Experience Laos 2025!

• full-board (breakfast, lunch & dinner)
• drinking water throughout the tour
• English-speaking tour leaders
• English-speaking local jungle and city guides
• accommodation (two and three star hotels and jungle stay)
• domestic flight or train, transport (minivan, boat, tuk-tuk)
• entrance fees to museums and national parks and local tours

• Laos visa. This has to be paid on the border in USD or Thai baht. (41 USD or 1800 THB) 
• Travel insurance
• Flight tickets from Dublin to Luang Prabang, and return from Vientiane to Dublin (priced between €600 and €1000, depending on the time of purchase and whether God loves you or not)
• Alcohol during the trip

• Kindly note that a 30% prepayment is required within 7 days of invoice receipt, and the outstanding 70% is to be settled by January 10, 2025.
• Following registration for the tour after January 10, 2025, the entire sum must be paid within 7 days of receiving the invoice.

• If you cancel the trip on your own initiative before January 10, 2025, a prepayment will be retained. Starting from January 10, 2024, the trip cannot be canceled.
• Please review the Standard Terms and Conditions of Package Tours Organized by GoTravel Ltd.

• If you have an Irish or Polish passport, no visa is required for travel to Laos. Your stay is limited. Entry into Laos with Polish and Irish passports is facilitated through the ‘visa on arrival’ scheme at the border. Further details will be provided during our first informational session.

• It is certainly very necessary! While most people don’t expect anything to happen during a trip, having insurance is crucial. If something were to happen without insurance, it could be troublesome. Everyone is free to choose their preferred insurance company.

• The trip will be conducted in English. Explanations from local guides and encounters with individuals will be translated.
• Individual flights are arranged, and the group journey officially begins on-site in Luang Prabang, Laos.
• Transportation: We’ll be getting around in a private minivan, hopping on tuk-tuks, and cruising on boats. Throughout the journey, there’s one stretch where we’ll enjoy a longer ride in a minibus, and another where we’ll soak in the sights during a leisurely boat trip, with some interesting stops along the way.
• Group size: Minimum 8 people, maximum 12 people.
• Time and Pace: In general, we like to keep things moving on our travels. We’re into checking out cool sights, going on hikes, and trekking through beautiful landscapes. However, when it comes to the schedule, it’s a team decision on when we dive into the next activity or whether we’re up for an active day. Your fitness level for the entire trip can be either average or good, depending on how much you’re up for getting physical.
• Vaccination and health: No need for a vaccination passport when entering Laos, and our route doesn’t take us through malaria-prone areas. The recommended vaccines are standard for traveling in Southeast Asia. For the more detailed information, it’s a good idea to chat with your doctor.
• Currency: In Laos, the official currency is the kip. You’ll find numerous ATMs along our route, and cash transactions are limited, so there’s no need to carry a lot of physical cash. With breakfasts, lunches, dinners, accommodation, excursions, and essentials covered in the overall cost, you’ll only need extra money for drinks and souvenirs. As a rough estimate, budgeting an additional 200 € for miscellaneous expenses should suffice. For the Laos visa, plan to bring 41 dollars; we’ll discuss this topic in more detail shortly before the trip.
• Climate: During our travels, expect warm days with temperatures hovering around 24–30 degrees, and nights that are a slightly cooler. Rain is not a frequent visitor, but even if it decides to join us briefly, it’ll be a warm and refreshing experience.
• Travel bag: It is most comfortable to travel with a backpack or sports bag (not a large suitcase) since we’ll be moving around with a small bus and small boats, where handling a suitcase can be inconvenient (though not impossible!). Note: It is advisable to have a light small backpack or shoulder bag for shorter trips and in the jungle – a place to carry essentials like a camera, water bottle, sunscreen, and a towel.
• The time difference with Ireland is 7 hours.
• Clothing and Packing Essentials: Expect warm to hot daytime temperatures during our journey, but evenings in Northern Laos can be a bit cooler. It’s a good idea to have a light yet warm jacket or sweater with you, especially for those overnight stays in the Laotian jungle – you’ll thank yourself later. We suggest packing light for the trip; you won’t need much. Hotels along the way provide laundry services, so you can quickly and properly clean clothes like t-shirts and shorts. Make sure to bring comfortable footwear, preferably well-broken-in shoes, and consider hiking boots for some longer hikes, including those to higher mountain tops. The paths aren’t overly challenging, but appropriate footwear is key. Don’t forget essentials like a hat for sun protection, swimwear, sandals or flip-flops, sunscreen, and a thin hiking towel or sarong-type cloth. The versatile cloth can come in handy for drying off after swims, sitting on the sand, covering your head or shoulders, serving as a shawl, or even as a window cover against bright sun. You’ll also need a sarong-type cloth for entering temples. Pack a smaller backpack for hiking, and rest assured, we’ll get mosquito spray locally since European repellent doesn’t work as well in Asia. Keep it simple, and you’ll be well-prepared for our journey.
• Internet: You’ll have internet access in all our accommodations, except in the jungle. Given the common power outages in Laos, we suggest that those requiring a dependable internet connection for work should consider purchasing a local SIM upon arrival at the airport. We’ll provide guidance on which one to choose.
• Please keep in mind, this is adventure travel, and sometimes things may not go exactly as planned. When the unexpected occurs, we appreciate your patience, and rest assured, we’re committed to finding solutions for any situation that arises.
• Once the group has gathered, we’ll conduct an online briefing to address any questions that may have come up and go through all the details. For quicker questions, feel free to reach out to our tour guides, Rene and Justyna, whose contacts are provided below.
• As the tour operator, we strive to ensure that the trip proceeds exactly as promised. However, we reserve the right to make changes to the travel program if it becomes necessary or unavoidable due to reasons beyond our control. Responsible travel and the safety of our passengers remain our top priorities. We are committed to ensuring that travel is as safe as possible, and all passengers are protected and cared for.
• Make sure to check that your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond the end of your trip!
• Please review the Standard Terms and Conditions for Package Tours organized by GoTravel Ltd.

