DISCOVER
LAOS
Join us on an empowering journey through Laos, starting in the charming capital of Vientiane and winding through the stunning landscapes of Vang Vieng and Phonsavan. Experience the mystery of the Plain of Jars and culminate in the tranquil grandeur of Luang Prabang during the enchanting Ock Phansa festival. This road trip is more than a travel itinerary – it’s a path to rediscovering yourself, embracing freedom, and making unforgettable memories.
Let’s hit the road and explore the beauty, culture, and adventure of Laos together!
DURATION
Days
TRIP TYPE
BEGINNER
AVENTURE LEVEL
GROUP SIZE
4 - 8 Guests
Highlights
- Discover Vientiane: Step into the soulful heart of Laos, where spiritual serenity and cultural vibrance intertwine.
- Embrace Vang Vieng: Indulge in awe-inspiring mountain scenery
- Unravel the Plain of Jars: Walk among enigmatic stone vessels scattered across the landscape, each a silent witness to a history untold, inviting you to decode its age-old secrets.
Silk Production Insight: Uncover the journey from silkworm to silk loom, and witness the creation of exquisite textiles
Authentic Family Lunches: Savor the authentic flavors of Laos with lunches hosted in family homes.
Mountain Road Adventure: Embark on a breathtaking drive through Laos’s majestic mountains, traversing stunning roads that carve through remote areas.
- Local Festival in Luang Prabang: Participate in one of our favorite local festivals in Luang Prabang.
- Mekong River Cruise: Glide along the tranquil Mekong on a serene cruise. Witness the rhythmic life of the riverbanks, where nature and culture flow as one
- Kuang Si Waterfall Visit: Marvel at the famous Kuang Si Waterfall, a breathtaking natural wonder with cascading waters that form turquoise pools.
DAY 1-2 Vientiane
Welcome to Laos! Ease into your adventure in the laidback capital Vi,,,entiane
DAY 1
Arrive in Vientiane
HOTEL Lao Greenpark or similar
THE RAFFLES
We start our arrival in Phnom Penh in style and stay at the beautiful Raffles Phnom Penh.
Welcome to Laos!
Arrive in Vientiane per your own arrangements. We will pick you up from the airport and take you to your hotel.
Unpack, unwind, or stroll around the lanes of the city, maybe stopping for a foot massage. Always good after a long flight!
In the evening we meet for a safety briefing and a nice welcome dinner.
In the evening we will meet for a welcome dinner and road safety briefing.
TRANSPORT
Airport transfer
DAY 2
Sightseeing in Vientiane
HOTEL Relais de Chhlong
RELAIS DE CHHLONG
A hidden little gem is this hotel in the middle of an unspectacular local village. 12 suites await in a french colonial villa, restored in 2017. Enjoy the pool and the views over the Mekong.
We start the day visiting the main sights of Vientiane with our guide. The day also includes a local lunch and a visit of the famous Buddha Park, set in a lush meadow by the Mekong. Dinner will be close to our hotel.
TRANSPORT
Van and guide
DAY 3
Vientiane to Vang Vieng
HOTEL River Boutique Resort
RELAIS DE CHHLONG
Countryside Retreat in Chhlong, Cambodia's Northeast, 10-suite boutique hotel, restaurant, lounge, swimming pool. A period mansion by the Mekong River built in 1916, fully renovated in 2017. We love the cozy and friendly atmosphere at this property.
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 drive is designed to ease us into the Laotian driving style and we stay on empty highways and small village roads. We aim to arrive in Vang Vieng in the early afternoon.
After check in we have time to explore Vang Vieng. You can go for an iconic hike or a boat ride around town. You can swim in the blue lagoon or zipline across. Also a balloon ride is possible. Activities need to be booked extra. As dusk embraces the town, we’ll gather for a local dinner, a time to share stories, savor the flavors of Laotian cuisine, and bond over the day’s adventures. It’s also a moment to look forward to the journey ahead, as we prepare for a day of exploration on the bumpy roads that promise even more breathtaking vistas and unforgettable experiences.
TRANSPORT
Self-driving in a SUV for approximately 120km, 3 hours;
the roads range from well-paved to bumpy
DAY 4
Vang Vieng to Phonsavan
HOTEL Vansana Boutique Hotel
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..As we venture early into the day, our path weaves through the mountains, a route that traces the spine of this beautiful country, leading us into its more secluded, untouched regions. Please be prepared for a long drivong day.
We pause for local coffee stops along the way and enjoy a lunch at a local family’s home.
As we continue on winding roads to Phonsavan, we approach an area steeped in mystery and history. Phonsavan is the gateway to the Plain of Jars, a megalithic archaeological landscape that is both a testament to the ingenuity of ancient civilizations and a poignant reminder of more recent conflicts. The area around Phonsavan also bears the scars of intense bombing during the Vietnam War, making it a complex site of both ancient history and contemporary reflection.
