the Mekong River, close to the Thai border. See the Patuxai Victory Monument, dedicated to those who fought for freedom from French rule, and visit the city’s main temples, including Wat Sisaket and Wat Phra Keo. This afternoon, visit a Buddha Park unlike anything else in Laos. Founded by a shamanic priest some 60 years ago, it contains over 200 enormous and eccentric statues of gods, demons and animals from Buddhist and Hindu faith. - Day 4 – Travel to Vang Vieng:
Today, you will experience a high-speed train journey from Vientiane to Vang Vieng. This comfortable modern train offers a surprising contrast in an otherwise beautifully rustic country. Upon arrival in Vang Vieng, enjoy time at leisure before dinner. - Day 5 – Vang Vieng:
Explore Vang Vieng’s beautiful countryside, venturing through some of the many hillside caves that belong here. Enjoy a leisurely walk strolling along the Nam Song River. The afternoon is at leisure. - Day 6 – Luang Prabang & Kuang Si Waterfall:
This morning, hop on the high-speed railway, which will whisk you north to Luang Prabang in just over an hour. On arrival, enjoy lunch before an introductory walking tour of this former capital. Visit the country’s most famous temple, the gold-covered Wat Xieng Thong, with its Tree of Life mosaic, and the neighbouring Wat Visoun. Visit the Royal Palace, preserved as a museum, and learn about the republic’s former royal family. Afterwards, head out of the city to visit Kuang Si waterfall, with its beautiful cascading waters. Enjoy time here to relax under the shady trees, paddle at the water’s edge, or even bathe in the beautiful turquoise pools. - Day 7 – Morning Alms & Pak Ou Caves:
Rise early to witness the Buddhist ceremony of Takbat, when the monks of Luang Prabang collect alms from the locals. You will then visit a small art studio to experience the local craft of Saa paper making – using pulp and colourful flowers, before boarding a boat to cruise the mighty Mekong up to the sacred caves of Pak Ou, known for the hundreds of miniature Buddha sculptures that reside within. Return to Luang Prabang in the afternoon. - Day 8 – Uxo Visitor Centre & Elephant Sanctuary:
Head to Elephant Village, a responsible sanctuary that has been caring for rescued elephants since 2001. Meet these majestic creatures, learn how their mahouts communicate with them, and tour the sanctuary’s elephant hospital and museum. Ride a Lao long boat to the Tad Sae waterfall and relax or swim before lunch. Later, visit the UXO Visitor Centre, where you’ll learn about the valuable work this organisation is doing to clear rural areas of unexploded wartime bombs from the 1960s and 70s. - Day 9 – Luang Prabang – Don Khong:
Fly to Pakse. On arrival, drive to Champassak to explore the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Wat Phou, a ruined Khmer temple complex set in the beautiful landscapes of Mount Phu Kao. Drive to Khong Island, the largest island on the laidback Si Phan Don archipelago in the Mekong River, and your home for the next two nights. - Day 10 – Rivers & Waterfalls:
Around Si Phan Don, meaning ‘4000 Islands’ the pace of life is slow and easy and the river views are beautiful. See the magnificent Khone Phapheng Waterfall, Southeast Asia’s largest by volume. Visit Khone Island by speedboat to discover its French colonial buildings and see Liphi Waterfall, nicknamed the Devil’s Corridor. - Day 11 – Bolaven Plateau – Pakse:
This morning drive to Pakse, stopping en route to admire Tad Yuang and Tad Fane waterfalls. Continue up onto the Bolaven Plateau to pay a visit to a coffee plantation and hear about the process of planting, harvesting and roasting the beans. This evening, enjoy dinner in Pakse. - Day 12 – Bangkok:
Transfer across the border to Ubon Ratchathani in Thailand, from where you will fly to Bangkok. Enjoy time at leisure in Thailand’s capital before this evening’s farewell dinner. - Days 13-14 – Fly Bangkok to Australia:
Fly to Australia, arriving home the same or following day.
Highlights
- Discover Vientiane’s Buddha Park and Luang Prabang’s enchanting old town.
- Soak up the natural beauty of Si Phan Don and Kuang Si waterfall.
- Experience time-honoured traditions like Takbat and saa paper-making.
Uncover the rustic charm, ancient sites and natural wonders of Laos on this journey covering the country’s top sights and unique experiences.
Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Si Phan Don and Kuang Si waterfall, marvel at Vientiane’s Buddha Park, and explore enchanting Luang Prabang. Plus, experience time-honoured traditions of Takbat and saa paper-making, and catch a glimpse of the nation’s future on a high-speed railway journey, offering a stark contrast to its traditional beauty.
Inclusions
- Tour laid-back capital Vientiane,Discover spectacularly set Wat Phou,Explore the enchanting Si Phan Don,Soak up Vang Vieng’s beauty,Ride Laos’ new high-speed railway,Wander lovely Luang Prabang.
- Day 1 highlights Fly Overnight to Vientiane: Fly overnight to Vientiane, Laos’ easy-going capital. Depending on your time of arrival, the rest of the day is yours to start soaking up the local culture.
- Day 2 highlights Discover Vientiane: This relaxed little city lies nestled in a languid bend of the Mekong River, close to the Thai border. See the Patuxai Victory Monument, dedicated to those who fought for freedom from French rule, and visit the city’s main temples, including Wat Sisaket and Wat Phra Keo. This afternoon, visit a Buddha Park unlike anything else in Laos. Founded by a shamanic priest some 60 years ago, it contains over 200 enormous and eccentric statues of gods, demons and animals from Buddhist and Hindu faith.
FAQs
- S2-Modern Boutique
- Pon Arena Hotel
- Pakse Hotel
- Amari Vang Vieng
- Angthong
- Golden Tulip Mandison Suites
How long is this journey?
This itinerary runs for 14 days and 11 nights.
When can I travel?
Departures are currently scheduled between 26 Oct 2026 and 27 Feb 2027, subject to live availability.
Are there different departure options?
Yes, multiple departures may be available depending on your preferred travel period.
What is generally included?
Inclusions typically cover guided touring and selected experiences, with exact details listed in the itinerary.
What style of accommodation is used?
Accommodation is pre-arranged as part of the journey, with specific properties shown in the trip details.
Provided by: Wendy Wu ToursFine Print
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