Adventures with Purpose: Laos
Example Itinerary
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Overview
Opening your eyes to a world long-vanished in other parts of Asia, Laos is a land of serene jungles and remote mountain tribes. Through various locally-led initiatives, the country has made great efforts in recent years to safeguard its environment and preserve its rich cultural heritage, leading the way with many of its sustainable and eco-tourism practices. Here you will discover timeless beauty and forward-thinking enterprises which will give you a unique insight into an often-overlooked and ...
Opening your eyes to a world long-vanished in other parts of Asia, Laos is a land of serene jungles and remote mountain tribes. Through various locally-led initiatives, the country has made great efforts in recent years to safeguard its environment and preserve its rich cultural heritage, leading the way with many of its sustainable and eco-tourism practices. Here you will discover timeless beauty and forward-thinking enterprises which will give you a unique insight into an often-overlooked and underestimated corner of Southeast Asia.
Beginning the journey in and around Luang Prabang you have the opportunity to learn more about Laos’ cultural traditions and conservation efforts, with visits to a butterfly park and bear and elephant sanctuaries, as well as a rice farm and a weaving community. From here you wind your way across the mountains to the surreal site of the Plain of Jars. Learn more about the effects and continuing repercussions of the recent war on the local communities, before travelling on to the remote Nam Et-Phou Louey National Park, home to some of the country’s richest biodiversity, where you embark on an exciting two-day jungle adventure led by local conservation experts.
Your final chapter sees you immersing yourself in village life along the Nam Ou River where you stay with a local family and unravel the intricacies of traditional life in this picturesque region - exploring fishing and farming techniques, savouring unique culinary delights, and forging lasting connections with the heart of Laos.
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
How Tailor-Made Works
Discuss your initial ideas with one of our experts, the types of things you want to see and do.
Your expert will start designing your perfect trip. Within a day or two we'll send a suggested itinerary.
At this stage you can still tweak anything from accommodation to experiences and dates, using our expert advice.
Time to prepare for your trip, safe in the knowledge you'll be in the expert hands of local guides and drivers throughout.
Relax and enjoy...through our partners you'll have support on the ground as well as 24-hour emergency assistance in the UK.
Example Itinerary
This is an example itinerary. Our experts have all travelled widely in the region and will be happy to tailor any of our itineraries to suit your tastes and budget, or build a trip from scratch.
Day 1 Arrive Luang Prabang
Arrive in Luang Prabang where you will be met and transferred to the beautiful oasis of Maison Dalabua. This boutique property is family-run and demonstrates a commitment to sustainability through various initiatives, from implementing energy-efficient practices and minimizing waste, to engaging in local community support and sourcing local materials. Enjoy a free evening and get ready for your adventure ahead.
Day 2 Luang Prabang: Heritage, History & Handicrafts
Set off this morning with your guide to explore some of the main sites and immerse yourself in the traditional arts and history of this beautiful town located along the banks of the Mekong River, now a listed UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit the Royal Palace Museum as well as the historical Huan Chuan Heritage House, before moving on to one of the country’s most enchanting temples, Wat Xiengthong. Discover a charming traditional library which houses an historic photo exhibition of Buddhist heritage, before ending with a visit to the ‘Traditional Arts and Ethnology Centre’, which gives a wonderful introduction to the rich and diverse ethnic and cultural blend of Laos. Here you can meet with one of the directors of the museum who will give you a private tour and offer a greater insight into the different ethnic cultures of Laos.
Day 3 Luang Prabang: Life along the Mekong
Setting off early this morning, you will discover some of the villages and livelihoods of the locals living along the Mekong River, as you explore by boat, bicycle and on foot, passing between temples, fishing and weaving villages, and learning more about the different communities and traditions in this area. Following quiet unpaved roads, you will soon reach a village famous for its pottery-making, and here you will spend some time with a master-potter who will give you an insight into his craft, as well as a delicious home-cooked lunch. End the day on a special local boat for a private sunset cruise, accompanied by refreshing drinks and tasty canapes, as you soak up the effortless beauty of life along the Mekong.
