SURPRISING LAOS TOURS
Overview
This tour is full of pleasant surprises. Prepare for a unique experience as we take in the Ancientnational sites of Vientiane, the idyllic tranquil town of Vang Vieng and the charming laid-back city Luang Prabang. Time is spent at the beautiful Khouangsi waterfalls where you can refresh yourself in the cool pools. We trek through some hill tribe villages to meet the fascinating local people. Experience a rural homestay spending an evening enjoying a local dinner and sampling the local produce of Lao rice wine…
Tour Route Map
SURPRISING LAOS ADVENTURE TREKKING TOUR
From Vientiane via Vang Vieng to Luang Prabang with Homestay
Travel length: 9 days 8 nights
Day 1: Vientiane Arrival
Day 2: Vientiane – Vang Vieng
Day 3: Vang Vieng – Luang Prabang by train
Day 4: Luang Prabang City Tour
Day 5: Trekking and Village Visit
Day 6: Full-Day Trek to Khouang Si Waterfall
Day 7: Mountain Trek to Ban Long Lao
Day 8: Trek Back to Luang Prabang
Day 9: Departure from Luang Prabang
Trip details:
Day 1: Vientiane Arrival
Upon arrival in Vientiane, you will meet your guide and transfer to your hotel, located along the Mekong River.
After check-in and a short rest, the afternoon is free for you to explore some of the capital’s main temples and landmarks. Visit Wat Sisaket, known for its remarkable frescoes and thousands of Buddha images, followed by Wat Prakeo, the former royal temple. You will also visit That Luang Stupa, one of the most important spiritual symbols of Laos, and see the iconic Patuxay Monument, often regarded as one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks.
Day 2: Vientiane – Vang Vieng
Today, you will leave Vientiane and drive along one of the most scenic routes in Laos toward Vang Vieng, a charming riverside town located on a bend of the Nam Song River.
After checking in at your hotel, you can take a walk around town and enjoy the dramatic limestone scenery that makes Vang Vieng so special. You will also visit the famous Tham Jang Cave, which was once used as a shelter against Chinese invaders in the early 19th century.
Day 3: Vang Vieng – Luang Prabang by train
On time, our driver will pick you up for transferring to train station to take a train to Luang Prabang
Arrive in Luang Prabang, our driver will pick you up and transfer to your hotel.
Enjoy some free time to wander around this UNESCO-recognized town. With its glittering temple roofs, colonial architecture, peaceful streets, and mountain backdrop, Luang Prabang offers a truly unique charm.
Day 4: Luang Prabang City Tour
Today, explore the major highlights of Luang Prabang, starting with the National Museum, housed in the former Royal Palace. Continue to Wat Visoun, famous for its impressive stupa, and Wat Sene, one of the oldest temples in the city.
You will also visit Wat Xieng Thong, one of the most beautiful and important temples in Luang Prabang, known for its richly decorated exterior and graceful Lao architecture.
In the late afternoon, climb Mount Phousi with its 329 steps to enjoy panoramic sunset views over the town and surrounding mountains. In the evening, visit the Night Market, where you can browse handmade textiles and local handicrafts.
Day 5: Trekking and Village Visit
After breakfast, cross the Mekong River to visit local caves before beginning your trek to nearby villages.
Today’s journey gives you the opportunity to meet ethnic minority communities, including the Khmu hill tribe people in Ban Chane and Ban Pha Phet. Later, take a boat ride to Paklung Village, where you will enjoy dinner with a local family.
Tonight, stay in simple dormitory-style accommodation without Western facilities, offering an authentic local homestay experience.
Day 6: Full-Day Trek to Khouang Si Waterfall
After saying goodbye to your host family, begin a full-day trek through hill tribe villages, from Ban Jong toward Ban Long Phu.
The route passes through several ethnic minority settlements and crosses the Mekong River at Ban Saluen. Later, continue walking toward Khouang Si Waterfall, famous for its multi-tiered limestone pools and turquoise water. This is a wonderful place to relax after a rewarding trekking day.
Day 7: Mountain Trek to Ban Long Lao
Continue trekking through the beautiful countryside around Luang Prabang. Today’s route takes you up mountain slopes, through forests, streams, and rice fields.
This is a challenging trekking day, so good physical preparation is recommended. By late afternoon, arrive at Ban Long Lao, where you will stay as a guest in a local villager’s home. Your host family may even invite you to taste their homemade rice wine.
Day 8: Trek Back to Luang Prabang
After breakfast, spend half a day trekking through several small hill tribe villages before reaching Ban Xieng Mouak.
From there, take a short tuk-tuk ride back to Luang Prabang. The rest of the day is free for you to relax, explore the town, or do some shopping at your own pace.
Day 9: Departure from Luang Prabang
Enjoy free time to further explore Luang Prabang or simply relax before your transfer to the airport for your departure flight.
This gives you some flexibility to visit any places you may have missed or to take it easy after your trekking adventure.
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