Spirit of Laos

16 days
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4.6/5 Excellent
100+ reviews  
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Small Group Tour
Travel the length and breadth of sleepy Laos, following the mighty Mekong into Cambodia and to the jungle temples of Angkor. Cruise on slow boats, trek past rice paddies and dip in turquoise waterfalls in this quiet corner of Southeast Asia. Luang Prabang - Soak up the city's French colonial charm and watch monks line the street at sunrise 4,000 Islands -...
$415 OFF
$3,875
From$3,460
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Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Strenuous

Highlights

    • Discover delightful Laos, a hidden gem of Southeast Asia, travel south to Angkor's temples
    • Soak up Luang Prabang's French colonial charm and watch monks line the street at sunrise
    • Take a slow boat on the sleepy Mekong and encounter tribal villages in northern Laos

What's this trip about?

    Travel the length and breadth of sleepy Laos, following the mighty Mekong into Cambodia and to the jungle temples of Angkor. Cruise on slow boats, trek past rice paddies and dip in turquoise waterfalls in this quiet corner of Southeast Asia. Luang Prabang - Soak up the city's French colonial charm and watch monks line the street at sunrise 4,000 Islands - Visit rural villages and walk to waterfalls in Laos' remote south Angkor temples - Take in the sunset at Angkor Wat and explore the remote temples of Koh Ker and Preah Vihear

Details

Itinerary focusOff the Beaten Path
Group sizeSmall Group - max of 20 people
Age range16 to 85 years
Flights and transport
Start CityLuang Prabang
End CitySiem Reap

Travel Themes

  • Cultural
  • Hiking & Walking

Destinations

Attractions

  • Angkor Thom
  • Angkor Wat
  • Bangkok
  • Banteay Srei
  • Champa
  • Luang Prabang
  • Mekong River
  • Pakse
  • Siem Reap
  • Tonle Sap Lake
  • Vientiane

Activities

  • Hiking

Max Group Size

  • Max Group Size: 20

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1 Join trip in Luang Prabang

Located on the banks of the Mekong River, Luang Prabang is a relaxed place that has a feel more similar to a provincial town than a city. Weathered French Colonial mansions give way to golden temples, and the languid pace of life here makes it an ideal place to explor...

Day 2 Explore the temples and architecture of Luang Prabang

Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Luang Prabang is nestled in a valley of lush rolling hills and sits at the confluence of two rivers - the Khan and the mighty Mekong. Influence from its French occupiers is peppered all over the city, with grand white-washed Ind...

Day 3 Morning trip to Kuang Si Waterfall, free afternoon in Luang Prabang

This morning we head out to the beautiful Kuang Si Waterfalls, approximately 45 minutes from Luang Prabang. Passing forested hills and several ethnic minority villages we arrive at the limestone falls that cascade into several turquoise pools below. We have some time ...

Day 4 Cruise up the Mekong on a longtail boat to Pakbeng, stopping at Pak Ou Caves en route

We board our private long tail boat this morning for a leisurely cruise along the Mekong to the village of Pakbeng. As we navigate upriver the city of Luang Prabang soon fades away, passing river-side villages and then rice paddies and fields of vegetation, all under ...

Day 5 Scenic drive through rural countryside and past small villages to Oudomxay

After a leisurely breakfast we leave Pakbeng by bus and head north on a scenic drive to Oudomxay. This part of Laos is very rural, and the road weaves its way past lush countryside, agricultural land and past minority villages. Along the route we stop at the Hmong vil...

Day 6 Walk past rice paddies through remote villages in rural northern Laos

We set off on foot this morning to explore the surrounding countryside and meet some of the local people. Our walk follows a river course which meanders its way through lush vegetation and past farm lands. We stop to meet some of the farmers who share with us how the ...

Day 7 Morning high-speed train to Vientiane. Afternoon tour of the sleepy capital

This morning we make our way to Luang Prabang railway station to board the newly constructed Boten-Vientiane Railway for the short two hour journey to the capital, Vientiane. Opened in December 2021, this ambitious collaboration between Laos and China connects the Chi...

