Enchanting Luang Prabang
The former royal capital unveils its golden temples and centuries-old traditions in the heart of an enchanted valley.
Duration
8 days
From
€855/pers.
Ideal seasons
Jan, Feb, Mar, Nov, Dec
Style
Stay
Comfort
Charm & Character
Travelers
Couple, Solo, senior, Honeymoon
The spirit of travel
An 8-day program that will open the doors to the unmissable Luang Prabang, the former royal capital inscribed in the UNESCO World Heritage List since December 1995. Between nature, civil and religious architecture, you will enjoy a magnificent cruise on the Mekong discovering sacred sites and meeting ethnic populations.
We will offer you various immersion activities that will leave you with unforgettable memories.
Have a good trip…
Throughout this itinerary, let yourself be seduced by the peaceful atmosphere that reigns in the heart of Laotian landscapes. Each step is an invitation to discover exceptional cultural heritage and preserved traditions. Meetings with local people will offer you authentic and enriching moments of sharing. You will also enjoy remarkable panoramas, between lush mountains, rice fields and the banks of the Mekong. This trip will allow you to experience something unique, combining discovery, relaxation and immersion in a country with warm hospitality. You will leave with unforgettable memories and an authentic vision of Laos.
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
Arrival in Luang Prabang
Upon your arrival at the international airport of Luang Prabang, expected late morning or midday, you complete entry formalities to the country before meeting your English-speaking local guide at the airport exit. (Flight and times to be confirmed, booked by yourself.)
You are then transferred to your hotel for check-in.
Note : your room will be available from 2 PM. Earlier check-in remains subject to availability on the day.
You then have free time, as well as your meals, to rest or begin discovering Luang Prabang at your own pace and meet its inhabitants.
Around 4 PM, you set off on foot to climb Mount Phousi. From its summit, you enjoy a clear view over Luang Prabang and its surroundings at sunset.
On the way down, you can explore the night market and discover local craftsmanship. This visit can also be done another evening, depending on your preferences.
In the late afternoon, you can observe the atmosphere of the city and in particular the monks, who gather in the wats, the Buddhist pagodas, for prayers and chanting.
Luang Prabang, from the charm of the peninsula to the spirits
After your breakfast, you meet your local guide at your hotel reception at 08:00. You set out to discover the main monuments of Luang Prabang, a city listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1995. You return to your hotel in the evening before heading to Dyen Sabai restaurant, located on the opposite bank of the Nam Khan river and accessible, during the dry season, by a small bamboo bridge from the peninsula. You share a sin dat, a Lao barbecue where you grill your meat on a hot plate while cooking your vegetables, accompanied by a Beerlao.
You start the tour at the former Royal Palace, now transformed into the National Museum, then visit the adjacent Vat Mai.
You continue with Vat Xieng Mouane, where you discover a training center dedicated to certain manual crafts linked to Buddhist art. You then head to the Heritage House (Heuan Chan Heritage House), which allows you to better understand the policies for protection, enhancement and preservation of Luang Prabang. Along the way, you also pass the French Institute of Luang Prabang, the former home of humorist Pierre Desproges during his childhood.
You have lunch at Café Vat Sène, located opposite Luang Prabang's primary school, housed in a building constructed during the French era. You thus enjoy a location conducive to observing the rhythm of the city.
In the afternoon, you attend a ritual ceremony of the Hmong community. This meeting allows you to explore the ethnic diversity of Laos through the beliefs, rituals, clothing, languages and dialects present in the country, and particularly in the North.
Animists, the Hmongs view life as a cycle of birth and rebirth in which two physical worlds coexist. Their beliefs place great importance on spirits, particularly those of ancestors, as well as the different souls that would inhabit the human body. According to this tradition, the departure of one or more of these souls may be at the origin of illnesses.
You also discover the role of shamans in healing practices. According to Hmong beliefs, they can enter into contact with gods and spirits and intervene through different offerings, generally accompanied by animal sacrifice. The soul of the sacrificed animal is then considered as linked to that of the human being in order to contribute to their protection.
You then head to the ethnology museum, where you deepen your understanding of the ethnic diversity and cultural richness of Laos through a pedagogical approach. Museum closed on Mondays.
Luang Prabang, on the trail of elephants and the botanical path
You wake up early to attend the alms-giving to monks, which takes place every morning around 5:30-6:00 AM in the streets of Luang Prabang. You venture away from the tourist center to observe this ritual in a more authentic setting.
You then return to your hotel passing by the fresh morning market, before having your breakfast. VDay trip visiting Luang Prabang Dinner at a restaurant of your choice in the evening.
At 8:30 AM, you depart with your guide to the heart of the Nam Khan river valley to reach an elephant camp. Upon arrival, you discover how the camp operates, the condition of elephants in Laos, and the various aspects that structure their daily life, including veterinary care, feeding, and bathing.
