Itinerary
DAY 01- LUANG PRABANG
Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel. Luang Prabang is a very special city! It enchants with its magnificent location amidst mountain ranges and its historic temples, which gave the city the title of World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
Meal Plan:
N/A
Overnight accommodation:
Guesthouse/ Hotel in Luang Prabang
DAY 02-LUANG PRABANG - CITY TOUR
Explore the city by Tuk Tuk. The Tuk Tuk (a motorized-rickshaw) was brought to Southeast Asia in 1934 from Japan, and has since then become an icon of the region. The classic Tuk Tuk is a sheet-metal roof covering an open frame which rests on three wheels. They’re one of the most popular forms of transportation in Laos, Thailand and Cambodia, and this Southeast Asian emblem is the perfect vehicle for an open-air tour of Luang Prabang.
Departing from the hotel at 08:30, get on the Tuk Tuk to the open-air Morning Market in the old town. There are only a few large grocery stores here—instead, food is still produced by small farming families and villages and brought to Luang Prabang from the surrounding rural areas. Guide will explain the common vegetables and fruits that are in season and pick up some snacks for later.
A short walk from the market is Wat Mai Suwannaphumaham (“New Monastery ''), the National Museum (Royal Palace) and Hor Phra Bang. After the museum, travel again by tuk tuk through more of the picturesque town to Wat Visounnalath. Continue to Heuan Chan Luang Prabang for a short activity and learn how to make Banana Leaf and Flower.
Another short tuk tuk ride along the Nam Khan River to Wat Xieng Thong. End the day’s tour on top of Mount Phousi.
Meal Plan:
Breakfast & Lunch
Overnight accommodation:
Guesthouse/ Hotel in Luang Prabang
DAY 03-RICE IS LIFE EXPERIENCE / THE LIVING LAND FARM & TAD KUANG SI WATERFALL
A day to follow the footsteps of the local rice farmers. Spend half a day in the rice field and forget that you are a tourist! On a traditional working organic farm you will be introduced to every step of the rice industry and will of course be involved in the selection of the seeds, the water buffalo plowing, the tedious planting etc. And of course there will be rice too to eat! Well-fortified with Asia's staple food, in the afternoon it continues into the breathtaking nature to explore the Tad Kuang Si waterfalls.
The short drive leads through rice fields, small villages and hilly landscape. A detour to a Hmong village will tell you something interesting about the centuries-old culture of these people.
The Kuang Si waterfalls are an ideal place to relax and recharge your batteries. The Bear Rescue Center and some villages await you, where you can get to know traditional handicrafts.
Meal Plan:
Breakfast & Lunch
Overnight accommodation:
Guesthouse/ Hotel in Luang Prabang
DAY 04-THAM PAK OU CAVES - PHA TAD KE BOTANICAL GARDEN
Aboard a traditional, slow boat, the Mekong goes upstream. The Mekong is the tenth longest river in the world and has a biodiversity in its basin that is only surpassed by the Amazon in the world. At the confluence of the Nam Ou and Mekong you will go ashore to explore the Pak Ou Caves, where centuries-old stupas, shrines and thousands of Buddha sculptures testify to the spiritual traditions of mankind. On the Mekong, it's back to Luang Prabang. In Ban Xang Khong, watch how craftsmen from the bark of the mulberry tree conjure up special paper.
Then onto one of the most respected holy sites in Lao; Pak Ou Caves have a history dating back thousands of years. Packed with over 4,000 Buddha icons, the caves, a shrine to the river spirit and Lord Buddha, are set in a dramatic limestone cliff at the point where the Mekong joins the Nam Ou River. There are two caves to visit, the lower cave called Tham Ting and the upper cave Tham Theung, both boasting miniature Buddhist figures that are mostly made from wood. After continue by boat to the Botanical Garden.
Meal Plan:
Breakfast & Lunch
Overnight accommodation:
Guesthouse/ Hotel in Luang Prabang
DAY 05-LUANG PRABANG-VANG VIENG
Say goodbye to Luang Prabang and head to the imposing mountainous region of Central Laos! Along the way, visit some Hmong villages. This interesting indigenous hill tribe migrated from southern China to Laos in the 18th century. The arrival in the small town of Vang Vieng, which is located between gigantic limestone cliffs in the magical valley of the Nam Song River.
Next arrive on the small town of Vang Vieng is located 150 km north of Vientiane. This is a place of a dreamlike landscape of bizarre limestone mountain peaks and scenic cliffs with the Nam Song River bisecting the town. At the base of the town’s limestone mountains are a network of caves.
Distance: 220 km / 5-6 hrs
Meal Plan:
Breakfast & Lunch
Overnight accommodation:
Guesthouse/ Hotel in Vang Vieng
DAY 06-VANG VIENG-NAM NGUM LAKE-VIENTIANE
Today is a day of excursions. First, drive south to Nam Ngum Lake, where you can explore various tropical islands on a boat trip. Then we will visit Vang Xang archaeological site and finally reach Vientiane on the banks of the Mekong, which was already declared the capital of the Kingdom of Laos in 1563. Colonial administration was established here during the French colonial era, and thanks to the economic growth of recent years, the city has become the country's most important economic center.
