10 Days - Backroads Of Laos

Welcome to Laos! On arrival at Wattay International Airport in Vientiane, complete your visa on arrival formalities if you haven’t already arranged one in advance. After clearing Immigration and Customs, proceed into the arrival hall where your guide and driver will be waiting to greet you. With assistance for luggage and a warm welcome, you are soon on your way into the city. The transfer takes about 20 minutes depending on your hotel’s location.

Check in at your hotel and take some time to rest after your journey. Vientiane, with its tree-lined boulevards, French colonial architecture, and gentle pace, offers an easy introduction to Laos. Depending on your arrival time, you may wish to take a short walk nearby or relax at the hotel while adjusting to the slower rhythm of life.

As evening approaches, your guide will meet you at the hotel. A 20 to 25 minute drive takes you to a popular local restaurant for your first taste of Lao cuisine. Tonight’s meal is Sindat, a Lao-style barbecue that is both interactive and social, making it an excellent introduction to the country’s food culture.

At the restaurant, a pot of broth and grill is placed at your table, surrounded by plates of fresh vegetables, noodles, and thinly sliced meats. You cook your selections yourself, dipping them into the bubbling broth or grilling them on the hotplate. The experience is lively, fun, and perfect for sharing, as the aromas and flavours fill the air.

After dinner, return to your hotel to settle in for the night. The streets of Vientiane are calm in the evenings, and the quiet atmosphere makes for a restful start to your adventure along the backroads of Laos.

After breakfast, meet your guide at 8:30am in the hotel lobby and set off for your first exploration of the Lao capital. Within about 15 minutes you arrive in the city centre to visit Wat Sisaket, the only temple to survive the Siamese invasion of 1828 intact. Its cloisters are lined with thousands of tiny Buddha statues, creating a striking and atmospheric start to the day. Just across the road is Wat Ho Pha Kheo, reconstructed in the 1930s on the site of the original temple that once housed the Emerald Buddha, now in Bangkok. Inside you will find a rich collection of Lao artistry and religious objects.

From here, a short drive along Lane Xang Avenue reveals the changing face of Vientiane. Stop at Patuxai, the Victory Monument built in the 1960s, whose design was inspired by the Arc de Triomphe. Families often enjoy climbing to the top for sweeping views over the city. About ten minutes further, you reach the golden stupa of Pha That Luang, Laos’s most sacred monument, believed to enshrine a relic of the Buddha. Close by is Wat Si Muang, a lively working temple where locals come to ask for blessings — from fertility wishes to protection for their new cars.

Late in the morning, drive around ten minutes to the COPE Visitor Centre, where interactive exhibits explain the legacy of the Secret War and the ongoing work to support survivors of unexploded ordnance. It is a moving and educational visit that older children often find especially eye-opening. By midday, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before heading out of town to Xieng Khouan Buddha Park. The drive takes about 45 minutes, and on arrival you are greeted by a surreal landscape of over 200 sculptures, blending Hindu and Buddhist mythology. Children usually enjoy spotting the more unusual statues, such as the enormous reclining Buddha and the giant pumpkin-shaped structure that can be climbed for views over the park.

Return to your hotel in the afternoon for a short rest before your evening activity. At 5:00pm, your guide and driver will collect you for the 20–25 minute transfer to Sisavath for a hands-on cooking class. This family-friendly workshop focuses on Kao Piek Sen, a much-loved Lao noodle soup. Begin by preparing the fragrant broth, then learn to roll and cut the noodles from scratch. While the soup simmers, chop fresh herbs and seasonings to complete the dish.

Finally, sit down with your hosts to enjoy the noodles you have prepared, garnished to your taste. It is an interactive and relaxed experience, with plenty of opportunity for children to get involved. At the end of the session, you will be given the recipe so you can try recreating the dish at home. After dinner, return to your hotel for a restful evening.

After breakfast, meet your guide in the hotel lobby for a short transfer of around 20 minutes to the pier. Step aboard your private boat and begin cruising along the Mekong River. As the city skyline of Vientiane slowly disappears behind you, the pace of life shifts. For the next hour you drift downstream, passing small riverside communities, fishermen casting nets, and the occasional water buffalo cooling off in the shallows. This peaceful perspective offers a completely different view of the capital.

