Laos in depth

THROUGH THE LAOS IN DEPTH TOUR, YOU WILL DISCOVER

Day 1: Arrive Luang Prabang (D)

Welcome to Luang Prabang, meet your guide and transfer to the hotel. Check in and have short refreshment before we continue to explore the city.

Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Day 2: Luang Prabang city tour (B, L)

Take a half day tour visiting UNESCO World Heritage Town. At first, visit the Royal Palace, converted to serve as the National Museum of Laos’ history. Visit the bas-relief at Wat Mai and Wat Sensoukarahm, both are with the beautiful golden decoration. End the morning tour at the most photographed Wat Xieng Thong, built in 1560 and now remains the holiest temple of Luang Prabang.

Return to the hotel and relax in the afternoon.

Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Day 3: Luang Prabang – Kuang Si waterfall – Ock Pop Tok handicraft center (B)

Take an early morning to observe the yellow robe monks walking bare feet along the street collecting alms offered by residents of Luang Prabang. Observing this sacred ceremony is one of the highlights that shed a light on the spiritualism life of people in Laos. After that, get back to the hotel for a tasty breakfast.

Leave Luang Prabang for the peaceful countryside to Kuang Si. On the way, make some stops to have close look at the local minority’s lifestyle which has not changed much during the last centuries. Reach Kuang Si Waterfalls to soak in the green natural forest and emerald the water. In the hot days, the naturally created pools will be ideal places for a dip.

After the waterfalls, take opportunities to visit to the Bears sanctuary where Asiatic Bears are rescued from poaching and being looked after before being reintroduced back to their natural habitats. If time permits, a visit to Kuang Si Butterfly Park can also be made.

Return to downtown Luang Prabang for lunch. This afternoon discover Ock Pop Tok crafts center. This charming house on the banks of the Mekong River is the headquarters of a project called Ock Pop Tok, which means East meets West. The goal is to empower Laotian women by highlighting the quality of their crafts and selling their goods.

Spend an interactive afternoon with women, watching them weave beautiful clothes with traditional colors and embroidery. You will have the chance to weave your turn. Learn the manufacturing techniques from silk culture, their differences and worms.

The center has a gorgeous garden and a café where you can enjoy cocktails and snack. You can also buy handicrafts directly at the center.

At end of the afternoon you will be transferred back to your hotel.

Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Day 4: Luang Prabang – Vang Vieng (B, L)

Enjoy breakfast then journey south for Vang Vieng. Along 5hs transfer, some stops will be included to relax and enjoy the landscapes.

Vang Vieng is a small charming town near Nam Song River and surrounded by picturesque towering limestone mountains.

Spend the free time at leisure in the afternoon or take some suggestions from the guide for some additional destinations to the surrounding areas or take some active options exploring the stunning landscapes such as biking, trekking … (Please note: these optional activities will be arranged with surcharge).

Overnight in Vang Vieng.

Day 5: Vang Vieng – Vientiane (B)

After the leisure morning, drive to Vientiane via Nam Ngum the largest lake in Laos. Here travelers can make a stop for lunch and hire a boat for a short tour on the lake.

After the lake, continue to drive 2.5 hours to Vientiane. After arrival at the hotel, enjoy free time wandering around the neighboring streets or take a stroll along Mekong.

Overnight in hotel in Vientiane.

Day 6: Vientiane city tour (B, L)

After breakfast, start your day tour of Vientiane’s charms which include visiting Wat Sisaket, the most beautiful pagoda in the capital city and Wat Phra Keo the comprehensive museum with a great collection of works art from both culture Lao and Khmer. Stroll to the front of the Presidential Palace to have a glimpse of the city rooted colonial origin.

Then visit COPE, an NGO project helping victims of landmine left after the America/Vietnam war, for some in-depth understanding about the war and its impacts with unexplored ammunition on the locals and the great effort clearing them away.

After a short break, continue to Patuxay considered as a version of Laos’ Arc de Triomphe. Climb to get to the top for some great panoramic shots of the city view. Wrap the day at That Luang temple which dates back to 16th century and considered as the holiest temple in Laos.

Return to the hotel for refreshment or choose to walk along the breezy Mekong.

Overnight in Vientiane.

Day 7: Vientiane – Fly to Pakse (B, L)

In the morning, transfer to airport for flight to Pakse.

Upon arrival, welcome then transfer to Wat Phou which is one of Laos’ Heritage Site recognized by UNESCO. This pre-Angkorian temple is located amidst verdant fields in the South of Laos. The beautiful temple comprises of three areas: the first (bottom) level is the baray (lake), the second one is for pavilions and bas relief carvings, and the last (top level) is the sanctuary. Wat Phou temple was the most important religious centre of the South of Laos.

Transfer to Champassak for overnight.

Day 8: Champassak – 4000 islands (B, L)

Enjoy breakfast and hop on a bike to explore Don Khone and Don Det, the two peaceful islands. For those not interested in cycling, a tuk tuk can be hired at an additional cost.

On the biking trip, visit Liphi waterfalls, located on the west side of Don Khone near border with Cambodia. Locals believe that the falls are holly and they help trapping for evils.

After enjoying the waterfall and the great views from the viewpoint on a railway bridge, embark on a boat ride to spot the rare Irrawaddy Dolphins.

Today lunch will be enjoyed in a local restaurant.

After lunch, the spectacular Khone Phapheng waterfalls will be the highlight of the day. Visiting this to understand why this part of the river is not accessible by boat.

Return on land to Pakse for overnight.

Day 9: Champassak – Pakse – Departure (B)

Take a private transfer to the airport for departure flight or cross the border to Thailand.

You might be interested in our Highlights of Laos, otherwise look for other interesting options in our Laos classic & culture travel style.