Essence of Laos 9N/10D
Land-only price per person, based on twin sharing, applicable to groups of at least 6 passengers. Rates may vary for smaller groups. Extra charges apply for single-room occupancy. contact@wanderwise.pw
Tour Price INR - Rs.2,35,000
Tour Price USD - US$ 2350
Cancellation charges are calculated according to the number of calendar days remaining before departure.
| Cancellation before departure | Charge |
|---|---|
| 121 days or more | 10% |
| 120–91 days | 15% |
| 90–61 days | 25% |
| 60–46 days | 50% |
| 45–31 days | 90% |
| 30 days or fewer | 100% |
Charges are calculated as a percentage of the applicable tour cost. Please refer to the specific cancellation terms provided with your booking. Any applicable non-refundable third-party charges should be clearly specified in your booking terms.
The tour and its arrangements are subject to circumstances beyond our reasonable control, commonly referred to as force majeure or vis major. These may include war, terrorism, civil unrest, natural disasters, floods, earthquakes, severe weather, epidemics, pandemics, government restrictions, border closures, strikes and suspension or cancellation of transport services.
Where such circumstances prevent, materially disrupt or make it unsafe or unlawful to operate the tour, Travel Option Plus / WanderWise may modify the itinerary, change travel arrangements, postpone or cancel the tour, as reasonably necessary.
We will make reasonable efforts to minimise disruption and recover payments from hotels, transport operators, airlines, guides and other service providers. Refunds, credits or alternative arrangements will depend on the services affected, amounts recoverable from suppliers and applicable law.
Deductions for non-refundable third-party costs will be limited to amounts properly incurred or contractually payable and, where appropriate, supported by supplier terms or documentation.
Additional expenses arising from unavoidable changes, including alternative accommodation, transport, meals or extended stays, may be payable by the traveller, subject to applicable law and the circumstances of the disruption.
The ordinary cancellation-fee schedule does not automatically determine the settlement for a force majeure event. Each case will be assessed according to the circumstances, services already provided or committed, and refunds or recoveries available.
Nothing in this clause excludes any rights or remedies that cannot lawfully be excluded.
TOUR SUMMARY
Embark on an unforgettable 10-day Laos cultural and heritage journey that brings together UNESCO World Heritage sites, ancient Buddhist traditions, royal history, traditional arts and crafts, and the timeless landscapes of the Mekong. From the atmospheric streets and gilded temples of Luang Prabang to the dramatic limestone landscapes of Vang Vieng and the national monuments of Vientiane, this immersive journey reveals the diverse cultural heritage of Laos. Travel through the countryside aboard the scenic Laos–China Railway, explore traditional villages and weaving communities, and discover the ancient sacred landscape of Vat Phou, a UNESCO World Heritage site in southern Laos.
With curated experiences in **Luang Prabang, Vang Vieng, Vientiane, Champasak and the 4,000 Islands**, this itinerary combines Buddhist heritage, royal history, traditional Lao architecture, Mekong culture and living crafts. Enjoy optional early-morning heritage walks, explore local markets and artisan villages, discover traditional Lao textiles and weaving, cruise the Mekong to the sacred Pak Ou Caves, and experience the peaceful island life of Don Khong. From ancient Khmer-influenced monuments and sacred landscapes to village traditions and riverside communities, this carefully crafted journey offers a distinctive blend of **UNESCO heritage, cultural exploration, arts and crafts, scenic rail travel and authentic Lao experiences**. Discover the enduring spirit and cultural richness of Laos on a journey that moves beyond sightseeing to experience the country's living heritage.
Best time: October–March
Detailed Itinerary👇
DAY 1 – ARRIVE LUANG PRABANG: The UNESCO Heritage Town
Arrive at Luang Prabang, the former royal capital of Laos and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Meet your local representative and transfer to the hotel. After check-in and some time to relax, take a gentle introductory excursion through the historic centre.
Explore the atmospheric streets around the old peninsula, where traditional Lao wooden houses stand alongside elegant French colonial buildings and Buddhist temples. In the evening, visit the famous Luang Prabang Night Market, where local artisans display silk and cotton textiles, embroidery, handmade paper, woodwork, jewellery and other traditional handicrafts.
