Highlights of Laos

Tour Highlights

Luang Prabang

4000 Island

Xiangkhoang

Vang Vieng

Luang Prabang

Climb Phousi Hill for spectacular sunsets over this well preserved city

4000 Island

Take a breathtaking cruise on this mighty river

Xiangkhoang

Discover the Plain of Jars, Laos’ most unusual and mysterious architecture

Vang Vieng

Wander through the Buddhist architecture of Laos' charming capital city

Tour Dates & Prices

All of our tour departures include international flights and taxes in the price. If the dates we have available for this tour don't suit your needs, or you are not sure travelling as part of a group is for you, maybe a Private Tour would be more ideal. If your tour departs in less than 30 days, please call our travel experts to book.

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There are no dedicated Solo departures for this year. You can enjoy any of our tours with no Single Supplement on our Happy to Share option or explore the solo departures in other years.

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Additional Price Information

Based on London Heathrow departures

Flight upgrades available on request

Land only from ￡2,190 (Bangkok - Bangkok)

Single room from ￡390

Tipping paid locally US$91

Price listed is based on new bookings only

Highlights of Laos - Tour Itinerary

DAYS 1-2: FLY TO BANGKOK

Fly overnight to the vibrant city of Bangkok. Depending on your time of arrival the rest of the day is yours to start soaking up the local culture. (D)

DAY 3: FLY TO LUANG PRABANG

Fly to Luang Prabang. An enchanting city, Luang Prabang is the quintessential image of Laos. At its core, lush greenery, golden temples and vivid-robed monks come together to create a colourful, rich heritage and an enduring French-colonial legacy. Take a walking tour around the vibrant night market, keeping an eye out for craft souvenirs from Laos' hill tribes as you go. (B,L,D)

DAY 4: KUANG SI WATERFALLS

Rise early this morning to witness the Buddhist ceremony of Takbat, when the monks of Luang Prabang’s monastic communities collect alms from locals. These lines of silent saffron robe-clad monks will be an enduring image of your trip. See Wat Sene and the National Museum. Visit the traditional H’mong village of Ban Na Ounae, before walking to the cascading turquoise waters of Kuang Si Waterfalls for a picnic lunch and a swim. Stop at Ock Pop Tok Weaving Centre on the return to Luang Prabang. (B,L)

DAY 5 PAK OU CAVES

Explore Wat Xieng Thong, considered Luang Prabang’s most beautiful temple. Board a boat to cruise the mighty Mekong up to the sacred caves of Pak Ou, known for the hundreds of miniature Buddha sculptures that reside within. Visit the local villages of Thin Hong and Ban Xang Khong to witness the daily life of the local people and their cottage industries. (B,L)

DAY 6 PHOUSI HILL

Climb Phousi Hill to admire the views down over the city before exploring Wat Mai, Wat Visoun and Wat Aham. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure. (B,L)

DAY 7 PHONSAVAN

Drive to Phonsavan via Phoukhoun, stopping at Tham Phra Cave and Nong Tang Lake on the way. (B,L,D)

DAY 8 PLAIN OF JARS

One of the most important prehistoric sites in Southeast Asia, these mysterious clusters of giant jars are thought to be about 2,000 years old. We will visit Site 1 where there are over 200 jars, Site 2 which also allows you to admire the beautiful scenery of the region and Site 3, situated in picturesque woodland. There will also be a visit to the office of the Mines Advisory Group (MAG), an organisation that helps clear unexploded ordnance that are a remnant of American raids during the Vietnam War. Take the opportunity to speak with the organisation's head. (B,L,D)

DAY 9: VANG VIENG

Depart Phonsavan for Vang Vieng. Stop en route at Pathang village, where you can enjoy dramatic views over the karst landscapes for which Vang Vieng is famous. On arrival, head into Tham Chang Cave to explore. The cave was used as a hideout for locals when marauding Yunnanese came to town in the early 19th century. (B,L,D)

DAY 10 DISCOVER VIENTIANE

Drive to Vientiane, Laos’ capital. Nestled in a languid bend in the Mekong, Vientiane is a delightfully quaint city, more friendly backwater than chaotic capital. Spend the rest of the day exploring with visits to Wat Si Saket, Wat Phra Keo, That Luang Stupa, and the Patuxai Victory Monument, that resembles Paris’ Arc de Triomphe. (B,L)

DAY 11 SI PHAN DON

Rise early for a morning flight to Pakse. On arrival, explore the UNESCO World Heritagelisted Wat Phou, a ruined Khmer temple complex set in the beautiful landscapes of Mount Phu Kao. Drive on to Khong Island, the largest island of the laidback Si Phan Don archipelago in the Mekong River. The rest of the day is free. (B,L,D)

DAY 12 4,000 ISLANDS

Around Si Phan Don, meaning ‘4,000 islands’, the pace of life is slow and easy and the river views are gorgeous. See the magnificent Khone Phapheng Waterfall, Southeast Asia’s largest, and pop over to Khone Island by speedboat to discover its charming colonial buildings and see Liphi Waterfall, nicknamed the Devil’s Corridor. Depending on the season, you may see traditional fishing techniques in action. Spend the rest of your day at leisure. (B,L,D)

DAY 13 BOLAVEN PLATEAU

Depart Khong Island for Pakse, stopping en route to admire Tad Yuang and Tad Fane waterfalls. Continue up onto the Bolaven Plateau to pay a visit to a coffee plantation and learn about the process of planting, harvesting and roasting the beans. This evening enjoy a farewell dinner back in Pakse. (B,L,D)

DAYS 14-15 FLY PAKSE TO UK

Fly from Pakse to Bangkok where you'll have the use of a hotel room before your evening flight back to the UK, arriving home the following day. (B,D)

Weather Information

Useful Information

Visas

The cost of a Laos visa is not included as there is no Laos consulate in the UK. However, visas are very easy to obtain upon arrival in Laos and will cost $35, you will need to bring passport photo for the visa. Your guide will assist you with this process.

