Laos Family Tour Package

In the Buddhist city of Luang Prabang, the alms-giving ceremony held around 6:00 am is not to be missed. Your guide will pick you up ahead of time and accompany you to watch it. When the temple bell rings, the orange-robed monks neatly file out to receive offerings from the devout locals, even if it rains. The locals, draped in pha biang (a kind of shawl worn on important occasions), kneeling or sitting barefoot along the roadside, put a small amount of sticky rice into the monks' bowls with their right hand. Sisavangvong Road is generally the liveliest and most popular spot to take part in. Afterward, before going back to the hotel for breakfast, let’s stroll around the bustling morning market, which is brimming with various street foods, vegetables and fruits, and handicrafts, such as sacrificial flower towers, colorful sticky rice cakes with shredded coconut, and woven bags.

Then, we’ll have brief visits to the Hmong and Khmu villages and get insights into the lives of Laos’ ethnic minorities. Proceed to Kuang Si Falls, which is regarded as Luang Prabang’s most breathtaking natural landscape, with the multi-layered waterfalls and turquoise terraced pools hidden in the tropical bush. Take your time diving and swimming in the pools with your family, and enjoy the moment when the little fish gather around your feet.

In the afternoon, drive back to downtown and admire some of the city’s famous temples: Wat Visounalat, having stood firm for centuries, boasts a watermelon-shaped pagoda; Wat Mai features a classic Luang Prabang architectural style with a stunning five-tiered roof that descends nearly to the ground; and Wat Xieng Thong is renowned for its exquisite, spiritual mosaic mural of the “Tree of Life.” Maybe you’ll encounter some studious young monks, who are learning Buddhist scriptures and English; having a brief chat with them may be interesting. As the temples tour ends, head to the Royal Palace Museum to learn about the history of Laos and view the former Lao kings’ chambers.

Before dusk, let’s ascend the 300 steps of Mount Phousi to take in the orange-hued setting sun and the city’s stunning panoramic views of red-tiled Buddhist temples, white-roofed cottages, and yellow French-style buildings scattered among lush tropical vegetation. Besides, admire the golden stupa on the white platform, behind which is a shrine with a Buddha figure. Finally, your guide and the driver will escort you back to your hotel.

Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: Victoria Xieng Thong Palace, Luang Prabang (4 stars) - Palace Deluxe Room or similar

★ Enjoy a Therapeutic Trek with Elephants in the Jungle!

A half-day trekking with endangered Asian elephants at Mandalao Elephant Sanctuary awaits! After breakfast, a shuttle will pick you up from your hotel and escort you to the sanctuary for the "Therapeutic Trek". Upon arrival, change into the provided special shoes and socks, and the Mandalao guide will explain the current situation of the elephants to you. All the elephants were rescued from circuses and poachers, and some even have physical injuries, but they are now leading carefree lives. Then, cross the Nam Khan River by long tail boat to the jungle, the starting point of today’s 2.5 km (1.6 mi) trek! Meet the mahouts and two of the gentle giants and feed the elephants with bananas or pumpkins that the sanctuary provides. It must be magical when they gently touch your hand with their trunks while their ears slightly move, as if saying hello! Afterward, trek through some beautiful gardens and arrive at the beautiful Huay Nok Stream surrounded by lush jungle. Walk with the elephants along the stream, and observe them play, nibble on tender leaves while merrily waving their tails, scratch themselves against tree trunks, and make random decisions about where to go next, like climbing a tiny hill or frolicking in the stream. Bid the elephants and the mahouts farewell in the deep jungle, and trek back to the sanctuary base with your guide. At noon, a traditional Lao lunch will be served. Finally, the sanctuary’s shuttle will escort you back to your hotel.

► Warm Tips
1. We can tailor the itinerary if you prefer a private tour for a maximum of 4 guests.
2. The elephant sanctuary has a daily cap on the number of visitors, so please confirm your tour as early as possible so that we can reserve a date that works for you.

The rest of the day is free for you to explore the laid-back Luang Prabang on your own. You can explore the traditional Lao residences and handicrafts at Heuan Chan Heritage House, which costs LAK 30,000-40,000 (USD 1.4-1.9) and closes at 5:00 pm. At night, experience the vibrant nightlife at Luang Prabang Night Market and savor fresh barbecue and tropical fruit smoothies. At last, use the Grab ride-hailing app to hail a car to go back to your hotel.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Victoria Xieng Thong Palace, Luang Prabang (4 stars) - Palace Deluxe Room or similar

At around 8:30 am, your guide and the driver will accompany you to extend your Laos family tour to Udom Xai, a northern province of Laos, through a 6-hour private car ride. It entices explorers with not only unspoiled gorges, waterfalls, and rapids, but also cultures of isolated ethnic minorities like the Hmong, Akha, and Khmu. Along the way, have brief stopovers at several Hmong villages on the mountaintop. The simply dressed villagers live in thatch or bamboo cottages, and many of them are expert weavers, even capable of weaving with only a few branches knotted on a big tree!

At noon, enjoy authentic local cuisine for lunch at a popular restaurant. After a short rest, continue to Muang Xay, the provincial capital of Udom Xai. Upon arrival, check into the Namkat Yorlapa Resort with your guide’s help. The eco-friendly resort located by the Nam Kat River offers rich and unique experiences, such as having breakfast by the stream and observing insects at the doorstep at night. The remainder of the day is at your command, and you can either rest or stroll around with your kids. Maybe satisfy your children's curiosity by exploring the rich vegetation and birds, which are all informatively labeled, or cycle through the surrounding rainforest.

