Undiscovered Laos

Day 1 Depart the UK

Today depart the UK on the Thai Airways flight to Bangkok. (N)

Day 2 Arrive Bangkok

Bustling and eccentric, intriguing and unforgettable, Bangkok is the gateway to the country and Thailand's principle city. With a history stretching back a little over two-hundred years, Bangkok has always been a modern forward-thinking place yet much traditional Thai culture remains, as do beautiful monasteries, colourful markets and opulent palaces. (N)

Accommodation in Bangkok: Ariyasom Villa

Alternative option: The Sukhothai

Upgrade option: Mandarin Oriental Hotel (or similar)

Day 3 Bangkok

Today explore Bangkok with your guide starting at the Grand Palace. Built by the early kings of the Chakri dynasty, this vast complex contains not only the King's private residence, stables and ministries but also over fifty temples including Wat Phra Kaeo, Thailand's oldest temple which houses the thousand year old Emerald Buddha. Afterwards visit the Reclining Buddha at Wat Po, then the atmospheric flower market before boarding a private long-tail boat to cruise the quiet canals of the Chao Phraya River. End the day at Wat Arun for a panoramic view of the Grand Palace and river. (B/L)

Accommodation in Bangkok: Ariyasom Villa

Alternative option: The Sukhothai

Upgrade option: Mandarin Oriental Hotel (or similar)

Day 4 Bangkok to Vientiane – by air/ Vientiane to Luang Namtha – by air

This morning return to the airport for the flight to Luang Namtha via Vientiane. Located close to the Thai and Chinese border, Luang Namtha is a bustling little town and important trading centre for northern Laos regularly frequented by the many different minority groups that inhabit the surrounding region. (B)

Accommodation in Luang Namtha: Boat Landing Guesthouse (or similar)

Day 5 Luang Namtha

After breakfast take a walking tour of the Tai Dam villages of Ban Pasak and Ban Phoung, then drive to Ban Nam Dee. This Lanten village is famous for its paper making and indigo dyeing – much of which is used to record religious texts and other important texts. In the afternoon visit Ban Thong Jai. This visit is also home to the Tai Dam who, over the centuries have perfected the use of natural dyes and to this day produce beautiful silk and cotton textiles. (B/L)

Accommodation in Luang Namtha: Boat Landing Guesthouse (or similar)

Day 6 Luang Namtha to Muang La – 165kms

Leaving Luang Namtha, drive south through beautiful countryside to the remote village of Muang La. A key commercial centre for the local hill tribes, the areas around Muang La are home to the Khmu and Ikhos. In the afternoon explore the village on foot to experience daily life before ending the day with panoramic views over the Nam Pak River, rice terraces and local salt mines. (B)

Accommodation in Muang La: Muang La Lodge (or similar)

Day 7 Muang La

Today visit two villages of the Ikhos people. The Ikhos are some of the most reclusive communities in Laos and it is believed that the inhabitants originate from Tibet and the Chinese province of Yunnan. Their remote mountain villages are characterised by houses made of wood and bamboo whilst belief in the spirit world, which impacts all aspects of everyday life, is fundamental to their identity. (B)

Accommodation in Muang La: Muang La Lodge (or similar)

Day 8 Muang La to Luang Prabang – 225kms

Today leave Muang La and drive to Luang Prabang. Encircled by the mountains of northern Laos and resting on the banks of the Mekong River, the former Royal capital of Luang Prabang is an eclectic mix of historic temples and beautiful old French colonial mansions. (B/L)

Accommodation in Luang Prabang: Xiengthong Palace Hotel (or similar)

Upgrade option: Maison Souvannaphoum Hotel

Alternative upgrade option: La Residence Phou Vao

Day 9 Luang Prabang

Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of Laos’s most beautiful and atmospehric cities. Today you will explore with your guide. Start the morning with visits to the Royal Palace Museum, Wat Xieng Thong and That Makmo, known locally as the 'Watermelon Stupa'. Leaving the town, trek to Pak Ou – a place famous for caves full of small Buddha images – on what is an enjoyable walk and different to the normal approach by boat. (B)
Accommodation in Luang Prabang: Xiengthong Palace Hotel (or similar)

Upgrade option: Maison Souvannaphoum Hotel

Alternative upgrade option: La Residence Phou Vao

Day 10 Luang Prabang to Phonsavan – 260kms

After breakfast continue east to Phonsavan. Phonsavan is the gateway to the Plain of Jars, a 1,000 metre high plateau scattered with over 300 surviving stone jars. This region was a command centre of the North Vietnamese and Pathet Lao during the Vietnam War and was a major battlefield that was also heavily bombed. (B)

Accommodation in Phonsavan: Vansana Plain of Jars Hotel (or similar)

Day 11 Phonsavan

Spend the day visiting the Plain of Jars. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, speculation abound as to the origin of the jars with local legend suggesting they were used to brew alcohol. More likely, the jars were ancient funeral urns for regional leaders – a theory backed up by high value ornaments found in the vicinity – although, in reality, their original purpose remains a mystery. (B)

Accommodation in Phonsavan: Vansana Plain of Jars Hotel (or similar)

