Insights into enchanting Laos

DAY 1: Luang Prabang Arrival

Greetings and welcome to Luang Prabang, the ancient capital of Laos!

As a UNESCO World Heritage site, Luang Prabang stands as one of Southeast Asia’s most beautifully preserved traditional cities. Its serene atmosphere, breathtaking natural landscapes, and rich cultural heritage make it a truly enchanting destination in Laos, perhaps even in all of Indochina.

Upon arrival, you will be warmly greeted at the airport and transferred to your hotel for check-in (check-in is available from 14:00). The rest of the day is yours to unwind or explore this charming town at your leisure.

Overnight stay in a hotel in Luang Prabang.

Summary of inclusions

• Private airport transfer
• Hotel in Luang Prabang

DAY 2: Luang Prabang sightseeing

Wake up early to experience one of Luang Prabang’s most unique traditions: the morning alms-giving ceremony. You can join the locals along the roadside, offering food to the monks as they pass by in their saffron robes, walking slowly in a line with bowls in hand.

Afterward, return to the hotel for breakfast. Later, embark on a bicycle or green tuk-tuk tour to explore the ancient town of Luang Prabang, visiting some of its most iconic landmarks. These include Wat Visoun, known for the impressive Thad Makmo stupa with its rounded dome that reflects a Sinhalese rather than Lao style; Wat Aham and Wat Sene Temple; the renowned Wat Xieng Thong, Luang Prabang’s most photographed temple, famous for its sweeping roof that nearly touches the ground, embodying the classical Luang Prabang style; the former Royal Palace, now the National Museum, housing a vast collection of Laos’ historical and cultural artifacts; and Wat Mai, a temple celebrated for its exquisite golden bas-relief.

In the late afternoon, ascend Phousi Mountain to explore the sacred, gilded stupa and take in a breathtaking sunset view of the city and the Mekong River. Afterward, you can stroll through the Night Market, where you’ll find a charming array of handmade textiles crafted by the local and hill tribe people around Luang Prabang.

Summary of inclusions

• Bicycle ride 
• Sightseeing Luang Prabang
• Breakfast
• Hotel in Luang Prabang

DAY 3: Mekong cruise & Pak Ou cave

After breakfast, head to the pier and embark on a cruise upstream along the Mekong River, offering picturesque views of the peaceful countryside. The journey includes a fascinating visit to the mysterious Pak Ou Caves, filled with thousands of gold-lacquered Buddha statues in various shapes and sizes.

As you cruise back and forth, you’ll also stop to explore traditional local villages such as Ban Xang Hai, where you can observe and learn about the distillation of local rice wine. You’ll also visit Ban Xang Khong and Ban Xienglek, renowned for their traditional silk weaving and handmade flower paper.

The rest of the day is yours to explore the old quarter of Luang Prabang, where you can admire the beautiful colonial architecture. If you’re interested, an optional Laos cooking class is available.

The evening is free for you to enjoy at your own pace. Overnight stay in a hotel in Luang Prabang.

Summary of inclusions

• Mekong River cruise
• Holy Pak Ou cave explore
• Traditional villages visit
• Breakfast
• Hotel in Luang Prabang

DAY 4: Kuang Si falls 

After breakfast, set out on a drive to the stunning Kuang Si Waterfall, a true gem of the Luang Prabang area. Along the way, you’ll stop at Hmong and Khmu hill tribe villages, where you can gain insight into the rich cultural diversity of Laos.

Upon arrival at Kuang Si Waterfall Park, you’ll visit the Kuang Si Bear Rescue Sanctuary, where you’ll learn about the Asian sun and moon bears and the efforts of the Free the Bears Protection Program.

Kuang Si is often regarded as the most beautiful natural wonder in Luang Prabang and across Laos. From a height of 60 meters, vibrant waters cascade down limestone formations, creating a series of stunning turquoise pools. The combination of the white falls, crystal-clear ponds, intricate travertine formations, and the lush green jungle forms a breathtakingly picturesque landscape.

One of the best activities here is swimming in the turquoise pools and letting the refreshing waterfalls cascade over you. You can also hike along a jungle trail to the top of the falls for a panoramic view of the stunning water patterns below.

Take your time to explore and swim in the crystal-clear waters. Return to Luang Prabang in the late afternoon, with the evening free for you to enjoy at your leisure. Overnight stay in a hotel in Luang Prabang.

Summary of inclusions

• Private vehicle
• Kuang si falls discovery
• Breakfast
• Hotel in Luang Prabang

DAY 5: Xieng Khoang Discovery

After breakfast, set out from Luang Prabang toward Xieng Khouang, home to the renowned archeological site known as the Plain of Jars.