► Things to Know:
1. For your safety concern, please refrain from venturing deep into the dense forest alone.
2. The route to Udom Xai features bumpy dirt roads, so you can pack a cozy cushion and some motion sickness pills just in case.
3. The resort offers a variety of activities, like massages and zip-lines. If interested, you can sign up at your own expense.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Namkat Yorlapa Resort, Muang Xay - Superior River Cottage or similar

★ Trek to Meet Ethnic Minorities in Northern Laos

Today, set out early to start a whole day Muang Xay adventure! Your private guide and the driver will first accompany you to enjoy a short trip to Pak Khai in a 4×4 vehicle. Along the way, the Nam Pak River meanders peacefully across the expansive terrain, dotted with terraced fields and villages. After arrival, we'll begin a trekking tour, and you may encounter farmers working in the rice fields with water buffalo or natives hunting in the woods. Around 1.5 hours later, we’ll arrive at Ban Phavie Village, a Khmu settlement tucked up on the hill. Their stilt houses are unique, with the upper floor being used for living, and providing protection from moisture, insects and snakes, while the ground floor is used for raising livestock or storing farm tools. The villagers are skilled at weaving kudzu bags by hand, which also makes up their livelihoods. They split the kudzu vines, dry them, twist them into threads, and then weave them into light and durable net bags. Afterward, continue trekking to the nearby Houay Khai Waterfall. Savor a picnic lunch while admiring the splendor of the waterfall. Finally, your guide and the driver will escort you back to Namkat Yorlapa Resort.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Namkat Yorlapa Resort, Muang Xay - Superior River Cottage or similar

After breakfast, enjoy a 3-hour private convoy to the riverside Muang Khua Village, where you’ll board a riverboat to start a 5-hour drifting tour along the Nam Ou River to Nong Khiaw. Along the way, take in northern Laos’ serene riverbank beauty of rolling mountains, lush woods, and humble villages. As the signal on the river is unstable, it’s advisable to bring some snacks, card games, and crossword puzzles to spend the long hours. Additionally, sunglasses and sunscreen are necessary. After checking in at the hotel in Nong Khiaw, you can either rest at the hotel or stretch your legs in the surroundings. At night, savor some peaceful moments by the riverbank, and allow the starry sky to remind you of your carefree childhood.

► Dinner Recommendation in Nong Khiaw (at your own expense)
Tonight, treat yourself to some authentic Lao cuisine at Mr Wan's Place, a highly rated family-run restaurant ideal for family visitors. Try the massaman vegetable curry, fried spring rolls, fried fish, and cashew chicken cubes, along with a refreshing smoothie. Vegetarian options and sandwiches are provided, too.
Average Cost per Person: LAK 100,000-200,000 (USD 5-10)
Address: Northwest corner of Nong Khiaw, 100-meter away from the Bus Station

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Mandala Ou Resort, Nong Khiaw - Riverside Bungalow or similar

Today, bid farewell to Nong Khiaw, and we’ll drive back to Luang Prabang. En route, make a brief stop at Ban Nayang Village, a Tai Lue village famous for weaving traditional textiles, and almost every household owns a loom. The locals are also talented craftspeople, particularly adept at making bamboo fishing nets and cushions.

Then, let’s board a cruise along the Mekong River and go ashore to visit the Pak Ou Caves, where locals have stored their old statues for centuries, making the caves home to thousands of Buddha statues now! During the period when Luang Prabang was Laos’ former capital (14th-16th centuries AD), Laotian kings presided over the Buddha bathing ceremony in the upper cave for blessings every New Year, leaving behind a ceremonial wooden washing station. Afterward, visit a nearby small temple.

Following a hearty lunch at a riverside restaurant, let’s return to the cruise and stop by Ban Xang Hai Village, where you can sample the local lao-lao rice wine and discover how it is distilled using traditional methods. It’s also a weaving community, offering beautiful hand-woven skirts and scarves. Afterward, cruise back to Luang Prabang. Upon arrival, your guide and the driver will escort you to your hotel.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Victoria Xieng Thong Palace, Luang Prabang (4 stars) - Palace Deluxe Room or similar

Today is the last day of your Laos family packages. Our guide and the driver will pick you up from your hotel and escort you to the airport for your flight home. We hope you and your family have had a wonderful trip. Bon Voyage!

► Recommended Activity for Late Departure (at your own expense)
If you are interested in Lao handicrafts, consider a visit to Ock Pop Tok Living Craft Centre by yourself, which is dedicated to preserving traditional Lao hand-weaving techniques. Browse the exquisitely embroidered woven bags and furnishing fabrics, and learn about the processes of collecting, dyeing, and weaving silk. You can also schedule a half-day weaving class in advance to make a piece of fabric on your own if time permits.
Address: Ban Saylom, Luang Prabang

There are many countries worth exploring around Laos, and you can extend your trip to visit the world-famous Angkor Wat in Cambodia, unwind on Thai islands, and venture deep into the coconut groves along the Mekong River by sampan boat in Vietnam... Please feel free to contact us at any time, and we’ll tailor a hassle-free itinerary for you and your family!

Meal: Breakfast