Day 4 Luang Prabang : Bears , Butterflies & Buffaloes
After breakfast you will be taken on a scenic drive through the countryside to visit the stunning Kuang Si Waterfall. Stop off en route to visit the Kuang Si Butterfly Park, where you will be shown around by one of the botanist founders, and then spend some time at the Free the Bears Project to learn about the Asiatic Black Bear conservation efforts led by this local organisation. This afternoon, you will then visit the Laos Buffalo Dairy, a social enterprise which helps underprivileged farmers with new sources of income by producing artisanal cheese from buffalo milk. Meet one of the managers for a guided tour around the farm and learn about the challenges, achievements and future plans of this progressive organisation, as well as sampling some of the fantastic cheeses! Returning to Luang Prabang in the afternoon, you will visit the wonderful Ock Pop Tock Learning Centre where you can discover more about silk weaving. This social enterprise was established with the goal of promoting and preserving the traditional textile arts of Laos while providing economic opportunities for local weavers. They work with local artisans, especially women in rural areas, providing them with training and a platform to showcase their skills. For those with a keen interest in learning some of the traditional Lao weaving techniques, the organisation also offers workshops and classes.
Day 5 Luang Prabang – Sayaboury: Elephant Conservation
Today you will be transferred out of town into the beautiful Laos countryside towards Sayaboury Province, where you will spend the next two days learning about the conservation work being done at the unique Elephant Conservation Centre (ECC). In more recent years, Laos has been actively involved in conservation efforts for elephants, recognizing their cultural and ecological significance. The ECC focuses on the rescue, rehabilitation, and protection of elephants, aiming to address the challenges faced by these majestic creatures. The historical use of elephants in logging resulted in habitat loss and strained human-elephant relationships, and as agriculture expanded, elephants also encountered increased conflicts with farmers. Poaching and illegal trade still pose significant threats to elephants in Laos, but strict law enforcement and international collaboration have played an integral part in helping to protect them, as well as educational programs, the implementation of protected corridors and community-based conservation initiatives such as the ECC.
Day 6 Sayaboury – Luang Prabang
Enjoy observing the elephants in their natural environment and learn more about their daily routines. You will get the chance to meet with the experienced conservationists that are based here and discuss the challenges and successes of this important conservation initiative. After lunch you will be transferred back to Luang Prabang where you can settle in for the evening.
Day 7 Luang Prabang – Phonsavan: War Insights & UNESCO Mysteries
Depart Luang Prabang after breakfast for a long but stunning drive along the winding mountain roads to Phonesavanh, home of the UNESCO site of Plain of Jars. En route, you'll stop to visit some local villages and have lunch at a local restaurant. This region played a major part during the Vietnam War, which you will learn more about during your time here. Make a stop at a hidden Buddha Cave which served as an army hospital during the war, before arriving to your hotel for the evening.
Day 8 Phonsavan: Plain of Jars
Start the day with a visit to the Mines Action Group (MAG) to learn about the important work being done to clear land mines and unexploded ordnance in the area. The rest of the day will be spent exploring the beautiful and truly unique sites of the Plain of Jars. Wander around the three different sites and visit Wat Phia, a temple that was almost completely destroyed during the war, leaving only a giant Buddha head which to this day remains intact. End the day with sunset views from a special viewpoint.
Day 9 Phonsavan – Nam Et-Phou Louey National Park: Jungle Adventure
Follow the winding roads northeast today as you make your way towards Nam Et-Phou Louey National Park (NEPL), Laos’ largest protected area and home to a rich biodiversity that is scarce in other parts of the country. En route you will get the chance to stop at a nearby Hmong village where you can see locals have made use of old bomb scrap to build their houses. Once you reach the national park you will meet with your specialist local guide and together board a longtail boat and set off along the Nam Nern River, deep into the national park to your basic overnight camp. This is a wonderful way to observe the flora and fauna along the river. Enjoy a local lunch on arrival and learn more about the conservation efforts in the park, directly from those villagers involved. Late afternoon you will embark on a night river safari, offering an insight into the park’s hidden wildlife wonders.
