DISCOVER
LAOS
Where ancient and contemporary culture intersect, and impressive landscapes take your breath away at every turn.
DURATION
Days
TRIP TYPE
XXPLORED
AVENTURE LEVEL
GROUP SIZE
5 - 8 Guests
Highlights
- Explore the Unesco town Luang Prabang
- Visit the stunning Kuang Si Waterfalls
- Workshop in a paper factory
- Off road through scenic mountain scnenery
- Discover the mystery of Phonsavan – the plain of Jars and learn how to make spoons out of bomb shells
- Visit a silk worm factory
- Relax in Vang Vieng
- History lesson in Laos Capital city Vientiane
- A courageous road trip with likeminded women
DAY 1-2-3 Luang Prabang
Welcome to Luang Prabang. The ancient royal capital of Laos UNESCO World Heritage Site and the best-preserved city in Southeast Asia, there are plenty of things to do in Luang Prabang. We explore this laidback historic town by watching saffron-robed monks go about their daily duties, taking a temple tour of the city's many sloped-roofed wats, then cruising down the Mekong on a lazy sunset river cruise. Enjoy 🙂
Read More..DAY 6 Vang Vieng
Vang Vieng is home to some serious adventures. From hot air balloons over towering karsts to visiting caves there is plenty to do in Vang Vieng.
Read More..DAY 4-5 Luang Prabang to Phonsavan
Phonsavan, our base to explore the mysteries of the plain of jars and the sad history of the Vietnamese war. But also a silk worm farm and a nice village visit awaits.
Read More..DAY 7 Vientiane
Vientiane is known for its laidback atmosphere and it's true that life moves slowly here, attracting those who enjoy a peaceful, relaxed vibe. Exploring centuries-old Buddhist temples is one of the most popular things to do in the Lao capital, and that is what we will do!
Read More..DAY 1
Luang Prabang
HOTEL Maison Delabua or similar
RAMBUTAN HOTEL
This little gem is located in a quiet laneway, close to many restaurants, bars, and only a short way away from Angkor Wat. The boutique hotel is built like a small Khmer village and features spacious suites with private balconies with views of lush greenery and the beautiful saltwater pool. We love the cozy and friendly atmosphere at this property.
Welcome to Laos! When you arrive in Luang Prabang, your private driver greets you at the airport and brings you to the hotel we’ll be staying at for the first three nights.
If you arrive early enough, you may wish to spend your day wandering the streets and temples Luang Prabang. In the evening, our group of XXploras will meet in a local restaurant for a welcome dinner.
TRANSPORT
Airport transfer
DAY 2
In and around Luang Prabang
HOTEL Maison Delabua or similar
Rise and shine, for today, the serene streets of Luang Prabang beckon! Our agenda? First on the itinerary is a dive into the depths of history at the national museum.
Then we’ll set sights on Mount Phousi. Don your comfiest shoes, for we’ll embark on a mini-pilgrimage, ascending to panoramic glory. The reward? A 360-degree view over the town, the river and the hills.
As the morning gives way to the hunger of discovery, we’ll enjoy a local lunch.
Then, the afternoon is yours to choose your own adventure: indulge in the solace of our hotel or meander through the alleys, where textiles, trinkets, and artisan stories await your haggling charm.
We then meet again for a local delightful dinner.
TRANSPORT
No driving today
DAY 3
In Luang Prabang
HOTEL Maison Delabua or similar
After a delightful breakfast, we kickstart our day with a smooth car handover, ensuring a seamless transition into driving on Laos roads. Rest assured, driving in Laos is known for its relaxed atmosphere, where no one drives aggressively, allowing you to ease into the experience.
Our first stop takes us to the mesmerizing Kuang Si Falls, one of the most renowned and breathtaking waterfalls in Laos. Immerse yourself in the beauty of nature as we spend quality time here. For those seeking an exhilarating dip, feel free to take a refreshing swim in the crystal-clear waters.
We’ll enjoy a scrumptious lunch at a nearby location, savoring the flavors of local cuisine. But the adventure doesn’t end there! On our way back, we’ll make a stop at a paper making factory. Get ready to unleash your creativity as you engage in a hands-on experience, crafting beautiful paper creations. After an eventful day we are ready to relax at the hotel and enjoy a dinner.
TRANSPORT
Self-driving in a SUV for approximately 2 hours;
on beautiful country roads
DAY 4
Luang Prabang to Phonsavan
HOTEL Vansana Phonsavan Hotel
Today is our first driving day, welcome to on the road in Laos. It’s a long but beautiful day, taking us to Phonsavan. The first part of the road we can expect potholes and bumpy mountain roads, later turning into well paved winding roads.
In the late afternoon we arrive in Phonsavan. Please note that there may be limited amenities and services available at your hotel. However, the cultural significance of Phonsavan and its surroundings make it a worthwhile destination.
The Plain of Jars is a unique archaeological site, featuring thousands of ancient stone jars scattered across the landscape.
