Essentials of Laos 6-day Private Tour

Overview

Experience the essential highlights of Laos on our 6-day Essentials of Laos tour. This private, meticulously crafted itinerary takes you from the charming capital of Vientiane and the scenic town of Vang Vieng to the cultural heart of Luang Prabang. You will explore sacred temples and ancient caves, cruise the majestic Mekong River to the Pak Ou Caves, and discover the timeless traditions of the region. If this tour captures your interest, please share your specific requirements, and we will customize the program to your satisfaction.

Trip Map

Detailed Itinerary

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DAY 1: ARRIVAL - VIENTIANE

On arrival at in the capital, you will be met by our staff and transferred to your hotel. Vientiane is a charming and fascinating place, with an interesting mix of Lao, Thai, Chinese, Vietnamese, French, and American influences. After a short rest, we start visiting 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. En route, we visit the famous That Luang Stupa, the single most important monument in Laos. 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. Tonight we will enjoy a welcome dinner at one of the fine restaurants.

Overnight in Vientiane
Inclusions: Private airport pick-up/ Tour guide/ Hotel accommodation

DAY 2: VIENTIANE – VANG VIENG

After breakfast, we transfer out to see Buddha Park, a scattered and enchanting collection of Buddhist and Hindu sculptures near the Friendship Bridge. There are approximately 200 religious images here. (If time permits) We visit the Morning Market and the weaving village of Ban Nong Bouathong before catching an express train to Vang Vieng, a small and tranquil town nestled on a bend of the Nam Song River. Today ends with a superb sunset panorama reflecting over the Nam Song River.

Overnight in Vang Vieng
Inclusions: Private a.c transfer/ Tour guide/ Entrance fee/ Breakfast, Lunch/ Hotel accommodation

the-weaving-village-of-Ban-Nong-Bouathong

DAY 3: VANG VIENG - THAM JANG CAVES

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 Phu Kham 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
Inclusions: Private a.c transfer/ Tour guide/ Entrance fee/ Breakfast, Lunch/ Hotel accommodation

DAY 4: VANG VIENG - LUANG PRABANG

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
Inclusions: Private a.c transfer/ Tour guide/ Entrance fee/ Breakfast, Lunch/ Hotel accommodation

DAY 5: LUANG PRABANG - PAK OU CAVES

Today, we board an upstream cruise on the Mekong River, which gives us a panoramic view of the tranquil countryside. We’ll make sure to stop at the Pak Ou Caves, sanctuaries consisting of two large caverns, both repositories for thousands of Buddha images. We will also stop at a few villages during the day, including Ban Muangkeo where the local rice wine is produced and Ban Xiengmene. We also have a chance to climb up to Wat Chomphet. Here you will have one of the best views of Luang Prabang from across the river. Once back in Luang Prabang city we take a short drive to Ban Xang Khong and Ban Xieng Lek - small villages well known for silk weavings and Saa (jute) Papermaking.

Overnight in Luang Prabang
Inclusions: Private a.c transfer/ Tour guide/ Entrance fee/ Breakfast, Lunch/ Hotel accommodation

DAY 6: DEPARTURE - LUANG PRABANG

After breakfast, [If time permit] you will visit the morning Phosi Market where you will find dried buffalo skins, local teas and saltpeter among the many foodstuffs and hill-tribe textiles before transfer to the airport for your departure flight.
Inclusions: Private airport transfers/ Breakfast

Watch detailed itinerary in video

Watch our quick video for a snapshot of your entire journey — all the must-see stops in one view.

FAQS

1. Is this tour customizable?

Absolutely! This itinerary is a suggested travel idea designed to inspire your journey. It serves as a starting point and can be fully customized to match your interests, schedule, and preferences. Whether you'd like to adjust the activities, include additional destinations, or tailor the pace of the trip, we're here to create a personalized experience just for you. Let us know what you're looking for, and we’ll craft an itinerary that perfectly fits your vision.

