+ Guide & Driver

+ Meal: picnic lunch, dinner with the host family

+ Excursion: pick up at the border, then transfer to Muang Khua before cruising downstream the Nam Ou river to Ban Sop Chem. Welcomed by Baci Ceremony & dinner with the host family

+ Accommodation: homestay in Ban Sop Chem

Upon finishing the border formality, we will depart for Muang Khua, the small town set serenely by the side of the gentle Nam Ou river. On arrival in the town, we will board on a long-tail boat downstream the Nam Ou River exploring one of the most authentic region of the country.

The picnic lunch will be served at one of the sandy beach along the river bank.

We will arrive at the Khmu village of Ban Sopchem mid-afternoon; you have ample time to stroll around the village to get familiar with the local villagers before joining the Baci Ceremony. This rite is performed mostly for family and friends who are going or coming back from a long trip. This is their way of saying thank you to you for your visit. Your guides will portability explain more about the ceremony.

The dinner will be served after that for you to share with the host family, the best chance to get the first impression of Lao culture

Spend your night at Ban Sop Chem

Note: To avoid the cruise in the dark, which is very dangerous, please arrive at the border of Laos around 09:00AM.

+ Guide & Driver

+ Meal: Breakfast, lunch

+ Excursion: continue the cruise downstream to Nong Khiaw; visit Muang Ngoi, and Ban Sopvan along the way

+ Accommodation: Hotel in Nong Khiaw

+ Pick-up: 08:30AM

After a local breakfast, time to explore the village. The village children rarely receive the opportunity to interact and play with Westerners.

We then take the cruise downstream to Muang Ngoi, the village at the middle of nowhere. Here, we will trek to the local village of Ban Na, and the caves of Tham Kaang, which is said to have the supernatural powers.

The lunch will be served at the local restaurant in Muang Ngoi.

In the afternoon, we continue the cruise to Ban Sopvan, which is home to the Tai Lue people. The village is located right next to the river, opposite the village on the river bank is a farm which is home to many different types of animal including Pigs, Chickens, Ducks, and Buffalo. We pay them a visit so it is worthwhile bringing some food along if you would like to feed them and surely very appreciated by both the animals and the villagers.

The last part of today cruise is 30 minutes cruise down to Nong Khiaw. We arrive in Nong Khiaw by around 5:00pm just in time before darkness descends.

+ Guide & Driver

+ Meal: Breakfast, lunch

+ Excursion: exploring the famous 100 waterfalls

+ Accommodation: Hotel in Nong Khiaw

+ Pick-up: 08:30AM

Start this day of adventure with a peaceful boat ride on the Nam Ou River where you will be able to explore a small Lao village along the riverside. Learn about the villagers and their way of life along this Northern Laos River before beginning the ‘100 Waterfalls Adventure Trail’!

Walking through small streams and rice paddies, you will arrive at the bottom of the 100 Waterfalls which were only first explored in October 2008! For the next few hours you will see only water and jungle and hear the constant sound of clear waterfall cascades. The pools around you are very inviting for a refreshing splash.

Your guide will lead you through the cascades and prepare a local style lunch that you can enjoy on the falls surrounded by amazingly green nature.

A small village trail on the top of the ‘100 Waterfalls’ will lead us on our hike back down into the valley, offering wide views over the expansive Nam Ou valley.

Once back in the village we will have some more time to experience the daily life of the Nam Ou riverside village before heading back to Nong Khiaw (Nong Khiau) by boat.

+ Guide & Driver

+ Meal: Breakfast, lunch

+ Excursion: transfer to Luang Prabang; along the way, visit the traditional village of Ban Na Yang, and the mysterious Pak Ou caves. From Pak Ou, take the cruise downstream Mekong river to Luang Prabang

+ Accommodation: Hotel in Luang Prabang

+ Pick-up: 08:30AM

After breakfast, we will transfer back to Luang Prabang. After about 20-minute drive, we will take a right turn at Ban Bom onto the dirt road to Ban Na Yang (12km from the main road), which is the Thai Lue minority village. This is the very unique village with the traditional house and hand-weaving technique.

After that, we will transfer directly to Ban Pak Ou, where we will have lunch (your own account) at the riverside restaurant overlooking the Nam Ou River, and Mekong River.

