Heritage & Nature of Laos: From Luang Prabang to 4000 Islands - 12 Days 11 Nights

An optional early start gives you the fantastic opportunity to participate in the daily morning alms giving ritual to saffron clad monks. This tradition is unique to Laos, being the only Buddhist nation still preserving this procession. Stop and visit fresh local markets and back to hotel for breakfast. 

This morning, depart to visit the former Royal Palace, now the National Museum. Visit Wat Mai, a temple renowned for its golden bas-relief. During Pimai, the Lao New Year, the Prabang normally housed in the Royal Palace Museum is brought and put on public display in this temple. 

This afternoon, the first destination is Wat Visoun, the site of impressive Thad Makmo stupa. The rounded dome is stylistically more Sinhalese than Lao. It’s just a few minutes to Wat Aham on foot, a tranquil temple shaded by ancient banyan trees and decorated with traditional murals.

Next, visit to the most photographed temple, Vat Xiengthong. Located at the end of peninsular closed to the confluence of Mekong and Khan River. Continue heading to Wat Sene Souk Haram or literally "Temple of a 100 000 treasures", one of the most beautiful temples in Luang Prabang, singular by its restored painting of a deep ochre colour, flamboyant and glittering with gold.

Finally destination of the day is Traditional Arts and Ethnology Centre, which is a museum dedicated to preserving the culture of Laos’ ethnic groups. Visitors can see traditional clothing, tools, and daily life objects.

Back to hotel. Time at leisure.

Nighttime is for your own discovering Luang Prabang night market.

Meals on your own. Overnight at hotel.

Meal: Breakfast Hotel: Villa Chitdara

Breakfast at hotel.

This morning, transfer to the pier where you board a traditional boat for a relaxing cruise upstream on the mighty Mekong River. Enjoy stunning mountain scenery and witness the simple rural lifestyles. You will reach Buddha Caves at the confluence of the Mekong and Nam Ou Rivers. In these 2 caves are displayed hundreds of sacred centuries-old Buddha images which are the object of pilgrimages during the Lao New Year festivities around mid-April. Cruise back to Luang Prabang, stop to visit Ban Xangkhong, a traditional weaving village where you can observe skilled artisans creating beautiful fabrics on wooden looms, also offers you the chance to join locals in making handmade paper lanterns, which you can take home as a memorable souvenir.

Back to hotel. Time at leisure or walking around the Luang Prabang to discover the ancient houses and local life.

Meals on your own. Overnight at hotel.

Meal: Breakfast Hotel: Villa Chitdara

Breakfast at hotel.

This morning, depart to the outskirts of Luang Prabang, driving through green rice paddies and farms. On the way, stop at Phosy Market, the busiest local market in town, where you can explore a wide variety of fresh produce, local snacks, and daily goods that reflect the vibrant life of the Lao people.

On arrival at Kuang Si Falls, start with a short walk along the trails to visit the Bear Rescue Center, a fun and educational stop for children. Continue to the spectacular Kuang Si Falls, where the cascades form turquoise pools perfect for swimming and relaxation. Afterwards, explore the Butterfly Park to admire colorful species. On the way back to Luang Prabang, stop at the Buffalo Dairy Farm to meet the animals and enjoy their homemade ice cream – a sweet reward after a day full of exploration.

Back to hotel. Time at leisure.

Meals on your own. Overnight at hotel

Meal: Breakfast Hotel: Villa Chitdara

Breakfast at hotel.

In the morning, the guide and driver will pick you up at your hotel and transfer you to a local family for the cooking class. The experience begins with a vibrant morning market visit, where you'll explore local ingredients, herbs, and spices. With guidance from your host at their home, you’ll then prepare traditional dishes and enjoy the meal together.

In the afternoon, take a local ferry across the Mekong River to Ban Xieng Mene, a peaceful riverside village where you can immerse yourself in the slow-paced local life. Continue to visit the serene Wat Chom Pet, known for its hilltop views of the Mekong, and Wat Long Koon, once used by Lao kings as a retreat before royal ceremonies.

After the visit, back to hotel. Time at leisure.

Dinner on your own. Overnight in hotel.

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch Hotel: Villa Chitdara

Breakfast at hotel.

This morning, meet your guide and driver, then transfer to Elephant Village Camp (~30mns ~15km). The program includes the following activities :

•          Arrival at the Elephant Village Camp: Welcome greeting by local guide and participate in a short briefing about elephants
•          Elephant Feeding: Get up close and personal with elephants
•          Explore Elephant Village:  Visit our elephant hospital, museum, gallery and dung paper making facility!
•          Learn to communicate: Enjoy the impressive experience of being a Mahout and how they communicate.
•          Boat trip to the Tad Sae Waterfall: Ride in a traditional Lao long boat to the Tad Sae Waterfall and relax or swim in the clear water.  Swimsuit recommended!  (note: water levels will vary with seasonal conditions)
•          Lunch: Lunch at our Elephant Camp restaurant.  Your buffet lunch is served with coffee / tea and drinking water (vegetarian options are available)

Relaxing time on the Elephant Village Camp near the Nam Song River, surrounded by peaceful nature and the calm riverside atmosphere.

