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Exploring Laos

Family Adventure

A delightful introduction to South East Asia for a family, this 10-day itinerary sticks to two locations with no internal flights and packs in a mix of activities with plenty of time for dips in the swimming pool. Luang Prabang is a quiet town with plenty of temples, restaurants, cafes, and sights within walking distance, making it less overwhelming than the region’s bigger cities. Using this as a base, enjoy bicycle rides, a waterfall, some off-the-beaten track experiences that cater to kids and teens (with great coffee for the adults), even a walk with elephants and delicious homemade ice cream at a buffalo dairy. Trust on this one, it’s amazing! Get out into the countryside for two nights of walks, waterfalls, and kayaking, then a final night in Luang Prabang. If you want a bit of beach time at the end, it’s a short hop to Thailand and we’d be happy to add that on.

As with all Fleewinter itineraries, this is here to inspire you. We’re happy to lengthen, shorten, change hotels, activities, and otherwise tailor this to your holiday dreams. Drop us an email or give us a ring to start planning your Laos family holiday.

 

Your Itinerary

Day 1 - Welcome to Laos!

Upon arrival at the airport in Luang Prabang, you will be met by your guide and driver for the short transfer to your hotel in a quiet part of town. You’ll have two connecting rooms in a charming heritage hotel with a swimming pool and tranquil gardens. Relax and settle in to the sights and sounds of South East Asia, perhaps go for a stroll across the bridge or around town for a bite to eat.

Day 2 - Cycling Tour & Evening Games

Set out this morning with your guide to see the highlights of Luang Prabang by bicycle. Visit the Royal Palace Museum, Heuan Chan Heritage House, the enchanting Wat Xiengthong, Wat Khili, and the Traditional Arts and Ethnology Centre along the way. The afternoon is yours to relax before a unique opportunity to get to know the locals with a game of Petanque and a BBQ dinner at a local SinDat.

Day 3 - Walk with the Elephants

Set out this morning for MandaLao for an ethical encounter with elephants. After learning about the sanctuary and elephants, meet the youngest of the herd and feed him some fruit. Once acquainted, follow the elephants and their mahouts on foot into the forest for a trek as the elephants munch their way along. No one rides and the elephants determine the path! After a riverside lunch, the rest of the day is yours.

Day 4 - Alms, Waterfall, & Buffalo Dairy

Rise early to witness the traditional giving of alms to monks. Stop by the local market to see how residents shop then head for Kuang Si Waterfall where a picnic breakfast can be enjoyed overlooking the falls. Visit the Laos Buffalo Dairy for a guided tour and chance to feed the livestock  plus a tasting of buffalo milk cheese and ice cream. The afternoon and evening are yours to explore idyllic Luang Prabang.

Day 5 - Pottery in Ban Chan

Transfer to the Mekong Riverside to board a private boat for a short downstream to the village of Ban Chan, where Pottery making has been the central way of life for over 400 years. Meet master-potter Mr. Thieng who works hard to preserve this amazing history. Thieng will show you the ancient techniques, and you can get hands-on with the clay yourself.  Enjoy lunch before cruising back to town where the afternoon is yours.

Day 6 - A Farm to Table Day

Spend the morning with Mr Ken, a young entrepreneur from a rural village. Visit Big Brother Mouse to learn about their children’s books then carry on to Mr Ken’s hometown. Visit the organic family farm to learn about Laos agriculture and enjoy an organic vegetarian lunch and local  coffee. A village elder will perform a traditional Baci Ceremony symbolizing friendship, good health and good luck on your journey ahead. Return to your hotel mid-afternoon.

sunset-riverbank-nong-khiaw-laos-fleewinter

Day 7 - Travel to Nong Khiaw

This morning, check out and head north to Nong Khiaw, arriving in the early afternoon. After a short rest, set out with your guide for a challenging trek up the nearby Viewpoint. In approximately 1½ hours, trek to the viewpoint to be rewarded with spectacular vistas of the town and the valley while the sun sets behind the hills. The hike down will take about an hour getting you back to your hotel in time for dinner.

