Laos Exploration

After breakfast, we visit the Royal Palace Museum, which houses a number of interesting artifacts. Our next stop in the city is the magnificent Wat Xiengthong with its sweeping low-slung roofs, representing classic Laotian architecture. We will also take a look at the Traditional Art & Ethnology Center to learn about the various Lao ethnicities. Laos is also known for its traditional crafts, and today, you will visit Lao ethnic minority villages in Ban Ouay, a Hmong village, Ban Ou, a Laoloum village, and Ban Thapene, a Khmu village. This will then take us to the beautiful Kuang Si Waterfalls where you can cool off with a refreshing swim in the pool or walk along the forest trails.

Before returning to Luang Prabang, we stop to visit the Kuang Si Falls Butterfly Park, one of the must-visit places, recently opened in January 2014. Arriving in Luang Prabang, we climb the 329 steps to the top of Phousi Hill for a beautiful sunrise view of the city and its glowing reflection on the Mekong River. Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Suggestion for early risers: Go to a crossroads in the city center at sunrise (around 5:30 AM), and you will witness the long, silent processions of saffron-robed monks from the numerous temples of Luang Prabang, collecting offerings from the faithful. Respect them, observe them in silence, and refrain from disrupting their walk.

Transfer to the pier for a cruise on the Mekong River. Visit the sacred Pak Ou Caves, which house hundreds of Buddha statues. Continue to Kamu Lodge, where you will receive a welcome drink, and then settle into your spacious tent equipped with all modern comforts. Lunch will be served in an open-air sala in the middle of a rice field.

The afternoon offers various activities related to the daily life of the Kamu people, including rice cultivation, gold panning in the Mekong, traditional fishing, and village exploration. Test your skills in an archery contest! Enjoy a typical Kamu minority dinner. Dinner at the lodge and overnight in your tent (with two beds).

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight in Kamu Lodge

You have the morning free for a walk around the lodge and the surrounding village. The Shompoo cruise boat will arrive around 9:30 AM to pick you up for the upstream cruise to Pakbeng, a small village on the Mekong River. Along the way, we will stop at Ban Baw, famous for its traditional handwoven textiles. Arrive in Pakbeng in the mid-afternoon, check into your hotel, and take a walking orientation around the town. Overnight in Pakbeng.

Note: Shompoo Cruise departure schedule: every Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight in Pakbeng

7:00 AM: An early wake-up call gives you the fantastic opportunity to participate in the morning ritual of saffron-robed monks collecting alms (often in the form of sticky rice) from devout residents. This tradition is unique to Laos, as it is the only Buddhist country that still observes this ritual (your driver will accompany you to the Pakbeng commune for the alms-giving).

We head towards Oudomxay, the most mountainous region of Laos. The many villages dotting the hills and rolling terrain make it an interesting journey.

Oudomxay Province is home to a mix of 23 ethnic minority groups. We make several stops along the way to allow you to see ethnic minority groups such as the Hmong, Khmu, Black Thai, and Lue. Members of the hill tribes are always friendly, welcoming you with waving hands and smiling faces. Overnight in Oudomxay. Arrive in Oudomxay in the afternoon, visit Kmu Village, and have free time at your hotel. Overnight in Oudomxay.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight in Oudomxay

Breakfast at your hotel.

8:00 AM Arrive in Muang La and follow the Nam Phak River until the point where you will start trekking to the village. During your journey, you will discover beautiful natural sites surrounded by lush green rice fields, mountains, local people working in their farms, and engaging in activities like local fishing methods.

9:00 AM Arrive at the intersection (dirt road) where you will begin trekking along the small green trail to the village. During the trek to the village, you will see rivers, diverse species, and plants.

11:30 AM Arrive at the village and take a break.

12:00 PM Lunch in the village and visit the village.

12:30 PM Walk to a valley towards the isolated Houay Khai waterfall.

1:10 PM Continue trekking into the virgin forest, and it’s possible to join agricultural production activities with the local populations on their farms.

3:00 PM Return to the village.