The afternoon will follow with the visit to the mysterious Pak Ou Caves, two linked caves crammed with thousands of gold lacquered Buddha statues of various shapes and sizes left by pilgrims. We then take the boat downstream the Mekong River to the heritage city of Luang Prabang. Along the way, we have chance to visit some more village at Ban Muangkeo, which is famous for its traditional Lao rice whisky distilling. We arrive in Luang Prabang just in time to catch the sunset. Overnight in Luang Prabang

+ Guide & Driver

+ Meal: Breakfast, Lunch

+ Excursion: Refreshing at Kuang Si waterfalls, and visit some main sites in the city

+ Accommodation: Hotel in Luang Prabang

+ Pick-up: 08:30AM

After breakfast, we visit Royal Palace Museum, which hosts a range of interesting artifacts. Our next stop in the city is the magnificent Wat Xiengthong with its roofs sweeping low to the ground, which represents classical Laotian architecture. We will also take a look at the Traditional Art & Ethnology Center to learn about the many Lao ethnic groups. We then visit Wat Visoun, dating back to 1513 during the reign of King Wisunarat (Visoun), this is Luang Prabang’s oldest temple and was once home to the Prabang Buddhas.

Laos is also known for its traditional crafts, we will take a short visit to the Ock Pop Tock Living Craft Center, where you will have a short tour so you get information about Silk, about weaver, about the Women that work in the Centre.

This then takes us to the beautiful Kuang Si Waterfall where you can cool off with a refreshing swim in the pools or walk along the forest trails. You can also see up close Asiatic bears at the Bear Rescue Centre along the jungle walk to the waterfall.

Before returning to Luang Prabang, we stop to visit the Kuang Si Falls Butterfly Park (closed on Tuesday, and from 03rd May to 19th June every year), one of the must-visit spots, where you can have an optional 15-minute tour to learn about butterflies and local flora. Arriving in Luang Prabang, we ascend the 329 steps to the top of Phousi Hill for a beautiful sunset view of the city and its glowing reflection on the Mekong River. Overnight in Luang Prabang

+ Guide & Driver

+ Meal: Breakfast, lunch

+ Excursion: early morning, join the daily morning alms giving. Explore Pha Tad Ke, the first and only Botanical garden in Luang Prabang

+ Accommodation: Chanthavinh Resort

+ Pick-up: 08:00

Wake up as the sun rises, we will prepare to join the most sacred tradition of Laos, the daily morning alms giving, which dates to the 14th century. More than 200 Buddhist monks depart from various temple to gather their daily meal from the faithful residents sitting quietly on the streets.

From there, we will visit the temporary morning market near the former Royal Palace. Just set on the ground, the local people come here to barter their day’s catch from rice, to vegetable, to fish, or chicken. This is the best chance to experience the flavor of local life

The Pha Tad Ke boat departs Ban Wat That at 9:00 (please be at the pier at 8:45). Enjoy a 15-minute leisurely boat trip down the Mekong River. Upon arrival at Pha Tad Ke Botanic Garden reception you will be given a short presentation about the gardens. After that walk through the Ginger Garden and the Ethno-botanic Garden, which is the centrepiece of the garden. Follow the path through the Limestone Walk and take in the amazing mountainous Mekong landscape. Learn how to make a bamboo stick animal at the site of the hunting lodge of the former royal family. Then continue your tour of Pha Tad Ke Botanical Garden walking through the Arboretum, Palm Garden, and Bamboo Garden to our viewpoint that overlooks the rice field. Stop by the Mist House where you will learn more about the importance of biodiversity conservation and finish your excursion with an optional orchid talk at Pha Tad Ke Nursery.

All of the gardens will have introductory panels and labels. You can always ask our expert staff should you have any questions or require more information.

Enjoy a delicious Lao set lunch at Pha Tad Ke’s café.

After lunch embark on a trek following our limestone paths to the Pha Tad Ke cave. Inside you will find a rustic Buddhist shrine. Return to the Pha Tad Ke café for a refreshing beverage and snack some delicious Lao delicacies.

We then join the workshop about Lao Traditional Medicinal Herbal Teas. This workshop introduces you to the rich ethno botanic heritage of the Lao people and their medicinal herbs. Learn how these herbs can make our everyday life healthier and more balanced.