Day 8 Fly to Pakse, explore Wat Phou temple and then drive on to the Bolaven Plateau

We fly south today to the small city of Pakse, from where we then drive on to Champasak and the incredible Wat Phu Temple. Wat Phu is an impressive Khmer temple dating back to the 6th century and considered to be one of the archaeological wonders of Laos. Originally b...

Day 9 Walk across the plateau and visit coffee plantations. Free time at Tad Fane waterfalls

After breakfast, we transfer shortly to the impressive twin chute Tad Fan Waterfalls. Marvel at the magnificent falls which are formed by two separate rivers. We then meet a local guide, with who we will head-out for a challenging trek. We climb down and follow a jung...

Day 10 Travel by car and then by boat into the 4,000 Islands region of southern Laos

We drive back towards the Mekong this morning, before boarding a boat to take us to Don Khong - the largest of the 4,000 Islands. It is here, almost on the Cambodian border that the Mekong splits to create a maze of channels and islets and also where the great river r...

Day 11 Explore the Mekong's 4,000 Islands by boat and bicycle

We board our private boat today for a further exploration of this water-dominated landscape. We stop on Don Khone island where we have some time to explore the island by bicycle on a leisurely cycle, tracing the route on an old abandoned French railway; built at the t...

Day 12 Cross the border into Cambodia via Khone Phapheng Falls

We start this morning by catching a boat back to the mainland and then driving on to Khone Phapheng Falls - the largest and most powerful falls in Southeast Asia. We then make the short 30km drive to the border to cross into the Kingdom of Cambodia where we meet our C...

Day 13 Explore the ancient temples of Preah Vihear and Koh Ker, then drive to Siem Reap

Travelling into the jungle in 4WD vehicles this morning, we make our way to the temple of Preah Vihear. This Khmer temple, dedicated to the Hindu God Shiva is dramatically perched atop a cliff in the sacred Dangrek mountain range, and affords breathtaking views over t...

Day 14 A full day exploring the magnificient Angkor temple complex, including Angkor Thom and sunset at Angkor Wat

We start the day's exploration with a visit to the temples of King Jayavarman Vll, reputedly Angkor's greatest king. The fortified city of Angkor Thom, which he built at the end of the 12th century, is enclosed by a wall with five monumental gates decorated with stone...

Day 15 Morning at Banteay Srei temple, afternoon on Tonle Sap Lake exploring the floating villages

This morning we will explore the 11th century temple of Banteay Srei, with its stunningly preserved bas reliefs. The so-called 'Citadel of Beauty' is considered by some as one of the finest examples of classical Khmer architecture as a result of its intricate decorati...

Day 16 Trip ends in Siem Reap

The trip ends after breakfast at our hotel in Siem Reap. There are no activities planned today, so you are free to depart from Siem Reap at any time. If your flight is departing later in the day luggage storage facilities are available at our hotel. If you would like...

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Dates & Availability

Price From $3,460
Price per day$216
Last Updated: 3/14/2025
Departure Date
Finish Date
Base Price
Single Room (Optional)
Availability
26 Oct 2025
10 Nov 2025
$3,460
$680
02 Nov 2025
17 Nov 2025
$3,460
$680
09 Nov 2025
24 Nov 2025
$3,460
$680
16 Nov 2025
01 Dec 2025
$3,460
$680
23 Nov 2025
08 Dec 2025
$3,460
$680
14 Dec 2025
29 Dec 2025
$3,460
$680
21 Dec 2025
05 Jan 2026
$3,660
$690
18 Jan 2026
02 Feb 2026
$3,590
$720
25 Jan 2026
09 Feb 2026
$3,590
$720
01 Feb 2026
16 Feb 2026
$3,590
$720

Check current availability, prices, specials & more.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

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Explore! Reviews & Ratings

4.6/5  Excellent
Excellent
10,321
Great
3,322
Average
522
Disappointing
158
Terrible
79
J

Julie

Feb 2025

Written on

Spirit of Laos

This really was an excellent trip with a new itinerary. Highlights were too many the mention but include Angkor Watt, the beauty of Laos, waterfalls, historic templ...

