9 Days • 8 Nights
Laos Family Journey
Tour Includes
About the Trip
You'll swim beneath the turquoise Kuang Si Falls and meet rescued sun bears, explore Luang Prabang's temples and night market, kayak and cave among the karst peaks of Vang Vieng, and discover the surreal Buddha Park of Vientiane. River boats, tuk-tuks and waterfalls keep every age delighted.
With family-friendly hotels, private guides and the transport arranged, it is Laos made easy and joyful for all ages.
Trip Highlights
- Swimming beneath the turquoise Kuang Si Falls
- Rescued sun bears at the sanctuary
- Luang Prabang's temples and night market
- Kayaking and caves in Vang Vieng
- The Blue Lagoon beneath the karsts
- The surreal Buddha Park of Vientiane
- River boats, tuk-tuks and waterfalls
- A private guide throughout
Day by Day
A detailed day-by-day plan for this 9-day journey.
Arrive and settle in, with a family welcome dinner of Lao flavours.
A gentle city tour of Wat Xieng Thong and the royal temples, a sunset climb of Mount Phousi and the colourful night market.
A day at the turquoise Kuang Si Falls — swimming in the pools and meeting the rescued sun bears at the sanctuary — with a village and picnic lunch.
Travel to Vang Vieng by scenic road or fast train, where limestone karsts rise over the river. An easy evening by the water.
A family day of gentle adventure — kayaking the river, exploring a cave by headlamp and swimming in the Blue Lagoon beneath the karsts.
A free day to cycle the countryside, ride a buggy, or relax by the river, with an optional dawn hot-air balloon.
Travel to Vientiane, exploring the golden That Luang stupa and Wat Sisaket.
The surreal Buddha Park with its giant sculptures, the Patuxai monument and the riverside, with a sunset over the Mekong.
A final breakfast before your transfer to Vientiane airport.
Where You Will Travel
What's inside the package?
Inclusions
- Private airport transfers and private guides
- 3N Luang Prabang, 3N Vang Vieng, 2N Vientiane
- Daily breakfast, a welcome dinner and a local lunch
- A Luang Prabang city tour, the Kuang Si Falls and the bear sanctuary
- A Vang Vieng kayaking, caves and Blue Lagoon experience
- A Vientiane city tour with the Buddha Park
- The scenic road or fast train between towns
- All entrance fees per the itinerary
Exclusions
- International airfare to and from Laos
- Laos visa fees (visa on arrival or eVisa)
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary or inclusions
- Drinks unless specifically stated
- Optional excursions and experiences
- Personal expenses, tips and gratuities
- Anything not specifically mentioned under Package Inclusions
Know when to go.
- Visa: Most nationalities can obtain a visa on arrival or an eVisa for Laos; check your passport's eligibility. Your passport should be valid at least six months with a blank page
- Currency: The currency is the Lao Kip. Cash is king outside the main towns, and while US dollars and Thai baht are sometimes accepted, carry kip for markets, temples and rural areas — ATMs are limited
- Best season: The cool, dry season from November to February is ideal; March to May is hot and can be hazy from farming fires, and June to October brings the green monsoon
- The pace of Laos: Laos is famously laid-back and unhurried — embrace 'bor pen nyang' (no worries) and the gentle rhythm, which is part of its charm
- The alms-giving: In Luang Prabang, monks collect alms at dawn in a moving ritual. Observe quietly and respectfully from a distance, or participate sensitively with your guide's advice — never intrude
- Temple etiquette: Cover your shoulders and knees and remove your shoes at temples. Women should never touch a monk, and always lower yourself below monks and Buddha images
- Getting around: Mountain roads are winding and slow, so some legs use short domestic flights or scenic river boats, all arranged for you
- UXO awareness: Parts of Laos still hold unexploded ordnance from past conflict, so always stay on marked paths and trails, especially around the Plain of Jars
- Health: Drink bottled or filtered water, use mosquito repellent, and enjoy freshly cooked food. Comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended
- Connectivity & power: A local SIM is cheap but signal can be patchy in remote areas — a welcome excuse to slow down. Power is 230V with type A/B/C plugs, so bring an adapter
Frequently Asked Questions
What meals are included?
Daily breakfast is included throughout, along with a welcome dinner and the specific meals named in the itinerary, such as a Mekong cruise lunch. Other meals are left free so you can enjoy Laos's fragrant, French-influenced cuisine.
Are transfers and touring private?
Yes — you travel with your own licensed guide and private driver (or boat on the Mekong), so everything is arranged for you.
Do I need a visa for Laos?
Most visitors can get a visa on arrival or an eVisa. We guide you to the requirements for your nationality before you travel.
When is the best time to visit?
November to February is the cool, dry and most comfortable season. March to May is hot and sometimes hazy, and June to October is the lush, quieter green season.
What is the alms-giving ceremony?
At dawn in Luang Prabang, hundreds of monks walk the streets to collect alms of rice from kneeling locals. It is a moving, sacred ritual best observed quietly and respectfully, or joined sensitively with your guide's advice.
Can the itinerary be customised?
Absolutely. Durations, towns, hotels and experiences can all be tailored, and we can add a Mekong cruise, the 4000 Islands, Vang Vieng or trekking. Just tell us what you have in mind.
How do we travel around Laos?
By a mix of short domestic flights, private cars and scenic river boats, all included and arranged, with a private guide in each region.
Is Laos easy to travel with children?
Very — it is safe, gentle and unhurried, with waterfalls, bears, caves, kayaking and river boats that delight all ages. The relaxed pace and short distances suit families beautifully.
Is the Vang Vieng adventure suitable for kids?
Yes — the kayaking, caving and Blue Lagoon are gentle and supervised, with life vests and guides, and children love the mix of swimming and exploring amid the stunning karst scenery.
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