15 days Thailand and Laos Grand Tour

This morning, you'll depart early for Huay Xay, a town near the border. At 09:00 hrs, the Luang Say Cruise departs from Huay Xay pier, embarking on a scenic journey along the Mekong River towards Pakbeng. Along the way, there will be a stop to immerse in local Mekong riverbank life and engage with ethnic minority communities. A delicious buffet lunch will be served onboard. We'll arrive in Pakbeng before sunset, where you'll check-in at the tranquil LuangSay Lodge. Enjoy a delightful dinner on the terrace with views overlooking the Mekong River. Tonight, you'll stay overnight in Pakbeng.

At 08:30, embark on the boat for the next segment of your cruise. Make a brief visit to a Hmong village before savoring a buffet lunch onboard. Proceed to Pak-Ou village, located at the confluence of the Nam Ou River, and explore the Pak Ou Caves, renowned for their "Cave of a Thousand Buddhas." En route to Luang Prabang, enjoy a short stop to witness the traditional method of producing local rice alcohol. Arrive in Luang Prabang before sunset and spend the night there.

We start our walking tour by uncovering some of Luang Prabang's hidden gems, meandering through serene backstreets that lead us to Wat Xiengthong. Along the way, we'll pause at Wat Chomkhong, renowned for its intricate carvings. This area features a blend of elegant old French Colonial structures and traditional Lao houses, which you'll have time to admire, including a visit to the quaint Wat Phapai. We'll also make a stop at the Fine Arts School to view some impressive artwork. Our day concludes with a visit to the stunning Wat Xiengthong, known for its low-sweeping roofs, exemplifying the classic architectural style of Luang Prabang. Spend the night in Luang Prabang.

Departing from Luang Prabang with your private guide and driver, you'll journey approximately one hour and twenty minutes out of town. Along the way, you'll be treated to picturesque scenery and rural landscapes featuring rice terraces and pineapple fields. Your visit includes a stop at Ban Longlao, a local H'mong village with distinct cultural practices, customs, and language compared to the rest of Laos.

Your trek begins at the H'mong village and lasts between two and two and a half hours, taking you through primary forest and jungle until you reach the stunning Kuang Si Waterfall. Lunch (not included) can be enjoyed at the falls, with time to relax, swim, or even climb to the top of the waterfall.

Afterwards, you'll head back to Luang Prabang, arriving in time to witness the sunset over the Mekong River.

Note: The itinerary may be adjusted during the rainy season due to weather conditions, with an alternative program available if needed.

We begin our journey early this morning, around 8 am, heading towards Xiengkhuang, home to the renowned ‘Plain of Jars’. The route takes us along a winding mountain path, with our first stop at Houi Hei, where we can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding peaks.

Next, we travel to Ban Kiu Kam Pone, a Khmu village, before stopping in Phou Khoun for lunch. As we continue into Xiengkhuang province, we reach our highest point of the day just after Phou Khoun, at an elevation of 1500 meters above sea level.

We'll have a chance to visit Ban Son Boom, a Hmong village, before making our final stop of the day. Here, we'll explore a hidden Buddha Cave that was used as a field hospital during the Vietnam War.

Additionally, if time permits, we can visit an old Russian tank. We aim to reach your hotel by early evening for an overnight stay in Xiengkhuang.

This morning, we'll visit the Mines Action Group (MAG) office to gain insight into their efforts in clearing land mines and unexploded ordnance in the region. Following this, we head to the Plain of Jars, a significant prehistoric site from the Iron Age (500 BC to AD 500) and one of Southeast Asia's most notable archaeological locations.

Our first destination is Jar Site 2, where we'll embark on a one-hour trek along the ridge to the remarkable Jar Site 3. This site features approximately 150 jars situated on a hill, providing stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

In the afternoon, we'll explore Jar Site 1, the largest of the sites, which contains over 300 jars. We'll then return to your hotel by late afternoon for an overnight stay in Xiengkhuang.

We begin our day early with a visit to the vibrant Central Market. If time allows, we’ll continue to the historic town of Muang Khoun, the former provincial capital, where you can explore the ruins of several ancient pagodas in the Lanna style, as well as Wat Phiawat, a ruined temple featuring a large seated Buddha.

