Wild Laos
Suggested Itinerary
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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 ...
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 the country’s traditions and conservation efforts, with visits to a butterfly park and a bear sanctuary, as well as a rice farm and a weaving community. After a traditional blessing and an early morning alms giving ceremony, you then head into the beautiful Laotian countryside to spend time at an elephant sanctuary around Sayaboury.
After winding your way across the mountains to the surreal and mystical Plain of Jars, you’ll then visit the hill tribe villages and learn more about the effects and continuing repercussions of the recent war on the local communities. Continuing on to Ban San Khoua for an exciting two-day jungle adventure you’ll then discover more about the natural environment and the fascinating history of the ‘Secret War’, before flying on to the capital Vientiane to end this remarkable journey.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
DAY 13: VIENTIANE
DAY 13: VIENTIANE
You will be transferred to Vientiane Airport in time for your onward flight.
SUGGESTED ACCOMMODATION
Maison Dalabua, Luang Prabang
Maison Dalabua meaning 'Princess of Lotus' is a lush oasis, away from the hustle and bustle, yet just a 5 minute walk from the main sights of Luang Prabang. This charming retreat is surrounded by lilly ponds and offers 26 rustic yet comfortable guest rooms. All rooms have air-conditioning and up to date en suite bathrooms. The hotel has a small swimming pool and spa together with a decent local restaurant.
Vansana Plain Of Jars, Phonsavan
Vansana Plain of Jars is a simple hilltop accommodation in one of Laos’ lesser-known regions, and is definitely the best property in and around Phonsavan. The hotel’s restaurant offer views spanning the surrounding area and serves guests breakfast and dinner, while the rooms are clean and comfortable with private balconies and air-conditioning. A complimentary shuttle is provided to town, which we recommend you use to explore and sample a variety of the local restaurants. Simple yet comfortable, this is a good base for those looking for adventure in and around the stunning Plain of Jars setting.
Xayphasouk Hotel, Sam Neua
A simple yet comfortable hotel spread over a couple of floors with air conditioning and Wi-Fi in the rooms. The hotel is conveniently located for people to explore the towns park and evening market. Breakfast is served in a large restaurant on the ground floor and the hotel is well located for those wanting to explore the Vieng xia caves or continue an overland journey to or from Vietnam.
Ansara Hotel, Vientiane
Previously the Thai Embassy in Vientiane, this beautiful Ansara Hotel is a boutique property superbly located on a quiet lane right in the centre of Vientiane, and is an excellent choice for the discerning traveller wanting high quality and personalised service in a comfortable environment. Consisting of 12 tasteful rooms and 2 suites, the property is elegantly decorated with a subtle blend of Laos and Asian design. Rooms feature luxurious hand-woven silk furnishings, rosewood parquet flooring, wood and rattan furnishings, and striking black and white photographs depicting Laos’ fascinating culture and spectacular landscape. From the hotel you can easily walk to the numerous cafes and shops nearby, or spend some time relaxing by the swimming pool or eating in the award winning Le Signature Restaurant which offers exceptional French cuisine.
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
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.
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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.
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