Vientiane and Central Laos Tour 8 Days

Adventure, Family friendly

Tour Type

5-10 days

Tour Duration

8/10

Tour Physicality

Konglor, Paksan, Phou Khao Khuay, Vientiane

Tour Location

The 8-day tour of Vientiane and Central Laos will be an unforgettable journey. From the bustling city of Vientiane to the peaceful villages of Konglor and Thakhek, you will experience the best of what this country had to offer.

Highlights of Vientiane and Central Laos Tour 8 Days

Eight days Vientiane and Central Laos Tour is the adventure of a lifetime starting in Vientiane, the capital of Laos, where you have plenty of time to explore the city’s historic attractions and sample the local cuisine.

The next destination was Phou Khao Khuay, a nature reserve located in the mountainous north of Laos. Here, they were able to witness the incredible variety of wildlife in the area and take a boat ride on the majestic Nam Theun River.

From there, you venture to Paksan, a small town located on the banks of the Mekong River. Here, you have the opportunity to visit the many Buddhist temples, explore the markets, and take a boat ride on the river.

The fourth destination is Konglor, a small village located in the middle of the jungle. Here, you explore the lush, green landscape, and have the chance to experience traditional Laos culture.

The fifth and final destination of this Laos itinerary 8 days is Ban Thalang – Thakhek. This small town was located on the banks of the Mekong River and was the perfect place to relax and enjoy the stunning views of the river.

TOUR START	Vientiane, Laos
TOUR END	Thakhek, Laos
INCLUDED	Transportation in private air-conditioned vehicle with driver; Accommodation in hotels (shared twin room); 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: ARRIVAL - VIENTIANE

Upon arriving at Wattay International Airport in Vientiane, you will be able to transfer to your hotel in town, with early check-in available depending on availability. Vientiane, the Lao People’s Democratic Republic’s capital and largest city, is a former French trading post and is known for its sleepy tuk-tuk drivers and its location on the right bank of the Mekong River. Despite its status as a large capital city, Vientiane is quite languid and not too many activities exist to keep visitors occupied. Today has been left open for your own exploration, so you can take the time to stroll around the town and take in the sights.
Stay overnight in Vientiane to experience what the city has to offer.

DAY 2: VIENTIANE CITY TOUR – BUDDHA PARK

In the morning, we will first explore Wat Si Muang, renowned for its supernatural energy. After that, we’ll drive to Buddha Park (also known as Xieng Khuan) in around 45 minutes. This unique park is filled with over 200 Buddhist and Hindu sculptures.
Next, we will visit Lao Disable Women Development Center, which helps disabled women to navigate their disabilities and advocate for their rights. Here, we will watch a video and learn about their efforts to make a living. You can show your support by buying handicrafts from the shop.
Finally, we will end the day with a visit to That Luang, the holiest site in Laos. Built by King Setthathirat in the 16th century, the temple is stunning in the sunlight, with its majestic golden spire.
Ascend the stairs of Patuxai, Vientiane’s own “Arc de Triomphe” to enjoy the panoramic view of the city. Then, explore the historic sites of Wat Sisaket, the only temple that survived the Siamese (Thai) invasion in 1828, and Wat Phra Keo, a religious museum with a collection of Lao and Khmer works of art. Finally, spend the evening along the Mekong River, enjoying a cold drink, snack from the food stalls, and the setting sun.
Stay overnight in Vientiane.

DAY 3: TUK TUK SAFARI – LOCAL FARM EXPERIENCE

Our tuk tuk driver (also our guide) will come and collect you from your hotel after breakfast, and take you to an organic farm on the outskirts of Vientiane. Run by a Lao non-government organization, the farm uses traditional Lao farming methods. You can try your hand at rice farming in the perfect setting! The friendly farmers will show you how to plant rice seedlings (during rainy season), or if it’s harvest season, you can cut and thresh your own rice for lunch! You can also do some fishing, collect fresh duck eggs, learn about organic fertilizer and how it is made, and harvest fresh seasonal organic vegetables and bamboo (if in season).
After a half day in the field, join us for a Lao-style lunch made with the day’s harvest. Cook sticky rice and prepare papaya salad and enjoy a picnic-style meal. Afterwards, we’ll bring you to a local fresh food market to explore the variety of Lao cuisine. Try a traditional Lao coffee or sample some sweets. Later, you’ll be transferred back to your hotel in Vientiane to spend the night.

DAY 4: VIENTIANE – PHOU KHAO KHUAY – PAKSAN

Depart at 7:30am and journey to Phou Khao Khuay, the closest National Park to Vientiane. Upon arriving in Ban Hatkhay around 9:30am, two local guides will greet you with a freshly prepared Lao picnic.Start your trek at Pha Say, offering incredible views of a 40m deep gorge, and the dense jungle below. Narrow, shaded trails will take you through semi-deciduous, tropical, and bamboo forests – unspoilt habitats like no other. Learn about the medicinal uses of the plants and the other species that live in the park. Enjoy a picnic lunch in a dry riverbed (seasonal).
Continue your journey in the afternoon with a pleasant stroll to the waterfall at Tad Say before returning to the village. Keep an eye out for the colorful butterflies and birds that abide in the forest.
We will head back to Ban Hatkhay and take the minivan to Paksan, where we will stay overnight.

