Experience Laos on a solo journey that balances guided activities with time for self-exploration. This 11-day itinerary combines private and group experiences, taking you to lively markets, scenic landscapes, and cultural highlights. Discover the heritage and sights of Luang Prabang, including the Royal Palace, the local rice farms and even Nam Khan River, where you'll meet the majestic elephants of Laos.
Throughout, you'll get chance to savour local dishes, meet fellow travellers, and discover Laos at your own pace. From temple visits to riverside cafés, this trip offers a mix of adventure and relaxation for an authentic solo experience in Laos.
Our solo traveller holidays are thoughtfully designed with your comfort and ease in mind. We carefully select hotels that cater to solo guests, ensuring a welcoming and secure atmosphere. Private transfers are arranged upon arrival, so you’re always met by someone when arriving in a new place. To help you get to know your destination, we include group tours where you can meet fellow travellers and explore together. We understand that dining solo can sometimes feel challenging, so we've curated restaurant recommendations to ensure you can enjoy meals in great spots, with confidence, even when dining alone.
Arrive in Luang Prabang, where your guide and driver will be ready to take you to your hotel for check-in. After settling in, the rest of the day is yours to explore Luang Prabang at your own pace.
This private, full-day tour of Luang Prabang, led by a local guide, explores the city's heritage and cultural sites. Start at the former Royal Palace, now the National Museum, then visit the intricate Wat Mai, Wat Sensoukarahm, and the renowned Wat Xieng Thong temple. Enjoy a traditional Lao lunch at Tamarind before visiting Wat Visoun and the Traditional Arts & Ethnology Centre, showcasing the country’s ethnic diversity (closed Mondays). An optional visit to the UXO Lao Visitor Center offers insight into the impact of unexploded ordnance. End the day with a climb up Mount Phousi for panoramic views and a visit to the night market. (B,L)
Experience the Alms Giving ceremony by meeting your guide at 5:30am for a unique dawn excursion, where you can witness orange-robed monks walking barefoot through the streets, a significant Buddhist ritual that reflects the spirituality of the Lao people. Afterwards, visit the Morning Market to explore local fresh produce offerings and unique delicacies.
In the afternoon, enjoy a join-in lunch cruise on the Mekong River aboard the charming Nava Mekong boat, passing scenic limestone mountains and riverside villages before docking at the Pak Ou Caves to explore thousands of ancient Buddha images. En route back to Luang Prabang, enjoy a freshly prepared lunch. (B,L)
Join other travellers for a Living Land Rice Experience, exploring an organic, local farm set amidst lush rice paddies. Established by the community to combat destructive farming practices, the farm focusses on sustainable agriculture and education. Get hands-on experience with rice production through the various stages, depending on the season, and enjoy rice-based snacks and lunch.
In the afternoon, take a scenic drive to Kuang Si Waterfalls. Explore turquoise pools and hike to the top of the falls or relax by the lower pools. Opt to visit the Asiatic Black Bear Sanctuary or the Lao Buffalo Dairy Farm, offering a chance to interact with animals and enjoy homemade ice cream before returning to Luang Prabang with a visit to the Ock Pop Tok Living Craft Centre. (B,L)
Begin your day with an 8:30am pickup for a unique elephant experience in Xieng Lom village. Enjoy a hot beverage while receiving an overview of the itinerary and learning about elephant behaviour. Afterwards, take a short ride across the Nam Khan River to meet the elephants - feed them healthy snacks and observe their interactions with the mahouts during bath time. Continue with a trek through Lao gardens and into the Huay Nok stream.
Return to the starting point and enjoy a freshly prepared local meal, relaxing on the veranda with views of the river and misty mountains. You’ll depart for Luang Prabang around 1:30pm. Note that participants are not allowed to bathe the elephants directly, in line with World Animal Protection guidelines. (B,L)
Start your day with an 8:00am hotel pickup and visit The Bamboo Experience, a rustic pavilion inspired by traditional Lao architecture, set amongst rice fields in Luang Prabang. This half-day workshop immerses you in Lao culture through bamboo weaving and cooking. Learn about the cultural significance of bamboo in daily life, followed by a hands-on session with a local craftsman to weave a mat—a skill passed down through generations.
Next, participate in a cooking class that features bamboo in dishes like bamboo shoot soup, steamed bamboo shoots in banana leaves, and a traditional bamboo shoot dip. Enjoy the freshly prepared meal served on a bamboo. Afterwards, enjoy cultural performances, including a Hmong khen (bamboo instrument) performance and Kamu bamboo dancing. Afterwards, transfer back to your hotel. (B,L)
The Bamboo Experience and Cooking Class is also available in the afternoon from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
Free day at leisure. You can either relax and explore Luang Prabang at your own pace or select from a variety of excursions we offer in the city. Contact one of our travel specialists to help you find the option that suits you best. (B)
Be transferred to Vientiane train station. Upon arrival in Vientiane, someone will assist you in transferring to your hotel.
After checking in and refreshing, the afternoon tour begins with a visit to COPE, an organisation that supports landmine victims, offering insight into the history of the American/Vietnam War and the ongoing efforts to clear unexploded ordinances (UXO). Head to Buddha Park, home to over 200 Buddhist and Hindu statues set in a lush garden, providing a unique view of the region's spiritual beliefs and artistic expressions.
Note: Train tickets and timings on the Lao-China Railway may vary, and while first-class tickets are typically booked, availability cannot be guaranteed. Items such as rubbing alcohol, aerosols, and knives are prohibited on board.
Spend a day at your own pace in Vientiane. Relax by the pool or indulge in a spa treatment. Take a stroll downtown for scenic river views, unwind at riverside cafes, and explore boutique shops, immersing yourself in the local culture. If you’re interested in additional activities, we offer a variety of optional private excursions. Feel free to reach out to our travel specialists for assistance in planning your day. (B)
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This itinerary is designed for solo travellers, but it can be arranged for multiple passengers as well. Contact one of our travel specialists for accurate pricing.