Day 10 Nam Et-Phou Louey National Park – Nong Khiaw
Wake up to the sounds of the jungle in your traditional Lao style hut and enjoy an early morning adventure with your local guide to discover more about the flora and fauna and general history of the area, which was once a major settlement during the Secret War. Cruise back downriver and enjoy some birdwatching en route, before transferring by road to Nong Khiaw, a long journey but one which passes through some stunning scenery.
Day 11 Nong Khiaw: Nam Ou River & Weaving Village
Discover the beautiful surrounding scenery today as you set off along the Nam Ou River, stopping at a weaving village only accessible by boat. Here you will be treated to lunch with a local family and you can learn more about life in the village and the importance of the weaving industry in this area.
Day 12 Nong Khiaw – Nam Ou Homestay
Enjoy a morning at leisure where you can explore the area more on foot or simply relax and soak up your surroundings. After lunch you then set off to meet your wonderful host for the next two days, who will take you to their village to stay with their family in a beautiful traditional wooden house. Learn about the fascinating history of the house and explore the village with your host, who will introduce you to local residents and take you to a local market to pick up some fresh ingredients. Back at the house, you will then have the chance to help prepare dinner and learn some of Laos’ culinary secrets.
Day 13 Nam Ou Homestay – Luang Prabang
Wake up at sunrise to offer Buddhist monks their morning alms at a local temple. You’ll be accompanied by your host who can demonstrate the proper method of alms giving and explain this daily Buddhist ceremony. After enjoying breakfast with the family, you will then be introduced to some of the local fishing and farming techniques as you explore the river and paddy fields, before saying goodbye to your hosts and heading south back to Luang Prabang for your final evening.
Day 14 Depart Luang Prabang
You will be transferred to the airport today in time to catch your onward flight. For those interested in spending a couple of days in Vientiane, you can easily add this on using the connecting train between Luang Prabang and the capital. Beyond the highlights in Vientiane, you will also get the chance to visit the COPE Centre to learn about how they are helping the disadvantaged in Laos who have been effected by UXO, and in the evening, meet with Mike Boddington (MBE) – a UK expat who founded COPE, who will give you more of an insight into their very important work.
EXAMPLE ACCOMMODATION
Mandala Ou Resort, Nong Khiaw
Located in the beautiful remote village of Nong Khiaw in Northern Laos, Mandala Ou offers simple but comfortable accommodation. Set high on the banks of the scenic and tranquil Nam Ou river, offering spectacular sunset views over the virgin rainforest and karst limestone mountains of Nong Khiaw, Mandala Ou offer 10 bungalows, mixing traditional Lao style with all the modern conveniences you can expect from a home away from your home. The hotel has a good local restaurant, a traditional Lao herbal steam sauna, and a raised yoga and massage sala, all overlooking the river and mountains beyond. Yet another reason to visit this beautiful region of Laos - still largely untouched by tourism. This small property has taken proactive steps to help combat plastic pollution by partnering with Trash Hero Laos and BambooLao. Since July 2018, the resort has eliminated plastic water bottles and straws, replacing them with high-quality refillable aluminum bottles and locally crafted bamboo straws, both of which are available for guests for a nominal fee. The resort also offers free water refill stations in reception, and when purchasing local ingredients and supplies, provides reusable cloth bags to their partners to minimize single-use plastic.
