Grand Laos Tour 18 Days: Laos Tour Package 18 Days

Adventure, Sightseeing

Tour Type

16 days up

Tour Duration

8/10

Tour Physicality

Bolaven Plateau, Luang Prabang, Nong Khiaw, Pakse, Vang Vieng, Vientiane

Tour Location

Grand Laos Tour 18 Days 17 Nights provides a long-awaited opportunity to discover the religious, historical, and cultural wonders of the charming, serene country. You will spend 18 days traveling through the best highlights of Laos, ranging from the consecrated Buddhist temples to ethnic villages and spectacular waterfalls. 18-Day Laos Tour destinations are Luang Prabang – Pakbeng – Muang La – Nong Khiaw – Muang Ngoi – Muang Soune – Luang Prabang – Vang Vieng – Vientiane – Pakse – Bolaven Plateau – Wat Phou – Si Phan Don (4000 Islands) – Khone Phapheng – Pakse – Chongmek – Ubon Ratchathani.

Highlights of Grand Laos Tour 18 Days

Merely the Luang Prabang city highlights and the adjacent Nahm Dong Park will cheer up your first days in Laos and fill them with exciting experiences. Then, a scenic boat ride on the mighty Mekong River will take you to Pakbeng town, from which you can interact with wild elephants and take pictures with them. In the next few days, value your relaxing moments in Muang La Resort, which is impeccable. To add the cultural rhythm to this Indochina trip, spend your time meeting the ethnic residents at the minority villages of Nong Khiaw, Muang Ngoi, and Muang Soune. Next, the 18-Day Grand Laos Tour cannot be complete without the time in the peaceful Vang Vieng town which hosts the famous Blue Lagoon. Upon your arrival at the capital city of Vientiane, let’s enjoy a city tour of the spiritual landmarks of Wat Si Muang, Buddha Park, and That Luang. Leaving the city behind, you will take a domestic flight to Pakse and Bolaven Plateau, which features a cool temperature and scenic landscape. Driving out of the plateau, you can expect to arrive at Si Phan Don (4,000 Islands) for an awesome vacation. Also, standing in front of the mighty Khone Phapheng waterfalls will turn out to be an amazing experience you won’t ever forget.

TOUR START	Luang Prabang, Laos
TOUR END	Ubon Ratchathani, Thailand
INCLUDED	Transportation in private air-conditioned vehicle with driver; Accommodation in hotels (shared twin room); Express train ticket Luang Prabang – Vang Vieng; Vang Vieng – Vientiane Domestic flight Vientiane (VTE) – Pakse (PKZ); Meals as program; English speaking guide; Entrance fee to indicated sights; Boat trip; Water & cool towels on the van.
NOT INCLUDED	Other meals, tip, drinks, international flights & airport tax, single room, personal expenses, insurance…

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DAY 1: Luang Prabang Arrival

Meet and pick you up at the Luang Prabang International Airport, from which you will be transferred to a local hotel; early check-in is subject to room availability. Start your Laos Tour 18 Days from Lang Prabang.
Luang Prabang was once the royal capital of the Kingdom of Laos and was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage in 1995. The charming city is known for its historical, cultural, and religious attractions scattered throughout the grand boulevards. The rest of the day is free at your leisure and initial discoveries of the adjacent landmarks.
Sleep in Luang Prabang.

DAY 2: Luang Prabang Highlights - Kuang Si Waterfall – Phousi Hill

Have breakfast in the hotel, and then go for a tour of the Royal Palace Museum which has collections of age-old artifacts. The next highlight of the city is the consecrated Buddhist temple of Wat Xieng Thong (Temple of the Golden City) featuring classical Laos architecture and valuable relics. Wat Xieng Thong was erected in 1560 by King Setthathirat and remains the most glorious temple in Luang Prabang.
Driving out of the city, you will arrive at the gorgeous Kuang Si Waterfall, which is known for its serene atmosphere, natural pools, forest trails, and spectacular view. Take time to relax at the waterfall and get some splashing. If you’re interested in wildlife, take a trek through the jungle toward the Bear Rescue Center, home to rescued Asiatic Black Bears.
On the route back to the town, make a stop at the Ock Pop Tock Living Crafts Center. In this spot, you can meet skilled weavers, spinners, and batik makers who make high-quality fabrics and woven items. The center provides free tours every half hour. The next stop on the return is the panoramic Phousi Hill where you ascend 329 steps to reach the peak and admire the sunset.
The itinerary of the day will conclude after your shopping rounds in the Night Market. Try bargaining for good deals on handmade textiles sold by the hill tribes.
Sleep in Luang Prabang
TIP: If you’re interested in diverse ethnic cultures, you can choose to add the Traditional Art and Ethnology Center to the to-see list. The center is closed on Monday.