Finish your workshop at about 17:00 with some more free time to spend walking around the gardens or relaxing in the restaurant.

After that we will join the boat back to Luang Prabang. Along the way, we will make our stop at Ban Chan, the peaceful village set in another side of the Mekong, home to the serene Chanthavinh Resort, where we will spend the night

+ Guide & Driver

+ Meal: Breakfast, lunch

+ Excursion: transfer to Xieng Khuang, which is famous for the mysterious plains of jars

+ Accommodation: Hotel in Xieng Khuang

+ Pick-up: 08:30

Wake up early, you can stroll around the village to see the local people preparing for their daily jobs. The village of Ban Chan is famous for its pottery making, you can buy some souvenirs to support the local business (your own account)

After breakfast at the hotel, we make our way over the mountains to Xieng Khuang, the province which is best-known for having been heavily bombed during Indochina War. But of course, it is also famous for the historic Plain of Jars. The journey takes about 8 hours and we can make some stops at villages to observe the rural life of local people, including ethnic minorities such as the Hmong people. Our first stop is at Ban Kiew Nya for the panoramic view before continuing down to Ban Phoudam, where we can see the two hill tribe minorities of H’Mong and Khamu living in harmony. After that we visit the H’Mong market at the junction of Phoukhoun. From there, we will drive further to visit Tham Pra, which served as the hospital for the army during Indochina Wars. Arrival in Phonsavanh, the capital of Xiengkhouang province and check into your hotel. Overnight at hotel in town!

+ Guide & Driver

+ Meal: Breakfast, lunch

+ Excursion: Full day explore the 3 site of the famous plains of jars; and the ancient city of Muang Khoun

+ Accommodation: hotel in Xieng Khuang

+ Pick-up: 08:30AM

In the morning you will journey through Phonsavan and the Plain of Jars.

The Plain of Jars is a huge archaeological complex littered with mysterious 2000 years old stone jars sized from 70cm up to 3 or 4 meters. Their true origin remains a mystery. It seems that they were carved into boulders. Several researches lead by the French archaeologist Madeleine Colani in the 30’s suggested that they could be old graves, but to this day they remain an enigma.

Your trip will enable you to visit the 3 sites and also discover some local villages where you can observe local village life. Site 1, close to the town is settled at Thong Hai Hin and is the biggest site. Site 2 is at Hai Hin on Phou Salator, “Phou” in Lao means “Mountain”. End your tour at site 3 in Hai Hin Lat Khai. Site 3 is the most impressive with over 150 jars. Close to this site, you will visit Ban Xiengdi where there is a small monastery with Buddha images. On the way back, you will pass areas that were important battlefields during the American secret war. You can still see bomb craters from that time today.

Attention: The Plain of Jars has been heavily bombed during the war and you have to respect all the signs and stay along the defined trails due to bombs, UXO and landmines.

In the afternoon, enjoy a half day trip to Muang Khoun. Muang Khoun one place in the old provincial capital that was not been destroyed by the American bombings during the secret war. Muang Khoun is home to unique sitting giant Buddha as well of some old pagodas that lies in ruins. The foundation and columns of Wat Pia Wat are still standing and close to this site, there is also an old 30m stupa constructed in the Lan Xang/Lanna period.

Then return to Xieng Khouang and overnight.

+ Guide & Driver

+ Meal: Breakfast, lunch

+ Excursion: transfer to Vang Vieng, the eco-tourism city of Laos

+ Accommodation: hotel in Vang Vieng

+ Pick-up: 08:30AM

Early morning, we visit the Central Market of Phonsavanh to watch the different hill tribe people barter and exchange merchandises. We leave Xieng Khuang for our scenic drive to Vang Vieng, a small town, which is nestled on a bend of the Nam Song River. Its stunning scenery with its limestone outcrops remains unspoiled, despite recent developments with the advent of tourism. Our first stop today is at Tham Pra, which served as the hospital for the army during Indochina Wars. Then, drive to the T-junction at Phoukhoun to visit the colorful market of hill tribe people. The panoramic view at the peak of Phou Phiengpha is what we never want to miss today before continuing further to the Khmu village of Ban Phouhin Lekphay. Our next photo stop is Phatang Mountain view point to admire the beautiful scenery before reaching Vang Vieng. Overnight in Vang Vieng

+ Guide & Driver

+ Meal: Breakfast, lunch

+ Excursion: vis the famous caves of Tham Phoukham, take a dip at the Blue Lagoon, before transferring to Vientiane

+ Accommodation: hotel in Vientiane

+ Pick-up: 08:30AM

In the morning, we will first stroll around the town to visit the local market to catch a glimpse of everyday life in a typical Lao rural area.

