Laos: Top to Toe
Laos: Top to Toe
$4951
Laos: Top to Toe
13 Days Starting in Vientiane, Laos and ending in Bangkok, Thailand
Visiting: Vientiane, Pakse, Si Phan Don, Bolaven Plateau, Vang Vieng, Luang Prabang
Tour operator:
Tour code:
2678
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
12 - 28
Age range:
12-99
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey through Laos with the "Laos: Top to Toe" tour, a cultural exploration of this enchanting country. Begin in the laid-back capital of Vientiane, where you'll discover iconic landmarks and a unique Buddha Park. Travel to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Wat Phou and explore the serene Si Phan Don archipelago. Experience the breathtaking beauty of Vang Vieng and ride the new high-speed railway to the charming city of Luang Prabang. Here, visit an elephant sanctuary, witness the dawn ceremony of Takbat, and explore the stunning Kuang Si Waterfall. The tour concludes with a visit to Bangkok, offering a perfect blend of cultural immersion and natural beauty. Enjoy comfortable accommodations and a variety of local and international cuisines throughout your journey. This tour promises a rich tapestry of experiences, from historical sites to natural wonders, all while traveling in comfort and style.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 - 2 : Days 1-2: Fly Overnight To Vientiane
Location: Vientiane
Meals Included: Dinner
Fly overnight to Vientiane, Laos' easy-going capital. Depending on your time of arrival, the rest of the day is yours to start soaking up the local culture.
Day 3: Discover Vientiane
Location: Vientiane
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This relaxed little city lies nestled in a languid bend of the Mekong River, close to
the Thai border. See the Patuxai Victory Monument, dedicated to those who fought for freedom from French rule, and visit the city's main temples, including Wat Sisaket and Wat Phra Keo. This afternoon, visit a Buddha Park unlike anything else in Laos. Founded by a shamanic priest some 60 years ago, it contains over 200 enormous and eccentric statues of gods, demons and animals from Buddhist and Hindu faith.
Day 4: Explore Wat Phou
Location: Pakse
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Fly to Pakse. On arrival, explore the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Wat Phou, a ruined
Khmer temple complex set in the beautiful landscapes of Mount Phu Kao. Drive to Khong
Island, the largest island of the enchanting Si Phan Don archipelago in the Mekong River, and your home for the next two nights.
Day 5: Rivers & Waterfalls
Location: Si Phan Don
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Around Si Phan Don, meaning '4000 Islands', the pace of life is slow and easy, and the
river views are beautiful. See the magnificent Khone Phapheng Waterfall, Southeast Asia's
largest by volume. Visit Khone Island by speedboat to discover its French colonial buildings and see Liphi Waterfall, nicknamed the Devil's Corridor.
Day 6: Bolaven Plateau
Location: Bolaven Plateau
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Depart Khong Island for Pakse, stopping en route to admire Tad Yuang and Tad Fane
waterfalls. Continue up onto the Bolaven Plateau to pay a visit to a coffee plantation
and hear about the process of planting, harvesting and roasting the beans. This evening, enjoy dinner at Pakse.
Day 7: Pakse To Vang Vieng
Location: Vang Vieng
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Fly from Pakse to Vientiane and drive to Vang Vieng, admiring the views as the flat river
valleys give way to limestone mountains. On arrival, enjoy lunch and check in at your hotel.
The rest of the day is at leisure.
Day 8: Vang Vieng
Location: Vang Vieng
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Explore Vang Vieng's beautiful countryside, venturing through hillside caves and strolling
along the Nam Song River, before enjoying an afternoon at leisure.
Day 9: High-Speed Railway To Luang Prabang
Location: Luang Prabang
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning, hop on the high-speed railway, which will whisk you north to Luang Prabang
in just over an hour. This comfortable modern train offers a surprising contrast to the otherwise beautifully rustic country. On arrival, enjoy lunch before an introductory walking tour of this former capital. Visit the country's most famous temple, the gold-covered Wat Xieng Thong, with its Tree of Life mosaic, and the neighbouring Wat Visoun. Visit the Royal Palace, preserved as a museum, and learn about the republic's former royal family.