DAY 3: Morning Alms-Giving Tradition – Nahm Dong Park Ecotourism Activities

Enjoy a cultural morning in Luang Prabang by joining the daily morning alms-giving ritual, which could be dated back to the 14th century. Following this long-lasting tradition, many Buddhist monks from various temples will gather to collect alms offered by residents and tourists. The next activity is to explore the morning market near the former Royal Palace. You will meet the Laotians selling rice, fruits, vegetables, fish, chicken, etc.
Around 08:30 AM, the drive transfer will depart to Nahm Dong Park, around 10km from the city center. In the park, you can expect a day of adventures with thrilling activities. The first is Zipline over the dense jungle and scenic waterfalls for approximately 1 hour. The next is an off-the-beaten-track trek tour through the jungle trails crossing flying bridges, streams, and natural pools.
When it comes to lunchtime, a picnic lunch will be served in an ideal spot, from which you can spread your eyes over the vast region as well as the far-off Phousi Hill. For the rest of the afternoon, you can lay your head on the huts of the camp and enjoy splashing in the natural pools. Start your own eco-friendly discovery.
Sleep in Luang Prabang
Duration: 1-hour Zipline; 1-hour min to 3-hour max trekking, which is subject to the chosen routes.

DAY 4: Mekong River Cruise – Pak Ou Caves – Pakbeng Town

Today, the 18-Day Laos Tour Program continues overland farther to the North. You will travel out of the town for a boat ride upstream on the mighty Mekong. Take time to sightsee the serene countryside view. The boat will first stop at the village of Ban Xanghai for you to meet the locals who make rice wine. It will sail on to the riverside town of Pakbeng. Sailing further, you will arrive at the sacred Pak Ou Caves, which preserve the ancient gold-lacquered Buddha statues of various poses. The statues were left inside the caves for decades, by faithful pilgrims and visitors.
Then, you will spend the rest of the day in the atmospheric Pakbeng town, which is halfway on the Mekong River, between Luang Prabang and Huayxay. Pakbeng is a popular overnight stop for people traveling along the river routes.
Sleep in Pakbeng.

DAY 5: Pakbeng – Wildlife Experiences with Elephants – Muang La Resort

From your Lodge, let’s visit the local morning market to see how the residents and hill tribes buy and sell their day’s catch on the spot.
Have your breakfast, and then get ready for a boat trip toward the elephant camp. Getting there, you will first enjoy an introductory tour of the camp, home to the big yet friendly animals. Some educational knowledge about the elephants will be shared. After that, you can watch the daily bath of the animals which takes around 30 minutes. The designated pool can accommodate 8 elephants to bathe at a time. The next activity is to enjoy a 30-minute elephant show performed by the mahout. Leaving the camp, you can embark on a boat for a ride back to the Lodge. It’s time for ease.
Next, enjoy a scenic transfer to Muang La Resort. There will be a good chance that you can observe the countryside life, rural markets on the roadsides, corn and banana plantations, and mountainous views. When passing thru the provincial capital of Oudomxay, you enter a world of a busy town, which once was a sleepy destination. Oudomxay nowadays is an important trading hub of the region. Leaving the town, you will step into the wild and unspoiled areas where lie the Muang La Resort, around late afternoon. The next hours are free at your leisure for sightseeing and relaxing. Make sure you use a spa, sauna, and steam room (it will get cold on the nights of November – March). The location of resort is adjacent to a natural hot spring, so its pool will be filled with water from the spring every night. Lastly, please your palate with 5 course set menus blending between Asian and European influences, candle-lit atmosphere, and beautiful rhythm of nature.
Sleep in Muang La Resort.

DAY 6: Muang La Resort – Free time

Begin your free and easy tour around the resort and its surrounding area.
Have your dinner in the resort and conclude a day of your own exploration on the comfortable bed of the resort.
Sleep in Muang La Resort.

