Explore Vientiane and its surroundings

Vientiane, the capital of Laos still feels like a sleepy city with relaxed charm, tree-lined boulevards, interesting wats and colourful markets. Vang Vieng is a small town located half-way between Luang Prabang and Vientiane and just about 2.5 hours driving from Vientiane. The town is pleasant seting in the peaceful river valley. Find out the details in this tour and let us know if you’re interested in this 6-day soft adventure.

Day 1: Arrival at Vientiane (D, G)

Upon arrival at Vientiane International Airport, you will be met and transferred to hotel. After a short rest, you will have a guide to visit the Morning Market and stroll around the city distance, and observing the sunset by the Mekong Riverside and seeing the city lifestyle of local Lao people. You will spend the night in the Vientiane.

Day 2: Vientiane City Tour (B, L, G)

After breakfast, you will visit the major sights of the capital; including the oldest Wat Sisaket, the temple with thousands of miniature Buddha statues and the former royal temple of Wat Prakeo, which previously housed the famous Emerald Buddha Image. On the way to Lao’s national precious heritage, the famous and sacred structure of That Luang Stupa, you will stop enroute to take some pictures of the imposing Patuxay Monument, which is well known as Vientiane’s own Arc de Triumph.

In the afternoon, you will be transferred out to see the Buddha Park, a scattered enchanting collection of Buddhist and Hindu sculptures on the Mekong Riverside meadow, close to the Friendship Bridge. Your overnight accommodation will be in Vientiane.

You will spend the night in Vientiane.

Day 3: Vientiane/Vang Vieng kayaking (B, L, D, G)

After breakfast, your car will arrive to take you to Vang Vieng, which is nestled on a bend of the Nam Song River and visit the busy and colourful market of Thalat en-route. The next stop will be Vang Xang, a famous for the archaeological site dating back 11th century. Arriving in Vang Vieng at around noon, you will have a short rest before lunch.

After lunch, you’ll take a short driving to the Khmu village of Viengsamay about 10 km north of Vang Vieng. From there, you’ll start your kayaking in the Nam Song River. Back to your hotel in the late afternoon, you’ll spend the night in Vang Vieng.

Day 4: Cycling and caving in Vang Vieng (B, L, G)

Your day will start with an exploration of one of the most unusual caves in the area, the Tham Poukham cave, which is highly auspicious and venerated “Cave of the Golden Crab”.

The mountain bike tour of approx. 32 km describes a loop behind the karst range of the Nam Song and Vang Vieng. After reaching the far side of the ridge, a steep hike leads to the main Tham Poukham Cave. Its hidden corridors are filled with an endless array of stalagmites and stalactites, besides underground lakes, deep wells and up to 80 m high chimneys.

Continuing westwards, the trail gets increasingly rough. You’ll then follow the narrow valley of the Houay San stream until the Pha Deng, namely “red cliff”, comes into sight to your right. Depending on the season, the bikes have to be carried across short distances (muddy patches). Back to Vang Vieng in the late afternoon, you will be free for a sunset drink by the river. Your overnight accommodation will be in Vang Vieng.

Day 5: Vang Vieng/Vientiane (B, L, G)

In the morning, your car will take you back to Vientiane. After checking into hotel we transfer out to see the Buddha Park, a blend of Buddhist and Hindu sculptures created by mystical monk on parkland located by the Mekong River and the impressive Friendship Bridge which links Laos and Thailand. You’ll spend the night in Vientiane.

Day 6: Vientiane departure (B, G)

Free time until your car arrives to take you to the airport for your departure flight. Tour ends.