Overview
On this luxury best of Laos tour, you will see historic temples, cruise down the scenic Mekong River, explore limestone caves, and take in the glorious scenery from both a light aircraft and a hot air balloon. Experience the warmth of the Lao people, taste the fabulous cuisine, stroll through lovely lazy Luang Prabang, visit the rural town of Vang Vieng, and the capital city of Vientiane.
Your Mekong River Cruise
Step aboard a sumptuous French-colonial-styled river cruiser for a leisurely voyage through serene nature, isolated villages and magnificent temples, discovering the most beautiful, remote, riverside areas of Laos in utmost luxury. Hang out with the elephants at an elephant preservation sanctuary. Meet the local ethnic Lao, Khmu, and Hmong residents at the tiny village of Kop Aek, and dive into centuries-old traditions and practices. Observe the local weavers honoring their timeworn traditional crafts at the village of Muang Keo, and take a short and easy trek to the famous Pak Ou Caves on the Mekong’s rocky shore.
Luang Prabang
Luang Prabang is a tiny city, which has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1995; it is one of Laos’ best-loved destinations. Board a light sport aircraft here for a breathtaking panoramic flight over the seemingly endless mountain ranges, the Mekong, and the waterfalls and the historic old town. Enjoy a captivating evening of traditional storytelling and music in an intimate theatre. Later, stroll through the charming town on an off-the-beaten-track walking tour. In the evening, watch a visualization of the epic Ramayana saga combining dance and drama. Spend a full day in the Tai Lu ethnic hill tribe village of Ban Nayang, watch the women weaving and doing embroidery while the men grow wet rice using wooden equipment drawn by buffalo. Learn about their efforts to preserve their traditional working methods and crafts. Visit the Mandalao Reserve Elephant Sanctuary, meet and bond with the elephants and then accompany them to Tad Kuang Song Waterfall, where you can take a refreshing dip in the cool waters.
Vang Vieng
Journey through the Laotian countryside to Vang Vieng and spend a full day trekking in the Lao countryside visiting some of the many caves in the area. Enjoy a picnic lunch at a scenic spot surrounded by limestone hills and visit an organic farm where mulberry tea and fruit wines are produced. For a more untethered view of Vang Vieng’s spectacular countryside, experience a dreamy 45-minute flight in a hot air balloon over the beautiful Song River and see the dramatic karst cliffs from above in the first rays of the sun.
Vientiane
In the Laotian capital of Vientiane, relish an adventurous dinner safari by tuk-tuk, visit a bustling evening food market, select some delicious dishes and enjoy your authentic feast while watching the sights and sounds around you. Visit the famous Buddha Park, a quirky concrete sculpture garden that is home to over 200 statues depicting Buddhist and Hindu figures, as well as animals, humans, and demons. Enter through the mouth of a 10-foot-tall demon head and climb staircases from Hell to Heaven. View sculptures at each level with a panoramic viewpoint at the top level. Your highlights of Laos tour ends with a visit to a weaving home-studio where you can witness the process of producing silk. Please note this itinerary is just a sample that can be tailored in accordance with your personal wishes. All excursions and transfers are on a private basis, with the exception of the cruise portion, which is shared with other passengers.
Itinerary & Prices
All itineraries are subject to change due to seasonal weather conditions (and resultant variations in river and tributary water levels) affecting accessibility to locations. Thus navigation routes, times and excursions may need to be modified at the cruise captain’s or your guide's discretion.
Accommodations
Cruises & Lodges
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