Best of Laos Tour: 10-Day Vientiane, Luang Prabang & Pakse

Our Contacts

Address

15 Ng. 100 Đ. Nguyễn Xiển, Thanh Xuân Nam, Thanh Xuân, Hà Nội 100000

Email

info@goldentrailtravel.com

Phone

+84(832) - 126 - 699

Best of Laos Tour 10 Days

CODE: GDT1326

Private Tour

Duration: 8 - 12 days

Price from: Contact

Route: Laos - Pakse - Kuang Si Waterfall - Phonsavan - Plain of Jars - Bolaven Plateau - Wat Phou - Pakou Caves - Wat Phou Temple - Luang Prabang - Vientiane - Vang Vieng

Overview

Embark on the ultimate journey through the peaceful and beautiful country of Laos with our 10-day "Best of Laos" tour. This comprehensive itinerary is designed to showcase the country's diverse landscapes and rich culture, taking you from the serene capital of Vientiane to the spiritual heart of Luang Prabang (a UNESCO World Heritage site), and down to the natural wonders of Southern Laos's Bolaven Plateau.

You will explore stunning Buddhist temples, witness the sacred morning alms ceremony, and cruise along the mighty Mekong River. The adventure continues as you discover the breathtaking Kuang Si Falls and the magnificent waterfalls of Pakse, including Tad Fane. This tour is the perfect choice for travelers seeking a deep and unforgettable experience of Laos, blending historical exploration, cultural immersion, and breathtaking natural beauty.

Highlight

Vientiane City Tour: Discover the serene capital with its impressive That Luang stupa and Patuxai (Victory Gate).
Luang Prabang UNESCO City: Immerse yourself in the spiritual and cultural heart of Laos, a stunning UNESCO World Heritage city.
Morning Alms Giving Ceremony: Witness the moving tradition of monks collecting alms at dawn, a truly spiritual experience.
Kuang Si Falls: Swim in the turquoise waters of these breathtaking tiered waterfalls and explore the surrounding lush jungle.
Pak Ou Caves: Take a scenic boat trip on the Mekong River to visit these sacred caves filled with thousands of Buddha images.
Bolaven Plateau: Explore this beautiful highland region, famous for its powerful waterfalls, lush forests, and coffee plantations.
Tad Fane & Tad Yuang Waterfalls: Marvel at the twin cascades of Tad Fane and the powerful flow of Tad Yuang, two of the most stunning waterfalls in Laos.
Wat Phou (UNESCO World Heritage Site): Discover the ancient Khmer temple complex, a historical and architectural masterpiece in Southern Laos.

Service

HOTELS
Economy 2*+ Hotels
Superior 3* Hotels
First Class 4* Hotels
Deluxe 5* Hotels
Luxury 5*++ Hotels

Notes:
*All prices are based on per adult, in Double/Twin sharing
Surcharge will be applied for single traveler or single room request

Important Notes:
HOTELS, PROGRAMS & SCHEDULES SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT PRIOR NOTICE

GUIDE/LEADER:
English speaking guide. French , Germany , Spanish, Italian, Russian speaking guide can be arranged with on request.

Inclusion

Exclusion

Itinerary

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Day 1: - Vientiane Arrival.

"Sabaidee" - Welcome to magical Laos! Upon arrival at Vientiane International Airport, you will be picked up by Laos Travel's professional tour guide and friendly driver.Begin your discoveries with the essential landmarks and iconic sights that the small & charismatic city of Vientiane has to offer. The first visit is Wat Sisaket, believed to be Vientiane's oldest surviving temple, left intact after the Siamese invasion of 1828. Next, you'll be introduced to see Pha That Luang, the most revered shrine, constructed by King Setthathirat in the 16th century. The Vientiane City Tour also takes you to Patuxai Victory Monument, Laos' version of the Arc de Triomphe.Afterwards, end your day tour along the banks of the Mekong River as the sun begins to set. Stroll along the river, stop to enjoy a cold drink, or sample a snack from one of the many local food stalls, if you like, before being transferred to your hotel.Meals: N/A.Accommodation: Hotel in Vientiane.

Day 2: - Vientiane – Vang Vieng.

After breakfast, set out on the spectacular drive north to Vang Vieng, 130km from Vientiane. Nestled along Nam Song River in Central Laos, Vang Vieng is popular for its idyllic scenery: limestone karsts jutting out of emerald rice paddies. Arrive in Vang Vieng, be ready for kayaking experience. You will have an introduction to the basics of kayak and a safety briefing before setting off down the beautiful Nam Song River. Paddle downstream to Tham None (the Sleeping Cave), which is one of the biggest caves in Vang Vieng. The cave served as a shelter for the villagers during the Second Indochina War. Today it is home to a family of bats and the "Magic Stone" of Vang Vieng. Be noted that in the rainy season, you may need to swim through the entrance to the cave. Then kayak gently back to Vang Vieng just in time to catch the sunset.Meals: Breakfast.Accommodation: Hotel in Vang Vieng.

