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.
- Duration
- 6 days / 5 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.
- Destinations
Experience Northern Laos in five activity-packed days. Begin by immersing yourself in the unique energy of Laos’s current capital, Vientiane, an historic city simultaneously described as metropolitan and sleepy. Interact with the planets friendliest giants; the Asian elephant. Spend a night at Pak Beng Lodge along the banks of the Mekong River and travel by riverboat to UNESCO World Heritage destination and Laos’ former capital, Luang Prabang, a city whose stoic majesty and tranquility have been pristinely maintained.
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
• Vientiane: Laos' modern capital is a fascinating blend of French-colonial influence (be sure to pick up a Parisian-style pastry at one of the city's many bakeries) and ancient Buddhist heritage.
• Elephants: Visit Xayaboury Conservation Center, an elephant conservation center and hospital, to learn about the plight of the endangered Asian elephant.
• Luang Prabang: The country's sleepy ancient capital, located at the meeting of the Mekong and Nam Khan Rivers, is brimming with sloped-roof temples and orange-robed monks.
Day-by-Day
Day 1
Vientiane
Touch down in Vientiane where a car will be waiting to bring you to your hotel. Check in at one of the two recommended accommodations - the Settha Palace or Green Park Hotel. The rest of the day is yours to make the most of your hotel’s luxurious amenities. Take a dip in the pool, enjoy local cuisine and rest up for the days ahead!
Hotel Options
This stylish boutique hotel is one of the city's finest properties and sits just a short drive outside the centre of Vientiane. Built around a central swimming pool, it is a truly chic and tranquil retreat.
If our Preferred Hotel is unavailable, this accommodation is a reliable alternative and has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.
Day 2
Sayaboury
Rise with the sun this morning and take a short flight north to Xayaboury, home of the renowned elephant conservation center. After settling into your bungalow, enjoy a typical Lao lunch and take a tour of the elephant hospital. Listen to the mahouts tell you about their practices and strong pachyderm partnerships. Finish the day with a sunset cruise, drinks and hors d’oeuvres followed by dinner and a sound sleep.
Hotel Options
Cozy teak guesthouses can be found throughout the Lao landscape, offering accommodation to travelers venturing off the beaten track. Ranging from basic to mid-tier, most Laos guesthouses feature clean beds, private bathrooms with hot and cold shower, cable TV, air-conditioning, and onsite-restaurant and bar.
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 3
Pak Beng
Enjoy a western-style breakfast and prepare for a mini jungle trek. Today you will meet the elephant youngsters in the nursery, and really interact with these incredible mammals. A six-hour scenic journey will take you to the Pak Beng Lodge. Check in, rest and refresh before a delicious and picturesque dinner overlooking the Mekong River and lush surrounding jungle.
Hotel Options
Set along the banks of the Mekong River, Pakbeng Lodge is a charming establishment that will fulfill most travel desires. Featuring 30 comfortable rooms, each accommodation is equipped with complimentary bottled water, air-conditioning, a balcony or terrace and modern décor.
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 4
Luang Prabang
Enjoy breakfast overlooking the grand Mekong and observe local fisherman as they begin their day’s work. A boat will take you to the vibrant UNESCO World Heritage city of Luang Prabang. A glorious mix of golden temples, crumbling French provincial architecture and mosaic of multiculturalism make this locale one to remember. After checking into a luxury hotel and spend the evening as you please.Try exploring the colorful night markets and take in the city lights.
Hotel Options
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
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.
Day 5
Luang Prabang
Enjoy the mystery and majesty of Luang Prabang, a city whose unique history has been preserved as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Visit palaces and monasteries and get swept up by the enchantment of its well-preserved antiquity. After a traditional lunch of Luang Prabang specialties, head to Tai Lue, famed for textiles and weaving. Take a refreshing break from touring at the scenic Kuang Si Waterfall and its crystal-clear surrounding pools. Fit in a few more sites and close the day watching the sunset over the city from the top of Mount Phousi.
Day 6
Departure
Enjoy your final morning in Luang Prabang. Go shopping for some last minute keepsakes or simply relax ahead of your onward journey. You will be transferred by private vehicle to the airport for your flight.
Suggested Hotels For Day 1
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.
Green Park Boutique Hotel
Suggested Hotel For Day 2
Guesthouse
Cozy teak guesthouses can be found throughout the Lao landscape, offering accommodation to travelers venturing off the beaten track. Ranging from basic to mid-tier, most Laos guesthouses feature clean beds, private bathrooms with hot and cold shower, cable TV, air-conditioning, and onsite-restaurant and bar. Laundry service, WiFi and rentable bicycles may also be available. These quaint lodgings allow guests to relax in comfort while enjoying the languid Lao countryside.
Suggested Hotel For Day 3
Pakbeng Lodge
Set along the banks of the Mekong River, Pakbeng Lodge is a charming establishment that will fulfill most travel desires. Featuring 30 comfortable rooms, each accommodation is equipped with complimentary bottled water, air-conditioning, a balcony or terrace and modern décor. Guests will have access to a variety of services, including free WiFi, a business center, meeting facilities, dry cleaning, shuttle services, a bar and lounge area and much more. After checking in, patrons can spoil themselves with a massage at the on-site spa and unwind outside in the spacious garden. In the evening, visitors can indulge in authentic Thai and Lao cuisine at the Moonlight and Sunset Restaurants. This delightful hotel is also conveniently-located in the heart of Pakbeng, Laos. Patrons will have easy access to the city’s must-see attractions, which include the famous Mekong Elephant Camp.
Suggested Hotels For Days 4–5
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).
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.
Similar Itineraries
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Travel Laos from north to south on this classic 8-day journey that will take you to the country’s must-see spots. Visit charming Luang Prabang, swim in gem-colored waterfalls, shop boutiques in the capital and countryside, bike around villages in Champasak, and kayak in Don Khone.
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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.
Laos Silk Weaving Up Close
- Author
- Ronan O'Connell
Southern Laos: Tribal Secrets Unlocked
- Author
- Jay Tindall
Dinner at the Rosewood Luang Prabang with Chef Sebastien Rubis
- Author
- Tyler Roney
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