OVERVIEW

Laos In Depth

Travel form the North to the South, discovering both culture and nature of Laos. The tour is mixing visits of cities and countryside to satisfy all tastes. As its names says, you will discover Laos in depth on this tour.

ITINERARY

Luang Prabang | Pak Ou Cave | Kuang Sy Waterfall | Xieng Khuang | Vang Vieng | Vientiane | Pakse | Khone Island

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Day 01

Luang Prabang Arrival

Meet your guide at the airport and transfer to your hotel

Accommodation: Hotel in Luang Prabang

Meals: Not included

Upon arrival at international airport, you are warmly welcome by local guide and transfer to the hotel for check-in. You are free at your leisure for relaxing after the long flight.
Day 02

Luang Prabang - Pak Ou Cave

Immerse yourself in the Lao culture, enjoy a river cruise and discover typical villages

Accommodation: Hotel in Luang Prabang

Meals: Breakfast

In the morning, head to the Phousi Mount where you also can have a nice panorama of the city.
 
Enjoy a short drive to visit Vat Xieng Thong or Temple of the Royal City - one of the most important of Lao monasteries and remains a significant monument to the spirit of religion, royalty and traditional art.
 
Then continue to Wat Visoun – an unusual structure which represents the earliest Lao style.
 
Afterwards, transfer to the pier and take a long-tailed boat for an upstream cruise. During the cruise, you will be treated a stunning of nature along the river. From the distance you can see limestone cliffs where the hidden Pak Ou Caves are located. The cave is home to thousands of Buddha statues which make the region a revered one. Take your time to explore numerous images hidden in the cave.
 
Then, make your way back to the city. En-route, stop to visit Ban Xang Hai village to learn more about the making process of the traditional Lao rice whisky. It is a great chance to taste its unique flavor. Move onto Ban Xang Khong village - famous for its wood paper and Lao silk weaving.
 
Return to hotel for relax.
Day 03

Luang Prabang - Kuang Sy waterfall

Continue your cultural exploration, and refresh yourself in a turquoise pool surrounded by stunning falls

Accommodation: Hotel in Luang Prabang

Meals: Breakfast

For early risers, alms giving ceremony is a good chance to learn about local culture. We suggest you to enjoy the sunrise at the crossroads in town when you will also see monks in saffron robes from Luang Prabang’s many temples walking in long silent processions searching for offerings left to them by the faithful.
 
Then set off your exploration with a visit to the Royal Palace also known as the National Museum to learn more about the long-lasting history and culture of the region. Afterwards, pay a visit to Wat Mai, a beautiful temple located nearby Royal Palace and built in the 18th century. It is the largest and most richly decorated of the temples in Luang Prabang.
 
Head to Kuang Sy Falls a stunning turquoise waterfall. On the way, you will pass through rice fields and beautiful small villages dotted along country road. Make a stop at some of the villages. Take a fresh swim to refresh yourself in many basins.
 
The balance of day is free at leisure.
Day 04

Luang Prabang - Xieng Khuang

Leave Luang Prabang for Xieng Khuang and discover the mysterious Plain of Jars

Accommodation: Hotel in Phonsavanh

Meals: Breakfast

Breakfast is at your hotel.
 
Today, leave Luang Prabang for Xieng Khuang (306 km – about 5h drive), associated with the historic war between 1964 and 1973.
 
Upon arrival, head to the Plain of Jars, the home of giant stone jars dated back at least 2000 years. The plain contains thousands of big and small jars, the biggest one is 2.5m in diameter and weigh tens of tons. The others are in numerous different shapes, sizes and no one is alike. Most of them have no lid except one. Especially, its lid was carved with strange patterns which no expert can explain.  There are many mysterious stories behind this famous destination. Some people say it used to be the accommodation of giants but some others consider it a historic cemetery and each jar is a funeral urn.

Transfer back to your hotel.
Day 05

Xieng Khuang

Continue your immersive cultural experience by discovering Mulberry Farm

Accommodation: Hotel in Phonsavanh

Meals: Breakfast

Waking up early in the tranquil ambiance in Xieng Khuang, enjoy your breakfast and visit the Central Market of Phonsavanh where you can see many different hill tribe people and their daily activities.
 