In the afternoon, transfer to the station and catch the train to Vang Vieng (~1h) from Luang Prabang. Vang Vieng, a small town, which is nestled on a bend of the Nam Song River. Its stunning scenery with its limestone outcrops remains unspoiled, despite recent developments with the advent of tourism. 

Meet the guide and driver, then move to hotel for check in and time at leisure.

Dinner on your own. Overnight at hotel.

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch

Breakfast at hotel.

Start your day by a scenic boat cruise (30-45mns) on Nam Song River, surrounded by limestone mountains and lush greenery.

Then, depart to visit Tham Jang Cave, the most famous cave in Vang Vieng. In the early 19th century, this cave was used as a defensive hideout against Chinese invaders. Explore its impressive limestone formations and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding landscape from the cave entrance.

Next, move to Tham Nangfa (Angel Cave), a recently discovered cavern featuring spectacular stalactites and limestone formations in various intricate shapes. Take in the breathtaking beauty of these hidden natural wonders.

This afternoon, transfer to Vientiane (~2h) from Vang Vieng. Vientiane is one of the quietest capital cities in the world, far away from the bustle and hustle of other Asian capitals. On arrival, check in hotel and time at leisure.

Meals on your own. Overnight at hotel.

Meal: Breakfast Hotel: Lao Orchid Hotel

Breakfast at hotel.

This morning, start with a visit to Talat Sao Market, the bustling central market of Vientiane where you can explore stalls selling local textiles, handicrafts, fresh produce, and daily essentials. Continue to visit the major sights of the capital; including the oldest Wat Sisaket with thousands of miniature Buddha statues and the former royal temple of Wat Prakeo previously housed the famous Emerald Buddha Image. On the way to the famous and sacred structure of That Luang Stupa, we stop to take some pictures of the imposing Patuxay Monument,which is well known as Vientiane’s own Arc de Triumph. Lunch on your own.

This afternoon, visit Buddha Park (~45mns), located 25kms from city center. It is an enchanting sculpture garden featuring over 200 Buddhist and Hindu statues, including a massive reclining Buddha. After visiting, back to hotel. Time at leisure. 

This evening, enjoy the special dinner at Kualao restaurant, accompanied by a traditional Lao dance performance, offering you an authentic cultural experience to end the day.

Nighttime is for your own visiting at the Street Night Market.Overnight in hotel.

Meal: Breakfast, Dinner Hotel: Lao Orchid Hotel

Breakfast at hotel.

Transfer to the Wattay airport for flight to Pakse (~1h). On arrival, welcome by guide and driver, then depart to visit Boloven Plateau. As soon as you leave Pakse, the road climbs in elevation as you ascend onto the Plateau. The area of Volcanic Rock makes for suburb tea and coffee plantations which thrive on the rich soil and the cooler climate. Visit 2 beautiful waterfalls of region: Tad Fane Waterfall and Tad Yuang Waterfall.

Driving back to Pakse with stop on the way to explore an authentic local village and check in hotel. Time at leisure.

Meals on your own. Overnight in hotel.

Meal: Breakfast Hotel: Pakse Hotel

Breakfast at hotel.

This morning, depart to Champassak and visit the temple ruins of Wat Phou (UNESCO World heritage site), a ruined Khmer Hindu temple complex. This temple is one of the oldest places of workship in Southeast Asia. After the visit, heading to 4000 islands area (Si Phan Don area) to visit Khone Phabeng Waterfalls  characterised by thousands of islands and countless waterways. The Khone falls is one of the largest waterfalls in Southeast Asia.

Then drive to Don Khong island. Spend your time to discovery the largest island and most peaceful one in Si Phan Don area, southern Laos. Check in hotel and time at leisure.

Meals on your own. Overnight in hotel.

Meal: Breakfast Hotel: Pon Arena Hotel

Breakfast at hotel.

This morning, depart to Ban Nakasang village where you start a cruise (~30mns) on long tail boat to Don Khone. On arrival, take moto- taxi and begin re-tracing the French colonial times here as many remnants (old pier, stream railway, French buildings) stand still.

Then, move to visit the gorgeous Liphi waterfall, which is a must-see for waterfall lovers. Continue to discover the authentic Don Det before cruising back to Nakasang village where driver is waiting for transfer back to Pakse.

Check in hotel and time at leisure.

Meal: Breakfast Hotel: Pakse Hotel

After breakfast, free time until your transfer with driver to Pakse airport for your international flight. Check-out time is at noon.

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Meal: Breakfast