Laos Journey from Vientiane to Khong Island - 6 Days

Brief Itinerary

Day 1: Vientiane – Arrival
Day 2: Vientiane – City tour & Buddha Park
Day 3: Vientiane – Fly to Pakse – Tadlo – Pakse
Day 4: Pakse – Wat Phou – Khong Island
Day 5: Khong Island – Khone Island & Surroundings
Day 6: Khong Island – Pakse – Departure

Full Itinerary

Day 1: Vientiane – Arrival

Welcome to Vientiane. Upon arrival, our guide will meet you at the airport and then escort you to your hotel for check-in. Free at leisure at the rest of day on your own.
Overnight in Vientiane.

Day 2: Vientiane – City tour & Buddha Park (B)

After breakfast, we start to visit Wat Sisaket, the city's oldest temple. Dates back to 1818, Wat Sisaket is the most important heritage temple now standing in Laos. It houses thousands of Buddha images from many countries, long lost architectural styles, sculptures and paintings; Wat Prakeo, former royal temple of the Lao monarchy and originally built in 1565, is home to the Emerald Buddha image, Buddhist sculptures are displayed  along the perimeter wall, including a 6th to 9th century Dvaravati-style stone Buddha and several standing and sitting Buddhas. On the way to the famous and sacred structure of That Luang Stupa, stop to take some pictures of the imposing Patuxay Monument, Vientiane's own Arc de Triumph.

In the afternoon, we take a short drive out of the city to visit the Buddha Park where hundreds of Buddhist and Hindu sculptures brought from India are displayed.
On the way back, we visit Mrs. Carol Cassidy Weaving studio to learn more about the Lao handicraft textiles. If we come before 3:30pm, we can see the local artisans working on their daily routine to create handicraft products. Take a tour around the studio and learn more about the culture of weaving in Laos.
Mrs. Carol Cassidy arrived in Laos in 1989, as a textile expert with the United Nations Development Programme. Lao Textiles was founded in 1990. Specializing in 100 percent hand-woven silk, Carol and the 40 Lao artisans produce exquisitely crafted wall hangings, scarves, shawls and custom furnishing fabric. You can exploring the Street Night Market at Anouvong Park in the evening.
Overnight in Vientiane

Day 3: Vientiane – Fly to Pakse – Tadlo – Pakse (B)

Breakfast at hotel. Transfer to the airport for a short flight to Pakse. Upon arrival, our guide will meet you at the airport.
Upon arrival, we'll head for Saravanh province via Tateng Village. You will make a stopover en route to observe the locals making tea and coffee - have a cup of either before exploring the cultures and the way of life along the way to Boloven Plateau Area. We also visit Tad Fan waterfall.
Upon arrival at Tad Lo Waterfall, you will pay a visit to villages of Alak, Nge, Katu ethnic minority group. Return to the town in the late afternoon.
If time permits, we can drive up Phou Salao to visit the big Buddha at Wat Phonethong.
Overnight in Pakse.

Day 4: Pakse – Wat Phou – Khong Island (B)

After breakfast, we leave Pakse and transfer to Champasak District, visit the ruins of Wat Phou Temple Complex, one of Southeast Asia's most dramatically situated temples. We have time to explore these intriguing Khmer ruins, which are perched at the base of Mount Phu Kao. Wat Phu is one of the Lao World Heritage sites recognized by UNESCO in 2001, this wonderful archeological site of Khmer civilization dates back to the 9^th century, predating the famous Angkor Wat in Cambodia. A festival of this site is held yearly during the full moon in February and attracts numerous pilgrims from all over southern Laos.
Then continue your way to 4000 Islands Region and Khong Island, which is quite relaxing in the day while pretty at night. Rest of the day is in your hands.
Overnight in Khong Island.

Day 5: Khong Island – Khone Island & Surroundings (B)

Following breakfast, we enjoy a visit to the surrounding countryside, and embark on a local boat tour to Don Khone, where we disembark and have the option of exploring the island by bicycle, which takes you to visit the remains of the French period and Liphi Waterfall or "the Corridor of the Devil". We also have chance to visit Don Det, a small Island nearby Don Khone.

We return to the mainland at the fishing village of Ban Nakasang and drive further south to visit Khone Phapheng. Khone Phapheng is considered the largest waterfall by volume in South East Asia; this is a really impressive site near the Lao-Cambodian border, set within an area which is teeming with wildlife, making this area one of the most breathtaking destinations in Laos.  Then we drive back to Khong Island for your overnight stay.
Overnight in Khong Island.

Day 6: Khong Island – Pakse – Departure (B)

Breakfast at hotel. You will have free time till our guide meets you and escorts you back to Pakse airport for your international flight ongoing to the next destination.
End of Laos trip!