Recently voted as the number one destination in the world by the New York Times, Laos, or more accurately Luang Prabang, has finally found its way onto many must visit lists.

Although the enigmatic town of Luang Prabang with its temples, golden chedis and French inspired riverside boulevards is arguably the most charming of all Southeast Asian cities, Laos, it has to be said, is much more than Luang Prabang.

This tour has been designed to bring the best of Laos together in an eleven day journey of discovery; to introduce the parts of this beautiful, fascinating and surprisingly accessible country to travelers looking discover the real Laos. Using comfortable, charming and, whenever possible, luxurious accommodation we think we have all the components of a truly great travel itinerary.

We start in Bangkok, which provides an easy entry point for most international visitors as well as a comfortable compression chamber for adjusting to Southeast Asia. Lunch at the luxurious Oriental Hotel and a rice barge cruise to visit the ruined capital of Ayuthaya are among some of the highlights.

First stop in Laos is, of course, Luang Prabang. And you will not be disappointed. Staying at La Residence Phou Vao, you will be torn between wanting to enjoy your hotel and discover the city. We will help you find the right balance.

A short flight takes you to Vientiane, the capital where you will stay at the luxurious Setha Palace Hotel. Our guides will bring to life this quiet and sometimes overlooked city, with some interesting tours and private visits before we take you further south.

After touching down in Pakse, you'll find a fully appointed riverboat waiting. The Wat Phou is a great platform from which to view the hinterlands and islands of Southern Laos.

You will see the ruined pre-Angkorian temples that give the boat its name as well as the waterfalls islands and the elusive Irrawaddy River dolphins. 

Finally, you'll at la Follie Lodge, which really is one of Asia's best kept secrets - a delightful riverside resort and a great jumping off point to visit the Bolavan Plateau, and the end of your unforgettable journey.

Upon your arrival you will be welcomed to Thailand, and transferred to your luxurious Bangkok accommodation.

Overnight in Bangkok

Start your day among dazzling stupas and colorful deities as you take a tour of Bangkok's Grand Palace. After admiring the grandeur of the throne hall and the grace of the Emerald Buddha, you'll head to the Oriental Hotel to sample Thailand's culinary heritage with a lunch at the Sala Rim Nam riverside restaurant. In the afternoon, you're invited for a special viewing of Thai art, antiques, and artifacts at the private collection of the Prasat museum (closed on Mondays).

Overnight in Bangkok

Journey upriver and back in time on a trip to the ruined former capital of Ayuthaya. Along the way, visit the unforgettable summer palace of Bang Pa In, then step onto a traditional rice barge for a trip upriver. As you arrive you will enjoy the views of the Japanese and Portuguese settlements, Wat Phutthaisawan, Saint Joseph's Church, and Wat Chaiwatthanaram. Disembark at Wat Kasattrathirat Pier, and take a tour of the most important sites in the city, including a visit to the serene reclining Buddha of Wat Yai Chaimongkol and the towering brick stupas of Wat Chai Watanaram. Return to Bangkok by car, and take dinner at your leisure.

Overnight in Bangkok

A morning flight will land you in Luang Prabang, an engaging riverside town of French villas and gilded pagodas. After enjoying lunch and a little relaxation, you'll be taken on a guided walking tour to some of the most important temples in town, culminating as you admire the sunset over the Mekong from the beguiling Wat Prabaht Tai.

Overnight in Luang Prabang

An early wake up will give you the chance to experience one of the most unforgettable rituals in all of Asia, as a procession of orange-robed monks walk emerge from the mist on a procession to receive alms. Afterwards, continue your exploration of Luang Prabang's spiritual side with a tour of Wat Xieng Thong, the most important monastery in Laos. After lunch, visit the former Royal Palace (Closed on Tuesdays), now the National Museum. From there, continue on foot to visit Wat Mai, with its unique 5 tiered roof and golden bas-reliefs. 

Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Check in at the airport for your late morning flight to Vientiane, the capital of Laos. Your private car and guide will meet you on arrival and luggage will be transferred separately while you enjoy lunch at Makphet, a restaurant that supports street children and supports their families. The tour begins at the serene Wat Sisaket, then continues to Wat Phra Keo and finally at Wat Simuang. The tour continues with visits to Patuxai and Pha That Luang, the holiest site in Laos.

Overnight in Vientiane.

After breakfast, we'll depart for the Wattay airport for your flight to Pakse. The provincial capital of Champasak, Pakse's position at the confluence of two rivers has long made it a center for trade between Thailand and Vietnam. From Pakse, you'll board a long tail boat for an adventurous trip through rapids and sandbanks to the town of Champassak. From there, you'll visit Vat Phou, a hilltop Angkorian temple that is shrouded in curtains of emerald forest. Enjoy a relaxing dusk cruise down-river, then take dinner on board while docked next to a remote Laotian village. 

Overnight on board

On your first morning on board, we'll set sail for the village of Huei Thamo, the jumping off point for a walk through the shade of the forest to the hidden temple of Oum Moung. Afterwards, return to continue your voyage to the inland archipelago paradise of the 4,000 islands. Soak up the centuries-old traditional life in the village of Muang Kong, then return to the boat to be serenaded by the song of the buffalo toads as you enjoy a starlit dinner on board.

Overnight on board

Enjoy breakfast on deck as you cruise to the village of Ban Veuthong, where you'll step onto a local ferry en route to the spectacular Khong Pha Pheng waterfalls. Set out from a fishing village on a long tail boat ride to Khone village- keep an alert gaze, and you may catch a glimpse of the rare Irrawaddy river dolphin! Enjoy lunch amid the faded charm of a French colonial village, before heading back to Pakse for the night.

Overnight in Champasak.

On your final day, make the trip to admire the breathtaking natural scenery of the Bolavan Plateau, the center of coffee production in Laos.

Optional: fly direct from Pakse to Bangkok (must be Tuesday or Friday only. Subject to change without prior notice from airline)