T

Trusted Customer

Feb 2025

Written on

Spirit of Laos

A very varied trip from the mountains and villages of northern Laos to the splendour of Angkor Wat. There's a lot of travelling involved but it's part of the adventu...

T

Trusted Customer

Feb 2025

Written on

Spirit of Laos

Absolutely wonderful trip, brilliantly planned and organised by Explore. Full on but not rushed, a lot of ground covered excellent introduction to this wonderful cou...

P

Peter

Jan 2025

Written on

Spirit of Laos

Amazing adventure. Tra the tour leader was the best tour leader I have been with. The best Explore trip I have been on. Especially enjoyed the visits to several ethn...

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Logistics

Accommodation

Transportation & Flights

Bus, Boat, Flight, Train,

Transportation & flights

Bus, Boat, Flight, Train
Guides
Explore Tour Leader, Boat Crew, Driver(s), Local Guide(s)
Cancellation policy
These conditions are applicable to Discovery & Wildlife, Cycling, Walking and Family Trips. These conditions were updated November 2022. Booked a Polar trip? Please refer to our Polar booking conditions. To make it easy to know the detail of our flexibility, we’ve put it in a grid (these terms apply to all trips apart from our Polar Voyages.) Standard cancellations or changes within 69 days of travel If you’re getting closer to your trip, cancellation charges will apply as follows: For trips confirmed by 31st December 2022: 59-42 days before trip start date – 30%, or loss of deposit if higher 41-28 days before trip start date – 60% 27-14 days before trip start date – 90% Less than 14 days before trip start date – 100% For trips confirmed from 1st January 2023: 69 -42 days before trip start date – 30%, or loss of deposit if higher 41-28 days before trip start date – 60% 27-14 days before trip start date – 90% Less than 14 days before trip start date – 100%
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Laos: A single visa is required by UK, New Zealand, Australian, US & Canadian citizens and can be obtained on arrival. The visa on arrival costs 30USD for New Zealand and Australian citizens, 35USD for UK & US citizens and 42USD for Canadian citizens. For other nationalities the price varies between US$30-42. One passport sized photo is required to arrange this. Cambodia: A single visa is required by UK, New Zealand, Australian, USA & Canadian citizens and can be obtained on arrival. A passport sized photograph for immigration will also be required. Alternatively you can now obtain an e-visa prior to departure from www.mfaic.gov.kh All visa information should be confirmed with the relevant consulate. If you do require assistance in obtaining a visa then you may be able to apply through Explore's recommended visa service in the UK, Travcour. See www.travcour.com to download the relevant visa application for your trip, if applicable (UK citizens only), along with details of how to apply for your visa through Travcour. The Team at Travcour will be happy to answer specific questions relating to visa applications, please call them directly on 0208 5431846. It is your responsibility to ensure that you are in possession of a full passport, with the correct validity for your chosen destination.
Health & Safety
Nothing compulsory, but we recommend protection against malaria, infectious hepatitis, tetanus, typhoid, diphtheria and polio. Consult your GP regarding tablets advised for malaria. Though not compulsory, travellers may wish to immunise themselves against japanese encephalitis. Please check the latest requirements with your travel clinic or doctor prior to departure. The above is not an exhaustive list. Further information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by following the NHS and NaTHNaC links at <a href="https://www.explore.co.uk/essential-information/know-before-you-go/travel-health">Explore Travel Health</a> and from your local healthcare provider. Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed by you before travelling.
Meals Included
  • Breakfast : 15
  • Dinner : 1
  • Lunch : 3
Age Requirements
16 to 85 years
Additional Information
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Trip ID
explore-LA

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