Amaze yourself in Laos
At the borders of Laos territory, following in the footsteps of the Hmong and Khamu ethnic groups in a dance of limestone karsts.
Duration
17 days
From
€1,905/pers.
Ideal seasons
Jan, Feb, Mar, Nov, Dec
Style
Guided tour
Comfort
classique
Travelers
Couple, Solo, With friends, senior
The spirit of travel
This 17-day circuit takes us to the far north of Laotian territory, into ethnic lands. It gives us an approach to the country and its people. We trek through remote villages on the back roads of the hinterland. It is also an opportunity to discover the Mekong and to sail down the sumptuous Nam Ou River surrounded by its limestone peaks. We stroll through Luang Prabang, an extraordinary colonial city, but also Vientiane, a charming capital that combines traditions and contemporary trends to offer us a unique and contrasting adventure. Our itinerary includes the enigmatic Plain of Jars, allowing us to explore the Khammouane region, its karst landscapes and Kong Lor caves. Numerous activities are available throughout our stay to immerse ourselves in Laotian culture.
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
Arrival in Luang Prabang and traditional Baci ceremony
Upon arrival at the airport in Luang Prabang, you complete the entry formalities for the country, including those related to your visa, before collecting your luggage. Your English-speaking local guide welcomes you at the airport and accompanies you to your hotel for check-in. Rooms are available from 2 PM.
Depending on your interests, you can spend the afternoon visiting an ethnology museum, which is closed on Mondays. This discovery will allow you to better understand the ethnic diversity of Laos and the different aspects of its culture.
You will also have the opportunity to reach Phou Si Mountain late in the day to enjoy panoramic views of Luang Prabang, particularly pleasant at sunset.
On your way down, you can stop at the night market to discover some examples of Lao craftsmanship. This visit can also be organized on another day, depending on your preferences.
In the evening, you participate in a traditional Baci ceremony organized in your honor. This special moment allows you to discover local customs, make new acquaintances and exchange with your hosts. You then share dinner with them.
Luang Prabang: City Tour
You start the tour with the former Royal Palace, now transformed into the National Museum, then visit the adjacent Vat Mai.
You continue with the Vat Xieng Mouane, where you discover a training center dedicated to certain manual crafts related to Buddhist art. You then head to the Heritage House (Heuan Chan Heritage House), which allows you to better understand the policies for protection, enhancement and preservation of Luang Prabang. Along the way, you also pass the French Institute of Luang Prabang, the former home of humorist Pierre Desproges during his childhood.
You have lunch at the Café Vat Sène, located opposite Luang Prabang's primary school, housed in a building constructed during the French era. You thus enjoy a location conducive to observing the rhythm of the city.
In the afternoon, you attend a ritual ceremony of the Hmong community. This encounter allows you to explore the ethnic diversity of Laos through the beliefs, rituals, traditional attire, languages and dialects present in the country, particularly in the North.
Animistic, the Hmongs view life as a cycle of birth and rebirth in which two physical worlds coexist. Their beliefs place great importance on spirits, particularly those of ancestors, as well as the different souls that are believed to inhabit the human body. According to this tradition, the departure of one or more of these souls can be the cause of illnesses.
You also discover the role of shamans in healing practices. According to Hmong beliefs, they can communicate with gods and spirits and intervene through various offerings, generally accompanied by an animal sacrifice. The soul of the sacrificed animal is then considered as linked to that of the human being in order to contribute to their protection.
You then head to the ethnology museum, where you deepen your understanding of the ethnic diversity and cultural richness of Laos through a pedagogical approach. Museum closed on Mondays.
Discovery of Luang Prabang and Kuang Si Falls
Luang Prabang → Kuang Si Falls
You start the day early to attend the alms offering to monks, a local tradition that takes place every morning, around 5:30-6:00 AM, in the streets of Luang Prabang.
You then return to your hotel for breakfast. On the way, you take the opportunity to observe the morning market and its lively atmosphere.
