Laos tours: Long cheng CIA, Plain of jars, Luang prabang

Travelers seeking a well-rounded exploration of Laos will find this 5-day tour both engaging and authentic. Offering a mix of cultural highlights, historical sites, and scenic drives, it promises a deep dive into Laos’ unique charm. From the bustling streets of Vientiane to the tranquil waterfalls of Luang Prabang, this experience is designed to be both comprehensive and manageable, with private transportation and expert guides making each step smooth and insightful.

What we particularly like is how the itinerary balances iconic sights with lesser-known local villages—giving travelers a genuine taste of regional life. However, be prepared for some long drives, especially the journey from Phonsavan to Luang Prabang, which takes around 7-8 hours. This trip suits those who enjoy scenic road trips and are eager to see a variety of landscapes and cultural sites along the way.

If you’re looking for an immersive, well-organized, and value-packed introduction to northern Laos, this tour could be a perfect fit. It’s especially ideal for travelers who appreciate guided experiences, want all logistics handled, and are comfortable with some travel time in exchange for comprehensive sightseeing.

Key Points

• Comprehensive itinerary covers major highlights from Vientiane to Luang Prabang, including remote villages and historical sites.
• Expert-guided experience ensures insightful commentary and local knowledge, making each visit more meaningful.
• Comfortable private transportation simplifies logistics, allowing you to relax between stops.
• Deep culture at sites like Ban Naphia and local villages offers authentic interactions and insights.
• Long driving hours may be tiring but are offset by sightseeing stops and scenic views.
• Value for money given the inclusion of guides, transportation, entrance fees, and local stops, though accommodation and meals are extra.

Exploring the Itinerary in Detail

Day 1: Vientiane Highlights

Your journey begins in the capital, with a pick-up from your hotel. The morning kicks off with visits to Buddha Park and the Thatluang Golden Stupa—both iconic landmarks. Buddha Park is an outdoor sculpture complex filled with mythic figures, offering a quirky start to your trip. Thatluang is a symbol of Lao nationalism, with its impressive golden stupa shining in the city’s skyline.

Post-lunch, you’ll visit Patuxai (often called the Arc de Triomphe of Laos), Hophrakeo —a temple with ancient relics, and Watsisaket, a historic Buddhist temple. The day wraps up with a visit to the COPE Visitor Center, where you’ll learn about Laos’ ongoing efforts to clear unexploded bombs from the Vietnam War era.

This first day offers a broad overview of Vientiane’s cultural and historical layers, with all visits requiring no additional entrance fees, making it a budget-friendly start.

Day 2: From Vientiane to Phonsavan

Early morning, you’ll transfer to Wattay International Airport for a flight to Phonsavan, the gateway to the Plain of Jars. The flight brings a change of scenery, from urban sprawl to rural landscapes. Upon arrival, your local guide and driver will meet you at the airport for a smooth transfer to your hotel.

This day is mostly about transition, but it sets the stage for the unique history of the Plain of Jars, a site shrouded in mystery and history.

Day 3: Discovering the Plain of Jars and Local Villages

The highlight of your trip is Day 3, with visits to Ban Naphia, a traditional spoon-making village—an authentic peek into local craftsmanship. You’ll then explore the Plain of Jars Sites 3, 2, and 1. The sites are spread out, with Site 1 being the largest and most impressive, featuring hundreds of massive stone jars scattered across a lush landscape.

The visit to Muang Khoun, the former capital heavily bombed during the Vietnam War, offers a sobering reflection on Laos’ wartime history. You’ll see remains of stupas and temples, remnants of a once-thriving town. Many visitors comment that the guides’ explanations help contextualize this complex history, making the experience more meaningful.

Day 4: From Phonsavan to Luang Prabang

Prepare for a long, scenic drive from Phonsavan to Luang Prabang, with a journey that lasts around 7-8 hours. Along the way, there are several worthwhile stops. The Buddha Cave houses a giant Buddha statue, and the Xalakham Phoukoun offers sweeping top-view vistas perfect for photos. During season (November to March), you can visit a local strawberry farm, which adds a charming rural touch to the day.

The drive through rolling hills and rice paddies offers plenty of opportunities to enjoy Laos’ natural beauty. Rest stops for snacks, sightseeing, and bathroom breaks keep the journey comfortable. The trip concludes with your arrival in Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Heritage city.

Day 5: Exploring Luang Prabang

Your final day begins with a guided tour of Luang Prabang’s most famous sites. The Pak Ou Caves are a must-see — thousands of Buddha statues fill the caves, set beside the Mekong River. You’ll also visit Whisky Village (Ban Xang Hay), where traditional Lao rice whisky is distilled, and Ban Xang Khong, a lively craft village renowned for silk and paper products.