Day 10: Elephant Sanctuary & Uxo Visitor Centre
Location: Luang Prabang
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Head to Elephant Village, a responsible sanctuary that has been caring for rescued
elephants since 2001. Meet these majestic creatures, learn how their mahouts communicate with them, and tour the sanctuary's elephant hospital and museum. Ride a Lao long boat to the Tad Sae waterfall and relax or swim before lunch. Later, visit the UXO Visitor Centre, where you'll learn about the valuable work this organisation is doing to clear rural areas of unexploded wartime bombs from the 1960s and 70s.
Day 11: Kuang Si Waterfall & Saa Paper Making
Location: Luang Prabang
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Rise early to witness the Buddhist ceremony of Takbat, when the monks of Luang Prabang
collect alms from the locals. Visit a small art studio to try your hand at the local craft of saa paper making, using pulp and colourful flowers. Later, head out of the city to visit Kuang Si waterfall, with its beautiful cascading waters. Enjoy time here to relax under the shady trees, paddle at the water's edge, or even bathe in the beautiful turquoise pools.
Day 12: Bangkok
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Transfer to the airport for your flight to Bangkok. Enjoy time at leisure in Thailand's capital before this evening's farewell dinner.
Day 13: Fly Bangkok To Uk
Meals Included: Breakfast
Fly to the UK, arriving home the same or following day.
What's Included
-
Accommodation
All accommodation is included in the tour package.
-
Domestic Transportation
Domestic transportation within Laos is included.
-
Guided Tours
Touring with guides and entrance fees are included.
-
Transportation
Transportation includes flights to and within Laos, a high-speed railway journey, and a speedboat ride.
What's Not Included
-
International Flights
International flights to and from Laos are not included.
-
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and must be purchased separately.
-
Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and beverages are not included.
-
Optional Activities
Any optional activities or excursions not mentioned in the itinerary are not included.
-
Visa Fees
Visa fees for entry into Laos are not included.
Mode of Transport
Transportation includes flights to and within Laos, a high-speed railway journey, and a speedboat ride.
Accommodation
Experience a variety of accommodations in Laos, from the centrally located Sabaidee@Lao Hotel in Vientiane to the stylish Pon Arena Hotel on the riverfront. Enjoy modern amenities, local and international cuisines, and stunning views at hotels like Pakse Hotel, The Silver Naga, and Chitchareune Muang Luang Hotel.
Experiences
Dawn Ceremony of Takbat
Witness the dawn ceremony of Takbat, a daily ritual which sees the saffron-robed monks of Luang Prabang's monasteries collect alms, in the form of food, from the local people who line the streets.
Elephant Sanctuary
Visit Elephant Village, a sanctuary which has been caring for rescued elephants since 2001. Learn all about these majestic creatures and discover how their mahouts communicate with them.
Bolaven Plateau Coffee Plantation
Uncover the unspoilt beauty of Bolaven Plateau and visit a coffee plantation to find out more about the traditional planting, harvesting and roasting process which has been in place since French colonial times.
Check out our Q&As
-
What kind of transportation is included in the tour?
The tour includes flights to and within Laos, a high-speed railway journey, and a speedboat ride.
-
What types of accommodation can I expect during the tour?
You will stay in various hotels such as the Sabaidee@Lao Hotel in Vientiane, Pon Arena Hotel on the riverfront, Pakse Hotel in the center of Pakse, The Silver Naga in Vang Vieng, and Chitchareune Muang Luang Hotel in Luang Prabang. Each hotel offers modern amenities and unique features like rooftop restaurants, outdoor pools, and beautiful views.
-
Are international flights included in the tour package?
No, international flights to and from Laos are not included in the tour package.
-
What activities are planned at the Elephant Sanctuary?
At the Elephant Sanctuary, you will meet rescued elephants, learn how their mahouts communicate with them, and tour the sanctuary's elephant hospital and museum. You will also ride a Lao long boat to the Tad Sae waterfall.
-
What can I expect to see at the Buddha Park in Vientiane?
The Buddha Park in Vientiane features over 200 enormous and eccentric statues of gods, demons, and animals from Buddhist and Hindu faiths, founded by a shamanic priest about 60 years ago.
-
What is the significance of the Patuxai Victory Monument in Vientiane?
The Patuxai Victory Monument is dedicated to those who fought for freedom from French rule in Laos.
-
What is unique about the high-speed railway journey to Luang Prabang?
The high-speed railway journey to Luang Prabang offers a modern and comfortable travel experience, contrasting with the otherwise beautifully rustic country, and takes just over an hour.
-
What is the Takbat ceremony in Luang Prabang?
