Vientiane is the capital of Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao P.D.R.) and is located on a curve of the Mekong River, bordering Thailand. With tree-lined boulevards, temples and some examples of old colonial architecture, it still possesses a relaxed, timeless atmosphere. The places not to be missed in Vientiane are That Luang Stupa which is the most important monument of Laos, Patuxai or Vertical Runway, the arch structure that contains bitter history of the wartimes in Laos and Buddha Park, located 25 km away from the center.
The other major attraction in Vientiane province is Vang Vieng, an area with breathtaking limestone scenery which is rapidly becoming Laos’s premier destination for ecotourism. The Wattay International Airport is served frequently by flights from major cities in the region, such as Bangkok and Saigon. Around the city there are various attractions to discover and experiences of the local life, cultural heritage or natural beauty awaiting the traveller. Please refer to the list below for more excursion details.
:: Excursion Tours ::
Select one to see full itinerary.
Laos Classic 4, 7 days
Day 01
Vientiane |
Arrival in Vientiane, the capital city of Laos with its laid-back charm, tree-lined boulevards, interesting wats and colourful markets. Discover the city by touring different highlights, such as PHA THAT LUANG, the most important national monument of Laos and a symbol of both the Buddhist religion and Lao sovereignty. Then proceed to HO PHA KEO, the former royal temple, WAT SI SAKET, and PATUXAI, a monumental arch inspired by the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. Overnight in Vientiane.
Day 02
Vientiane – Vang Vieng |
Drive by vehicle from Vientiane to Vang Vieng, a small scenic village situated on the banks of the Nam Song River. Along the way stop to visit VANG XANG, an 11th century Buddhist archaeological site where primitive Buddha images are carved on the cliff. Continue to visit TALAT FISH MARKET in Huay Mor. Before reaching Vang Vieng stop by at TAM CHANG CAVE which in the past was used as a bunker against the Chinese and is nowadays a place to admire the stunning stalactites and stalagmites. Arrive and overnight in Vang Vieng.
Day 03
Vang Vieng – Luang Prabang |
Today’s journey by vehicle heads north from Vang Vieng to Luang Prabang and includes two caves to visit on the route. The first destination requires a short and enjoyable track through rice paddies with a short stop at a Hmong village before reaching the stunning THAM PHA THAO CAVE. The second destination leads to the THAM XANG CAVE also called Elephant Cave. Head further north and take the chance to visit local villages on the way. Overnight in Luang Prabang.
Day 04
Luang Prabang |
Enjoy a full day of sightseeing in the city that has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Set between the Nam Khan and Mekong rivers, Luang Prabang is an enchanting town filled with historic temples and colonial style buildings. Start the tour with WAT VISOUN (Wat Wisunalat), the oldest living temple in Luang Prabang. Visit the nearby WAT AHAM before continuing to WAT XIENG THONG, the crowning jewel of all the monasteries and temples in typical Lao art style. From there, stroll down the main street (Wat Street) of Luang Prabang. If time permits, stop at some of the many temples that line its sides, including WAT SIBOUNHEUANG, WAT SI MOUNGKHOUN, WAT SOP and WAT SENE. Continue to the NATIONAL MUSEUM, formally known as the “ROYAL PALACE”, a modest but graceful building which has been preserved as it was when the royal family last lived here. Afterwards visit WAT MAI and in the evening climb the hillside stairs to the small temples atop PHOU SI to enjoy a beautiful view over the temples and river. A nice way to wrap up an exciting day and then overnight in Luang Prabang.
Day 05
Luang Prabang |
Today’s excursion by boat will lead to the extraordinary THAM PAK OU CAVES. Cruising downstream the Mekong River, passing steep limestone cliffs enjoy a wonderful view over the Mekong and the Nam Ou rivers, home to the THAM PAK OU CAVES. These extraordinary caves are filled with Buddha images, of every style and material imaginable. On the return journey, stop at BAN XANG HAI VILLAGE, a local village famous for the production of láo-láo, the local rice wine whisky. Visit BAN XANG KHONG, a village near Luang Prabang, well known for its traditional hand woven cotton and silk, as well as production of the local sa (mulberry) paper. Retire back and overnight in Luang Prabang.