You then set off on a walk alongside elephants through the forest. In a commitment to animal protection and respect, elephant rides are no longer practiced in Laos.
If you wish and depending on the time of year, you can also discover the Tad Sae waterfalls. The visit is mainly possible from July to December, when the pools are filled with water, depending on rainfall. You then return to the camp for lunch in the form of a buffet, before heading back to Luang Prabang.
In the afternoon, you head to the Ban Vat That pier and navigate the Mekong River for approximately 15 minutes to reach the Pha Tad Ke botanical garden. The garden is closed every Wednesday. Upon arrival, a presentation helps you better understand its diversity and the history of its creation.
You continue your discovery along a path offering views of the karst formations and the Mekong. At the hunter's lodge, you participate in a workshop during which you craft your own bamboo hiking stick.
Your journey continues through the arboretum, the palm garden, a bamboo forest, and rice fields. In the House of Mists, you attend a presentation dedicated to the importance of biodiversity and its conservation. You then head to the nursery, where an optional discussion about Laos orchids may be offered to you.
You finally return to the peninsula, where you meet your minivan for the transfer to your hotel.
Luang Prabang, the countryside air
Luang Prabang → Kuang Si Falls
After your hotel breakfast, you visit the textile workshop Ock Pop Tok, committed to preserving textile traditions and craftsmanship. You discover in particular the work of hand-woven silks and the use of natural dyes. The center visit allows you to learn more about the natural ingredients used to obtain different colors, from vermillion to turquoise. You continue your journey to Kuang Si Falls, located 32 km from Luang Prabang. Along the way, you pass through beautiful rice paddy landscapes. On site, a small permanent exhibition dedicated to the preservation of Asian black bears from Southeast Asia allows you to better understand the threats facing these animals.
You have lunch at the Carpe Diem restaurant, located near Kuang Si Falls and situated above the water. You enjoy a Lao lunch in a setting surrounded by nature.
You then take advantage of the waterfalls and their natural pools with turquoise and crystalline waters, where you will have the opportunity to swim.
You continue with a visit to the Butterfly Park, opened in 2014 as a breeding sanctuary dedicated to the many butterflies of Laos. You stroll through its gardens and can also relax your feet in pools populated with fish.
Kuang Si Falls → Luang Prabang
Return to the city. Stop along the way at the buffalo farm. The buffalo remains an emblematic animal of Asian countryside and Laos is no exception. Beneath its carefree demeanor and omnipresence, this bovine is nonetheless facing the threat of decline. Indeed, a buffalo at birth faces a mortality rate of nearly 50% if it cannot access certain nutritious foods. Therefore, Laos, with the aim of expanding its herds, decided to implement prevention and breeding programs. To benefit from expert advice, the government called upon the Buffalo Farm in Luang Prabang «Laos Buffalo Dairy » to conduct its research programs in partnership with local breeders. This farm was born from the desire of a group of friends from Singapore to escape the urban world and settle in the countryside. Noticing a dairy industry and especially a cheese-making industry that was almost non-existent, the challenge led them to create this farm… after all, mozzarella is originally made from buffalo milk!
A visit of approximately 30 minutes to this center can only be enriching. You will begin by receiving several explanations about the situation of buffaloes in Laos, the required care and then the program. You will have the opportunity to approach buffaloes but also to bottle-feed the young ones.
And do not miss, at the end of the visit, tasting homemade ice creams made from buffalo milk. Depending on the season, they are flavored with fruit, lemongrass or sesame.
Return to the hotel and free afternoon at your hotel for some rest, before your evening. Dinner on your own.
Luang Prabang, acquire new knowledge and skills
Luang Prabang → Ban Xieng Lom
This morning, you set off to discover the secrets of bamboo, a material that is omnipresent in Laotian culture. Full day of visits. You then have free time at the resort to enjoy its natural surroundings, natural pool and forest setting, conducive to peace and relaxation.
On the outskirts of Luang Prabang, you enjoy a natural environment surrounded by rice fields. Your experience begins with a bamboo weaving course, taught by an experienced weaver. You then participate in various activities that allow you to better understand the use of bamboo in daily life, particularly for fishing and hunting equipment, musical instruments and dance. You continue with a cooking course dedicated to bamboo-based dishes. You participate in the preparation of different recipes before tasting them in a sala overlooking the landscape. Group activity.
In the afternoon, you head to the Zen Nam Khan resort, located about thirty minutes drive away, to participate in a yoga session. For one hour, you discover this practice if you are a beginner or deepen your knowledge if you are already familiar with it. Yoga and meditation are part of a lifestyle present in Asia, associated here with a calm and restful approach to Lao culture.