You then head towards the Kuang Si waterfall, located 32 km from Luang Prabang. The journey allows you to observe the rice field landscapes that line the road.
On site, you also discover a small permanent exhibition dedicated to the protection of Asian black bears in Southeast Asia, an endangered species.
You finally enjoy the Kuang Si waterfall and its natural pools with turquoise and crystal-clear waters, where you will have the opportunity to swim.
Kuang Si Falls → Luang Prabang
Before returning to Luang Prabang, you take a detour of about half an hour to the Lao Buffalo Dairy farm. This visit allows you to better understand the situation of buffalo in Laos as well as the care provided to them. You will have the opportunity to approach certain animals and to bottle-feed young buffalo calves. Buffalo hold an important place in Asian countryside, but the species faces a high mortality rate at birth, particularly due to insufficient nutrient intake. Prevention and reproduction projects have thus been developed in Laos to promote the development of herds. The Lao Buffalo Dairy participates in this initiative by working with local farmers, while developing activities around dairy and cheese products.
At the end of the visit, you taste artisanal ice cream made from buffalo milk. Depending on the season, different flavors are offered, notably fruit, sesame or lemongrass.
You then continue on the road to your hotel in Luang Prabang to enjoy a free evening. You can take this opportunity to discover some craft galleries in the city, such as the Bounnachanh gallery, devoted in particular to fabrics and located in a former residence near the Villa Chitdara hotel.
Dinner is free.
Immersion in a Hmong village as well as Khamu
Luang Prabang → Village de Hmong
After breakfast, you set out to meet two important ethnic groups of Laos: the Hmongs and the Khamus. In a village located around Luang Prabang, you share the daily life of a family and discover their way of life up close.
You participate in different daily tasks, such as preparing traditional cuisine, hunting wild animals or working the crops. These activities are an opportunity to exchange with your hosts and better understand their daily life.
At lunchtime, you share a meal with the family. You then spend time with the village children around traditional games that are part of their daily life.
At the end of the day, you participate in dinner preparation before spending the night in the village.
Night in homestay, in fairly basic comfort conditions.
Mekong Cruise from Luang Prabang
You have breakfast at 6:30 AM before being transferred to the pier with your English-speaking guide.
From 8:00 AM onwards, you board for a private cruise on the Mekong towards Pakbeng. On the way, you make a stop at Pak Ou, at the confluence of the Nam Ou River and the Mekong, to discover the Pak Ou caves. They house hundreds of Buddha statues and constitute an important pilgrimage site for Laotians, particularly during the Lao New Year in mid-April. You then resume your cruise and have lunch on board around local specialties.
Late in the afternoon, you arrive at Pakbeng. You are transferred to your guesthouse and settle into your room.
Dinner free and night in guesthouse.
immersion at the heart of the villages in northern Laos
After breakfast, you join the local market to discover its hustle and bustle and meet the locals. You continue this immersion in a small village, where you take time to observe daily life. You will also have the opportunity to visit the elephant camp, located on the opposite bank of the Mekong River, to observe the pachyderms in their natural environment.
You then head towards Oudomxay by private vehicle. The journey takes approximately four hours and includes a few stops in ethnic villages, which are conducive to meetings.
Lunch is at your own expense, either en route or in Oudomxay depending on timing. You can notably visit Mrs Kanya's table, a simple address frequented by both locals and travelers.
Upon arrival in Oudomxay, a city marked by Chinese influences, you climb to the top of Phou That Mountain to enjoy a panoramic view of the surroundings.
You then make a stop at the PMC – Productivity and Marketing Center, which offers various handicrafts made locally from natural materials, as well as products such as massage oils or honey.
After checking in to your hotel, your guide can offer you a massage at the Red Cross center, which also has a traditional herbal sauna. This service is to be paid directly on site.
By 4x4 to meet the communities of northern Laos
You set off in 4x4 through the countryside and mountains of the region, meeting local communities. This immersion allows you to discover their way of life and better understand a daily routine that evolves across villages, seasons and times of year. You first take Route 2 and make a stop at a small ethnic roadside market, before continuing your journey to Ban Kor, a Khamu village.
