AMAZING LAOS

Day1. Arrival – Pakse – Wat Phu – Khong Island

On arrival at the airport, you will be met by our staff and transferred to Champasak and visit the fascinating pre-Angkorian ruins of Wat Phu, one of Southeast Asia’s most dramatically situated temples. We have time to explore these intriguing Khmer ruins, which are perched at the base of Mount Phu Kao.  Afterwards, we continue our journey by road to the 4000 Islands area. Overnight in Khong islands

Meal: Dinner

Accomodation: Pon Arena (Standard room) www.ponarenahotel.com or similar

Day2. Khong Island – Surrounding

After breakfast, we enjoy a cruise venturing into the widest point of the Mekong River where thousands of islets become visible in dry season.  Along the way, we stop at the Liphi waterfalls, one of the most beautiful in the country and also marking the Lao to Cambodia border. We visit the fishing village of Ban Don Khone as well. On return, we take a short drive to the Lao – Cambodia border at Veukham, and visit the imposing Khone Phapheng, South East Asia’s biggest waterfall. If we are lucky, we may even see the rare freshwater Irrawaddy Mekong dolphin. Overnight in Khong Island.

Meal: Breakfast, lunch

Accomodation: Pon Arena (Standard room) www.ponarenahotel.com or similar

Day3. Khong Island – Tadlo

Upon leaving Don Khone, we continue our journey towards Tadlo, through the Boloven plateau. The Plateau is known for its cooler temperature and has remarkable rivers running off the edges into the lush forests below. A trip to the plateau provides a refreshing break from the heat and allows you to see how coffee, tea, cardamom, bananas, and other crops are cultivated.  This part of our journey is off the beaten track and allows you to discover some of the lesser-known areas in Laos. Upon arrival at the Tad Lo waterfall, we visit ethnic minority villages of the Alak, Nge and Katu. Overnight Tadlo.

Meal: Breakfast, lunch

Accomodation: Tadlo Lodge (Standard room) www.tadlolodge.com or similar

Day4. Tadlo – Pakse – Luang Prabang

After breakfast, we enjoy an Asian elephant ride to the beautiful Tadlo waterfalls and a Khmu village. We then return and transfer to the airport for a flight to Luang Prabang. Upon arrival we explore the main town, strolling around the Night Market where you can find the lovely souvenirs. Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Meal: Breakfast, lunch

Accomodation: Villa Chitdara (Standard room) www.villachitdara.com or similar

Note: as per local regulations, only vehicles of 16seaters are allowed in the city of Luang Prabang

Day5. Luang Prabang – Pakou – Luang Prabang

After breakfast, we enjoy a short-guided tour seeing the city’s oldest temple Wat Sene and the magnificent Wat Xieng Thong with its low sweeping rooves. We then board an upstream cruise on the Mekong River, which gives us a panoramic view of the tranquil countryside. We’ll make sure to stop at the Pak Ou Caves, sanctuaries consisting of two large caverns, both repositories for thousands of Buddha images. We will also stop at a few villages during the day, including Ban Muangkeo where the local rice wine is produced and Ban Xiengmene and Ban Chan. In the afternoon we’ll visit the royal temple at Wat Longkhoun. Once back in Luang Prabang we’ll take a short drive to Ban Xangkong and Ban Xieng Lek – small villages well known for silk weavings and for Saa (jute) Papermaking.  Overnight in Luang Prabang .

Meal: Breakfast, lunch

Accomodation: Villa Chitdara (Standard room) www.villachitdara.com or similar

Day6. Luang Prabang – Khouangsi Waterfalls

An optional early start gives you the fantastic opportunity to participate in the daily alms giving ritual to saffron-clad monks. This tradition is unique to Laos, being the only Buddhist nation still preserving the procession.

You will visit the morning Phosi Market where you will find dried buffalo skins, local teas and saltpeter among the many foodstuffs and hill-tribe textiles. Laos is also known for its traditional crafts, and today you will have the opportunity to visit ethnic minority groups in the Ban Ouay, Hmong, Ban Ou, Laoloum, Ban Thapene and Khmu Villages. After visiting the villages, we then drive to the beautiful Khouangsi Waterfalls where you have the chance to swim in the turquoise pools or walk along forest paths. Next we move to Ock Pop Tok shop – The Living Crafts Centre which has to be one of the most beautiful spots in Luang Prabang, you can sit and enjoy the views out across the Mekong at sunset whilst enjoying some incredible traditional Laos dishes, all to the background click-clacking of the looms at work at the hands of Ock Pop Tok’s incredibly talented craftspeople. We return to Luang Prabang in the late evening to observe the sunset at Wat Phabath.  Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Meal: Breakfast, lunch

Accomodation: Villa Chitdara (Standard room) www.villachitdara.com or similar

Day7. Luang Prabang – Xieng Khouang (Road)

After breakfast, we visit the National Museum at the former Royal Palace, which displays a lovely collection of artifacts reflecting the richness of Lao culture. We also stop by the morning market. Afterwards we drive 300km uphill to Xieng Khouang. Upon arrival, we transfer out to visit the Plain of Jars, an impressive archaeological site where hundreds of large stone jars are scattered all over the plateau. Overnight in Xieng Khouang.

Meal: Breakfast, lunch

Accomodation: Vansana Plain of Jars (Standard room) www.vansanahotel-group.com or similar

Day8. Xieng Khouang – Vientiane (Flight)

Following breakfast, we visit the Central Market, after which, you have free time to explore the town further before catching our flight to Vientiane. After checking into the hotel, we continue our sightseeing tour of the surrounding areas. Time permitting we’ll see the impressive Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge and Buddha Park, a scattered enchanting collection of Buddhist and Hindu sculptures. There are approximately 200 religious images here. A spectacular view of over the Mekong River at sunset is a perfect way to finish the day. Overnight in Vientiane.

Meal: Breakfast, lunch

Accomodation: Lao Orchid hotel (Superior room) www.lao-orchid.com or similar

Day9. Vientiane – City Tour

AM: After breakfast, we continue to explore Vientiane by visiting the major city sights, including Wat Sisaket, which contains more than 8000 Buddha statues, Wat Ho Prakeo the former home of the Emerald Buddha statue and That Luang Stupa, the single most important monument in Laos. We also see the Patuxay (Lao Arc de Triomphe), which was built recently in commemoration of those who died during past wars and today it is the city’s main landmark.

PM: We continue visiting the rest of Vientiane by foot, including Wat Ong Tue, Wat Inpeng and Wat Haisok. We pass by the major shopping areas and the Vientiane Central Markets where various goods are displayed for sale. We return to the Mekong Riverside in the late afternoon to watch the sunset.

Overnight in Vientiane

Meal: Breakfast, lunch

Accomodation: Lao Orchid hotel (Superior room) www.lao-orchid.com or similar

Day10. Vientiane – Departure

After breakfast, you are free at your leisure until transfer to the airport.

Meal: Breakfast,