Laos Adventure Journey
Discover the enchanting nature of Laos, starting in the spiritual heart of Luang Prabang with its ancient temples and panoramic mountain views. Journey to Vang Vieng for thrilling cave explorations and kayaking along the tranquil Nam Song River. In Vientiane, immerse yourself in the country's rich history through visits to Buddha Park and impressive temples. The adventure culminates in Na Hin, where you'll navigate the mysterious Kong Lor Cave by boat and kayak through stunning landscapes. This trip is a profound journey through Laos’s breathtaking scenery and rich heritage, perfect for the adventurous soul.
Details
| Unique Experiences: | Discover the UNESCO World Heritage city of Luang Prabang through its ancient temples and vibrant markets. Embark on thrilling cave explorations and enjoy tubing adventures through the water-filled caves of this once infamous backpacker haven. Explore the capital's rich history with visits to sacred temples and the iconic Buddha Park. Experience the natural beauty and geological wonder of Kong Lor Cave with a boat ride through its vast, mysterious passages. |
| Trip Length: | 11 Days |
| Participants: | Up to 16 travelers may book this trip. One or more components of this trip are a shared experience. |
| Physical Difficulty: | 2 out of 5 |
| Check-in/Check-out: | Check-In: 14:00 and Check-Out: 11:00 |
| Inclusions: | Meals: 10 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 1 Dinner Accommodations: 3 nights at DownTown Backpackers Hostel in a Mixed Dorm (or similar), 2 nights at Vang Vieng Rock Backpacker Hostel in a Mixed Dorm (or similar), 2 nights at Petit Espace Boutique Hostel in a Mixed Dorm (or similar), 3 nights at The Rock Lodge in a Capsule Room Transportation: Luang Prabang Airport (LPQ) to Luang Prabang by Car or Van, Luang Prabang to Luang Prabang Railway Station by Car or Van, Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng by Train, Vang Vieng Railway Station to Vang Vieng by Car or Van, Vang Vieng to Vientiane by Car or Van, Vientiane to Vientiane Bus Station by Car or Van, Vientiane to Na Hin by Public Bus Activities: Luang Prabang Walking Tour, Kuang Si Waterfalls, Caving & Tubing in Vang Vieng, Buddha Park (Wat Xieng Khouane Luang), Visit the Lao Disabled Womens Development Centre, Vientiane City Tour, Visit of COPE Visitor Center, Kong Lor Cave Challenge |
| Exclusions: | Travel Insurance (Compulsory) Tips and Gratuities Compulsory and Peak Season Surcharges |
| Age Policy: |
Adults: 18 to 99 years of age Children: Prohibited Infants: Prohibited |
Map
Itinerary
Day 1: Luang Prabang
On arrival at the airport you are picked up and transferred to your accommodation in the spiritual capital of Laos - stunning Luang Prabang!
Transportation: Luang Prabang Airport (LPQ) to Luang Prabang by Car or Van
Accommodation: DownTown Backpackers Hostel in a Mixed Dorm
Day 2: Luang Prabang
After breakfast, we’ll walk along temples on to the peninsula. First look at Phousi Mountain, visible from most parts of Luang Prabang and worth the climb up the 328 steps to the top. On top is a stupa and it offers a near 360 Degrees view of Luang Prabang. The Mountain is overlooking the former Royal Palace which is now the National Museum and our next stop. Near the top of the peninsula is Wat Xiengthong, the most famous temple in Luang Prabang, around 500 years old. It is easy to visit nearby temples such as Wat Mai as well if you like.
Our next stop is TAEC, (Traditional Arts & Ethnology Center), a place rich with information about Laos and its many diverse ethnicities. A great place to learn about the country and its people. For lunch you can select one of the many restaurant choices that Luang Prabang offers.
