7-Day Laos Heritage Tour with Luang Prabang and 4000 Islands

7 Days Duration

Experiences

About This Tour

Embark on a journey to uncover the mystique of Laos through its ancient cities, temples, and museums. Explore Vientiane and Luang Prabang's religious and cultur...

Duration: 7 Days · Tour type: Private · Activity level: Easy · Accommodation: Not included · Transport: Included · Wheelchair access: Not applicable · Cities: Pakxe, Luang Prabang, Vientiane · Languages: English, Lao, Thai

Know before you go: Time Zone: GMT +7; Population: 6.8 million (3 main groups and 49 officially recognized ethnic groups); Religion: Theravada Buddhism 64.4%, Animism 32%, and the rest Christianity, Confucianism, and Islam; Currency: Lao Kip. Laos widely accepts Thai Baht and USD in many places, but during your trip to Laos, we recommend buying a small amount of local currency because many local products cost around one dollar. International cards are accepted by most banks in Laos when withdrawing cash, but ATMs dispense only local kip, and 20,000 kip or USD 2-5 is automatically deducted by the bank per transaction as a fee. Credit cards such as MasterCard, American Express, and other cards are widely accepted only in big shops, international restaurants, and hotels.; Electricity: 220V. We recommend that you bring a universal plug adaptor.; Climate: Laos has two seasons, wet and dry. The wet season starts between May and October, and the dry season begins between November and April. The wet season is beautifully green but less convenient for overland travel between cities due to landslide issues, so flights are recommended. The dry season is the best time for travel, but nature is greyer because of the dry conditions. Temperatures can drop to 12-15 degrees Celsius at night and range from 18-25 during the day.; Mobile phone & internet: 3G and 4G are widely available, but SIM cards are sold separately as regular SIM cards and internet SIM cards. To make a phone call within the country costs 850 kip per minute, international calls cost 2,000 kip per minute, and internet data connection and Wi-Fi are mainly available in cities and hotels.; Shipping: Laos post office provides several shipping options, including sea freight and air freight, but we recommend using air freight. It takes 14 days to reach any international destination by DHL.; Visa: Most visitors can obtain a Lao visa on arrival at all international entry points, including borders and airports, valid for 30 days. It is also possible to obtain a visa at any Laotian embassy in your home country or abroad. Your passport must be valid for six months beyond your return date, and two color passport photos are required.; Clothing & what to pack: Comfortable, casual, lightweight clothing in natural fabrics is most suitable for traveling in Laos. Bring warm clothing during the cold season. If you visit northern Laos, dress modestly. Do not wear shorts, miniskirts, tank tops, or any clothing that shows the chest when entering national sightseeing sites, including temples and the National Museum; otherwise, you may need to pay to rent appropriate clothing before entering.; Cuisine: Lao food can be spicy or hot, with fresh, strong flavors and a variety of vegetables in its exotic cuisine. Laap is finely chopped meat such as fish, chicken, pork, or beef mixed with minced herbs, spring onion, garlic, and more than ten ingredients and herbs. It is considered the national dish.; Water: Tap water is only for washing and not for drinking. Always drink bottled water provided in your room by the hotel and during the tour by the guide-driver.; Health: Travelers should be inoculated against typhoid, cholera, hepatitis A & B, tetanus, and polio. Malaria and dengue fever have decreased in Laos, but it is still advisable to take precautions. It is essential to have good medical insurance that covers the cost of an evacuation flight.; Safety: Laos is generally one of the world's peaceful and safe countries to visit, though you should never leave your belongings unattended.; Tipping: Most people work on low salaries, so many in the tourism industry rely on tips. Tipping is not specifically required by culture or rules, but it is highly appreciated. We recommend tipping according to international standards.

About Vientiane

Laos

Vientiane

Straddling the mighty Mekong River, Vientiane is a curious mix of French colonialism and laid-back Laotian charm. Discover this off-the-beaten-track capital with a qualified guide from Everest Global Hub.

Explore Vientiane Laos All destinations

What's Included

Tour guide
Air-conditioned minivan
Drinking water & ice towels
Two domestic flights
6 meals during the trip and 2 meals during the night
All admission fees indicated in the itinerary
Private boat cruise
Tax

Not Included

Meals other than those mentioned in the above itinerary
Personal expenses
Service charges and tips for the local guide, driver, boat captain, and room cleaner
Travel insurance is always quoted separately in case the customer does not have one
International flight
Other services not mentioned in the above tour features