From Ban Kor, you continue your journey by vehicle through the mountains to reach Ban Avo. You gradually gain altitude in the heart of the region's landscapes.
Upon arrival, you can admire the "sea of clouds", a phenomenon regularly observable in this region when weather conditions allow.
You continue your discovery at the Ban Houay Sang village, where a Khamu community practices basketry. This stop allows you to discover this local craftsmanship in the heart of the village.
You then head to Ban Tong Seu, one of the rare Hmong villages in the region. If your trip takes place in December, you will have the opportunity to witness the colorful celebrations of the Hmong New Year.
You make a detour through Ban Akhang, a village of the Akha community, also known as Ikhos. As you walk through the village, you discover its houses which are distinguished by their colorful doors and windows.
After crossing the Sea of Clouds, you reach Ban Ano, an Akha village. There you discover in particular a landing strip built during the time of the second Vietnam War.
You join route 2 and continue your journey to Ban Pakho village, where you can observe tobacco drying racks in particular.
You then continue towards Muang La to discover the Singkham pagoda, which is particularly venerated by the local population. You finally enjoy a moment of relaxation in the natural hot springs of Muang La.
You continue on the road towards Oudomxay, where you enjoy a free dinner before spending the night.
Route to Muang Khua, at the Gates of Vietnam
After breakfast at the hotel, you head towards Muang Khua, located on the banks of the Nam Ou and Nam Phak rivers. The town is the last stop on the road leading to Vietnam and Dien Bien Phu.
A former French garrison until the French army's defeat at Dien Bien Phu in 1954, Muang Khua is located in a region primarily populated by the Akha, Khamu and Tai Dam communities.
You head towards Nong Khiaw by boarding for approximately four hours of navigation on the Nam Ou River.
Along the way, you make a stop on a sandbank to share a picnic lunch. The navigation is also punctuated by stops in traditional Hmong and Khamu villages, an opportunity to discover these communities and their environment. You then arrive at Nong Khiaw, surrounded by karstic reliefs, and settle into your accommodation located on the riverbank.
NB: upon arrival at the Nam Ou dam, the cruise is interrupted upstream. A tuk-tuk transfer is organized between the two boats. The guide and the tuk-tuk driver accompany you for baggage transport.
discovery of cotton craftsmanship
After breakfast, you leave Nong Khiaw at 8 a.m. to reach the village of Ban Nayang Neur, located about 30 km away.
There, you discover the Ban Leu Handicrafts craft center, specialized in cotton work. Created to promote and preserve traditional techniques related to this material, the center invites you to better understand the different stages of its transformation. You participate in an introductory workshop on manual cotton spinning and thus discover the techniques used in fabric manufacturing.
You then have lunch on site.
Ban Nayang Neur → Luang Prabang
In the afternoon, you head towards Luang Prabang. Upon arrival, you are transferred to your hotel to settle in. You then have free time to enjoy your late afternoon and evening.
Dinner is at your leisure. You may visit the Pha Khao Lao restaurant, where you can enjoy cuisine with local flavors and specialties typical of Luang Prabang.
Discovery of the Plain of Jars
After breakfast, you head towards the Xieng Khuang province and the Plain of Jars. The journey takes approximately 5 to 6 hours and includes several stops to discover the villages you encounter along the way.
Lunch is free at a restaurant along the route. Upon arrival, you set off to discover the Plain of Jars site 1, the closest to Xieng Khuan, the "Buddha Park", also called Phonsavanh. This city is the gateway to these sites whose origin remains mysterious.
The Plain of Jars extends over several sites, of which only a portion is accessible to the public. Discovered in 1930 by Madeleine Colani, the jars continue to give rise to various hypotheses about their function. They may have served as funeral urns or been used to store seeds or alcohol.
Back in Xieng Khuang, you visit the MAG exhibition center to better understand the consequences of bombing related to recent conflicts in the region.