In the afternoon you visit the stunning Kuang Si Waterfalls. Bring your swimwear if you want to dive into the crystal clear pools on the bottom of the falls. Explore the area and the Bear Rescue Center with the mission to free captive bears. Return to Luang Prabang. Don’t miss the famous night market right in front of the former Royal Palace.
Meals: Breakfast
Transportation: Luang Prabang to Kuang Si Waterfalls by Car or Van
Accommodation: DownTown Backpackers Hostel in a Mixed Dorm (or similar)
Activities: Luang Prabang Walking Tour, Kuang Si Waterfalls
Day 3: Luang Prabang
After breakfast, free day at leisure to explore the town at your own pace.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: DownTown Backpackers Hostel in a Mixed Dorm (or similar)
Day 4: Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng
After breakfast, the pick-up time for your transfer to the train station will depend on your train ticket, which will be confirmed 3 days prior to departure. Please note that the journey from your hotel in Luang Prabang to the train station takes about 20 minutes, and you are required to check in at the train station 30 minutes before departure. Be aware that the schedule may change without notice. Here are the tentative pick-up times based on the current train schedule:
For train C85 departing at 10:20, pick-up at your hotel will be at 9:00 AM.
For train C91 departing at 13:20, pick-up will be at 12:00 PM.
For train C83 departing at 19:10, pick-up will be at 17:50 PM.
Upon arriving in Vang Vieng, you will be greeted by your guide and transferred to your hotel. The rest of your day is at leisure to relax or explore the surroundings at your own pace.
Meals: Breakfast
Transportation: Luang Prabang to Luang Prabang Railway Station by Car or Van, Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng by Train, Vang Vieng Railway Station to Vang Vieng by Car or Van
Accommodation: Vang Vieng Rock Backpacker Hostel in a Mixed Dorm (or similar)
Day 5: Vang Vieng
Start your day with an adventurous exploration of Vang Vieng's fascinating caves. Begin at Tham Xang, also known as Elephant Cave, named for its stalactite that resembles an elephant. Next, visit Tham Hoi (Snail Cave), which stretches deep into the mountains and offers an intriguing journey through its winding passages.
One of the highlights of the day will be Tham Nam Water Cave. This cave is unique because it can only be accessed by tubing through its water-filled passages, so remember to bring your swimwear! It's an exhilarating experience as you float through the cave on a tube, illuminated by the light from your headlamp.
After the caves, head to the Nam Song River to commence a kayaking adventure. Spend a few hours paddling down the river, following the infamous backpacker tubing route that once gave Vang Vieng its notorious reputation. Nowadays, the atmosphere along the river is more controlled, with only two bars allowed to open at the same time, providing a safer and more enjoyable experience. Feel free to take breaks at these spots before you continue your journey down the river.
If kayaking isn’t your preferred choice, we also offer tubing as an alternative. Either way, you'll get to experience the scenic beauty and thrilling activities that make Vang Vieng a memorable stop on your travels.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Vang Vieng Rock Backpacker Hostel in a Mixed Dorm (or similar)
Activities: Caving & Tubing
Day 6: Vang Vieng to Vientiane
Today, we depart Vang Vieng and take the expressway to Vientiane, arriving in about an hour. Our first stop in the capital is Buddha Park, a unique and whimsical collection of Buddhist and Hindu sculptures situated along the Mekong River. Despite its relatively recent construction in the 1950s by a self-styled 'holy man,' the park features strikingly photogenic and unusual sculptures, including a massive reclining Buddha and a giant pumpkin structure.
Upon returning to Vientiane, we have the option to visit the Lao Disabled Women's Centre. This commendable facility provides valuable training and schooling for disabled women in Laos, empowering them through education and skill development. Visiting the centre offers a chance to meet and interact with the women, gaining insight into their lives and the challenges they overcome.
The rest of your day is at leisure, allowing you some free time to explore more of Vientiane at your own pace.