Itinerary

1

Day 01

Arrival in Vientiane and City Landmarks

Visit Vientiane, the City of the Moon - an ancient city situated on a bend along the left bank of the Mekong, and the largest city as well as the capital of Laos. Transfer to your hotel for check-in. Visit Vientiane, the City of the Moon - an ancient city situated on a bend along the left bank of the Mekong, and the largest city as well as the capital of Laos. Transfer to your hotel for check-in. Sightsee around Vientiane and visit the religious museums of Wat Sisaket, the oldest temple to have survived the Siamese War of 1828. Its cloister contains more than 8,000 Buddha statues. Continue to Wat Ho Prakeo, the former home temple of the Emerald Buddha statue, or Pra Keo, which today houses a collection of Buddha statues, antiques, and artifacts found around Vientiane. Sightsee around Vientiane and visit the religious museums of Wat Sisaket, the oldest temple to have survived the Siamese War of 1828. Its cloister contains more than 8,000 Buddha statues. Continue to Wat Ho Prakeo, the former home temple of the Emerald Buddha statue, or Pra Keo, which today houses a collection of Buddha statues, antiques, and artifacts found around Vientiane. Then proceed to the Luang Stupa, the single most important monument in Laos, built to cover the original small stupa containing a piece of the chest bone of Buddha. Also visit Patouxay (Arc de Triomphe), built quite recently in commemoration of those who died during the wars in the past, and now regarded as the landmark of Vientiane. Then proceed to the Luang Stupa, the single most important monument in Laos, built to cover the original small stupa containing a piece of the chest bone of Buddha. Also visit Patouxay (Arc de Triomphe), built quite recently in commemoration of those who died during the wars in the past, and now regarded as the landmark of Vientiane. Meals: Lunch & Dinner Overnight in Hotel in Vientiane
2

Day 02

Vientiane to Luang Prabang

Visit the Morning Market, the biggest shopping center in Vientiane, in the morning. Visit the Morning Market, the biggest shopping center in Vientiane, in the morning. Then depart for Wattay Airport for your flight to Luang Prabang, the ancient first capital of the Lane Xang Kingdom and the center of religious life in Laos. Then depart for Wattay Airport for your flight to Luang Prabang, the ancient first capital of the Lane Xang Kingdom and the center of religious life in Laos. Arrive in Luang Prabang and check in. In the afternoon, take a sightseeing tour of this sacred city of temples, of which nearly fifty still remain in the town and surrounding areas. Arrive in Luang Prabang and check in. In the afternoon, take a sightseeing tour of this sacred city of temples, of which nearly fifty still remain in the town and surrounding areas. Visit Wat Visoun, a 16th-century temple that served as a small museum for religious artifacts; Wat Aham, an early 19th-century temple whose two guardian figures at the foot of the steps represent two characters from the Ramayana - Hanuman, the Monkey God, and a fierce Yaksa; and Wat Xieng Thong, a 16th-century temple which, more than any other in Luang Prabang, epitomizes the elegance and grace of the town's architecture. Visit Wat Visoun, a 16th-century temple that served as a small museum for religious artifacts; Wat Aham, an early 19th-century temple whose two guardian figures at the foot of the steps represent two characters from the Ramayana - Hanuman, the Monkey God, and a fierce Yaksa; and Wat Xieng Thong, a 16th-century temple which, more than any other in Luang Prabang, epitomizes the elegance and grace of the town's architecture. Continue to Phousi Hill. Its 328 steps lead to the summit, which dominates the skyline of Luang Prabang and offers one of the finest panoramic views over the town. Continue to Phousi Hill. Its 328 steps lead to the summit, which dominates the skyline of Luang Prabang and offers one of the finest panoramic views over the town. Meals: Breakfast & Lunch. Overnight in Hotel Luang Prabang
3

Day 03

Mekong Cruise to Pak Ou Cave

Depart from the hotel to the boat landing in the morning and take an excursion by boat upstream on the Mekong to visit Pak Ou Cave, set in the side of a limestone cliff opposite the mouth of the Mekong and Ou rivers. The sanctuaries at Pak Ou consist of two large caves, both repositories for thousands of Buddha images ranging from mere centimetres to two meters in height. Depart from the hotel to the boat landing in the morning and take an excursion by boat upstream on the Mekong to visit Pak Ou Cave, set in the side of a limestone cliff opposite the mouth of the Mekong and Ou rivers. The sanctuaries at Pak Ou consist of two large caves, both repositories for thousands of Buddha images ranging from mere centimetres to two meters in height. En route, visit typical Lao villages that are barely visible behind a screen of foliage. Slender canoes bob by the shore, while bamboo poles and floats mark the location of nets and fish traps. Your first stop will be at Ban Muang Keo, a well-known village for Lao traditional rice whisky, namely Lao-Khao. En route, visit typical Lao villages that are barely visible behind a screen of foliage. Slender canoes bob by the shore, while bamboo poles and floats mark the location of nets and fish traps. Your first stop will be at Ban Muang Keo, a well-known village for Lao traditional rice whisky, namely Lao-Khao. Arrive back in Luang Prabang in the late afternoon, then continue by car to the outskirts of town to visit Ban Xang Khong, a well-known village for its wood papermaking and Lao silk weaving with natural dyes. Arrive back in Luang Prabang in the late afternoon, then continue by car to the outskirts of town to visit Ban Xang Khong, a well-known village for its wood papermaking and Lao silk weaving with natural dyes. Meals: Breakfast & Lunch Overnight in Hotel Luang Prabang
4

