Laos Highlights - 8 days

DAY 1: VIENTIANE ARRIVAL

In the afternoon, visit Vat Sisaket, the only original temple in Vientiane (built in 1818 - it is the sole survivor of a Thai invasion in 1828), the Ho Phrakeo, the former Royal Chapel where an Emerald Buddha at the early time of the Lane Xang Kingdom was enshrined, the Patouxai and That Luang stupa. Overnight in Vientiane.

• Meals: Dinner
• Accommodation: Hotel in Vientiane

DAY 2: VIENTIANE / PAKSE / VAT PHOU / KHONG ISLAND

After breakfast, early morning transfer to the airport for your flight to Pakse. Meet upon arrival at Pakse airport, transfer to the pier and board a traditional riverboat for a 2-hour cruise downstream the Mekong River towards the former Royal capital of Champassak. En route, stop at Ban Houei Thomo village and walk to the nearby ruins of the Khmer temple of Oum Moung, which is hidden in a thick forest. Upon arrival in Champassak, continue by car to Vat Phou (8 km from the city), a pre-Angkorian temple dating from the 6-13th century, classified as a World Heritage Site since 2002.
In the afternoon, drive to Ban Hatsai Khoune and cross the Mekong River to reach Khong Island.

• Meals: Breakfast
• Accommodation: Hotel in Khong Island

DAY 3: KHONG ISLAND / KHONE ISLAND / KHONE PHAPENG / PAKSE

After breakfast, board a long-tail riverboat for a cruise through the maze of waterways into the tropical paradise of Siphandone “The 4,000 Islands”. During the rainy season, the Mekong River reaches a breadth of 14 km; when the water recedes, it leaves behind a myriad of islands and islets. Discover Khone Island’s colonial vestiges, including an old railway, which was built by the French in 1897 in order to bypass the powerful rapids that disrupt the navigation along the Mekong River. Lunch at a local restaurant. Continue to Ban Nakasang on the Eastern bank of the Mekong River and drive to the famous waterfalls of Khone Phapeng, the largest cascade on the Mekong River along its 4,350 km journey. Drive back to Pakse.

• Meals: Breakfast/Lunch
• Accommodation: Hotel in Pakse

Day 4: PAKSE / LUANG PRABANG

Free till airport transfer for flight to Luang Prabang. Meet upon arrival at Luang Prabang airport, transfer and check-in at your hotel.

In the afternoon, National Museum (former King’s Palace) displaying a collection of personal artifacts of the Royal Family. Continue to visit the nearby Vat Mai temple, which was the residence of a Buddhist patriarch before 1975, before climbing Phousi Hill for an outstanding view over the former Royal capital and the Mekong.

• Meals: Breakfast
• Accommodation: Hotel in Luang Prabang

Day 5: LUANG PRABANG / PAK OU / KHOUANGSY/ LUANG PRABANG

After breakfast, excursion by car to the beautiful waterfalls of Khouang Sy nestled in the lush tropical vegetation. On the way, visit some hill tribes’ villages such as the H’Mong village of Ban Thinkeo, the Khmu village of Ban Thapaene and the Thai Lu village of Ban Phanom. Return to Luang Prabang and spend some time strolling through the H’Mong market.Overnight in Luang Prabang.

• Meals: Breakfast/Lunch
• Accommodation: Hotel in Luang Prabang

Day 6: LUANG PRABANG / PAK OU / LUANG PRABANG

After breakfast, visit Vat Xieng Thong, considered as the most beautiful temple of Luang Prabang with roofs that sweep low to the ground. Then take a traditional riverboat for a 2-hour cruise upstream the Mekong River towards Pak Ou, at the confluence of the Nam Ou and Mekong Rivers, to visit the sacred caves of Tham Ting and Tham Phoum, home to hundreds of Buddha statues. Then stop at Ban Xang Hai village where sticky rice wine distillation can be seen. Return to Luang Prabang and continue by car to visit the weaving village of Ban Xang Khong, where traditional mulberry leaves paper is also produced

• Meals: Breakfast/Lunch
• Accommodation: Hotel in Luang Prabang

DAY 7: LUANG PRABANG - FREE AND EASY

Today, you are free to explore Luang Prabang heritage site.

• Meals: Breakfast
• Accommodation: Hotel in Luang Prabang

DAY 8: LUANG PRABANG DEPARTURE

Free and easy till transfer to the airport for your departure flight.

• Meals: Breakfast
• Accommodation: N/A