All of Laos: An Authentic Journey into the Heart of Southeast Asia

Optional Activity: Participate in the Tak Bat (Alms Giving ceremony), an ancient Buddhist ritual where monks collect offerings (exclusively food) from the residents of Luang Prabang.

Breakfast at the hotel.

We begin the day by climbing Mount Phousi, a popular spot to admire the sunrise over the Mekong River. From the summit, you can enjoy a spectacular 360-degree view of the city, its numerous temples, and the surrounding landscape stretching to the distant mountains. We then continue the tour by visiting the Wat Sene temple.

Next, we will stop at the magnificent Wat Xieng Thong; with its unique roof, it represents a prime example of classical Laotian architecture. Afterward, it will be time for the Heuan Chan Heritage House—the first house supervised by La Maison du Patrimoine. Located in the UNESCO World Heritage town of Luang Prabang, the Heuan Chan House is a traditional home over 100 years old. It has been transformed into a museum and cultural center where you are welcome to visit and experience the authentic Luang Prabang lifestyle. The tour continues with a visit to the Wat Sene temple.

In the afternoon, we will board a traditional boat for a two-hour navigation around Luang Prabang along the Mekong. Passing the mouth of the Nam Ou River, we head toward the Pak Ou Caves, where we will admire the famous Tham Ting and Tham Poum caves. Located at the base of a limestone cliff, they are characterized by the presence of numerous Buddha images of every style and size. During the day, we will also stop at several villages, including Ban Muangkeo, where local rice wine is produced.

Return to Luang Prabang. Dinner on your own and overnight stay at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Visit to the Phousi Market. This market is very lively and fast-paced, animated by the voices of merchants selling their products. By visiting, you will have the chance to observe the vibrant trading activities of the local population.

We will then transfer to the outskirts of Luang Prabang, crossing green rice paddies and farms along the way. We will stop to visit some Hmong and Lao Loum villages; your guide will introduce you to the locals and involve you in their daily activities such as cotton spinning, weaving, and harvesting rice or vegetables in the gardens.

We will also visit the Kuang Si Falls, where you can enjoy spectacular views within the park where the waterfalls cascade over multiple calcified tiers and down several hundred feet into a series of cool, turquoise pools.

Transfer to the station to take the train to Vientiane (afternoon train – flexible schedule based on ticket availability).

Note:

• Tickets can only be purchased 3-4 days before departure.
• Each adult can bring a maximum of 20 kg of luggage.
• Due to high demand, tickets may not always be available for the exact scheduled time; in such cases, the first available train will be used.
• Restricted items on the train: For safety reasons, dangerous items must not be carried in passenger luggage. If found, they will be confiscated by security and will not be returned. We are not responsible for confiscated items. These include:
  • Compressed gases (flammable, non-flammable, poisonous) such as butane, oxygen, or propane.
  • Explosives, ammunition, fireworks, and flares.
  • Flammable liquids and solids (lighter fluid, heaters, matches).
  • All types of knives.
  • Poisons (arsenic, cyanides, insecticides, herbicides).
  • Other restricted items like mercury, magnetized material, or offensive/irritating materials. (Limited quantities of medicines and toiletries are permitted).

Arrival in Vientiane, greeting by the driver, and transfer to the hotel for check-in. Dinner on your own. Overnight stay at the hotel.

After breakfast at the hotel, we will visit Wat Sisaket with its thousands of miniature Buddha statues, followed by Wat Si Muang and Wat Phra Keo, which was the original home of the famous Emerald Buddha now located in Bangkok.

We will move on to pay our respects at the massive golden monument of Pha That Luang, revered by all Laotian citizens as a sacred pagoda. Next, we visit the Vientiane Victory Monument (Patuxai), which resembles the Arc de Triomphe. It was built at the end of the Indochina wars with funds said to be American and originally intended for a new airport runway. In fact, the last Americans departing after the war nicknamed it “the vertical runway!” Take a look at the enchanting arches inside the monument.

Transfer to Buddha Park on the Mekong, which features numerous Buddha statues in modern shapes and styles. One of these is the largest reclining Buddha in Laos.

Meals on your own. Overnight stay at the hotel.

After breakfast at the hotel, transfer without a guide to the airport for the flight to Pakse.

QV515 VTE PKZ 07:30 – 08:45 (Daily flight)

Upon arrival in Pakse, you will be greeted by your driver and local guide and taken to visit Wat Phou, a spectacular pre-Angkorian temple nestled among the rice paddies and waterways of southern Laos. The temple was built on three levels: the lower level centers around the baray (water reservoir), the second level features quadrangular pavilions and sculpture galleries, and the upper level is the sanctuary itself. The temple was built by the rulers of the Khmer Empire before the construction of Angkor Wat. It served as the most important economic and political center of the region and remains one of the most revered temples for the Laotian people.

We will then continue toward the spectacular Khone Phapheng Falls, the largest in Southeast Asia, also known as the “Niagara of the East.”

Afterward, we reach Don Khong, the largest island in the Si Phan Don area (4,000 Islands). Transfer to the hotel for check-in, followed by free time to explore this wonderful island.

Meals on your own. Overnight stay at the hotel

Breakfast at the hotel.

The tour begins with a visit to the village of Ban Nakasang, where we will navigate through the 4,000 Islands to reach Khone Island, an oasis of peace and tranquility immersed in wild nature. We will travel by motorcycle taxi to discover Khone Island through its lush landscape of rice paddies, coconut palms, and colonial remains.

Next, we will head to the Li Phi Falls, located west of Don Khone, very close to the Cambodian border. Their original name, Tad Somphamit, means “spirit trap,” and locals claim these falls act as a trap for evil spirits. Explore the authentic beauty of local life on Don Det, connected to Don Khone by an ancient bridge. Afterward, we will return to Ban Nakasang by boat to head to the hotel in Pakse for some rest.

Meals on your own. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel. 

Free time until your transfer to the airport for your departure flight.