Laos Tour | Far North to Far South
Explore some of Southeast Asia’s most remote and unspoilt regions and discover some of its most sublime scenery and spectacular sights including all 3 Lao's UNESCO World Heritage Sites
A comprehensive Laos tour - Luang Prabang to Phnom Penh Overland
Laos Tour
Our comprehensive Laos small group tour, ‘Far North to Far South’, follows one of the world’s greatest rivers through the heart of Indochina. Beginning in the country’s laid-back, contemporary capital, Vientiane, we’ll take a ride on the new China-Lao railway to the historic and picturesque town of Luang Prabang, nestled in the mountains of far northern Laos. From here we’ll travel to the remote and enigmatic Plain of Jars, before completing our loop to riverside Vientiane.
Our itinerary then takes you south along the Mekong to the French-era river ports of Thakaek and Pakse, where we’ll travel by boat up an underground river amid the surreal, karst landscapes of Hin Boun National Park as well as discovering the waterfalls, traditional villages and tea and coffee plantations of the Bolaven Plateau.
Continuing by boat our next destination is quaint Champassak town with its well-preserved French architecture and spectacular pre-Angkor, UNESCO-listed, World Heritage site of Wat Phu. Further still, along the border where Laos and Cambodia meet, we’ll explore the sublime scenery of Si Phan Don or the ‘4,000 Islands’ – a picturesque, inland archipelago on the Mekong.
From here, we cross the border into northern Cambodia and continue along the Mekong to our final destination, Cambodia’s bustling capital, Phnom Penh. Stops on the way include a boat trip to see the Mekong’s rare freshwater ‘Irrawaddy’ dolphins and the 12th-century, Angkorian temple of Wat Nokor.
Our south Laos tour is an unforgettable, fascinating and varied voyage by road, rail and river through some of Southeast Asia’s most remote and unspoilt areas, including all 3 of the country’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites, as well as some of its lesser-known, off-the-beaten-track sites from the far south to far north.
Note, due to intense heat and occasional poor air quality, we don’t schedule this tour in March or April.
Includes: Meals: B x 18, L x 8, D x 8
Far South
Itinerary
Here's an idea of what you can expect to do and see day-to-day.
Day 1 - Arrival in Vientiane and introductory walking tour
Arrival in the Lao capital of Vientiane, on the banks of the Mekong River, and check-in to our centrally located hotel. Time to stretch your legs with an orientation walking tour before perhaps riverbank sundowners and a local-style welcome dinner at one of the town’s lively night markets.
Overnight: Vientiane Transport: Walk, Meals: D,
Day 2 - Luang Prabang - arrival and walking tour
Departure by train, (Lao’s recently constructed, first-ever rail line), through the spectacular central highlands to the ancient capital Luang Prabang. Mid-morning arrival and some time to relax before a boat trip up the Mekong to the mysterious Pak Ou Caves with their thousands of Buddha statues left by pilgrims over the centuries. Return to Luang Prabang for sunset and a chance to sample some of the region’s local specialities.
Overnight: Luang Prabang Transport: Train, Boat, Meals: B, D,
Day 3 - Luang Prabang - city walking tour
Nestled in the mountains, long isolated from the outside world, discover UNESCO-listed Luang Prabang’s fabulous temples, French period architecture and taste Lao delicacies (and the famous Lao beer!) in riverside cafes. A walking tour of the town includes the former king’s palace, now National Museum, Wat Xiengthong and Phu Si Temple. Afternoon at leisure to explore the picturesque lanes and famous hill-tribe handicraft market.
Overnight: Luang Prabang Transport: Walk, Meals: B,
Day 4 - Luang Prabang - into the surrounding hills
Morning trip through the surrounding hills to visit the spectacular turquoise ponds, cascades and falls at Kuang Si as well as the nearby Free the Bears site which houses moon, (Asiatic black) and sun bears – in addition to several monkey species, pangolins, civets and birds – rescued from hunters, the illegal animal trade and private zoos. Return to Luang Prabang with a stop for a riverside lunch at the Ock Pop Tok community weaving project.
