Laos Off The Beaten Tracks – 10 Days

Luang Prabang, Vang Vieng, Vientiane
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Brief Itinerary

  • Day 1: Vientiane arrival – city tour
  • Day 2: Vientiane – Phou Khaokhuay
  • Day 3: Vientiane – Ban Tha Heua
  • Day 4: Ban Tha Heua – Vang Vieng – Kayaking experience
  • Day 5: Vang Vieng – Luang Prabang
  • Day 6: Luang Prabang – Ban Long Lao – Kuang Si Waterfalls
  • Day 7: Luang Prabang – Pak Ou Caves – Kamu Lodge
  • Day 8: Kamu Lodge – Exploration
  • Day 9: Kamu Lodge – Nam Ou Riverside
  • Day 10: Nam Ou Riverside – Departure

Activity

  • Vientiane city tour
  • Phou Khao Khuay National Park
  • KM52 Market
  • Water activities at Nam Ngum Lake
  • Vang Vieng caves
  • Luang Prabang city tour
  • Kamu Lodge
  • Trekking

What is included / not included

Includes

  • Accommodation: Double or twin rooms with breakfast at hotels throughout the trip (as detailed in the itinerary).
  • Transportation: Private, air-conditioned vehicles with a dedicated driver for all transfers and tours (except during breaks or as noted in the program).
  • Meals: Meals as specified in the program (B = breakfast, L = lunch, D = dinner).
  • Activities: Entrance fees for all included visits, boat trips, and experiences mentioned in the itinerary.
  • Local qualified tour guides will be available throughout the trip (except during breaks or as noted in the program).
  • Flights: Domestic flights are mentioned in the program.

Excludes

  • International flights from your country
  • Visa
  • Tipping gratuity for guides, drivers, hotel & restaurant staff, boat riders, etc.
  • Personal expenses, such as laundry, telephone, drinks, etc.
  • All other services not specified in the itinerary
  • Surcharge for peak season, New Year holidays, and compulsory dinners on Xmas and New Year’s Eve as per regulation of the hotels and cruises.”

Tour Details

Day 1: Vientiane Arrival and City Highlights (D)

  • Upon arrival in Vientiane, check into your hotel and relax.
  • Visit major sights of the capital, including Wat Sisaket, Wat Prakeo, That Luang Stupa, and Patuxay Monument.
  • Enjoy a welcome dinner with traditional Lao dance and folk music.

Laos Off The Beaten Tracks - 10 Days

Day 2: Vientiane – Phou Khao Khuay National Park (B, L)

  • Take an early morning trip to Phou Khao Khuay National Park.
  • Hike the Orchid Trek through various forest types, learning about medicinal plants.
  • Enjoy a picnic lunch in a dry riverbed.
  • Visit Tad Say waterfall in the afternoon.
  • Look for colorful butterflies and birds in the forest.
  • Return to Vientiane.

Day 2: Vientiane - Phou Khao Khuay National Park (B, L)

Day 3: Vientiane – Ban Tha Heua (B, L)

  • Take a northbound journey through scenic countryside.
  • Stop at the colorful KM52 market and Hin Heup Bridge for photos.
  • See the fish market in Ban Tha Heua.
  • Check in to your lakeside hotel and enjoy free time for kayaking, water-jet skiing, paddle boating, cycling, or trekking.

Day 4: Ban Tha Heua – Vang Vieng – Kayaking on the Nam Song River (B, L)

  • Travel to Vang Vieng and kayak down the Nam Song River.
  • Explore Tham Xang Cave and learn about local history.
  • Enjoy lunch at a picnic spot.
  • Visit the Organic Farm and sample mulberry tea and fruit wines.
  • Explore Tham None Cave, a former wartime bomb shelter.
  • Kayak back to Vang Vieng and enjoy the sunset.

Day 4: Ban Tha Heua - Vang Vieng - Kayaking on the Nam Song River (B, L)

Day 5: Vang Vieng – Luang Prabang (B, Lunch)

  • Explore Vang Vieng’s town and market in the morning.
  • Visit Tham Jang Cave and Ban Phathau village.
  • Take a scenic drive to Luang Prabang, stopping for photos at viewpoints and a local school.
  • Arrive in Luang Prabang for an overnight stay.

Day 5: Vang Vieng - Luang Prabang (B, Lunch)

Day 6: Luang Prabang – Morning Alms Giving, City Highlights, and Kuang Si Waterfalls (B, L)

  • Witness the morning almsgiving ceremony.
  • Explore the temporary market, Royal Palace Museum, and Wat Xiengthong.
  • Cool off with a swim at Kuang Si Waterfalls and see rescued bears at the Bear Rescue Center.
  • Enjoy sunset views from Phousi Hill and browse the Night Market for local crafts.

Day 6: Luang Prabang - Morning Alms Giving, City Highlights, and Kuang Si Waterfalls (B, L)

Day 7: Luang Prabang – Pak Ou Caves – Kamu Lodge (B, L, D)

  • Take a slow boat trip on the Mekong River to the Pak Ou Caves, filled with Buddha statues.
  • Arrive at Kamu Lodge for lunch and enjoy the scenery of rice paddies.
  • Choose from relaxing or participating in traditional Kamu activities like rice planting, gold panning, village visits, and archery.
  • Enjoy a traditional Kamu feast for dinner.

Day 7: Luang Prabang - Pak Ou Caves - Kamu Lodge (B, L, D)

Day 8: Kamu Lodge – Exploration (B, L, D)

  • Take a moderate/challenging 4-hour trek to a waterfall with a picnic lunch.
  • Visit a village along the Mekong River on your return.
  • In the afternoon, you can relax with activities like swimming in the Mekong, getting a Lao massage, or participating in a petanque competition.
  • Dinner is served at the restaurant, followed by free time.

Day 9: Kamu Lodge – Nam Ou Riverside (B, L)

  • Enjoy free time in the morning to explore the lodge or nearby village.
  • Take a boat back to Luang Prabang, stopping at Ban Pak Ou before reaching Nam Ou Riverside for your overnight stay.

Day 9: Kamu Lodge - Nam Ou Riverside (B, L)

Day 10: Nam Ou Riverside – Departure (B)

  • Enjoy breakfast at your hotel.
  • Relax until your driver picks you up for your departure flight.