Classic Laos

This Classic Laos tour will take you from the capital Vientiane to the cultural centre of the north, Luang Prabang, via scenic Vang Vieng and the Plain of Jars.

Begin with a 2-night stay in Vientiane with a full day of sightseeing and a morning visit to the Buddha Park.

From Vientiane, drive north to Vang Vieng, the adventure capital of Laos and one of the most scenic areas of the country, situated amongst spectacular limestone scenery.

From Vang Vieng visit the mysterious Plain of Jars and spend 2 nights in Phonsavan to discover a destination that few visitors make it to.

Finally head to Luang Prabang, the cultural capital of Laos and discover the temples, markets and natural attractions in and around Luang Prabang.

From Luang Prabang fly back to the UK or extend your trip in one of Laos' neighbouring countries or perhaps with time to relax in a beach resort in Thailand.

As with all of our Laos holidays, this one can be tailored to fit your interests, time and budget, so just let us know your preferences and we can adjust things as you wish.

Day 1: Fly UK – Vientiane

Overnight flight from the UK to Vientiane.

Day 2: Vientiane

Arrival in Vientiane & Transfer to your hotel.

Afternoon excursion to Buddha Park (Wat Xieng Khuan).

Overnight Vientiane. Breakfast included.

Day 3: Vientiane

Full day sightseeing in Vientiane.

Overnight Vientiane. Breakfast included.

Day 4: Vientiane - Vang Vieng

Drive to Vang Vieng with a boat trip on Nam Ngum Lake.

Overnight Vang Vieng. Breakfast included.

Day 5: Vang Vieng - Phonsavanh

Visit Tham Nang Phom Hom Cave. Drive to Phonsavanh (Xieng Khuang).

Overnight Phonsavanh. Breakfast included.

Day 6: Phonsavanh - Plain of Jars

Visit a local market. Excursion to the Plain of Jars (Sites I and II) and Muang Khoun.

Overnight Phonsavanh. Breakfast included.

Day 1: Fly UK – Vientiane

Overnight flight from the UK to Vientiane.

Day 2: Vientiane

On arrival in Vientiane you will be met and transferred to your chosen hotel.

In the afternoon, make an excursion to the Buddha Park (Wat Xieng Khuan) where you can admire the collection of Buddhist statuary.

Overnight Vientiane. Breakfast included.

Day 3: Vientiane

The capital city of Laos, Vientiane, still feels like a sleepy city with relaxed charm, tree-lined boulevards and interesting temples and colourful markets.

Tour the many highlights of the city, including Pha That Luang, a gleaming golden stupa which is perhaps the most important national monument in Laos.

Visit Ho Pha Keo, the formal royal temple, now a museum with beautiful examples of Buddhist sculpture.

Visit the beautiful Buddhist Wat, Wat Si Saket and Patuxai, a monumental arch inspired by the Arc de Triomphe, but executed with Lao motifs.

Overnight Vientiane. Breakfast included.

Day 4: Vientiane - Vang Vieng

You will be collected from your hotel for the drive north through the scenic province of Vientiane.

The scenery is really beautiful here as the vehicle makes its way past mountains and cliffs along the first part of the journey.

Visit a salt field in Ban Keun and continue for a boat ride on Nam Ngum Lake, a serene, man-made reservoir which also generates a portion of the electricity sold to Thailand.

Stop at Talat fish market in Huay Mor before continuing to Vang Vieng.

Overnight Vang Vieng. Breakfast included.

Day 5: Vang Vieng - Phonsavanh

Travel by vehicle from Vang Vieng to Phonsavanh (Xieng Khuang) with sightseeing at Muang Sui en-route.

It's a slow journey this morning along mountain roads with stunning views of the forested mountains, lush valleys and karst formations.

Stop at Muang Sui to visit scenic Nong Tang Lake, rimmed with limestone cliffs; and the extensive network of Tham Pha Cave.

Only discovered in recent years, this cave contains a 5-metre high Buddha image dating from 777 AD, surrounded by gold and wooden statues.

Overnight Phonsavanh. Breakfast included.

Day 6: Phonsavanh - Plain of Jars

Spend a short time visiting some local markets this morning before continuing on to the famous Plain Of Jars, a vast area extending around Phonsavanh from the south-west to the north-east.

Mysterious and ancient, over 300 huge stone jars apparently carved out of solid rock are scattered around the plateau.

The jars vary in size from 1 to 3.25 metres high and weigh up to six tons each. There are several different theories as to the purpose of the jars, which are estimated to be 2,500 to 3,000 years old.

Today's tour focuses on Sites I and II, out of the many sites so far discovered. Also make a stop at Ban Na Pia (War Spoon Village).

Afterwards continue to Muang Khoun, an ancient capital and stronghold for the Xieng Khuang royal family which was destroyed during the Indochina War.

Is this a Private Tour or a Group Tour?

All of our tours are private tailor made itineraries, customised for you - we can amend things to entirely suit you.

You will have your own private car, driver and guide on excursions.

What are the departure dates?

Let us know your preferred dates of travel and we will find the best and most suitable flights to fit your itinerary.

As this is a private tour of Laos, there are no set departure dates.

Which Airlines do you use?

We work with all the major airlines flying to this part of the world.

Typically for Laos, Vietnam Airlines, Thai Airways and Singapore Airlines would be airlines we most often use.

However, just let us know your preferred airline if you have one. We can organise flights from any regional destination in the UK.

Which Hotels do you use?

We're careful with our choice of hotels, but we're guided by our customers also. If you have some preferred hotels, just let us know.

We specialise in boutique hotels and so we will often suggest some of our favourite smaller hotels where we think these will be suitable.

We keep on top of hotel developments in Laos from our office in Vietnam and regularly inspect the hotels we use.