Afterwards, continue to Muang Khoun, an ancient capital and stronghold for the Xieng Khuang royal family was destroyed during the Indochina War. The town was rebuilt after 1975 with rows of wooden Lao houses and a market area and is surrounded by beautiful mountain scenery. Visit Wat Phia That and That Foun.
 
Return to the city center and then go to Mulberry Farm. Here you can see all the 26 steps of silk making, starting with the silkworm through to the actual finished handicraft products. Walk around the area and look over the shoulder of the various producers involved in the process. You’ll discover the silkworm breeding, the natural dying process, as well as the actual weaving.
 
The balance of day is free at your leisure.
Day 06

Xieng Khuang - Vang Vieng

Head to Vang Vieng along picturesque roads and enjoy a free afternoon

Accommodation: Hotel in Vang Vieng

Meals: Breakfast

Today, continue to Vang Vieng about six-hour drive along picturesque winding roads. There are stunning vistas of towering limestone karst hills around every turn.

Enjoy lunch along the way.

The afternoon is free for you to relax on the scenic banks of the Song River or explore the lovely town.
Day 07

Vang Vieng

Explore Vang Vieng and the caves of Ban Pha Thao. Kayak down the Nam Song River and learn about the local farming

Accommodation: Hotel in Vang Vieng

Meals: Breakfast

Breakfast is at hotel.
 
Today, you have more time to discover further Vang Vieng - a riverside town in Central Laos. In the morning, you will transfer by car to Ban Pha Thao - about 15 km from North of Vang Vieng. From here, you will start your 2 hour hike and make 2 stops to visit  2 caves. The first stop is Tham Hoi Cave (also known as Snail cave). The entrance to Tham Hoi is guarded by a large Buddha figure. The cave is said to be some four kilometers long. The next stop is Tham Xang Cave (also known as Elephant cave). Located in a scenic karst area to the northeast of Thakaek, Tham Xang is one of many famous caves known for its remarkable limestone formation. The area surrounding offers beautiful scenery and from the view of the top of the cave entrance you can see the stretching Mekong River. Then, you will continue your trip to Lao Loum Village - where you will take a vehicle to the town.
 
Then kayak down the Nam Song River. You can be overwhelmed by the enchanting scenery when the sun going down behind the mountains. Along the kayaking adventure, we will make a stop at an organic farm which will give you the chance to relax and learn about the local farming. Head back to the town in the late afternoon.
Day 08

Vang Vieng - Vientiane

Visit Tham Chang Cave and discover some typical villages

Accommodation: Hotel in Vientiane

Meals: Breakfast

Breakfast is served at your hotel.
 
Today, you'll have a chance to visit Tham Chang Cave - one of the most important caves of Vang Vieng. It is situated on the Southern side of Vang Vieng. Tham Chang (or Jang) became the home for migrating people, who settled near the town’s southern Meuang Xong Village to rise vegetables. At the foot of the cave crystal clear water runs out of the mountain into the river. From this cave, you can see beautiful views of the village and rice fields. Admire charming sight of the cave and head back to Vientiane.

On the way, you will visit Vang Sang - where remains dozens of Buddha images dating from the 16th century. Then, make a few stops at some villages to have a glimpse of life of the locals. When arriving in Vientiane, your guide will transfer you to the hotel to check-in.
Day 09

Vientiane - Buddha Park

Visit Vientiane on a guided tour

Accommodation: Hotel in Vientiane

Meals: Breakfast

Breakfast is served at your hotel.
 
Today, you will spend time to explore the capital city of Laos. In your Vientiane tour, you will visit:
- Buddha Park: home to hundreds of Buddha statues and an enormous Buddha image which is 40m in length. Take your time to explore its unique statues with different size and shapes of human, Godheads and animals.
- Vat Sisaket: famous for not only its cloister wall storing thousands of tiny Buddha images but also its beautiful architecture and layout with history dated back to 1818.
- Vat PhraKeo: built in 1565 is one of the most impressive and interesting temples in Vientiane. It previously housed the famous Emerald Buddha image.
- Pha That Luang (built 1566, reconstructed 1930). It is the most important Laotian religious and national monument. The temple has an unique architecture reflecting Lao culture and identity, becoming a symbol of Lao nationalism.
- Patuxay: the memorial monument – was built in 1957 and is the most prominent landmark in the city. The architecture of the monument was inspired by the architecture of Triumphe in Paris and combined with typical Lao motifs. From the top of the monument, you can see an excellent panoramic view of the city.
 
