Mystery of Laos – 9 Days

GENERAL INFORMATION

Tour Route: Luang Prabang – Pak Ou Cave – Kuang Si – Vientiane– Bolaven Plateau –4000 Islands – Pakse
Duration: 9 days/8 nights
Date: No fixed departure dates. You may go whenever you wish.
Tour Type: Natural and Landscape, History and Culture
Start/End: Luang Prabang/Pakse
Tour Customizable: Definitely! Tell us your specific requirements.
Guides: Local Guide (English Speaking Guide, Other Languages upon Request)
Transportation: Private first-class air-conditioned vehicles

BRIEF ITINERARY

Day 1: Arrive at Luang Prabang
Day 2: Luang Prabang – Morning Alms Giving – Pak Ou Caves
Day 3: Luang Prabang – Kuang Si Waterfall – Fly to Vientiane
Day 4: Vientiane City Tour
Day 5: Vientiane – Fly to Pakse – Don Kho – Wat Phou – Pakse
Day 6: Pakse – Bolaven Plateau
Day 7: Pakse – 4000 Islands
Day 8: Dolphins – Four Thousand Islands – Back to Pakse
Day 9: Pakse Departure

FULL ITINERARY

Day 1: Arrive at Luang Prabang

Upon arrival, our guide will greet you at the airport and accompany you to your hotel for check-in. The remainder of the day is at your leisure.

In the late afternoon, we'll ascend Mount Phousi, climbing 328 steps to discover its sacred gilded stupa and enjoy stunning views of the city and the Mekong River at sunset. Afterwards, we'll explore the Night Market, where you can browse and purchase a variety of unique handmade textiles crafted by local hill tribes and artisans.

Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Day 2: Luang Prabang – Morning Alms Giving – Pak Ou Caves (B)

Wake early to participate in the Alms Giving Ceremony alongside saffron-robed monks. You can prepare food for offering if you wish. This centuries-old ritual in Laos requires respectful attire, a proper distance, and silence during observation. Afterward, return to the hotel for breakfast or join locals for noodle soup. Dress appropriately – cover shoulders, chest, and legs.

Following breakfast, explore the bustling Morning Market, featuring dried buffalo skin, local teas, and hill-tribe weavings among fresh produce and poultry. Visit the National Museum at the former Royal Palace, renowned for its extensive collection reflecting Laos' cultural heritage. Discover Wat Xiengthong, a hallmark of Laotian architecture with its distinctive low-sweeping roofs.

Embark on a picturesque boat trip up the Mekong River to the mystical Pak Ou Caves, home to thousands of ancient gold lacquered Buddha images. Return to Luang Prabang and optionally visit Ban Phanom village known for its traditional hand weaving, or relax at the hotel if not interested in this activity.

Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Day 3: Luang Prabang – Kuangsi Waterfall – Fly to Vientiane (B)

After breakfast at the hotel, you'll head out to explore Khouang Si Waterfall. Along the way, stop by Ban Ouay Village, home to a Lao ethnic minority group. To reach the waterfall, you'll hike through the national park, passing by the Asian bear rescue center. Enjoy the stunning beauty of the cascades and take a refreshing swim in their cool turquoise waters. Later, we'll transfer back to Luang Prabang airport for your flight to Vientiane Capital. Upon arrival in Vientiane, you'll be transferred to your hotel for check-in.

Overnight in Vientiane.

Day 4: Vientiane City Tour (B)

After breakfast, we'll visit Buddha Park.

In the afternoon, our Vientiane city tour begins with visits to iconic landmarks including the ancient Wat Sisaket and the former royal temple of Wat Prakeo. We'll also explore Laos' national treasure, the revered That Luang Stupa.

Overnight in Vientiane.

Day 5: Vientiane – Fly to Pakse – Don Kho – Wat Phou – Pakse (B)

After breakfast, you'll be transferred to the airport for your 08:50 flight to Pakse. Upon arrival, check-in at the hotel. Later, we'll visit Ban Sapai and take a short boat ride to Don Kho, a village renowned for its weaving. Here, you can witness the intricate process of silk weaving and purchase unique souvenirs. Returning to Pakse, we'll visit Wat Phou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its ancient Khmer architecture dating back to the 7th-11th centuries.

Overnight in Pakse.

Day 6: Pakse – Bolaven Plateau (B)

This morning, we'll depart early for the Bolaven Plateau, renowned for its cooler climate above the Mekong Valley. Our first stop will be Houey Ten, a Katu village known for its traditional knifemaking. Afterward, we'll explore a tea plantation and admire the stunning twin chute waterfall at Tad Fan. 

In the afternoon, our journey continues with a visit to a coffee plantation, passing through Tha Teng Market, known for its vibrant ethnic minority food market. By late afternoon, we'll reach the beautiful Tadlo Waterfall before returning to Pakse. Along the way, we'll pause at Ban Houi Hun to visit the Alak weaving village and witness the picturesque Paxuam waterfall.

Overnight in Pakse.

Day 7: Pakse – 4000 Islands (B)

After breakfast, we'll drive to Don Khong to explore the 4000 islands in the Mekong River, known for being the habitat of endangered Irrawaddy dolphins.

Upon arrival, we'll tour the surrounding countryside and visit old colonial houses in Ban Khone. You'll also have the opportunity to see remnants of the first Lao railway, including its locomotive. We'll then embark on a boat to Don Khone, where we'll explore remnants from the French colonial period and admire the stunning Liphi Waterfall, also known as "the Corridor of the Devil."

Overnight in 4000 Island.

Day 8: Dolphins – Four Thousand Islands – Back to Pakse (B)

After breakfast, we will continue our journey further south to visit Khone Phapheng. As the largest waterfall by volume in Southeast Asia, Khone Phapheng is an awe-inspiring site near the Lao-Cambodian border. This area boasts diverse wildlife and stands as one of Laos' most breathtaking destinations. Before returning to Pakse, we'll also explore the 4000 Islands region.

Overnight in Pakse.

Day 9: Pakse Departure (B)

After breakfast, you will be taken to the airport for your flight back home.

Tour ends.

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 included as indicated in the itinerary (B= Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)
• 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