Duration: 8 days /7 nights
Start/ End: Vientiane / Pakse
Tour Type: Explore and Experience
Tour Customizable: Definitely!
Guide: Local Engish Speaking Guide (other languages upon your request )
Transportation: Private, Airconditioned transport
Brief Itinerary
Day 1: Vientiane Arrive (-)
Day 2: City tour – Pak Ou Caves by boat (B)
Day 3: Khoang Si Fall (B)
Day 4: Luang Prabang – fly to Pakse – Wat Phou (B)
Day 5: Tadlo – Bolaven Plateaux (B)
Day 6: Pakse – 4000 Islands (B)
Day 7: 4000 islands surroundings (B)
Day 8: Back to Pakse – fly out (B)
Day 1: Vientiane Arrive (-)
Sabaidee! Welcome to Luang Prabang, the charming cultural heart of Laos!
On arrival at the airport, we will be welcomed by our local guide and driver then transfer to our city hotel for check-in and relaxation.
(Note: Hotel’s check-in is at 14.00, early check-in is not included)
Overnight in Luang Prabang
Meal: None
Day 2: City tour – Pak Ou Caves by boat (B)
In the morning, we will climb up 328 steps of Mount Phousi for an enjoyable exploration of the sacred, gilded stupa as well as a beautiful over view of the city and the Mekong River. We then visit Wat Mai the largest and most richly decorated of the temples in Luang Prabang, was built in the 20th century; National Museum at the former Royal Palace displays a lovely collection of the artifacts reflecting the richness of Lao culture dating from the days of the early kings right through the last sovereign.
We then board a cruise upstream on the Mekong River, which also gives us a panoramic view of the tranquil countryside as well as an interesting visit to the mysterious of Pak Ou Caves, two linked caves crammed with thousands of gold lacquered Buddha statues of various shapes and sizes left by pilgrims. Along the way, we will make a stop at Ban Xang Hai village where rice wine is distilled. We will visit the caves of Tham Ting and Tham Phoum which house hundreds of Buddha statues. We return to Luang Prabang in the afternoon, continue to visit Ban Xang Khong, a village well known for silk hand-weaving and traditional Saa paper-making.
We will explore the Night Market, where you can find a lovely selection of handmade textiles made by the hill tribe and local people surrounding Luang Prabang.
Overnight in Luang Prabang
Meal: Breakfast
Day 3: Khoang Si Fall (B)
You have the option to wake up before dawn to witness and participate in offering alms to hundreds of saffron-robed monks – an awe-inspiring sight. Please tell your guide a day in advance if you wish to make an offering so he/she can prepare some food for you to hand over to the monks. This early morning ritual dates back generations in Laos. Watch the town come to life in the morning then return to the hotel for breakfast or join the locals for a bowl of delicious noodle soup after the alms giving ritual. (If you do not wish to make an offering, please keep an appropriate distance and observe the ritual in silence. Dress appropriately – shoulders, chest and legs should be covered).
We then visit the Morning Market, where you will see such diverse offerings as dried buffalo skin, local tea and saltpeter among the chickens, vegetables and hill-tribe weavings.
In the morning, we visit the magnificent Wat Xiengthong with its roofs sweeping low to the ground, which represents classical Laotian architecture. We then visit the Traditional Arts and Ethnology Center (close on Mondays) where you are able to observe valuable artifacts and traditional clothing and implements from each of the 20 ethnic minority groups which inhabit the Luang Prabang area. Next, we will visit Wat Visoun, the holiest temple of the city, which was entirely rebuilt in 2087 after being destroyed by the invading Black Flags from Southern China. In the courtyard of Wat Visoun stands the Watermelon Stupa shaped like the fruit from which it takes its name.
Then, transfer by private vehicle to Khouang Si waterfall. On the way, you can visit to the Lao ethnic minority groups – Ban Na Oune Village. Once at the waterfalls, take a leisurely hike through the national park towards the Khouang Si waterfalls and pass by the Asian bear rescue center. You will enjoy feeling the mist of the cool, turquoise waters of the different waterfalls. Swimming in the refreshing waters is possible.
Overnight in Luang Prabang
Meal: Breakfast
Day 4: Luang Prabang – fly to Pakse – Wat Phou (B)
Breakfast at hotel. Transfer to the airport for a short flight to Pakse. Upon arrival, our guide will meet you at the airport. Then 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 9th 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.
Overnight in Pakse
Meal: Breakfast
Day 5: Tadlo – Bolaven Plateaux (B)
This morning, 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.
Overnight in Pakse
Meal: Breakfast
Day 6: Pakse – 4000 Islands (B)
This morning, we transfer to 4000 Islands Region and Khong Island, which is quite relaxing in the day while pretty at night. We 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
Meal: Breakfast
Day 7: 4000 islands 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.
Overnight in Khong Island
Meal: Breakfast
Day 8: Back to Pakse – fly out (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.
Meal: Breakfast
End of Laos tours!
Safe travels, and until we meet again in Laos!
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