Beautiful Laos - 8 days

Beautiful Laos - 8 days

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Tour Overview

Embark on an unforgettable 8-day journey through the enchanting landscapes of Laos with the "Beautiful Laos" tour. Begin your adventure in the UNESCO-listed city of Luang Prabang, where you'll explore the stunning Wat Xieng Thong Temple and experience a unique monks' life encounter, including a local market visit and cooking class. Marvel at the breathtaking Khouang Si Waterfall and immerse yourself in the vibrant Luang Prabang Night Market. Discover the laid-back capital of Vientiane, visiting the COPE Centre and Buddha Park. Travel to the provincial capital of Champasack and enjoy a scenic boat trip to Khong Island, exploring the picturesque 4000 Islands and witnessing the majestic Khone Phapeng Waterfall. With comfortable accommodations, private transportation, and expert local guides, this cultural tour offers a perfect blend of history, nature, and local experiences. ...more ...less

Highlights

  • Luang Prabang - Explore the UNESCO Listed former royal capital and visit the beautiful Wat Xieng Thong Temple.

  • Experience a monks' life encounter with a local market visit and cooking class, preparing dishes for the monks' lunch.

  • Soak up the scenery at the beautiful three-tiered Khouang Si Waterfall.

  • Stroll around the Luang Prabang Night Market and enjoy a traditional Baci ceremony.

  • Vientiane - Discover the highlights of the laid-back capital, including the COPE Centre and Buddha Park.

  • Visit the provincial capital of Champasack and take a boat to picturesque Khong Island.

  • Marvel at Khone Phapeng, the largest waterfall in South East Asia, known as the Niagara of the East.

  • Enjoy a scenic 4000 Islands boat trip, exploring Khone Island and visiting Liphi and Khone Phasoi Waterfalls.

Itinerary

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Day 1: Luang Prabang

Location: Luang Prabang

Accommodation Name: Hotel

Welcome to Laos. Upon arrival at Luang Prabang airport you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Spend the rest of the day at leisure.

Day 2: City Tour & Khouang Si Waterfall

Location: Luang Prabang

Accommodation Name: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

This morning take in the highlights of enchanting Luang Prabang on a city tour. Visit the impressive stupa of Wat Visoun, the former Royal Palace which is now a National Museum and the sobering UXO Centre, where you will learn about Laos’ Hidden War. In the afternoon travel to the beautiful Khouang Si waterfall, where you can swim in the turquoise pools, and visit the Sun Bear Reserve, a conservation centre that rescues animals from the wildlife trade. This evening explore the Luang Prabang Night Market before dinner at a local home, accompanied by a traditional Baci ceremony.

Day 3: Free Day In Luang Prabang

Location: Luang Prabang

Accommodation Name: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today is free for you to spend at leisure in Luang Prabang or choose one of the optional excursions



Alternatively there is an optional excursion to the Pak Ou Caves on a Mekong boat trip. Within the caves are thousands of tiny gilded statues of Buddha that were left by pilgrims and worshipped for centuries. Then stop at the village of Ban Xangkhong, known for its hand woven silk and traditional Saa Paper making. Alternatively, visit a local farm n Luang Prabang, to learn about the production of rice, using water buffalo for and other traditional processes.

Day 4: Monks' Life Encounter

Location: Luang Prabang

Accommodation Name: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Set off after breakfast for a visit of the Morning Market where, together with the guide and local host lady, you pick all ingredients needed for your upcoming cooking class. Then drive to a small village on the outskirts of Luang Prabang to enjoy a unique cooking class. Learn how typical Laos dishes such as Laap Laos, Orlam soup and papaya salad are cooked. The food is then brought to a local temple to offer for the monks’ lunch, and as part of this ritual, your name will be asked for a blessing chant. Later, join an open talk about Buddhism in Laos with the monks before returning to Luang Prabang for a light lunch, sampling the food you have cooked.



Early this evening board the train in Luang Prabang for a 2-hour rail journey to Vientiane. Upon arrival you will be met and transferred to your hotel.