You will also have the opportunity to discover the QLA Association, which supports mine victims and other UXO to help them regain hope and pride despite their physical disability.
Dinner is free in Xieng Khuang at a local restaurant.
Immersion in the Traditions of Silk at the Mulberries Farm
After breakfast, you head out for an introduction to local Laotian sericulture traditions.
Around 9 a.m., you arrive at the Mulberries Farm, where you discover a daily life shaped by silk work and the different stages of its production. Laotian silk is based on manual and artisanal manufacturing methods. Being part of wild silks, it is characterized by a rougher appearance and less smooth texture. All stages of its production are carried out by hand.
During this immersion, you will have the opportunity to participate in a workshop of your choice and to familiarize yourself with this local craftsmanship.
Overnight stay on site.
The road along the Nam San valley
After a local breakfast, you take the road connecting Thasi to Paksan. This route through the countryside runs along the Nam San valley and accompanies you to your next stopover. Lunch is at your leisure along the way.
You then arrive at Paksan, the capital of Bolikhamsai province, located where the Nam San river meets the Mekong.
You enjoy a short break by the river before continuing your journey to Pakkading, where you discover an open view over the Kading River. You then continue towards a mountainous area heading towards the Vietnamese border. Throughout your journey, you enjoy different viewpoints of the karst formations that shape the landscape.
In the late afternoon, you reach the Kong Lor village, nestled in a valley surrounded by natural landscapes. You take time to discover the setting that accompanies this new stage of your journey.
Kong Lor Caves
You set off by boat to discover the Kong Lor caves, which you explore in the darkness using a torch. Stretching 7.5 km in length, these cavities are traversed from end to end by the Hinboun river. About 30 meters wide, the river winds through the heart of the caves, some parts of which reach over 100 meters in height. As you navigate, you discover sandy beaches and various rock formations.
You then return to the guesthouse for a free lunch.
The late afternoon is free for you to relax and enjoy the natural setting. You can notably take a walk through the Kong Lor village, in the heart of the valley, before observing the sunset.
The route of the Buddha Cave and limestone landscapes
After breakfast, you take the road passing through Lak Sao and Thalang to reach Thakhek, after a journey of approximately 5 hours. The city is located on the banks of the Mekong, facing the Thai city of Nakhon Phanom.
Along the way, you make a stop in a region marked by its limestone formations, cliffs and caves.
Lunch is at your leisure in a local restaurant. Approximately 15 km from Thakhek, you discover the Tham Pa Fa cave, also called the Buddha cave. Discovered in April 2004 by a villager, it houses over 200 Buddha representations and is an important site of Buddhism in Laos. You then continue towards the Tha Falang area, a place appreciated by the English-speaking community of Thakhek in colonial times. You can enjoy a swimming moment there.
You then return to your hotel to settle in. The end of the day allows you to freely discover Thakhek, its colonial buildings and its peaceful atmosphere.
Dinner is at your leisure. You can notably visit the Smile Boat, located on the banks of the Mekong and offering Lao and Thai cuisine.
Discovering the Sacred Temples and Banks of the Mekong
You start the day by discovering Vat Sikhottabong, a sacred site in Laos located approximately 6 km from Thakhek, on the banks of the Mekong. You then take the road towards Vientiane, the capital of Laos for the past 450 years. On the way, you make a stop at Prabat, at the southern edge of Phou Khao Kouay National Park. Here you discover an ancient stupa, several kutis in the rear courtyard as well as one of the largest monastic drums in Laos. Facing the site is Vat Phonsane, a small temple overlooking the Mekong. Every year in October, it hosts the festival of "Naga fireballs". At the end of the rainy season, orange spheres appear above the waters of the Mekong, a phenomenon that local tradition associates with the Naga, a serpent from Hindu mythology.
Lunch is at your own expense at a local restaurant. Upon arrival in Vientiane, you are transferred to your hotel to settle in. The late afternoon is free. You can take a walk around the active temples that line the main street or observe the colonial houses in the city center.