These mysterious jars date back to the Iron Age and their purpose remains unknown.
TRANSPORT
Self-driving in a SUV for approximately 250km/8 hours;
mostly well-paved roads, some with potholes.
DAY 5
In Phonsvan
HOTEL Vansana Phonsvan Hotel dge
Although the Plain of Jars are now officially an UNESCO World Heritage site, the area still remains one of the most dangerous archaeological sites in the world. Thousands of unexploded bombs remain from the Secret War of the 1960s, and some of these arms still cause injuries to this day. As such, only Sites 1, 2, 3 are open to visitors, while a number of organizations work to remove explosives and apply for more funding.
Any visit to the jar sites takes one past large bomb craters and crater clusters. Further adding to the area’s mystique, the many varied casings of these American bombs are used extensively to decorate houses and roadsides in nearby of Phonsavan, the provincial capital. It will be an enjoyable leisurely driving day spending times at the jar sites, at a silk worm factory and a local lunch and dinner.
TRANSPORT
Self-driving in a SUV for around 100km, 3-4hours;
from well-paved roads to bumpy off-road sections
DAY 6
Phonsavan to Vang Vieng
HOTEL Riverside Boutique Hotel
We leave early today and have to trace back the road we came from till lunch. But even though we drive on the same road you might not even notice it as the landscape and the driving is beautiful. After lunch (please don’t expect anything fancy!), you will continue to drive on to Vang Vieng, slowly loosing on altitude. This stretch of road is in very bad shape after the last rainy season therefore our driving speed will be slow and it will be a long driving day.
TRANSPORT
We drive around 280km for 8-9 hours. The roads are in really bad shape after lunch.
DAY 7
Vang Vieng to Vientiane
HOTEL Settha Palace Hotel (or similar)
This morning we have time to explore Vang Vieng. Fancy zip lining? Or a boats trip around Vang Vieng? Our favourite is a hike to a viewpoint to Vang Viengs beautiful landscape. Only in the afternoon we will be continuing our journey south to Vientiane, which is known for being one of Southeast Asia’s quieter capital cities. Situated along a wide bend of the Mekong River, Vientiane has a charming and relaxed atmosphere, resembling a collection of villages with a few impressive monuments and more and more western elements sneaking in. Once we arrive and check into our hotel and later on have a local dinner.
TRANSPORT
Self-driving in a SUV for approximately 120 km, 3 hours;
on Laos newest highway.
DAY 8
In Vientiane
HOTEL Settha Palace Hotel or similar
RAMBUTAN HOTEL
This little gem is located in a quiet laneway, close to many restaurants, bars, and only a short way away from Angkor Wat. The boutique hotel is built like a small Khmer village and features spacious suites with private balconies with views of lush greenery and the beautiful saltwater pool. We love the cozy and friendly atmosphere at this property.
Read More..We enjoy a leisurely breakfast together, before we visit the most important sights of Vientiane.
Must Visits are Pha That Luang, it is to Vientiane like Shwedagon Pagoda is to Yangon. The large golden Buddhist stupa located in the centre of Vientiane is the national symbol and most sacred monument of Laos.
Next comes Patuxai, reminiscent of the Arc de Triomphe in Paris.
In the afternoon you have time for yourself, maybe you fancy a massage? In the evening we meet for our farewell dinner. We hope you will leave with many font memories in your heart.
TRANSPORT
Self-driving in a SUV for approximately 5 hours;well-paved roads
DAY 9
In Vientiane
HOTEL None
It is time to say good bye! You are now officially a XXplora!
We hope you have enjoyed this journey and we will see you on the road again in other regions of this world. If you want to stay on a night, please let us know, we can help you to arrange it! The last 8 days have been action packed, so it is nice to have a day for yourself to digest all the impressions and to unwind.
TRANSPORT
Airport transfer
What is
included
What is
not included
-
- Luxury accommodations in twin rooms
- Your car, petrol & Rental insurance
- All paperwork required for your self-driving adventure
- A local guide
- A lead car driver
- An XXplora-in-Chief
- Local transport
- Private airport transfers
-
Small group guarantee
(no more than 12 guests) - All entrance fees according as noted in the Description
- All meals as indicated
-
You international driving license, visas, mandatory travel insurance, flights and transportation while not on the trip. It also does not include optional activities, extra accommodation, upgrades, contingency route expenses in case of emergency or natural disaster, drinks, tips and other personal expenses
Where you will sleep...
All hotels are well chosen ranging from 5 star to small boutique hotels. In some areas the choice is not as we would wish for then we find the best available in town!
Adventure
level
The adventure rating for this overland journey is a 3. Most of the roads are paved.
Laotians driving style is very polite and relaxed. Only some roads are bumpy, especially after the rainy season. No stretch requires advanced driving skills.
PLEASE NOTE:
This is a sample itinerary and some variations will happen between trips due to our partners’ schedules, but in general the itinerary will be very similar!
Your journey awaits
It’s time to take your life out of park. Where in the world do you want to XXplore?
