Duration
9 days / 8 nights
Price Per Person
Interests
Destinations

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

Luang 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
Why We Love This Hotel

Service: Like all other Aman holdings, Amantaka is a boutique property that features top-notch service in a contemporary, tasteful setting

History: Set in a former French hospital that was renovated, Amantaka combines yesterday's luxury with today's comforts

Location: Amantaka is located extremely close to Luang Prabang's myriad atractions, particularly its busy, atmospheric night market - accessible on foot from the grounds of the resort

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Amantaka Preferred Hotel
Why We Love This Hotel
  • Location: The resort is located a stone's throw from UNESCO heritage site Luang Prabang, which is known for its unique combination of traditional Laotian architecture mixed with French colonial influences.
  • Nature: With streams running through it and a waterfall in its center, this resort is nestled amid breathtaking natural surroundings, and outside its grounds lie mountainous swaths of jungle and unspoiled wilderness waiting to be explored.
  • Luxury: From locally sourced gourmet dishes to its indulgent spa, the Rosewood Luang Prabang is a pleasure seeker’s dream come true.
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Rosewood Luang Prabang Preferred Hotel

Day 2

Luang 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.

Luang Prabang
Luang Prabang

Day 3

Luang 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

Vientiane

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
Why We Love This Hotel

Location: Based in the epicentre of the city, just minutes away from the hustle and bustle of Vientiane's commercial district, there’s plenty to keep guests occupied while staying in Laos’ beautiful capital city. History: The building that houses Settha Palace was constructed in the earlier years of the last century, and has been restored to its former glory, maintaining its French Colonial appearance. The family who originally owned the hotel are back in possession of it, after the regime change in 1975, and have spared no expense in restoring it to its natural brilliance. Service: With 24-hour concierge service, plus a sophisticated limo service, guests will feel like the VIPs of Vientiane while staying at this hotel.

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Settha Palace Hotel Preferred Hotel

Day 5

Ban 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
About

Perched along the Hinboun River bank, Sala Hinboun is a sublime place for tourists to call home while exploring the famous Kong Lor cave. With an eight-kilometer passage filled with gleaming stalactites and stalagmites, Kong Lor is a true geological wonder.

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

Ban Nahin
Ban Nahin

Day 6

Thakhek

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
About

A short drive from the Phou Hi Poun National Bio-Diversity Conservation Area, tourists can immerse themselves in the natural splendor of Laos from the comfort of Hotel Inthira Thahkek, where colonial charm meets modern living. Each of the thirteen stylish rooms are complete with air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi, and a private balcony.

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

Day 7

Thakhek

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

Vientiane

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
Why We Love This Hotel

Location: Based in the epicentre of the city, just minutes away from the hustle and bustle of Vientiane's commercial district, there’s plenty to keep guests occupied while staying in Laos’ beautiful capital city. History: The building that houses Settha Palace was constructed in the earlier years of the last century, and has been restored to its former glory, maintaining its French Colonial appearance. The family who originally owned the hotel are back in possession of it, after the regime change in 1975, and have spared no expense in restoring it to its natural brilliance. Service: With 24-hour concierge service, plus a sophisticated limo service, guests will feel like the VIPs of Vientiane while staying at this hotel.

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Settha Palace Hotel Preferred Hotel
Vientiane
Vientiane

Day 9

Departure

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.

Suggested Hotels For Days 1–3

Amantaka
Preferred Hotel

Amantaka

Amantaka is set south of Phousi Mountain and close to the banks of the Mekong River and the Luang Prabang Night Market. The resort, an old French colonial building, is surrounded by a spacious courtyard, and has 24 suites – eight deluxe suites, four pool suites, eight Khan suites, two Mekong suites and two Amantaka suites, all with spacious interior and exterior living areas. Facilities include a spa, a fitness center, a library and a boutique art gallery. Amantaka is little more than a ten- minute drive from Luang Prabang International Airport (LPQ).

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Rosewood Luang Prabang
Preferred Hotel

Rosewood Luang Prabang

Located on a peninsula at the confluence of the Nam Kham and Mekong rivers, Luang Prabang is known for its Buddhist temples and monasteries, preserved traditional architecture, and remaining vestiges of Laos’ French colonial period. These elements earned it the distinction of being listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995. The city of just under 60,000 continues to inspire awe in tourists to this day, and with the opening of the Rosewood Luang Prabang, luxury travelers have the option to visit this destination while enjoying the level of comfort that the Rosewood Hotels and Resorts brand has staked its reputation on. The 24-room, suite, villa, and tent accommodations are designed by celebrated architect Bill Bensley and combine world-class luxury with local aesthetics. Guests are invited to enjoy locally sourced Laotian meals at The Great House or a drink and view from the Elephant Bridge Bar. There is also an opulent spa on site and a centrally located swimming pool, around which guests can enjoy a drink or a bite to eat in this haven of luxury.