Day 5: Vientiane City Tour

Location: Vientiane

Accommodation Name: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today visit the COPE educational centre, a compelling centre that teaches us about Laos’ Hidden War and the aid that is being given to help civilian victims of conflict. Afterwards we continue on to the unique Buddha Park or Xiang Khouan as it’s known locally, the park is filled with hundreds of Buddhist and Hindu statues creating a peaceful atmosphere.





Later, take a tour of Vientiane visiting Wat Sisaket, one of the oldest temples and home to thousands of miniature Buddha statues, and also visiting the former royal temple of Wat Prakeo. En route to Lao’s national icon, That Luang Stupa, we pass the Patuxay Monument, known as Vientiane’s own Arc de Triomphe.

Day 6: Pakse And Khong Island

Location: Don Khong Island

Accommodation Name: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Luang Prabang - Pakse - Don Khong Island. Today fly to Pakse, the laid back provincial capital of Champasack and drive to the ancient temple of Wat Phou, one of the oldest archaeological sites in Laos. Then enjoy the beautiful lush scenery as you take a small boat across the Mekong to Khong Island. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure exploring this sedate and picturesque island and its villages on foot or by bike.

Day 7: 4000 Islands Boat Trip

Location: Pakse

Accommodation Name: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Don Khong Island - Pakse. Set sail this morning on a scenic 4000 Islands boat trip, exploring Khone Island and its highlights. Visit the old French heritage sites on Khone and see colonial buildings and the remnants of a locomotive from the first Lao railway. Visit Liphi Waterfalls – aka "Devil's Corridor", which is one of the most beautiful waterfalls marking the Lao border with Cambodia. Then continue to visit Khone Phasoi Waterfall and witness

the daring fishermen with their fishing traps on Mekong River, with its many rapids. After the boat ride visit the famous waterfalls of Khone Phapeng, the largest waterfalls in South East Asia, also known as the Niagara of the east. After the boat trip return to Pakse.

Day 8: Pakse

Location: Pakse

Meals Included: Breakfast

Explore Pakse town your own way. Arrangements come to an end after breakfast and onward departure transfer to the airport.

What's Included

  • Accommodation
    Standard, Superior or Deluxe

  • Breakfast daily, 1 lunch and 1 dinner

    Enjoy daily breakfast, one lunch, and one dinner during the tour.

  • 5 nights superior hotels and 2 nights standard hotels in Pakse and Khong Island

    Stay in 5 nights superior hotels and 2 nights standard hotels in Pakse and Khong Island.

  • Private 4000 Islands boat trip and boat trip out to Khong Island

    Experience a private 4000 Islands boat trip and a boat trip out to Khong Island.

  • Economy class flight from Vientiane to Pakse

    Travel from Vientiane to Pakse with an economy class flight.

  • Train from Luang Prabang to Vientiane

    Take a train journey from Luang Prabang to Vientiane.

  • Touring and excursions as per itinerary

    Participate in touring and excursions as outlined in the itinerary.

  • Entrance fees to all included sights

    Entrance fees to all included sights are covered.

  • Local English speaking specialist guides for all sightseeing

    Benefit from local English speaking specialist guides for all sightseeing activities.

  • An airport arrival transfer day 1 and a departure transfer day 8

    Receive an airport arrival transfer on day 1 and a departure transfer on day 8.

  • All relevant transfers and transportation in private air-conditioned vehicles

    All relevant transfers and transportation are provided in private air-conditioned vehicles.

What's Not Included

  • International flights and visa

    International flights and visa are not included in the tour package.

  • Tipping

    Tipping is an entirely personal gesture and is not included.

Age Policy

Minimum age 5 for SEA private tours.     

Mode of Transport

Travel in private air-conditioned vehicles, with an economy class flight from Vientiane to Pakse, and a train journey from Luang Prabang to Vientiane. Enjoy a private 4000 Islands boat trip and a boat trip to Khong Island.

Accommodation

Enjoy 5 nights in superior hotels and 2 nights in standard hotels in Pakse and Khong Island, offering a comfortable stay with an accommodation rating detailed in the trip notes.

