LUANG PRABANG & SOUTHERN LAOS

On arrival at the Luang Prabang airport, you will be met and transferred to check in the hotel.

Situated in the centre of northern Laos, Luang Prabang is classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its outstanding cultural, historic and architectural values and its harmonious relationship between the natural and built environment.

After a soft rest, you may want to stroll around for the first impression of this ancient city. 2 Late afternoon, join a private Baci ceremony at a local family. The Baci ceremony as a traditional ritual of the Lao people expresses the spirituality of the country and is a highly memorable experience and a deep insight into Lao culture for the participants.

Meal: Dinner

Overnight at hotel in Luang Prabang

After breakfast, you will first visit Royal Palace Museum, which was built in 1904 during the French colonial era for King Sisavang Vong and his family.

We then embark on a leisure cruise upstream on the Mekong River, which also gives us a breathtaking view of the tranquil countryside, before reaching the mysterious Pak Ou Caves, two linked caves crammed with thousands of gold lacquered Buddha statues of various shapes and sizes left by pilgrims.

Along the way, we stop at the village of Ban Xanghai, where they make the local rice wine. On arrival back in the city, we will visit the old Wat Sene and the nearby magnificent Wat Xiengthong a superb piece of Lao temple architecture, which presents a sweeping two-tiered roof and ornate mosaics including a beautiful ‘tree of life ‘glass montage on the rear temple wall.

Next, we will visit Heuan Chan, a 19th-century aristocratic mansion that offers a glimpse into Lao culture through traditional ceremonies, textiles, and family life. This restored mansion stands as a testament to Lao heritage, featuring enriching exhibitions and a documentary on Laos' customs. After the visit, we'll have the opportunity to taste authentic Lao coffee or tea, providing a true taste of Laos.

Late afternoon, we will make a stop at Wat Prabath to admire the sunset; this is the ideal place to catch the last beauty of the day. The tour ends after a visit to the famous Night Market, where you can find a lovely collection of handmade textiles made by local and hilltribe people surrounding Luang Prabang.

Optional: If you are fond of various ethnic cultures, you can visit Traditional Art and Ethnology Center (closed on Monday).

Meal: Breakfast

Overnight at hotel in Luang Prabang

Wake up as the sun rises, we will prepare to join the most sacred tradition of Laos, the daily morning alms giving, which dates to the 14th century. More than 200 Buddhist monks depart from various temple to gather their daily meal from the faithful residents sitting quietly on the streets.

We then visit the temporary morning market near the former Royal Palace. Just set on the ground, the local people come here to barter their day’s catch from rice, to vegetable, to fish, or chicken. After breakfast at the hotel, we ascend the 329 steps to the top of Phousi Hill for a panoramic view of the city and the Mekong River.

If time permits, we will visit UXO Visitor Center (closed on Saturday, and Sunday), where you can find the documentation about the secret war in Laos. Then transfer directly to the beautiful Kuang Si, which is the biggest waterfall in the Luang Prabang area with three tiers leading to a 50-metre drop into spectacular azure pools before flowing downstream. The pools also make great swimming holes and are very popular with both tourists and locals 3 There is also the chance to walk to the nearby village of Ban Thapene, and explore the hidden waterfalls, which is rarely visited by other tourists

If you wish, take a short visit to the Bear Rescue Center, which houses a couple of dozen animals rescued from the hands of poachers and traffickers. On the way back to Luang Prabang, we will take a short visit to the Ock Pop Tock Living Craft Center, set serenely close to the Mekong, this beautiful, traditionally styled workshop, where weavers, spinners and batik makers produce top-quality fabrics, offers free tours every half-hour. This is also one of the best spots to admire the sunset in Luang Prabang

Transfer back to your hotel late afternoon.

Tip:

+ For the family vacation, you can visit the Buffalo Dairy Farm on the way to Kuang Si waterfalls, which offer the fun and interesting experience for the kids.

+ After visiting Kuang Si waterfalls, you can visit the nearby Butterflies Park, where you can enjoy the afternoon tea with the homemade cookies whilst relaxing inside the green peaceful garden full of colorful butterflies.