DAY 7: Muang La Resort – Nong Khiaw - Tham Pha Thok Cave

Enjoy a morning drive from Muang La to Nong Khiaw – a little beautiful town set along the Nam Ou River. Enroute, you will stop at the consecrated Pra Xing Tham Temple which hosts the sacred ancient Buddha statue of over 400 years old.
Around mid-afternoon, you will arrive at the poetic town of Nong Khiaw. From the town, enjoy a short on-foot trip to the limestone grotto of Tham Pha Thok, which once functioned as a hideout of the villagers during the Indochina war.
Sleep in Nong Khiaw
Distance: 140KM | 3.5-hour transfer | MAPS

DAY 8: Nong Khiaw – Tad Mork – Muang Ngoi

Around 08:00 AM, a morning boat ride will start upstream passing a scenic peaceful landscape. The boat will first stop at a little riverside village. If it’s a weekday, you can visit a local school and meet the Laos kids at their classes. The boat trip will continue sailing toward Tad Mork and the Khmu ethnic village of Ban Sop Kong, which is a one-hour trek from the river. There will be relaxing time in the waterfalls where you can swim, relax, and have a picnic lunch.
Then, trek back to the river where the cruise will sail further upstream to Muang Ngoi town, nestled quietly among beautiful scenery. The unspoiled Muang Ngoi has long been known among backpackers. If you’re interested, stop at a riverside restaurant to have a drink. Then, travel back to the river for a cruise returning to Nong Khiaw. On the return, you will stop in a local fascinating village.
Around sunset, you will arrive in Nong Khiaw for an overnight rest.
Sleep in Nong Khiaw
Duration: 2.5-hour boat trip, 2.5-hour walk

DAY 9: Nong Khiaw – Muang Soune Village

Have your breakfast, and then get on a transfer to Muang Soune, situated 65km from the center of Luang Prabang, on the bank of Nam Ou River. Around noon, you will arrive at the serene village. Embark on a local ferry and get to know a friendly family. Next, the host family will serve you a homemade lunch in a Laos style. You will have around 30 minutes to rest (approximately from 1:30 PM to 2:00 PM).
Use the next hours to experience activities in the village. You can visit the school, meet the weavers for tailor-made dresses, and explore the artisans’ works. By late afternoon (approximately from 05:00 PM to 06:00 PM), enjoy bathing and swimming in the river or you can take a shower in the house. Next, attend a traditional Baci ceremony and receive good blessings. The hosts will serve you dinner and fresh Laos beer. Around 07:30 PM – 09:00 PM, have dinner with the host family.
Spend the next evening hours playing cards, and then have a good night’s rest.

DAY 10: Muang Soune Village – Luang Prabang

Early risers will help prepare sticky rice as an alms-giving activity for local Buddhist monks in the temple. Next, you will have breakfast with the host family.
Around 08:00 AM – 10:00 AM, join the locals to experience fishing on the Ou River and learn about their fishing traditions. The next hours will be spent hiking thru the rice paddies for a glimpse of the farmers’ rural life. On the off-the-beaten-track route, you will visit several organic gardens run the Laos families.
Have lunch with the locals, and then you have free time for ease or exploring the villages and buying some souvenirs.
Around 03:00 PM – 03:30 PM, embark on a local boat departing to Luang Prabang. Around 05:00 PM, you will be arriving at a homestay address for cultural interactions.

DAY 11: Luang Prabang – Train to Vang Vieng (1 hour)

You will have a free morning to explore the town on your own. Today you continues the Laos Tour Package 18 Days by heading toward Vientiane destination. Free time till the transfer time to the train station, take an afternoon train to Vang Vieng for 1 hour. Getting to the poetic town of Vang Vieng, let’s venture out to discover the magnificent and historical Tham Jang Cave, which once was the hideout of the locals in the early 19th century in the fight against Chinese invaders. From the area of the cave, it’s amazing to please your eyes on a panoramic view of the town and surrounding regions, especially during the sunset.
Sleep in Vang Vieng
Distance: 186KM | 4–5-hour transfer

DAY 12: Vang Vieng – Nam Song River – Blue Lagoon – Train to Vientiane (1 hour)

Blessed with various limestone cliffs and valleys, Vang Vieng is home to hidden caves and caverns for thrill-seeking adventures. Your day tour will begin with crossing the Nam Song River and driving to Tham Pou Kham (Golden Crab Cave). Entering a narrow entrance, you will descend 100m to reach the ground of the cave. Next, there will be relaxing moments in Blue Lagoon – one of the best natural attractions in Vang Vieng.
Get on a transfer to the train station for a 1-hour train back to Vientiane.
Sleep in Vientiane.