Optional Evening Walk: For guests interested in exploring on foot, an easy 30–45 minute evening walk through the Old Town and Night Market can be arranged.
Walking: Optional, easy
Focus: • Old Town • handicrafts • local life
Dinner & overnight at MY DREAM BOUTIQUE RESORT
Luang Prabang Night Market
Buddhist Monks, Laos
DAY 2 – LUANG PRABANG UNESCO Heritage • Royal History • Buddhist Art & Architecture
OPTIONAL EARLY-MORNING HERITAGE WALK: Approx. 06:00–08:00 hrs
For early risers, begin the day with a leisurely walk through the historic heart of Luang Prabang. Observe the town awakening and, where appropriate, witness the traditional morning alms-giving ceremony from a respectful distance.
Continue through the quiet old streets towards the morning market, passing traditional Lao houses and historic Buddhist temples. This is deliberately an optional experience; guests may instead have a relaxed breakfast at the hotel.
Continue to:
• Wat Mai Suwannapumaram
• Wat Visoun
• Wat Aham
• Wat Xieng Thong
AfteThe magnificent Wat Xieng Thong, with its elaborate decoration, gilded details and distinctive Lao architectural style, is one of the highlights of Luang Prabang's heritage. Continue to Mount Phousi, reached by a series of steps, for panoramic views over the historic town, Mekong and surrounding mountains. Later, enjoy some free time to explore the old town independently, relax at a riverside café or browse the handicraft shops.
Dinner & overnight at MY DREAM BOUTIQUE RESORT
DAY 3 – LUANG PRABANG: Mekong Heritage • Sacred Caves • Traditional Arts & Crafts; Arts & crafts focus: Lao silk • cotton weaving • traditional textiles • village crafts • Mekong culture
After breakfast, board a traditional boat for a scenic journey along the Mekong River towards the Pak Ou Caves. The journey itself provides an excellent introduction to life along the Mekong, passing riverside villages, agricultural land and traditional settlements.
Pak Ou Caves: Visit the sacred caves containing thousands of Buddha images accumulated over generations.
Continue by boat to Ban Xang Hai, a traditional village where visitors can see local handicrafts and traditional production. Return towards Luang Prabang. After lunch, visit Ban Phanom, historically associated with traditional Lao weaving.
Meet local artisans and observe traditional weaving techniques, including the production of Lao textiles.
OPTIONAL EARLY-EVENING WALK : For guests who wish to explore further, an easy 45–60 minute walk through the quieter lanes of the Old Town can be offered before dinner. This could include traditional houses, small temples, the Mekong riverfront and local shops.
Dinner & overnight at MY DREAM BOUTIQUE RESORT
Mekong River, Laos
Train, Laos
DAY 4 – LUANG PRABANG → VANG VIENG Scenic Railway Journey • Lao Countryside • Nam Song River
Enjoy a relaxed breakfast at the hotel. Morning at leisure to enjoy Luang Prabang, do some last-minute shopping for local handicrafts, or simply relax at the hotel. At the appropriate time, check out and transfer to Luang Prabang Railway Station, located outside the historic town.
Board the Laos–China Railway for the scenic journey through the mountainous landscape of northern Laos towards Vang Vieng. (2 hours)
The train journey itself is an interesting part of the Lao experience, passing through a landscape of forested mountains, valleys and rural settlements. On arrival at Vang Vieng Railway Station, meet your local representative and transfer to the hotel. Check in and enjoy lunch.
VANG VIENG COUNTRYSIDE & RIVER EXPERIENCE
Later in the afternoon, venture into the countryside surrounding Vang Vieng. Visit a nearby traditional village and observe aspects of rural Lao life, including traditional houses, agriculture and local activities. Continue towards the Nam Song River, which flows through the spectacular limestone-karst landscape for which Vang Vieng is famous. Enjoy a leisurely riverside experience and take in the dramatic mountain scenery. Return to the hotel.
Dinner & overnight in S VANGVIENG BOUTIQUE HOTEL
OPTIONAL EARLY-EVENING WALK : For guests who enjoy walking, an easy 30–45 minute walk can be arranged through the quieter parts of Vang Vieng and along the riverside.
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