Destination Laos

Laos Excursions

Vientiane Half Day Tour – City Highlights

Operated: Daily, 08:00 – 12:00 or 13:00 – 17:00

This half-day city tour visits the highlights of the capital including Wat Sisaket, Haw Phra Kaew, Phra That Luang stupa and Putousay – one of the most photographed images of Vientiane. If time permits also take a visit to the Talaat Sao – Vientiane’s morning market, which is open all day!

Vientiane Half Day Tour – Buddha Park

Operated: Daily, 08:30 &– 12:00 or 13:00 – 16:30

Transfer by private vehicle to the south of Vientiane to visit the Xieng Khuan Buddha Park, approximately 25 kilometres from Vientiane city. Built in 1958 this park on the banks of the Mekong River is the site of a large collection of many kinds of Buddhist and Hindu Sculptures. En route take a look at the impressive Friendship Bridge which links Laos and Thailand across the Mekong, and the National Cultural Park.

Vientiane Day Tour – City Highlights & Buddha Park

Operated: Daily, 08:30 – 16:30 (approx)

Visit Wat Sisaket, the oldest original temple in Vientiane, Haw Phra Kaew, Putousay, and Phra That Luang stupa – said to contain relics of Lord Buddha. Next take a visit to the Talaat Sao – Vientiane’s Morning Market. After lunch at a local restaurant, head out of the city to visit one of Laos’ slightly stranger attractions - Xieng Khuan Buddha Park. Also visit a Laotian textile gallery set in a traditional Lao home where you can see the silk weaving process and view the unique textiles produced.

Vientiane Day Tour – Nam Ngum Lake

Operated: Daily, 08:30 – 16:30 (approx)

This full-day tour visits Nam Ngum Lake, located approximately 90 kilometres north of Vientiane. The lake is a scenic vast artificial lake with many small islands that was formed when the Ngum River was dammed for hydroelectricity. Take a trip around the lake by boat enjoying the panoramic views, and it is possible to enjoy a swim in the clear waters before lunch at a local restaurant. After lunch begin the return journey to Vientiane, arriving mid-late afternoon.

Luang Prabang City Highlights

Operated: Daily, 08:00 – 12:00 or 13:00 – 17:00

On this half day tour visit some of the highlights of old city, now under UNESCO protection as a World Heritage Site. Visit Wat Xieng Thong - often said to be Luang Prabang’s most beautiful, Vat Visoun, That Makmo stupa and Wat Mai. Phou Sii hill stands right in the center of this small city – the energetic may climb its 350 steps to enjoy panoramic views for many miles in each direction.

Handicraft Villages

Operated: Daily, 08:30 – 12:00 or 13:30 – 17:00

Travel the short distance out of Luang Prabang to Ban Phanom, a weaving village that become famous as the ‘weavers of royalty’, producing items for the Royal Palace of the last King of Laos. Continue to Had Hien village – a blacksmith village that produces knives which are used by local farmers and villagers in the surrounding region. The manufacturing is a family affair and is still done by hand in the traditional manner. Also visit a village known for traditional Sa paper-making, which is hand-made from the pulp of mulberry trees, and Luang Prabang’s silversmith village.

Ethnology & Laos Textile Workshop

Operated: Daily (afternoons only), except, 13:30 – 18:00 (approx)

This afternoon visit the fascinating Traditional Arts and Ethnology Center (TAEC), to learn a little about Laos’ ethnic minority groups. Then transfer to a Weaving Center in a nearby village, and spend the afternoon in a stunning Mekong riverside garden where you will learn how to prepare natural dyes and dye your own silk scarves. The interactive workshop looks at silkworms, natural dyes and weaving techniques. The program is full of fascinating information; a unique and entertaining opportunity to learn about silk weaving and textiles in Laos. Afterwards stroll around the garden, enjoy a local style cocktail, and relax as you watch the sun dip behind the mountains on the Mekong.

Kuang Sii Waterfalls

Operated: Daily, 08:00 – 12:00 or 13:00 – 17:00 (approx)

Visit the Kuang Sii Waterfalls, located approximately 30 kilometres from Luang Prabang. The journey by road takes approximately 1 hour passing through very scenic Laotian countryside, and it is possible to stop to visit one of the small ethnic minority villages along the way. At Kuang Sii there is time to explore and, if water levels permit, to enjoy a refreshing dip in the falls.

Mekong River Trip to Pak Ou Caves

Operated: Daily, 08:00 – 12:30 or 13:00 – 17:30 (approx)

Enjoy a relaxing local style riverboat trip with your guide on the mighty Mekong River, to visit the sacred Pak Ou Buddha Caves. En route it is possible to stop at Ban Xanghai village where local people produce Lao rice wine. Pak Ou caves have been home to many thousands of Buddha images that have been placed here by local people since 16th century, when King Setthathirat found the caves and declared them a holy spot, and even today many people still pay respect to this tradition. Return to Luang Prabang by boat.

