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7 Day Laos Signature
Highlights: Vientiane, Vang Vieng, Luang Prabang
Trip start: Vientiane
Trip end: Luang Prabang
* USD per person based on 2-4 people, double occupancy. Custom designed personal tour. Prices subject to change.

National Geographic Adventure Best Adventure Travel Companies on Earth '98.33 Client Satisfaction Rating'

Winner National Geographic 'Best Adventure Travel Companies on Earth'
2008 & 2009

Trip Summary
Map of Itinerary
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Private guided tour of the top destinations in Laos: Vientiane, Vang Vieng and Luang Prabang. Vientiane is situated on a bend of the Mekong river, which forms the border with Thailand. Your private guide will help you discover the city's treasures. Transfer by land to Vang Vieng, a small town surrounded by magnificent karst mountains. Next travel to Luang Prabang, located in north central Laos. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it remains a charmingly rustic town on the shore of the Mekong river, almost unaware of the spectacular temples and palaces dating back to its time as the royal capital. A favorite spot. A superb adventure with private guides and the hassle free comfort of Kensington's 24/7 support.

Day Activities Hotel
Day 1
Vientiane
  • Vientiane: Transfer - Airport - Vehicle/Guide/Driver
Green Park Boutique Hotel (B)
Day 2
Vientiane
  • Private - City Tour w/ Lunch - Vehicle/Guide/Driver
  • Lunch (included)
Green Park Boutique Hotel (B)
Day 3
Vang Vieng
  • Vientiane - Vang Vieng - Vehicle/Guide/Driver
  • Lunch (included)
The Elephant Crossing (B)
Day 4
Luang Prabang
  • Vang Vieng: Vang Vieng - Luang Prabang - Vehicle/Guide/Driver
  • Lunch (included)
Maison Souvannaphoum (B)
Day 5
Luang Prabang
  • Luang Prabang: Private - 1/2 day City Cycling Tour - Vehicle/Guide/Driver
Maison Souvannaphoum (B)
Day 6
Luang Prabang
  • Private - Pak Ou Caves and Kuang Si WaterFall - Vehicle/Guide/Driver
  • Lunch (included)
Maison Souvannaphoum (B)
Day 7
Luang Prabang
  • Transfer - Airport - Vehicle/Guide/Driver
  • Kensington Cares - 2
Depart (Int`l Airport) (standard) 
B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner, 1/2d = Half Day, Al = All Inclusive

Trip Options
All of our itineraries may be customized as you wish, add extra days, change a hotel, see different sights. Contact one of our expert consultants for your free, no-obligation vacation plan.

Itinerary

Day 1 Vientiane

One of Asia’s most relaxed and quiet capital cities, Vientiane is nestled in fertile plains on the banks of the Mekong River. Many buildings reflect the country’s past links with Europe, such as the old French colonial houses and the capital’s Victory Monument, which bears a striking, if somewhat rococo, similarity to the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. An important national monument is the 16th-century That Luang (Royal Stupa) that symbolises Buddhist and Lao union. Other interesting sights include the Lao Revolutionary Museum; Wat Ho Prakeo, a former royal temple; Wat Sisaket, one of the capital’s oldest temples; Wat Xieng Khouang (Buddha Park), situated 24km (15 miles) south of the city and displaying fascinating Buddhist and Hindu structures.

Airport transfer with private guide and driver.

The Green Park Boutique Hotel perfectly captures traditional Lao style and contemporary Lao architecture. A combination of historic and modern designs within a magnificent setting creates an elegant, luxurious and relaxing atmosphere. Stylish guest rooms have rich wooden floors, delicate Lao silks draped over teakwood furniture and modern conveniences such as free wireless internet access. Sit in Nong Chanh Park, the biggest park in Vientiane and take a brief walk to major tourist sites like the Morning Market. Secluded without being isolated, The Green Park is undoubtedly a groundbreaking boutique property that is worth discovering.

Overnight at Green Park Boutique Hotel.


