Adventure Laos Tour

Vientiane - Vang Vieng - Luang Prabang

Laos is perfect for soft adventure activities and this itinerary shows you why—cycle rides through beautiful scenery, elephant riding, and kayaking are all on the menu. Begin in the capital city of Vientiane, stop in the peaceful town of Vang Vieng and end in the beautifully preserved UNESCO World Heritage town of Luang Prabang.
 
Privately-Guided! Whether you are a single person, a couple, or a group, you'll have your own guide and driver for all airport pickups, drop-offs, and daily excursions. 
 
Choose Your Own Dates! This is not a fixed-departure-date tour. Just let us know the dates that work best for you and we will arrange everything.
 
Customizable! Need more time? Less time? Want to see or do something that isn't included? Just let us know, and we will arrange it for you and let you know the change in costs.

Click here to read what our clients have told us after they return.


Trip Highlights

• Capital city tour of Vientiane
• Mountain bike adventure in Vang Vieng
• UNESCO World Heritage City, Luang Prabang
• Elephant ride and kayak tour outside Luang Prabang

Itinerary

Day 1:  Arrive Vientiane
Arrive at the Vientiane airport where you will be welcomed by your guide and taken to your hotel for check in. Depending on the time of your arrival flight, you might have time to explore the capital city by visiting some of the major sites including Wat Sisaket with thousands of miniature Buddha statues and the former royal temple of Wat Prakeo, which previously housed the famous Emerald Buddha Image. En route to Lao’s national precious heritage, the famous and sacred structure of That Luang Stupa, you will have the opportunity to take some pictures of the imposing Patuxay Monument, which is well known as Vientiane’s own Arc de Triumph. The final visit of the day will be the excellent COPE exhibition center where you will learn about the effects of unexploded ordinance in Laos. In the evening enjoy a delicious Lao style meal with local dance and music performances at Kua Lao Restaurant. Overnight in Vientiane. (Dinner)

Day 2:  Vientiane to Vang Vieng
After breakfast, depart the capital city and head north, seeing some breathtaking scenery en route as you pass through spectacular countryside toward the mountainous region. Along the way visit the busy and very colorful market at FM52 where various hill tribes come to trade goods or buy provisions. The largest Hmong New Year celebration (usually in November or December) in the country is held in this city. The next stop is Vang Xang, famous for the archeological site dating back to the 11th century. Continue on to Vang Vieng, nestled on a bend in the Nam Song River. Its stunning scenery with limestone outcrops remains unspoiled despite recent developments in tourism. Check into your hotel and have the rest of the day at leisure. Overnight in Vang Vieng. (Breakfast)

Day 3:  Vang Vieng
After crossing the Nam Song River on a bamboo bridge, start the day by exploring one of the most unusual caves in the area: Tham Poukham, the highly auspicious and venerated “Cave of the Golden Crab.”

Your ride will continue by mountain bike for approximately 26 km behind the karst ranges of the Nam Song River and Vang Vieng. Enjoy beautiful mountainous scenery, quiet villages, and biking terrain that will keep you stimulated. Note that the trail can be rough or muddy depending on the season and at times, bikes may have to be carried short distances.

End your ride back in Vang Vieng with a a sunset drink by the river. Total cycling time is approximately 6 hours cycling with 2 hours of walking.Overnight in Vang Vieng. (Breakfast, Lunch)

Day 4:  Vang Vieng to Luang Prabang
After breakfast depart for Luang Prabang by car, winding through the mountains and making numerous stops at viewpoints and villages along the way. This town with its gleaming temple roofs, fading colonial architecture and stunning mountainous backdrop has been claimed by UNESCO to be “the best preserved traditional city in South East Asia.” Arrive in Luang Prabang by mid-afternoon and check into your hotel. Enjoy the rest of your day at leisure. Overnight in Luang Prabang. (Breakfast)

Day 5:  Luang Prabang
An optional early start gives you the fantastic opportunity to participate in the daily morning ritual of saffron-clad monks collecting offerings of Alms from the faithful residents. This procession is very unique in Laos, being the only Buddhist nation still preserving the tradition.

This morning visit the National Museum (closed Tuesdays) at the former Royal Palace to see a collection of Lao cultural artifacts dating from the days of the early kings right through to the last sovereign. Also visit the magnificent Wat Xiengthong, famous for its classical Laotian architecture.

