🏢 CIA Bases & Archaeological Wonders of Laos Tour – 10 Days / 9 Nights
Vientiane – Xaysomboun – Xieng Khouang – Muang Kham – Luang Prabang – Mekong River
🌟 Tour Highlights
- Uncover the mysteries of Laos’ Secret War by visiting former CIA bases, hidden bunkers, and remote mountain airstrips.
- Explore ancient civilizations at the UNESCO-listed Plain of Jars and the sacred Wat Phou ruins.
- Cruise the Mekong River to the mystical Pak Ou Caves, home to thousands of Buddha statues.
- Experience Luang Prabang, the crown jewel of Laos — a serene blend of temples, colonial charm, and spirituality.
- Witness the natural beauty of Kuang Si Waterfalls and interact with rescued elephants.
- A perfect mix of wartime intrigue, archaeology, culture, and nature — ideal for history lovers and explorers alike.
🏆 Best Seller
This journey is one of our most sought-after Laos heritage tours — combining fascinating wartime stories, ancient archaeological wonders, and UNESCO heritage sites. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience that brings together the untold history and hidden beauty of Laos.
💚 Why You Should Go
Laos holds stories untold — from secret CIA operations to spiritual temples that whisper centuries of wisdom.
Here’s why this trip stands out:
- Explore “The Most Secret Place on Earth” — Long Chieng, a former CIA stronghold.
- Walk among 2,000-year-old stone jars, a puzzle that continues to mystify archaeologists.
- Immerse yourself in local life and feel the warmth of Lao hospitality in remote villages.
- Enjoy off-the-beaten-path adventure — combining 4WD rides, off-road exploration, and cultural immersion.
- Perfect for travelers seeking authenticity, history, and discovery in equal measure.
🌄 Detailed Tour Program
Day 1 – Discover Vientiane’s Hidden Gems
Meal: — | Duration: 4 hrs | Driving Distance: 20 km
Arrive in Vientiane, meet your local guide, and check in at your hotel. Visit Buddha Park, That Luang Stupa, and Patuxai Victory Gate.
Enjoy a sunset stroll along the Mekong River and explore the night market.
🏨 Overnight at Eastin Vientiane Hotel.
Day 2 – Scenic Drive to Xaysomboun: The Secret War Zone
Meal: Breakfast | Duration: 6 hrs | Driving Distance: 210 km
Morning city highlights: Wat Sisaket, Wat Prakeo, and the Presidential Palace.
Continue the journey to Xaysomboun, a former CIA and Hmong stronghold during the Indochina conflict.
🏨 Overnight at Newsealand Hotel, Xaysomboun.
Day 3 – Exploring Xaysomboun’s Hidden Treasures
Meal: Breakfast | Duration: 4 hrs | Driving Distance: 60 km
Visit the Chao Anouvong Caves and hike to Phou Houa Lon (Bald Mountain) for breathtaking views.
Learn how the region played a pivotal role during the CIA’s operations in the 1960s.
🏨 Overnight at Newsealand Hotel.
Day 4 – From Secret Base to Ancient Mystery: Xaysomboun → Xieng Khouang
Meal: Breakfast | Duration: 6 hrs | Driving Distance: 220 km
Explore the remnants of Long Chieng, once the CIA’s most strategic airbase.
Drive to Xieng Khouang, gateway to the Plain of Jars, and visit Sites 2 & 3 at sunset.
🏨 Overnight at Vansana Plain of Jars Hotel.
Day 5 – Archaeological Wonders of the Plain of Jars
Meal: Breakfast | Duration: 5 hrs | Driving Distance: 50 km
Visit Site 1, the largest and most iconic jar field, and explore MAG Visitor Center to learn about bomb clearance efforts.
Afternoon visit to Muang Khoun Ancient City and Aza Hot Springs Resort for relaxation.
🏨 Overnight at Aza Hot Springs Resort.
Day 6 – Scenic Journey to Luang Prabang
Meal: Breakfast | Duration: 6 hrs | Driving Distance: 260 km
Enjoy a long but scenic drive through lush mountains and small ethnic villages.