Day 04

Kuang Si Waterfall and Luang Prabang Crafts

Take a drive 30 km south to visit Kuang Si Waterfall. On the way, stop at Talad Phosy market and also visit Ban Na Oune, a small village of the hill-tribe group "Hmong," probably the best-known minority group in Laos. Take a drive 30 km south to visit Kuang Si Waterfall. On the way, stop at Talad Phosy market and also visit Ban Na Oune, a small village of the hill-tribe group "Hmong," probably the best-known minority group in Laos. Visit Kuang Si Waterfall and Ban Tha Pane, another village of the Khmu minority group. Your picnic lunch will be served in the shady park near the waterfall. There will be plenty of time to relax and swim in the cool water before heading back to Luang Prabang in the late afternoon. Visit Kuang Si Waterfall and Ban Tha Pane, another village of the Khmu minority group. Your picnic lunch will be served in the shady park near the waterfall. There will be plenty of time to relax and swim in the cool water before heading back to Luang Prabang in the late afternoon. Then visit various craft shops, including silversmiths' workshops and the Hmong market in town, where some skilled embroidery works by Hmong ladies can be seen. Then visit various craft shops, including silversmiths' workshops and the Hmong market in town, where some skilled embroidery works by Hmong ladies can be seen. Continue your afternoon tour at the National Museum, the former Royal Palace, which houses a collection of valuables including the famous Prabang Buddha statue. The rest of the day is free for your own experience in this charming town before returning to the hotel. Continue your afternoon tour at the National Museum, the former Royal Palace, which houses a collection of valuables including the famous Prabang Buddha statue. The rest of the day is free for your own experience in this charming town before returning to the hotel. Meals: Breakfast & Lunch Overnight in Hotel Luang Prabang
5

Day 05

Flight to Pakse and Visit to Wat Phou

Transfer to the airport with your guide for the flight to Pakse. Transfer to the airport with your guide for the flight to Pakse. Upon arrival, your guide and driver will be waiting to provide transport to Pakse for lunch in a local restaurant. Upon arrival, your guide and driver will be waiting to provide transport to Pakse for lunch in a local restaurant. After lunch, drive for an hour to Wat Phou. Recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, Wat Phou is a spectacular pre-Angkorian temple set amidst the rice fields and waterways of southern Laos. The temple was constructed on three levels: the bottom level focuses on the baray (water reservoir) and promenade, the second level features pavilions and galleries of carvings, and the top level is the sanctuary. The temple served as the most important economic and political center of the region and remains one of the Lao people's most revered temples. After lunch, drive for an hour to Wat Phou. Recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, Wat Phou is a spectacular pre-Angkorian temple set amidst the rice fields and waterways of southern Laos. The temple was constructed on three levels: the bottom level focuses on the baray (water reservoir) and promenade, the second level features pavilions and galleries of carvings, and the top level is the sanctuary. The temple served as the most important economic and political center of the region and remains one of the Lao people's most revered temples. Return to the nearby hotel in Champasak and check in after enjoying a beautiful sunset on the Mekong River. Return to the nearby hotel in Champasak and check in after enjoying a beautiful sunset on the Mekong River. Meals: Breakfast & Lunch Overnight in Hotel Champasak
6

Day 06

Siphandon and Don Khone Exploration

Depart at 08:00 am for a full day exploring the Siphandon ("4000 Islands") area. In this beautiful region, the Mekong River reaches 14 kilometres wide and contains thousands of small islands. Depart at 08:00 am for a full day exploring the Siphandon ("4000 Islands") area. In this beautiful region, the Mekong River reaches 14 kilometres wide and contains thousands of small islands. Travel first by car for about two hours to the village of Ban Nakasang. From here, take a local boat to the peaceful island of Done Khone, home to small villages and plantations. It is recommended to explore the area either by bicycle or tuk-tuk. Travel first by car for about two hours to the village of Ban Nakasang. From here, take a local boat to the peaceful island of Done Khone, home to small villages and plantations. It is recommended to explore the area either by bicycle or tuk-tuk. Begin the experience with a short boat trip, which provides a unique opportunity to spot the rare Irrawaddy Dolphin. Next, visit the impressive Lippi Falls on the west of Don Khone, very close to the Cambodian border. Begin the experience with a short boat trip, which provides a unique opportunity to spot the rare Irrawaddy Dolphin. Next, visit the impressive Lippi Falls on the west of Don Khone, very close to the Cambodian border. Afterwards, experience the remnants of French colonial rule with a visit to the existing railway and bridge built to span the islands' waterfalls. Afterwards, experience the remnants of French colonial rule with a visit to the existing railway and bridge built to span the islands' waterfalls. Lunch will be included at a local restaurant. Lunch will be included at a local restaurant. Return to the mainland by boat and then continue back to the hotel by car, arriving in time for sunset. Return to the mainland by boat and then continue back to the hotel by car, arriving in time for sunset. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Overnight in Hotel Champasak
7

Day 07

Champasak to Pakse Departure

After breakfast, transport will be provided with your local guide to return to Pakse and then continue to the airport for departure. After breakfast, transport will be provided with your local guide to return to Pakse and then continue to the airport for departure.