does this tour include hot air balloons? if so, on which day?

We do not offer a hot air balloon on excursion on this tour. Our eight-day tour of Laos ticks off glittering temples, vast caves and underground caverns. Witness monks collecting alms at sunrise, discover natural blue waterfalls and soak up the atmosphere at riverside markets. We've graded our tour of Laos as moderate and we'll be moving at a fast pace to fit in the highlights. Expect a packed itinerary balanced with some free time to relax or explore solo. You should be prepared for hot and humid as well as cooler conditions. We recommend packing light layers and carrying sun protection and water at all times. Food is a highlight of any trip to Laos, and we'll have plenty of opportunities to sample the delicacies, from street stalls to local restaurants. Local food caters to all diets, including vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free, so prepare to tuck in. Just remember to order without fish sauce or shrimp paste if you're vegan or vegetarian. During our tour, you might want to visit some temples, for which you'll need to dress appropriately. Make sure to bring clothing that covers your shoulders and trousers or skirts that go past your knees. A light scarf is also useful for covering your shoulders and arms, especially in hot weather. Aerosols are not permitted on trains in Laos. If you're travelling with an aerosol or sharp objects, our tour leader will have these shipped on to our next destination.

is it possible to have a shared room for 7 or 8 days tour starting 20.3.2026?

Our only March 2026 departure is March 1st -8th 2026. The next departure after is in May.

Is the 8 days Highlights Laos tour departing on 21 January 2004 (Sun) guaranteed departure?

Currently we have five passengers booked onto this departure so far. This departure is guaranteed.

Do you do any tours during August? We are looking at visiting around the 13.8.23. Also could you please tell me what the Covid requirements are if there are any.

Laos has two main distinct weather patterns: hot and wet (May–October), and cooler and dry (November– April). Generally speaking, the best time to visit Laos is November–January. We operate our trips October - February.

Do you have tours in this september from the 24th?

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From

$1,150

US $980 per person

Highlights of Laos

8 days

•

From Vientiane to Luang Prabang

4.2 (28 reviews)

View all
The balance of hotel location versus hotel character is, as always, very considered in all locations.
Jane•traveled in May4.5
View all

From

$1,150

15% off

US $980 per person

Price based on Cheapest Room

Price based on Shared Room

Price based on Private Single Room

Price based on Private Double Room

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1 Adult2 Adults, 1 Child2 Children

Pay only 10% today. The rest is due 75 days before departure. Learn more

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Plan your adventure:

Platinum Operator: Explore!
City & Culture: Immerse yourself in rich history and local traditions
Group Tour: Join a group and forge lifelong friendships
Fully Guided: An experienced guide will be with you for the entire tour
Medium Intensity: Travelers should be comfortable with somewhat-demanding activities
Guided in English
Group Size 7 - 16
Ages 16+

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Image of a map showing the route of the tour

