Soulful Laos through History and Nature 1

Soulful Laos through History and Nature 2

Soulful Laos through History and Nature

Why this tour?

• Discovering Kuang Si Falls and Pak Ou Caves: Two enchanting destinations in Laos, where the cascading turquoise waters of Kuang Si meet the ancient Buddhist caves of Pak Ou, creating a mesmerizing tapestry of natural beauty and spiritual wonders
• Buddha Park in Vientiane is a serene place filled with beautiful and grand statues, offering a peaceful glimpse into the spiritual side of Laos
• Vientiane, the calm capital of Laos, welcomes with its temples, markets, and friendly vibe, offering a peaceful yet vibrant taste of Laotian life
• Pakse and Don Khone, a picturesque duo in Laos, where the sleepy town of Pakse meets the serene beauty of Don Khone’s islands, offering a tranquil retreat along the Mekong River.

Practical infomation on Ha Noi

5/5

Duration 11 days

Go All years

...

Adventure Activities

Boat and Cruise Tours

Normal Walking

ITINERARY IN BRIEF

Day 1: Welcome to Luang Prabang – Wat Visoun and the shrines of Wat Aham and Wat Mai
Day 2: Luang Prabang – Wat Sene and Wat Xieng Thong temples – Pakou Caves – Ban Xanghai village (B)
Day 3: Luang Prabang – Phosi Market – Khuang Si Waterfall (B)
Day 4: Luang Prabang – National Museum – Xieng Khouang (B)
Day 5: Xieng Khuang – Vang Vieng – Tham Jang Cave (B)
Day 6: Vangvieng – Vientiane – Buddha Park (B)
Day 7: Vientiane city tour – Wat Sisaket, Buddha statues, Wat Ho Prakeo (B)
Day 8: Vientiane – Flight to Pakse and boat to Donkhong island (B)
Day 9: Don Khone Island – Sorrounding (B)
Day 10: Done Khone Isalnd – Tadlo – Pakse (B)
Day 11: Pakse – Departure (B)

SERVICES INCLUDE

• Hotel accommodation based on a twin/double share with daily breakfast
• Meals as indicated in the itinerary (B: for Breakfast, L: for Lunch, D: for Dinner)
• All landed transfers within the tour by air-conditioned vehicle, including pick-up and drop-off at airports on arrival and departure days
• English Speaking Tour guide. Other languages on request
• Boat trips in the Mekong Delta
• All entrance and sightseeing fees
• All taxes & services charge
• Bottled water in car

Soulful Laos through History and Nature 5

DETAILED PROGRAM

Day 1: Welcome to Luang Prabang - Wat Visoun and the shrines of Wat Aham and Wat Mai

You will be met by our staff and transferred to your hotel. Luang Prabang is perhaps the best-preserved traditional city in Southeast Asia. The tranquility and charm of this town with its splendid natural scenery and cultural sights make it one of the most delightful places to visit in Laos. We’ll visit the impressive stupa of Wat Visoun and the shrines of Wat Aham and Wat Mai; we then climb up to the top of Mount Phousi to explore the sacred, gilded stupa as well as capture a beautiful view of the city and the Mekong River at sunset. From there, we visit the Night Market, where you can browse through a lovely selection of handmade textiles. Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Day 2: Luang Prabang – Wat Sene and Wat Xieng Thong temples - Pakou Caves – Ban Xanghai village (B)

After breakfast, we explore ancient temples like Wat Sene and Wat Xieng Thong with their beautiful architecture. Then, we take a scenic cruise on the Mekong River, passing serene countryside. We visit Pak Ou Caves, home to many Buddha statues. Along the way, we stop at villages like Ban Xanghai, known for rice wine, and Ban Xiengmene and Ban Chan. Later, we visit Wat Longkhoun and drive to craft villages like Ban Phanom, famous for weaving, and Ban Xangkong and Ban Xieng Lek, known for silk and papermaking. Overnight in Luang Prabang

Day 3: Luang Prabang – Phosi Market - Khuang Si Waterfall (B)

Start your day early to join the monks' alms giving ritual, a unique tradition in Laos. Visit the bustling Phosi Market and explore local crafts in ethnic villages. Later, relax at the stunning Khouangsi Waterfalls, where you can swim and enjoy nature. End the day watching the sunset at Wat Phabath in Luang Prabang. Overnight in Luang Prabang