4:30 PM Arrive back at the village where a car will pick you up.

We will depart for Muang Khua, the small town along the way to Tay Trang, the border with Vietnam. Overnight in Muang Khua.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight in Muang khua

In the morning, embark on a boat cruise on the Nam Ou River to Muong Ngoy in a traditional boat. During the journey, you’ll be surrounded by magnificent landscapes along the riverbanks. Arrive in Muong Ngoy in the afternoon and embark on a 2-hour hike amidst karst cliffs in the Muang Ngoi region. Continue boarding a boat for a 1-hour cruise to Nong Khiaw. Overnight in Nong Khiaw.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight in Nong Khiaw

Start this adventurous day with a peaceful boat ride on the Nam Ou River, where you’ll have the opportunity to explore a Laotian village along the river. Discover the villagers and their way of life along this northern Laos river before beginning the 100 waterfalls adventure hike!

Walking through small streams and rice paddies, you’ll arrive at the base of the 100 waterfalls, which were only explored in October 2008! For the next few hours, you’ll see nothing but water and jungle and hear the constant sound of clear waterfall cascades. The pools around you are very inviting for a refreshing touch. Your guide will lead you through the waterfalls and prepare a local-style lunch that you can enjoy by the falls, surrounded by surprisingly green nature. A small village trail above the 100 waterfalls will lead us on our hike down into the valley, offering a wide view of the expansive Nam Ou Valley.

Once back in the village, we’ll have some more time to experience the daily life of the riverside village of Nam Ou before returning to Nong Khiaw (Nong Khiau) by boat.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight in Nong Khiau

In the morning, we visit the historic Phathok Cave. The villagers of Nong Khiaw used this cave as a war shelter during the “secret war” to provide refuge from bombs dropped in the area. It’s about a 30-minute gentle walk from Nong Khiaw town and takes you through beautiful landscapes. Learn about a secret part of Lao history and explore the historic caves with your guide. From the cave, you’ll have a magnificent view of rice fields and the valley. Walk to Nong Khiaw along a small path through the rice fields.

In the afternoon, we transfer to Luang Prabang by minivan. Along the way, we will also stop at Ban Pak Ou, where we will take a small motorboat to visit the mysterious Pak Ou Caves. We arrive in Luang Prabang just in time for the sunset. The tour ends after transferring you to your hotel.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Breakfast at the hotel. You have the entire day for leisure. Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Breakfast at the hotel. Departure for Vang Vieng. In the afternoon, visit the Jang Cave and an organic farm. Transfer to the train station to go to Vang Vieng in the late afternoon. Overnight in Vang Vieng.

Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight in Vang Vieng

Depart from your hotel in Vang Vieng and cross the Nam Song River via a bamboo bridge before starting the day by exploring one of the most unusual caves in the region, ‘Tham Poukham’ (the amazing Golden Crab Cave). Afterward, we will cycle on a circuit covering about 26 km through the Nam Song & Vang Vieng karst landscape. After reaching the remote side of the ridge, a steep hike leads to Tham Poukham Cave. Its hidden chambers are filled with countless stalagmites and stalactites, underground lakes, deep wells, and chimneys up to 80 meters high!

Continuing, we arrive at Phonxay, the first village on the banks of the Nam Khouang. The road continues south from here, passing by Nam Khouang; we follow it to the Ban Nathong Tai crossroads, which takes us back to Vang Vieng where we’ll enjoy a sunset by the riverside.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight in Vang Vieng

After breakfast, transfer to the train station for departure to Vientiane, the capital of Laos. Along the way, cruise on Lake Ngum with stops on islands. Continue to Vientiane. Overnight in Vientiane.

Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight in Vientiane

Depart to Buddha Park and enjoy a walk in the park. Also known as Xieng Khuan, this park is filled with over 200 Buddhist and Hindu statues. The concrete sculptures are bizarre but intriguing, sitting majestically in the peaceful park. Then, return to Vientiane. En route, stop at Mai Savanh to explore traditional textiles of the Laotian people. In the afternoon, visit That Luang, the most sacred site in Laos. Built by King Setthethirat in the 16th century, the temple is resplendent as the sun shines on its towering golden spire. Then, enjoy a panoramic view of the city as you climb the stairs to the top of Patuxai – the “Arc de Triomphe” of Vientiane.