Day 06
Luang Prabang |
Take an adventurous excursion by vehicle to the KUANG SI waterfalls. Along the way visit a local village of Bang Muang Kai and gather some impressions of the rural lifestyle. The Kuang Si waterfall is a multi-tier waterfall tumbling over limestone formations into a series of turquoise pools. Enjoy swimming in the clear water or just relax surrounded by the natural environment. On the way back to Luang Prabang take a chance to visit BAN THA PENE, a nearby traditional weaving Khmu village. Overnight in Luang Prabang.
Day 07
Luang Prabang |
Transfer back to the airport.
End of the tour.
***
Highlights of Laos, 8 days
Day 01
Vientiane |
Arrival in Vientiane, the Capital city of Laos with its laid-back charm, tree-lined boulevards, interesting wats and colourful markets. This first day’s excursion is to visit an open-air museum, WAT XIENG KHOUANE, also known as BUDDHA PARK. This is a collection of whimsical, but compelling statues of Buddhist and Hindu gods. Retire back to hotel and overnight in Vientiane.
Day 02
Vientiane |
Enjoy the day with a tour of the city’s highlights, including THAT LUANG, a gleaming golden stupa which is perhaps the most important national monument in Laos, HO PHA KEO, the former royal temple, now a museum with beautiful examples of Buddhist sculptures; WAT SI SAKET, WAT SI MUANG, and PATUXAI, a monumental arch inspired by the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, but executed with Lao motifs. End the day at a TALAAT SAO or also called “morning market”, the best place to obtain traditional Lao fabrics and all kind of local products. Retire back to the hotel and overnight in Vientiane.
Day 03
Vientiane - Vang Vieng |
Drive by vehicle from Vientiane to Vang Vieng, a small scenic village situated on the banks of the Nam Song River. Enjoy the mild climate and the wonderful view over mountains and cliffs along the first part of the journey through the province of Vientiane. Take the opportunity to visit the SALT FIELD in Ban Keun and thereafter enjoy a boat ride on the beautiful NAM NGUM LAKE, a serene and man-made reservoir which also generates most of the electricity sold to Thailand. Before arriving in Vang Vieng make another short break to discover the TALAT FISH MARKET in Huay Mor. Overnight in Vang Vieng.
Day 04
Vang Vieng – Phonsavanh |
Today’s journey heads north from Vang Vieng to Phonsavanh and includes two caves to visit en route. The first destination requires a short and enjoyable track through rice paddies with a short stop at a Hmong village before reaching the stunning THAM PHA THAO CAVE. The second destination is the stunning THAM XANG CAVE also called Elephant Cave. It contains a few Buddha images, footprints and elephant shaped stalactites which gave the cave its name. Head further north and take the chance to visit local villages on the way. Overnight in Phonsavanh.
Day 05
Phonsavanh |
Spend this day to visit the famous PLAIN OF JARS, a vast area extending around Phonsavanh from the southwest to the north-east. Mysterious and ancient, over 300 huge stone jars apparently carved out of solid rock are scattered around the plateau. The fascinating jars vary in size and weight and many different theories and legends tell the story of their unclear origin. This tour will focus on SITE I and SITE II, out of the many sites so far discovered. Afterwards continue to MUANG KHOUN, an ancient capital and stronghold for the Xieng Khouang royal family. The scenic town surrounded by mountains was rebuilt after 1975 with rows of wooden Lao houses and a market area. Finally carry on and visit WAT PHIA THAT and THAT FOUN. Overnight in Phonsavanh.
Day 06
Phonsavanh - Luang Prabang |
Start the day by visiting the interesting and lively open-air local market. After this experience the tour continues by vehicle from Phonsavanh (Xieng Khuang) to Luang Prabang. Enjoy the magnificent view on forested mountains and lush valleys during the slow journey along mountain roads. In MUANG SUI take the chance to visit WAT BAN PHONG, the second oldest temple in the province and the scenic NONG TANG LAKE, rimmed with limestone cliffs. Continue to discover the extensive cave network of the PHA CAVE. Check-in and overnight in Luang Prabang.