Day 8 - Caves & Waterfalls

Travel by boat upstream to the friendly town of Muang Ngoi. Trek from here to the impressive Tham Kang Cave which once served as a bomb shelter. Explore the cave with its glittering crystals and unique rock formations before returning to the boat and cruising to a Khmu village. Trek to Tad Mok Waterfalls for a swim and picnic lunch. Mid-afternoon, trek back to the village and enjoy a relaxing scenic slow boat ride to Nong Khiaw.

Day 9 - Kayaking on the Mekong

Check out and follow the Nam Ou river to the village of Ban Hatya where you’ll step into kayaks for the next leg of your journey. Paddle along until the river meets the Mekong where you’ll stop for a picnic lunch on the sand. Continue by kayak to the island of Done Khoun to visit its iconic wat and fuel up on snacks. From there it’s a final 20 minutes of kayaking before a short transfer by road to your hotel.

Day 10 - Homeward Bound

Depending on your flight time today, you may have time for one final wander around town, a dip in the swimming pool, or perhaps a Laos massage. When the time comes, you’ll be transferred to the airport for your flight onward.

Safe travels!

DETAILS -

This itinerary costs from £1590 per person based on a family of four travelling together with two sharing in each room including all private transfers but not international flights.

You can get flights from as little as £600 per person return and do ask us for advice. Alternatively we can book the flights for you but a booking fee may apply.

What's included?

INCLUDED:
  • Prices start from £1,590 per person
  • Accommodation on B&B basis
  • Lunch on days 3, 5, 6, 8, 9
  • Dinner on day 2
  • Private transfers (air-conditioned vehicle or as mentioned)
  • All entrance fees with service of English speaking guide for excursions
  • Local taxes
  • All trips are ATOL protected or ABTA bonded to ensure you are fully covered

Prices are correct at time of publication and subject to change.

Make a booking
Luang Prabang
This delightful Unesco-heritage protected town has some of the finest architecture, food and temples of all of Laos (as well as lots of cute boutique shops!) You could spend days in this delightful town, which has two rivers running through it, whilst exploring nearby caves, waterfalls and elephant camps.
Si Phan Don (4,000 Islands)
This cluster of islands caught in the middle of the mighty flowing Mekong is the perfect place to chill for a couple of days. Cycling to waterfalls, spotting rare river dolphins, chilling in hammocks and watching the sunset over the Mekong are all in the order of the day here.
Champasak & The Bolaven Plateau
The Bolaven Plateau is not to be missed by any die-hard coffee fans! This idyllic, hilly region is where the finest coffee in Laos grows and we have some wonderful day tours on offer here - you can even spend the night at a family home on a traditional coffee plantation. Nearby Champasak has some wonderful luxurious riverside accommodation (some of the best in Laos) and a sunrise trip to Wat Phou Temple must not be missed.
Vientiane
The riverside capital of Laos is home to some of the country's finest restaurants, spas and cafes, not to mention a fantastic collection of boutique hotels... it is the perfect place to indulge your tastebuds and senses for a day or two. Nearby there are a number of impressive temples and cultural sights which are ideal to explore by bicycle.
Vang Vieng
Something of an outdoor lover's paradise, Vang Vieng, which is set on Nam Song River, is the perfect place for anyone seeking nature based activities - as well as some more adrenalin-seeking adventures. It's backdrop of serene cliffs and vibrant green paddy fields, coupled with an excellent selection of boutique hotels, make it the ideal place to chill for a day or two.
Vieng Xai Caves
This fascinating wartime cave hideout is set in beautiful gardens backed by delightful karst scenery. It is ideal for those who are travelling onwards to Vietnam and crossing at the land border - or vice versa.

Your adventure starts here!

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