Laos Grand Discovery Tour – 14 Days

GENERAL INFORMATION

Duration: 14 Days/13 Nights
Date: Optional (Available all time)
Start/End: Luang Prabang/Cambodia Border
Tour Routine: Luang Prabang –  Xiengkhuang – Vang Vieng – Vientiane – Ban Na Hin – Pakse – Khong Islands – Cambodia Border
Tour Type: Natural and Landscapes, History and Culture
Tour Customize: Absolutely (Feel free to tell us your requirement in the inquiry form)
Guides: Local Guide (Available in English and also other languages if requested)
Transportation: Private first-class air-conditioned motor coach
Accommodation: Listed below or equivalent. Rooms with private bath or shower, hotel taxes, porterage, tips, and service charges

BRIEF ITINERARY

Day 1: Arrival – Luang Prabang
Day 2: Luang Prabang – Pak Ou – Luang Prabang
Day 3: Luang Prabang – Khouangsi Waterfall
Day 4: Luang Prabang – fly to Xieng Khouang
Day 5: Xieng Khouang – Vang Vieng (Road)
Day 6: Vang Vieng – Vientiane (Road)
Day 7: Vientiane City Tour
Day 8: Vientiane – Ban Na Hin (Road)
Day 9: Ban Na Hin – Khong Lor – Ban Na Hin
Day 10: Ban Na Hin – Savanakhet – Pakse (Road)
Day 11: Pakse –Tad Lo (Road)
Day 12: Tad Lo – Champasak – Khong Islands
Day 13: Khong Islands – Done Det – Done Khone – Khong Islands (River+Road)
Day 14:  Khong Islands – Cambodia Border

FULL ITINERARY

Day 1: Arrival – Luang Prabang (D)

Upon arrival at Luang Prabang International Airport, you will meet your local guide and transfer to your hotel. After checking in, we will visit the ancient temples, including Wat Xiengthong with its iconic sweeping roof, the stupa of Wat Visoun, and the shrine of Wat Aham. Next, we will climb Mount Phousi to discover the sacred gilded stupa and enjoy scenic city views and a Mekong River sunset. Finally, we'll explore the Luang Prabang Night Market, where you can shop for handmade products and textiles from local ethnic groups and sample traditional Lao cuisine at nearby restaurants.

Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Day 2: Luang Prabang – Pak Ou – Luang Prabang (B)

This morning, we'll visit the Arts and Ethnology Centre to learn about Laotian culture. After enjoying a coffee at the center’s café, we'll take a private boat upstream on the Mekong River to the Pak Ou Caves, famous for their ancient gold lacquered Buddha images. On our return to Luang Prabang, you can choose to visit the weaving village of Ban Phanom or relax at the hotel. The rest of the afternoon and evening are free for you to explore Luang Prabang at your leisure.

Overnight in Luang Prabang

Day 3: Luang Prabang – Kuang Si Waterfall  (B)

After breakfast, we visit the Royal Palace Museum to see artifacts from the Royal period. On the way to Kuang Si Waterfall, we stop by Phousi Market, where locals shop for daily necessities like fresh produce, meat, and fish. At Kuang Si Waterfall, you can swim in the crystal-clear water, stroll along the forest path, and visit the Bear Sanctuary. In the mid-afternoon, return to Luang Prabang for a spa treatment or massage, or visit the Night Market for souvenirs.

Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Day 4: Luang Prabang – Fly to Xieng Khouang (B)

We start early this morning for the drive from Luang Prabang to Xieng Khuang Province, home to the Plain of Jars. The scenery along the way is stunning, providing excellent photo opportunities both from the car and during stops to explore hill tribe villages. Upon arrival in Xieng Khouang, check in at your hotel in Phonsavan, the provincial capital. You can then explore the town, visit the MAG Centre, or relax with a drink at the hotel.

Overnight in Xiengkhuang.

Day 5: Xieng Khouang – Vang Vieng (Road) (B)

We start early this morning to explore the Plain of Jars, visiting Sites 1, 2, and 3, and taking a short trek to Tai Dam and Lao Leum villages. After saying goodbye to Xieng Khouang, we drive to Vang Vieng, a small town on the Nam Song River. The scenic route and limestone outcrops provide perfect photo opportunities. Depending on road conditions, we should arrive in Vang Vieng by early evening.

Overnight in Vang Vieng.

Day 6: Vang Vieng – Vientiane (Road) (B)

Start your day with an early morning visit to the local market to experience Laotian life. Then, enjoy a short rafting adventure on the Nam Song River, followed by exploring the famous Tham Jang Cave, once used as a defense against Chinese enemies in the 19th century.

Afterward, leave Vang Vieng for a 4-hour drive to Vientiane, the capital city located on the banks of the Mekong River, influenced by Lao, Thai, Chinese, Vietnamese, and French cultures.

After checking in at your centrally located hotel, your evening is free to explore the town, stroll along the waterfront, or relax at the hotel.

Overnight in Vientiane.

Day 7: Vientiane City Tour (B)

After several days of continuous travel, enjoy a leisurely morning exploring the city on foot or treat yourself to a spa treatment or massage.

In the afternoon, visit the major highlights of Vientiane. Start at Wat Sisaket, the city's oldest Buddhist temple, known for its numerous miniature Buddha statues. Nearby is Wat Prakeo, the former royal temple housing many Emerald Buddha images.

