Classic Laos tour

Enjoy your first full day in Laos as you join your guide for a half-day city tour of the sleepy capital. You will visit several highlights, including the National Museum, COPE Centre, and That Luang, more commonly known as the 'Great Stupa'. In the evening, the riverfront in Vientiane comes to life with a number of pop-up markets appearing. You may wish to explore before finding another restaurant for dinner.

After breakfast, you will be collected from your hotel and taken to the airport in time for your morning flight to Pakse. On arrival, you will be met by a local guide and transferred to your hotel in Champasak via the ancient ruins of Wat Phou.

Spend the full day exploring Laos' lower Mekong — a picturesque area known as the 4000 Islands. Here you will take various modes of transport, visit small hamlets and view powerful waterfalls.

This morning you will join your guide for a walking tour around the village of Champasak before enjoying lunch in a local home. Later you fly to Luang Prabang. Luang Prabang is the jewel of northern Laos and has many attractions to explore during your stay. Your first afternoon is free to relax or explore at your own leisure. The local night market is a nice introduction, bright, colorful and easy to navigate. Here you can find a selection of excellent value souvenirs.

After a leisurely breakfast, you venture out to the surrounding countryside, where you will spend the morning learning how the local people still use traditional methods to grow, maintain and harvest the rice crop. After some hands-on activity, the afternoon is free to relax at the hotel. Later this evening you'll have the opportunity to witness a short Laos storytelling production.

Begin your day at the TEAC Centre where you learn about the many ethnic minorities living today in Laos. This afternoon is spent at one of the town's best-loved restaurants, where you learn to prepare and cook traditional Laos cuisine.

Depart Luang Prabang by boat, heading upriver to the small village of Pakbeng. This full-day cruise boasts remarkable scenery and serves as a nice introduction to Laos village life. The night is spent at a simple hillside lodge.

Drive north to Muang La — a remote settlement in the hills of northern Laos. The luxurious and secretive Muang La Lodge makes for a warming end to your trip. On arrival, you may wish to relax poolside, stretch your legs on a village walk or indulge in a renowned spa treatment. You are also in for a treat when dinner arrives — the lodge has developed a strong reputation for its locally sourced cuisine.

Spend the full day exploring the surrounding hills where you will meet and learn about the Hmong, Kamu and Akha people.

After a leisurely breakfast you will leave Muang La behind and travel back to Luang Prabang Airport in time for your onward flight.