Laos Explorer

Itinerary

1 Night – Bangkok
3 Nights – Luang Prabang
2 Nights – Oudomxay
2 Nights – Vientiane
3 Nights – Champasak
1 Night – Pakse
1 Night – Bangkok
Optional Extension – Far East Beach Resort

✈️  UK to Bangkok (1 night): First you will fly from your chosen UK Airport to Bangkok where you’ll have just 1 night before you fly on to Laos, however this can be extended as Bangkok is a vibrant city and this will then give you chance to take in the famous sights such as the Grand Palace, the Band Pa-In Summer Palace, the Emerald Buddha Temple and the floating markets.

✈️  Bangkok to Luang Prabang (3 nights):  Next you will fly to the town of Luang Prabang to start your Laos adventure.  Tucked away in the hills, this UNESCO town feels like a quiet sanctuary.  Monks wander the streets early in the morning, and there’s a peacefulness about the place that makes you want to explore.  Head to the Wat Xieng Thong, with its intricate golden mosaics and for the best views in the town, climb to the top of Mount Phousi. As you reach the top, you’ll be greeted with an incredible view, framed by mountains and the Mekong River – especially at sunset.   If you’re feeling the need for some nature, head to the picturesque Tat Kuang Si Waterfalls, a three-tiered waterfall with refreshing turquoise pools that are perfect for cooling off in.

🚂  Luang Prabang to Oudomxay (2 nights):  For your next stop, you’ll enjoy a picturesque train ride from Luang Prabang to Oudomxay in northern Laos. Upon arrival, your transfer will be ready to take you to your accommodation in the captivating Nam Kat Yorla Pa, a protected forestry area. This lush region boasts stunning natural landscapes and rich biodiversity, offering various activities that will completely immerse you in nature.  You can embark on guided treks through the dense forest to explore the unique flora and fauna or try thrilling experiences such as the canopy walk, waterfall abseiling, or zip-lining through the treetops. The area is renowned for its eco-tourism initiatives, allowing you to appreciate the beauty of Laos’s natural environment while supporting sustainable practices.

🚂  Oudomxay to Vientiane (2 nights): Heading back to Oudomxay and hopping back on the train, you’ll find yourself in Vientiane, the charming capital of Laos. This city beautifully blends colonial French influence with stunning Buddhist architecture.  As you wander the streets, make sure you visit the That Luang Stupa, a magnificent golden monument that has become the national symbol of Laos. Then, head over to Patuxai monument, a victory arch that pays homage to the Arc de Triomphe in Paris – a perfect spot for photos!  Take some time to stroll along the Mekong Riverfront, where you can relax at a riverside café, sip on a refreshing drink, and soak in the mesmerising sunset views. Just outside the city, you’ll find the Buddha Park (Xieng Khuan), where hundreds of intricate sculptures of Buddha and Hindu deities are set against a lush green backdrop.

 ✈️  Vientiane to Champasak (3 nights):  Next, you’ll take short flight to Champasak, a lovely riverside town in southern Laos, with quiet streets lined with French colonial architecture and full of natural beauty. With local markets and small cafes offering authentic Lao food, it’s the ideal base for exploring the region. One of the must-sees is the 4,000 Islands, or Si Phan Don,  which is a breath-taking area in the Mekong River, south of Champasak. It’s not literally 4,000 islands, but rather a network of islands and islets that emerge during the dry season when water levels are low. If you’re lucky, you may also spot rare Irrawaddy dolphins in the waters.  Nearby you can also visit the impressive Khone Phapheng Waterfall, the largest waterfall in Southeast Asia. Another highlight is Vat Phou, a UNESCO World Heritage site, where you can wander through ancient Khmer temple ruins set against a backdrop of lush hills. If time permits, you could also venture to the Bolaven Plateau, famous for its coffee plantations and stunning waterfalls including Tad Fane and Tad Yuang. Here, you can join guided tours to learn about the coffee-growing process, from planting and harvesting to roasting, and enjoy tasting sessions to taste the unique flavour of Bolaven coffee.

🚗  Pakse (1 night):  A short transfer along a scenic route by the Mekong River will lead you to Pakse, the capital of the Champasak region. This lively city boasts a lively urban atmosphere filled with a great selection of dining options, including riverside restaurants that offer breath-taking views and cafes featuring live music. To truly experience local culture, visit the expansive Dao Heuang Market – one of the largest in Laos – where you can enjoy a variety of street food while immersing yourself in the chatter and atmosphere. For spectacular views, make your way to the stunning golden Buddha statue across the Mekong, especially breath-taking at sunset.

✈️  Pakse to Ho Chi Minh (1 night):  After a short flight, you’ll head to Vietnam for a night in Ho Chi Minh, before your onward journey, either home or if you want to extend your adventure, to a Far East beach resort to have some time to relax at the end of your itinerary.

✈️ Ho Chi Minh to Beach Resort (Optional Extension):  This extension will take you to an idyllic beach resort, where you can indulge for a few days of beachside luxury and relaxation.

✈️ Ho Chi Minh / Beach Resort to UK:  It’s now time to head back to the UK, leaving with unforgettable memories of your incredible visit to Laos.