HIGHLIGHTS OF LAOS IN 7 DAYS
Grading
Tough
Traveller rating
Activities
- Cultural
- History
- People
- Landscapes
Accommodation
- 6 nights at Deluxe and Superior hotel
Meals
- Daily buffet breakfast at hotel
- 6 dinners at local restaurants
Duration
7 Days
Double
from
US$
Single
from
US$
Tour highlights:
This exciting seven-day tour will allow you to explore incredible natural wonders, discover the richness of the historical heritage and learn about the friendliness of the local people.
Highlights of Laos – the “land of millions of elephants” are showed off with Vientiane’s colonial buildings and large tree-lined boulevards, ancient temples and colorful street markets. Vang Vieng’s limestone mountains and caves with a blue-green lagoon and a reclining Buddha statue or Xiangkhouang Province with the mysterious Plain of Jars and the ancient royal capital of Luang Prabang.
· Wander along the tree-lined boulevards in Vientiane and tapered golden Stupa of Pha That Luang
· Vang Vieng
· Xieng Khuang’s Plain of Jars
· Luang Prabang ancient capital
· Khouangsi Waterfall
· Thousands of Buddha images to Pak Ou Caves
Itinerary:
Day 1. ARRIVAL IN VIENTIANE
Upon arrival at Vientiane airport, an Aiitours host will meet and take you to hotel for check-in. Vientiane – the capital with a fusion of Lao, Thai, Chinese, Vietnamese, French, and American influences is so charming and easygoing. City tour consists of the oldest Wat Sisaket – temple with thousands of miniature Buddha statues and the former royal temple of Wat Prakeo, which previously housed the famous Emerald Buddha Image. The national precious heritage and sacred That Luang Stupa, imposing Patuxay Monument. Enjoy sunset by the Mekong riverside.
Overnight in Vientiane.
Day 2. VIENTIANE – VANGVIENG
We leave Vientiane for Vang Vieng. Visit Tham Xang (Elephant Cave, Tham Hoi Cave (cave of snails) winds deep into the mountain, astonishing Tham Loup Cave (deep cave), our next stop for the exploration of the caves. Trekking to the Hmong village of Phathao through rice fields and vegetable gardens.
Overnight in Vang Vieng.
Day 3. VANGVIENG – XIANG KHOUANG
Travel to Xiangkhouang Province through breathtaking scenery. Visit the mysterious Plain of Jars, a vast group of archaeological sites containing thousands of stone vases, found scattered throughout the plain located in the north-east of Laos at the foot of the Annamita Cordillera mountain range. Explore the archaeological site 1 Thong Hai Hin about 15 km south-west from Phonsavan – the largest of the sites with about 250 jars, each with a weight ranging from 600kg to 6 tons. Continue the day with visits to some nearby hilltribe villages where you can experience the fascinating culture and centuries-old history.
Overnight in Xiangkhouang.
Day 4. XIANG KHOUANG – LUANG PRABANG
Today we travel to Luang Prabang – the ancient capital and old Royal City of Laos through several small villages and rice fields. Stop on the way at some local villages or markets to see the local life before heading to Luang Prabang. Upon arrival, check-in your hotel.
Overnight in Luang Prabang.
Day 5. WORLD HERITAGE SITE OF LUANG PRABANG – PAK OU BUDDHA CAVES
This morning we visit the National Museum – former Royal Palace on display a lovely collection of the artifacts reflecting the richness of Lao culture dating from the days of the early kings right through the last sovereign followed by the National Museum and Central Market. We enjoy a short tour seeing the city’s oldest temple Wat Sene and Wat Xieng Thong, a significant monument to the spirit of religion, royalty and traditional art. Next Wat Mai, the largest and most richly decorated of the temples in this city.
We embark on a boat for a leisurely trip on the Mekong River, stopping en route at Ban Xang Hai to see the production of local rice wine. Upon leaving this village we pass through stunning mountain landscape to the mysterious Pak Ou Caves. End the sightseeing day with Ban Phanom, a small village known for its hand weaving.
Overnight in Luang Prabang.
Day 6. KHOUANGSI WATERFALL AND LOCAL VILLAGE
An early start gives you the fantastic opportunity to participate in the daily morning rituals of saffron-clad monks collecting offerings of Alms (ubiquitous sticky rice) from the faithful residents. Walk through the morning Phosi Market, where you will see such diverse offerings as dried buffalo skin, local tea and saltpeter among the chickens, vegetables and hill-tribe weavings. Visit ethnic minority groups at Ban Ouay, Hmong Village, Ban Ou, Laoloum Village and Ban Thapene, Khmu Village, then drive to the beautiful Khouangsi Waterfall where you can cool off with a refreshing swim in the turquoise pools or walk along the forest trails. Returning to Luang Prabang late evening to observe the sunset at Wat Siphouthabath.
Overnight in Luang Prabang.
Day 7. DEPART LUANG PRABANG
Bid farewell to Luang Prabang and Laos. Transfer to airport for your onwards flight.
Map:
Inclusions:
Daily breakfast at hotels and 6 diners at local restaurants
6 nights at Deluxe and Superior hotel on a twin share basis
All transfers and transportation in private vehicle
Sightseeing and admission fees
Boat fees
English speaking guide
Two drinking water bottles per day
- International airfares
- Travel Insurance (compulsory)
- Visa fees
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
- Items of a personal nature such as laundry, phone calls, alcohol etc
- Tips and gratuities
Accommodation:
- VIENTIANE @ Salana Boutique Hotel
- VANGVIENG @ Amari Resort
- XIANG KHOUANG @ Xiang Khouang Hotel
- LUANG PRABANG @ Villa Maly
Essential Information:
Yes, this tour can run 365 days a year, spring, summer, autumn and winter.
Laos is characterized by a tropical climate, influenced by the southeast monsoon which brings high annual rainfall and high humidity. There are two distinct seasons: the rainy season, or monsoon, from May to mid-October and the dry season from mid-October to April. Laos is very warm all year round, with an annual average of 32 degrees, but has few truly tropical and sultry months.
It’s approximately 8 hours in total per day. The longest ride is 7 hours.
Temperatures vary depending on the season, so we recommend that you wear light clothing. We do not recommend wearing shorts or sleeveless shirts on days visiting pagodas. We trust you can make your own judgement in season. For footwear, we recommend comfortable walking shoes.
Yes and no. It depends on your nationality that you must have a visa or are exempted (all Southeast Asian citizens are visa exempted). Prepare in advance a passport photo and 35$US cash with you. Your visa will be granted right upon your arrival at Vientiane or Luang Prabang Airport.
Before traveling to Laos, be sure to purchase insurance for your trip. Two months before you leave, you should also consult your doctor or local travel clinic for the latest information on health risks in Laos and to receive any vaccinations you may need.
Pregnant women should consult their doctors for specialized advice. Anti-malarial drugs and many diarrhea treatments are not completely safe during pregnancy.
If you have a medical condition or allergy of which requires particular attention, carry a doctor’s letter with you that describes the nature of the condition and treatment needed. We also recommend you pack a medical kit with:
• DEET-based insect repellent
• Paracetamol or ibuprofen for pain relief
• Anti-itch ointment, such as hydrocortisone
• Sunscreen
• Antihistamine for allergy treatment, such as zyrtec, Benadryl
• Bacitracin for wound care, such as Neosporin
• Diarrhea treatment, such as Imodium
Some medications may be difficult to find in Cambodia: be sure you travel with a full supply of any prescribed medicine you need.