Arrive in Luang Prabang, the heart of Lao culture and a UNESCO treasure.
🏨 Overnight at Choasis Hotel.
Day 7 – Spiritual Treasures of Luang Prabang
Meal: Breakfast | Duration: 7 hrs | Driving Distance: 15 km
Visit Royal Palace Museum, Wat Xieng Thong, and Phou Si Hill for stunning city views.
Learn about ethnic traditions at the Art & Ethnology Center and enjoy an evening Lao massage.
🏨 Overnight at Choasis Hotel.
Day 8 – Mekong River Cruise & Pak Ou Caves
Meal: Breakfast | Duration: 5 hrs | Cruise Distance: 40 km
Cruise along the Mekong River, visiting Craft Villages and the Xang Hai Rice Whiskey Village.
Explore the sacred Pak Ou Caves, filled with over 4,000 Buddha statues, and return by boat.
🏨 Overnight at Choasis Hotel.
Day 9 – Kuang Si Waterfalls & Elephant Sanctuary
Meal: Breakfast | Duration: 4 hrs | Driving Distance: 60 km
Rise early for the alms-giving ceremony with monks.
Visit Kuang Si Waterfalls and swim in the turquoise pools.
Stop at the Bear Rescue Center and Elephant Camp on your way back.
🏨 Overnight at Choasis Hotel.
Day 10 – Farewell Laos
Meal: Breakfast | Duration: 3 hrs | Driving Distance: 10 km
Morning free for shopping or relaxation before transfer to the airport.
🏁 End of Service.
🚗 Driving Hours & Distance Summary
| Route | Distance (km) | Duration (hrs) |
|---|---|---|
| Vientiane City | 20 | 4 |
| Vientiane → Xaysomboun | 210 | 6 |
| Xaysomboun Exploration | 60 | 4 |
| Xaysomboun → Xieng Khouang | 220 | 6 |
| Plain of Jars → Muang Kham | 50 | 5 |
| Xieng Khouang → Luang Prabang | 260 | 6 |
| Luang Prabang (City & Waterfalls) | 60 | 7 |
| Mekong River Cruise | 40 | 5 |
| Luang Prabang → Airport | 10 | 3 |
✅ Services Included
- Accommodation based on twin or double rooms with daily breakfast
- Meals as indicated in the itinerary
- Private 4WD vehicle or off-road bike for all overland travel
- All excursions as mentioned in the itinerary
- Local guide and support team throughout the trip
- Foods and offerings for monks (alms ceremony experience)
- Entrance fees during guided excursions
- 02 bottles of mineral water per day + wet wipes
- All service charges, tour permits, and government taxes
❌ Services Excluded
- International & domestic airfares and related taxes
- Visa fees and documentation
- Personal expenses (bar, phone, laundry, souvenirs, etc.)
- Travel insurance for injury, illness, or property loss
- Meals and drinks not specified in the itinerary
- Tips and gratuities for guides, drivers, and hotel staff
- Entrance fees during free time
- Bank transfer & transaction charges
🏨 Suggested Hotels
| Destination | Accommodation | Category |
|---|---|---|
| Vientiane | Eastin Hotel | 4★ |
| Xaysomboun | Newsealand Hotel | 3★ |
| Xieng Khouang | Vansana Plain of Jars | 3★ |
| Muang Kham | Aza Hot Springs Resort | 4★ |
| Luang Prabang | Choasis Hotel | 4★ |
💰 Tour Prices (USD per person)
(01 Oct 2025 – 30 Apr 2026)
| Pax | 2 | 4 | 6 | 8 | Single Supp. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price (USD) | 1,490 | 1015 | 859 | 780 | 390 |
🕊️ A Journey Between Secrets and Serenity
Uncover the hidden history and ancient beauty of Laos — from CIA-era mountains to sacred river caves.
This best-selling expedition connects mystery, culture, and nature in one remarkable journey.
Step into the past, discover the present, and carry home the spirit of Laos.