After about an hour, arrive at Don Xin Xu, one of the Mekong’s quiet islands. Here time seems to move slower and life follows the rhythms of the river. Begin with a visit to a small island temple where you may offer a donation and receive a blessing from a resident monk. The ceremony is simple yet meaningful, and families often appreciate the chance to take part in a local tradition that has been observed for generations.

Next, board a toktok, the local farm vehicle unique to the Lao countryside. Unlike the more common tuktuk, this quirky contraption is essentially a tiller with a wooden carriage attached. The ride is loud, bumpy, and entertaining, and children often find it a highlight of the day. The toktok winds through village paths and fields, giving you a taste of everyday life on the island.

One of the most memorable stops is at the home of Mr York, a farmer who has lived on Don Xin Xu for over thirty years. Sit with him on his porch, learn about his life working the land and raising his family here, and enjoy a chance to connect with local hospitality. Encounters like this create stories and memories that remain long after the journey.

By late morning, return to the riverbank where your boat awaits. Lunch is served on board as you float gently back toward Vientiane, arriving after about an hour’s cruise. With the afternoon free, you may choose to rest at your hotel, stroll through a local market, or enjoy a quiet riverside café. It is a day that combines culture, connection, and the timeless beauty of the Mekong.

After breakfast, meet your guide and driver at your hotel for the long but rewarding journey into central Laos. The drive from Vientiane to Kong Lor takes around five to six hours, following roads that wind through mountain passes, forested valleys, and small farming communities. It is a day of shifting scenery, with plenty of opportunities to see rural life unfold beyond the car windows.

About two hours into the journey, stop at Bolikhamxay Province to visit Wat Phabath Phonsan, one of the most sacred temples in Laos. The temple is known for housing a footprint of the Buddha, making it an important pilgrimage site for local people. Set among gentle hills and shaded by trees, the temple offers a serene break from the road. Children can stretch their legs while you take in the calm atmosphere and admire the surrounding countryside.

Back on the road, continue deeper into the mountains. The scenery becomes increasingly dramatic, with limestone karsts rising above rice paddies and dense forest covering the hills. This region remains largely untouched by mass tourism, making the drive itself an introduction to the quiet beauty of Laos’s backroads.

Stop for lunch at a local restaurant along the way, where freshly prepared Lao dishes are served. It is a simple but authentic experience, and the break provides a chance to rest before continuing the final stretch toward Kong Lor. Your guide will help explain the dishes and ensure the family is comfortable.

Arrive in the late afternoon at your hotel near Kong Lor Cave. Check in and take some time to relax after the drive. The village is quiet and surrounded by natural beauty, with limestone cliffs and the Hinboun River setting the scene for tomorrow’s cave adventure. Enjoy dinner at leisure this evening or at the hotel’s restaurant before settling in for the night.

After breakfast, meet your guide and driver at your hotel and set out for the entrance of Kong Lor Cave, about a 20 to 30 minute drive through limestone scenery and small villages. On arrival, you are welcomed by local guides who provide flashlights and safety equipment, along with a short briefing about the cave and the river that flows through it. The atmosphere is both mysterious and exciting as you prepare to step into one of Laos’s most remarkable natural wonders.

Climb into a long-tail boat and begin your underground journey along the Hinboun River. The boat ride lasts around 15 to 20 minutes in each direction, but the highlight is the 7.5 kilometre passage through enormous caverns and winding tunnels. Some chambers rise to cathedral-like heights, while others narrow into smaller passageways, each section lit only by your torches. It is an unforgettable experience, especially for children, as the echoing sounds of the water and the cool air create a sense of real adventure.

At the far end of the cave, near Ban Nathan village, step out briefly to appreciate the lush forest and the river flowing in daylight once again. Then re-board your boat to cruise back through the cave, taking in the scale of the formations a second time. By late morning you return to the entrance, where your driver is waiting.

Continue by road for about 45 minutes to Ban Nahin, where you stop for a traditional Lao lunch. The restaurant here offers hearty local dishes and a welcome chance to rest after the morning’s excitement. After lunch, the day continues with a gentle two-hour trek through the jungle, following shaded trails toward Namsanam Waterfalls. The walk is suitable for families, with plenty of opportunities to pause, spot birds and butterflies, and listen to the sounds of the forest.