Check out our Q&As

  • What kind of transportation is used during the tour?

    The tour includes travel in private air-conditioned vehicles, an economy class flight from Vientiane to Pakse, and a train journey from Luang Prabang to Vientiane. Additionally, there is a private 4000 Islands boat trip and a boat trip to Khong Island.

  • What type of accommodation is provided on this tour?

    The tour includes 5 nights in superior hotels and 2 nights in standard hotels in Pakse and Khong Island, ensuring a comfortable stay.

  • Are meals included in the tour package?

    Yes, the tour includes breakfast daily, one lunch, and one dinner.

  • What activities are included in the Luang Prabang city tour?

    The Luang Prabang city tour includes visiting the impressive stupa of Wat Visoun, the former Royal Palace which is now a National Museum, and the UXO Centre. In the afternoon, you will travel to the Khouang Si waterfall and visit the Sun Bear Reserve.

  • What can I expect from the monks' life encounter experience?

    During the monks' life encounter, you will visit the Morning Market to pick ingredients for a cooking class. You will learn to cook typical Laos dishes and offer the food to monks for their lunch. This is followed by an open talk about Buddhism with the monks.

  • What is the highlight of the 4000 Islands boat trip?

    The 4000 Islands boat trip includes exploring Khone Island, visiting French heritage sites, Liphi Waterfalls, and Khone Phasoi Waterfall. You will also visit Khone Phapeng, the largest waterfall in South East Asia.

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    Ensuring our footprint is light and that the benefits of travelling reach the local communities you visit is paramount to us. We’re proud to say that when travelling with us, the large majority of your holiday funds remain within the countries you visit, supporting local economies at a grass roots level.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Since 1998

  • Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?

    With English-speaking tours, it's not a huge surprise that most on our travellers are from English-speaking countries or have English as their second language. Our group tours cater for everyone from 18 years old to 70+

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

Reviews of this operator

Nicola Hodgkinson (Google Reviewer)  

Recently returned from Greece, a...

07-May-2024

Recently returned from Greece, a 5 day tour with OTG. Unfortunately, I had a negative experience on day 2 where I needed local support to get me out of a tricky situation. Thank you to Alexandra Z from Hetco Tours in Athens for helping me continue on with the trip, to the Hotel Zafolia staffing team and to Danielle and team here in the UK for supporting me with the aftermath. Your kindness will not be forgotten and I will pay it forward. I've now booked 3 trips with yourselves and will continue to go back. Thank you all. Honestly, I am SO grateful. Blessings to you all. Nicola ...more ...less

Calvin  

Wonderful experience

05-Jan-2023

Jamal is our tour guide. Right from the start, he created a group chat in whatsapp and if any issues to make sure we contact him. He was on the ball with every issue thrown at him. Luggage being left behind, stragglers wondered off in a different path, hotel room etc. He explains the various site along our route to give us a better understanding of the local cultures. We had a great time, thanks to Jamal. ...more ...less

Trustpilot
Norma Sullivan  

Land of the Northern Lights 5 day tour of Iceland

10-Sep-2021

The Land of Northern Lights tour was a triumph! My tour of Southern Iceland was absolutely wonderful. The venues chosen, the timing allotted at each venue and the variety of things to experience was nearly perfect. Our guide, "Thor", was smart, amusing, full of history and anecdotal stories as well as being incredibly hospitable and helpful. This small group experience was my first, but not my last thanks to On the Go. ...more ...less

Trawls (Google Reviewer)  

On The Go Tours Sri...

05-Feb-2024

On The Go Tours Sri Lanka was an incredible experience that was made even better by our tour guide Akthar. He was incredibly knowledgeable about his country and he loved sharing it with us. The tour covers a wide range of activities so you can truly experience what Sri Lanka is all about. The beautiful 4-5 star hotels at the end of every day was an absolute bonus. Thanks for a great trip OTGT I’m sure this won’t be my last ...more ...less

Xtreme Floor Care (Google Reviewer)  

Traveled through Egypt with On...