In the evening, you're invited to experience a local beer garden along the Mekong River, where you can enjoy a picturesque sunset. If you're interested, the evening can continue with a Lao-style Korean Barbecue in a delightful garden setting. By this point, our guide, who will likely have become a good friend, will be more than happy to take you to one of the many local beer shops. It’s likely you’ll be the only foreigner(s) there, providing a fantastic opportunity to mingle with locals and truly immerse yourself in the Lao culture.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Transportation: Vang Vieng to Vientiane by Car or Van
Accommodation: Petit Espace Boutique Hostel in a Mixed Dorm (or similar)
Activities: Buddha Park (Wat Xieng Khouane Luang), Visit the Lao Disabled Womens Development Centre
Day 7: Vientiane
Today, delve into the rich history and culture of Vientiane, starting with a visit to Wat Sisaket, the oldest temple still standing in Vientiane and the only one to remain intact after the Siamese invasion of 1828. This site is famous for its cloister wall housing thousands of tiny Buddha statues and rows of seated Buddhas that date back several centuries.
Just across the street, you'll find Wat Ho Pha Kheo. Originally built in the 16th century to house the revered Emerald Buddha, the temple was reconstructed in the 1930s after it was demolished during the invasion. Though the Emerald Buddha now resides in Bangkok's Grand Palace, Wat Ho Pha Kheo remains a significant monument and serves as a museum of art and a religious structure.
Continue your tour to Patuxai, the Victory Gate of Vientiane, which resembles the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. This monument, completed in the 1960s, was constructed using American funds and materials originally intended for building an airport—hence its nickname, the "vertical runway." Climb to the top for panoramic views of the city.
Your next stop is That Luang, or the Great Stupa, regarded as the most sacred monument in Laos. This golden stupa is a national symbol and an emblem of Buddhist religion in Laos, featured on the national seal and in various government emblems.
Also on the itinerary is a visit to the COPE Visitor Center, which provides profound insights into the Secret War and the subsequent bombing that left Laos as the most heavily bombed country per capita in history. The center offers educational displays and documentaries about the efforts to provide rehabilitation services for bomb survivors.
After these enlightening visits, you'll return to your hotel with the rest of the day free at your leisure to relax or explore more of Vientiane independently.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Petit Espace Boutique Hostel in a Mixed Dorm (or similar)
Activities: Vientiane City Tour, Visit of COPE Visitor Center
Day 8: Vientiane to Na Hin
After breakfast, pack your stuff for your next adventure! To facilitate your journey from Vientiane to Na Hin, public buses are scheduled to depart every hour between 6 AM and 11 AM. Here's how your day will be organized:
At 5:00 AM, your driver will pick you up from your hotel and assist with your transfer to the bus station. This early start ensures you have plenty of time to catch the bus heading towards Lak Sao, which is the route that will take you near your destination at The Rock View.
The bus journey itself offers a chance to see more of the Laotian countryside as you travel from the capital to the more rural parts of the country. Remember, your bus will make a stop directly in front of the Rock View office. Once there, you will check in on your own. After check-in, you will have free time at your leisure to relax or explore the surroundings.
Meals: Breakfast
Transportation: Vientiane to Vientiane Bus Station by Car or Van, Vientiane to Na Hin by Public Bus
Accommodation: The Rock Lodge in a Capsule Room
Day 9: Na Hin
Enjoy your free day at The Rock View. The lodge offers a variety of optional activities (not included in package price), so you can choose how active or relaxed you want your day to be. One of the highlights is the exhilarating zipline experience. This activity not only provides a rush of adrenaline but also offers a unique perspective of the lush forest from above, allowing you to appreciate the area's rich biodiversity and vibrant landscapes.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: The Rock Lodge in a Capsule Room
Day 10: Na Hin
Prepare for an adventurous day as we leave the lodge for Kong Lor Cave—a place shrouded in mystery and legend. Upon arrival, we will embark on a fascinating journey beginning with a walk into the cavernous mouth of Kong Lor Cave. Here, you'll board a motorboat operated by a local boatman, who will guide you up the river that runs through the cave.