Luang Prabang City Sightseeing

Operated: Daily, 08:30 – 16:30 (approx). Note that Royal Palace/National Mu

Visit Luang Prabang’s priceless monuments, now under UNESCO protection as a World Heritage Site. Visit Wat Xieng Thong - often said to be Luang Prabang’s most beautiful and Vat Visoun, the site of an impressive stupa, That Makmo. After lunch visit Luang Prabang’s National Museum, formerly the Royal Palace (not open on Tuesdays), and Wat Mai. There is also time to take a stroll through the H’mong Market – where locals and ethnic minorities from the surrounding villages sell an overwhelming array of handicrafts. Late afternoon climb the 350 steps to the summit of Phou Sii hill to enjoy the panoramic views.

Luang Prabang City Highlights Walking Tour

Operated: Daily, 08:30 – 16:30 (approx). Note that Royal Palace/National Mu

Enjoy a full day walking tour of Luang Prabang’s old city and visit many of its priceless monuments. Visit Wat Xieng Thong and then follow the banks of the Mekong to Vat Visoun. Walk to the nearby Vat Aham, which is one of the city’s major tutelary shrines. After lunch at a local restaurant visit Luang Prabang’s National Museum, formerly the Royal Palace (not open on Tuesdays) and nearby Wat Mai. Phou Sii hill stands right in the center of this small city - climb its 350 steps to enjoy panoramic views for many miles in each direction, and then take a stroll along the banks of the Nam Khan River.

Kuang Sii Falls with Morning Alms

Operated: Daily, 06:00 – 15:00 (approx)

Start the day very early with one of the most memorable sights of Luang Prabang. At dawn hundreds of saffron robed monks move silently through the streets to collect alms (offerings of food). After breakfast at your hotel, journey out of town to visit the Kuang Sii Waterfalls. The distance is about 30km and takes approximately 1 hour passing through very scenic Laotian countryside. It is possible to stop at some of the small ethnic minority villages along the way. On arrival at Kuang Sii there is plenty of time to explore, enjoy a picnic lunch or local style lunch and, if water levels permit, to take a refreshing dip in the falls.

Kuang Sii Waterfalls by Bicycle

Operated: Daily, 08:00 – 16:30 (approx)

After breakfast begin the bicycle ride out of town to Kuang Sii Waterfalls. The cycle ride should take approximately 2-3 hours passing through very scenic Laotian countryside, with rice paddies and many ethnic minority villages along the way. The ride is mostly undulating with some flat stretches and some steeper hilly sections. There will be a vehicle in support, so it’s also possible to take a rest and ride in the van if the going gets too tough! On arrival at Kuang Sii there is time to enjoy a picnic lunch and, if water levels permit, to take a refreshing dip in the falls. After lunch return to Luang Prabang town – the energetic can cycle back or there is the option of journeying back in your private air-conditioned vehicle.

Tad Xae Waterfalls by Elephant

Operated: Daily, 08:30 – 15:00 (approx)

Transfer by road to the Elephant Camp, located in the countryside near the Nam Khan River approximately 15 kilometres from Luang Prabang town. Enjoy a 1 to 1.5 hour ride through forests, rice paddies and perhaps along the Nam Khan River. The elephant ride finishes at Tad Xae waterfalls, where there will be time to relax or take a dip (if water levels permit), and enjoy a picnic lunch nearby the waterfalls. A short trip by local style boat will bring you back to the Elephant Camp. Note: If it is not possible to do the elephant ride route to Tad Xae waterfall or the return boat journey due to weather conditions, water levels or other local conditions a ride of similar duration to a local village will be arranged instead.

River Trip to Pak Ou Buddha Caves

Operated: Daily, 08:30 – 15:30 (approx)

Enjoy a relaxing local style riverboat trip with your guide on the mighty Mekong to visit the sacred Pak Ou Buddha Caves. Enroute it is possible to stopover at Ban Xanghai village where local people produce Lao rice wine. Pak Ou caves have been home to many thousands of Buddha images that have been placed here by local people since 16th century, when King Setthathirat found the caves and declared them a holy spot. After exploring the caves and lunch at a local restaurant return to your boat and begin the journey back to Luang Prabang town.

Nam Khan River & Villages

Operated: Daily, 08:30 – 16:00 (approx)

Today journey along the Nam Khan River by boat to the small villages nestled on the banks. Travelling is predominantly by small local style canoe type boat or ‘longboat’ powered by a small engine and paddle which allows you to get to those out of the way places and visit local communities. Visit Tad Xae waterfall then continue to Ban Xieng Lom and Bann Noon, a village specializing in the local delicacy ‘river weed’ which is dried, lightly fried with sesame seeds and eaten as a snack – very popular in Luang Prabang! A picnic lunch stop is made and depending on water levels there may be the opportunity for a refreshing swim if desired.