Wendy Wu Highlights of Laos

– Admire the architecture of Wat Xieng Thong in Luang Prabang
– Cruise the languid Mekong River to explore the Pak Ou Caves
– Discover the mysterious Plain of Jars
– Explore the colonial charm of Vientiane

Luang Prabang
Climb Phousi Hill for spectacular sunset views

4000 Island
Take a breathtaking cruise on this might river

Xiangkhoang
Discover the Plain of Jars, Laos’ most unusual architecture

Vang Vieng
Wander through the Buddhist architecture of the charming capital city

Day 1: Fly to Bangkok

Fly overnight to Bangkok.

Day 2: Arrive and Explore

On arrival you will be met by your expert tour guide and transferred to your hotel.

Day 3: Fly to Luang Prabang

Fly to Luang Prabang. On arrival, you will have free time to start soaking up the local culture. An enchanting city Luang Prabang is the quintessential image of Laos. At its core, lush greenery, golden temples and vivid-robed monks come together to create a colourful, rich heritage and an enduring French-colonial legacy.

Day 4: Kuang Si Waterfalls

Rise early this morning to witness the Buddhist ceremony of Takbat, when the monks of Luang Prabang’s monastic communities collect alms from locals. See Wat Sene and the National Museum. Visit the traditional H’mong village of Ban Na Ounae, before walking to the cascading turquoise waters of Kuang Si Waterfalls for a picnic lunch and a swim. Stop at Ock Pop Tok Weaving Centre on the return to Luang Prabang.

Day 5: Mekong River Cruise

Explore Wat Xieng Thong, considered Luang Prabangs most beautiful temple. Board a boat to cruise the mighty Mekong up to the sacred caves of Pak Ou, known for the hundreds of miniature Buddha sculptures that reside within. Visit the local villages of Thin Hong and Ban Xang Khong. This evening enjoy a traditional music and dance performance.

Day 6: Phousi Hill

Climb Phousi Hill to admire the views down over the city before exploring Wat Mai, Wat Visoun and Wat Aham. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure.

Day 7: Journey to Phonsavan

Drive to Phosavan via Phoukhoun, stopping at Tham Phra Cave and Nong Tang Lake on the way.

Day 8: Plain of Jars

One of the most important prehistoric sites in Southeast Asia, these mysterious clusters of giant jars are thought to be about 2,000 years old. We will visit Site 1 where there are over 200 jars, and Site 2 which also allows you to admire the beautiful scenery of the region. There will also be a visit to Muang Khoune village, home of the Hmong minority group, and the office of the Mines Advisory Group (MAG), an organisation that helps clear unexploded ordnance that is a remnant of American raids during the Vietnam War.

Day 9: Travel to Vang Vieng

Drive to Vang Vieng stopping en route at Pathang Village to admire the spectacular views over karst mountain landscapes. Spend the afternoon exploring the magnificent Tham Chang Cave.

Day 10: Drive to Vientiane

Continue south to Vientiane, Laos capital. Nestled in a languid bend in the Mekong, Vientiane is a delightfully quaint city, more friendly backwater than a chaotic capital. Spend the rest of the day exploring with visits to Wat Si Saket, Wat Phra Keo, That Luang Stupa and the Patuxai Victory Monument, resembling Paris Arc de Triomphe.

Day 11: Journey to Khong Island

Rise early for a morning flight to Pakse. On arrival drive to Champassak to visit the World Heritage-listed Wat Phou, a ruined Khmer temple complex located in the incredibly beautiful landscapes of Mount Phu Kao. Continue by boat to Khong Island, the largest island of the Si Phan Don archipelago in the Mekong River. The afternoon is free.

Day 12: Khong Island

Around Si Phan Don, meaning 4,000 islands, the pace of life is slow and easy and the river views are gorgeous. See the magnificent Khone Phapheng Waterfall, Southeast Asia’s largest, and pop over to Khone Island to discover its charming colonial buildings and Liphi Waterfall, nicknamed the Devils Corridor. The rest of the day is free.

Day 13: Tad Fane Waterfalls and Pakse

Depart Khong Island for Pakse, stopping to admire Tad Yuang and Tad Fane waterfalls as we go. Continue on to the Bolaven Plateau to pay a visit to a tea or coffee plantation. This evening enjoy a farewell dinner back in Pakse.

Day 14-15: Fly Pakse to UK

Transfer to Pakse Airport for your flight back to the UK (via Bangkok). Arrive the following day.

You’ll spend 12 nights in 3+/4* accommodations.

Your accommodation is selected for convenience of location, comfort or character, and can range from a business hotel in one city to a family run guesthouse in a smaller town. In more remote areas, accommodation may be of a lower standard and may not have all western amenities.

– Return international flights
– All Accommodation
– Most meals: 12 breakfasts, 11 lunches and 9 dinners
– 1 bottle of water per day
– All transportation & transfers
– All sightseeing & entrance fees
– English speaking National Escort & local guides
– Visa fees for UK & EU passport holders

Coaches: Coaches with air conditioning are used on our group tours for city sightseeing, short excursions to the countryside and longer transfers where necessary.

Go Beyond

Go Beyond tours are characterised by engaging cultural experiences, active adventures and getting off the beaten track. They aim to include as much variety as possible so that no two days on your holiday will be alike. You’ll gain a deep understanding of your destination and experience more, whilst still getting to see all the major sights.

Most Wendy Wu groups consist of 10 travellers or more and will be accompanied by a National Escort. There will usually be no more than 18 travellers in each group although you may encounter other Wendy Wu tour groups while you are travelling.

This tour has a physical rating of 2. A reasonable level of fitness is required, as you’ll be spending time on your feet and doing a bit of walking to cover short distances during your daily sightseeing. There will also be some climbing of steps and climbing on and off of coaches and boats