Arrive at Namsanam Waterfalls in the afternoon, where cascades tumble into pools surrounded by greenery. Spend time here relaxing, taking photographs, or cooling your feet in the water. When you are ready, drive onward to Thakhek, arriving by evening to check in at your hotel. After a day filled with cave exploration, jungle trekking, and the beauty of Laos’s landscapes, enjoy a restful night in town.

After breakfast, meet your guide and driver at your hotel and begin the journey south toward Savannakhet. The drive takes around three and a half hours, covering a stretch of quiet roads that wind through limestone valleys, farmland, and villages where life continues much as it has for generations. It is a chance to see another side of Laos, with landscapes shifting from dramatic karsts to more open plains as you head further south.

Along the way, your guide may arrange short stops in small roadside communities. These pauses provide an opportunity to observe daily life in the countryside - farmers tending rice paddies, children cycling to school, or vendors selling snacks and fruit from simple stalls. The road is not heavily travelled, adding to the feeling of moving along one of the country’s lesser-known routes.

Midday, stop for lunch at a local restaurant along the way. The meal is simple but freshly prepared, giving you the chance to sample Lao flavours typical of the region. It is also a good time to stretch your legs and take a break from the road before continuing onward.

In the afternoon, resume the drive toward Savannakhet. The scenery gradually changes, with the Mekong River drawing closer and the town’s low-rise buildings coming into view. The drive is calm and direct, allowing you to arrive in Savannakhet by late afternoon with time to settle into your hotel.

Check in and take the rest of the day at leisure. You may wish to enjoy a stroll along the Mekong promenade, where families gather in the evenings, or simply relax at your hotel after the journey. Tomorrow you will have the chance to explore the rich history and cultural heritage of this riverside town.

After breakfast, enjoy a relaxed start to the morning before meeting your driver at 9:45am in the hotel lobby. Today’s excursion takes you deep into Savannakhet Province for a full day of cultural discovery and natural beauty. The drive out of town lasts about an hour, following quiet roads past rice paddies, scattered villages, and gently rolling countryside. It is a scenic introduction to the rural pace of life in this part of Laos.

Your first stop is Wat Phoukor, a little-known temple with a distinctive design. Built without enclosing walls, it allows worshippers to feel connected to the surrounding forest as they pray. As you wander through the grounds, you will notice statues that depict scenes of Buddhist cosmology, including interpretations of Buddhist hell, which spark interest and conversation. The setting is peaceful, with the forest providing shade and a sense of calm.

From here, continue with a short drive to Soui Lake, a tranquil body of water fringed by greenery. The setting makes it an ideal place to pause for lunch, and a traditional Lao meal will be served here using fresh local ingredients. Sitting by the lakeside, you can enjoy both the flavours and the view while watching the gentle movement of the water. It is a simple, authentic moment in the Lao countryside.

After lunch, head to Nonglamchan Village, home to Hor Tay Pidok, an extraordinary wooden library raised on stilts. Built in the 17th century, it holds over 4,000 palm leaf manuscripts, including 361 Buddhist scriptures, some of which date back as far as the 16th century. The unique stilted design helps protect the manuscripts from insects and flooding, and the structure has been carefully restored to preserve its treasures. Walking through this quiet village and seeing such an important cultural site offers an appreciation of Laos’s intellectual and religious history.

By late afternoon, begin the journey back to Savannakhet, a return drive of about two hours. The total transfer time for the day is approximately four hours, but the stops and experiences along the way make it an enriching and varied outing. Arrive back at your hotel in the early evening and enjoy dinner, included tonight, before resting after a day filled with exploration and learning.

After breakfast, meet your guide and driver at the hotel for the journey south toward Champasak. The transfer takes around four to five hours in total, following the Mekong and passing through small towns and villages along the way. The drive is long but scenic, with glimpses of rural life that highlight the slower rhythm of the Lao countryside.

By late morning, arrive in Pakse, the largest city in southern Laos, and stop at Daoheuang Market. This sprawling market is the busiest in the region, where stalls overflow with fresh fruit, vegetables, meats, and seafood, alongside clothing, textiles, and household items. Walking through the market is an engaging experience, full of colour, aromas, and the lively sounds of traders calling to their customers. It is a wonderful place to see how locals shop and to gain a deeper understanding of daily life.

