The 6 Best History Tours in Laos

1.UNESCO World Heritage City Highlights Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 201 reviews · 4.5 hours - 1 day · from $35Our pick

Begin with optional almsgiving and the morning market, then explore Wat Xieng Thong, nearby temples, the former Royal Palace, and Phousi Hill. Choose a half-day city visit, a full-day heritage route, or an afternoon at Kuang Si Falls and a Hmong village. Guides such as Boun and Sack bring Buddhist insight.

“Pace was excellent and we managed to cover all the main heritage sights without feeling harassed. Our guide, Mr Siththai, was very informative giving us the right level of information and providing good insights into the history of Lao at its culture. He navigated well through the crowds at the former royal palace. A very enjoyable morning and I commend our guide and the tour to everyone.”

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2.Vientiane Cultural Tour with Private Guide

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 80 reviews · from $125Top rated

Spend eight hours exploring Vientiane by private car with a guide such as Chansay, Toy, or Sombath, depending on availability. Visit Buddha Park, ancient temples, Patuxai, Pha That Luang, and the COPE Visitor Centre, with room to adjust the pace and stops for your group.

“Had a wonderful day with guide Sombath. He explained the history of each of the monuments we visited including temples and the fabulous Buddha park. Khon the driver was fantastic also. I really recommend this tour. You will learn so much and see some beautiful delights. Lunch was delicious and included in the tour.”

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3.Cultural Tour with Buddha Park and Patuxay

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 74 reviews · 6 - 8 hours · from $58

Spend 6 to 8 hours seeing Vientiane’s key sights, from the Hindu-Buddhist statues of Buddha Park to Wat Sisaket and Patuxay. Hotel pickup, transport, and an English or Chinese guide are included. Guides such as Souk, Nong, Nam, and Kay are noted for clear local stories and helpful service.

“The tour covered all the major attractions in Vientiane. It was a good trip even though there was some confusion with some passengers about timings and pickup points. Our guide did his utmost to accommodate these passengers. The facilities at the Buddha Park were well below standard, unfortunately.”

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4.Craft Your Own Aroma Candle in Heritage Home

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 43 reviews · 2 hours · from $29Best value

Spend two calm hours with a local host at Heuan Artisan Candles Workshop in Ban Xang Khong. Blend a personal scent from more than 20 oils, pour a 100g candle into village-made pottery, and learn Lao tea making while it cools.

“It was so much fun and we learned a lot, also about Lao itself:)) lovely women :) thank you so much”

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5.Craft Your Own Aroma Candle in Heritage Home

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 29 reviews · from $29

Spend two calm hours with Gai or Lee in a Luang Prabang heritage house. Blend more than 20 aroma oils, pour your scent into local pottery, paint its box, and learn about Lao tea. Your 100g candle travels home in a cotton bag, making this a personal souvenir rather than a shop purchase.

“The candle making class was fantastic. There was a very peaceful and serene atmosphere right from the beginning- the facilities are new and clean, with nice garden views and air conditioning to keep out the heat. Lee was very friendly and kRead more”

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6.Luang Prabang’s Beauty & Heritage in 1 Day – All-Inclusive Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 6 reviews · from $98

Spend about 10 hours visiting Kuang Si Falls, crossing the Mekong to Pak Ou Caves, and stopping at Ban Xang Hai. Choose a small group of up to 15 or a private outing, with hotel pickup, lunch, transport, boat fees, water, and an English-speaking guide included.

“Quangsi waterfall, bear secure shelter, on the road all around the Luamg Prabang, and cave with boat cruise tour with tranquil , amazing view of Mekong river, rice whiskey, oh also the lunch with beautiful view place was perfect. Everything was perfect. So nice, especially our guide explain really nice kindly, so I got a really nice experience on my whole trip.”

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