Laos: Top to Toe
Laos: Top to Toe
$5291
Laos: Top to Toe
13 Days Starting in Vientiane, Laos and ending in Bangkok, Thailand
Visiting: Vientiane, Pakse, Si Phan Don, Bolaven Plateau, Vang Vieng, Luang Prabang
Tour operator:
Tour code:
2678
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
12 - 28
Age range:
12-99
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Cultural, Gardens & Nature Tours, Rail Tours, Wildlife Tours
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey through Laos with the "Laos: Top to Toe" tour. Begin your adventure in the laid-back capital of Vientiane, exploring its iconic temples and the unique Buddha Park. Discover the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Wat Phou and the serene beauty of the Si Phan Don archipelago, home to the stunning Khone Phapheng Waterfall. Experience the lush Bolaven Plateau, visit a coffee plantation, and marvel at the picturesque landscapes of Vang Vieng. Travel by high-speed train to the historic city of Luang Prabang, where you'll visit temples, an elephant sanctuary, and the breathtaking Kuang Si Waterfall. Conclude your journey with a brief stay in Bangkok before returning home. This tour offers a perfect blend of cultural immersion, natural beauty, and relaxation.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 - 2 : Days 1-2: Fly Overnight To Vientiane
Location: Vientiane
Meals Included: Dinner
Fly overnight to Vientiane, Laos' easy-going capital. Depending on your time of arrival, the rest of the day is yours to start soaking up the local culture.
Day 3: Discover Vientiane
Location: Vientiane
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This relaxed little city lies nestled in a languid bend of the Mekong River, close to
the Thai border. See the Patuxai Victory Monument, dedicated to those who fought for freedom from French rule, and visit the city's main temples, including Wat Sisaket and Wat Phra Keo. This afternoon, visit a Buddha Park unlike anything else in Laos. Founded by a shamanic priest some 60 years ago, it contains over 200 enormous and eccentric statues of gods, demons and animals from Buddhist and Hindu faith.
Day 4: Explore Wat Phou
Location: Pakse
Fly to Pakse. On arrival, explore the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Wat Phou, a ruined
Khmer temple complex set in the beautiful landscapes of Mount Phu Kao. Drive to Khong
Island, the largest island of the enchanting Si Phan Don archipelago in the Mekong River, and your home for the next two nights.
Day 5: Rivers & Waterfalls
Location: Si Phan Don
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Around Si Phan Don, meaning '4000 Islands', the pace of life is slow and easy, and the
river views are beautiful. See the magnificent Khone Phapheng Waterfall, Southeast Asia's
largest by volume. Visit Khone Island by speedboat to discover its French colonial buildings and see Liphi Waterfall, nicknamed the Devil's Corridor.
Day 6: Bolaven Plateau
Location: Bolaven Plateau
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Depart Khong Island for Pakse, stopping en route to admire Tad Yuang and Tad Fane
waterfalls. Continue up onto the Bolaven Plateau to pay a visit to a coffee plantation
and hear about the process of planting, harvesting and roasting the beans. This evening, enjoy dinner at Pakse.
Day 7: Pakse To Vang Vieng
Location: Vang Vieng
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Fly from Pakse to Vientiane and drive to Vang Vieng, admiring the views as the flat river
valleys give way to limestone mountains. On arrival, enjoy lunch and check in at your hotel.
The rest of the day is at leisure.
Day 8: Vang Vieng
Location: Vang Vieng
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Explore Vang Vieng's beautiful countryside, venturing through hillside caves and strolling
along the Nam Song River, before enjoying an afternoon at leisure.
Day 9: High-Speed Railway To Luang Prabang
Location: Luang Prabang
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning, hop on the high-speed railway, which will whisk you north to Luang Prabang
in just over an hour. This comfortable modern train offers a surprising contrast to the otherwise beautifully rustic country. On arrival, enjoy lunch before an introductory walking tour of this former capital. Visit the country's most famous temple, the gold-covered Wat Xieng Thong, with its Tree of Life mosaic, and the neighbouring Wat Visoun. Visit the Royal Palace, preserved as a museum, and learn about the republic's former royal family.
Day 10: Elephant Sanctuary & Uxo Visitor Centre
Location: Luang Prabang
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Head to Elephant Village, a responsible sanctuary that has been caring for rescued
elephants since 2001. Meet these majestic creatures, learn how their mahouts communicate with them, and tour the sanctuary's elephant hospital and museum. Ride a Lao long boat to the Tad Sae waterfall and relax or swim before lunch. Later, visit the UXO Visitor Centre, where you'll learn about the valuable work this organisation is doing to clear rural areas of unexploded wartime bombs from the 1960s and 70s.