Day 07
Luang Prabang |
Enjoy a full day of sightseeing in the city that has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995. Set between the Nam Khan and Mekong rivers, Luang Prabang is an enchanting town filled with historic temples and colonial style buildings. Start the tour with WAT VISOUN (Wat Wisunalat), the oldest living temple in Luang Prabang. Visit the nearby WAT AHAM before continuing to WAT XIENG THONG, the crowning jewel of all the monasteries and temples in the city in typical Lao art style. From there, stroll down the main street (Wat Street) of Luang Prabang. If time permits, stop at some of the many temples that line its sides, including WAT SIBOUNHEUANG, WAT SI MOUNGKHOUN, WAT SOP and WAT SENE.
Continue to the NATIONAL MUSEUM, formally known as the “ROYAL PALACE”, a modest but graceful building which has been preserved as it was when the royal family last lived here. Afterwards visit WAT MAI and in the evening climb the hillside stairs to the small temples atop PHOU SI to enjoy a beautiful view over the temples and river. A nice way to wrap up an exciting day and then overnight in Luang Prabang.
Day 08
Luang Prabang |
Today’s excursion by boat will lead to the extraordinary THAM PAK OU CAVES. Cruising downstream the Mekong River, passing steep limestone cliffs, enjoy a wonderful view over the Mekong and the Nam Ou rivers, home to the THAM PAK OU CAVES. These extraordinary caves are filled with Buddha images, of every style and material imaginable. On the return journey, stop at BAN XANG HAI VILLAGE, a local village famous for the production of láo-láo, the local rice wine whisky. Before reaching Luang Prabang, visit BAN XANG KHONG, a village well known for its traditional hand woven cotton and silk, as well as production of the local sa (mulberry) paper. Retire back and overnight in Luang Prabang.
Day 08
Luang Prabang |
Transfer back to the airport.
End of the tour.
***
Northern Expedition 2, 6 days
Day 01
Luang Prabang - Oudomxai|
After arrival in Luang Prabang, travel by vehicle through the scenic Laos countryside towards Oudomxai. Take the chance on this enjoyable trip to visit The TAD LAK SIP-ET WATERFALL, which cascades in a narrow stream over a limestone cliff. Moreover visit the minority before arrival in Oudomxai. This provincial capital has a richly mixed population of Lao Theung and Lao Seung, Chinese and Lao Loum people. Off the main street there are traditional thatched houses spreading across the edge of the valley towards the base of the surrounding mountain range. Visit the LOCAL MARKET, PHOU PHRA THAT and enjoy a panoramic view on Oudomxai from the top of Phou Xay hill. Overnight in Oudomxai.
Day 02
Oudomxai - Boung Neua |
Travel by vehicle from Oudomxai to Muang Boun Neua. Overnight in Boun Neua.
Day 03
Boun Neua - Phongsali |
Travel by vehicle from Boun Neua to Phongsali, the provincial capital sits on the slopes of Phou Fa, and possesses a cool climate all year round. Most of the population in the area belong to the Phu Noi minority, who maintain a distinct local culture. Visit the summit of Phou Fa and THAT PHOU FA.
Take the opportunity to visit the Talat local market in the evening. Overnight in Phongsali.
Day 04
Phongsali - Muang Khua |
Continue the journey by vehicle from Phongsali to Hat Sa and by boat to Muang Khua. This small trading town, with large numbers of Chinese and Vietnamese immigrants still has traces of old French colonial architecture. Explore the village by foot, visiting the LOCAL MARKET, WAT SIPHOUMMUANG and crossing the steel cable suspension bridge to enjoy a beautiful view over the Nam Pak River and surrounding mountains. Overnight in Muang Khua.
Day 05
Muang Khua - Nong Khiaw |
Travel by boat from Muang Khua towards Nong Khiaw, through a spectacular scenery, with impressive limestone cliffs, jungle-like vegetation and sandy beaches. On the way, stop at MUANG NGOI, a lovely village right in the middle of the mountains, still inaccessible by road. Break for lunch and spend a few hours exploring the area before continuing to Nong Khiaw. Overnight in Nong Khiaw.