At the end of the day, you can enjoy the sunset over the Mekong by strolling through the night market or in Chao Anouvong Park, a popular meeting place for locals.
Dinner is at your own expense. You can notably go to Tummor restaurant, located on the banks of the Mekong with a view of Thailand, situated on the opposite shore.
Vientiane – City Tour
After breakfast, you embark on a discovery of the main monuments of Vientiane, the peaceful capital of Laos.
You start with That Luang, the most venerated stupa in the country, before heading to Patuxay, a monument steeped in history whose architecture recalls the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. You continue your visit to Vat Sisaket, then to Vat Hoprakeo, a sanctuary that once housed the Emerald Buddha, now preserved in Bangkok. You then leave central Vientiane to reach the Lao Disabled Women Development Center, a place dedicated to the professional reintegration of Lao women with disabilities. The center enables them to develop their skills through various handicraft creation workshops. On site, you discover the project and exchange about its activities. You can observe the women during their activities and will also have the opportunity to participate in a newspaper recycling workshop.
Lunch at the center included.
In the afternoon, you head towards the Buddha Park, located about thirty kilometers from the city center, on the banks of the Mekong. You discover its numerous sculptures dating from 1958, blending representations from Hinduism and Buddhism. You then return to Vientiane to enjoy the city's atmosphere at the end of the day. You also experience a local relaxation practice with a session of traditional sauna with medicinal herbs. Between steam baths and moments of rest on the patio, you observe this convivial habit shared by the locals. An herbal infusion accompanies this moment, followed by a cold shower. You can also observe local body care treatments, notably made with tamarind.
You then return to your hotel.
Dinner is at your leisure. You can notably visit Pha Khao Lao, which offers cuisine served in an intimate setting.
Price per person
Indicative price per person, based on double room. Each trip is customized according to your preferences.
This trip can be tailored to your preferences
This itinerary provides an excellent foundation for discovery, but it can be fully customized. Our local advisors build each trip tailored to your budget, dates and preferences.
Not included
- Laos residence visa (31 – French passports - $43 USD per person depending on nationality. $36 USD for Belgian passports)
- Domestic and international flights as well as related taxes
- Beverages, tips, personal expenses (internet, laundry, etc.), meals not mentioned
- Travel Insurance
- All services and meals not clearly indicated in the program
- Exceptional charges that may apply during New Year celebrations
- Bank fees
Included
- Accommodation in 2 double / twin rooms in selected hotels
- Transport by minivan as mentioned or by tuk tuk and other local transports
- Private cruises as indicated in the itinerary
- The activities mentioned in the program
- Meals as follows: (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner)
- Experienced English-speaking guide
- Trekking fees and other visits included in the itinerary
- Permissions and Local Taxes
Practical Information
Registration is considered firm and final after payment of a deposit of 30% of the total price and acceptance of the specific terms of sale.
The balance must be paid no later than 45 days before the departure date.
See our specific terms of sale for full details.
In the event of cancellation by the traveller, the following fees apply:
- Plus de 60 jours avant le départ : 40 % du prix total (acompte retenu)
- Entre 60 et 30 jours avant le départ : 50 % du prix total
- Moins de 30 jours avant le départ : 100 % du prix total
We strongly recommend taking out cancellation insurance. See our specific terms of sale for full details.
The information below concerns travelers who are nationals of the European Economic Area (EEA), Switzerland, and Canada traveling to Laos for a tourist stay. Entry rules may change, so we recommend verifying this information with the official authorities before your departure.
Passport
To enter Laos, your passport must be valid for a minimum of six months after your entry date into the country and must contain at least two blank pages for immigration stamps and visa affixing.
The document must be in good condition (no damaged, torn, or altered pages).
Visa
Unlike some Southeast Asian destinations, Laos does not offer visa exemptions for nationals of the European Economic Area, Switzerland, and Canada for tourist stays. A visa is therefore mandatory and can be obtained through several methods.