Day 3: - Vang Vieng – Drive to Phonsavan.

Leave Vang Vieng this morning, making a short photo stop at Phatang Mountain view point to admire the beautiful scenery. You also have an optional stop at Koe Kuang, which boasts a local forest market, offering edible snakes, rats and assorted reptiles! En-route you'll visit Ban Hin Ngon, a picturesque Hmong village, before arriving at Phou Khoun for lunchtime. Later in the afternoon, arrive in Phonsavan - meaning the "hills of paradise" - the capital of the Xiengkhuang Province. Take an orientation tour around the town and have the option to visit the thought-provoking UXO Information Centre, run by British organisation MAG (Mines Advisory Group), which has been helping to clear Laos' unexploded ordnance since 1994. The evening is free to enjoy as you please.Meals: Breakfast.Accommodation: Hotel in Phonsavan.

Day 4: - Explore the mystical Plain of Jars.

Today you will explore the 3 sites that make up the Plain Of Jars. Despite being named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2019, very few visitors travel to this mysterious megalithic site - so once you make it, you're treated to arguably one of Southeast Asia's quietest UNESCO sites. Nobody knows how long the jars have actually been here or what they were used for; some speculate they are funeral urns dating back some 2,000 years. Another theory says that they were probably made to contain and transport "Lao Lao", a glutinous wet rice which is boiled with yeast and left to ferment in large jars. It is believed that they were prepared for a huge celebration, which, for some reason was disrupted whilst the jars were being transported, as other jars in smaller quantities can be found on two other sites close by. Despite being one of the most strategic battlegrounds of the Indochina War, most jars were unharmed and remain a complete mystery even today.Spend time discovering the plain of undulating green fields where the 300 giant stones jars are scattered, the largest of them weighing six tons and measuring 4-metres high. You will also have opportunities to observe Xiengkhuang's local village life, visit a small monastery in Ban Xieng Di and pass areas that were important battlefields during the American war. Later in the afternoon, drive back to your hotel in Phonsavan, where the rest of the afternoon at leisure.Meals: Breakfast.Accommodation: Hotel in Phonsavan.

Day 5: - Phonsavan – Drive to Luang Prabang.

Today is set aside for the long drive west to Luang Prabang - the enchanting World Heritage town and former royal capital. Make your way along winding mountainous roads reaching an altitude of 1,500 m at the highest point. Break up the journey with a few short stops along the way at local villages. The total journey time will be approximately seven-to-eight hours, depending on traffic and weather conditions.On arrival, enjoy free time to explore Luang Prabang for the remainder of the day. Luang Prabang has many great cafés, restaurants and night food stalls which emerge at dusk, ask the guide for personal recommendations to enjoy your dinner.Meals: Breakfast.Accommodation: Hotel in Luang Prabang.

Day 6: - Luang Prabang – Pak Ou Caves.

Following breakfast at the hotel, visit the former King's Palace, now the National Museum. The many items nicely displayed include rare furniture, traditional costumes, arts, jewelry, ornaments as well as working tools and utensils of the early part of the 20th century. Then visit Wat Xieng Thong, the most photographed temple in Luang Prabang. Board a private boat for the Mekong River cruise to the sacred Pak Ou Caves. Locally called Tam Ting, the caves are filled with thousands of gold-lacquered Buddha statues, coming in a wide range of sizes. During the boat ride, take note of the fishermen and villagers going about their daily life on the river. For many, the Mekong plays an integral role in daily life and represents one of the only means of transportation and commerce.From the caves, the boat continues to Ban Muang Keo Village where you can see local weavers and whisky distillers honoring their ancient traditional crafts. Before returning to your hotel, climb the steps of Mount Phousi for a gorgeous view of the town.Meals: Breakfast.Accommodation: Hotel in Luang Prabang.

Day 7: - Luang Prabang – Alms Giving – Kuang Si Waterfall.