Day 06
Nong Khiaw - Luang Prabang |
From Nong Khiaw, cruise by boat along the Nam Ou River towards Luang Prabang, stopping en route at the steep limestone cliffs overlooking the Mekong and Nam Ou rivers, the home to the PAK OU CAVES. These extraordinary caves are filled with Buddha images, of every style and material imaginable. On the return journey, stop at BAN XANG HAI VILLAGE, a local village famous for the production of láo-láo, the local rice wine whisky. Arrival in Luang Prabang and end of the tour.
***
Northwest Journey 2, 7 days
Day 01
Vientiane |
Arrival in Vientiane, the capital city of Laos with its laid-back charm, tree-lined boulevards, interesting wats and colourful markets. Discover the city by touring different highlights, such as PHA THAT LUANG, probably the most important national monument of Laos and a symbol of both, the Buddhist religion and Lao sovereignty. Then proceed to HO PHA KEO, the former royal temple and nowadays a museum with beautiful examples of Buddhist sculptures. Carry on to WAT SI SAKET, and PATUXAI, a monumental arch inspired by the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. After the tour retire and overnight in Vientiane.
Day 02
Vientiane - Vang Vieng |
Drive by vehicle from Vientiane to Vang Vieng, a small scenic village situated on the banks of the Nam Song River. Enjoy the mild climate and the wonderful view over mountains and cliffs along the first part of the journey through the province of Vientiane. Take the opportunity to visit the SALT FIELD in Ban Keun and thereafter enjoy a boat ride on the beautiful NAM NGUM LAKE, a serene and man-made reservoir which also generates most of the electricity sold to Thailand.
Before arriving in Vang Vieng make another short break to discover the TALAT FISH MARKET in Huay Mor. Overnight in Vang Vieng.
Day 03
Vang Vieng – Luang Prabang |
Today’s journey by vehicle heads north from Vang Vieng to Luang Prabang and includes two caves to visit on the route. The first destination requires a short and enjoyable track through rice paddies with a short stop at a Hmong village before reaching the stunning THAM PHA THAO CAVE.
The second destination leads to the THAM XANG CAVE also called Elephant Cave. It contains a few Buddha images, footprints and elephant shaped stalactites which gave the cave its name. Head further north and take the chance to visit local villages on the way. Overnight in Luang Prabang.
Day 04
Luang Prabang |
Enjoy a full day of sightseeing in the city that has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Set between the Nam Khan and Mekong rivers, Luang Prabang is an enchanting town filled with historic temples and colonial style buildings. Start the tour with WAT VISOUN (Wat Wisunalat), the oldest living temple in Luang Prabang. Visit the nearby WAT AHAM before continuing to WAT XIENG THONG, the crowning jewel of all the monasteries and temples in typical Lao art style. From there, stroll down the main street (Wat Street) of Luang Prabang. If time permits, stop at some of the many temples that line its sides, including WAT SIBOUNHEUANG, WAT SI MOUNGKHOUN, WAT SOP and WAT SENE. Continue to the NATIONAL MUSEUM, formally known as the “ROYAL PALACE”, a modest but graceful building which has been preserved as it was when the royal family last lived here. Afterwards visit WAT MAI and in the evening climb the hillside stairs to the small temples atop PHOU SI to enjoy a beautiful view over the temples and river. A nice way to wrap up an exciting day and then overnight in Luang Prabang.
Day 05
Luang Prabang |
Take an adventurous excursion by vehicle to the KUANG SI waterfalls. Along the way visit a local village of Bang Muang Kai and gather some impressions of the rural lifestyle.
The Kuang Si waterfall is a multi-tier waterfall tumbling over limestone formations into a series of turquoise pools. Enjoy swimming in the clear water or just relax surrounded by the natural environment. On the way back to Luang Prabang take a chance to visit BAN THA PENE, a nearby traditional weaving Khmu village. Overnight in Luang Prabang.