Visa on Arrival: available at most international entry points (airports in Vientiane, Luang Prabang, Pakse, as well as certain land border crossings). It allows stays of up to 30 days and is issued in exchange for payment of approximately 30 to 42 USD depending on nationality. A recent identity photograph is generally required.
e-Visa: it is also possible to submit an electronic visa application online before departure through the official portal of the Laotian authorities, for a tourist stay of up to 30 days.
Embassy Visa: the application can be submitted to the embassy or consulate of Laos in your country of residence before departure.
The authorities may also request:
an exit ticket from the country (return or onward flight),
proof of sufficient financial resources for the duration of your stay,
confirmation of an accommodation reservation.
Health and Vaccinations
No vaccinations are mandatory to enter Laos from the EEA, Switzerland, or Canada. However, certain vaccinations are strongly recommended by health authorities:
hepatitis A and hepatitis B,
typhoid,
rabies (depending on activities and areas visited),
Japanese encephalitis (for extended stays in rural areas).
A preventive antimalarial treatment may be recommended for certain regions, particularly rural and forested areas. Consult your doctor or a travel medicine center before departure.
Traveling with Children
Minors must hold their own valid passport covering the duration of the stay, as well as their own visa.
In some European countries, when a minor travels without one of their parents, an authorization to leave the country may be required according to the regulations of their country of residence.
Other Nationalities
Entry conditions may vary depending on nationality. Affected travelers should inquire at the embassy or consulate of Laos in their country of residence.
To participate in our trips, it is strongly recommended to have assistance-repatriation and medical expense coverage abroad.
Your local agency encourages you to review the specific policy developed with our partners CHAPKA ASSURANCES and AXA ASSISTANCE.
To subscribe to an insurance plan, learn about coverage and rates, follow the link below.
CAP EXPLORER: The comprehensive insurance solution designed for a worry-free trip!
Choose the plan that best suits you:
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Specific to our trips, we strongly recommend subscribing to them.
If you choose to subscribe to one of these plans, the policy document detailing all coverage and claim declaration procedures is available on the insurer's website.
Your local agency will be aware of it, but only the participant is responsible for complying with claim declaration procedures. The participant must therefore keep this policy document with them throughout their trip.
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Travel with peace of mind — I'll handle the insuranceFrequently asked questions
Yes, a tourist visa is required, obtainable on arrival at major entry points (Visa on Arrival, approximately 30-40 USD depending on the entry point) or online (e-visa). Valid for 30 days, extendable. A valid passport required for at least 6 months beyond entry, and two blank pages required.
Go to the My Trips section to find all your projects.
You can send a message to your host directly from the Tea Lounge.
For a tailor-made quality trip, budget between €130 and €210 per day per person, including accommodation, meals, internal transport and activities. International flights (€800-1,200 return) are additional. Laos is a preserved and charming destination, often combined with Cambodia or Vietnam.
Your documents are accessible in the Documents tab of your trip.
Absolutely. We tailor every itinerary to our travelers' profile. For families, we prioritize relaxed paces, family-friendly accommodations, fun and educational activities, and comfortable private transfers. Our English-speaking local guides know how to capture children's attention with age-appropriate anecdotes.
It's simple. You exchange with our local team to define your wishes, budget and dates. You receive a detailed itinerary proposal within 48 hours. You adjust every detail together until you reach the perfect version. You confirm and depart with peace of mind. Your local agency remains available 7 days a week throughout your entire trip.
In case of emergency, contact your local agency immediately.
Payment is generally made in two installments.
Our agency is part of the Nomadays network, registered in France. You benefit from APST (Association Professionnelle de Solidarité du Tourisme) guarantee which covers 100% of your funds. Secure payment, repatriation insurance included, and English-speaking assistance 24/7 on site throughout your stay.
Let's talk about your adventure — Northern Luang Prabang
Ambassador for a gentle Laos, based in Vientiane
In Laos, you need to embrace slowing down. It's often when you take the time that the most beautiful encounters and moments reveal themselves.
— Lay