Overnight: Luang Prabang Transport: Minibus, Walk, Meals: B, L,
Day 5 - Phonsavan - overland to the Plain of Jars
Early departure for a drive along mountain roads to Phonsavan in Xieng Khouang province – location of the famous and mysterious Plain of Jars. Stops on the way include Khmu and Hmong villages and a hidden cave temple that served as an army hospital during the Vietnam War.
Overnight: Phonsavan Transport: Minibus, Meals: B, L, D,
Day 6 - Plain of Jars - day tour
Tour of spectacular Jar Site 1 and return to Phonsavan Town for lunch and a visit to the well-laid out Xieng Khouang Museum to learn about the background to the famous jars, as well as the region’s more recent history when it played a key role during the Vietnam conflict. In the afternoon we travel to the picturesque Jar Site 2 and begin our 1-hour hike to impressive Site 3, consisting of over 150 jars and offering great views over the surrounding countryside.
Overnight: Phonsavan Transport: Minibus, Walk, Meals: B,
Day 7 - Vientiane - city tour
Short morning flight to Vientiane with an afternoon tour of some of the capital’s varied sites including Si Saket Temple with its 1,000 Buddha images and Vientiane’s most famous monument, That Luang Stupa. Less cheerful, but we feel important and highly informative, is a stop at the excellent COPE exhibition centre, which highlights the problem of unexploded ordnance from the Vietnam War.
Overnight: Vientiane Transport: Minibus, Plane, Walk, Meals: B, D,
Day 8 - On the road - spectacular Khammoune Province
Leave Vientiane for a leisurely drive southeast to Khammouane, one of Laos’ most picturesque, yet least visited provinces. Stops along the way will include the highly unusual ‘Buddha Park’ and a traditional-style hill-tribe market. Afternoon arrival at Hin Boun, a remote village set among dramatic karst scenery for our night’s accommodation in a charming riverside eco-resort.
Overnight: Hin Boun Transport: Minibus, Walk, Meals: B, L,
Day 9 - Hin Boun - boat journey along an underground river
Departure by boat for an exploration of the incredible Konglor Cave. A 7-km-long underground river running through the cavern is the only access to a hidden valley in the mountain’s interior. We’ll travel through the cave by boat for a short hike through the farmland and villages of this highly unusual feature before completing our day with a transfer to the nearby French-era river port of Thakaek, in time for sunset on the waterfront.
Overnight: Thakaek Transport: Minibus, Boat, Walk, Meals: B, L,
Day 10 - Morning hike and on to Savannakhet
Morning exploring some of the region’s limestone scenery including visits to a series of 300-year-old cave temples before an afternoon drive south to the historic, riverside town of Savannakhet.
Overnight: Thakaek Transport: Minibus, Walk, Tuk Tuk, Meals: B, L,
Day 11 - Morning at leisure in Savannakhet
Time to check out some of Savannakhet’s French-period architecture or just soak up the river views from the Inn’s terrace before a drive south along the Mekong Valley to another old French period river port, Pakse. Late afternoon arrival, in time perhaps for sunset views from the hotel’s rooftop cafe?
Overnight: Pakse Transport: Minibus, Walk, Meals: B, D,
Day 12 - Bolaven Plateau - coffee plantations and waterfalls
Tour some of the sites of the Bolaven Plateau, home to numerous ethnic minorities and the centre of Lao’s coffee-growing industry. The day will include a visit to one of the area’s coffee plantations, a fascinating local market, and a chance to bathe in the spectacular Tad Yeuang Falls.
Overnight: Pakse Transport: Minibus, Walk, Meals: B, L,
Day 14 - World Heritage Wat Phu
Morning visit to the nearby UNESCO World Heritage site of Wat Phu – a spectacularly located Angkor-period temple situated on terraced slopes overlooking the Mekong valley. Short walk to discover some of the lesser-visited outlying temple sites with the afternoon free to relax in your riverside resort.
Overnight: Champassak Transport: Minibus, Walk, Meals: B,
Day 15 - The 4,000 Islands - by boat to Don Khone
Across the river and continue south to our embarkment point for a boat tour through the 4,000 Islands – a stretch of the Mekong of truly outstanding natural beauty straddling the Lao/Cambodian border. Our day’s destination is the picturesque Don Khone while our boat journey will include a stop for a local-style lunch courtesy of the villagers.