Luang Prabang, for solidarity and social commitment
After your breakfast, you enjoy a free morning.
After lunch at the hotel, you head to the Luang Prabang Deaf & Mute Community training center, dedicated to crafts and training for deaf and mute people in Luang Prabang.
You discover the various professional training programs offered to students in weaving, sewing, carpentry, mechanics and restoration. This training allows them to develop professional skills and gain independence in their adult lives. Your visit also enables you to learn about the center's initiatives around sustainable development and tourism, while discovering the daily life of this community.
On site, you explore the center's farm, where vegetables are grown and a few animals live. You then discover the craft shop, before finishing with the weaving workshop.
Note: Donation at your discretion.
At the end of the day, weather permitting, you may visit the Children Cultural Centre of Luang Prabang. You discover the daily life of Luang Prabang children through various activities offered on site, including traditional dance, storytelling and games. Activities to be paid on site.
You then return to your resort.
Mekong cruise and Khamu immersion
Ban Xieng Lom → Ban Nioy Hai
You begin your day with a visit to Vat Xieng Thong, the emblematic temple of Luang Prabang located at the confluence of the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers. A place of veneration, it stands out for its architecture typical of the local style.
You are then transferred directly to the jetty to board your slow boat and begin a private upstream cruise on the Mekong. Refreshments are served on board while you enjoy the scenery and observe life unfolding along the river, still an important communication route for the riverside communities today.
After approximately 1 hour 30 minutes of navigation, you make a first stop at the Pak Ou caves. You discover numerous Buddha statues in a pilgrimage site frequented by Laotians, particularly during the Lao New Year, in mid-April.
After the visit, you resume your navigation on the Mekong and reach your lodge by late morning. The Kamu Lodge is a camp composed of safari-style tents, set on the banks of the river near the Khamu village of Ban Nioy Hai.
Upon your arrival, you are welcomed with a welcome drink before lunch on site. You then settle into your tents, equipped with necessary facilities.
You have the rest of the day to relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings or participate in various activities to discover the lifestyle of the Khamu community. Depending on your preferences, you can try gold panning – and keep what you find –, traditional fishing, hiking, or crossbow shooting.
Accompanied by your guide, you can also explore the village near the lodge and meet its inhabitants.
It's just a goodbye, Departure
Breakfast at the lodge then free time to enjoy the last moments before heading back to Luang Prabang around 10am.
A stop will be made at the village of Ban Xang Hai, renowned for its rice alcohol production. Not to be given to just anyone, as the alcohol content varies between 25 and 45 degrees. Lunch will be served on board the boat
Arrival in Luang Prabang then transfer to Luang Prabang international airport for your flight to your next destination (Flight and times to be reconfirmed. Flight booked by you).
Price per person
Indicative price per person, based on double room. Each trip is customized according to your preferences.
This trip can be tailored to your preferences
This itinerary provides an excellent foundation for discovery, but it can be fully customized. Our local advisors build each trip tailored to your budget, dates and preferences.
Not included
- Residence visa to Laos (31 days – French passports - at 43US$/person depending on nationality. 36US$ for Belgian passports). Plan for a passport-sized photo, a passport valid for at least 6 months after your stay dates
- International flights as well as related taxes
- Beverages, tips, personal expenses (internet, laundry, etc.), meals not mentioned
- Travel Insurance
- All services and meals not clearly indicated in the programme
- Additional fees that may apply due to New Year celebrations (Vietnamese, Chinese, local around mid-April or international)
- Possible charges due to delays beyond our control
- Bank fees
Included
- Accommodation in double/twin rooms in selected hotels
- Transport in minivan with A/C as mentioned or in tuk-tuk and other local transports as indicated in the program
- Private cruise as mentioned in the itinerary
- The activities mentioned in the programme
- Meals as follows: (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner)
- Local Laotian English-speaking experienced guide
- Trekking fees and entrance fees to sites included in the program
- Permissions and local taxes
Practical Information
Registration is considered firm and final after payment of a deposit of 30% of the total price and acceptance of the specific terms of sale.
The balance must be paid no later than 45 days before the departure date.
See our specific terms of sale for full details.
In the event of cancellation by the traveller, the following fees apply:
- Plus de 60 jours avant le départ : 40 % du prix total (acompte retenu)
- Entre 60 et 30 jours avant le départ : 50 % du prix total
- Moins de 30 jours avant le départ : 100 % du prix total
We strongly recommend taking out cancellation insurance. See our specific terms of sale for full details.
The information below concerns travelers who are nationals of the European Economic Area (EEA), Switzerland, and Canada traveling to Laos for a tourist stay. Entry rules may change, so we recommend verifying this information with the official authorities before your departure.