Communication

To call the UK the international access code is 0044 then the number. To call Wendy Wu Tours it is 00 44 207 403 7860. Emergency 24 hour telephone (out of office hours) is 00 44 7984 041 625. Mobile Phones Mobile phones are growing in popularity and you will find high quality coverage. We recommend that you contact your mobile supplier if you intend to use international roaming during your holiday and ensure you investigate all associated costs before you leave the UK.Some hotels may have Wi-Fi which usually comes at an additional cost.

Tipping

Tipping is an expected element in the tourism industry today and Laos is no exception. We have established a tipping system whereby every passenger gives a set amount to the National Escort who will distribute the amount appropriately. On multi-country tips, this amount will be paid in stages on arrival in each country. If there is no National Escort, you will need to give your money to your Local Guides and tipping amounts for each city will be shown in your final itinerary. The amount is calculated for each tour. We will indicate the tipping amounts in your final documents for guidance.

Shopping

Shopping can be a fun and entertaining component to any travel adventure. In keeping with most people’s interests whilst on holiday, your tour will include a reasonable number of opportunities to shop for local goods and souvenirs. We have included visits to establishments that not only provide an opportunity to purchase a locally produced, but you’ll witness first-hand how these local products are made, their history and how they support the economy. We are aware that people like to take home souvenirs, so we ensure the shops you visit have a reputation for quality, honesty, and authenticity.

Food

The cost of all meals is included in your group tour cost. Breakfast is served in the hotel and usually includes western dishes. We aim to cater to the tastes of the majority of people and so the food is not too spicy or unusual in taste. Any food/diet requests MUST be specified at the time of booking and you should mention it again to the National Escort/ Local Guides when you meet them – they will do their utmost to cater for any special requests, such as vegetarian meals or food to be avoided in case of allergies.

Sample Tour Hotels

We draw from a wide range of hotels on our holidays, each one is chosen to suit the tour you are travelling on meaning your accommodation can range from a smart business hotel in one city to a family run guesthouse in a smaller town. Here are some examples of the type of hotel you can expect to find on this tour.

• The Cottage Suvarnabhumi

  Located close to the airport but with quick and easy links to downtown Bangkok, The Cottage is in the ’tropical modern style’. With a swimming pool at its heart and a restaurant serving Thai and Western cuisine, all the hotel’s rooms have a balcony with pool and/or garden views. They are also stylish and simple with all the modern amenities.

• Chitchareune Muang Luang Hotel

  Combing traditional elegance and modern comfort, the three-star Chitchareune Muang Luang is housed in a building that is contemporary Laotian in style. Excellently located just a 10-minute walk from the heart of the old city, the 56 rooms are set around a swimming pool in peaceful gardens. Within you’ll find a modern and comfortable space, with plenty of Laos textiles and local touches and a private balcony. The hotel also offers a gym and spa.

• Vansana Plain Of Jars Hotel

  Conveniently located just 30 minutes from the Plain of Jars, the Vansana Plain of Jars Hotel offers guests 38 airy en-suite rooms, featuring a private balcony and is equipped with a fan, cable TV and mini-fridge. The hotel also boasts a restaurant serving extensive a la carte menus of both Thai and Lao cuisines.

• The Silver Naga

  Ideally situated on the river bank in the heart of town, The Silver Naga Hotel welcomes guests to experience magnificent mountain views and warm hospitality. Each en-suite room features air conditioning, a TV and minibar. Other facilities and services offered at the hotel include an outdoor pool, restaurant, currency exchange and laundry.

• Mercure Hotel Vientiane

  This four-star hotel has a wealth of facilities including outdoor pool, tennis courts, a fitness centre and sauna. Well-located for the airport and just a three-minute stroll to the Mekong River, there is also a restaurant and bar and spacious and contemporary rooms with an en suite bathroom plus robe and slippers.

• Pon Arena Hotel

  Situated on the riverfront, The Pon Arena Hotel is a very stylish hotel, featuring beautiful contemporary en-suite rooms with modern amenities including air conditioning and free Wi-Fi. Guests are also offered a great range of facilities to ensure a great stay including, a waterfront restaurant, bicycle rental services, and more.

• Pakse Hotel

  Located in the centre of Paksé, Paksé H?tel is within walking distance from the Mekong River, shops and VIP bus station to Vientiane. The hotels cosy en-suite rooms all feature modern amenities including TV and free Wi-Fi. The hotels roof-top restaurant offers exceptional panoramic views of the whole city and delicious cuisines.