Vang Xang archaeological site which dates back to the 11th century. The name of the site translates to 'Elephant Palace' in reference to a nearby elephant graveyard. Here you’ll wander through the historic sites and see the fascinating Buddha sculpture reliefs inscribed onto the cliffs.
Meal Plan:
Breakfast & Lunch
Overnight accommodation:
Guesthouse/ Hotel in Vientiane
DAY 07-VIENTIANE-ORCHID TREK
Today, the day starts early and with two local guides we go on the full-day orchid walk. Starting point is the village of Pha Xay, where a fantastic view from a hill provides the right motivation. On narrow trails you will hike across the dense jungle, where you will almost feel like an adventurer. The two guides have a lot to tell about the different plants - above all, of course, about the countless orchids that cover numerous rocks over and over. Have a picnic in a dry riverbed and refresh yourself with a dip in the Tad Say Waterfall!
Meal Plan:
Breakfast & Lunch
Overnight accommodation:
Guesthouse/ Hotel in Vientiane
DAY 08-VIENTIANE-PAKSAN-KHOUN KHAM
Start early and your guide will pick you up around 08:00. Overland journey brings us further East to Paksan and onwards to Bolikhamxay Province to Khoun Kham, the starting point for tours to Tham Kong Lor Cave. Stop at Wat Phra Baht and Wat Phonsan.
Distance: 320 km / 6 hrs
Meal Plan:
Breakfast & Lunch
Overnight accommodation:
Guesthouse/ Hotel in Khoun Kham
DAY 09-THAM KONG LOR CAVE-THAKHEK
Visit Tham Kong Lor Cave, explore the karst limestone caves while drifting along a winding, underground river surrounded by spectacular rock formations. Then we continue to Thakhek, a small, clear city on the Mekong.Unterwegs We stop at the 'Great Wall' (Kamphaeng Yak) about their edification is very little known; and at the well-known and revered Sikhottabong Stupa, located on the Mekong.
Distance: 190 km / 3.5 hrs
Meal Plan:
Breakfast & Lunch
Overnight accommodation:
Guesthouse/ Hotel in Thakhek
DAY 10-THAKHEK-SAVANNAKHET
Overland southwards to Seno and Savannakhet, the capital city of Khammouane Province. Visit That Ing Stupa and Dinosaur Museum.
The old French Quarter of Savannakhet downtown invites for an evening stroll, and you can sit along the Mekong River Bank for a sunset drink & snack.
Distance: 170 km / 3 hrs
Meal Plan:
Breakfast
Overnight accommodation:
Guesthouse/ Hotel in Savannakhet
DAY 11-SAVANNAKHET-TAD LO
Drive to Tad Lo and on the way, visit the Hor Tay Phidok Library, located South of Savannakhet. Arrive late afternoon and check-in to the Lodge near the Tad Lo Waterfall.
Distance: 260 km / 5-6 hrs
Meal Plan:
Breakfast & Lunch
Overnight accommodation:
Guesthouse/ Hotel in Tad Lo
DAY 12-TAD LO-BOLAVEN PLATEAU-PAKSONG
The renowned coffee of Laos is produced in this region. During colonization, the French promoted the production of high quality Arabica and Robusta strains. Production declined during the war years, but is now experiencing a renaissance. The climate of the plateau with its cooler temperatures and abundant rainfall makes it the perfect place for coffee production.
A chance to visit some coffee and tea plantation and taste the unique flavour of Lao coffee.
This area is rich in ethnic groups, predominantly Laven. Enroute the road between Pakse and Paksong on the western edge of the plateau, visit Tad E-Tu Waterfall. Continue to Tad Fane Waterfall, the highest in Champasak Province, and the nearby Tad Yuang Waterfall.
Meal Plan:
Breakfast & Lunch
Overnight accommodation:
Guesthouse/ Hotel in Paksong
DAY 13-BOLAVEN PLATEAU-CHAMPASAK-VAT PHOU-XE PIAN
After breakfast, drive from Paksong down into the Mekong plain and visit the town of Champasak, where we’ll explore the French colonial architecture dotting the town. Further South, we reach the ruined Khmer temple complex of Vat Phou. Our next stop is the city of Champasak with its French colonial architecture. Continue to the Xe Pian National Park area and the magnificently situated Kingfisher Ecolodge for relaxing or alternative activities; e.g. Hike or elephant safari to the Phou Asa mountain.
Distance: 130 km / 2.5 hrs
Meal Plan:
Breakfast & Lunch
Overnight accommodation:
Ecolodge
DAY 14-XE PIAN-DON KHONG
Take a scenic drive South to Don Khong. This island is one of the larger, permanently inhabited islands in the area of 'Si Pan Don' (4000 islands).
Distance: 100 km / 1.5 hrs
Meal Plan:
Breakfast
Overnight accommodation:
Guesthouse/ Hotel in Don Khong
DAY 15-4000 ISLANDS-TAD KHONE PHAPHENG WATERFALL-PAKSE
By boat to explore the area of 4000 Islands (Si Pan Don). Return to Pakse with a stop at the legendary Khone Phapheng Cascade Falls.
Distance: 190 km / 4.5 hrs
Meal Plan:
Breakfast
Overnight accommodation:
Guesthouse/ Hotel in Pakse
DAY 16-PAKSE-DEPARTURE
Transfer from hotel to airport for departure flight.
Meal Plan:
Breakfast
Overnight accommodation:
End of Service