Day 06
Luang Prabang - Pakbeng |
Aboard the Luangsay Cruise, a traditional wooden boat around 7 am at the Luang Prabang pier for a cruise up the Mekong River to Pakbeng. On the way at the mouth of the Nam Ou River a visit is organized to the Tam Ting ‘Caves of a thousand Buddha’s’. After a brief stop is made at Ban Baw to observe the processing of traditional rice alcohol, the boat arrives at Luangsay Lodge before sunset for a overnight stay. Dinner is served at the terrace overlooking the Mekong River. Overnight in Pakbeng.
Day 07
Pakbeng - Huay Xai |
In the morning visit the morning market of Pakbeng where the nearby villagers and hill tribes buy and exchange their goods.
The second day onboard of the Luangsay Cruise from Pakbeng Huay Xai departs around 7 am. Take the opportunity to observe the rural life of the river tribes at Ban Gon Durn (Tai Leu) weaving village and marvel at just how little has changed over the centuries. Arriving Huay Xai before 5 pm.
End of the tour.
***
North to South ,12 days
Day 01
Huay Xai - Pakbeng |
Arrival in Huay Xai and board the Luangsay Cruise around 9 am, a traditional wooden boat, at the pier from Huay Xai. While cruising down the Mekong to Pakbeng take the opportunity to observe the rural life of the river tribes at Ban Gon Durn (Tai Leu) weaving village and marvel at just how little has changed over the centuries. A buffet lunch is served on board and in the evening the boat arrives at Luangsay Lodge before sunset for overnight stay. Dinner is served at the terrace overlooking the Mekong River. Overnight in Pakbeng.
Day 02
Pakbeng - Luang Prabang |
The second day onboard of the Luangsay Cruise from Pakbeng to Luang Prabang begins with a breakfast served at the terrace. Visit the morning market of Pakbeng village where the nearby villagers and hill tribes buy and exchange their goods. The second part of the trip includes a stop at Ban Baw to observe the production of traditional rice alcohol. After a lunch on board, arrive at a Pak Ou village at the mouth of Nam Ou River, where the boat stops for a trip to visit Tam Ting Caves of thousand Buddha. Arrival before sunset and overnight in Luang Prabang.
Day 03
Luang Prabang |
Set between the Nam Khan and Mekong rivers, Luang Prabang is an enchanting town filled with historic temples and colonial style buildings. The entire town was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995. Start exploring this fascinating town beginning with WAT VISOUN (Wat Wisunalat), the oldest living temple in Luang Prabang.
Visit the nearby WAT AHAM before continuing to WAT XIENG THONG, the crowning jewel of all the monasteries and temples in the city in typical Lao art style. From there, stroll down the main street (Wat Street) of Luang Prabang. If time permits, stop at some of the many temples that line its sides, including WAT SIBOUNHEUANG, WAT SI MOUNGKHOUN, WAT SOP and WAT SENE. Continue to the NATIONAL MUSEUM, formally known as ROYAL PALACE, a modest but graceful building which has been preserved as it was when the royal family last lived here. Finally visit WAT MAI before retire and overnight in Luang Prabang.
Day 04
Luang Prabang |
Today’s excursion by vehicle will lead to the impressive KUANG SI waterfalls. Along the way visit a local village of Bang Muang Kai and gather some impressions of the rural lifestyle. The Kuang Si waterfall is a multi-tier waterfall tumbling over limestone formations into a series of turquoise pools. Enjoy swimming in the clear water or just relax surrounded by the natural environment. On the way back to Luang Prabang visit the village BAN XANG KHONG, well known for its traditional hand woven cotton and silk, as well as production of the local sa (mulberry) paper. Retire back Overnight in Luang Prabang.
Day 05
Luang Prabang-Vang Vieng |
Today drive from Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng, passing through the local villages Ban Phatang and Muang Kasi. Stop by at the THAM XANG CAVE also called Elephant Cave. It contains a few Buddha images, footprints and elephant shaped stalactites. Overnight in Vang Vieng.
Day 06
Vang Vieng - Vientiane |
Drive from Vang Vieng to Vientiane and on the way visit the TAM CHANG CAVE which in the past was used as a bunker against the Chinese and is nowadays a place to admire the stunning stalactites and stalagmites. Continue the trip and stop at the TALAT FISH MARKET in Huay Mor and later on visit VANG XANG, an 11th century Buddhist archaeological site where primitive Buddha images are carved on the cliff. Arrival and overnight in Vientiane.
