Laos road trip: Luang Prabang, Nong Khiaw, Vang Vieng

The tour

This road trip links three sides of Laos. It begins in Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Heritage town where Buddhist traditions sit alongside markets and waterfalls: a Mekong cruise, the dawn almsgiving ritual, a two-day trek to Hmong and Khamu villages with a homestay, and a Basi ceremony. You then spend a few days on a local project, working alongside the community.

From there the trip heads north to Nong Khiaw, a riverside town on the Nam Ou framed by limestone peaks, for rice paddy hikes, boat trips and caves linked to the country’s history. It ends in Vang Vieng, with turquoise lagoons, caves, zip-lining, kayaking and tubing.

It suits travellers who like to mix walking, rivers and real encounters, with a proper free weekend and evenings to wander the night markets.

What makes it different

A Mekong cruise and the almsgiving ritual in Luang Prabang
A two-day trek with a village homestay
A few days on a community project
Sunset on the Nam Ou at Nong Khiaw
Lagoons, caves, kayaking and zip-lining in Vang Vieng

Day by day

Day 1: Welcome to Laos

Arrival in Luang Prabang, trip briefing and a welcome dinner with the group.

Day 2: On the Mekong

A Mekong boat trip to the Buddha Cave and Whisky Village. Flower-making, a temple offering and a Lao cooking class, then an evening at Luang Prabang night market.

Day 3: Monks and waterfalls

The morning almsgiving ritual and a village visit. In the afternoon, Kuang Si Waterfall and the bear conservation centre. Barbecue and bowling with the team in the evening.

Days 4 and 5: Hmong and Khamu villages

A two-day trek to Hmong and Khamu villages: handicrafts, a Basi ceremony and a night with a local family, before returning to Luang Prabang.

Day 6: City of heritage

A tour of Luang Prabang: the Royal Palace Museum, Wat Xieng Thong and sunset from Phousi Hill.

Days 7 and 8: Free weekend

Two days to rest or explore the town and surroundings at your own pace.

Days 9 to 11: A local project and village life

Three days on a community project, with cultural evenings and a barbecue.

Day 12: Sunset on the Nam Ou

Travel to Nong Khiaw, a sunset cruise on the Nam Ou and a group dinner by the river.

Day 13: Paddy paths and caves

A hike through rice paddies to nearby villages, then a visit to historic caves. Free evening by the river.

Day 14: Peaks and river views

A boat ride, then a hike to a mountain viewpoint for sunset.

Day 15: On to Vang Vieng

Transfer to Vang Vieng, dinner and a wander round the night market.

Day 16: Lagoons and caves

Blue Lagoon and Phu Kham cave, a zip-line in the afternoon and a free evening by the river.

Day 17: Mountains and tubes

A morning trek to viewpoints and an afternoon tubing on the Nam Song.

Day 18: Kayaks and caves

A full day of kayaking and cave exploring. Free evening.

Day 19: Caves and markets

Tham Jang cave and Phahom market. Free evening.

Day 20: Farewell Laos

Breakfast, goodbyes and transport back to Luang Prabang or Vientiane.

The programme may change depending on the weather and local conditions.

On site

Accommodation

Accommodation in Luang Prabang for the first part of the trip, a night with a local family during the trek, then guesthouses in Nong Khiaw and a backpacker hotel in Vang Vieng.

Meals

Meals are included, with a few shared highlights: a welcome dinner, team barbecues and a riverside dinner on the Nam Ou.

Arrival

You arrive in Luang Prabang and are met and transferred, followed by a trip briefing and a welcome dinner on the first evening.

Included

Airport welcome and transfer
Hostel and hotel accommodation
Meals
All activities in the programme
24/7 support and supervision
A donation to the local project

Not included

Flights
Travel and repatriation insurance
Return transfer

Laos road trip tour