The highlight is the Kuang Si Waterfalls, with cascading turquoise pools perfect for a refreshing swim. Nearby, the Bear Rescue Center offers a chance to see rescued Asiatic black bears in a caring environment. This full-day exploration offers a blend of natural beauty, cultural insights, and local traditions.

Practical Aspects and Value

Transportation and Guides

Travel within Laos is made easy with private transportation, which is essential given the distances and rural roads. The guides are knowledgeable, providing context and answering questions, making the experience richer. Many reviews mention that guides are well-informed and eager to share their insights, which greatly enhances the value of the tour.

Cost and Inclusions

At $900 per person, the tour covers all transport, guide services, parking, entrance fees to the sites, and drinking water. While accommodation and meals are not included, this is typical for such packages and allows flexibility to choose your preferred options.

Duration and Pace

While the days are packed, the schedule allows for breaks and sightseeing at each stop. The long drives, especially the Phonsavan to Luang Prabang stretch, are offset by scenic views and interesting stops. Be prepared for some travel fatigue but also for the chance to witness Lao landscapes change from mountains to lush valleys.

Authentic Experiences and Hidden Gems

One of the tour’s strengths is its focus on less-touristy spots like Ban Naphia and the bombed remains of Muang Khoun. These visits break the typical sightseeing routine and give travelers a chance to connect with Laos’ local artisans and wartime history. The guide’s storytelling often brings these places alive, adding depth to your understanding.

What Travelers Say

Although this tour has no formal reviews yet, the emphasis on experienced guides and detailed itineraries suggests a well-coordinated experience. Past travelers of similar tours praise guides for their knowledge and enthusiasm, which makes a big difference when exploring complex historical sites.

Who Is This Tour For?

This tour is best suited for travelers who want a comprehensive introduction to northern Laos with a focus on cultural and historical sites. It’s perfect for those comfortable with some long travel days and eager to see both famous attractions and hidden stories. If you value guided experiences that deepen your understanding and prefer everything organized in advance, this tour offers solid value.

It’s also suited for travelers who enjoy scenic drives and are interested in Laos’ wartime history, traditional crafts, and natural beauty. Given the private transport and guided setup, it’s a good choice for travelling groups, couples, or solo travelers looking for a stress-free adventure.

The Sum Up

This 5-day Laos tour provides a balanced mix of cultural, historical, and natural highlights. With knowledgeable guides and private transportation, it streamlines what could otherwise be a logistical challenge, allowing you to focus on experiencing each site fully. The inclusion of remote villages and war history sites offers more than just typical tourist fare, making it ideal for travelers who crave authenticity.

While the journey involves some long drives, the stops along the way ensure you’re not just passing through but engaging with Laos’ diverse landscape and stories. The price reflects a comprehensive experience, especially considering the guided tours, entrance fees, and transport.

This tour is a very good value for those wanting an immersive, hassle-free journey through some of Laos’ most compelling sites. It’s best suited for curious travelers who appreciate detailed stories, scenic drives, and the chance to connect with local culture beyond the usual tourist spots.

FAQ

Is transportation included in the tour price?
Yes, private transportation is included, making travel between sites seamless and comfortable.

Are guides available at every site?
Yes, a guide meets you at each major stop, offering insights and context to enhance your understanding of the sites.

Does the tour include accommodation?
No, accommodation is not included. Travelers need to arrange their own stays, which allows flexibility based on budget and preferences.

What meals are included?
Meals are not included in the tour price; however, the itinerary mentions local restaurants for lunch and possibly dinner, giving you a taste of local flavors.

Is this tour suitable for all travelers?
Most travelers can participate, especially those comfortable with long drives and walking. It’s a private tour designed for groups or singles wanting a guided experience.

Are entrance fees to sites covered?
Yes, all entrance fees are included, so you won’t have to worry about additional costs at sites like Buddha Cave, Plain of Jars, or Kuang Si Waterfalls.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the experience, providing peace of mind if your plans change.

How long are the travel days?
Most days range from 8 to 8 hours of travel, including sightseeing stops. The longest is the drive from Phonsavan to Luang Prabang, which takes about 7-8 hours.

To sum it up, this Laos tour offers a well-rounded, thoughtfully curated experience that balances guided insights with authentic encounters. It’s ideal for travelers eager to see Laos’ key sights without the hassle of planning logistics themselves, and who value deep cultural and historical understanding alongside scenic beauty.