Overnight: Khone Island Transport: Minibus, Boat, Meals: B, L,
Day 16 - Don Khone - morning island tour
The morning is spent exploring some of the sites of Khone Island on foot and by tuk-tuk, including the Liphi falls and the old WW2 Japanese railway. The afternoon is at leisure for you to explore further on foot or by bicycle, or just sit back and relax by the resort’s pool.
Overnight: Khone Island Transport: Boat, Walk, Tuk Tuk, Meals: B, D,
Day 17 - Into northern Cambodia - Kratie and freshwater dolphins
Time to head back to the mainland and cross the border into northern Cambodia and the remote town of Stung Treng. From here we continue south to Kratie town for an afternoon Mekong boat tour to see rare freshwater dolphins followed perhaps by sundowners in a Mekong-side Kratie cafe.
Overnight: Kratie Transport: Minibus, Boat, Meals: B,
Day 18 - South along the Mekong to Phnom Penh
Continue south through Kampong Cham Province with a stop at the well-preserved 12th-century site of Wat Nokor and afternoon arrival in Phnom Penh. An evening farewell, Khmer-style dinner completes the tour.
Overnight: Phnom Penh Transport: Minibus, Meals: B, L, D,
Details
Further details, background info and answers to your burning questions.
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Highlights
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Map
Departures
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Hotels
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Visa Info & Notes
Just a few of the many highlights
From Laos' beautifully preserved Luang Prabang and the Plain of Jars, we'll follow the Mekong south through the spectacular scenery of Hin Boun and the 4,000 Islands to the World Heritage site of Wat Phu
- Explore the ancient temples, colonial architecture, narrow lanes, bustling markets of World Heritage Luang Prabang
- Visit the enigmatic, UNESCO-listed, Plain of Jars archeological site in remote Northeastern Laos
- Visit the traditional villages, waterfalls and coffee plantations of the Bolaven Plateau
- An exciting boat journey up the underground river of Konglor Cave followed by a hike through the 'hidden valley'
- Discover the Mekong's picturesque 4,000 Islands region in the far south of Laos
- Includes all 3 of Laos's UNESCO designated World Heritage Sites
Air Departures (UK) *From
- 12 October 26 3,975 GBP
- 9 November 26 4,025 GBP
- 6 December 26 4,225 GBP
- 2 January 27 4,025 GBP
- 5 February 27 4,025 GBP
- 14 May 27 3,975 GBP
- 16 June 27 3,975 GBP
- 21 July 27 3,975 GBP
- 25 August 27 3,975 GBP
- 13 October 27 3,975 GBP
- 17 November 27 4,025 GBP
- 22 December 27 4,125 GBP
Land Departures
- 13 October 26 3,075 GBP
- 10 November 26 3,125 GBP
- 7 December 26 3,125 GBP
- 3 January 27 3,125 GBP
- 6 February 27 3,125 GBP
- 15 May 27 3,075 GBP
- 17 June 27 3,075 GBP
- 22 July 27 3,075 GBP
- 26 August 27 3,075 GBP
- 14 October 27 3,075 GBP
- 18 November 27 3,125 GBP
- 23 December 27 3,125 GBP
Guaranteed Places Left Special Price Contact Us Closed
*As fares are fluctuating wildly at present all ‘with flight’ prices are approximate.
*Air departures are from the UK. Land departures start from Vientiane.
*Land departure dates correspond to the FIRST day of the itinerary.
We choose our hotels based on a combination of location, comfort and convenience. Here is a *selection of the types of hotel/rooms you can expect to stay at on this tour...
