A Discrete Experience in Laos
Between hidden temples and preserved traditions, explore the authentic soul of Laos in complete intimacy.
Duration
11 days
From
€1,440/pers.
Ideal seasons
Jan, Feb, Mar, Nov, Dec
Style
Guided tour
Comfort
Charm & Character
Travelers
Couple, Solo, senior, Honeymoon
The spirit of travel
This Laos circuit invites you to discover Vientiane and Luang Prabang, two cities that reveal different facets of the country. In the capital, you explore a city where traditions blend with contemporary influences, while Luang Prabang captivates with its heritage, architecture and peaceful atmosphere. Throughout your journey, you take part in various immersive and participatory activities that allow you to better understand Laos, its people and culture. Encounters with local communities bring you closer to their daily lives, their expertise and traditions. Between heritage, cultural discovery, nature and exchanges with local residents, this itinerary offers an authentic approach to Laotian lifestyle, marked by discovery, sharing and meeting.
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
Arrival in Vientiane
Upon arrival at Wattay Vientiane International Airport, you complete immigration formalities before being welcomed by your English-speaking guide. You then proceed to your hotel in a private car to settle in. You enjoy the rest of the afternoon at your leisure. You can stroll through the streets of Vientiane to observe the temples lining the main street and discover the colonial residences in the city center. At the end of the day, you head to the night market and Chao Anouvong Park, a popular meeting place for locals, to watch the sunset over the Mekong. Dinner is at your own expense, with the option to visit Suntara restaurant, which offers views of the Mekong. It is located in a recent and lively neighborhood of Vientiane, frequented in particular by local youth.
Discovery of Vientiane
After breakfast, you meet your English-speaking guide at 9am to discover the daily life of Vientiane by tuk-tuk.
You start in the heart of the city with a tasting of kao larm, a sweet snack enjoyed by local residents. This sticky rice with coconut is prepared in bamboo tubes, and you also have the opportunity to observe its preparation.
You then visit a local fresh produce market to discover the diversity of Laotian cuisine. From the terrace of a traditional café, you take time to observe the market activity.
The discovery continues in a family silversmith workshop, where artisans create traditional and modern pieces. You observe the different stages of production and discover how this craftsmanship is passed down from generation to generation.
You lunch at a Laotian restaurant located in a popular residential neighborhood, before heading back towards the city center.
Along the way, you have the opportunity to stop at COPE, a rehabilitation center for bomb victims. This place presents the consequences of wars and conflicts that marked Laos in the 1970s and whose effects still impact the population. It also allows you to better understand this period of the country's history, particularly the "secret war" or "American war", also linked to Vietnam.
You then visit a temple to discover the creation of traditional Buddhist offerings Mak Beng and Peung Pasaat, made from banana leaves and flower wax. You then bring your offerings to Vat Simueang, a popular temple in Vientiane.
Free dinner.
Orchid Trek
Vientiane → Ban Had Khai
You leave your hotel at 7:30 am, without a guide, but accompanied by an English-speaking flora specialist. Around 9:30 am, you arrive at Ban Hatkhai village, where two local guides welcome you after preparing your picnic. You then travel 7 km along a trail through the park to reach the starting point of your trek.
The orchid trek begins at the Pha Say waterfall, which offers a panorama of a gorge over 50 meters high surrounded by thick jungle. Along the way, you walk among Dendrobium moschatum and Dendrobium fimbriatum, orchids that develop in long stems and flower yellow in March.
You continue your trek on small shaded paths, through different types of forests: bamboo groves, jungle, semi-deciduous forests and mixed forests. This diversity of environments allows you to observe numerous biotopes and areas where orchids cover the rocks.
Your guide also allows you to learn more about medicinal plants and their uses, as well as different plant species such as rattans, gingers and dipterocarps.
At lunchtime, you enjoy a picnic in the dried bed of a river, in the shade of the trees.
In the afternoon, you head to the Tad Sae Waterfall to enjoy a moment of relaxation and swimming.
Ban Had Khai → Vientiane
After this day dedicated to the orchid trek, you head back on the road to reach Vientiane around 6:30 PM. Dinner is on your own, with the option to dine at the Naga Boat, a restaurant run by a French-Laotian and located on a boat moored on the banks of the Mekong.
Navigation on the Nam Ngum Reservoir
Vientiane → Ban Khoksaat
After breakfast, you head towards Ban Khoksaat, where one of the largest salt mines in the region is located. The Khoksaat mine, situated above a saltwater aquifer, allows you to discover the different salt extraction methods used in Laos.