Next, head to That Luang Stupa, the national icon of Laos, with a stop at the Patuxay Monument, Vientiane’s Arc de Triomphe, perfect for beautiful photos. Continue to the COPE Center, which provides support to UXO survivors through orthotic and prosthetic devices. Established in 1997, this museum aids victims from the Indochina war.

In the evening, relax near the waterfront with a few drinks, watch the sunset over the Mekong River, and explore the lively Night Market.

Overnight in Vientiane.

Day 8: Vientiane – Ban Na Hin (Road) (B)

Today, we'll start early to journey towards Khammouane Province. Enjoy leisurely moments in the car, capturing stunning scenery at various stops along the way. Depending on road and traffic conditions, we aim to reach Ban Na Hin, the gateway to Khong Lor Cave, by late afternoon.

Upon arrival, take a short walk around the village to familiarize yourself with its beauty and learn about local culture and lifestyle.

Overnight in Ban Na Hin.

Day 9: Ban Na Hin – Khong Lor – Ban Na Hin (B)

In the morning, we'll explore the captivating Khong Lor Cave, carved by the Hinboun River flowing through the mountains for 7.5 km. You'll take a local motorized canoe inside the cave, marveling at its impressive limestone formations reaching up to 100 meters in height. Afterward, on our return to Ban Na Hin, we'll stop to explore That Mouang and That Namsanam Waterfalls along the way.

Overnight in Ban Na Hin.

Day 10: Ban Na Hin – Savannakhet – Pakse (Road) (B)

After two days in Ban Na Hin, we depart this morning for Southern Laos to explore one of its remarkable cities, Pakse. Our journey includes a lunch stop in Savannakhet, a developing town pivotal in regional trade among Vietnam, Laos, and Thailand. Savannakhet retains many old French colonial buildings, offering a glimpse into its historical past. We arrive in Pakse by late afternoon, with time to explore and acquaint ourselves with the town.

Overnight in Pakse.

Day 11: Pakse –Tad Lo (Road) (B)

Begin your day by exploring the cool and refreshing Bolaven Plateau, renowned for its abundance of waterfalls. Our first stops include Tad Fan, where twin falls cascade over 100 meters into the valley below, and Tad Ngeuan, known for its pristine pools that highlight its natural splendor. The plateau is also celebrated for its coffee, offering opportunities to visit coffee shops and plantations to experience authentic Lao coffee.

En route to Tad Lo, lush landscapes adorned with coffee, tea, cardamom, bananas, and more stretch out alongside us. This region is home to a variety of waterfalls and numerous ethnic groups. Before reaching Tad Lo, we'll pause at the villages of Alak, Nge, and Katu to soak in the local culture and traditions.

Overnight in Tad Lo

Day 12: Tad Lo – Champasak – Khong Island (B)

We'll travel southward from the mountains to Champasak and the 4000 Islands area, passing through Pakse and crossing the Mekong River by ferry. Our first stop is Wat Phu, an enchanting site of pre-Angkorian ruins nestled atop a mountain. It stands as one of the few temples in Southeast Asia situated on a mountain peak.

After lunch, we'll proceed by road and ferry to Don Khong. Here, you can explore the island by bicycle, soaking in the fresh air, and enjoy a serene sunset over the Mekong River.

Overnight in Khong Island.

Day 13: Khong Island – Done Det – Done Khone – Khong Island (River+Road) (B)

After breakfast, we'll embark on our longtail boat journey southward through the 4000 Islands region to Done Khone. Upon arrival and check-in at the hotel, we'll delve into the remnants of the French Colonial Period, exploring the still-standing colonial houses and catching a glimpse of Laos' first railway.

Next, we'll visit the impressive Liphi waterfall, also known as Samphamith or the "Corridor of the Devil," which acts as a natural boundary between Laos and Cambodia. In the afternoon, we'll explore Ban Hang Khone, where, if fortunate, we may spot the rare freshwater Irrawaddy Dolphins at play.

Overnight in Khong Islands.

Day 14:  Khong Islands – Cambodia Border (B)

You'll travel by local boat to Ban Nakasung, then continue by car to the Laos-Cambodia border. Along the way, marvel at the stunning Khone Phapheng Waterfall, often referred to as the Niagara of the East and the largest waterfall in Southeast Asia. The journey concludes with a transfer to the Laos-Cambodia border at either Veukham or Dong Kalor border crossing.

See you again on the next trips with Indochina Tours!

Inclusions

• Accommodation in twin shared basis
• Private, Air-conditioned Transport
• Boat trips as stated in the itinerary
• English speaking guide
• Admission fees to sites stated in the itinerary
• Meals: daily breakfast at the hotel
• Gov’t taxes and service charges
• Luggage handling
• Drinking water

Exclusions

• Visas and Immigration fees on arrival
• Domestic air ticket 
• Int’l air tickets to/from Laos
• Travel and/or Medical Insurance
• Lunch or dinner unless stated in the itinerary
• Single room accommodation (quoted separately)
• Child or adult in triple share accommodation
• Foreign language guides other than English
• Peak Season or Special Events Surcharges
• Tip, drinks and other personal expenses