Continue on Lane Xang Avenue to visit Wat Sisaket, the only temple left intact after the Siamese (Thai) invasion in 1828. It is one of the capital’s most beautiful temples, and its teak-covered colonnades are filled with thousands of miniature Buddha statues. Continue to visit Wat Phrakeo, which is used as a religious museum, displaying a collection of both Laotian and Khmer artwork.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight in Vientiane

You have free time before taking the flight to Pakse, the largest city in southern Laos. Upon arrival at the airport, you will be met and transferred to the Champasak Province before taking a cruise to the island of Daeng, home to the beautiful La Folie Lodge, where you will spend the night.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight in Don Daeng

After breakfast, we take the boat back to Champasak to visit the fascinating pre-Angkorian ruins of Wat Phu, one of the most spectacular temples in Southeast Asia. We have time to explore these intriguing Khmer ruins, perched at the foot of Mount Phu Kao. Our next stop is Ban Khiet Ngong, located within the Xe Pian National Protected Area. Upon arrival, we will go for an elephant ride (1:30 hours) to Mount Phou Asa, crowned by the ancient citadel. Beyond, we will have a panoramic view of the preserved Dong Houasao region and the Mekong Valley. Then transfer to Fisher King Eco-Lodge for the night.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight in Ban Khiet Ngong

In the morning, we will head further south to visit Khone Phapheng, which is considered the largest volume waterfall in Southeast Asia; it is truly impressive, near the Lao-Cambodian border, nestled in an area teeming with wildlife, making this region one of the most spectacular destinations in Laos.

From there, we will head to Ban Nakasang and take a small boat to the 4000 Islands region to explore the peaceful villages of Ban Khone, where you can see a collection of relics from the French colonial era and trace the colonial past, including old French colonial buildings and remnants of the first Lao railway line with its locomotive. We continue to discover the 4000 Islands region by tuk-tuk and visit the wonderful Liphi Waterfall, also known as the “Devil’s Corridor,” one of the most beautiful waterfalls marking the Lao-Cambodian border. If we are lucky, we might even see the rare Mekong Irrawaddy freshwater dolphin at Ban Hang Khone. The rest of the day is your own leisure time. Overnight on Khone Island.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight in Don Khone

The next destination of our journey will be the Bolaven Plateau. On our way, we pass through lush plantations, hills, forests, and villages. Part of our enjoyment of traveling in this region is observing the beautiful countryside and meeting the local people. We stop at some of the nearby villages, home to the Kato hill tribe group. The hill tribe people are invariably friendly, welcoming you with waving hands and smiling faces. These ethnic minorities preserve their age-old cultural traditions and are distinguishable from each other by their traditional clothing. We continue our journey through the Paksong Bolaven Plateau. The Bolaven Plateau is known for its lower temperatures as it is located at a higher elevation above the Mekong Valley. Rivers flow from this high plateau in all directions and then plunge over lush forests, along a series of spectacular waterfalls. The landscape around Tad Fan Waterfall is spectacular, with twin waterfalls cascading freely into a deep gorge surrounded by lush vegetation. A trip to the plateau offers a refreshing break from the heat and provides an opportunity to see the rich cultivation of coffee, tea, cardamom, bananas, and other plants that thrive in the region. This journey gives visitors a chance to venture off the beaten path and discover some of the lesser-known regions of southern Laos, uncovering the wild beauty of this southern region. We spend the night at Sinouk Coffee Garden.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight in Bolaven

In the morning, we will bid farewell to the Bolaven Plateau and head back to Pakse Airport for the departure flight.

Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight in Pakse

Morning is free. In the afternoon, transfer to the airport for the return flight to your home country. End of the journey. “Thank you and see you again soon!”