Itinerary
Classic Laos
Best Time To Go
January - April & October - December
Holiday Length
8 nights
Price guide
From £2,725pp
The price shown is a guide - based on two people sharing and generally includes economy flights. Your holiday will be tailor-made to suit you and there are many factors that can influence the price, such as standard of accommodation, class of flight and time of year. Ask your travel specialist for more information.
Holiday type
Tailor-made
Highlights
Classic Laos
Southern Laos beckons with the promise of exploring the gilded temples of Luang Prabang and drifting down the mighty Mekong River. You’ll discover hidden temples, be charmed by tiny villages and experience the dreamlike Four Thousand Islands. Your Laos holiday starts in charming Luang Prabang, where you can join in the dawn ceremony of giving alms to saffron-robed monks. In the capital Vientiane the markets are stuffed with silk treasures and Buddhist keepsakes. Finally it’s time to relax on the banks of the Mekong before boarding a traditional teak ferry boat and exploring the wild and wonderful Four Thousand Islands.
Day 1
UK - Bangkok
Day 2
Bangkok - Luang Prabang
Day 3
Luang Prabang
Day 4
Luang Prabang - Vientiane
Day 5
Vientiane - Pakse
Day 6
Vat Phou Cruise
Day 7
Vat Phou Cruise
Day 8
Don Khon - Ubon Ratchathani
Day 9
Ubon Ratchathani - UK
Interested in exploring this trip in more detail?
View itinerary schedule
UK - Tokyo
If you take an overnight flight to Tokyo you’ll enjoy more time to explore this fascinating city and its wealth of districts and subcultures.
Tokyo
Tokyo is both modern metropolis and ancient capital rolled into one. Your Japan tour guide will provide an in-depth orientation to help you soak up the neon-bright atmosphere. Afterwards, retreat to the comforts of the Palace Hotel, where many rooms overlook the Imperial Palace and Garden.
Tokyo
You can start by exploring the traditional enclaves and futuristic streets on Tokyo’s excellent public transport. The contrast between the tranquility of the Meiji Shrine and the glitz of Omotesando's fashion stores is pure Tokyo. It’s modern and tradition nestling cheek by jowl. Check out the themed cafes, maids, cats, anime and more , of Akihabara. Then finish in Ginza, Tokyo's most famous upscale shopping, dining, and entertainment district.
Tokyo - Hakone
A short journey to the mountain town of Hakone feels like a voyage to another world. Mount Fuji looms above the lake and hot springs are dotted amid the hills. A cable car will deliver you to the hot mountain springs where the hard-boiled eggs are said to add seven years to your life. Suitably rejuvenated you’ll sleep like a baby on the comfy futons of a traditional ryokan (inn) with exceptional views.
Hakone - Takayama
A final soak in an onsen (hot-spring bath) will set you up for one of Japan's most scenic rail journeys. The train meanders through mountains and gorges to reach the venerable city of Takayama. The Old Town is criss-crossed with narrow streets lined with Edoera merchant houses. Don't miss a visit to one of the many sake breweries. Hiccup!
Takayama
Take Takayama at your own pace. The Miyagawa morning market is ideal for browsing fresh produce, pickles and crafts. Take a peek inside the heritage houses, many of which are open to the public. Nearby, UNESCO-listed Shirakawago is a real glimpse of the past - a historic silk-farming village of thatched Gassho-style houses.
Takayama - Hiroshima
The views are fantastic as you descend the mountains by train to reach Hiroshima. The Peace Memorial Park was created on land destroyed by the atomic bomb in 1945. The skeleton of a building provides a poignant reminder of the city's past tragedies and its inspiring regeneration.
Hiroshima
A ferry will deliver you to sacred Miyajima, known as Shrine Island. Itsukushima Shrine's torii gate seems to float on water, while the Five Tier Pagoda soars skywards. The slopes here are a riot of colour from cherry trees and maples in spring and autumn. Afterwards, a cable car up Mount Misen affords you magnificent sunset views over the islands of the Inland Sea.
Hiroshima - Kyoto
The Shinkansen bullet train will have you in Kyoto in no time. Japan's former capital is arguably its most intoxicating city. This is the place to get to grips with Japan’s unique culture. At the house of a Japanese tea ceremony master you can get to grips with the long history of this ritual, and you can also learn more about Zen Buddhism and the art of wearing a kimono.
Kyoto
Exploring Kyoto you may glimpse a geisha, wander down timeless alleys, peek into the temples, visit castles, admire gardens and rest under pavilions. Njio Castle is a must-see here, surrounded by stunning gardens, and the formal rock gardens of the Daitoku-ji Zen temple complex is perfect for relaxing in.
Kyoto - Nara
Between 710 and 784 Nara was Japan’s capital, until it was moved to Kyoto. On your day trip here you’ll see Todaiji Temple which is the world's largest wooden building and home to Japan's largest Buddha. There’s also the delightful Kasuga Taisha, Nara's most celebrated shrine, to visit before you return to Kyoto.
Kyoto - Tokyo
There’s still enough time to take a final stroll to your favourite parts of Kyoto. Perhaps take an atmospheric amble through the back streets or shop for geisha hair accessories in the Gion district. Then it’s back to Tokyo for the final stage of your Japan tour.
Tokyo - UK
It’s time to bid sayonara as you head to the airport for your flight home.
Asia & Australasia team
From Tokyo's sacred shrines to the snow-capped mountains of New Zealand, our well-travelled team will craft the right itinerary for you
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