The Takbat ceremony is a daily ritual where the saffron-robed monks of Luang Prabang's monasteries collect alms, in the form of food, from the local people who line the streets.
-
What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
If, after our confirmation invoice has been issued, you wish to change your travel arrangements in any way, we will endeavour to make these changes, but it may not always be possible. Any changes to confirmed bookings need to be sent to us in writing via your travel agent. Please refer to our booking conditions for further information and fees.
-
Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Customers booking to travel solo can choose our ‘Happy to Share’ option, which may enable them to share a twin room with other solo customers of the same gender who also request Happy to Share, thus avoiding the need to pay single room supplements. Note that ‘Happy to Share’ requests can be received when you make your booking with us but will not be confirmed until your final payment due date.
-
What documents will I receive before I travel?
Your Final Travel Documents are usually sent to you 2-3 weeks prior to your departure. Your travel pack will include your tour itinerary, hotel details, flight e-tickets and a travel guide. If you have booked with a travel agent, your tickets will be dispatched to your travel agent unless we have been otherwise informed.
-
Will I be travelling with passengers from other countries?
Our passengers generally enjoy the mixture of British, Australian and American clients on tour. Occasionally we are joined by English-speaking passengers from other countries.
-
What is 'Happy to Share'?
Customers booking to travel solo can choose our ‘Happy to Share’ option, which may enable them to share a twin room with other solo customers of the same gender who also request Happy to Share, thus avoiding the need to pay single room supplements. Note that ‘Happy to Share’ requests can be received when you make your booking with us but will not be confirmed until your final payment due date. If a share partner is found, the Single Supplement will be removed from your booking. If a share partner is not found, the Single Supplement will remain and is payable with your final balance in line with our normal booking conditions. Either way, our Operations Team will contact you around 75 days before departure to let you know whether a share partner has been found or not. We regret that Happy to Share requests cannot be accepted within 75 days of departure. Wendy Wu Tours reserves the right to change or withdraw this arrangement at any time.
-
Do you allow children on your tours?
We allow children 12 years and over on our group tours. We recommend that families with children of any age take advantage of our private or tailormade tours. This will give you more flexibility while on tour.
Reviews of this operator
Save on this tour
Request your exclusive discount code now and unlock savings for your next adventure!
Send me one now.1 Select your preferred date
Monday - Saturday
Oct 27, 2025 - Nov 08, 2025Monday - Saturday
Oct 27, 2025 - Nov 08, 2025Monday - Saturday
Nov 10, 2025 - Nov 22, 2025Monday - Saturday
Nov 10, 2025 - Nov 22, 2025Monday - Saturday
Nov 17, 2025 - Nov 29, 2025Monday - Saturday
Nov 17, 2025 - Nov 29, 2025Monday - Saturday
Jan 19, 2026 - Jan 31, 2026Monday - Saturday
Jan 19, 2026 - Jan 31, 2026Monday - Saturday
Jan 26, 2026 - Feb 07, 2026Monday - Saturday
Jan 26, 2026 - Feb 07, 2026Monday - Saturday
Feb 16, 2026 - Feb 28, 2026Monday - Saturday
Feb 16, 2026 - Feb 28, 2026Monday - Saturday
Oct 26, 2026 - Nov 07, 2026Monday - Saturday
Oct 26, 2026 - Nov 07, 2026Monday - Saturday
Nov 16, 2026 - Nov 28, 2026Monday - Saturday
Nov 16, 2026 - Nov 28, 2026Book with Confidence
-
Low Deposit
Barrhead Travel requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 98 days before departure.
-
Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of barrhead travel charges.
Up to 98 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 97 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.
At 28 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
-
Terms and Conditions
Why book with Barrhead?
Fully Protected
All our holidays are fully financially protected.
Your flight & hotel package is fully ATOL protected.
Range
Our bespoke holidays are tailor-made to suit your personal requirements.
We can book flights, rail journeys, accommodation, cruises, attraction tickets and much more.
Industry leading discounts, we won't be beaten on price.
Expert Knowledge
We know because we go – our Touring & Adventure specialists have travelled to over 55 countries.
Reliable & unbiased advice from our trusted travel experts.
Trusted Agent
Multi award-winning agency with almost 50 years experience.
Rated 4.9/5 on Trustpilot – the highest-rated high-street travel agent.
We look after you every step of the way.
