Overview

This trip highlights Laos as one of the truly unspoiled gems of Southeast Asia. It is a land of lush mountainous terrain untamed natural beauty, centuries’ old cultural heritage and charming local people. The enigmatic Plain of Jars, pre-Angkorian ruins, remote Buddhist caves and 4000 river islands are among many of the spellbinding wonders to be discovered in this multi-faceted and fascinating country.

Luang Prabang – Xiengkhouang – Vientiane – Pakse – Wat Phou – Don Khone Island

Price Includes

Private air-conditioned vehicle as per program
Local English speaking guide
Accommodations based on Twin/Double share with daily breakfast
Meals (excluding drinks) as specified
Boat fee & sightseeing fee as specified, on a private basis
Government tax and service charges
Complimentary bottled drinking water

Price Excludes

Visa fees
Personal expenses
Travel insurance

Itinerary

Day 1Arrival – Luang Prabang (D)

Arrive in Luang Prabang, meet your guide and private transfer to hotel.

Day 2Luang Prabang – Khuangsi Waterfall (B,L)

Visit Wat Mai, renowned for its golden bas-relief, National Museum (former Royal Palace), Wat Sensoukarahm with its dazzling golden façade, Khuang Si Waterfalls. Swim or walk on forest paths.
Climb to Mount Phou Si (328 steps) to see the gilded stupa, and beautiful views at sunset.

Day 3Luang Prabang – Pak Ou Caves (B)

Early risers will have a chance to witness the monks’ morning ritual, collecting alms.
Visit the Morning Market, Wat Visoun and the magnificent Wat Xiengthong with its sweeping low roofs. Visit the famous Pak Ou Caves on the Mekong River and the rice alcohol-producing village of Ban Xang Hai, the holy caves of Tham Ting and Tham Phoum and Ban Xang Khong, renowned for silk hand-weaving and traditional Saa paper-making.

Day 4Luang Prabang – Xieng Khouang (B,L)

Drive to Phonsavan, the capital of Xieng Khouang (6-7 hours driving). Visit the mysterious Plain of Jars with thousands of large stone jars scattered over the plateau.

Day 5Xieng Khouang (B)

Morning, more exploring on the Plain of Jars. Visit the ancient capital of Muang Khouang, and interesting ethnic villages, and The Mulerry Silk Farm, a fair trade company reviving high quality silk production.

Day 6Xieng Khouang – Vientiane (B)

Transfer to airport for flight to Vientiane. On arrival, meet your guide and private transfer to hotel.

Day 7Vientiane (B,L)

Visit Wat Sisaket, the only intact temple after the Siamese invasion in 1828. Visit Wat Phra Keo with a collection of Lao and Khmer works of art, the Presidential Palace, Wat Simuang – the most venerated temple in Vientiane, That Luang, the holiest site in Laos, and Patuxay monument, Laos’ version of the Arc de Triomphe.

Optional: Visit the Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge and the Buddha Park with over 200 Buddhist and Hindu sculptures.

Day 8Vientiane – Pakse – Wat Phou – Don Khone Island (B,L)

Morning flight to Pakse. At Champasak, visit the pre-Angkorian ruins of Wat Phou, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Driving to Don Khone, a wilderness paradise.

Day 9Don Khone Island (B,L)

Morning, retrace the French colonial past of Ban Khone. Explore Don Khone, an area of 4000 river islands, the beautiful Liphi Waterfalls, marking the Lao and Cambodia border and Khone Pha Pheng Waterfalls, “The Niagara of the East”.

Day 10Don Khone Island – Tadlo – Pakse (B,L)

Leave Don Khone Island for the wild beauty of the Bolaven Plateau. Visit the spectacular waterfalls of Tad Lo. Swim, ride elephants and explore ethnic minority villages of Alak, Nge, and Katu. Return to Pakse and evening at leisure.