Day 07
Vientiane |
The capital city of Laos is known for its laid-back charm, tree-lined boulevards, interesting wats and colourful markets. Discover the city by touring different highlights, such as PHA THAT LUANG – probably the most important national monument of Laos and a symbol of both the Buddhist religion and Lao sovereignty. Then proceed to HO PHA KEO – the former royal temple and nowadays a museum with beautiful examples of Buddhist sculptures. Carry on to WAT SI SAKET, and PATUXAI, a monumental arch inspired by the Arc de Triomphe in Paris.
End the day at the TALAAT SAO, or the “morning market”, the best place to buy traditional Lao fabrics. Overnight in Vientiane.
Day 08
Vientiane - Pakse - Tad Lo |
Take a flight from Vientiane to Pakse continue by vehicle east across the BOLAVEN PLATEAU, a fertile coffee and tea growing area, rich in ethnic groups, predominantly Laven. The journey through the pleasantly cool climate will include several visits of different waterfalls in the region and gives the opportunity to admire and enjoy the beautiful natural surroundings. Along the way between Pakse and Paksong, on the western edge of the plateau, visit the impressing TAD E-TU WATERFALL,the TAD FANE WATERFALL, the highest in Champasak Province and also the TAD YUANG WATERFALL. Afterwards head north towards SALAVAN with a stop at minority villages and a visit to TAD LO WATERFALL and TAD HANG WATERFALL. Overnight in Tad Lo.
Day 09
Tad Lo - Pakse - Don Khong |
Begin the eventful day with a relaxed swim in the pleasant TAD LO FALLS and then explore the surrounding area of the Tad Lo Resort on an elephantback.
After this exciting elephant-ride journey south along the east bank of the Mekong from Tad Lo to Pakse. Near Champasak city cross the river by ferry and visit VAT PHOU CHAMPASAK, one of the best preserved examples of major Khmer architecture, more than 200 years older than Angkor Wat itself. Return back across the Mekong and southwards towards Don Khong. Overnight in Don Khong.
Day 10
Don Khong |
Take a boat from Don Khong to DON DET ISLAND and DON KHONE. The islands are connected by a former railway bridge which stopped operating in 1945. The larger island Don Det is famous throughout Laos for the cultivation of coconut, bamboo and kapok. Take the chance to visit BAN KHON VILLAGE, the main village on Don Khone with several old French villas and continue to TAAT SOMPHAMIT (LI PHI FALLS), a raging set of rapids at the western end of Don Khone. Overnight in Don Khong.
Day 11
Don Khong - Pakse |
Start the journey from Don Khong. After crossing the Mekong by ferry visit the miraculous KHONE PHAPHENG, the largest waterfall in Southeast Asia and one of the most impressive sites in the area.
Here, the entire Mekong with all its force cascades down curving stone outcroppings and tints the massive stones reflecting beautiful rainbows. After heading north the next and final destination is Pakse. Founded by the French in 1905 as an administrative post, the capital of Champasak Province is a relatively new town at the confluence of the Mekong and Se Don rivers. Spend the day exploring the highlights of the town, including the CENTRAL MARKET, WAT LUANG, WAT THAM FAI, the CHAMPASAK HISTORICAL HERITAGE MUSEUM, the trading post of BAN MUANG KAO and the weaving village of BAN SAPHAI. Overnight in Pakse.
Day 12
Pakse |
Transfer to the airport.
End of the tour.
***
Laos Grand Tour, 15 days
Day 01
Vientiane |
Arrival in Vientiane, the capital city of Laos with its laid-back charm, tree-lined boulevards, interesting wats and colourful markets. Discover the city by touring different highlights, such as PHA THAT LUANG, the most important national monument of Laos and a symbol of both the Buddhist religion and Lao sovereignty. Then proceed to HO PHA KEO, the former royal temple, WAT SI SAKET and PATUXAI, a monumental arch inspired by the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. Overnight in Vientiane.