An early start provides the fantastic opportunity to witness the captivating centuries old daily tradition of the alms giving ceremony, Tak Bat. Before sunrise, hundreds of saffron-clad monks file out from the old town's 35 temples to collect their daily alms from faithful local residents.Back to the hotel for breakfast, then spend the morning exploring the area around one of Luang Prabang's most impressive and picturesque waterfalls, Kuang Si. Trek through jungle parklands to Kuang Si Bear Rescue Centre, located nearby. Established in 2003, the centre has rescued numerous bears from wildlife traffickers and traditional medicine traders. Here, you will help-out with the bears' midday scatter feed. Next, walk through the national park to the Kuang Si Waterfall, where a 60m cascade feeds into multi-tiered turquoise pools; and if you feel energetic, climb to their source and go for a swim.Enjoy a picnic lunch in the tranquil park. Afterwards, return to the town to relax or explore more of the local area independently.Meals: Breakfast.Accommodation: Hotel in Luang Prabang.

Day 8: - Luang Prabang – Fly to Pakse – Bolaven Plateau.

Have a breakfast at the hotel then fly south to Pakse, the capital of Champasak Province. On arrival, meet another tour guide and driver of Laos Travel then begin your discoveries with a scenic drive through mountains and winding roads all the way up to the region of Bolaven Plateau. An expanse of highland formed from an ancient volcano, Bolaven Plateau is resplendent with lush jungles, rivers, scenic farmlands and diverse ethnic communities. Explore this naturally beautiful and cool climate elevated region. Start with a visit to the Tad Fane Waterfalls, 120 meters high and located in the Dong Hua Sao Nature Reserve. Continue to the Tad Champi and Tad Yeung waterfalls, which drop an impressive 42 meters and are surrounded by lush vegetation. Then head to a tea and coffee plantation and learn why the Bolaven Plateau is an ideal area for these plantations. Enjoy an exceptional fresh organic cup of coffee prepared with a unique technique at the Jhai Coffee House in Paksong and meet some ethnic minorities.Transfer back to Pakse in the late afternoon. If time permits, take a short orientation tour of the town, explore its colonial and Chinese-style buildings and a local market. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.Meals: Breakfast.Accommodation: Hotel in Pakse.

Day 9: - Pakse – Wat Phou – Khong Island.

After breakfast, check out the hotel and journey along Mekong River to Don Khong in the south of Champasak. Stop at Wat Phou, otherwise known as Vat Phou, to visit this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Dating back more than 1,000 years, Wat Phou is a spectacular pre-Angkorian temple that sits amidst the rice fields and waterways of southern Laos. Explore this mythical temple ruins and tumbledown structures.Enjoy lunch en-route, and continue to Khong Island, the biggest island in Southern Laos and the start of the 4,000 Islands. Called "Siphandon" in Laotian language, this area is where the Mekong stretches over 14km wide and houses thousands of islands between its cascades and rapids. Here the Mekong River is at its widest and dotted with thousands of small islands.Later in the afternoon, you will arrive in the peaceful island of Don Khong, home to small villages and plantations, where you'll spend the night. The remainder of the day, it's recommended to explore the area either by bicycle or tuk-tuk.Meals: Breakfast.Accommodation: Hotel in Khong Island.

Day 10: - Khong Island – Pakse – Departure.

Embark on a traditional long-tail boat and cruise amongst the Siphandon riverine archipelago. Explore this peaceful rural island where locals live out a simple life. Once a minor 19th century French Indochina settlement, Don Khong reveals a handful of colonial-era buildings including an old French railway station. Visit awesome Liphi Waterfalls, nicknamed the "Corridor of the Devil", a natural border between Laos and Cambodia and habitat of the rare Irrawaddy dolphins (sadly, the last known river dolphin in the transboundary pool in the Mekong between Laos and Cambodia was found dead on 15 February 2022).Continue to the 10km-long Khone Pha Pheng Falls, Southeast Asia's largest waterfalls and one of Laos' most magnificent natural attractions. Hear the thunderous roar and gaze at the awesome power created by millions of litres of water crashing over rocks.After relaxing on the boat ride, enjoy a local-style lunch served in a nearby restaurant.Return to the mainland by boat and then transfer back to Pakse International Airport for your flight home or on to the next destination. Depending on flight schedules, it may be necessary to book another overnight stay in Pakse or Champasak (excluded in the tour cost).Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.Accommodation: N/A.

FAQS

1. What types of tours does Golden Trail Travel offer?

Answer: Golden Trail Travel specializes in offering a wide range of travel packages to Vietnam and other Indochina countries such as Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Indonesia, China, and Malaysia. We offer themed tours including Classic Highlights, Cycling, Trekking, Beach Holidays, Luxury Honeymoon, Short Trips, Family, Off The Beaten Track, Multi-Country, Motorbiking, Veteran, Food, Students, Luxury, Golf, Photography, Cooking Class, Bird Watching, Indochina Cruises, Kayaking, Muslim-friendly tours, Offroad 4x4WD, Indochina MICE Travel, Cave Expedition, and Helicopter tours.

