Mekong river at sunset in Laos

Laos Expedition Itinerary: Amazing Wildlife to Hidden Treasures

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Customizable Itinerary

This is a sample itinerary to inspire a personalized trip designed with your travel specialist

Countries Visited

Laos

Places Visited

Vientiane, Champasak, Luang Prabang, Pakse...

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Suggested Duration

8 Days

Your Laos itinerary is custom-tailored for an unforgettable expedition through the lush jungle, along the meandering Mekong, and over the stunning mountaintops to reveal the natural and cultural splendors of the landlocked country. Bask in the ever-present aroma of tamarind, learn the enticing flavors of Laotian cuisine, search for Irrawaddy dolphins, and enjoy a stunning view of gilded stupas that tower above the trees. Discover an oasis of ancient pools and gilded temples as elephants bathe...

Customizable Itinerary

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Trip Highlights

  • Enjoy a cruise on the mighty Mekong River to find a pod of the rare Irrawaddy dolphin
  • Meet with Asiatic elephants up close before enjoying an elephant ride to the river
  • Witness the marvelous display of devotion during the alms-giving procession in Luang Prabang as monks walk single-file through the city
  • View the more than 6,000 Buddha icons that decorate the oldest surviving temple of the Siamese-Laos war in Vientiane at Sisaket
  • Discover the stunning rush and natural grandeur of Phapheng Falls, the largest waterfall in Southeast Asia
  • Traverse the tiers of the ancient temple complex Wat Phou, which was erected in the 11th century under the Khmer dynasty
  • Relish the flavors of Laos with a culinary class designed to teach you the staples of Laotian cuisine while enjoying the fun of flavor and cooking

Detailed Description

The pleasures of Laos abound during your 8-day Laos itinerary that will highlight the beauty of temple design, the splendor of the landlocked landscape, and the marvels of the rich cultural history. Your expedition will begin with your arrival in Vientiane. Your private transfer will greet you at Wattay International Airport and escort you to your luxurious hotel inside a renovated French villa. Meet your guide after you settle in for a visit to the Patuxai Victory Memorial before strolling along the vibrant aisles of the night market, located along the Mekong River promenade.

Wake the next morning, and your guide will be there eager to lead you on a tour of the capital of Laos. Visit the historical and lavish temples found across the city and stroll through the National Gallery. The next day, you will fly to Pakse in the south, and your private transfer will greet you at the airport and bring you to the ancient temple grounds of Wat Phou. Traverse the six tiers for insight into the Angkor-era temple. Bask in the shrines, enjoy the preserved artwork, and take pleasure in the fabulous panoramas before settling into your hotel in the charming town of Champasak in the evening.

The next day, board your riverboat to cruise down the fabled Mekong River. Stop along a number of the 4,000 Islands to view life on the shores before searching for Irrawaddy dolphins, often found in pods near the Cambodian border. Witness the stunning display of nature’s power at Phapheng Falls the next day before flying from Pakse to the Imperial city of Luang Prabang in the north. Your private transfer will greet you at the airport and lead you to your gorgeous hotel that will have views of lush gardens and verdant mountains.

Take to the hills with your guide for an introduction to the city as you climb Mount Phousi. Take your time in the small temples and along the pilgrimage stairway before reaching the temple that crowns the summit. Take part in the morning alms giving early the next morning as the local monks form a single-file line and march through Luang Prabang to receive gifts of food from the village. Continue with a tour of the quiet city by the water before enjoying a private evening cooking class at a popular restaurant. Venture the next morning to Elephant Village to meet Asiatic elephants rescued and rehabilitated. You can ride the elephant through a portion of the jungle until you reach the riverbanks. Return to Luang Prabang in the evening for one last night before your private transfer will arrive at your hotel in the morning to escort you to Luang Prabang Airport for your flight home.

Starting Price

$1,867 per person (excluding international flights)

Your Zicasso trip is fully customizable, and this sample itinerary is a starting place for your travel plans. Actual costs are dynamic, and your selection of accommodations and activities, your season of travel, and other such variables will bring this budget guideline up or down. Throughout your planning experience with your Zicasso specialist, your itinerary is designed around your budget. You can book your trip when you are satisfied with every detail. Planning your trip with a Zicasso travel specialist is a free service.

What's Included

  • Accommodations
  • In-country transportation
  • Some or all activities and tours
  • Expert trip planning
  • 24x7 support during your trip

Your final trip cost will vary based on your selected accommodations, activities, meals, and other trip elements that you opt to include.

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