Day 11: Kuang Si Waterfall & Saa Paper Making
Location: Luang Prabang
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Rise early to witness the Buddhist ceremony of Takbat, when the monks of Luang Prabang
collect alms from the locals. Visit a small art studio to try your hand at the local craft of saa paper making, using pulp and colourful flowers. Later, head out of the city to visit Kuang Si waterfall, with its beautiful cascading waters. Enjoy time here to relax under the shady trees, paddle at the water's edge, or even bathe in the beautiful turquoise pools.
Day 12: Bangkok
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Transfer to the airport for your flight to Bangkok. Enjoy time at leisure in Thailand's capital before this evening's farewell dinner.
Day 13: Fly Bangkok To Uk
Meals Included: Breakfast
Fly to the UK, arriving home the same or following day.
What's Included
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Meals
The tour includes various meals throughout the trip, such as breakfast, lunch, and dinner on different days.
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Accommodation
Accommodation is provided for the duration of the tour at various locations.
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Transportation
Transportation includes flights within Laos, high-speed railway, and speedboat rides.
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Guided Tours
Guided tours are included for various attractions such as Patuxai Victory Monument, Wat Sisaket, Wat Phra Keo, Buddha Park, Wat Phou, Khone Phapheng Waterfall, and more.
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Entrance Fees
Entrance fees to various attractions and sites are included.
What's Not Included
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International Flights
International flights to and from Laos are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and must be purchased separately.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and beverages are not included.
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Optional Activities
Any optional activities or excursions not mentioned in the itinerary are not included.
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Visa Fees
Visa fees for entry into Laos are not included.
Mode of Transport
Transportation includes flights to and within Laos, a high-speed railway journey, and a speedboat ride.
Accommodation
Sabaidee@Lao Hotel
Situated in the heart of Vientiane, the Sabaidee at Lao Hotel is surrounded by popular international restaurants, pubs, souvenirs shops and Lao handicraft stores. The hotel offers 80 deluxe en-suite rooms designed in neo-classical theme, featuring modern amenities including a minibar and TV. The hotels restaurant serves local specialities, as well as Thai, Chinese and Western cuisines. Both indoor and outdoor seating is available.
Pon Arena Hotel
Situated on the riverfront, The Pon Arena Hotel is a very stylish hotel, featuring beautiful contemporary en-suite rooms with modern amenities including air conditioning and free Wi-Fi. Guests are also offered a great range of facilities to ensure a great stay including, a waterfront restaurant, bicycle rental services, and more.
Pakse Hotel
Located in the centre of Paksé, Paksé H?tel is within walking distance from the Mekong River, shops and VIP bus station to Vientiane. The hotels cosy en-suite rooms all feature modern amenities including TV and free Wi-Fi. The hotels roof-top restaurant offers exceptional panoramic views of the whole city and delicious cuisines.
The Silver Naga
Ideally situated on the river bank in the heart of town, The Silver Naga Hotel welcomes guests to experience magnificent mountain views and warm hospitality. Each en-suite room features air conditioning, a TV and minibar. Other facilities and services offered at the hotel include an outdoor pool, restaurant, currency exchange and laundry.
Chitchareune Muang Luang Hotel
In a residential area outside of town near to Dara market and Chao Anouvong Monument, The Chitchareune Muang Luang Hotel provides guests with comfortable en-suite rooms in a quiet location. All rooms are generously sized and feature a TV and telephone. Other amenities include a swimming pool, fantastic restaurant and massage treatments.
Golden Tulip Mandison Suites
Stylish units with modern dark wood interiors, Golden Tulip features an outdoor pool with poolside dining and a bar. With free , the hotel provides free Wi-Fi and shuttles to BTS Skytrain Station should you wish to explore the city independently.
Experiences
Dawn Ceremony of Takbat
Witness the dawn ceremony of Takbat, a daily ritual which sees the saffron-robed monks of Luang Prabang's monasteries collect alms, in the form of food, from the local people who line the streets.
Elephant Sanctuary
Visit Elephant Village, a sanctuary which has been caring for rescued elephants since 2001. Learn all about these majestic creatures and discover how their mahouts communicate with them.
Bolaven Plateau Coffee Plantation
Uncover the unspoilt beauty of Bolaven Plateau and visit a coffee plantation to find out more about the traditional planting, harvesting and roasting process which has been in place since French colonial times.