Day 12 Phonsavan to Vientiane – by air

This morning you are at leisure before transferring to Phonsavan Airport for the flight to Vientiane. Capital of Laos, Vientiane is set on the banks of the Mekong River facing neighbouring Thailand and has retained much charm with well-preserved French colonial buildings and wide tree-lined boulevards. (B)

Accommodation in Vientiane: Settha Palace Hotel (or similar)

Day 13 Vientiane

Today explore the Laotian capital with your guide. Places of interest include That Luang Stupa, one of the holiest Buddhist monuments in the country, and the superb temples of Wat Phra Keo and Wat Sisaket – the latter being the oldest religious complex in Vientiane. Also visit the Anousavari Monument which bears more than a passing resemblance to the Arc de Triomphe. (B)

Accommodation in Vientiane: Settha Palace Hotel (or similar)

Day 14 Vientiane to Ban Na Kang – 280kms/ Ban Na Hin to Ban Tiou – by boat

Leaving Vientiane, this morning drive south-east to Ban Na Kang stopping en-route to visit Wat Prabath Phonsane – the 'Temple of the Footprint of Buddha'. Approaching Ban Na Hin the lush green jungle and vibrant rice paddies are succeeded by towering limestone karsts and, once in the Phou Hin Poun National Protected Area, board a local boat for the journey to Ban Tiou. (B/L/D)

Accommodation in Ban Tiou: Spring River Resort (or similar)

Day 15 Ban Tiou

Today explore the area around Ban Tiou. The natural karst scenery adds to the ethereal atmosphere that few tourists have the fortune of experiencing. A highlight of the day is a visit to the Kong Lor Caves – an 8kms system that reveals vast formations of stalactites and stalagmites. Later visit some of the villages close to the cave where there will be an opportunity to meet the locals after their day's work. (B/L/D)

Accommodation in Ban Tiou: Spring River Resort (or similar)

Day 16 Ban Tiou to Savannakhet – 300kms

After breakfast continue by road to the Mekong city of Savannakhet. Despite its proximity to Thailand, this is a quiet provincial city of tree-lined streets and welcoming locals. This afternoon, if time permits, visit the 19th century Wat Sayaphum before enjoying a stroll through Savannakhet's colonial centre. (B/L)

Accommodation in Savannakhet: Daosavanh Resort and Spa (or similar)

Day 17 Savannakhet to Tad Lo – 250kms

Today drive to Tad Lo, which is located on the edge of the Bolovens Plateau. An area of rich fertile soils, the plateau is a major agricultural base supporting numerous coffee and cardamom plantations developed by the French during the 1920s. Heavy bombing of the Ho Chi Minh Trail during the Vietnam War led to the relocation of numerous minority groups and to this day many remain living in the hills around the town. (B/L/D)

Accommodation in Tad Lo: Tad Lo Resort (or similar)

Day 18 Tad Lo

Explore Tad Lo and the surrounding region with your guide. Home to many different Mon-Khmer hill-tribes, visits will be made to local villages including those inhabited by the Alak and Lao Theung. There may also be an opportunity for an elephant trek or a day hike. In the afternoon visit the pretty Tad Lo waterfall where there are deep pools ideal for swimming. (B)

Accommodation in Tad Lo: Tad Lo Resort (or similar)

Day 19 Tad Lo to Dong Daeng Island – 110kms

After breakfast head towards Pakse then continue on to Dong Daeng Island and the pretty La Folie Lodge. Set amidst lush tropical gardens, this simple colonial-style lodge has twenty-four comfortable rooms all with fabulous views over the river to the Khmer temple ruins of Wat Phou. There is also a lovely swimming pool and good restaurant. (B)

Accommodation in Dong Daeng Island: La Folie Lodge (or similar)

Day 20 Dong Daeng Island

This morning cross the river to Champassak which is located close to the fascinating archaeological site of Wat Phou. Sitting in the shadow of the sacred mountain of Linga Parvata, this is one of the finest temple complexes anywhere in Southeast Asia. Re-discovered by a French explorer in the mid-19th century, the crumbling ruins pre-date those at Angkor Wat by almost 200 years and are equally mysterious. Spend time exploring the site before returning to the hotel in the afternoon. (B)

Accommodation in Dong Daeng Island: La Folie Lodge (or similar)

Day 21 Dong Daeng Island

At leisure to relax and enjoy La Folie Lodge. (B)

Accommodation in Dong Daeng Island: La Folie Lodge (or similar)

Day 22 Dong Daeng Island to Ubon Ratchathani - 160kms/Ubon Ratchathani to the UK via Bangkok

This morning leave La Folie Lodge and head towards the Laos-Thai border. After crossing back into Thailand continue to the airport at Ubon Ratchathani for the onward flight to Bangkok. Here connect onto the Thai Airways flight non-stop to the UK. (B)

Day 23 Arrive in the UK

In the morning arrive back into the UK. (N)

23 days from £4390 per person

ITINERARY HIGHLIGHTS

CONTACT US TO DISCUSS YOUR HOLIDAY PLANS

Pettitts guide to price for this itinerary would be £4390 per person

Itinerary: Undiscovered Laos

What's included

What's not included

Guide to Price

What To Do Next?

SPEAK TO ONE OF OUR TRAVEL SPECIALISTS TO START PLANNING YOUR TAILOR-MADE HOLIDAY