This scenic drive offers an opportunity to take in the breathtaking mountain views and rural landscapes of Laos. Along the way, you’ll make several stops to capture the natural beauty, visit local villages, and engage with the locals. Don’t miss the chance to pause at high viewpoints to fully appreciate the stunning scenery.

Upon arrival in Phonsavan, the provincial capital of Xieng Khouang, check in to your hotel before heading to Muang Khoun. Once the royal seat of the minor kingdom of Muang Phuan dating back to the 16th century, Muang Khoun was heavily bombed during the American War.

Explore the remnants of this historical site, including the unique sitting giant Buddha that still stands amid the columns of Wat Pia Wat, as well as the ruins of several old pagodas. You’ll also see an ancient 30-meter stupa from the Lan Xang/Lanna period. Continue with visits to That Foun Pagoda and That Chonphet Pagoda before returning to Xieng Khouang.

The evening is yours to enjoy at leisure. Overnight stay in a hotel in Xieng Khouang.

Summary of inclusions

• Private vehicle
• Sightseeing Xieng Khouang
• Breakfast
• Hotel in Xieng Khouang

DAY 6: The Plain of Jars

After breakfast, we’ll spend time exploring the renowned archaeological site, the Plain of Jars. This mysterious and ancient location features over 300 massive stone jars, seemingly carved from solid rock, scattered across the plateau. The jars, ranging from 1 to 3.25 meters in height and weighing up to six tons each, are believed to be between 2,500 and 3,000 years old. Despite several theories about their purpose, their true origin remains a mystery. French archaeologist Madeleine Colani’s research in the 1930s suggested that they might have been ancient graves, but their exact function continues to puzzle experts.

During your visit, you’ll explore Site 1 and visit nearby local villages, where you can observe daily life and traditions. Later, we’ll set off on a scenic drive to Vang Vieng.

Located on the banks of the Nam Song River and surrounded by dramatic karst landscapes, Vang Vieng is celebrated for its timeless natural beauty. This area is also home to several of Laos’s ethnic groups, including the Kmou and Hmong, who maintain their distinct cultures and traditions. Although the town has seen rapid development due to tourism, its stunning scenery, featuring serene waters and striking limestone formations, remains unchanged over the centuries.

Upon arrival, check into your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure.

Summary of inclusions

• Private vehicle
• Plain of jars discovery
• Breakfast
• Hotel in

DAY 7: Vang Vieng explore

After breakfast, begin your day with a stroll through the lively local market before enjoying a scenic long-tail boat ride along the Nam Song River. Visit the Tham Jang Cave, known for its stunning stalagmites and stalactites and its historical role as a refuge for locals during wartime.

You’ll also visit the charming village of Ban Huai Ngai, where you can immerse yourself in the unique local way of life. Afterward, depart from Vang Vieng and drive south through picturesque rural landscapes toward Vientiane. Along the way, stop at various points of interest, including the traditional salt-making village of Ban Keun, where you can learn about the Laotian salt production process.

Arrive in Vientiane in the late afternoon, with the evening free for you to relax or explore at your own pace.

Summary of inclusions

• Nam Song river boat ride
• Tham Jang caves explore
• Village visit
• Breakfast
• Private vehicle
• Hotel in Vientiane

DAY 8: Vientiane Sightseeing

Today, you’ll spend the entire day exploring the highlights of Vientiane, the capital city of Laos.

Begin your tour with a visit to Wat Sisaket, the oldest temple in the city, known for its thousands of miniature Buddha statues. Next, visit the former royal temple of Wat Prakeo, which once housed the famous Emerald Buddha. On the way to the revered That Luang Stupa, stop to snap some photos of the impressive Patuxay Monument, often referred to as Vientiane’s own Arc de Triomphe.

In the afternoon, continue your exploration of Vientiane’s mystical charm with visits to Wat Ong Tue, Wat Inpeng, Wat Haisok, and the Buddha Park, an intriguing collection of Buddhist and Hindu sculptures created by a mystical monk, situated along the Mekong River.

Cap off your day by enjoying a spectacular sunset over the Mekong River.

The evening is free for you to spend at your leisure. Overnight stay in a hotel in Vientiane.

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Summary of inclusions

• Private vehicle
• Sightseeing Vientiane
• Breakfast
• Hotel in Vientiane

DAY 9: Vientiane to Ban Na Hin

After breakfast, embark on a scenic drive through breathtaking natural landscapes to Na Hin village in Khammouane province. Nestled between two National Bio Reserves, Nam Kading to the north and Phu Hin Bun (Phou Hin Poun) to the south, this picturesque location offers some of the most stunning mountain views in southern Laos. It also serves as the gateway to exploring the Kong Lor Cave and the Tad Namsanam Waterfall.

