Laos Sample Itinerary

Day 1.
Arrive in Luang Prabang, a peaceful town nestled between mountains and the Mekong River. Have the chance to experience traditional Laos culture, watch the turbulent river flow by and sample delicious food. There are some great night markets where you can get dinner and any manner of local craft product.
Day 2.
Spend the day visiting the many temples, food and craft stalls and cultural displays on offer. A trip up the Mekong River to Pak Ou caves which are full of over 4000 Buddhas is also a nice way to spend your time. ​
Day 3.
​Explore more of what Luang Prabang has to offer. Children would especially enjoy a trip to the waterfall of Tad Sae on the Nam Khan River where they can have an elephant ride through the falls and the surrounding jungle. You can also swim in the water hole at the base of the falls. Nearby, visit Kuang Xi Falls which are situated in a reserve where there is an Australian funded project for rescued Asiatic black bears.
Day 4.
Take a bus north to Luang Nam Tha. This small town was destroyed by severe bombing in the Vietnam War and has been recently restored. It is home to some interesting stupas, a vibrant market and a pretty waterfall nearby. A great way to explore the town is to hire bikes.​
Day 5.
You will be collected by your guide to begin either a 2 day kayaking trip or a 2 day hiking trip through the Nam Ha national park, including an overnight stay in a local village.​
Day 6.
Discover more of what Nam Ha national park has to offer, including visiting a local school, riding the easy rapids if you are kayaking and looking out for wildlife in the jungle.​
Day 7.
​Return to Luang Prabang.
Day 8.
It is worth getting up early to see the local monks walk along with their bowls getting food from the locals who sit with their rice holders dishing a spoonful to each monk as they pass.
Catch the bus south to Vang Vieng through spectacular mountains and very tidy villages with houses built of rattan screens perched on the edge of steep drops. The villagers here are from the mountain minority tribes and look quite different to other Lao.​
Day 9.
Vang Vieng is renowned for its river rafting so if you fancy a bit of adrenaline pumping activity, this is the place to find it. You can either do traditional white water rafting or tubing, both of which are a lot of fun. ​
Day 10.
Spend another day making the most of this adventure hub. As well as the activities on offer on and around the river the surrounding picturesque countryside is easy to explore on foot or bicycle.​
Day 11.
Keep heading south to Vientiane, the small and charming capital of Laos with a big French influence from its colonial past. Here there are many wats and stupas to visit along with the presidential palace, a mock Arc de Triomphe, called Patuxai, a ten pin bowling alley for the kids and the ever present Mekong River winding its way through the centre of town.​
Day 12.
A day to enjoy Vientiane. A trip to the water theme park is a great way to spend the day with the kids or you can just enjoy wandering through the quaint streets and soaking up the atmosphere of this delightful city. There are also some great cooking classes where you can try your hand at Laos cuisine.​
Day 13.
Your last day to do some shopping, get your massage and spa treatments and enjoy your final taste of Laos.​
Day 14.
Make your way to the airport for the start of your return trip home.
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Total indicative cost for the above sample itinerary is NZD$2,000 - $2,500 depending on the level of accommodation chosen.
​This price is based on a family of 2 adults plus 2 children under the age of 12 and includes all accommodation, meals (where provided by the accommodation) and guide services. It excludes sundry expenses such as spending money, entrance fees to attractions, meals (where not provided by the accommodation), visas (where required) and international airfares.​