7 Day Laos Xplorer

Taking some of the best highlights of South-east Asia’s most underrated country. The Xtreme Xplorer trips are fully guided modular group tours using local transport connections. There are a great way to experience the country from the locals perspective, make cool travel companions and it is great value to.

Accommodation transport and activities are included so much more than a bus pass.

This version is the seven-day version which is the first week 14 day Laos Xplorer. You can also combine other Xplorer trips to create a fully comprehensive one month tour of Laos and Cambodia.

 

Photos

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Itinerary

Itinerary summary.

• Day 1: Bangkok to Laos Border
• Day 2-4 Luang Prabang
• Day 5 Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng
• Day 6 Vang Vieng River Action
• Day 7 Vang Vieng to Vientienne

We’ve come up with a flexible, modular style structure that will immerse you in every facet of this rich and extraordinary country, at your own pace. With four separate week long itineraries, you can choose to pick the lot and go for a month long trip, mix and match two or three in any order, or just go for a single week of activities. So, whether you want to wonder at the decorated post-colonial religious centres of Vientiane or the hill-top temples of Luang Prabang, visit the famous river bank islands of the southern Laos Mekong, or go cross-border to see the historical wealth of Siem Reap or the perfect beaches of the Cambodian coast, with our Laos Xplorer and Cambodia Xplorer Trips you can.

Laos

In this juncture of raw nature, where the wild waterway confluences of the Mekong and the misty jungle basins that surround it feather out southward toward the Thai gulf, nestled in the very heart of Southeast Asia, lies the elongated nation of Laos; from the UNESCO wonders of Luang Prubang in the north, to the river city of Pakse on the southern Cambodian border.

Famously wild, the few hubs of human activity that exist here have become coveted backpacking destinations, gateways to the untouched and unexplored Southeast Asian lands of yesteryear. Laos is the wilder Thailand, where the roads are lined, not with continuing rows of steam-emitting noodle vendors, but bending palms weighed down by the pull of ancient vines, and bamboo huts shrouded by the shadows of the jungle. But fear not backpacker, it’s not all tree-clad bluffs and mosquitoes; the rise of Laos as a gap year destination, means a well-developed traveller scene, where vest-wearing party-goers sip Beer Lao on the back of Mekong slow boats, or cheap (and I mean cheap!) whiskey from the bottle on a Nam Song River bank.

The week one option centres on northern Laos, guiding you overnight, through the Thai-Laos border crossing (with departures available from Bangkok).

Bangkok to Laos

The trip starts in Bangkok:

After an overnight, ‘on-the-road’ stay, you’ll arrive in one of Laos’ beating cultural centres, the town of Luang Prabang. Having UNESCO world heritage site status, it’s rich with religious architecture and has a bustling central market – selling everything from backpack patches to pickled snake whiskey. For those who want to get a taste of the famous wilderness of northern Laos, the nearby Kuang Si waterfalls and local caving complexes are easily accessible for day trips.

Luang Prabang

This is one of the most underrated cities in Laos, set by an ancient river meandering through the mountains, Luang Prabang holds lots of hidden surprises. From stunning night markets, a great (and cheap) place to test out your haggling skills and pickups souvenirs and local handicrafts, to a hilltop monastery giving way to beautiful views and sublime waterfalls, this is a great place to hang out and enjoy the laid back nature of the place. We have a couple of days here which no matter how you look at it is never enough. It gives plenty of opportunity to take a boat trip up the river, explore the jungle and waterfalls.

Ask the guide for plent of optional activities along the way.

On day 5 it is time to head on,  you’ll take the dramatic road, winding through the thick forests, and cliff-faced limestone bluff rises south of Luang Prabang, to the backpacker party hub of Vang Vieng.

Vang Vieng

Vang Vieng – a great place to grab some cold ones with fellow travellers. This small town’s location on the Nam Song River, surrounded by dramatic peak rises and a myriad of trekking routes, makes it a great staging point for a number of adventure activities – notably mountain biking, hiking and rock climbing.

The town is a huge hub for backpackers and is famous for its river activities ( tubing as it was is now done but we are told there are great alternatives) and also for its TV bars. Prepare to watch umpteen episodes of Friends and family guy.

Vientiane

After two days you’ll take the shorter (and more relaxing) journey three hours south, to the metropolitan heart of Laos – the capital Vientiane. Here you’ll find a curious mix of post-colonial and traditional architecture, dotted with nationalistic and religious art. It’s compact and easy to get around, which makes Vientiane somewhat similar to Bangkok in terms of nightlife; there’s plenty of bars, pubs, clubs and restaurants all within easy reach of the town centre, so no need to travel far.

 

Trip Frequently Asked Questions

Price

One week- £249

Dates

This trip starts on the first Sunday of the month.

Trip Combos

This trip can easily be combined with other explore options throughout Thailand and Cambodia even into Vietnam.

That means we can custom-built you an extended guided trip around Southeast Asia.

Check out the two-week version this option the 14 day Laos Xplorer and the Cambodia Xplorer options which can easily bolt onto this trip as well.