After breakfast, we start our board through paddy field areas heading to Tham Phoukham caves, where your breath will be taken away seeing the most beautiful and famous limestone cavern, surrounded by natural forests. Along the way, you have chance to explore the local cultures by greeting the local villagers and learning about their daily lifestyle. There is a small natural pool in front of the caves where you can take a swim to refresh yourself from the hot climate or you could explore the nearby area.

We bid farewell to Vang Vieng and drive to Vientiane. Located on the banks of the Mekong River, this capital conjures up exotic images, with a curious mix of Lao, Thai, Chinese, Vietnamese, French influences. Overnight in Vientiane

+ Guide & Driver

+ Meal: Breakfast, lunch

+ Excursion: Visit the intriguing collection of Buddha park, and the city of Vientiane

+ Accommodation: hotel in Vientiane

+ Pick-up: 08:30AM

In the morning, we will first visit Wat Si Muang, which is very famous for its supernatural power. We then transfer out to see Buddha Park, an enchanting collection of Buddhist and Hindu sculptures on the Mekong Riverside meadow, close to the Friendship Bridge. There are approximately 200 religious images dating back over 500 years, which were created by a mysterious monk spreading his philosophy on life and revealing his ideas about the universe.

In the afternoon, we see the major sights of the capital; including the oldest Wat Sisaket, the temple with thousands of miniature Buddha statues and the former royal temple of Wat Prakeo, which previously housed the famous Emerald Buddha Image. On the way to Lao’s national icon, the famous and sacred structure of That Luang Stupa, we stop enroute to take some pictures of the imposing Patuxay Monument, which is well known as Vientiane’s own Arc de Triumph. A spectacular view over the Mekong River at sunset is a perfect way to finish the day. Overnight in Vientiane

+ Guide & Driver

+ Meal: Breakfast, lunch

+ Excursion: transfer to Kong Lor village, which is famous for Kong Lor caves, the longest cave system of Laos

+ Accommodation: hotel in Ban Kong Lor

+ Pick-up: 08:30AM

This morning you will be met by your driver and guide in Vientiane, to begin the journey south along route 13. This first leg of the journey takes around 3 hours and it is interesting to have a quick stop at Wat Prabath Phonsane (‘Temple of the footprint of Buddha’).

You will then leave the highway and enter the Phou Hin Poun NPA (National Protected Area). The scenery will become much more spectacular, featuring limestone karsts, forests and rice paddies. From leaving the highway to reaching your destination will take approximately 2 hours.

Once you arrive in the small town of Ban Kong Lor the rest of the day is at leisure to admire the views. You might like to take a walk through the surrounding villages. If so then your guide will be happy to accompany you.

We recommend a simple local restaurant called Kounmee, which is a 2 minute walk from Chantha House (dinner not included).

Overnight in Ban Kong Lor

+ Guide & Driver

+ Meal: Breakfast, lunch

+ Excursion: Visit the caves of Kong Lor in the morning; then transfer to Thakhek in the afternoon

+ Accommodation: hotel in Thakhek

+ Pick-up: 08:30AM

For early risers we recommend a walk at around 06:30 to explore the villages as they wake up and prepare for the day. Discuss this with your guide.

After breakfast you will take a short drive (5-10 minutes) towards the Kong Lor Caves. You will be given life jackets and head torches before a short walk around to the main entrance of the cave. Upon entering the cave, you will board a long tail boat which will take you through the length of this spectacular cave along an underground section of the Hin Boun River – a length of 7.5km before you see daylight again!

The river flows all year and reveals vast formations of stalactites and stalagmites, which you will explore partly on foot whilst inside the cave. In places the cave is up to 90m wide and 100m high. The cave is still used by local villagers as an access route to the region beyond (it is far quicker than climbing over the mountains which this cave cuts through!).

Once out on the other side you can stop for refreshments and walk to local villages, enjoying the scenery and observing a simple way of life (discuss with your guide how far you would like to walk).