The journey inside the cave spans 7.5 kilometers and offers a surreal underground cruise through vast chambers adorned with stalactites and stalagmites. The eerie silence, broken only by the sound of water and occasional drips from the cave ceiling, creates an atmosphere of awe and wonder. After exiting the cave, we'll take a brief break in a quaint village on the other side. This pause provides a moment to stretch your legs and absorb the local culture before returning to the boat. We will then settle for a picnic lunch on the riverbank, where you can enjoy your meal against the backdrop of stunning limestone cliffs—an idyllic setting that captures the essence of the region's natural beauty.
Post-lunch, the adventure continues with kayaking. Paddle through the waters and enjoy the serene environment, and if you're up for it, take a refreshing swim in the blue lagoon located in front of the cave. This part of the day offers a perfect blend of relaxation and activity. We plan to return to Phou Pha Marn before sunset, concluding a day filled with exploration and memorable experiences. The itinerary for today includes approximately 2 hours of driving to and from the cave, 1.5 hours on the motorboat navigating through the cave, and 2 to 2.5 hours of kayaking
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: The Rock Lodge in a Capsule Room
Activities: Kong Lor Cave Challenge
Day 11: Na Hin
After breakfast, connect to your next adventure!
Meals: Breakfast
On arrival at the airport you are picked up and transferred to your accommodation in the spiritual capital of Laos - stunning Luang Prabang!
Transportation: Luang Prabang Airport (LPQ) to Luang Prabang by Car or Van
Accommodation: DownTown Backpackers Hostel in a Mixed Dorm
Day 2: Luang Prabang
After breakfast, we’ll walk along temples on to the peninsula. First look at Phousi Mountain, visible from most parts of Luang Prabang and worth the climb up the 328 steps to the top. On top is a stupa and it offers a near 360 Degrees view of Luang Prabang. The Mountain is overlooking the former Royal Palace which is now the National Museum and our next stop. Near the top of the peninsula is Wat Xiengthong, the most famous temple in Luang Prabang, around 500 years old. It is easy to visit nearby temples such as Wat Mai as well if you like.
Our next stop is TAEC, (Traditional Arts & Ethnology Center), a place rich with information about Laos and its many diverse ethnicities. A great place to learn about the country and its people. For lunch you can select one of the many restaurant choices that Luang Prabang offers.
In the afternoon you visit the stunning Kuang Si Waterfalls. Bring your swimwear if you want to dive into the crystal clear pools on the bottom of the falls. Explore the area and the Bear Rescue Center with the mission to free captive bears. Return to Luang Prabang. Don’t miss the famous night market right in front of the former Royal Palace.
Meals: Breakfast
Transportation: Luang Prabang to Kuang Si Waterfalls by Car or Van
Accommodation: DownTown Backpackers Hostel in a Mixed Dorm (or similar)
Activities: Luang Prabang Walking Tour, Kuang Si Waterfalls
Day 3: Luang Prabang
After breakfast, free day at leisure to explore the town at your own pace.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: DownTown Backpackers Hostel in a Mixed Dorm (or similar)
Day 4: Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng
After breakfast, the pick-up time for your transfer to the train station will depend on your train ticket, which will be confirmed 3 days prior to departure. Please note that the journey from your hotel in Luang Prabang to the train station takes about 20 minutes, and you are required to check in at the train station 30 minutes before departure. Be aware that the schedule may change without notice. Here are the tentative pick-up times based on the current train schedule:
For train C85 departing at 10:20, pick-up at your hotel will be at 9:00 AM.
For train C91 departing at 13:20, pick-up will be at 12:00 PM.
For train C83 departing at 19:10, pick-up will be at 17:50 PM.
Upon arriving in Vang Vieng, you will be greeted by your guide and transferred to your hotel. The rest of your day is at leisure to relax or explore the surroundings at your own pace.