Check out our Q&As
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What can I expect to see in Vientiane?
In Vientiane, you will visit the Patuxai Victory Monument, dedicated to those who fought for freedom from French rule, and explore the city's main temples, including Wat Sisaket and Wat Phra Keo. Additionally, you will visit a unique Buddha Park containing over 200 statues of gods, demons, and animals from Buddhist and Hindu faiths.
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What activities are planned for the visit to Wat Phou?
At Wat Phou, you will explore the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Khmer temple complex set in the beautiful landscapes of Mount Phu Kao. Afterward, you will drive to Khong Island, the largest island of the Si Phan Don archipelago in the Mekong River.
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What will we do around the Si Phan Don area?
Around Si Phan Don, you will see the magnificent Khone Phapheng Waterfall, Southeast Asia's largest by volume. You will also visit Khone Island by speedboat to discover its French colonial buildings and see the Liphi Waterfall, nicknamed the Devil's Corridor.
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What is special about the Bolaven Plateau visit?
On the Bolaven Plateau, you will stop to admire Tad Yuang and Tad Fane waterfalls. You will also visit a coffee plantation to learn about the process of planting, harvesting, and roasting coffee beans.
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What can I expect during the visit to Vang Vieng?
In Vang Vieng, you will explore the beautiful countryside, venture through hillside caves, and stroll along the Nam Song River. The afternoon will be at your leisure.
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What will we do in Luang Prabang?
In Luang Prabang, you will take a high-speed train, enjoy an introductory walking tour, visit the gold-covered Wat Xieng Thong with its Tree of Life mosaic, and explore the Royal Palace, preserved as a museum. You will also visit the Elephant Village sanctuary, ride a Lao long boat to the Tad Sae waterfall, and visit the UXO Visitor Centre.
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What is the significance of the Takbat ceremony in Luang Prabang?
The Takbat ceremony is a Buddhist ritual where monks of Luang Prabang collect alms from the locals. It is a significant cultural and religious practice in the region.
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What activities are included at the Kuang Si Waterfall?
At Kuang Si Waterfall, you can relax under the shady trees, paddle at the water's edge, or bathe in the beautiful turquoise pools. You will also visit a small art studio to try your hand at the local craft of saa paper making.
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What will we do in Bangkok?
In Bangkok, you will have time at leisure to explore Thailand's capital before enjoying a farewell dinner in the evening.
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
If, after our confirmation invoice has been issued, you wish to change your travel arrangements in any way, we will endeavour to make these changes, but it may not always be possible. Any changes to confirmed bookings need to be sent to us in writing via your travel agent. Please refer to our booking conditions for further information and fees.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Customers booking to travel solo can choose our ‘Happy to Share’ option, which may enable them to share a twin room with other solo customers of the same gender who also request Happy to Share, thus avoiding the need to pay single room supplements. Note that ‘Happy to Share’ requests can be received when you make your booking with us but will not be confirmed until your final payment due date.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Your Final Travel Documents are usually sent to you 2-3 weeks prior to your departure. Your travel pack will include your tour itinerary, hotel details, flight e-tickets and a travel guide. If you have booked with a travel agent, your tickets will be dispatched to your travel agent unless we have been otherwise informed.
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Will I be travelling with passengers from other countries?
Our passengers generally enjoy the mixture of British, Australian and American clients on tour. Occasionally we are joined by English-speaking passengers from other countries.
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What is 'Happy to Share'?
Customers booking to travel solo can choose our ‘Happy to Share’ option, which may enable them to share a twin room with other solo customers of the same gender who also request Happy to Share, thus avoiding the need to pay single room supplements. Note that ‘Happy to Share’ requests can be received when you make your booking with us but will not be confirmed until your final payment due date. If a share partner is found, the Single Supplement will be removed from your booking. If a share partner is not found, the Single Supplement will remain and is payable with your final balance in line with our normal booking conditions. Either way, our Operations Team will contact you around 75 days before departure to let you know whether a share partner has been found or not. We regret that Happy to Share requests cannot be accepted within 75 days of departure. Wendy Wu Tours reserves the right to change or withdraw this arrangement at any time.
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Do you allow children on your tours?
We allow children 12 years and over on our group tours. We recommend that families with children of any age take advantage of our private or tailormade tours. This will give you more flexibility while on tour.
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Low Deposit
Barrhead Travel requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 98 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of barrhead travel charges.
Up to 98 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 97 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.
At 28 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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