DAY 5: PAKSAN – KONGLOR CAVE

After consuming breakfast, we will make the journey to Ban Konglor. En route, we will make a brief stop at Wat Prabath Phonsane (‘Temple of the Footprint of Buddha’).
As we leave the highway, the scenery of the Phou Hin Poun NPA (National Protected Area) will become more spectacular, with limestone karsts, forests and rice paddies. The two-hour drive will eventually bring us to the small town of Ban Konglor, where we will check-in before exploring the renowned Kong Lor Caves.
We will be given life jackets and head torches before a brief walk to the entrance of the cavern. Boarding a longtail boat, we will journey through the 7.5km of underground river and, eventually, emerge from the cave.
Throughout the year, the river reveals picturesque formations of stalactites and stalagmites that can be explored on foot. The cave is as wide as 90m in some places and as high as 100m.
Local villagers have also been known to use this cave as a shortcut to the other side, instead of climbing over the mountains. After the journey, you can stop for refreshments and explore nearby villages with your guide, appreciating the scenery and the simple way of life.
At the end of the day, you can take a boat trip back ‘downstream’ to Ban Kong Lor and spend the night there.

DAY 6: BAN KONGLOR – BAN THALANG

For early birds, a walk at around 06:30 is recommended to explore the villages as they come alive and begin their daily routines. After breakfast, make your way to Konglor Cave where you’ll be given life jackets and head torches before embarking on a short walk to the entrance.
Once inside the cave, board a long tail boat and take a 7.5km journey along the Hin Boun River as it flows through the cave’s spectacular stalactites and stalagmites. At times, the cave is up to 90m wide and 100m high and is still used by locals as an access route to the region beyond. Explore the cave on foot and marvel at its beauty before exiting to the daylight!
After having explored the cave by boat and travelling ‘downstream’ to Ban Kong Lor, you can stop along the way for refreshments and take a walk to nearby villages, taking in the scenery and witnessing the local way of life (discuss with your guide to decide how far you’d like to venture).
In the afternoon, we will take a short drive to the idyllic Tha Lang in Nakai District. You have free time to explore the area, be it by taking a river stroll to admire the sunset or by trying your hand at fishing on the lake (fees apply).
To rest your head, you have two options. Those looking for a lively atmosphere can stay at Sabaidee Guesthouse, or those in search of peace and quiet can enjoy their night at Phousi Thalang.

DAY 7: BAN THALANG – THAKHEK

Start your day early and prepare your own breakfast with the help of Sabaidee Guesthouse owner. Afterward, we will make our way to Thakhek, the capital of Khammouane Province. During our journey, we will take a short break to visit the Nam Theun 2 Visitor Center to gain more insight into the Hydropower Project.
Next, we will drive for about two hours to the village of Ban Nakhang Xang. Here, we will meet our local guide who will lead us on the trek. As we explore the secondary forests, our guide will point out the different natural products that provide sustenance for local communities. The trail will take us through a cave, from which we can gaze into the impressive valley surrounded by cliffs and forests.
For lunch, we recommend that you enjoy it at Tham Hip, from where you can admire the stunning panoramic views of the area. Afterwards, follow the shoreline of Nong Thao Lake, observing the local fishermen at work. If you’re feeling adventurous, take a dip in Tham Nong Paseum Cave, a 400-metre-long cave that features stunning stalactites and stalagmites. Climb the bamboo stairway to reach the Buddha Cave, which was rediscovered in 2004, and contains 229 bronze Buddhas that are believed to be more than 300 years old. As the day draws to a close, drive to Thakhek and stay overnight.

DAY 8: THAKHEK – DEPARTURE

In Thakhek you have plenty of time to explore before continuing to your next destination. From here you have the following options:
1. Return to Vientiane and explore Vang Vieng, Luang Prabang, and northern Laos.
2. Transfer to Pakse and discover Southern Laos.
3. Take a transfer to Nakhon Phanom in Thailand to explore or fly to Bangkok for connecting flights to other locations.
4. Cross the Dansavanh or Naphao Borders to Vietnam for further exploration.

The Vientiane and Central Laos Tour 8 Days is concluded.

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	1283	1357	1417
4-5pax	893	967	1027
6-7pax	788	863	923
8-9pax	718	792	852
Single supplement	217	292	352

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

Group size	First Class	Superior Class	Deluxe Class
2pax	1258	1331	1393
4-5pax	868	941	1003
6-7pax	763	838	900
8-9pax	692	766	828
Single supplement	192	265	329

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)
Ban Konglor	Spring River Resort (Riverview Bungalow)	Spring River Resort (Riverview Bungalow)	Spring River Resort (Riverview Bungalow)
Ban Thalang	Phosy Thalang (Standard)	Phosy Thalang (Standard)	Phosy Thalang (Standard)
Thakhek	Inthira Thakhek (Deluxe)	Inthira Thakhek (Deluxe)	Inthira Thakhek (Deluxe)