Meals: Breakfast
Transportation: Luang Prabang to Luang Prabang Railway Station by Car or Van, Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng by Train, Vang Vieng Railway Station to Vang Vieng by Car or Van
Accommodation: Vang Vieng Rock Backpacker Hostel in a Mixed Dorm (or similar)
Day 5: Vang Vieng
Start your day with an adventurous exploration of Vang Vieng's fascinating caves. Begin at Tham Xang, also known as Elephant Cave, named for its stalactite that resembles an elephant. Next, visit Tham Hoi (Snail Cave), which stretches deep into the mountains and offers an intriguing journey through its winding passages.
One of the highlights of the day will be Tham Nam Water Cave. This cave is unique because it can only be accessed by tubing through its water-filled passages, so remember to bring your swimwear! It's an exhilarating experience as you float through the cave on a tube, illuminated by the light from your headlamp.
After the caves, head to the Nam Song River to commence a kayaking adventure. Spend a few hours paddling down the river, following the infamous backpacker tubing route that once gave Vang Vieng its notorious reputation. Nowadays, the atmosphere along the river is more controlled, with only two bars allowed to open at the same time, providing a safer and more enjoyable experience. Feel free to take breaks at these spots before you continue your journey down the river.
If kayaking isn’t your preferred choice, we also offer tubing as an alternative. Either way, you'll get to experience the scenic beauty and thrilling activities that make Vang Vieng a memorable stop on your travels.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Vang Vieng Rock Backpacker Hostel in a Mixed Dorm (or similar)
Activities: Caving & Tubing
Day 6: Vang Vieng to Vientiane
Today, we depart Vang Vieng and take the expressway to Vientiane, arriving in about an hour. Our first stop in the capital is Buddha Park, a unique and whimsical collection of Buddhist and Hindu sculptures situated along the Mekong River. Despite its relatively recent construction in the 1950s by a self-styled 'holy man,' the park features strikingly photogenic and unusual sculptures, including a massive reclining Buddha and a giant pumpkin structure.
Upon returning to Vientiane, we have the option to visit the Lao Disabled Women's Centre. This commendable facility provides valuable training and schooling for disabled women in Laos, empowering them through education and skill development. Visiting the centre offers a chance to meet and interact with the women, gaining insight into their lives and the challenges they overcome.
The rest of your day is at leisure, allowing you some free time to explore more of Vientiane at your own pace.
In the evening, you're invited to experience a local beer garden along the Mekong River, where you can enjoy a picturesque sunset. If you're interested, the evening can continue with a Lao-style Korean Barbecue in a delightful garden setting. By this point, our guide, who will likely have become a good friend, will be more than happy to take you to one of the many local beer shops. It’s likely you’ll be the only foreigner(s) there, providing a fantastic opportunity to mingle with locals and truly immerse yourself in the Lao culture.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Transportation: Vang Vieng to Vientiane by Car or Van
Accommodation: Petit Espace Boutique Hostel in a Mixed Dorm (or similar)
Activities: Buddha Park (Wat Xieng Khouane Luang), Visit the Lao Disabled Womens Development Centre
Day 7: Vientiane
Today, delve into the rich history and culture of Vientiane, starting with a visit to Wat Sisaket, the oldest temple still standing in Vientiane and the only one to remain intact after the Siamese invasion of 1828. This site is famous for its cloister wall housing thousands of tiny Buddha statues and rows of seated Buddhas that date back several centuries.
Just across the street, you'll find Wat Ho Pha Kheo. Originally built in the 16th century to house the revered Emerald Buddha, the temple was reconstructed in the 1930s after it was demolished during the invasion. Though the Emerald Buddha now resides in Bangkok's Grand Palace, Wat Ho Pha Kheo remains a significant monument and serves as a museum of art and a religious structure.
