Example Itinerary

Capital to Ancient Capital: A Glimpse of Northern Laos

Duration
6 days / 5 nights
Price Per Person
Destinations
Laos

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
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
About

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
About

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.

Sayaboury
Sayaboury

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
About

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
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
Luang Prabang
Luang Prabang

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.

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.

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