2. How can I book a tour with Golden Trail Travel?

Answer: You can book a tour by contacting us directly via phone, email, or by filling out the contact form on our website. Our team of travel experts will advise and assist you in designing a suitable itinerary.

3. Can tours be customized?

Answer: Absolutely! We understand that every traveler has unique preferences. Golden Trail Travel is happy to customize tour packages to fit your specific needs, interests, and budget.

4. Does Golden Trail Travel provide visa support services?

Answer: Depending on your nationality and the destination, we may provide guidance or assistance with the necessary visa procedures. Please contact us for more detailed information.

5. What makes Golden Trail Travel different from other travel agencies?

Answer: We are committed to delivering authentic and unique travel experiences in Vietnam and Indochina. With a team of knowledgeable local experts, meticulously designed tour packages, and dedicated customer care, we ensure every trip is a memorable journey.

6. What should I prepare before the trip?

Answer: We will provide you with a detailed checklist of what to prepare, including information on luggage, appropriate clothing for the weather and local culture, essential personal items, and health advice.

7. What is Golden Trail Travel's cancellation policy?

Answer: Our cancellation policy will be clearly stated in the terms and conditions when you book a tour. Please refer to this information or contact us for specific details.

8. Where can I find information about travel safety and health?

Answer: We prioritize the safety and health of our travelers. Before your trip, we will provide information and advice regarding health, travel insurance, and safety measures at the destination.

9. Can I request a tour guide who speaks Vietnamese or a specific language?

Answer: Yes, we can arrange tour guides who speak Vietnamese or other common languages (such as English, French, German, Spanish, etc.) upon your request and subject to availability. Please inform us of your language preference when booking your tour.

10. Does Golden Trail Travel offer travel insurance?

Answer: We highly recommend all travelers purchase comprehensive travel insurance before departure. While we do not directly provide insurance, we can advise on suitable insurance types and the importance of having coverage during your trip

11. How can I pay for my tour?

Answer: We accept various payment methods, including bank transfers, credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express), and some online payment options. Detailed information on payment options and payment schedules will be provided upon confirmation of your tour booking.

12. Does Golden Trail Travel offer tours for solo travelers?

Answer: Yes, we have tour options suitable for solo travelers, including group joining tours or specially designed private tours. Please contact us so we can advise on the best package for you.

13. Are the tours child-friendly or suitable for seniors?

Answer: We offer many family-friendly tour packages and can adjust itineraries to suit travelers of all ages, including children and seniors. We will advise on the difficulty level, travel time, and activities appropriate for each member of your family.

14. Where can I read reviews from previous customers?

Answer: You can find customer reviews and testimonials on our website (if a review section is available), social media pages, or reputable travel platforms like TripAdvisor.

15. What are Golden Trail Travel's sustainability or responsible tourism policies?

Answer: We are committed to practicing responsible and sustainable tourism. We constantly strive to minimize our environmental impact, respect local cultures, and contribute positively to the communities where we operate.

16. What happens if there's an emergency during the trip?

Answer: Your safety is our top priority. Golden Trail Travel has a 24/7 emergency support team. We will provide emergency contact numbers and detailed instructions before your trip. Our guides and local partners are trained to handle emergency situations professionally.

17. Are my payment methods secure?

Answer: Absolutely secure. We use highly encrypted online payment gateways and comply with international standards for data security. Your personal and financial information will be strictly protected.

18. What support will I receive during the trip?

Answer: Yes. Throughout your trip, you will always have the support of your local guide, driver, and Golden Trail Travel's operation team. We will provide a 24/7 support hotline so you can contact us anytime if you have any issues or need assistance.

19. What is included and not included in the tour price?

Answer: Each tour package has clear details on included services (e.g., accommodation, transportation, meals as per itinerary, entrance fees to attractions, tour guide) and exclusions (e.g., international flights, visas, travel insurance, drinks, tips, personal expenses). You will receive a detailed itinerary and an inclusion/exclusion list before confirming your tour booking.

20. What is the typical group size for Golden Trail Travel tours?

Answer: Our tour group sizes can vary depending on the type of tour. For join-in tours, we try to keep the numbers small to ensure a personalized and comfortable experience. We also offer private tours for families or groups of friends upon request.

21. Whom can I contact if I have questions or need assistance before departure?

Answer: Before departure, you can contact our team of consultants via phone, email, or online chat. We are always ready to answer any questions and help you prepare best for your trip.

22. How is Golden Trail Travel committed to sustainable and responsible tourism?

Answer: We are strongly committed to sustainable tourism. This is reflected in our collaboration with responsible local partners, supporting local communities, encouraging travelers to respect culture and environment, and minimizing negative impacts on destinations. Our goal is to benefit both travelers and local people.

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