Vientiane
Vientiane
Green Park Boutique Hotel
Green Park Boutique Hotel
Day 2 Vientiane

Explore Vientiane by vehicle, visit a few main temples such as Vat Ho Prakeo which used to be the house of the Emerald Buddha, across the street is Wat Sisaket where more than ten thousand Buddha images are housed. Continue to Pratuxai (similar to the Arc de Triumph of France). Here you are free to climb up to the top to get a great view of the city. Our last visit will be the Golden Stupa, which is well known as That Luang Stupa, and it is believed to contain a relic of lord Buddha. Enjoy lunch at local restaurant. In the afternoon, visit Lao Revolutionary Museum, learn and get to know what happened during the French colonial time, and during the reign of the King Anou and Chao Fa Ngum. Visit Ban Nong Bouathong weaving village, to get to know how people feed worms for the famous silk and Lao textiles.

Overnight at Green Park Boutique Hotel.


Golden Stupa
Golden Stupa
Day 3 Vang Vieng

Vang Vieng is a town in Laos, located in Vientiane Province. The population is around 25,000. Vang Vieng today is mainly a backpacker town. The main street is littered with guest houses, bars, restaurants, internet cafes and tour agencies. One of the main attractions of the town is inner tubing on the river and Kayaking. During the wet season, the river can be a series of raging rapids, but during the dry season, some of it is little more than a trickle. Climbing the limestone mountains is another popular activity. Landscape in Vang ViengThe market is located five kilometers north of the town selling Lao textiles, household items and several stalls selling dubious foodstuffs. It is possible for stalls to sell bats, squirrels, monkeys, rats, mice and other animals as food. In the town there is a wat that is notable in looking rundown and keeping its valuables chained behind a door. The town is situated on the main north-south highway, Route 13 from Luang Prabang to the capital, Vientiane. But the real attractions of the area are the scenery, the limestone hills and the numerous caves and caverns. Perhaps the most interesting is the Tham Phu Kham cave, half an hour's spine-compacting ride away from Vang Vieng by tuk-tuk or rented motorbike.

You will be picked up by car, starting at your hotel in Vientiane. Along the way you will stop to visit Posa paper handicraft and local market. Once in Vang Vieng you will visit Tham Jang Cave and a local mulberry farm. Enjoy the evening at leisure.

The Elephant Crossing Hotel is a boutique hotel in Vang Vieng. Situated on the banks of the Nam Song River, The Elephant Crossing Hotel boasts breathtaking views of majestic limestone mountains, excellent service, free Wi-Fi internet access, and a range of rooms to suit singles, couples, families or groups. Our boutique hotel welcomes you with the special ambience of Laos: the traditional Lao open-air Sala for relaxing, lounging and dining; and a riverside restaurant and bar that encompass the magnificent views of our unspoilt landscape. This is a truly unique and highly pleasurable encounter with the scenery and customs of "The Land of a Million Elephants".

Overnight at The Elephant Crossing.



Inside Tham Jang cave
Inside Tham Jang cave
The Elephant Crossing
The Elephant Crossing
Day 4 Luang Prabang

Luang Prabang has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1995. Located between the Mekong and Khan River, it is the cultural and religious center of the country, boasting 32 large temple complexes. Wat Xieng Thong is one of the most impressive temples, decorated with colored glass and gold. Testament to the fact that it had been the royal capital until 1975, the royal palace there contains fine artwork and gifts made for former kings. Nearby, in the town center, visitors can ascend Mount Phousi for a panoramic view of the city and surrounding rivers. Also worth seeing is the Palace Museum (the former royal palace), easily recognizable by its golden-inspired stupa, which houses an impressive collection of artifacts from old rulers of the Kingdom of Lane Xang.

After breakfast at your hotel, continue your journey from Vang Vieng onward to Luang prabang. Make a short stop to visit the Phatang, the breathtaking and unique mountainous landscape of the region. Arrive at Luang Prabang later in the afternoon, and transfer to your hotel.