DAY 1 | 14.02.2025  Luang Prabang

Our first stop, Luang Prabang (translates as “royal Buddha image”), is a beautiful city with a long history, located in northern Laos, with countless cultural heritage sites.
Arrival at the Luang Prabang airport. The cost of a Laos visa on arrival is $41, paid in $ on the border.
We’ll begin our journey by checking in at the hotel, giving us a chance to refresh and regroup.
Afterwards, we will explore the city and experience the vibrancy of the Luang Prabang night market, known as one of the most charming markets in Southeast Asia. This unique market
brings together delightful Lao street food and local handicrafts and art, creating an incredibly welcoming atmosphere. Laotian market vendors are friendly and relaxed, and sales are conducted with respect; there’s no pressure to buy. Dinner and drinks by Mekong in the most beautiful town in Laos.

DAY 2 | 15.02.2025  Luang Prabang 

It’s 5:30 am, and we’re gearing up for a world-famous ceremony to witness the monks collecting alms at dawn. For those up for a morning stretch, there’s an option to join in on some “travel yoga” before breakfast.
Our morning kicks off with a traditional Lao noodle soup at the morning market, followed by a stroll through a town just waking up.
Next on the agenda is a visit to a stunning waterfall, with a pit stop at a cultural village of the Hmong group. Here, you’ll get a firsthand look at traditional rice production and hunting methods.
The Kuang Si waterfall, a standout cascade in Southeast Asia, awaits. We’ll embark on an easy 1.5-hour mountain trek around the waterfall, ending with a refreshing dip in a cool mountain pool.
A visit to the Asiatic Black Bear rescue center follows – a chance to witness some unusually happy bears.
Lunchtime finds us at a local eatery near another waterfall, where you can savor a variety of local cuisine and enjoy local beer in the serene ambiance beside the waterfall.
Our return journey offers plenty of interesting and mesmerizing photo opportunities, including stops at a coffee plantation and scenic mountain views.
As evening approaches, we’ll soak in the sunset at the Buddhist monastery on Phu Si Mountain. From this vantage point, you’ll take in a panoramic view spanning across the old town, where the Mekong River meets the Nam Khan River.
And maybe, just maybe, a small party awaits us in a local bar, as tomorrow, we’re heading to the tranquility of nature.

