SIMPLY LAOS

Fly from London to Bangkok and connect onwards to Luang Prabang. On arrival, meet your representative and transfer to your hotel, with the remainder of the day at leisure.

Stay: 3 nights at Satri House, in a Deluxe Room, including breakfast.

Explore Luang Prabang with a private guide, starting at the former Royal Palace (now the National Museum), then continuing to Wat Visoun and Wat Xiengthong. Later, visit the UXO Laos visitor centre, before returning to your hotel for time at leisure. This evening, stroll the night market and end the day with a traditional Sin Dat BBQ at Dyen Sabai Restaurant.

Rise early to witness the alms-giving ceremony, then return to the hotel for breakfast and a free morning. In the afternoon, take a private cruise along the Mekong River to the Pak Ou caves, an important pilgrimage site filled with Buddha images, before drifting downstream back to Luang Prabang. From October to March it can be cool on the river, so bring a jacket. If observing alms giving without making an offering, keep a respectful distance and dress appropriately.

Transfer to Luang Prabang Station and take the high-speed train to Muang Xai, then continue by road to your resort, with the remainder of the day at leisure. On day 6, walk the aerial netted suspension bridges through rainforest scenery, crossing rivers and streams on a route of approximately 15–20 bridges towards the Nam Kat waterfall, with optional cycling or a jungle hike available. The afternoon is free to enjoy the resort facilities.

Stay: 2 nights at Namkat Yorla Pa Resort, in an Executive Riverfront Suite, including breakfast, plus one 60-minute spa treatment per person.

Transfer by road to Nong Kiau, stopping en route at the Ban Man Da Museum and Cave, a community-based site documenting local life during the period of intense U.S. bombing. Continue to Nong Kiau, check in and spend the remainder of the day at leisure.

On day 8, board a private longtail boat and travel upstream on the Nam Ou River, stopping at Ban Sop Jam to see local weaving, then continue by boat to Muang Ngoi for time in the village and lunch, before returning to Nong Kiau. If time permits, you may also visit Ban Houyhoy Village and the Sop Kong Waterfall.

Stay: 2 nights at Nong Kiau Riverside, in a Bungalow, including breakfast.

After an early breakfast, travel by road to Luang Prabang and enjoy a late lunch at a local restaurant (payable locally), before transferring to the station for the high-speed train to Vientiane. On arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel, with the remainder of the day at leisure.

On day 10, there is the option to visit Buddha Park, an open-air sculpture park with large Buddhist and Hindu figures, before a guided tour of the city including Wat Sisaket, Wat Phra Keo and Patuxay (with the option to climb for panoramic views). Continue to the Lao Art Museum, then spend the evening on a street food tour sampling local specialities such as larb, noodle soups and grilled meats.

Stay: 2 nights at Souphattra Heritage Vientiane, in a Heritage Grand Premier Room, including breakfast.

Fly to Pakse and visit Vat Phu, a pre-Angkorian temple complex dramatically set at the base of Mount Phu Kao, recognised by UNESCO in 2001 and dating back to the 10th century, with time to explore the surrounding Khmer and Buddhist sites. Afterwards, transfer to the pier and take a short boat journey to Don Daeng Island.

Days 12 and 13 are free at leisure, with the option of a cycling tour around Don Daeng Island using the lodge’s complimentary bicycles. You may also choose a full-day Bolaven Plateau excursion (additional cost).

Stay: 3 nights at La Folie Lodge, in a Mekong View Bungalow, including breakfast.

After breakfast, take the boat from Don Daeng Island to Pakse and continue by road to the Chong Mek border with Thailand and onward to Ubon Ratchathani airport for your flight to Bangkok, connecting onwards to London.