The Maison Souvannaphoum was once the home to Laotian royalty, it exudes old world charm but with a touch of the contemporary. This hotel also features the celebrated Angsana Spa, ideal for discerning guests. Each guest room is warm and inviting, with a modern décor that is also reminiscent of the colonial era. Be tempted by a variety of mouth-watering French, Laotian and Indochinese dishes at The Elephant Blanc, all served up in a casually chic poolside setting. The former residence of Prince Souvannaphouma in the 1960s and 70s, Maison Souvannaphoum is the perfect place to unwind after a day of exploring the ancient temples and enchanting scenery of Luang Prabang.

Overnight at Maison Souvannaphoum.


Luang Prabang
Luang Prabang
Phatang
Phatang
Maison Souvannaphoum
Maison Souvannaphoum
Day 5 Luang Prabang

Explore Luang Prabang by bicycle. Visit former royal temples, Wat Visun where you can see the Biggest Buddha statue, Wat Xieng Thong the most beautiful temple in Luang Prabang with its mosaic decoration and the former royal carriage. Visit the Museum (former king's palace), then climb up Mt Phousi overlooking the city of Luang Prabang. Time permitting, take a ride around the outskirts of town.

Overnight at Maison Souvannaphoum.


Gold Stupa on top of Mount Phousi
Gold Stupa on top of Mount Phousi
Day 6 Luang Prabang

Take a traditional wooden boat upstream to visit the famous cave of Pak Ou. The caves are located right on the cliff, it is a very impressive and stunning sight. Inside the cave, there are more than one hundred Buddha images which have been brought by local people since the early 14th century when the cave was found. On the way, make a short stop at Ban Xanghai, where you can enjoy the taste of the local rice wine. Lunch will be served on the terrace facing the Nam Ou River. Continue our visit in the afternoon to Kuang Si waterfall, located 30km south of Luang Prabang, the many tiered waterfalls have scooped out small basins of turquoise color. A short trek and swim around the falls is recommended. On the way you will stopover to visit Ban Tha Pen the Hmong village.

Overnight at Maison Souvannaphoum.


Pak Ou Caves
Pak Ou Caves
Day 7 Luang Prabang

Airport transfer with private guide, driver and vehicle.

Kensington Tours donates a portion of proceeds to our charitable initiative www.kensingtoncares.com which supports education-based initiatives in disadvantaged communities.

Depart from International Airport. End of itinerary.

Overnight at Depart (Int`l Airport) (standard).


Kensington Cares
Kensington Cares

Trip Includes
Guaranteed departure – Accommodation, Activities, Transfers, Meals, Fees where indicated as per the itinerary - Local and international traveler assistance during your tour - Specialised and personalised services

Trip Excludes
Tips - Laundry - Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages unless explicitly noted - Optional activities/extras – Visas (unless noted) - Vacation insurance

Trip Terms & Conditions

  • Your deposit is due immediately on booking (30% of program price, minimum $250). The balance is due 90 days prior to departure. We accept payment via credit card, certified check, wire transfer or money order.
  • Tour quotes do not include airfare to/from the trip start point unless noted on the itinerary
  • Cost increases in currency exchange, government fees, taxes, surcharges or hotel/lodge tariff increases between quote date and start date are payable by the client.
  • Availability cannot be guaranteed until booked. We will exercise best efforts to book hotels per the itinerary, however, in busy seasons and with client bookings made within 90 days of tour date we may be forced to offer substitutes.
  • Cancellations of confirmed bookings 90 days or more prior to departure will receive full refund minus a $350 (per person) administrative fee and any non-refundable paid fees (e.g. non-refundable airfare, cruise or hotel deposits). 60-89 days will be subject to loss of deposit. 30-59 days will be subject to loss of 50% of program price. 29 days or less will be subject to 100% of program price.
  • Payment of the program price constitutes your acceptance of the terms and conditions set out at www.kensingtontours.com/terms-and-conditions
  • Living Standards and practices at destination may differ from those in North America with respect to provisions of utilities, services and accommodation.