Cultural and Natural Southern Laos Travel 8 Days

Upon your arrival at Luang Prabang Airport, you’ll be transferred to your hotel in this UNESCO World Heritage-listed city. After settling in, explore the ancient city at your leisure. Later in the day, join a private Baci ceremony hosted by a local family to immerse yourself in Lao culture and spirituality. The day concludes with a shared dinner, offering a rich introduction to Laos’ cultural heritage.

Overnight in Luang Prabang.

After breakfast, our day begins with a visit to the Royal Palace Museum, followed by a leisurely cruise on the Mekong River. We’ll admire the scenic countryside before arriving at the mysterious Pak Ou Caves, known for housing thousands of gold-lacquered Buddha statues left by pilgrims. Along the way, we’ll stop at Ban Xanghai. Returning to the city, we’ll explore Wat Sene and Wat Xiengthong, a splendid example of Lao temple architecture. Time permitting, we may visit nearby villages specializing in arts, crafts, and traditional papermaking. You can even engage in a local petanque game. As the day winds down, we’ll pause at Wat Prabath to witness a beautiful sunset before concluding our tour at the famous Night Market, offering handmade textiles.

Meals included: Breakfast.
Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Begin your day with the revered morning alms giving tradition. Visit the local morning market near the former Royal Palace, where villagers barter their daily catches. After breakfast, ascend Phousi Hill for stunning panoramic views. Optionally, explore the UXO Visitor Center to learn about Laos’ secret war. Next, head to Kuang Si, the area’s largest waterfall with azure pools for swimming. Optionally, visit the Bear Rescue Center. On route back, stop by the Ock Pop Tock Living Craft Center and catch a Luang Prabang sunset. Overnight in Luang Prabang with family-friendly options like the Buffalo Dairy Farm and Butterflies Park.

Meals included: Breakfast.
Overnight in Luang Prabang.

After breakfast, fly to Pakse, southern Laos’ largest city. From there, journey east to the Bolaven Plateau, known for its cooler climate. Explore a tea plantation, visit Tad Fan Waterfall, and experience local village life in Ban Lak Sipchet and Ban Lak Samsip, known for iron knives and bamboo basket making. If time allows, visit Tad Yeung and swim in its clear natural pool. Finally, explore a coffee plantation before overnighting in the Bolaven Plateau.

Meals included: Breakfast.
Overnight in Bolaven Plateau.

After breakfast, visit the Tha Teng ethnic minority food market and explore two captivating minority villages: Ban Bong Neua, an Alak village with a sacrificial altar, and Ban Kokphung, a Katu village known for keeping coffins under their houses. In the afternoon, visit Wat Phou, an ancient Khmer religious complex dating back to the 5th century and recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This pre-Angkorian temple sits amidst rice fields and waterways in southern Laos. Then, explore Champassak’s French colonial architecture before heading to Done Khong for relaxation or further exploration on the island.

Meals included: Breakfast.
Overnight in Khong Island.

After breakfast, embark on a 1.5-hour longtail boat ride to explore the expansive Mekong River, known as “Si Phan Done” during the dry season due to its numerous islets. Upon arrival, visit the peaceful villages of Ban Khone, where relics from the French colonial era, including old buildings and remnants of the first Lao railway, are on display. Continue the exploration of the 4000 Islands area via tuktuk, visiting the stunning Liphi Waterfall, also known as the “Corridor of the Devil,” which marks the border between Laos and Cambodia. The remainder of the day is free for your own island exploration, with the option to rent a bike and discover local life while enjoying the sunset along the Mekong River.

Meals included: Breakfast.
Overnight in Khone Island.

After breakfast, embark on a 1.5-hour longtail boat ride to explore the Mekong River’s extensive “Si Phan Done” region, known for its numerous islets during the dry season. Discover the serene village of Ban Khone, rich in relics from the French colonial era and remnants of the first Lao railway. Continue your exploration with a tuktuk tour of the 4000 Islands, visiting the captivating Liphi Waterfall, also known as the “Corridor of the Devil.” Return to the mainland at Ban Nakasang, then head south to witness Khone Phapheng, Southeast Asia’s largest waterfall by volume, near the Lao-Cambodian border.

Meals included: Breakfast.
Overnight in Pakse.

After breakfast, transfer to Ubon Ratchathani in Thailand via the Chongmek Border. From there, catch a flight to Bangkok, where you can connect to your departure flight back home.