The first method consists of pumping saltwater from the aquifer, then boiling it to recover the salt after evaporation. More costly, this process allows for two extractions per day throughout the year.
The second method involves directing water to artificial marshes, where salt can be harvested in quantity every 48 hours. This technique is only possible during the dry season.
You then continue on the road and have lunch along the way.
Ban Khoksaat → ThaHeua
You arrive at Thaheua, approximately 25 km from Vang Vieng, on the shores of the Nam Ngum reservoir. Created in 1971 following the construction of a dam on the river of the same name, the reservoir now sets the rhythm of daily life in the village. The activities of the inhabitants are mainly linked to fishing and fish drying, whose products are notably sold as far as Vientiane. You then head to your resort located on the lakeside to settle in. In the afternoon, you board a 2-hour boat trip on the Nam Ngum reservoir. You navigate between the islets and observe the fishermen in their daily activities.
4x4 Excursion Day
After breakfast, you depart by 4x4 for an excursion about thirty kilometers from the resort. Over a 7 km route, you discover the traditional and rural life of the villagers before reaching the summit of a mountain, where you enjoy a clear view of the surrounding landscape. You then return to your resort.
Lunch is free.
The afternoon is also free. You can enjoy the floating pool or choose from the various activities offered by the hotel: bike ride, jet-ski, water skiing, kayaking or pedalo.
Vang Vieng, Discovery of its Region
ThaHeua → Vang Vieng
After breakfast, you leave Thaheua to reach Vang Vieng, located approximately 30 minutes away by road. You then set off for a full day dedicated to discovering Vang Vieng and its region.
Vang Vieng → ThaHeua
You discover the countryside around Vang Vieng and its karst landscapes. Your first stop takes you to the Pou Kham caves, where you discover a small resurgence called the Blue Lagoon, perfect for swimming. You continue with a hiking ascent of Piton Ngeun. Once at the summit, you enjoy a clear view over the region's landscapes. On your way back to Vang Vieng, you visit the Phou Dindaeng organic farm, located 3 km from the city. This farm promotes responsible and organic agriculture, while perpetuating various traditional market gardening and goat breeding techniques.
You have lunch on site and enjoy a local goat cheese tasting.
In the afternoon, you head to the Tham Chang caves, characterized by their limestone formations.
If weather conditions and water levels permit, you then embark on a 3 km kayaking descent on the Nam Song river, in the heart of Vang Vieng's natural landscapes.
At the end of the day, you return to your resort in Thaheua.
Thaheua – Luang Prabang
ThaHeua → Luang Prabang
After breakfast, you head towards Luang Prabang for a winding journey of approximately 6 hours, through mountainous landscapes.
On the way, you stop at the Kasi hot springs, before continuing to Phou Piengfa, where you have lunch facing the mountains.
You then reach the Hmong village of Phou Khoune and discover its market, then resume your journey towards Luang Prabang. You arrive at Luang Prabang in the afternoon and climb to the top of Mount Phousi to admire the city and its surroundings until sunset. On the way down, you can explore the night market and discover the crafts displayed on its stalls. This visit can also be postponed to another evening depending on your preferences.
City tour of Luang Prabang
After breakfast, you set off by bike to discover the main monuments of Luang Prabang, a city inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list since 1995. You start with the Royal Palace, now transformed into the National Museum, then discover the Vat Mai and the Heritage House, or Heuan Chan Heritage. This visit allows you to better understand the policy for protecting and promoting Luang Prabang.
You continue to the Vat Xieng Mouane, whose training center allows you to discover different trades dedicated to Buddhist art. You then walk along the façade of the French Institute of Luang Prabang, former residence of humorist Pierre Desproges. You then leave your bikes to continue the rest of the day by tuk-tuk.
For lunch, you head to the Pha Khao Lao restaurant, where you taste dishes with local flavors, particularly from Luang Prabang cuisine. In the afternoon, you can, if you wish, visit an ethnology museum to better understand the ethnic and cultural diversity of Laos. The museum is closed on Mondays.
You then attend a ritual ceremony practiced by the Hmong. This encounter allows you to approach some of their animistic beliefs, in which spirits and ancestors hold an important place. According to these beliefs, several souls coexist in the human body and the absence of one of them can be associated with illness. The shaman, considered as an intermediary with the gods and spirits, intervenes during rituals that include offerings and animal sacrifice. The souls of sacrificed animals are considered to be linked to those of humans in order to protect them.
You then return to the hotel before continuing your immersion in Laotian culture with a cooking class organized by the Tamarind restaurant. You discover a cuisine that makes extensive use of fresh products, particularly herbs.