2. What type of accommodations will we stay in?

This suggested itinerary does not specify exact accommodations as we aim to remain flexible and cater to your preferences. However, in our initial proposal, we will include suggested types of accommodations for each day, carefully chosen to enhance your experience. If you have specific preferences or would like alternative options, we’re happy to adjust accordingly and provide professional recommendations to ensure your stay is exactly as you envision.

3. Do I need travel insurance?

Yes, travel insurance is essential for your trip. At Custom Asia Travel, we do not include insurance in our packages to allow you the freedom to choose an insurance provider that best suits your needs and guarantees your rights. Your trip is a significant experience, and having reliable insurance ensures you are well-supported in case of unexpected events.

Please note that basic insurance policies in the host country may not meet your expectations regarding support or administrative procedures. Therefore, we strongly recommend purchasing comprehensive travel insurance from your preferred provider.

Important: All customers are required to have valid travel insurance, and we request that you share your insurance details with us before departure.

4. How can I book this tour?

The itinerary you see above is a suggested program, designed as a starting point for your travel planning. This is not a fixed departure tour but a fully personalized and private experience tailored to your preferences. As a result, prices, services, and details may vary to suit your unique needs.

To process, simply fill out the request form on the right side of the page with your basic information and travel preferences. Once we receive your request, one of our travel experts will contact you directly to discuss your ideas and finalize the details. This ensures everything is clear and customized to your satisfaction before you make your final decision to book with us.

5. What is the payment policy?

At Custom Asia Travel, we strive to make the payment process smooth and transparent. Once you confirm your travel itinerary with us, we require a deposit to secure your booking. The deposit amount typically from 30% of the total trip cost, depending on the complexity and services involved in your itinerary.

The remaining balance is usually due 60 days before your trip's start date. If your booking is made close to the departure date (within 60 days), full payment may be required at the time of confirmation.

Payments can be made by cash, credit card (MasterCard, Visa), or wire transfer, unless otherwise agreed by your travel agent. Please note that international transfer fees or credit card processing fees may apply and are the responsibility of the traveler.

We will provide detailed payment instructions and ensure clear communication throughout the process. Should you have any specific concerns or requests, our team will be happy to assist.

More detail please view our booking terms & condition

6. What is your cancellation policy?

Traveler Cancellation:

30% non-refundable deposit upon confirmation.
60-46 days before arrival: 50% penalty.
45-31 days before arrival: 75% penalty.
30 days or less before arrival: 100% penalty.
Note: Cancellation fees may vary for certain custom itineraries. Please consult your travel advisor.

Custom Asia Travel Cancellation:

In case of cancellations due to unforeseen factors (e.g., terrorism, natural disasters), you may transfer payments to a later date or receive a refund (minus bank transfer fees or third-party charges). Refunds will exclude any unrecoverable costs.
Important: We are not responsible for incidental expenses—travel insurance is strongly recommended for such situations.

7. Do I need a visa to travel to Vietnam (or neighboring countries)?

Yes, you need a visa to travel to Vietnam and other neighboring countries

8. Can I extend my trip or add extra days?

Absolutely! Our tours are fully customizable, and we are happy to help you extend your trip or add extra days to your itinerary. Whether you want to explore additional destinations, include more activities, or simply enjoy some leisure time, we can tailor the itinerary to suit your preferences.

Simply let us know your ideas or travel goals, and our travel experts will work with you to create a seamless and enjoyable extension to your journey.

9. Are solo travelers welcome?

Absolutely! At Custom Asia Travel, we specialize in private tours, and solo travelers are always welcome. Your journey will be tailored entirely to your interests, preferences, and pace, ensuring a personalized and enriching experience.

As a solo traveler, a single supplement fee may apply for accommodations, but we’ll work with you to find the best options that match your needs and budget. Let us know your travel goals, and we’ll craft a private itinerary for an unforgettable solo adventure!

Request a quote for this trip

Free service! No credit card requested at this stage The note if you are a solo traveler

Travel Date