Day 02
Vientiane - Luang Prabang |
Take a flight from Vientiane to Luang Prabang, a city known for its beautiful setting surrounded by mountains and relaxed atmosphere. Set between the Nam Khan and Mekong rivers, Luang Prabang is an enchanting town filled with historic temples and colonial style buildings. The entire town was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995.
After check-in start exploring this fascinating town beginning with WAT VISOUN (Wat Wisunalat), the oldest living temple in Luang Prabang. Visit the nearby WAT AHAM before continuing to WAT XIENG THONG, the crowning jewel of all the monasteries and temples in typical Lao art style. From there, stroll down the main street (Wat Street) of Luang Prabang. If time permits, stop at some of the many temples that line its sides, including WAT SIBOUNHEUANG, WAT SI MOUNGKHOUN, WAT SOP and WAT SENE. In the evening climb the hillside stairs to the small temples atop PHOU SI and enjoy a beautiful view over the temples and river, a nice way to round up an exciting day and overnight in Luang Prabang.
Day 03
Luang Prabang |
Begin the day with a visit to a LOCAL MARKET and observe the bustle and activity of the early morning. Continue the sightseeing program with a visit of the NATIONAL MUSEUM, formally known as the “ROYAL PALACE”, a modest but graceful building which has been preserved as it was when the royal family last lived here. After having visited WAT MAI, a typical Lao style temple, drive by vehicle to the KUANG SI Waterfalls in the afternoon. This multi-tier waterfall is tumbling over limestone formations into a series of turquoise pools. Enjoy swimming in the clear water or just relax in the natural environment. On the way back take the chance to visit BAN THA PENE, a nearby traditional weaving Khmu village. Overnight in Luang Prabang.
Day 04
Luang Prabang - Oudomxai |
Today’s journey will lead through the scenic Laos countryside from Luang Prabang to Oudomxai (Muang Xai). Take the chance on this enjoyable trip to visit The TAD LAK SIP-ET WATERFALL, which cascades in a narrow stream over a limestone cliff. Moreover visit the minority village of Ban Song Cha and get some insight into the rural lifestyle before arrival and overnight in Oudomxai.
Day 05
Oudomxai - Muang Sing |
Travel from Oudomxai (Muang Xai) to Muang Sing, a scenic town, home to the THAI LUE people and draws all kind of locals from around the region for trading. Tour the town, by visiting the LOCAL MARKET, the main Buddhist Temples, WAT XIENG JAI and WAT NAM KAEW LUANG. Later on, strike out into the countryside and take the opportunity to visit some of the different minority villages in the area. Overnight in Muang Sing.
Day 06
Muang Sing - Luang Nam Tha |
After an enjoyable trip from Muang Sing to Luang Nam Tha, along winding roads through beautiful tropical forests, passing hill tribe villages en route, begin to discover the provincial capital of the Luang Nam Tha Province. This rapidly expanding town plays an important role as a centre for commerce between China, Thailand and Laos. Begin the sightseeing program by visiting the LOCAL MARKET and PHOUM POUK PAGODA, first built in 1624, now in ruins after the Indochina War. Continue to the LUANG NAM THA MUSEUM for an overview of the different ethnic minorities that inhabit the area. In the afternoon, explore the many minority villages in the area, including a BLACK TAI VILLAGE.
These tribes are known for their silk production and weaving. Continue to a 200 year old LENTEN village, whose inhabitants are known for paper making and indigo dyes; and a KHMU VILLAGE known for basketry and water gourds.
If time permits, visits can be arranged to a HMONG VILLAGE with a handicrafts cooperative, which has a selection of handicrafts from surrounding ethnic groups and/or another LENTEN VILLAGE near a nice waterfall. After an eventful day retire to the hotel and overnight in Luang Nam Tha.
Day 07
Luang Nam Tha - Nong Khiaw |
The first part of the journey from Luang Nam Tha to Nong Khiaw will offer the opportunity for sightseeing in Ban Na Yang. After proceeding southwards through the scenic countryside, visit the village of the THAI Lue is known for their cotton weaving skills. Arrival and overnight in Nong Khiaw.