DAY 13: Vientiane City Tour – Wat Si Muang – Buddha Park – That Luang

The first activity for this morning is to visit the famous Wat Si Muang, one of the holiest sites in Laos. Next, take a 45-minute drive transfer to the exceptional Buddha Park (also named Xieng Khuan) to marvel at more than 200 Hindu and Buddhist statues on the ground.
After that, the next attraction of the day is the Lao Disable Women Development Center, which gives vocational training to women with disability so that they can pursue an independent life. There will be time to watch the recordings of their efforts for a better life. Buying handicrafts at the shop is one of the ways to support these women.
In the afternoon, you will visit Pha That Luang, a gold-covered immense Buddhist stupa in the center of Vientiane. This holy monument was constructed at the behest of King Setthathirat in the 16th century. Then, challenge your sports spirit by climbing the stairs to the peak of Patuxai, Vientiane’s own “Arc de Triomphe”, from which the view of the city is panoramic. The journey will go on Lane Xang Avenue till you reach the peaceful and intact Wat Sisaket, the only surviving temple left undamaged after the Siamese invasion in 1828. Also visit the adjacent Wat Phra Keo, which functions as a religious moment and is filled with collections of Laos and Khmer artworks.
As daylight begins fading, the tour of the capital city along the banks of the mighty Mekong will be concluded. You will have free time to walk along the riverbanks and stop at any local food stall for a cold drink or snack.
Sleep in Vientiane.
TIPS: For a glimpse of Laos coffee, you might opt for a visit to Sinouk Coffee Pavilion. Highlights of the trip include the mini coffee gallery, in-hour coffee roaster, and cups of exceptional coffee/tea just in Laos. Enjoy discussing with your accompanying guide for more pieces of knowledge. Note that the entrance fee and extra charge for coffee/tea are payable on the spot.

DAY 14: Vientiane – Flight to Pakse – Bolaven Plateau

From today, Laos Tour Program 18 Days continues the 2nd part of the itinerary to the South.
Take a morning flight from Vientiane to Pakse – the largest city in southern Laos. And Bolaven Plateau is one of the must-sees in the city of Pakse. The elevated plateau is famous for its cool temperature, evergreen landscape, surreal waterfalls, and ethnic villages. On the route, you will stop at a local tea plantation. Next, enjoy a discovery of the picturesque twin 120m waterfalls of Tad Fan. Furthermore, there will be more cultural experiences upon your arrival at the ethnic villages of Ban Lak Sipchet (known for iron knives) and Ban Lak Samsip (known for bamboo baskets).
If there is still time left, enjoy proceeding to Tad Yeung and relaxing in the cool transparent natural pool at the base of the waterfall.
The last stop of the day tour is a coffee plantation for more sightseeing and photography.
Sleep in Bolaven Plateau

DAY 15: Bolaven Plateau – Wat Phou – Khong Island

The itinerary today will be full of culinary, cultural, and religious experiences. First, you will spend time in the colorful ethnic Tha Teng food market. Next, proceed to explore adjacent minority villages namely Ban Bong Neua (an Alak village known for a sacrificial altar) and Ban Kokphung (a Katu village known for putting coffins beneath the houses).
This afternoon, you will discover the 5th-century Khmer religious monument of Wat Phou. Once inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2001, Wat Phou stands out as an impressive pre-Angkorian temple situated among rice fields and waterways of southern Laos. It was originally erected by the Khmer empire prior to the structure of Angkor Wat. Nowadays, Wat Phou remains one of the most consecrated temples in Laos.
The trip will be followed by a drive transfer to Champassak, which hosts ancient samples of French colonial architecture. Then, you will arrive at Done Khong for the utmost relaxation on the beautiful island.
Sleep in Done Khong Island.