Maison Dalabua, Luang Prabang
Maison Dalabua, meaning 'Princess of Lotus', is a lush oasis set away from the hustle and bustle, yet just a 5 minute walk from the main sights of Luang Prabang. This charming retreat is surrounded by UNESCO classified lily ponds and offers charming and comfortable guest rooms, beautifully decorated with traditional Lao furniture and colourful textiles. The family-run hotel has a small swimming pool and spa together with a lovely restaurant serving delicious traditional dishes. It is also Travelife certified, and demonstrates a commitment to sustainability through various initiatives, from implementing energy-efficient practices and minimizing waste, to engaging in local community support and sourcing local materials.
Vansana Plain Of Jars, Phonsavan
Vansana Plain of Jars is a simple hilltop accommodation in one of Laos’ lesser-known regions, and is definitely the best property in and around Phonsavan. The hotel’s restaurant offers views across the surrounding area and serves breakfast and dinner, while the rooms are clean and comfortable with private balconies and air-conditioning. A complimentary shuttle is provided to town, which we recommend you use to explore and sample a variety of the local restaurants. Simple yet comfortable, this is a good base for those looking for adventure in and around the stunning Plain of Jars setting.
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Accommodation listed here is intended as a guide only, to give you a taste of what we can do. Our experts can tailor any aspect of this itinerary and accommodation to suit your budget and tastes.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
MEALS
TRANSPORT
ENTRANCE FEES
EXPERT TEAM
ACCOMMODATION
WILD MILES
ACCOMMODATION
Wild Miles Club
When you book a trip with Wild Frontiers you are awarded points, which are based on the return distance from London to the arrival city of your trip. Points are awarded for all our holidays, including both our escorted group tours and tailor-made trips. When you accrue points, you will qualify for the following discounts on all future bookings:
| Blue | More than 10,000 points | 2.5% discount |
| Bronze | More than 30,000 points | 5% discount |
| Silver | More than 45,000 points | 7.5% discount |
| Gold | More than 60,000 points | 10% discount |
This itinerary is aimed to give you an idea of what we can offer. The price shown above is per person, based on two people travelling outside of peak periods. As this itinerary is only a suggestion and can be tailor-made to suit your interests and budget, your final price may differ.
Positive Impact of this Trip
Making a Difference
Community Tourism
People and local communities have always been at the heart of Wild Frontiers and the travel experiences we offer. Through community tourism we have the opportunity to generate real positive impact, supporting people we visit through sustainable local development, and in turn help to alleviate poverty and protect culture and environments in often more vulnerable destinations. While doing so, our clients gain richer travel experiences and more meaningful connections with the people they meet.
Conservation and Climate Action
As a travel company, we hold a responsibility to minimise our environmental footprint and contribute to sustainability, and work closely with local communities to support their efforts. By implementing initiatives such as carbon measuring, tree-planting, reducing single-use plastic and promoting eco-friendly practices, we can help mitigate the negative impacts of tourism on fragile ecosystems and local communities. Additionally, prioritising conservation efforts helps preserve natural habitats and wildlife, ensuring that future generations can continue to enjoy the wonders of our planet.
Wild Frontiers Foundation
The Wild Frontiers Foundation aims to provide a platform to create awareness, raise money and deliver funding to projects in countries where we operate as a travel company. Through the foundation, we are able to channel money into grass roots projects, which we have either established ourselves or support through charity partners. These include initiatives focused around education, the empowerment of local people and community conservation.
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EXPERIENCED LOCAL GUIDES
We use experienced local guides to help bring the sights to life, introduce you to local characters and ensure you get under the skin of your destination.
HAND-PICKED ACCOMMODATION
Whether you are looking for a boutique hotel, homestay, local guesthouse, luxury spa, tented camp or heritage hotel, our experts can select the perfect property for you.
24-HOUR SUPPORT
Our local agents are there to help you on the ground should you need any assistance, and in addition you will be given a 24-hour UK emergency phone number.OTHER ITINERARIES IN LAOS
Check out our group tours in Laos
As well as private tailor-made trips, we also offer small group tours (max size 12) to Laos. Led by an experienced tour leader, travel with a group of like-minded people on one of our award-winning group tours.
View Group Tours in Laos