Timeless Journey in Laos - 6 Days

Brief Itinerary

Day 1: Vientiane arrival (B)
Day 2: Vientiane city tour – train to Vang Vieng (B)
Day 3: Vang Vieng – Tham Jang Cave – Blue Lagoon – train to Luang Prabang (B)
Day 4: Luang Prabang – city tour – Khoang Si (B)
Day 5: Luang Prabang – Pak Ou – Pakbeng by cruise (B,L,D)
Day 6: Pakbeng – Houeixay – Departure (B,L)

Full Itinerary

Day 1: Vientiane arrival (B)

On arrival at the airport, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. REST after long night flight and time for yourself. Overnight in Vientiane.

 Day 2: Vientiane city tour – train to Vang Vieng (B)

After breakfast, we start visiting the major sights of the capital; including the Wat Sisaket, the oldest temple with thousands of miniature Buddha statues and the former royal temple of Wat Prakeo, which previously housed the famous Emerald Buddha Image. Enroute to Lao’s national precious heritage, the famous and sacred structure of That Luang Stupa, you will have the opportunity to take some pictures of the imposing Patuxay Monument, which is well known as Vientiane’s own Arc de Triumph.

Then we transfer to train station to catch speed train to Vang Vieng. Upon arrival, meet tour guide and transfer to hotel for checking in. Overnight in Vang Vieng.

Day 3: Vang Vieng – Tham Jang Cave – Blue Lagoon – train to Luang Prabang (B)

This morning, we will take a visit to Tham Jang Cave and Blue Lagoon, free at leisure to attend zipline, kayaking or swimming at Blue Lagoon (fee paid on your own). Then free at leisure until transfer to train station to take speed train to Luang Prabang. Upon arrival, transfer to hotel for checking in.

Day 4: Luang Prabang – city tour – Khoang Si (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.

After breakfast, we visit the National Museum at the former Royal Palace, displaying a lovely collection of artifacts reflecting the richness of Lao culture dating from the days of the early kings right through the last sovereign. We will continue the tour to the magnificent Wat Xiengthong with its roofs sweeping low to the ground, which represents classical Laotian architecture. Then, transfer by private vehicle to Khouang Si waterfall. On the way, you can visit to the Lao ethnic minority group at Ban Na Ouane Village, H’Mong 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. Come back city in the afternoon, overnight in Luang Prabang.

 Day 5: Luang Prabang – Pak Ou – Pakbeng (B,L,D) SHARED SHOMPOO CRUISE

The boat leaves Luang Prabang at 7:00am for upstream the Mekong to Pakbeng. Continental Breakfast is served on board. ln the morning, we will stop to visit Pak Ou Caves (Tham Ting) and its over 2000 Buddha statues. lt is one of the most important pilgrimage place for Lao people. Lao traditional Lunch set is served on board. ln the afternoon, our English speaking guide will organize a small lecture and will explain the different ethnicities here in Laos.

The boat arrives in Pakbeng before the night

Lunch on boat

Dinner at hotel

Note:

• Meeting point is 06:45am at boat pier in front of T56 restaurant.
• From October to April: Departure every Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday.
• From May to September: Departure every Wednesday and Saturday

 Day 6: Pakbeng – Houeixay – Departure (B,L) SHARED SHOMPOO CRUISE

Embark at 7:00am on the boat. Normally your hotel in Pakbeng must have prepared a take away breakfast box for the Shompoo cruise travelers that they could bring on board. ln the morning, our guide and cooker will make a short demonstration on how to make local handicrafts and will also prepare some Lao desserts and local drinks that travelers will eat later in the afternoon. Just before lunch, the boat will stop to visit a traditional Kamu village (Ban Kaeng Lae), a tiny cozy place which host about 70 families. Travelers will learn about rurai lifestyle in a very remote area. Lao traditional Lunch set is served on board.

Before reaching Houav Xav pier, enjov the homemade desserts and drinks made by our team and The boat will arrive at destination before 4:30pm. End of services.