| Day 1 Arrival -Vientiane
On arrival at Wattay Airport or Friendship Bridge, you are met and transferred to our centrally located hotel. On the banks of the Mekong River, Vientiane is the charming and fascinating capital of Laos. This small city conjures up exotic images, with the curious mix of Lao, Thai, Chinese, Vietnamese, French influences. After a short rest, we start our city tour with Wat Sisaket, the oldest temple still standing in Vientiane. This amazing structure features remarkable frescoes and Buddha statues. The following sight is the former royal temple of Haw Pha Kaew, which previously housed the famous Emerald Buddha Image. We also visit the imposing Patouxai Monument well known as Vientiane’s own Arc de Triomphe before continuing to the great sacred structure and symbol of Laos, That Luang Stupa. Overnight in Vientiane.
Overnight : at hotel
Day 2 Vientiane - Xieng Khouang
The next destination of our trip will be Xieng Khouang via a short flight from Vientiane. The remote province of Xieng Khouang was devastated by American bombing between 1964 and 1973. Upon arrival we drive out to visit the “Plan of Jars” , an impressive archaeological site where hundreds of large stone jars are littered all over the plateau. These huge jars are supposedly over 2,000 years old, but most of archaeologists are still mystified about their purpose. We also have time, today exploring the province's old capital of Muang Khun and the nearby villages. They are home of the Hmong hilltribe people who are very poor but possess an interesting culture and a colourful history. Overnight in Phonesavanh.
Overnight : at hotel
Meals : Breakfast
Day 3 Xieng Khouang - Luang Prabang ( Overland)
An early morning start to drive towards Luang Prabang. These back roads are a great way to explore the real Vietnam. We see very few other travellers, mostly rural dwellers who are just as interested in finding out about our lives as we are of theirs. The drive is very long , but we can can make many stops at our pleasure, to stretch our legs and take some wonderful photographs. The tranquility and charm of this town with its splendid natural scenery and cultural sights make it one of the most delightful places to visit in Laos. After checking into hotel, we start seeing the impressive stupa of Wat Visoun, the shrine of Wat Aham, the city’s oldest temple of Wat Wisunalat, Wat Mai. We then climb up to the top of Phousi Hill for an enjoyable exploration of the sacred, gilded stupa as well as a beautiful sunset view of the city and the Mekong River. Overnight at Luang Prabang.
Overnight : at hotel
Meals : Breakfast
Day 4 Luang Prabang - Pakou - Luang Prabang
Today we continue seeing the town with the magnificent Wat Xieng Thong, which nestles at the meeting of the Mekong and the Nam Khan River. The temple structures are decorated in various ways with gilded stuccoes and doorways while the main sim has a marvellous 'tree life' mosaic pattern on an outer wall. We then board a boat cruising upstream on the Mekong River with stopover at Ban Xang Hai where villagers make potent local rice wine. The cruise will pass the stunning mountain landscape, also giving us an enjoyable visit to the mysterious Pak Ou Caves, which are crammed with thousands of gold lacquered Buddha statues of various shapes and sizes. After the river trip we visit the famous hand weaving village of Ban Phanom where shoppers can try their hand at bargaining. Overnight in Luang Brabang.
Overnight : at hotel
Meals : Breakfast/Lunch
Day 5 Luang Prabang – Khouang Si Waterfalls - Vientiane
The exploration of Luang Prabang would be not complete without a visit to the national museum at the former Royal Palace. This interesting structure displays a lovely collection of treasures and artifacts reflecting the richness of Lao culture dating from the days of the early kings right through the last sovereign. Today, we visit these sights before taking a short drive to the cool waterfalls of Khouangsi. The water tumbling over multi tiered limestone formations into the cool and clear pool is ideal for anyone seeking an enjoyable escape when the heat becomes unbearable. We then flight back to the capital city. Overmight in Vientiane.
Overnight : at hotel
Meals : Breakfast
Day 6 Vientiane – Pakse – Khong Island
The journey southwards begins as we board our morning flight to Pakse. On arrival we are greeted and transferred to the boat landing for a leisurely trip to the former royal capital of Champasak, our base for exploring the ruin of Wat Phu. This impressive site is well known as the most important Hindu sanctuary of the Khmer Empire between 9th and 13th century. The festival of this site is yearly held during the full moon in February and attracts numerous pilgrims from all over southern Laos. After an enjoyable visit to the ruin of Wat Phu and some nearby temples such as Nang Sia and Thao Tao we make our way to Khong Island, our final destination.
Overnight in Khong Island
Overnight : at hotel
Meals : Breakfast
Day 7 Khong Island
Heading out of town we embark on a long tail boat for venturing into the widest reach of the Mekong River from where thousands of islets jut out in dry season, giving this area a lovely name” Si Phan Done ”. Along the way we will anchor at the peaceful island of Ban Khone for a visit to the many relics of French colonial period and the marvelous rushing Liphi falls also called the " Corridor of the Devil". The next stop of our trip is Ban Na Kasang, a very pleasant village where we can see the different local lifestyle. After the river trip we travel by roads southwards to explore the Lao-Cambodia border at Weukham and the impressive sight of Khone Phapheng, which boasts Southeast Asia’s largest water falls. Overnight in Khong Island.
Overnight : at hotel
Meals : Breakfast
Day 8 Khong Island - Tatlo - Pakse
After breakfast we set off on our journey towards Tatlo, which is a great way to discover the real southern Laos as we drive past many lush plantations, hills, forests and villages. The deep contrast of lush vegetation and red surface of basaltic soil is incredible all along the way. On arrival at Tatlo we visit the spectacular waterfall of Xeset and the nearby villages, home of the Kato, Alack and Nge hilltribe groups. These ethnic minorities still retain their age old cultural traditions and are recognisably distinct from each other by their dress. We continue our journey through Paksong and Boloven Plateau. A part of our pleasure of travelling in this region is to observe the beautiful countryside and meet local people. Overnight in Pakse.
Overnight : at hotel
Meals : Breakfast
Day 9 Pakse - Vientiane
The capital city of southern Laos is Pakse, which looks over the confluence of the Mekong and Xedone Rivers. After breakfast we enjoy a short guided tour of this bustling riverside town and travel by air back to Vientiane. On arrival we visit Talat Sao, also known as “morning market”, where anything and everything is for sales. We then transfer out to explore the impressive Friendship Bridge which links Laos and Thailand, and the Buddha Park. This landmark represents a curious blend of Buddhist and Hindu sculptures created by mystical monk on a parkland located by the Mekong River. A perfect way to round off the day is to watch the spectacular sunset over the Mekong River from one of riverside bars. O/N in Vientiane.
Overnight : at hotel
Meals : Breakfast
Day 10 Vientiane - Departure
There is a free time for your own exploration of the city and catching up on some shopping areas. The trip ends after your transfer to the airport for departure.
Meals : Breakfast
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