This journey, then, is more than a physical traverse; it’s an exploration of Laos’s heart and soul, offering us a profound connection to the land and its people, past and present. Through the beauty of its landscapes and the depth of its history, Laos reveals the resilience, warmth, and enduring spirit of a nation.
TRANSPORT
Self-driving in a SUV for approximately 250km/8 hours;
potholed bumpy roads.
DAY 5
In Phonsavan
HOTEL Vansana Plain of Jars Hotel
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.
Our morning begins with a visit to the mysterious jar sites 1 and 3, part of the enigmatic Plain of Jars. As you stand among these ancient stone jars, it’s compelling to reflect on the land’s dramatic history.
This region, now peaceful and green, was once the most heavily bombed area on earth. Through the villages, the legacy of the conflict is woven into daily life. Bomb casings repurposed as flowerpots, barbecues, and even cutlery offer a stark, yet inventive testament to survival and adaptation.
A particularly moving stop is the “Spoon Village,” where local artisans transform remnants of war into objects of peace and utility, such as spoons.
The afternoon brings a shift in tone as we explore the vibrant world of silk-making at a local silk worm factory. This visit offers a glimpse into the delicate and labor-intensive process of transforming silk cocoons into exquisite fabrics, a testament to the skill and artistry that is deeply embedded in Lao culture.
Our day concludes with a local dinner near our hotel, allowing us to reflect on the day’s experiences.
TRANSPORT
Self-driving in a SUV for 100km, around 4-5 hours on paved and unpaved roads
DAY 6
Phonsavan to Luang Prabang
HOTEL Maison Delabua or similar
MAISON WAT KOR
This hotel is one of our favorites in Cambodia. This unique, eco-friendly hotel features 15 guestrooms within three well-preserved traditional wooden homes on stilts. The saltwater pool is great for a dip or to relax beside on a sun lounger.
Mr. Nou, the owner, who we have a great relationship with, is humble, happy and helpful.
Today’s adventure takes us on the road from Phonsavan to Luang Prabang. The drive can be an adventure in itself, especially post-rainy season when the roads gift us with their share of bumps and surprises, adding a dash of excitement to our journey.
Lunch is a local affair at a noodle shop where simplicity meets flavor.
As we arrive in Luang Prabang in the early evening, the city welcomes us wiht a serene ambiance. After checking into our hotel, we venture out for a walk, an experience beautifully timed with the Ok Phansa festival. This festival, marking the end of the Buddhist Lent, transforms the city into a canvas of light, with candle-lit temples casting a glow that reflects both the reverence and the celebratory spirit of the occasion.
It’s an evening that beautifully caps off our day’s journey, offering a serene transition from the rugged roads to the spiritual serenity of Luang Prabang.
TRANSPORT
We drive for 210km, for around 8-9 hours for on partially bumpy country roads.
DAY 7
In Luang Prabang
HOTEL Maison Delabua or similar
RAMBUTAN HOTEL
KM Hotel is really the best choice for our overnight stay in Pursat. The property has free Wi-Fi access available throughout.
With air conditioning, each room is equipped with a flat-screen TV with cable channels and safety deposit box. The private bathroom comes with a bath or shower, free toiletries, slippers and bathrobe.
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.
Picture grand halls whispering tales of kings and commoners, all under the roof of what was once a royal palace.
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.
IN the eveinng we
TRANSPORT
No driving today
DAY 8
Around Luang Prabang
HOTEL Maison Delabua or similar
If you need one more hotel night in Phnom Penh let us know and we will help you with the booking.
Today we explore Luang Prabangs outskirts. Our first stop takes us to the mesmerizing Kuang Si Falls, one of the most renowned and breathtaking waterfalls in Laos.
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.
Sunset and cakes are offered by Monica at her beautiful property.
Then we drive back to our charming hotel. and get ready for our farewell dinner.
TRANSPORT
Van transfers
DAY 9
Depart
HOTEL None
Canvas and Orchids Retreat
Situated along the Tatai River, Canvas & Orchids Retreat offers a peaceful treat with its land and overwater tented villas, stunning views and restaurant. Offering a view of Cardamom Mountains, each villa features a private terrace. The perfect place to unwind.
It is time to say goodbye.
Unless you want to continue your journey further South and travel with us all the way to Cambodia, we say thank you for joining us on this incredible road adventure.
We hope it inspired you to embrace the spirit of exploration and left you with memories to treasure. We believe that through this journey, you’ve grown stronger, braver, and more connected to the world around you. Here’s to many more adventures together!
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 2. Most of the roads are well-paved. Only the road between Vang Vieng and Phonsavan and Luang Prabang can be bumpy, especially after the rainy season!
But we always stay close together and navigate through this together. Don’t forget: all cars are connected via walkie talkies, so we can always communicate!
*Please note: pricing is based on shared twin rooms; if you prefer a private room, contact us. Your flights, visas, international driving license and travel insurance are not included. A deposit of $1000USD is collected on arrival day for your car, and returned to you at the end of the journey if no damage is done.
Your journey awaits
It’s time to take your life out of park. Where in the world do you want to XXplore?