Return by boat, travelling ‘downstream’ through the cave, to Ban Kong Lor. Enjoy lunch on your own account before travelling south.

The drive to Thakhek will take approximately 4 hours so you will hopefully arrive in time for a stroll along the Mekong at sunset. Thakhek is a very sleepy town with some very attractive colonial buildings. Enjoy a relaxing evening.

Overnight in Thakhek

+ Guide & Driver

+ Meal: Breakfast, lunch

+ Excursion: Full day transfer to Pakse; take a short visit in Savannakhet.

+ Accommodation: hotel in Pakse

+ Pick-up: 08:30AM

After a leisurely breakfast, your guide will meet you around 09:30 to continue your journey south. The drive to Savannakhet takes approximately 1.5 hours. Before entering Savannakhet you will make a stop at the beautiful 16th Century temple of That Ing Hang. An impressive central stupa dominates a courtyard which is flanked by statues of Lord Buddha, in a style similar to Wat Sisaket in Vientiane. That Ing Hang is among the most revered temples in Laos and many Buddhists will travel here during December for the annual ‘Boun Phathat’ ceremony.

Continue in to Savannakhet. The city is most famous as the birthplace of the father of the Lao People’s Democratic Repulic (Lao PDR), Kaysone Phomvihane, who was born here in 1920. Take a short tour of the architectural highlights, which include various French villas and the striking St. Teresa Catholic Church.

Visit the small but very interesting Dinosaur Museum. Dinosaur remains are being found nearby which are between 150,000,000 – 250,000,000 years old. You can speak to the resident paleontologists about their work and the proceeds from your visit help to keep this project going.

After lunch in a local restaurant it will be time to hit the road again for the drive to Pakse, which takes approximately 3.5 hours. Check in and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

On the confluence of the Mekong and the Sedone River, Pakse is the most important town in southern Laos. Pakse is the home a very important Vietnamese community, so if you visit this town during the Têt (Vietnamese New Year), do not be surprised if many shops are closed. This small city has a mixture of Chinese and French architecture and some lively markets.

Overnight in Pakse

+ Guide & Driver

+ Meal: Breakfast, lunch

+ Excursion: Exploring the ruin of Wat Phou, the pre-Angkorian temple

+ Accommodation: King Fisher Ecolodge

+ Pick-up: 08:30AM

After breakfast, a short walking city tour of Pakse will show you some nice remnants of the French period before transferring by road to Wat Phou. The journey takes approximately 1 hour.

Recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, Wat Phou is a spectacular pre-Angkorian temple that sits amidst the rice fields and waterways of southern Laos. The temple was constructed in three levels: the bottom level is focused on the baray (water reservoir) and promenade, the second level features quadrangular pavilions and galleries of carvings, and the top level is the sanctuary itself. The temple was built by the rulers of the Khmer empire before the construction of Angkor Wat. The temple served as the most important economic and political centre of the region and still is one of the Lao people’s most revered temples.

After your visit, we continue in to Champassak to see samples of French colonial architecture before driving to Ban Khiet Ngong, set inside the Xe Pian NPA, where we will spend the night at King Fisher Eco-lodge

+ Guide & Driver

+ Meal: Breakfast, lunch

+ Excursion: enjoy the elephant ride to the top of mount Phou Asa to admire the panoramic view. Then visit Khone Phapheng waterfalls, before taking the rest at Khone island

+ Accommodation: hotel in Khone island

+ Pick-up: 08:30AM

After breakfast, we will stroll around the village to see the local life. Ban Kiet Ngong is the starting point for your 90-minute elephant ride through the forest (2 people per elephant) and up to Mount Asa. This tour is part of a community-based tourism project developed to help the local villagers and provide conservation awareness. Along the way, you will have stunning views of the Xe Pian National Park which is settled between Champasak and Attapeu provinces. Stretching along the Mekong with many wetlands and unspoiled forest areas, this park offers a huge biodiversity with 29 recorded ecosystems. Birds species such as egrets, sarus crane and hornbill can occasionally be spotted and other inhabitants include wild elephant and gibbon.

After the elephant ride continue south to visit Khone Phapheng, which is considered the largest waterfall by volume in South East Asia; this is an impressive spot near the Lao-Cambodian border, set within an area which is teeming with wildlife, making this area one of the most breathtaking destinations in Laos.

