Wild Laos

Suggested Itinerary

Overview

Opening your eyes to a world long vanished in other parts of Asia, Laos is a land of serene jungles and remote mountain tribes, where saffron-robed monks and French colonial elegance provide a splash of colour against its captivating emerald backdrop. Leading the way in ecotourism and conservation, Laos today is as forward thinking as it is timeless and brings together the best of Southeast Asia.

Beginning the journey in Luang Prabang you’ll have opportunities to learn more about ...

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TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

  • Experience the delights of Luang Prabang and its local traditions
  • Learn first-hand about Laos’ work with elephant, bear and butterfly conservation
  • Visit the mystical Plain of Jars and the mountain villages around Sam Neua
  • Spend two days in the jungles around Ban San Khoua
  • Discover fascinating insights into the Secret War and the work to rehabilitate those affected

Suggested Itinerary

This is a suggested itinerary. Our experts have all travelled widely in the region and will be happy to tailor any of our itineraries to suit your tastes, or build a trip from scratch.

EXPAND ALL ITINERARY DAYS
COLLAPSE ALL ITINERARY DAYS

Day 1 ARRIVE LUANG PRABANG

Day 1 ARRIVE LUANG PRABANG

Arrive in Luang Prabang where you will be met and transferred to your hotel. After check in, set off with your guide to explore some of the main sites and immerse yourself in the traditional arts and history of this beautiful town located along the banks of the Mekong River. You will get to meet with one of the directors of the Traditional Arts and Ethnology Museum who will give you a private tour of the museum and offer a greater insight into the different ethnic cultures of Laos.

Maison Dalabua

Day 2 LUANG PRABANG: RICE FARMING AND WATERFALLS

Day 2 LUANG PRABANG: RICE FARMING AND WATERFALLS

After breakfast you will be taken on a scenic drive through the countryside to visit the stunning Kuang Si Waterfall, stopping along the way to visit the Kuang Si Butterfly Park, where you will be shown around by one of the founders, and then on to the Free the Bears Projects to learn about the conservation efforts led by this local organisation. This afternoon, you will be introduced to Laos' most cherished and cultivated crop - rice! Arriving at a rice farm, you will be taken through the different steps of rice farming by your expert guide, and get the opportunity to meet with local farmers and learn more about this vital industry.

Maison Dalabua
Breakfast, Lunch

Day 3 LUANG PRABANG: ALONG THE MEKONG

Day 3 LUANG PRABANG: ALONG THE MEKONG

Wake up at sunrise to give monks morning alms and learn more about this daily Buddhist ceremony. After breakfast you will explore the villages and livelihoods of the locals living off the Mekong River, as you explore by boat and on foot, passing between fishing and weaving villages and learning more about the different communities and traditions of this area. End the day by joining one of your village hosts in their home for a Lao baci ceremony, a traditional blessing ceremony where you receive well wishes from elders in the village.

Maison Dalabua
Breakfast, Lunch

Day 4 LUANG PRABANG – SAYABOURY

Day 4 LUANG PRABANG – SAYABOURY

Today you will be transferred out of town into the beautiful Laos countryside towards Sayaboury Province, where you will spend the next two days learning about the conservation work being done at this unique elephant sanctuary. Spend time with the elephants and see them in their natural environment, learn about their daily routines and enjoy fascinating discussions with the experienced conservationists that are based here. 

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5 SAYABOURY - LUANG PRABANG

Day 5 SAYABOURY - LUANG PRABANG

Enjoy spending some time with the elephants in the forest this morning, observing their daily routine and socializing habits. After lunch you will then be transferred back to Luang Prabang.

Maison Dalabua
Breakfast, Lunch

Day 6 LUANG PRABANG - PHONESAVANH

Day 6 LUANG PRABANG - PHONESAVANH

Depart Luang Prabang after breakfast for a long but stunning drive along the winding mountain roads to Phonesavanh, home of the Plain of Jars. On the way, you'll stop to visit a Hmong hill tribe village and have lunch at a local restaurant. If there is time once you reach Phonesavanh, visit a local mulberry farm and weaving centre before checking into your hotel for the evening.

Vansana Plain Of Jars
Breakfast, Lunch

Day 7 PHONESAVANH - PLAIN OF JARS

Day 7 PHONESAVANH - PLAIN OF JARS

Today you will explore the beautiful and truly unique sites of the Plain of Jars. Wander around the three different sites and visit Wat Phia, a temple that was almost completely destroyed during the war, leaving only a giant Buddha head which to this day remains intact.

Maison Dalabua
Breakfast, Lunch

Day 8 PHONESAVANH - SAM NEUA

Day 8 PHONESAVANH - SAM NEUA

After breakfast, stop by the MAG Centre to learn more about their efforts to clear thousands of life-threatening UXOs that still litter the country's landscape. From here you will drive through breathtaking mountainous landscape to Sam Neua, stopping along the way to visit the different hill tribe villages, known for their beautiful textiles, but also an area which suffered greatly during the war.

Xayphasouk Hotel
Breakfast, Lunch

Day 9 SAM NEUA

Day 9 SAM NEUA

After an early breakfast drive to the renowned Vieng Xai Caves. Here you will be given a thorough background and history on the secret war and the significance of these caves, as you explore the network of elaborate bomb-shelter caves which provided a base for some 23,000 Lao people during the war. Enjoy tea in the home of a local guide who grew up in the area and offers a unique insight into this fascinating area. After lunch, return to Sam Neua, where you can enjoy a very special tour of a textile village with a local expert and meet with some of the top weavers in the country.