From the market, continue with a short drive up to Phou Salao, located atop Salao Hill overlooking the city. Here you find a towering golden Buddha statue gazing serenely over Pakse and the Mekong River. The climb or drive to the top is rewarded with sweeping views of the surrounding countryside, and the site itself offers a peaceful atmosphere. This stop provides an excellent balance of cultural significance and natural beauty.

Stop for lunch at a local restaurant, where simple but hearty Lao dishes are served. The break offers a chance to relax and enjoy the regional flavours before continuing the final stretch of the drive. Your guide will introduce the dishes and share insights into how they are prepared, keeping the experience authentic and accessible.

In the afternoon, resume the drive toward Champasak, arriving by late afternoon. Check in at your hotel and take some time to unwind after the day’s travel. The riverside setting of Champasak makes for a calming introduction to the town, and with tomorrow’s exploration of Wat Phou ahead, the evening is yours to enjoy at leisure.

After breakfast, meet your guide at 9:00am for a short 20-minute transfer south of Champasak. Your morning begins at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Wat Phou, a Khmer temple complex that actually predates Angkor Wat. Built upon three levels at the base of a mountain, the ruins are atmospheric and steeped in history. At the lower level, you walk along the baray, or water reservoir, before climbing the promenade that leads toward the galleries and quadrangular pavilions of the middle terrace. The upper level is home to the sanctuary itself, once the spiritual and political centre of this region.

Exploring Wat Phou offers both historical insight and sweeping views of the surrounding countryside. As you ascend through each level, your guide explains the symbolism of the temple’s layout and its role as a centre of Khmer civilisation. Children and adults alike will be impressed by the scale of the carved stone lintels, the naga serpent stairways, and the serene atmosphere created by the mountain backdrop. This is one of Laos’s most remarkable cultural sites, yet it retains a quiet, contemplative character compared to more crowded temples in the region.

By late morning, transfer to the pier and board a boat for a scenic journey downstream. The cruise lasts between one and a half to two hours, taking you along a peaceful stretch of the Mekong where river life unfolds at a slow pace. Fishing boats glide past, and you may spot villagers tending their gardens along the riverbanks. The journey itself is a highlight, as the landscape gradually shifts toward forested islets and sandy shores.

Arrive at Wat Tomo, a hidden temple that feels lost to time. Reached by a gentle walk through shaded forest paths, the site is largely untouched, with crumbling sandstone walls draped in vines and moss. Birds call from the trees and the rustle of leaves is the only sound, making the atmosphere both magical and serene. Few visitors make their way here, and it feels like stepping into another era.

In a quiet corner of the ruins, a picnic lunch is prepared just for you. Dishes are simple but full of flavour, featuring seasonal fruit and fresh local ingredients. Seated among the stones, you can relax, eat, and take in the tranquil surroundings. With no crowds and no rush, this is more than just a meal - it is a chance to pause, breathe, and appreciate a place that has stood quietly for over a thousand years. Return to Champasak in the late afternoon, carrying with you the memory of a truly special day.

Enjoy a final breakfast at your hotel while taking in the peaceful atmosphere of Champasak. With its riverside charm and gentle pace, the town provides a fitting place to reflect on your journey through Laos before heading home.

At the arranged time, meet your guide and driver in the hotel lobby. The transfer to Pakse Airport takes around 40 minutes, following a scenic road that traces the Mekong for part of the way. The drive is calm and pleasant, offering one last look at the countryside dotted with small villages and fields.

As you approach Pakse, the landscape shifts toward the bustle of the city. Daoheuang Market, local temples, and the golden Buddha of Salao Hill can sometimes be glimpsed from the road, reminders of the cultural and natural highlights you have enjoyed in southern Laos.

At the airport, your guide will assist with check-in and departure formalities, helping ensure that everything runs smoothly. This extra support allows you to focus on your journey ahead, especially valuable if travelling with luggage or connecting flights.

Board your flight with memories of temples, caves, waterfalls, and villages, each one part of the backroads journey that revealed a quieter, more authentic Laos. The warmth of the people and the slower rhythm of the land will remain with you long after your return.