30-Nov-2023

Traveled through Egypt with On the Go Tours, professional service, very informative and helpful tour guides. The choice of hotels was excellent... Definitely recommend this company

Gavin Harrigan  

King Tutankhamun 10 day tour of Egypt

16-Sep-2021

I have just returned from my tour with On The Go and it was an amazing trip! From arriving at the airport and meeting the OTG representative, everything was well organised and hassle free.  Our tour guide was Amir. He is awesome!! From the beginning he was so friendly and enthusiastic about showing us around Egypt, giving us loads of information at each place and time to explore ourselves. Learnt so much from him about this fascinating place, and he was always happy to answer more questions.   The trip itself was amazing. There's lots of travelling on this trip, but it's really not too bad, and the sights you see when you get to where you are going are worth it. I'm not a big fan of boats, but the Felluca ride across the Nile was pretty fun too.  On the first day I also did the optional tour of Cairo with Ahmed Helal - another excellent guide from OTG. It's worth doing this add on as you don't spend much time in Cairo, and you go to three very different places.  I'm so glad that I decided to do this trip. It was just ace.  If you're thinking about it too, you should probably just book it. And hopefully you get Amir as your guide. ...more ...less

Joyce Heitler (Google Reviewer)  

I would give this tour...

09-May-2024

I would give this tour group no stars if possible. The tour was not guaranteed but they did not inform me when I booked and they did not have enough people. Way after I booked they said I needed a doctors letter because I was over 70. Also way after booking I was informed I needed travel insurance. They knew my age when I booked. They would not refund my tour even though it was 4 months away. ...more ...less

Simla Patel (Google Reviewer)  

This company doesn’t deserve even...

26-Nov-2024

This company doesn’t deserve even 1 star. I would not recommend this company. There are hidden fees which means the cost of the holiday ends up being very expensive. We recently came back from our trip to China where it is not customary to tip in restaurants & hotel staff. Yet we had to make a payment upfront in cash to to the guide for more than £100. The hotel service was appalling. Just think £100 from each person. The trip was suppose to be a Tour yet we had to pay for all entrance fees. We complained about the poor condition of the hotels but no one responded to our emails to date. The after sales service is non existent. Do not use this company. Far far too expensive for what you get. Not competitive at all. They messed up our booking; repeatedly asked for the same information. We spent so much time correcting their errors. Very difficult to get hold of anyone because they all work in S Africa or New Zealand. Absolute nightmare ...more ...less

Sarah Paterson (Google Reviewer)  

Terrible tour of India. For...

27-Dec-2023

Terrible tour of India. For some reason On the Go hadn't realised that my room mate had booked her own room for the first night of tour. So the hotel in Delhi had tried to put me in her room after midnight, by wheeling in an extra bed. She went Crazy!! I then had to sit in hotel reception for hours. While the tour guide said he couldn't find me a room. Throughout the tour the guide consistently ask me and my room mate for money for my room, causing more friction between us. Don't book with this company had the worst experience ever. Go with Intrepid or G Adventure ...more ...less

brandy hoffman (Google Reviewer)  

I had used them once...

09-Aug-2023

I had used them once before and loved them. I decided to try them again for a Baltic tour not knowing that they put me on another Tour group- Baltic vision. Loved that tour but was not impressed they marked up the cost for me over 100%. I understand taking some for yourself because of paperwork, but over double the cost everyone else paid on the tour. Just double check before you book with them that you’re not over paying. ...more ...less

Book with Confidence

  • Transfer as credit to Future Tours

    On The Go Tours allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform on the go tours, 60 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    On The Go Tours requires a minimum deposit of 500 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of on the go tours charges.

    Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

Beautiful Laos - 8 days

8 Days Starting in Luang Prabang, Laos and ending in Pakse, Laos

Visiting: Luang Prabang, Vientiane, Don Khong Island, Pakse

Tour operator:

On The Go Tours

Tour code:

931/BLAO

Specialist Group:

Family/Kids

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Physical rating:

Low

Age range:

5-

Tour operated in:

English

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