Passport
To enter Laos, your passport must be valid for a minimum of six months after your entry date into the country and must contain at least two blank pages for immigration stamps and visa affixing.
The document must be in good condition (no damaged, torn, or altered pages).
Visa
Unlike some Southeast Asian destinations, Laos does not offer visa exemptions for nationals of the European Economic Area, Switzerland, and Canada for tourist stays. A visa is therefore mandatory and can be obtained through several methods.
Visa on Arrival: available at most international entry points (airports in Vientiane, Luang Prabang, Pakse, as well as certain land border crossings). It allows stays of up to 30 days and is issued in exchange for payment of approximately 30 to 42 USD depending on nationality. A recent identity photograph is generally required.
e-Visa: it is also possible to submit an electronic visa application online before departure through the official portal of the Laotian authorities, for a tourist stay of up to 30 days.
Embassy Visa: the application can be submitted to the embassy or consulate of Laos in your country of residence before departure.
The authorities may also request:
an exit ticket from the country (return or onward flight),
proof of sufficient financial resources for the duration of your stay,
confirmation of an accommodation reservation.
Health and Vaccinations
No vaccinations are mandatory to enter Laos from the EEA, Switzerland, or Canada. However, certain vaccinations are strongly recommended by health authorities:
hepatitis A and hepatitis B,
typhoid,
rabies (depending on activities and areas visited),
Japanese encephalitis (for extended stays in rural areas).
A preventive antimalarial treatment may be recommended for certain regions, particularly rural and forested areas. Consult your doctor or a travel medicine center before departure.
Traveling with Children
Minors must hold their own valid passport covering the duration of the stay, as well as their own visa.
In some European countries, when a minor travels without one of their parents, an authorization to leave the country may be required according to the regulations of their country of residence.
Other Nationalities
Entry conditions may vary depending on nationality. Affected travelers should inquire at the embassy or consulate of Laos in their country of residence.
To participate in our trips, it is strongly recommended to have assistance-repatriation and medical expense coverage abroad.
Your local agency encourages you to review the specific policy developed with our partners CHAPKA ASSURANCES and AXA ASSISTANCE.
To subscribe to an insurance plan, learn about coverage and rates, follow the link below.
CAP EXPLORER: The comprehensive insurance solution designed for a worry-free trip!
Choose the plan that best suits you:
Explorer'Multirisque
Explorer'Annulation
Explorer'Assistance
Explorer' Complémentaire Carte Bancaire
Specific to our trips, we strongly recommend subscribing to them.
If you choose to subscribe to one of these plans, the policy document detailing all coverage and claim declaration procedures is available on the insurer's website.
Your local agency will be aware of it, but only the participant is responsible for complying with claim declaration procedures. The participant must therefore keep this policy document with them throughout their trip.
Chapka — Cap Explorer
Our insurance partnerTravel with peace of mind with our partner Chapka. Cancellation, repatriation, medical expenses, baggage… All the coverage for a worry-free trip.
Travel with peace of mind — I'll handle the insuranceFrequently asked questions
Yes, a tourist visa is required, obtainable on arrival at major entry points (Visa on Arrival, approximately 30-40 USD depending on the entry point) or online (e-visa). Valid for 30 days, extendable. A valid passport required for at least 6 months beyond entry, and two blank pages required.
Go to the My Trips section to find all your projects.
You can send a message to your host directly from the Tea Lounge.
For a tailor-made quality trip, budget between €130 and €210 per day per person, including accommodation, meals, internal transport and activities. International flights (€800-1,200 return) are additional. Laos is a preserved and charming destination, often combined with Cambodia or Vietnam.
Your documents are accessible in the Documents tab of your trip.
Absolutely. We tailor every itinerary to our travelers' profile. For families, we prioritize relaxed paces, family-friendly accommodations, fun and educational activities, and comfortable private transfers. Our English-speaking local guides know how to capture children's attention with age-appropriate anecdotes.
It's simple. You exchange with our local team to define your wishes, budget and dates. You receive a detailed itinerary proposal within 48 hours. You adjust every detail together until you reach the perfect version. You confirm and depart with peace of mind. Your local agency remains available 7 days a week throughout your entire trip.
In case of emergency, contact your local agency immediately.
Payment is generally made in two installments.
Our agency is part of the Nomadays network, registered in France. You benefit from APST (Association Professionnelle de Solidarité du Tourisme) guarantee which covers 100% of your funds. Secure payment, repatriation insurance included, and English-speaking assistance 24/7 on site throughout your stay.
Let's talk about your adventure — Northern Luang Prabang
Ambassador for a gentle Laos, based in Vientiane
In Laos, you need to embrace slowing down. It's often when you take the time that the most beautiful encounters and moments reveal themselves.
— Lay
