Discovery of Laos Cultural Tour 18 Days

Upon arrival at Luang Prabang Airport, you’ll be greeted and transferred to your hotel. Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is renowned for its cultural, historical, and architectural significance, blending seamlessly with its natural surroundings. With no planned activities for today, take the opportunity to explore this ancient city at your leisure.

Overnight in Luang Prabang.

After breakfast, we explore Luang Prabang’s cultural gems, including the Royal Palace Museum and the elegant Wat Xiengthong. We then head to the captivating Kuang Si Waterfall, where you can swim and visit the Bear Rescue Centre. Returning to town, we visit the Ock Pop Tock Living Craft Center and ascend Phousi Hill for a stunning sunset view. Finally, we peruse the Night Market for handmade textiles before retiring for the night in Luang Prabang.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Embark on an adventure at Nahm Dong Park, a mere 10 kilometers from the city center, departing at 8:30 am from your hotel. Upon arrival, the park manager will extend a warm welcome before we dive into the day’s activities. The highlight is an exhilarating 1-hour zipline experience soaring over lush jungles and waterfalls, followed by a scenic jungle trail walk, complete with hanging bridges, streams, and pristine pools for a refreshing dip. A picnic lunch awaits at a viewpoint with panoramic vistas, including the city’s Mount Phousi. The afternoon offers leisure and exploration opportunities before retiring for the night.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch.
Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Embark on a captivating journey upstream on the Mekong River, taking in the serene countryside. We’ll stop at Ban Xanghai village, known for its local rice wine, before reaching the charming riverside town of Pakbeng. Our voyage continues to the enigmatic Pak Ou Caves, where thousands of gold-lacquered Buddha statues left by pilgrims adorn the interconnected caverns. Pakbeng, a historical stop for river traders between Luang Prabang and Huayxay, offers an authentic and scenic river cruise. 

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight in Luang Pakbeng.

Begin your day with a visit to the vibrant morning market. After breakfast, embark on a boat ride to the elephant camp on the opposite side of the lodge. Learn about elephants and their conservation efforts, witness their bath, and enjoy a short show. In the afternoon, journey to Namkat Yorla Pa, passing by local markets, rural life scenes, and breathtaking mountain vistas. Oudomxay, the provincial capital, reflects the region’s rapid changes. As you leave the bustling town behind, you’ll enter pristine nature. Arrive at Namkat Yorla Pa in the late afternoon to check in, unwind, and savor the panoramic views.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight in Namkat Yorla Pa.

Explore the town and the resort’s scenic surroundings at your own pace. The resort offers various activities, such as trekking, quad biking, and ziplining, which you can reserve in advance. Enjoy your overnight stay at Namkat Yorla Pa.

Meals included: Breakfast.
Overnight in Namkat Yorla Pa.

Today, we bid farewell to Namkat Yorla Pa and embark on a scenic drive to Nong Khiaw, a picturesque town along the Nam Ou River. En route, we may explore the captivating Pra Xing Kham Temple, home to an ancient Buddha image that has stood for four centuries and is believed to possess extraordinary powers. Upon arriving in Nong Khiaw in the afternoon, we’ll take a brief stroll to Tham Pha Thok, a limestone cave that served as a refuge during the Indochina War. We’ll spend the night in this charming town surrounded by tranquil beauty.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight in Nong Khiaw.

Embark on an 8 am longboat journey through stunning landscapes, stopping at a riverside village and the Tad Mork waterfall for a refreshing swim and picnic lunch. Continue upstream to Muang Ngoy, a charming town popular with backpackers. Explore the area before returning downstream, stopping at another village, and arriving in Nong Khiaw at sunset for an overnight stay in this picturesque town.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch.
Overnight in Nong Khiaw.

After breakfast, transfer to Muang Soune, a village located 65 km north of Luang Prabang along the Nam Ou River. Upon arrival, cross the river with a local ferry and meet the host family. Enjoy lunch with the family and take some time to rest. In the afternoon, explore local village activities, visit the school, and meet skilled weavers. You can even have a traditional dress tailor-made. Bathe in the river or shower in the house, participate in a Baci ceremony, and prepare or enjoy dinner with the family. After dinner, you can join the family in playing cards, one of their favorite post-dinner activities.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Overnight in Muang Soune.

