This tour has been tailored to emphasize everything that makes Laos special, from its cities' devoutly religious citizens to the untouched islands and jungle in the south.
Starting at Luang Prabang, you will be introduced to the spiritual centre of the country and its former capital. Visiting this city's numerous temples, dating back to the 16th century, offers an informative glimpse into Laos' past, whilst climbing the 328 steps to the top of Mount Phousi provides the most spectacular panoramic view imaginable. In the surrounding area you will get to Kuang Si Waterfall with stops en-route at indigenous villages.
Next, we will take to the waters of the Mekong River to visit the Pak Ou Caves, lined with thousands of golden Buddha statues. Continuing up the river, we will arrive at the eco-friendly Ou-Kamu Lodge for an overnight stay in this natural paradise.
The following day will let you take in the rest of Luang Prabang's surroundings, including a traditional weaving village and the forest retreat of Wat Pa Phon Pao before the evening transfer to Vientiane. Here, you will see the charming old temples that characterize this city which, unlike many in Asia, remains highly traditional.
Leaving Vientiane, you will fly to Pakse, the hub of Southern Laos' cultural intrigue where pre-Ankorian structures, famous coffee plantations and the breathtaking 4000 Islands await. Enjoy a 90 minute elephant trek through the forest before heading for Khong Island, the perfect place to base yourself and explore the regions archipelago.
Day 1: Arrive in Luang Prabang
Time seems to stand still in Luang Prabang, a city with all the charm of a quaint European town mixed with the wonderful, woodsy spice of Asia. The city is small, and just about everywhere can be reached by foot. Upon arrival at the airport, meet with your guide and transfer to town. After an orientation tour of the spiritual capital of Laos, ascend the 200 steps to Wat Chompet for a different view of the city at sunset. Opt to visit night market, the only nightlife of this laid-back town, for traditional textiles and handicrafts made by the hill tribes. Overnight at La Residence Phou Vao/Mountain View room.
Day 2: Luang Prabang
Start visiting this sacred city of temples with a visit to the National Museum, the former Royal Palace housing a collection of valuables including the famous Prabang Buddha statue and gifts from foreign dignitaries. Other muse-see places include Wat Visoun, the 16th century temple that served as a small museum for religious artifacts; Wat Xiengthong, the 16th century temple said to be the most beautiful temple in town, epitomizing all the elegance and grace of Luang Prabang architecture; the privately-run Traditional Arts & Ethnology Center featuring clothing, household objects, religious artifacts, and tools of Laos’ ethnic groups. Overnight at La Residence Phou Vao/Mountain View room (B)
Day 3: Luang Prabang - Kuangsi Waterfall - Luang Prabang
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 for many travelers. This early morning ritual dates back generations in Laos. Watch the town come to life in the morning and then Return to your hotel for breakfast. After breakfast, enjoy a visit to Kuang Si Waterfall, south west of Luang Prabang with stops en route to visit ethnic minority villages. It is possible to walk to the top of the falls via a steep track and if the weather is good, or swim in the clear water at the foot of the falls. Return to Luang Prabang and spend the rest of the afternoon at your leisure. Overnight at La Residence Phou Vao/Mountain View room (B)
Day 4: Luang Prabang - Kamu Lodge (Kamu lodge is not ideal from May to August due to the summer heat)
This morning, transfer by tuk-tuk, little motorcycle-powered truck beds with benches, to boat docking station. Embark for a boat trip on the Mekong River to visit the famous Pak Ou Caves where hundreds of gilded and wooden Buddha statues are housed inside a towering limestone cliff. Stop by at the local primary school en route to get a glimpse of the education system and infrastructure. If you wish to give something back to the community, ‘practical’ things such as books, school bags and clothes can be purchased locally. Continue up river for an hour to reach the Kamu Lodge. In a unique setting and with activities such rice planting, gold panning and fishing in the Mekong, this eco-lodge will open your eyes to a very different Lao experience. Overnight at the Kamu Lodge (B, L, D)
Day 5: Kamu Lodge - Luang Prabang – Vientiane (Air)
After a relaxing morning at the lodge, head back to Luang Prabang by 3-hour boat ride. Visit a weaving village in the afternoon where traditional Lao textiles are woven and mulberry paper is made. Stop at Wat Pa Phon Pao, a forest retreat, before transferring to the airport for the evening flight back to Vientiane. In Vientiane, transfer to your hotel on arrival. Overnight at Settha Palace/Deluxe room (B)
Day 6: Vientiane
Hugging a bend of the Mekong River, Vientiane is a quaint and easygoing place compared to other frenetic capitals in the region. The city tour today features Wat Sisaket, the oldest temple that survived the Siamese war of 1828 and boasting over 8,000 Buddha statues; Wat Ho Prakeo, the former home of the Emerald Buddha statue, today it contains a collection of Buddha statues, antiques and artifacts found in and around Vientiane; That Luang Stupa, the symbol of Laos and whose original, smaller stupa contain a piece of the chest bone of Buddha; and the Patouxay (the Arc de Triomphe), built recently in commemoration of those who died during the wars; and the Talat Sao or Morning market. Overnight at Settha Palace/Deluxe room (B)
Day 7: Vientiane - Pakse
After an early breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Pakse. At the confluence of the Mekong and Xe Don rivers, Pakse is the capital of Champasak province and regarded as the far south's biggest town in Laos. Pakse is synonymous with Wat Phou like Siem reap and Angkor Wat. On arrival, embark on a short tour of the town followed by a drive to the Tad Lo Falls. After lunch, continue to the stunning twin Tad Fane Falls and visit tea and coffee plantations of the Bolaven Plateau. Return to Pakse in the afternoon. Spend your night at Champasak Palace hotel, formerly the palace of the King of Champasak. Overnight at Champasak Palace/ROH (B, L)
Day 8: Pakse - Wat Phou - Elephants - Khong Island
After breakfast, take a drive to the stunning pre-Angkorian temple, Wat Phou, built between 6th and 13th centuries. Lying on a hillside, the UNESCO World Heritage site offers spectacular views on the surrounding plains and Mekong River. Return to Champasak for lunch, and see former royal mansions and French colonial architecture. After lunch, continue to Ban Kiet Ngong, a small Lao village where you can enjoy a 90min elephant ride through the forest and up to the mysterious Mount Asa. Continue by road to Khong Island, the biggest island in southern Laos. Overnight at Sensothxeune hotel/superior (B, L)
Day 9: Khong Island - Khone Island - Pakse
After breakfast, take a local boat to the peaceful islands of Done Det and Done Khone, sites of the only railway ever built in Laos at the end of the 19th century. After a stroll through the palm-fringed villages and lunch, visit the southernmost part of Laos and the imposing Khone Papheng waterfalls, the biggest in the region and near the Cambodian border. In the afternoon return to Pakse with a stop at the exotic evening market. Overnight at Champasak Palace/ROH (B, L)
Day 10: Pakse departure (Air)
Explore the town at your leisure until transfer to the airport for onward flights. End of service. (B)
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