We then drive back to Ban Nakasang, and take the boat to Khone island to spend the night

+ Guide & Driver

+ Meal: Breakfast, lunch

+ Excursion: Exploring the 4000-island area, then transfer to Bolaven Plateau

+ Accommodation: Sinouk Coffee Resort

+ Pick-up: 08:30AM

Following breakfast, we explore the local peaceful villages of Ban Khone, where you will see an array of relics from the French colonial era and retrace the old colonial past, including old French colonial buildings and the remnants of the first Lao railway with its locomotive. We continue to discover the 4000 islands area by tuk tuk and visit the marvelous Liphi waterfall, also called the “Corridor of the Devil” one of the most beautiful waterfalls marking Lao border with Cambodia. If we are lucky, we may even see the rare freshwater Irrawaddy Mekong dolphin at Ban Hang Khone.

Afterwards, we will enjoy the boat upstream the Mekong river to Khong island, before driving further back to Pakse.

From Pakse, we head east onto the Bolaven Plateau. The Bolaven Plateau is known for its cooler temperature being located high above the Mekong Valley. Stop at a tea plantation, followed by a brief visit to Tad Fan Waterfall, a picturesque twin chute waterfall. Last stop is at a coffee plantation before arriving at your destination for the evening. Overnight at Sinouk Coffee Resort

+ Guide & Driver
+ Meal: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
+ Excursion: Tour by jeep exploring the coffee trail in Bolaven plateau with the coffee specialist
+ Accommodation: hotel in Xieng Khuang
+ Pick-up: 08:30AM
09:00Am, we will meet the Jeep tour specialist at Chai Coffee, and have some discussion with him there when enjoying a cup of coffee.
After that, we will hop on the Jeep and drive 30 minutes to Tad Moun Waterfalls, where we can enjoy the fresh cool water, and visit the nearby vegetable farm.
11:00 Am, we continue driving to the Coffee Farm of Mr. Khamsone via the 10KM bumpy and muddy road, which will take you 01 hour with your special Jeep car.
Upon arrival, Mr khamsone, the Coffee farm’s owner will take 1hr to demonstration about coffee Roasting step and finishing by a coffee cupping to Savor the different kind of coffee (Robusta, Arabica and Typica).
We will have the picnic lunch on the farm at around 1:30PM before walking to the nearby refugee cave, which is used as the hidden place by the local villagers during the war time.
After that, we will continue walking along the farm to see the volcano mountain named Phou Sanark where we can enjoy the view over the farm and the nearby villages during the sunset.
You can learn to cook Lao foods with the wife of Mr. Khamsone while preparing the dinner with her. Overnight at the tent camp at the coffee farm

+ Guide & Driver

+ Meal: Breakfast, lunch

+ Excursion: Continue following the coffee trail.

+ Accommodation: Sinouk Coffee Resort

+ Pick-up: 08:30AM

09:00 am: After breakfast we continue driving by JEEP for 14km or 1hr to Laven village name’s B Setkhord. In this village there are 500 families living in around 100 years old. So, during the France Indochina, these plateau call Laven plateau, which means: An area or the hometown of Laven people living. Upon arrival, we can walk around, and our guide can tell you more stories about this village.

We then drive to Tad Say Waterfall where we will have the picnic lunch

After that we will drive to a Suay Village named B Darsia, where you can see many traditional house. 30% of the house here is still the traditionally built long house, and 60% is the traditional house. The house is the place, where many generations will share together. The family use the house for all daily activities such as cooking, eating, and sleeping.

We will arrive back to our hotel in Paksong late afternoon. Free for the rest of the day. Overnight in Paksong

+ Guide & Driver

+ Meal: Breakfast

+ Excursion: transfer to Lalay border, which is closest to Hue, the ancient capital of Vietnam

+ Accommodation: None

+ Pick-up: 08:30AM

You are free before transferring to Lalay border, which is newly opened. The road is crossing one of the most authentic region of Laos, not many travelers have passed this region. Along the way, we will make a short stop to visit the colorful market of Thateng. Our next stop is the town of Salavanh to have a drink before continuing further to Ban Taoy, and Ban Achungkhung.

We arrive at the border about noon. Our guide will help you with the border formality to check-out of Laos before saying goodbye.