Itinerary

Intro
Introduction
Day 1
Vientiane
Vientiane
Start point
Phnom Penh Road, Rue Phanompenh, Vientiane 01000, Laos (Avalon Hotel, Hotel reception, 13:00)
Accommodation
Hotel 3* (Sabaidee @ Lao Hotel)
Optional Activities
- Dinner with the group
Landmarks
Mekong River
Day 2
Vientiane
Vientiane
Meals
Breakfast
Accommodation
Hotel 3* (Sabaidee @ Lao Hotel)
Included Activities
- Guided sightseeing tour of Vientiane
- Visit to Victory Gate
- Visit to That Luang stupa
- Visit to Wat Sisaket temple
Optional Activities
- Visit to Buddha Park
- Visit to COPE Museum
- Evening at Mekong River night markets
Landmarks
Victory Gate
That Luang stupa
Wat Sisaket
Buddha Park
COPE Museum
Mekong River
Day 3
Vientiane to Vang Vieng
Vientiane to Vang Vieng
Meals
Breakfast
Accommodation
Hotel 3* (Silver Naga Hotel)
Included Activities
- Train journey from Vientiane to Vang Vieng on Boten-Vientiane Railway
Landmarks
Nam Song River
Day 4
Vang Vieng
Vang Vieng
Meals
Breakfast
Accommodation
Hotel 3* (Silver Naga Hotel)
Optional Activities
- Guided walk past rice paddies to nearby minority villages
- Visit to Kaeng Nyui waterfall by tuk tuk
- Yoga session
- Kayaking on Nam Song River
Landmarks
Nam Song River
Kaeng Nyui waterfall
Day 5
Vang Vieng to Luang Prabang
Vang Vieng to Luang Prabang
Meals
Breakfast
Accommodation
Hotel 3* (Sala Prabang Hotel)
Included Activities
- Train journey from Vang Vieng to Luang Prabang
- Sunset visit to Mount Phousi
Landmarks
Mount Phousi
Mekong River
Khan River
Day 6
Luang Prabang
Luang Prabang
Meals
Breakfast
Accommodation
Hotel 3* (Sala Prabang Hotel)
Included Activities
- Morning walking tour of Luang Prabang
- Visit to Wat Xieng Thong
- Visit to Wat Sen
- Visit to Royal Palace Museum
- Traditional long-tail boat trip to Pak Ou Caves
- Visit to Pak Ou Caves
Landmarks
Wat Xieng Thong
Wat Sen
Royal Palace Museum
Pak Ou Caves
Mekong River
Day 7
Luang Prabang
Luang Prabang
Meals
Breakfast
Accommodation
Hotel 3* (Sala Prabang Hotel)
Included Activities
- Alms-giving ceremony
- Visit to Kuang Si Waterfalls
Optional Activities
- Afternoon bicycle trip to Ban Xieng Mene village
- Visit to Wat Chom Phet temple
- Visit to Wat Long Khoun temple
- Visit to Ban Chan village
Landmarks
Kuang Si Waterfalls
Wat Chom Phet
Wat Long Khoun
Ban Chan village
Mekong River
Day 8
Luang Prabang
Luang Prabang
End point
Ban Visoun, Luang Prabang, Laos (Villa Kieng Kham Hotel, Hotel reception, 09:00)
Meals
Breakfast

Landmarks
Mekong River

Landmarks
Victory Gate
That Luang stupa
Wat Sisaket
Buddha Park
COPE Museum
Mekong River

Landmarks
Nam Song River

Landmarks
Nam Song River
Kaeng Nyui waterfall

Landmarks
Mount Phousi
Mekong River
Khan River

Landmarks
Wat Xieng Thong
Wat Sen
Royal Palace Museum
Pak Ou Caves
Mekong River

Landmarks
Kuang Si Waterfalls
Wat Chom Phet
Wat Long Khoun
Ban Chan village
Mekong River

Accommodation
Guide
Meals
Additional Services
Transport

What's Not Included

Flights
Insurance
Optional
Additional Services

Where You'll Stay

Sabaidee @ Lao Hotel
Hotel 3*
Days 1, 2
Silver Naga Hotel
Hotel 3*
Days 3, 4
Sala Prabang Hotel
Hotel 3*
Days 5, 6, 7

All accommodations are subject to change

Operated by

Explore!

Platinum Operator

Rating: 4.5 (11,880 reviews)
Response time: within 1 day
Response rate: 68%
Cancellation policy: Learn more

Traveler Reviews

4.2

Overall rating based on 28 Reviews

Itinerary
4.3
Transport
4.6
Guide
4.3
Accommodation
4.1
Food
3.9
Tour Operator
4.5

Andrew4.3•January 2025
Enjoyed it all
Traveled in December 2025
Review collected by Explore!
Deborah5.0•January 2025
Discovering Luang Prabang
Traveled in January 2025
Review collected by Explore!
Peter4.2•April 2025
River journey up the Mekong.
Traveled in January 2025
Review collected by Explore!
Patricia4.5•February 2025
Bicycle trip to the Blue Lagoon, visit to the Kuangi Si Waterfalls and Bear Sanctuary.
Traveled in February 2025
Review collected by Explore!
Jane4.5•May 2025
For me, the choice of visit locations for group versus add on options were very good. The balance of hotel location...
Show more
Traveled in February 2025
Review collected by Explore!
Darren5.0•February 2025
Luang Prabang and vang vieng
Traveled in February 2025
Review collected by Explore!
James3.8•March 2025
Really enjoyed hot air balloons in vang Vieng and waterfall at luang prabang.
Traveled in February 2025
Review collected by Explore!
Victoria4.5•November 2025
Buffalo ice-cream stop in Luang Prabang. Village visit in Vang Vieng
Traveled in November 2025
Review collected by Explore!
Stuart4.3•March 2025
Luang Prabang was a great town, could easily have spent longer there.
Traveled in November 2025
Review collected by Explore!
Julia4.7•November 2025
Tour guide Jackie was great. Tours of Vientiane and Luang Prabang. Watching sunset on the boat on the way back from...
Show more
Traveled in November 2025
Review collected by Explore!