DAY 16: Khong Island – Si Phan Don (4,000 Islands) – Khone Island

Enjoy a journey on the river today by embarking on a 1.5-hour boat targeting the widest reach of the magnificent Mekong. The water of this region will recede during the dry season, leaving out thousands of islets, so it’s named “Si Phan Don” (meaning 4,000 islands). The boat will stop at the local serene village of Ban Khone, in which you find numerous buildings of the French colonial era and especially the remains of the first Lao railway with the locomotive.
Next, get on a tuk-tuk to roam around the Si Phan Don area and stop by the spectacular Liphi waterfall (aka the “Corridor of the Devil”) on the border between Laos and Cambodia. For the remaining hours of the day, start your own discovery of the beautiful sites. You can experience a self-organized tour on the two-wheel vehicle by biking around the island. There will be good chances to meet the Laotians and watch the sunset over the mighty Mekong.
Sleep on Khone Island.

DAY 17: Khone Island – Khone Phapheng Waterfalls – Pakse

Enjoy your free and easy tour of the island and its highlights.
Then, let’s travel back to the mainland at the Ban Nakasang fishing village. After that, the drive will continue south to access Khone Phapheng waterfalls – the largest one by volume in Southeast Asia. Located near the international borders of Laos and Cambodia, Khone Phapheng is known for spectacular beauty and rice wildlife, ensuring that this breathtaking destination is worth a visit. Lastly, drive back to Pakse.
Sleep in Pakse.

DAY 18: Pakse – Ubon Ratchathani (Thailand) – Chongmek Border – Departure

Get a morning transfer from Pakse to Ubon Ratchathani (Thailand) via Chongmek Border. Here, you will take an international flight to Bangkok or other destinations. End of Grand Laos Tour 18 Days.

TOUR PRICES

Tour Price in USD, per person, valid 1 Feb – 30 Apr 2023 and 1 Oct to 19 Dec 2023

Group size	First Class	Superior Class	Deluxe Class
2pax	4350	4615	4949
4-5pax	3112	3377	3710
6-7pax	2849	3113	3446
8-9pax	2616	2880	3214
Single supplement	1161	1441	1775

Tour Price in USD, per person, valid 1 May – 30 Sep 2023

Group size	First Class	Superior Class	Deluxe Class
2pax	4142	4364	4555
4-5pax	2905	3126	3318
6-7pax	2641	2862	3054
8-9pax	2408	2629	3054
Single supplement	967	1190	1382

ACCOMMODATION

Stay in sharing Twin/Double basic

Location	3-Star Hotel	4-Star Hotel	5-Star Hotel
Luang Prabang	Sunrise Garden House (Standard)	Le Bel Air Resort (Garnier)	Satri House (Deluxe)
Pakbeng	Pakbeng Lodge (Superior)	Le Grand Pakbeng (Mekong Villa)	Le Grand Pakbeng (Mekong Villa)
Muang La	Muang La Lodge (Deluxe Riverview)	Muang La Lodge (Deluxe Riverview)	Muang La Lodge (Deluxe Riverview)
Nong Khiaw	Mandala Ou Resort (Riverside Bungalow)	Mandala Ou Resort (Riverside Bungalow)	Mandala Ou Resort (Riverside Bungalow)
Muang Soune	Homestay	Homestay	Homestay
Vang Vieng	Faraway Suites (Mountain View)	Tmark Resort Vang Vieng (Deluxe)	Tmark Resort Vang Vieng (Deluxe)
Vientiane	LaOtel Hotel (Standard)	Green Park Vientiane (Deluxe)	Crowne Plaza Hotel (Standard)
Bolaven Plateau	Sinouk Coffee Resort (Superior)	Sinouk Coffee Resort (Deluxe)	Sinouk Coffee Resort (Deluxe)
Khong Island	Pon Arena Hotel (Deluxe)	Pon Arena Hotel (Deluxe)	Pon Arena Hotel (Deluxe)
Khong Island	Seng Ahloune Resort (Deluxe Riverview)	Seng Ahloune Resort (Deluxe Riverview)	Seng Ahloune Resort (Deluxe Riverview)
Pakse	Pakse Hotel (Superior)	Le Jardin Pakse (Deluxe)	Le Jardin Pakse (Deluxe)