Start and end in Vientiane! With the In-depth Cultural tour Laos Explorer: Caves, Trains, and Culture 8-Day, you have a 8 days tour package taking you through Vientiane, Laos and 4 other destinations in Laos. Laos Explorer: Caves, Trains, and Culture 8-Day includes accommodation in a hotel as well as flights, an expert guide, meals, transport and more.
Welcome to our 8-day tour of Laos! This tour will take you to some of the most beautiful and historic destinations in Laos, allowing you to experience the rich cultural heritage and stunning natural beauty of this incredible country. From the bustling capital city of Vientiane to the serene town of Luang Prabang, you will discover the hidden gems of Laos that will leave you with unforgettable memories.
Upon arrival in the capital, our staff will greet you and transfer you to your hotel. Vientiane is a captivating city with an intriguing blend of Lao, Thai, Chinese, Vietnamese, French, and American influences. After a short rest, we will begin our visit to the major city sights, including Wat Sisaket, the country's oldest temple with thousands of miniature Buddha statues, and the former royal temple of Wat Prakeo. Along the way, we will stop at the famous That Luang Stupa, which is the most important monument in Laos. You will have the opportunity to take photos of the impressive Patuxay Monument, also known as Vientiane's own Arc de Triumph. Tonight, we will enjoy a welcome dinner at one of the city's fine restaurants.
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Accommodation Options:
Orchid Laos Hotel - 3-star or similar
Green Park Hotel - 4-star or similar
Crown Plaza - 5-star or similar
After breakfast, we catch the express train to Vang Vieng, a small and tranquil town nestled on a bend of the Nam Song River. After check into your hotel, we explore the famous caves of Tham Jang, which was once used by the local people as a hideout from Chinese invaders. Next, we take a drive through paddy fields to the Tham Phoukham caves, the country’s beautiful and famous limestone caverns surrounded by forest. Along the way, you will meet local villagers and learn about their daily lifestyle. There is a small natural pool in front of the caves where you can swim and refresh yourself from the heat. Overnight in Vang Vieng
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Accommodation Options:
Vansana Vang Vieng Hotel - 3-star or similar
Inthira Vang Vieng Hotel - 4-star or similar
Amari Vang Vieng Hotel - 5-star or similar
After check into your hotel, we explore the famous caves of Tham Jang, which was once used by the local people as a hideout from Chinese invaders. Next, we take a drive through paddy fields to the Tham Phoukham caves, the country’s beautiful and famous limestone caverns surrounded by forest. Along the way, you will meet local villagers and learn about their daily lifestyle. There is a small natural pool in front of the caves where you can swim and refresh yourself from the heat. Overnight in Vang Vieng
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Accommodation Options:
Vansana Vang Vieng Hotel - 3-star or similar
Inthira Vang Vieng Hotel - 4-star or similar
Amari Vang Vieng Hotel - 5-star or similar
After breakfast, we take an express train to Luang Prabang. Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Luang Prabang has been claimed by UNESCO to be ‘the best preserved city in South East Asia’. After a short rest, we visit The National Museum at the former Royal Palace, which displays a lovely collection of artifacts reflecting the richness of Lao culture throughout the ages. Next, we then climb up to the top of Mount Phousi for an enjoyable exploration of the sacred, gilded stupa as well as a panoramic view of the city at sunset. From there, we explore the Night Market, where you can find a lovely selection of handmade textile made by local and hill tribe people surrounding Luang Prabang. Overnight in Luang Prabang.
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Accommodation Options:
Villa Chitdara Hotel - 3-star or similar
Le Belair Resort - 4-star or similar
Villa maly Hotel - 5-star or similar
Today, we will board an upstream cruise on the Mekong River, offering a panoramic view of the tranquil countryside. We will stop at the Pak Ou Caves, which are sanctuaries consisting of two large caverns, both repositories for thousands of Buddha images. Along the way, we will also stop at a few villages, including Ban Muangkeo, where the local rice wine is produced, and Ban Xiengmene. We will also have a chance to climb up to Wat Chomphet, offering one of the best views of Luang Prabang from across the river. Once we return to Luang Prabang city, we will take a short drive to Ban Xang Khong and Ban Xieng Lek - small villages well known for their silk weavings and Saa (jute) papermaking. Overnight in Luang Prabang.
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Accommodation Options:
Villa Chitdara Hotel - 3-star or similar
Le Belair Resort - 4-star or similar
Villa maly Hotel - 5-star or similar
Today, we will depart from this charming town and drive to Xieng Khouang, an area that was once devastated by American bombings. These back roads provide an opportunity to have an authentic Laos experience, as we will encounter very few other travelers and mostly rural dwellers who are just as interested in us as we are about them. Upon arrival, we will transfer to visit the Plain of Jars, an impressive archaeological site where hundreds of large stone jars are scattered all over the plateau. Overnight in Xiengkhouang.
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Accommodation: Vansana Plain of Jars Hotel (local best)
After breakfast, we depart for a trip to Mouang Khoune, the former capital of the province, which was almost completely destroyed by American bombing during the Vietnam War. Along the way, we will visit the H'mong ethnic minority villages of Thai Dam (Black Thai) and Phuan. We will also have an orientation tour of Mouang Khoune and visit the remains of the temples of Wat Phia Wat and Wat Tha Foune. After visiting the sites, we will catch a flight to the capital city of Vientiane. After a short rest, we will begin our orientation with a walking tour of the city, strolling around the sights and observing the evening sunset along the Mekong Riverside. Overnight in Vientiane.