DAY 3 | 16.02.2025 Luang Prabang / Nong Khiaw

Nong Khiaw, a quaint rural town cradled along the banks of the Nam Ou River, is surrounded by towering limestone mountains, presenting some of Laos’s most breathtaking and picturesque views.

Our morning kicks off with a visit to the former Royal Palace in Luang Prabang, once the residence of Laos’s last monarch and now a magnificent museum.

Following this, we embark on a scenic 3-hour journey in a comfy minivan to reach Nong Khiaw, our second destination. Upon arrival at our riverside bungalows, we’ll take a 20-minute stroll off the typical tourist paths to Pha Kuang cave. This cave holds historical significance, serving as a hideout during the Indochina War in the 1960s. War remnants, including landmines, are still visible. For the more adventurous souls, there’s the option to explore narrow tunnels with headlamps, stretching up to 1 km.

A tuk-tuk ride on a bumpy road follows, leading us to dinner at a small riverside restaurant in town, offering a splendid view. Additionally, for those seeking relaxation, there’s an option for a local massage to prepare for the climb ahead.

DAY 4 | 17.02.2025  Nong Khiaw

Early in the morning, as the town slumbers, we’ll embark on a 1-1.5-hour mountain climb, ascending above the clouds to witness one of the most picturesque views in Laos. We’re talking about getting higher than the clouds!

After this mesmerizing experience, we’ll treat ourselves to more local cuisine and enjoy some leisure time.

Next on the agenda is a visit to Melissa, a young French volunteer who has taken the initiative to establish an English school within a local school. We’ll delve into her teaching methods, discuss the challenges of volunteering in the country, and even explore more sensitive topics.

Following this, we’ll head to the rice fields and Pha Thok Cave, historic caves used in Nong Khiaw as hideouts and military command points during the Indochina War.

As the evening sets in, we’ll unwind with a cold beer in the warm night, riverside.

DAY 5 | 18.02.2025  Nong Khiaw / Muang Ngoi

Muang Ngoi is a delightful, tranquil spot that’s surprisingly ‘tourist-free,’ offering a chance to explore the village and just chill. This riverside village, accessible only by river, welcomed electricity in 2013.

Our morning adventure begins with a boat ride on the Nam Ou River, leading us to the secluded Muang Ngoi village, surrounded by striking karst limestone mountains.

Once there, we’ll embark on an easy, scenic walk along a dirt road to a cave with a natural pool inside – a perfect spot for a refreshing dip and a break from the sun. Feel free to explore the cave alongside the pool.

For those seeking a bit of elevation, there’s an option to climb up to a viewpoint featuring a sheltered platform at the top, complete with a wooden bench. Take a moment to rest and soak in the magnificent view before heading back down. To cap off our adventure, we’ll indulge in a refreshing local beer tasting paired with local food on a riverboat.

DAY 6 | 19.02.2025  Muang Ngoi / Muang Khua

Muang Khua, a quaint town in the Phongsali Province of Northern Laos, charms with its pastel-colored houses and a picturesque suspension bridge, nestled amid starburst palms where the Nam Ou and Nam Phak rivers converge.

Kickstart the day with a delightful buffet breakfast before embarking on an exciting boat trip up the river to Muang Khua. Our journey includes a brief stop at the renowned weaving village of Ban Sopchem. If you’re on the lookout for authentic Laotian souvenirs, this is the go-to place!

En route, we’ll make stops to explore villages off the tourist trail and, if anyone’s up for it, take a refreshing swim in the river to beat the heat.

Upon reaching Muang Khua, we’ll check into our hotel and set off to explore one of the least touristy towns in Laos. Our exploration includes a visit to the iconic suspension bridge, a local school, and an evening dinner. If luck is on our side, we might even find ourselves at the local karaoke joint.