Day 4: Luang Prabang – National Museum - Xieng Khouang (B)

After breakfast, we explore The National Museum, showcasing Laos' rich cultural heritage. Then, we embark on a scenic drive to Xieng Khouang, a region once affected by bombings. Along the way, we travel off the beaten path, meeting locals and experiencing rural life. In Xieng Khouang, we visit the fascinating Plain of Jars, an archaeological site with large stone jars scattered across the plateau. If time allows, we explore the old capital of Muang Khoun and nearby villages. Overnight in Xiengkhuang

Day 5: Xieng Khuang – Vang Vieng - Tham Jang Cave (B)

After breakfast, we travel from Xiengkhuang to Vang Vieng, a journey of approximately 6 hours. The town is surrounded by caves, mountains, and a river. Upon arrival, you'll be captivated by the breathtaking views of rock formations and the Nam Song River. Vang Vieng offers unique scenery and a variety of outdoor activities. With a guide, you can explore the town, visit hill tribe villages, or engage in outdoor adventures. Activities include a boat trip on the Nam Song River, visiting Tham Jang Cave, exploring places like Tham Poukham Cave and the Blue Lagoon. Overnight in Vang Vieng

Day 6: Vangvieng – Vientiane – Buddha Park (B)

Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer by road 1.5 hours to Vientiane. Arrival in Vientiane, we continue our sightseeing tour of the surrounding areas. Time permitting we’ll go to the impressive Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge and Buddha Park, a scattered enchanting collection of Buddhist and Hindu sculptures. There are approximately 200 religious images dating back over 500 years here. A spectacular view of over the Mekong River at sunset is a perfect way to finish the day. Overnight in Vientiane.

Day 7: Vientiane city tour - Wat Sisaket, Buddha statues, Wat Ho Prakeo (B)

After breakfast, we explore the capital, visiting key landmarks like Wat Sisaket with its 8000+ Buddha statues, Wat Ho Prakeo, the former home of the Emerald Buddha, and That Luang Stupa, Laos' most important monument. We also see Patuxay, the city's Arc de Triomphe, honoring war victims. Exploring on foot, we visit Wat Ong Tue, Wat Inpeng, and Wat Haisok. We stroll through shopping areas and Vientiane Central Markets. In the late afternoon, we enjoy the sunset along the Mekong Riverside. Rest for the night in Vientiane

Day 8: Vientiane – Flight to Pakse and boat to Donkhong island (B)

After breakfast, we catch an early flight to Pakse. On arrival, we drive south to visit the fascinating UNESCO protected pre-Angkorian ruins of Wat Phu, one of Southeast Asia's most dramatically situated temples. They are perched at the base of Mount Phu Kao and date back to the 5th century. We continue our drive to Ban Nakasang then take a local boat to Donkhone island, the largest island in the South Mekong river region known for its 4000 islands. Overnight in Don Khone Island.

Day 9: Don Khone Island – Sorrounding (B)

After an early breakfast, we explore the local villages, where you will see an array of relics from the French colonial era including an old railway and locomotive. We continue to discover the area by boat at our leisure and make sure to stop at Liphi waterfalls, one of the most beautiful in Laos. If we are lucky, we may even see the rare freshwater Irrawaddy Mekong dolphin. Drive to Khone Phapheng, the largest and most famous waterfalls in South East Asia. Overnight in Don Khone Island .

Day 10: Done Khone Isalnd – Tadlo – Pakse (B)

Upon leaving Don Khone, we continue our journey towards Tadlo through the Boloven plateau. The Plateau is known for its cooler temperature and has remarkable rivers running off the edges into the lush forests below. A trip to the plateau provides a refreshing break from the heat and allows you to see how coffee, tea, cardamom, bananas, and other crops are cultivated. This part of our journey is off the beaten track and allows you to discover some of the lesser-known areas in Laos. Upon arrival at the Tad Lo waterfall, we visit ethnic minority villages of the Alak, Nge and Katu. We return to Pakse by late evening. Overnight in Pakse .

Day 11: Pakse – Departure (B)

After breakfast; there will be free time for your own exploration of Pakse before catching a flight to Siem Reap, Cambodia or exiting Laos overland to Thailand.