Meal: Breakfast

Overnight at hotel in Luang Prabang

After breakfast, we take the flight to Pakse, the biggest city of the southern Laos.

Upon arrival, we head east to Pakse and onto the Bolaven Plateau. The Bolaven Plateau is known for its cooler temperature being located high above the Mekong Valley. Stop at a tea plantation, followed by a brief visit to Tad Fan Waterfall, a picturesque twin chute waterfall.

We will also visit the local village at Ban Lak Sipchet, which makes iron knife; and Ban Lak Samsip, which makes bamboo basket. If time permits, we will also visit Tad Yeung and take some dip into the cool clear natural pool at the foot of the waterfall

Last stop is at a coffee plantation before arriving at your destination for the evening.

Meal: Breakfast

Overnight at hotel in Bolaven Plateau

Following breakfast, venture to the vibrant Tha Teng ethnic minority food market. Then, embark on a journey to explore two captivating minority villages: Ban Bong Neua, an Alak village renowned for its sacrificial altar, and Ban Kokphung, a Katu village where coffins are traditionally stored beneath houses.

In the afternoon, immerse yourself in history with a visit to Wat Phou, an ancient Khmer religious complex dating back to the 5th Century. Recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, Wat Phou is a breathtaking pre-Angkorian temple nestled amidst the picturesque rice fields and waterways of southern Laos. Constructed by the rulers of the Khmer empire prior to Angkor Wat, this temple once served as a pivotal economic and political hub, remaining today one of the most revered temples among the Lao people.

Following your exploration, journey to Done Khong, where the remainder of the day is yours to unwind or further explore the island's treasures. Spend the night on Done Khong Island, soaking in its tranquil ambiance.

Meal: Breakfast

Overnight at hotel in Khong Island

Set off in the morning aboard a 1.5-hour-long tail boat to explore the expansive Mekong River at its broadest point, known affectionately as "Si Phan Done", where the receding waters during the dry season reveal countless islets.

Upon reaching our destination, delve into the quaint villages of Ban Khone, rich with relics from the French colonial era. Wander through streets lined with old colonial buildings and catch glimpses of the first Lao railway's remnants, including its vintage locomotive.

Continue your island exploration by Tuk Tuk, taking your time to visit the mesmerizing Liphi waterfall, a breathtaking cascade that marks the boundary between Laos and Cambodia, also referred to as the Samphamith. En route back, pay a visit to a local pagoda to gain insights into the spiritual customs of the region and admire the intricate architecture of the temple.

Conclude the day with a leisurely stroll through the village, immersing yourself in the daily life of the locals. For those inclined, bicycles are available for rent (at your own expense) to further explore the island at your own pace. Take a sunset ride around the island, soaking in the relaxed ambiance of Khone Island.

Retreat for the night, soaking in the serene surroundings of Khone Island.

Meal: Breakfast

Overnight at hotel in Khone Island

After breakfast, we'll head back to the mainland at the fishing village of Ban Nakasang and continue our journey further south to visit Khone Phapheng, known as the largest waterfall by volume in Southeast Asia. Situated near the Lao-Cambodian border, Khone Phapheng is a remarkable sight nestled within a wildlife-rich area, making it one of the most awe-inspiring destinations in Laos.

Following our visit to Khone Phapheng, we'll drive back to Pakse. Established by the French in 1905 as an administrative center, the capital of Champasak Province is a relatively modern town located at the confluence of the Mekong and Se Don rivers. In the afternoon, our first stop will be at Ban Khoh, renowned for its stone carving expertise. From there, we'll take a leisurely stroll to the nearby Wat Chomphet, home to the largest sitting Buddha statue in Laos.

As the late afternoon approaches, we'll ascend to the top of Wat Phou Salao to admire the panoramic view over the town of Pakse and the surrounding area as darkness falls over the city.

Meal: Breakfast

Overnight at hotel in Pakse

After breakfast, we will transfer directly to Ubon Ratchathani (Thailand) via Chongmek Border to take the flight to Bangkok and connect to your departure flight back home.

Note:

+ Transfer time: 3 hours including border time.

+ From Pakse, you can also take the flight to Siem Reap, Ho Chi Minh City, Vientiane, Luang Prabang, or Bangkok

Meal: Breakfast