During this homestay experience, you’ll wake up early to prepare sticky rice for the monk’s offering, participate in alms giving at the temple, and have breakfast with the family. Join Kham and her uncle for a fishing expedition on the Ou River, learning new techniques along the way. Embark on a hike to the rice fields, exploring rural farmer life and visiting family organic gardens. Enjoy lunch with the family, have free time to explore the village and purchase souvenirs, and cross the river by local boat before returning to Luang Prabang, concluding the experience at your hotel.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight in Luang Prabang.

You’ll have a leisurely morning to explore the town before taking a scenic one-hour train ride to Vang Vieng. Upon arrival, you can visit Tham Jang Cave, which was used for defense against Chinese invaders in the 19th century and offers panoramic views over Vang Vieng and the surrounding area at sunset.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight in Vang Vieng.

Explore the limestone cliffs and caves of Vang Vieng, beginning with a visit to Tham Pou Kham (Golden Crab Cave) after crossing the Nam Song River. You’ll descend 100 meters into the cave through a small entrance. Later, enjoy leisure time at the Blue Lagoon for relaxation before heading to the train station for a one-hour train journey to Vientiane. Upon arrival, you’ll be transferred to your hotel in the city for an overnight stay.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight in Vientiane.

Begin your day with a visit to the renowned Wat Si Muang, known for its supernatural power, followed by a 45-minute drive to Buddha Park (Xieng Khuan), a unique park filled with over 200 Buddhist and Hindu statues. Explore the Lao Disabled Women Development Center, supporting disabled women’s empowerment and livelihoods. Afternoon highlights include That Luang, Laos’ holiest site, Patuxai’s panoramic city views, serene Wat Sisaket, and the religious museum Wat Phra Keo, featuring Lao and Khmer artworks. Conclude your capital tour along the Mekong River at sunset, enjoying the local food stalls, cold drinks, and scenic stroll by the riverbank.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch.
Overnight in Vientiane.

Embark on a flight to Pakse after breakfast, then head east to the cool Bolaven Plateau, known for its elevated location. Explore a tea plantation and marvel at the twin chute Tad Fan Waterfall. Visit local villages renowned for crafting iron knives and bamboo baskets, including Ban Lak Sipchet and Ban Lak Samsip. If time allows, dip into the refreshing natural pool at Tad Yeung waterfall. Conclude your journey with a visit to a coffee plantation before reaching your overnight destination on the Bolaven Plateau.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight in Bolaven Plateau.

After breakfast, explore the vibrant Tha Teng food market and visit unique ethnic minority villages, Ban Bong Neua (Alak village) and Ban Kokphung (Katu village with coffins under houses). In the afternoon, visit Wat Phou, an ancient Khmer temple complex dating back to the 5th Century and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Continue to Champassak for French colonial architecture and then to Done Khong Island for relaxation or exploration.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight in Khong Island.

After breakfast, take a 1.5-hour long tailboat ride to explore the “Si Phan Done” area, characterized by numerous islets formed during the dry season. Explore the peaceful villages of Ban Khone, which are remnants of the French colonial era and include old buildings and the first Lao railway. Visit the Liphi waterfall, known as the “Corridor of the Devil,” and enjoy free time for island exploration, biking, and watching the sunset along the Mekong riverbank.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight in Khone Island.

After breakfast, embark on a 1.5-hour long-tail boat journey to explore the “Si Phan Done” area, known for its myriad of islets revealed during the dry season. Explore the peaceful Ban Khone villages, showcasing relics from the French colonial era, including historic buildings and remnants of the first Lao railway. Continue your exploration of the 4000 islands by tuk-tuk, visiting the stunning Liphi waterfall, also known as the “Corridor of the Devil,” marking the Lao-Cambodian border. Return to the mainland at Ban Nakasang fishing village and head south to visit Khone Phapheng, the largest waterfall by volume in Southeast Asia, known for its abundant wildlife. Finally, drive back to Pakse for an overnight stay.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight in Pakse.

After breakfast, transfer to Ubon Ratchathani (Thailand) via the Chongmek Border to catch your flight to Bangkok and connect to your departure flight back home. Please note that the transfer time, including border procedures, is approximately 3 hours. From Pakse, you also have the option to take flights to Siem Reap, Ho Chi Minh City, Vientiane, Luang Prabang, or Bangkok. Safe travels!