Walk to the boat pier and board a comfortable private boat for a cruise down the Mekong to Ban Chan Tai where you will start your 2 hour trek to Gecko Cliff.  This gentle trek takes you along the banks of the Mekong River before climbing up a forested hill to a stunning view point of the Mekong and the beautiful surrounding countryside. Following a well earned rest continue to the second sight of the day, an unexplored cave, before heading back down to your boat to continue on to Ban Pak Leuang. Begin your 20min cycle ride, taking in a Lao Loum village and paddy fields before reaching Hoy Khua Waterfall for a picnic lunch of traditional Lao food. After lunch choose to explore the multi tiered waterfall before returning by bicycle to the boat. Return to Luang Prabang by river, arriving back in the town around 4pm. Overnight in Luang Prabang. (Breakfast , Lunch)

Day 6:  Luang Prabang
After breakfast, drive to the Nam Khan valley about 15 km out of town and visit Elephant Village. You will be introduced to the protected Asian elephants in the project area and go out for a scenic, 1 hour ride through the Nam Khan River and forest. Afterwards take a boat to Tad Sae waterfalls. (Waterfall dried out February - August.) Return to the center and enjoy lunch with views over the river and into the surrounding landscapes and mountains.

After lunch take a  short instruction and begin a relaxing 4 hour kayaking trip back into town on the Nam Khan River. Village stops along the way are included as well as a pick-up service at the arrival point in Luang Prabang. Overnight in Luang Prabang. (Breakfast, Lunch)

Day 7:  Departure
Enjoy a morning at leisure until your transfer to the airport for your departure flight. (Breakfast)

Rates

Per Person Rates (based on double-occupancy) start from:

4-Star Hotels: $1,205
5-Star Hotels: $1,800
 
Single Traveler
4-Star Hotels: $2,170
5-Star Hotels: $3,365
 

Contact Us for advice on hotels and a quote based on your choice.

Please note that peak season supplements for stays over Christmas and New Years may apply.

Rates Include

• All airport transfers to and from hotel in private vehicle
• All private tours and excursions as outlined in the itinerary
• All surface transportation as per the itinerary by private, air-conditioned car
• Hotel accommodation on bed & breakfast basis inclusive of all taxes and service charges
• All entrance fees
• Services of a private, local English-speaking guide for all visits and excursions

 
Rates Do Not Include

• International airfare
• Visa fees
• Airport departure taxes
• Tips
• Expenses of a personal nature

Hotels

Hotels are subject to availability at the time of booking. If a hotel listed below is not available, an alternative hotel of similar quality will be substituted.

To Book This Tour

Please call us toll free at 1-877-362-2793 and let us know that you would like to book this tour. Then follow these instructions:

1. Download, print, and fill out the Reservation Form for each person.
2. Fax the form to us at 206-529-4803, or mail it to:
   
   Red Lantern Journeys
   1000 N. Northlake Way, Suite H
   Seattle, WA 98103

3. Pay a non-refundable $500 per person deposit and we will initiate your reservations.
4. Final payment is due 75 days prior to departure.

If your reservation is made less than 75 days prior to departure, the non-refundable deposit will allow us to initiate reservations. Full payment will be due immediately upon confirmation of all hotels and transportation services. If the services quoted cannot be confirmed, alternate accommodation or transportation will be arranged and the price will be adjusted accordingly.

Payments can be made by personal check, bank wire transfer, or credit card. Upon receipt of your deposit, we will initiate your reservations and send you a statement showing your payment. Approximately 4 weeks prior to your departure, we will send you a final confirmation package containing your itinerary and detailed information on the logistics of your trip.
 
Forms to Download (pdf file)
Reservation Form with Complete Terms and Conditions

Cancellation/Refund Policies

- Cancel more than 60 days prior to departure - forfeit your deposit.

- Cancel between 30 and 60 days prior to departure - forfeit 50% of the tour cost.

- Cancel less than 30 days prior to departure - NO REFUND of tour cost.

- Cancellations must be made in writing and sent via mail, fax, or email to Red Lantern Journeys.

- Refunds will be processed within 30 days of receipt of your written request.

- No refunds are available for unused services or tours during your trip.