Example Itinerary
Ancient Laos: A Journey Back in Time
- Duration
- 9 days / 8 nights
- Price Per Person
-
Terms & Conditions
Price is based on double or twin hotel room occupancy and includes accommodation, transfers, car/driver, English-speaking guide, activities and entrance fees, breakfasts and some casual lunches while touring. Flights and optional special activities will be quoted separately. Most personal expenses, including dinners, alcoholic beverages, spa treatments and gratuities can be paid on the spot while traveling. Prices may vary depending on season, choice of accommodation and other factors.
- Interests
- Architecture
- Destinations
- Laos
Travel off the beaten path and back in time as you visit the beautiful country of Laos. The only landlocked country in Southeast Asia, Laos has much more to offer than the typical traveler would imagine. Explore this often-forgotten treasure on this 9-day luxury journey. Your adventure begins in the old-world past capital of Luang Prabang, moving onto the current capital of Vientiane, winding through the small villages of Ban Nahin, Konglor and Thakhek.
This itinerary is an example. It’s designed to inspire you and provide you with thoughtfully curated ideas. You can choose to do this exact itinerary or completely personalize it. All trips are 100% bespoke.
Highlights
• Spirituality: Pay a visit to the most sacred monument in Laos, the That Luang Stupa, which is rumored to contain Buddha’s breastbone.
• Underground River: Drift through Konglor ("Beauty in the Dark") Cave on a longtail boat - the journey has been likened to a ride along the mythological River Styx.
• Great Outdoors: The towering limestone karsts outside of Thakhek are prized by climbers all over the world. Stay in a climbing-focused resort to explore the dramatic jagged landscapes.
Day-by-Day
Day 1
MapLuang Prabang
Fly into what is considered Laos’ crown jewel, the stunning ancient capital of Luang Prabang. You will be met by your friendly guide upon arrival, and transported to the luxurious 5-star hotel. You have the rest of the day to spend either at leisure or exploring your surroundings.
Hotel Options
Day 2
MapLuang Prabang
Begin your day in the UNESCO World Heritage city with a visit to the museum at the former royal palace in the city. Next, learn about the country’s spiritual side as you visit the beautiful monasteries of Vat Xieng Thong, Vat Sean, and Vat Vixoun. After enjoying a delicious, authentic lunch, take a tour of the surrounding area with a stop in the Ban Phanom Tai Leu weaving village and a longboat tour along Nam Khan River. After a full day exploring, relax in luxury at your hotel.

Day 3
MapLuang Prabang
It’s another full day of touring in the exciting ancient city. The day’s highlights include the cascading Kuang Si Waterfalls, natural springs and a trip to the famed Pak Ou Caves. This is one of the most spiritually-revered locations in the country. Return to your hotel for a peaceful night’s sleep this evening.
Day 4
MapVientiane
Leave the ancient capital behind as you fly to the country’s fascinating present day capital - Vientiane. It’s a short 50-minute flight and leaves you with plenty of time for a city tour. Your guide will take you to the your hotel to check in. After, enjoy a short city tour, beginning at the Patuxay Monument, stopping in Wat Sisaket, Ho Prakeo, and finishing with the most important monument in the country - That Luang Stupa, rumored to contain the actual breastbone of Buddha. Enjoy the perfect ending to the day as you indulge in an exquisite authentic dinner while being entertained with a local Lao dance performance.
Hotel Options
Day 5
MapBan Nahin
Start the day with an early drive to Ban Nahin, a scenic 7-hour drive. Stop in the small village of Ban Hai and visit one of the country’s most revered temples located near the legendary “Naga Fireballs” that are seen during the full moon period in October. After lunch in the small town of Pakkading, continue along the Cambodian border until you reach Ban Nahin and your rustic lodge.
Hotel Options

Day 6
MapThakhek
The day kicks off with a visit to the majestic Konglor Cave. Step aboard a small motorboat to enter the massive lit-up cave. Reach the tiny, remote village of Ban Natan on the other side of the cave. Have lunch in a small Konglor village upon your return. Next, travel to Thakhek, where you’ll check into the local hotel before taking a trip around the quaint, French-colonial style town.
Hotel Options
Day 7
MapThakhek
After breakfast in your hotel, take a trip to the magical limestone karsts that surround the city. Explore the caves and karsts before continuing onto visit the picturesque Khoun Khong Lang Lagoon. Next, visit the Green Climber’s home - a well-known stop for climbers all over the world for its idyllic position among the towering karsts. Spend the afternoon in the natural area before returning to Thakhek.
Day 8
MapVientiane
Check out of your hotel after breakfast. Begin the incredibly scenic 5-hour drive back to Vientiane. Take a detour and enjoy exploring the Phou Hinboun National Protected Area. Visit an old French tin mine and nearby deserted Ghost town. Upon reaching Vientiane, check back in and enjoy your last evening at leisure.
Hotel Options

Day 9
MapDeparture
This concludes your adventure through Laos. Pack up your belongings, savor a last bite of Laos’ delectable treats, and continue homewards. You also have the option to extend your stay if you wish.

Exclusively Asia
With Remote Lands you'll travel with people who have made Asia the solitary focus of their own lifelong adventure. As our guest, you'll discover Asia on a journey that is completely, authentically your own, adapted from our own remarkable experiences and adventures over the years.
With Remote Lands you'll travel with people who have made Asia the solitary focus of their own lifelong adventure. As our guest, in the continent that our north American founders Catherine and Jay have adored and explored for decades, you'll discover Asia on a journey that is completely, authentically your own, adapted from our own remarkable experiences and adventures over the years.
Travelogues
An Asia-focused magazine brought to you by Remote Lands - a platform for adventure, luxury, and authenticity from experts and explorers around the continent.
Laos Silk Weaving Up Close
- Author
- Ronan O'Connell
Lao people have been weaving these colorful threads for more than 1,000 years with silk made from mulberry leaf-fed silk worms.
Dinner at the Rosewood Luang Prabang with Chef Sebastien Rubis
- Author
- Tyler Roney
If you’re talking about fine dining in Luang Prabang, you’re talking about Rosewood Luang Prabang — and most certainly about culinary director Sebastien Rubis.
Southern Laos: Tribal Secrets Unlocked
- Author
- Jay Tindall
Southern Laos offers rarely seen and almost epic tribal adventure. The Brao, Alak, Katu or “Katang” and Ta Oi tribes all offer fascinating cultural insights.
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Couple from Nevada - Aman Private Jet Expedition, Spring 2017: Marcela Vanhara
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