Day 08
Nong Khiaw - Luang Prabang |
Another exciting day will begin by a boat trip from Nong Khiaw to Luang Prabang. Cruising downstream the Mekong River, passing steep limestone cliffs, enjoy a wonderful view over the Mekong and the Nam Ou rivers, home to the THAM PAK OU CAVES. These extraordinary caves are filled with Buddha images, of every style and material imaginable. On the return journey, stop at BAN XANG HAI VILLAGE, a local village famous for the production of láo-láo, the local rice wine whisky. Retire back and overnight in Luang Prabang.
Day 09
Luang Prabang - Vang Vieng |
Travel from Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng and visit local villages on the way. Another highlight of the day is the visit of the THAM XANG CAVE, also called Elephant Cave. It contains a few Buddha images, footprints and elephant shaped stalactites which gave the cave its name. Overnight in Vang Vieng.
Day 10
Vang Vieng - Vientiane |
Begin the day by visiting the extraordinary TAM CHANG CAVE which in the past was used as a bunker against the Chinese and is nowadays a place to admire the stunning stalactites and stalagmites.
On the route to Vientiane, stop for a visit to the TALAT FISH MARKET in Huay Mor and continue to Vang Xang, an 11th century Buddhist archaeological site where primitive Buddha images are carved on the cliff. Finally arrive and overnight in Vientiane.
Day 11
Vientiane - Pakse -Tad Lo |
Take a flight from Vientiane to Pakse and continue east across the BOLAVEN PLATEAU, a fertile coffee and tea growing area, rich in ethnic groups, predominantly Laven. The journey through the pleasantly cool climate will include several visits of different waterfalls in the region and gives the opportunity to admire and enjoy the beautiful natural surroundings. Along the way between Pakse and Paksong, on the western edge of the plateau, visit the impressing TAD E-TU WATERFALL, the TAD FANE WATERFALL, the highest in Champasak Province and also the TAD YUANG WATERFALL. Afterwards head north towards SALAVAN with a stop at minority villages and a visit to TAD LO WATERFALL and TAD HANG WATERFALL. Overnight in Tad Lo.
Day 12
Tad Lo - Pakse - Don Khong |
Begin the eventful day with a relaxed swim in the pleasant TAD LO FALLS. Afterwards explore the surrounding area of the Tad Lo Resort on the back of an Elephant. After this exciting ELEPHANT-RIDE journey south by vehicle along the east bank of the Mekong from Tad Lo to Pakse. Near Champasak city cross the river by ferry and visit VAT PHOU CHAMPASAK, one of the best preserved examples of major Khmer architecture, more than 200 years older than Angkor Wat itself. Return back across the Mekong and southwards towards Don Khong. Overnight in Don Khong.
Day 13
Don Khong |
Take a boat from Don Khong to DON DET ISLAND and DON KHONE. The islands are connected by a former railway bridge which stopped operating in 1945. The larger island Don Det is famous throughout Laos for the cultivation of coconut, bamboo and kapok.
Take the chance to visit BAN KHON VILLAGE, the main village on Don Khone with several old French villas and continue to TAAT SOMPHAMIT (LI PHI FALLS), a raging set of rapids at the western end of Don Khone. Overnight in Don Khong.
Day 14
Don Khong - Pakse |
Start the journey from Don Khong. After crossing the Mekong by ferry visit the miraculous KHONE PHAPHENG, the largest waterfall in Southeast Asia and one of the most impressive sites in the area. Here, the entire Mekong with all its force cascades down curving stone outcroppings and tints the massive stones reflecting beautiful rainbows. After heading north the next and final destination is Pakse. Founded by the French in 1905 as an administrative post, the capital of Champasak Province is a relatively new town at the confluence of the Mekong and Se Don rivers. Spend the day exploring the highlights of the town, including the CENTRAL MARKET, WAT LUANG, WAT THAM FAI, the CHAMPASAK HISTORICAL HERITAGE MUSEUM and the trading post of BAN MUANG KAO, the weaving village of BAN SAPHAI. Overnight in Pakse.
Day 15
Pakse |
Transfer to airport.
End of the tour.
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[Rates are subject to change without prior notice.]