Sabaidee at Laos Vientiane view
- Convenient, central location in the heart of Vientiane
- Close to shops, restaurants, pubs and the riverside
- In house bar and courtyard breakfast seating
Villa Chitdara Luang Prabang view
- 'French colonial' chic at Luang Prabang's Villa Chitdara
- Friendly staff, a relaxed atmosphere and central location
- Great spot for exploring the old World Heritage town
Spring River Resort Hin Boun view
- Spectacular garden setting overlooked by limestone cliffs
- Comfortable, traditional-style wooden chalets
- Located on the banks of the picturesque Hin Boun River
Inthira Hotel Thakaek view
- The hotel is set in a renovated colonial period house
- Central location in Thakaek Town close to the waterfront
- Excellent in-house bar and restaurant
Pilgrim’s Inn Savannakhet view
- Delightful position on the banks of the Mekong River
- Excellent in-house restaurant and bar overlooking the river
- Central location in Savannakhet Town
Pakse Hotel view
- Splendid views from the hotel's rooftop bar and restaurant
- Sip a cold one as you watch the sun set over the Mekong
- Central but quiet location in the old port town
Nakorn River View Champassak view
- Great rverside location overlooking the Mekong
- Cofortable rooms with terraces in a garden setting
- Excellent in-house bar and restaurant and centrla locaion
Seng Ahloune Resort 4000 Islands view
- Scenic riverside location
- Located on Khone Island in Sth Laos's scenic '4,000 Islands'
- Traditional style wooden chalets
Patio Hotel and Urban Resort view
- Convenient central location nearby shops, cafes, restaurants
- Comfortable, well-appointed and well-decorated
- Spectacular rooftop infinity pool
*This list should be considered a guide only, hotels/rooms may change (without notice) depending on availability.
Visa Info & Notes
Visas:
Laos: 30-day tourist visas are issued at the visa-on-arrival counters at international airports and most land entry points. These are available for most nationalities with the exception of certain African and Middle Eastern countries and require a passport photo along with $40. (You can check the list at this Lao immigration department site.) Additionally, Lao e-visas are now available and will speed up arrival formalities.
Cambodia: Although a 30-day tourist visa is issued at the border, somewhat tedious formalities at this remote border crossing make obtaining a visa in advance or strongly advisable. (Cost is $30)
The visa on arrival is payable in $US and may vary slightly from country to country. Most European passport holders, plus South African, Australian and NZ are charged $30 with the exception of Swedish who pay $1 more and British who pay an extra $5. US citizens are also charged $35 while, for reasons we can’t fathom, Canadians pay $41. (Note a $1 overtime fee is charged for public holidays, outside of standard office hours or whenever they feel like it.)
Both: Requirements are at least 6 months passport validity, a minimum of 1 blank page and 2 passport-sized photos. Both tourist visas are 1-page stick-on type and you’ll receive additional, regular-sized, entry and exit stamps.
Your entry point for the Lao section of this tour is Wattay International Airport (Vientiane) and exit port is Veun Kham. Despite some older information we’ve seen online, the Cambodian crossing point is Don Kalor and your exit point is Pochentong International Airport (Phnom Penh). Also, in contrast to some info we’ve found, Cambodian e-vias are now accepted at Don Kalor.
Tipping: we recommend a kitty system for the smaller, daily tips such as hotel/restaurant staff and local guides and drivers. Amounts inevitably vary with group size but would generally be in the region of $3-4 per person, per day. With regards guides accompanying you for longer periods, we’d recommend a separate tip of approximately $5 per person, per day, although of course, this is always discretionary and performance-related. (Local currency or USD are fine.)
Meals: Breakfasts are generally hotel buffets with lunch and dinners based on local food. Your tour leader will usually order a selection of dishes, local-style, while a number of meals are not included, which allows you to ‘do your own thing’ or take a break if you’re feeling ‘riced out’.
Although you may assume Lao cuisine is little-known outside of Laos the fact that it’s hugely popular in neighbouring Thailand is a good reference and indeed many well-known Thai dishes such as the famous green papaya salad (som tam) and spicy minced pork salad (laap) are of Lao origin. Certain dishes can be pretty hot – though your tour-leader can, of course, ask for them to be toned down – while the more Chinese and Vietnamese influenced dishes, which will be more familiar to foreign travellers, being generally mild.
Both vegan and vegetarian diets are easily catered to.
Accommodation: all choices fall into the comfortable 3* range and are en-suite and air-conditioned. We have posted a selection of sample accommodation on the left-hand hotel tab but please note that as we try and avoid the larger hotels, availability, in high season particularly, means we use several options in each destination.
Activities: note that no activities are compulsory and that any such as trekking, can be tailored for any fitness level or alternatives suggested.
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