Dates & Prices

Select departure month

1 Adult2 Adults, 1 Child2 Children

Upcoming departures

Hurry, deals only available for a limited time!

Ends on 11 Nov, 2026

22% off
From Sunday
15 Nov, 2026
To Sunday
22 Nov, 2026
English
This departure date is available and will 100% depart
Guaranteed departure
From:
$1,290
US$1,010 per person
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Price based on Shared Room
15% off
From Sunday
6 Dec, 2026
To Sunday
13 Dec, 2026
English
Filling Fast
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Guaranteed departure
From:
$1,150
US$980 per person
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Price based on Shared Room
From Sunday
14 Feb, 2027
To Sunday
21 Feb, 2027
This departure date is not available or sold out
Sold out
From:
US$1,350 per person
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Instant Confirmation
12% off
From Sunday
28 Feb, 2027
To Sunday
7 Mar, 2027
English
Filling Fast
This departure date is available and will 100% depart
Guaranteed departure
From:
$1,180
US$1,040 per person
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Price based on Shared Room
Instant Confirmation
From Sunday
7 Mar, 2027
To Sunday
14 Mar, 2027
English
This departure date is available and will 100% depart
Guaranteed departure
From:
US$1,180 per person
Sign up to unlock savings
Price based on Shared Room
Instant Confirmation
From Sunday
18 Jul, 2027
To Sunday
25 Jul, 2027
English
This departure date is available and will 100% depart
Guaranteed departure
From:
US$1,170 per person
Sign up to unlock savings
Price based on Shared Room
Instant Confirmation
From Sunday
26 Sep, 2027
To Sunday
3 Oct, 2027
English
This departure date is available and will 100% depart
Guaranteed departure
From:
US$1,170 per person
Sign up to unlock savings
Price based on Shared Room
Instant Confirmation
From Sunday
10 Oct, 2027
To Sunday
17 Oct, 2027
English
This departure date is available and will 100% depart
Guaranteed departure
From:
US$1,170 per person
Sign up to unlock savings
Price based on Shared Room
Instant Confirmation
From Sunday
24 Oct, 2027
To Sunday
31 Oct, 2027
English
This departure date is available and will 100% depart
Guaranteed departure
From:
US$1,170 per person
Sign up to unlock savings
Price based on Shared Room
Instant Confirmation
From Wednesday
3 Nov, 2027
To Wednesday
10 Nov, 2027
English
This departure date is available and will 100% depart
Guaranteed departure
From:
US$1,170 per person
Sign up to unlock savings
Price based on Shared Room

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What our customers ask about this tour

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K
Kyle
Asked on September 17th, 2026
does this tour include hot air balloons? if so, on which day?
Tour Details
- Explore!Operator•Written September 2026
  We do not offer a hot air balloon on excursion on this tour.
  
  Our eight-day tour of Laos ticks off glittering temples, vast caves and underground caverns. Witness monks collecting alms at sunrise, discover natural blue waterfalls and soak up the atmosphere at riverside markets.
  
  We've graded our tour of Laos as moderate and we'll be moving at a fast pace to fit in the highlights. Expect a packed itinerary balanced with some free time to relax or explore solo.
  
  You should be prepared for hot and humid as well as cooler conditions. We recommend packing light layers and carrying sun protection and water at all times.
  
  Food is a highlight of any trip to Laos, and we'll have plenty of opportunities to sample the delicacies, from street stalls to local restaurants. Local food caters to all diets, including vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free, so prepare to tuck in. Just remember to order without fish sauce or shrimp paste if you're vegan or vegetarian.
  
  During our tour, you might want to visit some temples, for which you'll need to dress appropriately. Make sure to bring clothing that covers your shoulders and trousers or skirts that go past your knees. A light scarf is also useful for covering your shoulders and arms, especially in hot weather.
  