Transfer back  your hotel with remainder of day free at your leisure.
Day 10

Vientiane - Pakse - Bolaven Plateau

Fly to Pakse and head to Bolaven Plateau via typical villages

Accommodation: Hotel in Bolaven

Meals: Breakfast

Early morning, transfer to Wattay airport to take a flight to Pakse. Upon arrival, you are met by your local guide and drive ahead to Saravanh province via Tateng. The stumbling water and lush vegetation around Tad Fan waterfall of today’s Atacular.

Make a stop en route observing the traditional local making tea and coffee, a cup can be tasted prior exploring the local cultures and its way of life along the way to Boloven Plateau area, the cultivation of rich coffee, tea, cardamom, bananas, and other crops are being seen along both side of our way. This is allowed time for visitors to venture off the beaten path and explore some of the lesser-known areas of Laos pointing for full exploration of the wild beauty of this southern region. Upon arrival at Tad Lo waterfall, visit villages of Alak, Nge, Katu and meet the ethnic group of minority.
Day 11

Pakse - Khong Island

Visit the UNESCO site of Wat Phou and ride a friendly Elephant before heading to 4000 Islands

Accommodation: Hotel in Khong Island

Meals: Breakfast

Breakfast is served at your hotel.
 
Today, drive south to the famous Khmer Temple complex of Wat Phou. This UNESCO World Heritage Site represents the easternmost border of the Khmer empire.

Continue on to an Elephant Camp to see how handlers (“mahouts”) train these giant, friendly beasts! Ride one of the friendly pachyderms to the top of Phou Asa to see mysterious ruins there.

After lunch, continue to 4000 Islands by van.
Day 12

Khong - Khone Island

Explore two Islands on a bike and reach the Irrawaddy river by boat to eventually see dolphins

Accommodation: Hotel in Khong Island

Meals: Breakfast

Breakfast is served at your hotel. Today is devoted to explore the Don Det and Don Khone, two smaller islands. Enjoy a boat trip along Mekong river, on the way you can see children of Mekong playing under water or the fishermen in their daily lives.
 
Ride a bike to visit these two islands, which are linked by a bridge. Visit Ban Khone fishing village - where you could explore the ruins of French railway tracks and the beautiful Liphi Waterfall. Enjoy the tranquil atmosphere in the islands and take awesome photos of the local life and natural beauty.
 
In the afternoon, embark the motor boat again to visit Cambodian border where the famous Irrawaddy dolphins live. If you are lucky, you can see them playing and swim on the river.
 
The balance of day is free at your leisure. 
Day 13

Khone Island - Pakse

Discover a famous waterfall of the 4000 Islands and head back to Pakse

Accommodation: Hotel in Pakse

Meals: Breakfast

Breakfast is served at your hotel.
 
Make the most of your last minutes in Don Khong, enjoy the sunrise before leaving Si Phan Don for a drive to Khone Papheng - one of the most significant attractions of the 4000 islands. This 10 kilometers waterfall becomes the largest waterfall in Southeast Asia and is considered as the jewel of Laos.
 
Then head back to Pakse for check in at hotel.
Day 14

Pakse - Departure

Say goodbye to our team at Pakse airport

Accommodation: Not included

Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for your return flight.

Price

  • We can customize this itinerary to meet your specific needs. 
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TOUR INCLUSIONS

For your peace of mind, our tours are designed to include as much as possible in the price, but also to give you the freedom to find a special place to eat or to seek out an independent adventure that especially appeals to you.
Trip Inclusions
  • Hotel accommodation 
  • Private transportation
  • Meal as per mention in program
  • Domestic air ticket
  • All entrance fees for the whole trip
  • Fresh water and towel
Trip Exclusions
  • Visa fees
  • International arrival and departure flight tickets

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