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Suggested Hotel For Day 4

Settha Palace Hotel
Preferred Hotel

Settha Palace Hotel

The historic Settha Palace Hotel is centrally located in Vientiane within walking distance of the Mekong River, Thatluang Stupa, Namphu Fountain, and other cultural highlights. Built in French colonial style circa 1932 and restored and reopened in 1999, the hotel has 22 rooms and three suites, all featuring rosewood four-poster beds and armoires, and WiFi connectivity. For dining, La Belle Epoque offers French cuisine, and the Sidewalk Café is a pleasant open-air venue offering Asian and international dishes. Amenities include a spa, pool and Jacuzzi; however there is no fitness center. Additionally, there is a business center with Internet and fax services. The hotel is a 10-minute drive from Wattai International Airport and a 25-minute drive to Thadeua, where there is a border bridge to Thailand.

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Suggested Hotel For Day 5

Sala Hinboun

Sala Hinboun

Perched along the Hinboun River bank, Sala Hinboun is a sublime place for tourists to call home while exploring the famous Kong Lor cave. With an eight-kilometer passage filled with gleaming stalactites and stalagmites, Kong Lor is a true geological wonder. In fact, it is the only cave in South East Asia through which tourists can traverse from end-to-end by boat. The natural beauty of this hidden underworld creates a dramatic contrast to the steep limestone cliffs that surround Sala Hinboun. The traditional home-stead is made of local timber, replete with handmade rattan furniture, and equipped with hot water and ceiling fans. On-site, guests have access to the hotel restaurant, as well as a car and boat rental service.

Suggested Hotel For Days 6–7

Inthira Hotel

Inthira Hotel

A short drive from the Phou Hi Poun National Bio-Diversity Conservation Area, tourists can immerse themselves in the natural splendor of Laos from the comfort of Hotel Inthira Thahkek, where colonial charm meets modern living. Each of the thirteen stylish rooms are complete with air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi, and a private balcony. The hotel is highly regarded for its in-house restaurant, Khop Chai Deu Thakhek, which is known for such traditional Lao dishes as fish served fresh in banana leaves, chicken lab, and spring rolls. Outside the hotel, Khammouane province offers several exciting excursions that tourists can take, such as kayaking through crystal clear rivers, trekking through the Phou Hin Boun Protected Area, and exploring the breathtaking scenery of Khammouane’s limestone mountains by bike.

Suggested Hotel For Day 8

Settha Palace Hotel
Preferred Hotel

Settha Palace Hotel

The historic Settha Palace Hotel is centrally located in Vientiane within walking distance of the Mekong River, Thatluang Stupa, Namphu Fountain, and other cultural highlights. Built in French colonial style circa 1932 and restored and reopened in 1999, the hotel has 22 rooms and three suites, all featuring rosewood four-poster beds and armoires, and WiFi connectivity. For dining, La Belle Epoque offers French cuisine, and the Sidewalk Café is a pleasant open-air venue offering Asian and international dishes. Amenities include a spa, pool and Jacuzzi; however there is no fitness center. Additionally, there is a business center with Internet and fax services. The hotel is a 10-minute drive from Wattai International Airport and a 25-minute drive to Thadeua, where there is a border bridge to Thailand.

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Why Remote Lands?

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.

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.

What Others Say

Here is a small selection of the kind words our clients have said about us recently.

American Family

American Family

Our very detailed itinerary included 13 towns in 9 different countries, focusing on Indochina and Thailand. Remote Lands did such a wonderful job planning the trip.

Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam

Party of four from Missouri & Tokyo

Party of four from Missouri & Tokyo

We appreciated traveling in remote areas...the slice-of-life experiences made the trip worthwhile.

Laos

Dan & Jeannine, Buffalo, NY

Dan & Jeannine, Buffalo, NY

A thousand thanks to the people of Remote Lands. You were lovely to work with and fulfilled with excellence every promise you made.

Cambodia, Thailand, Laos

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