Continue your tour to Patuxai, the Victory Gate of Vientiane, which resembles the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. This monument, completed in the 1960s, was constructed using American funds and materials originally intended for building an airport—hence its nickname, the "vertical runway." Climb to the top for panoramic views of the city.
Your next stop is That Luang, or the Great Stupa, regarded as the most sacred monument in Laos. This golden stupa is a national symbol and an emblem of Buddhist religion in Laos, featured on the national seal and in various government emblems.
Also on the itinerary is a visit to the COPE Visitor Center, which provides profound insights into the Secret War and the subsequent bombing that left Laos as the most heavily bombed country per capita in history. The center offers educational displays and documentaries about the efforts to provide rehabilitation services for bomb survivors.
After these enlightening visits, you'll return to your hotel with the rest of the day free at your leisure to relax or explore more of Vientiane independently.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Petit Espace Boutique Hostel in a Mixed Dorm (or similar)
Activities: Vientiane City Tour, Visit of COPE Visitor Center
Day 8: Vientiane to Na Hin
After breakfast, pack your stuff for your next adventure! To facilitate your journey from Vientiane to Na Hin, public buses are scheduled to depart every hour between 6 AM and 11 AM. Here's how your day will be organized:
At 5:00 AM, your driver will pick you up from your hotel and assist with your transfer to the bus station. This early start ensures you have plenty of time to catch the bus heading towards Lak Sao, which is the route that will take you near your destination at The Rock View.
The bus journey itself offers a chance to see more of the Laotian countryside as you travel from the capital to the more rural parts of the country. Remember, your bus will make a stop directly in front of the Rock View office. Once there, you will check in on your own. After check-in, you will have free time at your leisure to relax or explore the surroundings.
Meals: Breakfast
Transportation: Vientiane to Vientiane Bus Station by Car or Van, Vientiane to Na Hin by Public Bus
Accommodation: The Rock Lodge in a Capsule Room
Day 9: Na Hin
Enjoy your free day at The Rock View. The lodge offers a variety of optional activities (not included in package price), so you can choose how active or relaxed you want your day to be. One of the highlights is the exhilarating zipline experience. This activity not only provides a rush of adrenaline but also offers a unique perspective of the lush forest from above, allowing you to appreciate the area's rich biodiversity and vibrant landscapes.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: The Rock Lodge in a Capsule Room
Day 10: Na Hin
Prepare for an adventurous day as we leave the lodge for Kong Lor Cave—a place shrouded in mystery and legend. Upon arrival, we will embark on a fascinating journey beginning with a walk into the cavernous mouth of Kong Lor Cave. Here, you'll board a motorboat operated by a local boatman, who will guide you up the river that runs through the cave.
The journey inside the cave spans 7.5 kilometers and offers a surreal underground cruise through vast chambers adorned with stalactites and stalagmites. The eerie silence, broken only by the sound of water and occasional drips from the cave ceiling, creates an atmosphere of awe and wonder. After exiting the cave, we'll take a brief break in a quaint village on the other side. This pause provides a moment to stretch your legs and absorb the local culture before returning to the boat. We will then settle for a picnic lunch on the riverbank, where you can enjoy your meal against the backdrop of stunning limestone cliffs—an idyllic setting that captures the essence of the region's natural beauty.
Post-lunch, the adventure continues with kayaking. Paddle through the waters and enjoy the serene environment, and if you're up for it, take a refreshing swim in the blue lagoon located in front of the cave. This part of the day offers a perfect blend of relaxation and activity. We plan to return to Phou Pha Marn before sunset, concluding a day filled with exploration and memorable experiences. The itinerary for today includes approximately 2 hours of driving to and from the cave, 1.5 hours on the motorboat navigating through the cave, and 2 to 2.5 hours of kayaking
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: The Rock Lodge in a Capsule Room
Activities: Kong Lor Cave Challenge
Day 11: Na Hin
After breakfast, connect to your next adventure!
Meals: Breakfast
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