Along the way, you’ll make several stops for photo opportunities at Rock View Point and visits to local villages. Overnight accommodations will be at a hotel or guest house in Ban Na Hin.

Overnight at a hotel in Don Khong.

Summary of inclusions

• Private vehicle
• Sightseeing en route
• Breakfast
• Hotel/guest house in Ban Na Hin

DAY 10: Kong Lor Cave explore – Nakai

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before transferring to the stunning Kong Lor Cave. Along the way, take a short walk to visit the That Mouang and Tad Nams Waterfalls. Known as one of Southeast Asia’s geological marvels, Tham Kong Lor, or Kong Lor Cave, is a natural tunnel within Phu Hin Bun National Park. The cave stretches approximately 7 kilometers and, in some parts, reaches a width and height of 300 feet, carved by the flowing waters of the HinBoun River through limestone mountains.

Board a small boat for an unforgettable cruise through the cave’s main passage, emerging into the valley beyond. Along the way, stop to admire and photograph the remarkable stalagmite and stalactite formations.

In the afternoon, continue your journey to Nakai, with a stop at Thalang Village. Upon arrival in Nakai, check into your hotel. 

Note: Nakai is an unspoiled region—take the opportunity to stroll through the village and explore its beautiful landscapes and river.

Summary of inclusions

• Boat ride
• Tham Kong Lor cave
• Breakfast
• Private vehicle
• Hotel in Nakai

DAY 11: Thakhek – Pakse & Bolaven plateau

After breakfast, embark on a scenic drive to Pakse, passing through lush plantations, rolling hills, dense forests, and traditional villages. Although the journey is a bit long, it’s well worth it, with plenty of interesting stops for photos and interaction with locals along the way. Continue on to the Bolaven Plateau, home to several hill tribes, some of whom still practice Stone Age traditions. The striking contrast between the vibrant green landscape and the red basaltic soil is truly remarkable.

Visit the breathtaking Tad Fane Waterfall, which cascades 120 meters down a cliff surrounded by dramatic jungle scenery. Then, enjoy a pleasant walk (or drive) through a coffee plantation to the equally beautiful Tad Yuang Waterfall, another highlight of the plateau.

Return to Pakse in the late afternoon, where you can spend the remainder of the day at your leisure. Overnight at a hotel in Pakse.

Summary of inclusions

• Private vehicle
• Sightseeing en route
• Bolaven plateau & waterfalls visit
• Breakfast
• Hotel in Pakse

DAY 12: Champasak – 4000 Island

After breakfast, take a road transfer to Wat Phou, a remarkable pre-Angkorian temple recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. Nestled in the stunning natural landscape of southern Laos, Wat Phou was constructed by the rulers of the Khmer Empire long before the creation of Angkor Wat.

Continue your journey to Khong Island, the largest island in southern Laos and the gateway to the 4000 Islands Region. Known as “Siphandon” in Lao, this area of the Mekong River spans over 14 kilometers wide, with thousands of islands and countless channels that flow between cascades and rapids.

Upon arrival, check into your hotel and spend the rest of the afternoon exploring Ban Khong village and the Wat Phrang Keo temple.

Overnight at a hotel on Don Khong Island.

Summary of inclusions

• Private vehicle
• Wat Phou explore
• Breakfast
• Hotel in Dong Khong

DAY 13: 4000 Island Discovery

After breakfast at your hotel, transfer to Ban Nakasang village, where you’ll board a boat to explore the picturesque 4000 Islands area. This region marks the Mekong River at its widest—up to 12 kilometers during the rainy season. As the dry season arrives and the water recedes, numerous small islands emerge, giving the area its name.

Upon reaching Don Khone Island, visit the impressive Liphi Waterfalls, whose thunderous sound can be heard from afar. Located near the Cambodian border, this southernmost part of Laos offers a unique glimpse into the area’s history, including colonial relics like an old railway built by the French in 1897 to bypass the powerful rapids that hindered navigation on the Mekong River. Afterward, cruise back to Ban Nakasang village and continue to the Khone Phapheng Waterfall—the largest in Southeast Asia, often called the ‘Niagara of the East.’

Return to Pakse, where the evening is yours to enjoy at your leisure.

Summary of inclusions

• Boat cruise 4000 islands
• Waterfalls visit
• Breakfast
• Private vehicle
• Hotel in Pakse