Laos Past & Present

10 days from £2,410pp Inc. international flights

A perfect trip for those with limited time or already based in Asia, giving a fascinating overview of Laos past and present. Visit Vientiane, the modern capital of Laos, before heading south to explore the ancient Khmer ruins of Wat Phou and the 4,000 Islands. End with a few days in the country's spirtual heartland of Luang Prabang.

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At a Glance

• Luang Prabang 4 days
• Vientiane 2 days
• Pakse 2 days

Highlights of this itinerary

• Cruise along the Mekong on a converted rice barge.
• Visit the world heritage site of Wat Phou at Champasak.
• Sail around the beautiful 4000 Islands and perhaps spot the Irrawaddy dolphin.
• Soak up the culture of Laos' spiritual heart in Luang Prabang.

Day 1London

Your trip to Laos starts with a flight from London Heathrow to Bangkok with Thai airways, a journey just under twelve hours.

Day 2Bangkok - Vientiane

In Bangkok you will change planes, connecting with your morning flight to the Laos capital, Vientiane. Here you will be met and transferred to your hotel, with the rest of the day to relax after your long flight and acclimatise. Evening at leisure.

Day 3Vientiane

Today you will have a tour of Vientiane, taking in some of the religious and cultural highlights of the capital. This is also a great chance to learn more of the country as a whole, with an informative guide.

Day 4Vientiane - Pakse

An early start this morning as you are met at your hotel and taken to the airport in time for your flight. On arrival into Pakse you will transferred to the jetty for the start of your first day of your cruise on the the Wat Phou Rice Barge. The main highlight will be visiting Wat Phou, a World Heritage Site and an ancient capital in the 5th century and part of the Khmer Empire by the 10th century. Evening at leisure enjoying a lovely meal onboard the river barge.

Day 5Pakse

Today is your second day aboard the Wat Phou Rice Barge, travelling south towards the 4,000 Islands. En route you will stop at a beautiful pre-Angkorian temple, and hopefully at some point during the day you may be lucky enough to see a rare irrawady dolphin.

Day 6Pakse - Luang Prabang

Your final day onboard the Wat Phou Rice Barge starts with a visit to Don Khone Island, an old port established by French colonists. Time permitting you will then visit the impressive waterfalls of Khong Pha Peng, before transferring back to Pakse in time for your flight. On arrival into Luang Prabang you will be met and transferred to your hotel, with the evening at leisure to enjoy a good meal in the old capital.

Day 7Luang Prabang

Full day to explore the temples of Luang Prabang with your private guide. Rise at dawn to witness the unique sight of hundreds of saffron-robed monks as they stream the streets at morning alms giving.

Day 8Luang Prabang

A final day exploring the town at leisure, take in the laid back atmosphere and riverside life with a refreshing Beer Lao on the banks of the Mekong at sunset.

Day 9Luang Prabang

Final morning at leisure to enjoy Luang Prabang and relax, before you fly back to Bangkok.

Day 10Bangkok

Connect in Bangkok for your return flight to the UK arriving back in London early this morning.