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Accommodation Options:
Orchid Laos Hotel - 3-star or similar
Green Park Hotel - 4-star or similar
Crown Plaza - 5-star or similar
After enjoying breakfast, we will depart for a visit to the Buddha Park, which is situated near the Friendship Bridge. This park houses around 200 religious images, including Hindu and Buddhist sculptures that are beautifully scattered around the area. The intricate designs and captivating artistry are sure to leave you spellbound.
Afterward, we will visit the Morning Market and the weaving village of Ban Nong Bouathong, where you can see locals producing traditional textiles using age-old techniques. If time permits, you can take some time to explore and purchase some souvenirs to bring back home.
Afterward, the tour will come to an end with your transfer to the airport for your departure flight. It was great having you on this trip, and we hope to see you again soon on another adventure with Legend Travel Group.
Accommodations based on single/twin/double/triple sharing with daily buffet breakfast. All taxes and service charges included.
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Basic 3-star Hotel Accommodation option:
Vientiane: Orchild Laos Hotel or similar
Vang Vieng: Vansana Vang Vieng Hotel or similar
Luang Prabang: Villa Chitdara Hotel or similar
Xieng Khouang: Vansana Plain of Jars Hotel or similar
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Upgrade to 4-star Hotel Accommodation option:
Vientiane: Green Park Hotel or similar
Vang Vieng: Inthira Vang Vieng Hotel or similar
Luang Prabang: Le Belair Resort or similar
Xieng Khouang: Vansana Plain of Jars Hotel (local best)
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Upgrade to 5-star Hotel Accommodation option:
Vientiane: Crown Plaza or similar
Luang Prabang: Villa maly or similar
Vang Vieng: Amari Vang Vieng Hotel or similar
Xieng Khouang: Vansana Plain of Jars Hotel (local best)
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"Please be aware that all accommodations are subject to change until 4-6 weeks before the departure date. The final accommodation details will be provided to you with your finalized travel documents.
"Subject to change" means that we may use an alternative hotel if the hotel listed in the tour package is fully booked or not available during your stay period. The alternative hotel must be of the same quality as the indicated hotel or better than the indicated hotel in the package."
Included:
Internal flight Ticket: Xieng Khouang - Vientiane (Economy class, including fuel charge and airport taxes).
Checked baggage allowance: 20kg and Handbag allowance: 7kg
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Professional tour guides with excellent English skills in every destination.
Meals mentioned in the program include Lao cuisine, Asian cuisine, and Western cuisine. The meals are categorized as B (breakfast), L (lunch), or D (dinner). The program includes 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches, and 1 dinner.
Private air-conditioned transportation
Private boat trip as stated in above sights
English speaking guide
Alms giving participants
Admission fee to indicated sights
Meals according itinerary
Government tax and service charge
Drinking water & Tissue
Air-conditioned vehicle will be provided for transportation during the tour. This includes pick-up and drop-off at airports, hotels, and all other tour destinations.
For any flights included in the itinerary, plane transportation will be arranged with reputable airlines to ensure a safe and comfortable journey.
The Express Train is air-conditioned and equipped with comfortable seats and other amenities to make your journey enjoyable. It is a great option for those who want to experience the country's scenic views while traveling in comfort.
For boat trips, comfortable and secure vessels will be used to take you to your destinations. Our boats are equipped with life jackets and other necessary safety equipment, and operated by experienced and licensed captains.
We take your safety and comfort seriously and strive to provide the best transportation options for your travel needs.
Insurance is not covered by Legend Travel Group.
International flight tickets to/from Vientiane
Pre and post tour accommodation
Beverages and other meals that are not indicated in the program
Visa to Laos if applicable
Early check-in and late check-out at all hotels
Massage and spa services
Travel insurance
Personal expenses such as laundry, telephone, shopping, etc.
Tipping/Gratuities
Single supplement fees
Any additional expenses caused by reasons beyond our control such as natural calamities (typhoon, floods), flight delays, rescheduling or cancellations, accidents, medical evacuations, riots, strikes, etc.
Tourists are required to present the following documents:
1. A vaccination certificate showing full COVID-19 vaccination with two shots. There is no time limit on when the vaccination was received. It is not required to provide negative COVID-19 test results or to do a PCR/RAT test upon arrival.
• Children under 12 years old who are not vaccinated should follow their parents.
2. A copy of an insurance policy in English that covers healthcare and treatment expenses for COVID-19 for the entire duration of the visit to Laos. The policy must clearly state that the coverage is not less than US $10,000 per applicant.
60 days or more prior to departure 5% of the cost of the tour is forfeited
30-59 days prior departure: 10% of the cost of the tour is forfeited
15-29 days prior to departure: 20% of the cost of the tour is forfeited
7-14 days prior to departure: 50% of the cost of the tour is forfeited
Within 6 days prior to departure: 90 % of the cost of the tour is forfeited
Child under 5 years old: 50% of the Adult's cost, sharing the existing bed with parents
Child from 5-11 years old: 75% of the Adult's cost, provided with a private bed (extra bed) within the same room as parents
Child from 12 years old and up: 100% of the Adult's cost, provided with a private bed (extra bed) within the same room as parents
Triple room: 3 persons sharing one room, consisting of 1 double bed and 1 single bed.