After preparing the different dishes, you sit down to taste your creations.
Beverages not included.
From Luang Prabang via Kuang Si Falls to Nahm Dong Park
After breakfast, you head towards the Kuang Si Falls, located 32 km from Luang Prabang. The journey crosses rice field landscapes before reaching the waterfalls and their natural pools with turquoise and crystalline waters.
On site, you will also discover a small permanent exhibition dedicated to the preservation of Asian black bears from Southeast Asia, an endangered species.
You then enjoy the site freely, with the possibility to swim in the natural pools at the foot of the waterfalls.
Picnic lunch near Kuang Si Falls.
Before returning to the city, we will make a short half-hour detour to the buffalo farm « Lao Buffalo Dairy ». There you will receive information about the situation of this animal in Laos and the care administered to them.
We will also be able to get close to some of them and bottle-feed the young ones. At the end of the visit, we will enjoy handcrafted ice creams made from buffalo milk. Available flavors: fruits, sesame, lemongrass (depending on the season).
It should be noted that this animal is emblematic of the countryside in Southeast Asian countries. Yet this bovine species is facing extinction despite its importance. The mortality rate at birth is around 50% because at this stage, buffalo calves do not have access to sufficient nutrients. With this in mind, the Lao government has organized itself to multiply its herds with prevention and breeding projects. This is how the Buffalo Farm in Luang Prabang grew by coupling these programs with local breeders. This farm is also focused on the dairy and cheese industry.
At the end of the visit, we taste ice creams made from buffalo milk which are flavored differently depending on the season: with fruits, sesame, lemongrass…
Continuing with the visit to Ock Pop Tok: this center is dedicated to the promotion of products from traditional textile craftsmanship of Laos.
Luang Prabang – Elephant Camp
You wake up at dawn to participate in the alms-giving ceremony to monks in Luang Prabang, between 5:30 and 6 am. Before returning to your hotel, you can take a detour to the morning market. At 8:30 am, you meet your guide and head towards the Nam Khan river valley to reach an elephant camp. Upon arrival, a presentation of the camp and its elephants allows you to learn more about their living conditions, including their veterinary care, feeding and well-being. You then set off for a walking tour alongside an elephant through the forest. You can also discover the Tad Sae waterfalls, particularly between July and December, when their pools are filled with water. You then return to the camp for a buffet-style lunch.
In the afternoon, you return to Luang Prabang to discover the place of bamboo in Laotian culture. Accompanied by an experienced weaver, you first learn to weave bamboo. Various activities then allow you to discover its uses in daily life, particularly for the manufacture of fishing and hunting equipment or musical instruments.
You finally participate in a cooking class dedicated to bamboo-based specialties. You prepare the various dishes yourself before tasting them at dinner, in a sala overlooking the landscape.
Luang Prabang – Mekong Cruise – Pak Ou Caves
After breakfast, you discover Vat Xieng Thong, located at the confluence of the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers. This emblematic temple of Luang Prabang stands out for its local architecture and constitutes an important pilgrimage site.
You then board a shared boat heading to the Pak Ou caves. On the way, you stop at Ban Xang Hai, a village known for its rice alcohol production, with alcohol content varying from 25 to 40°.
You have your lunch on board during the return navigation.
In the afternoon, you enjoy a traditional Laotian massage in Luang Prabang, then have free time to explore the city's galleries at your own pace. You can notably visit the Bounnachanh craft and textile gallery, located in a former residence near Villa Chitdara hotel.
Optionally, you can also make a detour to Ock Pop Tok, a center dedicated to promoting traditional textile craftsmanship of Laos.
Before your departure, you share a final farewell drink with a view of the Mekong: beer, fresh coconut milk, fruit juice or another beverage.
From Luang Prabang
You are then transferred to the airport to take your return flight.
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 - at 43US$/person depending on nationality)
- 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's
- Bank fees
Included
- Accommodation in double/twin room in selected hotels
- Transport by minivan as mentioned or by tuk tuk and other local transportation
- Grouped cruise as indicated in the program
- The activities mentioned in the program
- Meals as follows: (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner)
- Experienced English-speaking guide, except as otherwise noted or during free time
- Trekking fees and other visits included in the program
- 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:
Explorer'Multirisque
Explorer'Annulation
Explorer'Assistance
Explorer' Complémentaire Carte Bancaire
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.
Chapka — Cap Explorer
Our insurance partnerTravel with peace of mind with our partner Chapka. Cancellation, repatriation, medical expenses, baggage… All the coverage for a worry-free trip.
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 — Central Vientiane
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