  Aerosols are not permitted on trains in Laos. If you're travelling with an aerosol or sharp objects, our tour leader will have these shipped on to our next destination.
K
Kerry
Asked on December 14th, 2025
is it possible to have a shared room for 7 or 8 days tour starting 20.3.2026?
Accommodation
Tour Details
- Explore!Operator•Written December 2025
  Our only March 2026 departure is March 1st -8th 2026. The next departure after is in May.
K
Kim
Asked on September 29th, 2023
Is the 8 days Highlights Laos tour departing on 21 January 2004 (Sun) guaranteed departure?
Group size
Tour Details
- Explore!Operator•Written September 2023
  Currently we have five passengers booked onto this departure so far. This departure is guaranteed.
- K
  Kim
  Traveler•Written September 2023
  What is the minimum number of passengers for the above tour to be guaranteed departure?
- K
  Kim
  Traveler•Written October 2023
  Is it okay for me to bring along a big luggage? Does the price of the tour include the cost of the 2 train rides (Vientiane to Vang Vieng and Vang Vieng to Luang Prabang)? What is the cost for the below optional excursions? 1) guided walk past rice paddies to nearby minority villages in Vang Vieng 2) visit to the 2km underground cave network in Vang Vieng 3) kayaking along the gentle Nam Song river in Vang Vieng 4) afternoon bicycle trip to the Lao Loum village at Ban Phanom
C
Chris
Asked on April 26th, 2023
Do you do any tours during August? We are looking at visiting around the 13.8.23. Also could you please tell me what the Covid requirements are if there are any.
Tour Details
Travel Support
- Explore!Operator•Written April 2023
  Laos has two main distinct weather patterns: hot and wet (May–October), and cooler and dry (November– April). Generally speaking, the best time to visit Laos is November–January. We operate our trips October - February.
- C
  Chris
  Traveler•Written April 2023
  Unfortunately due to our vaccine status we see we cannot travel to Laos. We are now looking at Cambodia. Do you know what the requirements are there and do you have a private tour maybe Vietnam and Cambodia?
G
Gary
Asked on August 19th, 2022
Do you have tours in this september from the 24th?
Tour Details
- Explore!Operator•Written August 2022
  Here are some tours that are available from the 24th September.

Good to know

Tour ID: 124706

The practical details for your trip across Laos: money, plugs and flexible ways to pay, all in one place.

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Pay in installments
Spread the cost in interest-free biweekly installments of $53.
Deposit only
Book now with just a 10% deposit. The remaining balance is due 75 days before departure.
₭ - Kip
You’ll encounter Kip in Laos.
Plug types A, B, C, E, F
You’ll need an adapter for these sockets in Laos.

Currency
₭
Kip
Laos
Plugs & adapters
As a traveler from USA, Canada you will need an adaptor for types C, E, F. As a traveler from England, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa you will need an adaptor for types A, B, C, E, F.
- Type A
  Used in Laos
- Type B
  Used in Laos
- Type C
  Used in Laos
- Type E
  Used in Laos
- Type F
  Used in Laos
Visa
Whether you need a visa depends on your nationality and how long you stay. We can’t process visas for you, but here’s a quick indication for this trip.
This is only an indication. Visa rules depend on your passport, trip length and purpose. Always confirm with the official embassy or consulate before you travel.
Payment information
Pay now
A 10% deposit
Balance due
75 days before departure
Installments
Interest-free, every two weeks
Currency
USD
Booking fee
None
Book now with just a 10% deposit and pay the rest later. The remaining balance is due 75 days before departure, charged automatically to your card, or you can split it into interest-free biweekly installments of $53 at checkout. Everything is charged in USD, and TourRadar never adds a booking fee. Any trip departing before January 18th, 2027 will need to be paid in full at checkout.
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Cancellation Policy
Cancellation terms may vary per tour. Please check for the full cancellation policy here.
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Our travel protection from our award-winning partner, XCover, means you and your travel companions can book with peace of mind knowing there’s protection available in case your trip doesn’t go to plan. At checkout you will be able to select between different options in case you or the tour are eligible for insurance. In case no option is available, you are always able to purchase travel insurance outside of TourRadar.
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From

$1,150

15% off

US $980 per person

Price based on Cheapest Room

Price based on Shared Room

Price based on Private Single Room

Price based on Private Double Room

Select departure month

1 Adult2 Adults, 1 Child2 Children

Pay only 10% today. The rest is due 75 days before departure. Learn more

Best price guarantee Learn More

Plan your adventure:

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Highlights of Laos

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Itinerary

Optional Activities

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Included Activities

Included Activities

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Want to read it later?

What's Included

What's Not Included

Where You'll Stay

Traveler Reviews

Dates & Prices

Want to read it later?

Why book with TourRadar?

What our customers ask about this tour

Pay in installments

Deposit only

₭ - Kip

Plug types A, B, C, E, F

Currency

Plugs & adapters

Visa

Payment information

Accepted for Explore! tours

Cancellation Policy

Insurance

Best price guarantee

How it works

Your quote needs

What doesn’t count

Accessibility

People also viewed

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Videos from Explore!

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