Next, we travel by road to Vang Vieng, making a late lunch stop in Phou Khoun. After lunch, we'll visit Ban Hin Ngon, a charming Hmong village.

Additionally, we have the option to stop at Koe Kuang, known for its local forest market where you can find unique delicacies like edible snakes, rats, and various reptiles.

Our final stop for the day is a brief photo opportunity at the breathtaking Phatang Mountain view point, showcasing the stunning limestone karst landscape. We will arrive in Vang Vieng by early evening, where you'll have the rest of the day to enjoy at your leisure.

This morning, we explore the scenic Tham Jang Cave, where you can enjoy breathtaking views of the Nam Song River and the surrounding karst landscape.

We then proceed on our journey towards Vientiane. Along the way, we make a stop in Tha Heua, a quaint village known for its dried fish, which you’ll find hanging in front of the homes.

Next, we visit Nam Ngum, a beautiful lake formed by the damming of the Nam Ngum River. After lunch with a view of the lake, we continue to Ban Keun, renowned for its salt mines. Here, you can observe the daily life of the local workers.

Just before reaching Vientiane, we make a final stop at the bustling Don Makai Market, famous for its variety of insects, where the daring can sample some unique snacks.

We return to Vientiane by early evening for an overnight stay.

Our half-day city tour starts with a visit to Wat Sisaket, the city's oldest temple, which houses thousands of miniature Buddha statues. Following this, we’ll explore Wat Prakeo, the former royal temple.

Next, we visit the sacred That Luang Stupa and capture some photos of the impressive Patuxay Monument, Vientiane’s own version of the Arc de Triomphe.

Our final stop is the COPE Exhibition Centre, which sheds light on the impact of unexploded ordnance and mines on local communities. COPE also serves as a rehabilitation center for individuals with disabilities and provides training in prosthetics and orthotics for local staff.

Early this morning, you’ll be transferred to the airport for your flight to Pakse. Upon arrival, you’ll be met and driven east into the Bolaven Plateau, known for its cooler temperatures due to its elevation above the Mekong Valley.

Our first visit is to Houey Ten, a Katu village renowned for its traditional knifemaking. We’ll then stop by a tea plantation before heading to the scenic Tad Fan Waterfall, which features two impressive cascades.

Next, we visit a coffee plantation and then proceed to Tha Teng Market, a vibrant ethnic minority food market. We also explore Ban Bong Neua, an Alak village with a notable sacrificial altar.

In the afternoon, we arrive at the picturesque Tadlo Waterfall, where you’ll have the rest of the day to enjoy at your leisure. There’s also an option for a short elephant ride to take in the stunning scenery.

After breakfast, we depart from the plateau, making our first stop at the scenic Paxuam Waterfall.

We then continue our journey to Champassak and visit Wat Phou, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2002. Wat Phou features ancient ruins that predate Angkor Wat in Siem Reap, showcasing some of the earliest Khmer architecture from the 7th to 11th centuries.

In the late afternoon, we drive to Don Khong, part of the 4000 Islands area. During the rainy season, this is the widest section of the Mekong River, though in the dry months, the river recedes, revealing thousands of islands and islets.

We arrive at Khong Island by ferry in the early evening.

After breakfast, we venture into the countryside and embark on a long-tail boat tour to Don Khone, where we will disembark.

You can choose to explore the island by bicycle, visiting the remnants from the French colonial period and the Liphi Waterfall, also known as "the Corridor of the Devil."

We then return to the mainland at the fishing village of Ban Nakasang and drive further south to Khone Phapheng, the largest waterfall by volume in Southeast Asia. This impressive site near the Lao-Cambodian border is rich in wildlife, making it one of Laos' most stunning destinations.

We then head back north, take a boat across the Mekong River to the island of Don Daeng, and enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure, either relaxing or exploring this serene island.

Today is a day for you to unwind at your own pace. You can relax by the pool or rent bicycles to explore the island and its charming villages.

In the evening, savor your Farewell Dinner.

Overnight stay on Don Daeng.

Following breakfast, you will be transported back to Pakse and then to the airport for your departure flight.