DAY 7 | 20.02.2025  Muang Khua / Luang Namtha

Luang Namtha, a petite and compact city in Northern Laos near the Chinese border, is not just a trekking mecca but also a stunning destination for cycling and kayaking eco-trips to the ethnically diverse villages within the National Protected Area. In Luang Namtha, you’ll find temples without tourists, rice fields perfect for enjoying a sandwich and a beer, and friendly locals eager to converse in English.

After breakfast, we’ll hop on a minibus to Luang Namtha, with stops along the way in intriguing places, including a local whiskey village. Cheers to that!

Upon reaching Luang Namtha, we’ll check into our guesthouse and then head to a local restaurant for a fancy yet crazy hotpot dinner. It’s a great opportunity to engage in casual conversations about Laos with both locals and Westerners living in the area.

The evening will wrap up at the night market, which also serves as the social hub of this small town.

DAY 8 | 21.02.2025   Luang Namtha jungle

Over the next two days, you’ll dive into a one-of-a-kind hiking adventure guided by The Hiker jungle guides in the heart of the primary forest. This immersive experience involves spending a night either camping in the jungle or staying with a tribal family, exploring authentic ethnic villages, savoring diverse jungle cuisines, and gaining insights into the flora, fauna, and wildlife of the primary forest. You’ll also delve into the rich cultures that thrive in the jungle. If the river has sufficient water levels, there’s even the possibility of adding a kayaking trip to the mix.

DAY 9 | 22.02.2025  Luang Namtha

We’ll return from the jungle around 5 p.m. Congratulations – you made it!

After your jungle adventure, treat yourself to a traditional Laotian herbal sauna, featuring different herbs cooked each day. Then, indulge in the pure pleasure of a divine Lao massage.

For those with the energy, in the evening, we’ll head a bit out of town to a local karaoke bar for a lively jungle survival party, Lao style. Get ready for some noisy fun!

DAY 10 | 23.02.2025    Luang Namtha / Vientiane

In contrast to other Southeast Asian capitals, Vientiane’s laid-back atmosphere gives it the feel of the small town it truly is. The walkable historic old quarter of Vientiane captivates with its glittering temples, imposing river serpent statues, and the presence of wandering Buddhist monks.

Our day kicks off with a breakfast featuring the best rice noodle soup in Laos. Right after, we’ll explore the nearby golden stupa situated on a steep ridge directly northwest of Luang Namtha.

Later in the day, we’ll either catch a flight or take a train to Vientiane, the capital of Laos.

As the evening unfolds, we’ll visit some key landmarks, explore a lively night market, and take a leisurely stroll along the Mekong River, admiring the sunset on the Thailand side.

DAY 11 | 24.02.2025  Vientiane

Buddha Park in Laos, also known as Xieng Khuan, stands as a historical park located in Vientiane. Established in 1958 by the Laotian artist and monk Bunleua Sulilat, the park showcases numerous sculptures and monuments depicting elements of Buddhism and Hinduism, and that’s where we’re headed.

After lunch by the Mekong, our next stop is the famous Sisaket Temple, the sole temple that remained standing when Siam burned down the whole of Vientiane.

We’ll also explore the city’s renowned monuments such as Patuxai – the Victory Gate, and the Pha That Luang temple, a national symbol of Laos.

Following this, we’ll pay a visit to the Cooperative Orthotic and Prosthetic Enterprise (COPE) Visitor Centre. Here, you’ll learn about the devastating consequences of war and the country’s profound issue with unexploded ordinances (UXO). We acknowledge that this is a significant part of Laos.

On our final evening, we’ll celebrate at various local bars, immersing ourselves in the vibrant and unique nightlife of Vientiane and reflecting on our incredible journey.

DAY 12 | 25.02.2025  Vientiane / home journey

Depending on your flight schedule, you might want to chill by the pool or explore the neighborhood (we’d be more than happy to show you around a bit more) before making your way back home.

We’re genuinely thrilled that you joined us. Now, it’s time to head home. Safe travels!