Day 1: Arrival – Luang Prabang
Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel in Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Heritage city known for its golden temples, colonial charm, and scenic riverside setting. The rest of the day is free to explore at your leisure.
Overnight in Luang Prabang.
Day 2: Luang Prabang – City Tour (B)
After breakfast, explore Luang Prabang’s cultural treasures, beginning with Wat Sene, the city’s oldest temple, and the magnificent Wat Xieng Thong, a masterpiece of classical Lao architecture renowned for its elegant sweeping roofs and intricate decorations. Continue to Wat Visoun, home to the city’s oldest and most impressive stupa.
Later, climb Mount Phousi to visit its sacred gilded stupa and enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of Luang Prabang, the Mekong River, and the surrounding mountains, especially at sunset. End the day at the vibrant Night Market, where local artisans and hill tribe communities offer beautiful handmade textiles and traditional handicrafts.
Overnight in Luang Prabang.
Day 3: Luang Prabang – Kuangsi Waterfall – Pak Ou Cave (B)
After breakfast, depart for the spectacular Kuang Si Waterfall, one of Laos’ most iconic natural attractions. Surrounded by lush tropical forest, the waterfall cascades into a series of stunning turquoise pools where you can enjoy a refreshing swim or take a leisurely walk along the scenic nature trails.
Return to Luang Prabang in the afternoon before embarking on a memorable Mekong River cruise. As you journey upstream, admire the tranquil countryside landscapes and traditional riverside villages that line the banks of the mighty Mekong.
The highlight of the cruise is a visit to the sacred Pak Ou Caves, a revered pilgrimage site consisting of two limestone caverns housing thousands of gold-lacquered Buddha statues of various shapes and sizes, placed here by devotees over centuries.
Along the way, stop at Ban Xang Hai Village, renowned for its traditional production of Lao rice wine (Lao Lao), offering a fascinating glimpse into local craftsmanship and culture. After exploring the caves, continue to the impressive Pha An Stone Cliff, a picturesque limestone formation overlooking the Mekong River and a perfect spot for photography.
Enjoy a relaxing boat ride back to Luang Prabang as the sun sets over the river, creating a magical end to the day.
Overnight in Luang Prabang.
Day 4: Luang Prabang – Vientiane by Train (B)
An optional early-morning excursion offers a unique opportunity to witness and participate in the sacred Tak Bat Ceremony, where saffron-robed monks silently collect alms, usually sticky rice, from local residents. This centuries-old tradition remains one of Laos’ most cherished cultural experiences and provides a fascinating insight into the country's deeply rooted Buddhist heritage.
After breakfast, visit the magnificent Royal Palace Museum, the former residence of the Lao royal family. The museum showcases an impressive collection of royal artifacts, religious treasures, and historical exhibits that reflect the rich heritage of Laos.
Enjoy some free time to relax with tea or coffee before transferring to the train station for your scenic high-speed train journey to Vientiane, the capital city of Laos.
Upon arrival, enjoy an orientation drive through the city, passing major landmarks and the picturesque Mekong River Promenade, where local life unfolds along the riverbank. The remainder of the day is at leisure to explore the city at your own pace or simply relax.
Overnight in Vientiane.
Day 5: Vientiane City Tour (B)
After breakfast, discover Vientiane’s cultural and historical landmarks. Visit Wat Sisaket, the city’s oldest surviving temple, famous for its thousands of miniature Buddha statues, and Wat Ho Phra Keo, the former royal temple that once housed the revered Emerald Buddha.
Continue to Talad Sao (Morning Market), a popular shopping destination offering local handicrafts, textiles, and souvenirs. Then visit the magnificent That Luang Stupa, Laos’ most sacred monument and national symbol, renowned for its striking golden architecture. Conclude the tour with a photo stop at the iconic Patuxay Monument, Vientiane’s own Arc de Triomphe.
Overnight in Vientiane.
Day 6: Vientiane – Pakse by Flight (B)
Early this morning, take a flight to Pakse, the gateway to Southern Laos. Upon arrival, travel to Champasak to explore the magnificent Wat Phu, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Southeast Asia’s most spectacular pre-Angkorian temple complexes. Nestled at the foot of the sacred Mount Phu Kao, these ancient Khmer ruins offer a fascinating glimpse into the region’s rich cultural and spiritual heritage, complemented by breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside.
After exploring the temple complex, continue your journey by traditional long-tail boat through the mighty Mekong River to the enchanting Si Phan Don (4,000 Islands) region, one of Laos’ most picturesque landscapes. Cruise past countless islands, sandbanks, and peaceful riverside villages before reaching Don Khone, a charming island renowned for its laid-back atmosphere, colonial-era remnants, and stunning natural scenery.
Enjoy the tranquil beauty of the Mekong as the day winds down.
Overnight on Don Khong Island
Day 7: Don Khong - Don Khone Island – Surrounding (B)
After an early breakfast, set out to explore the captivating Si Phan Don (4,000 Islands) region. Begin with a visit to Ban Khone, where traces of Laos’ French colonial past remain visible through charming colonial-era buildings and the remnants of the country's first railway, including its historic locomotive.
Continue your journey by boat through the serene waterways of the Mekong, surrounded by lush islands and picturesque river scenery. Visit the spectacular Li Phi Waterfall (Somphamit Falls), one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Southern Laos. Its powerful rapids cascade through rocky channels, creating a dramatic natural landscape near the Lao-Cambodian border.
After returning to Ban Nakasang, travel to the magnificent Khone Phapheng Waterfall, the largest waterfall in Southeast Asia by volume and often referred to as the "Niagara of the East." Witness the immense power of the Mekong River as it thunders over a series of wide cascades, creating one of the region’s most impressive natural wonders.
Return to your hotel and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the Mekong islands.
Overnight on Don Khong Island.
Day 8: Don Khong Island - Bolaven – Pakse (B)
After departing Don Khong Island, journey through the breathtaking Bolaven Plateau, one of Southern Laos’ most scenic and fertile regions. Situated high above the Mekong Valley, the plateau enjoys a cooler climate and is renowned for its lush landscapes, rich volcanic soil, and spectacular waterfalls.
As you travel across the plateau, enjoy panoramic views of rolling coffee plantations, tea gardens, cardamom fields, banana groves, and other agricultural crops that thrive in this fertile region. The area is particularly famous for producing some of Laos’ finest coffee, offering a fascinating glimpse into local farming life.
Continue to the beautiful Tad Lo Waterfall, where cascading waters flow through a picturesque natural setting surrounded by tropical forests. The Bolaven Plateau's network of rivers and waterfalls creates some of the most dramatic scenery in the country, making this a refreshing escape from the lowland heat.
The journey also provides an opportunity to discover the rich cultural heritage of Southern Laos with visits to traditional villages inhabited by the Alak, Nge, and Katu ethnic minority groups. Learn about their unique customs, lifestyles, and long-preserved traditions while gaining insight into the diverse cultures of the region.
After a day of exploring the natural beauty and cultural treasures of the Bolaven Plateau, return to Pakse in the late afternoon.
Overnight in Pakse.
Day 9: Pakse – Departure (B)
After breakfast, enjoy free time at leisure until you transfer to the airport for your departure flight.
End of Services.