Xayphasouk Hotel
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10 SAM NEUA - BAN SAN KHOUA

Day 10 SAM NEUA - BAN SAN KHOUA

You will drive to Ban San Khoua today to begin your exciting two-day jungle adventure with a night safari. After meeting your local expert guides and learning more about their village, you will set off together by longtail boat along the Nam Nern River, stopping along the way for a traditional lunch and learning more about the conservation efforts in this remote area. Late afternoon you will reach your campsite near the river, where you can enjoy a picnic around the campfire and hear more stories about the different species that live in this area. As night falls, you will set out on your night safari, floating down river as quietly as possible as you use your lights to spot some of these nocturnal animals who like to come down to the river banks at night. Return to the base for the evening.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 11 BAN SAN KHOUA - LUANG PRABANG

Day 11 BAN SAN KHOUA - LUANG PRABANG

Before breakfast, your guides will take you on a walk around the jungle to further explain the use of some medicinal plants and explain the important history of this area, which was once a major settlement during the Secret War. After breakfast, the boats float back through the core zone of the park at a relaxing pace with engines off, while the guides point out some of the wildlife along the way. Upon arrival in the village, you will be asked to fill out a wildlife monitoring form that helps the project monitor progress in the area, before setting off on the long drive back to Luang Prabang.

Maison Dalabua
Breakfast, Lunch

Day 12 LUANG PRABANG - VIENTIANE

Day 12 LUANG PRABANG - VIENTIANE

This morning you will catch your flight to Vientiane. On arrival, head out to the Lao Disabled Women's Development Centre just outside Vientiane, a non-profit organization run by women with disabilities, for women with disabilities and their families in Laos. Spend time with some of the women as you participate in a handicraft workshop and privately guided tour of the centre, followed by a traditional baci ceremony and Lao style lunch. In the early afternoon return to Vientiane, stopping along the way to visit the COPE Centre to learn about how they are helping the disadvantaged in Laos effected by UXO.

Ansara Hotel
Breakfast, Lunch

Day 13 VIENTIANE

Day 13 VIENTIANE

You will be transferred to Vientiane Airport in time for your onward flight.

Breakfast

SUGGESTED ACCOMMODATION

Hotel Rating

Ultra
The best of the best, the ultimate in luxury
Luxury
Outstanding service and facilities, giving you the 5* experience
Premium
Excellent standards offering a higher-end experience
Superior
Good quality service and overall comfort
Simple
No frills, basic accommodation, but often in the most exciting of places

Hotel Rating

Ultra
The best of the best, the ultimate in luxury
Luxury
Outstanding service and facilities, giving you the 5* experience
Premium
Excellent standards offering a higher-end experience
Superior
Good quality service and overall comfort
Simple
No frills, basic accommodation, but often in the most exciting of places

Hotel Rating

Ultra
The best of the best, the ultimate in luxury
Luxury
Outstanding service and facilities, giving you the 5* experience
Premium
Excellent standards offering a higher-end experience
Superior
Good quality service and overall comfort
Simple
No frills, basic accommodation, but often in the most exciting of places

Hotel Rating

Ultra
The best of the best, the ultimate in luxury
Luxury
Outstanding service and facilities, giving you the 5* experience
Premium
Excellent standards offering a higher-end experience
Superior
Good quality service and overall comfort
Simple
No frills, basic accommodation, but often in the most exciting of places

Accommodation listed here is intended as a guide only, to give you a taste of what we can do. Our experts can tailor any aspect of this itinerary and accommodation to suit your budget and tastes.

GUIDELINE PRICE & WHAT’S INCLUDED

13 days from £3,445

MEALS

As specified in the itinerary, sampling some of the country's finest cuisine.

TRANSPORT

Private air-conditioned vehicles with experienced, dedicated drivers.

ENTRANCE FEES

Tours and admission fees, including tickets specified in the itinerary.

EXPERT TEAM

Licensed English-speaking guides and a support team available 24/7.

ACCOMMODATION

As specified in the itinerary, using some of our favourite local properties.

WILD MILES

This tour will earn you 11326 Wild Miles

ACCOMMODATION

Ultra
The best of the best, the ultimate in luxury
Luxury
Outstanding service and facilities, giving you the 5* experience
Premium
Excellent standards offering a higher-end experience
Superior
Good quality service and overall comfort
Simple
No frills, basic accommodation, but often in the most exciting of places

Wild Miles Club

When you book a trip with Wild Frontiers you are awarded points, which are based on the return distance from London to the arrival city of your trip. Points are awarded for all our holidays, including both our escorted group tours and tailor-made trips. When you accrue points, you will qualify for the following discounts on all future bookings:

Blue More than 10,000 points 2.5% discount
Bronze More than 30,000 points 5% discount
Silver More than 45,000 points 7.5% discount
Gold More than 60,000 points 10% discount

This itinerary is aimed to give you an idea of what we can offer. The price shown above is per person, based on two people travelling outside of peak periods. As this itinerary is only a suggestion and can be tailor-made to suit your interests and budget, your final price may differ.

Positive Impact of this Trip

Tree
Ten trees are planted per passenger on this trip
Community
Supports Wild Frontiers Foundation community projects
Wind Turbine
A contribution to renewable energy projects

WHEN TO GO

START PLANNING YOUR TRIP

Our team of experts have a wealth of knowledge and experience to help you plan your adventure of a lifetime.

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OTHER ITINERARIES IN LAOS