8 day Spirit of Laos

After breakfast, we'll explore the Royal Palace Museum, which showcases a variety of fascinating artifacts. Our walking tour will uncover some of Luang Prabang’s hidden gems, taking us through serene backstreets to Wat Xiengthong. We’ll also visit Wat Mai and Wat Visoun, often referred to as ‘The Water Melon Stupa’.

Following lunch, we'll proceed to the Arts and Ethnology Centre to gain deeper insight into Laos’s diverse ethnic cultures. We will also visit the weaving and textile villages of Ban Xangkhong and Ban Xienglek.

To end the day, we’ll climb Mt Phousi for a breathtaking sunset view and a sweeping panorama of Luang Prabang and the Mekong River.

Overnight in Luang Prabang.

The day begins with a visit to the Big Brother Mouse shop to pick out books for our village visit. We will drive along Route 13 before taking a rough road to Ban Khia Luang village.

Once there, you'll have plenty of time to explore the school, interact with the children, and see their reactions to the new books. You'll also have the chance to explore the village, including its weaving activities and local temple.

Lunch can be enjoyed either as a western-style picnic or with traditional Lao fare such as sticky rice, laap, and fresh vegetables prepared by the villagers.

Afterwards, we'll bid farewell to the village and journey to Ban Khoklin, passing through scenic landscapes of mountains and rice fields.

At Ban Khoklin, we'll board a private boat for a trip down the Nam Ou River to the Pak Ou Caves, which are filled with thousands of gold lacquered Buddha statues of various sizes. Our journey continues down the Mekong River to the charming village of Ban Chan, known for its pottery, before returning to Luang Prabang in the late afternoon.

Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Our half-day city tour kicks off with a visit to Wat Sisaket, the oldest temple in the city, renowned for its thousands of miniature Buddha statues. We will also explore Wat Prakeo, a former royal temple.

Afterward, transfer to the airport for your flight to Vientiane. Upon arrival in the capital, you'll be met and taken to your hotel.

In Vientiane, your half-day city tour will continue with a visit to Wat Sisaket, home to an extensive collection of miniature Buddha statues. You'll also visit Wat Prakeo, a historic royal temple.

Next, we’ll explore the sacred That Luang Stupa and capture photos of the impressive Patuxay Monument, Vientiane’s equivalent of the Arc de Triomphe. Our final stop will be the COPE Exhibition Centre, which sheds light on the impact of unexploded ordnance and mines, and serves as a rehabilitation center for individuals with disabilities, training local staff in prosthetics and orthotics.

Overnight stay in Vientiane.

Early this morning, you'll be transferred to the airport for your flight to Pakse. Upon arrival, you'll be greeted and taken directly to a private traditional boat for a scenic 2-hour cruise to Champassak.

Upon reaching the ancient town, which was part of the Champa Kingdom, you'll continue by car to Wat Phou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2002. This historical site features ruins of a temple built before Angkor Wat in Siem Reap, showcasing some of the oldest Khmer architecture dating back to the 7th century.

In the afternoon, travel to Don Khong, situated in the 4,000 Islands region of the Mekong River. During the rainy season, this area represents the widest point of the river, but in the dry months, the water recedes, revealing numerous islands and islets. This region is also known for its population of endangered Irrawaddy dolphins.

Along the way, visit the evocative ruins of the Khmer temple Oup Mong at Ban Houei Tomo, nestled in the forest. Arrive at Khong Island by ferry in the early evening.

Overnight on Khong Island.

After breakfast, head out to explore the picturesque countryside.

Embark on a long-tail boat ride to Don Khone, where you'll disembark to begin your exploration. You can choose to traverse the island by bicycle, discovering remnants of French colonial architecture and visiting the Liphi Waterfall, also known as "the Corridor of the Devil."

Return to the mainland at Ban Nakasang, a fishing village, and continue south to witness Khone Phapheng. Known as the largest waterfall by volume in Southeast Asia, Khone Phapheng is a stunning natural landmark near the Lao-Cambodian border.

This area, rich in wildlife, is renowned for its breathtaking beauty.

After your visit, return to Khong Island for an overnight stay.

Today, journey by road eastward to the Bolaven Plateau, renowned for its cooler climate due to its elevation above the Mekong Valley.

Your first visit is to Houey Ten, a Katu village known for its knife-making traditions. Next, explore a local tea plantation, followed by a stop at the stunning Tad Fan Waterfall, with its impressive twin cascades.

Continue to a coffee plantation and then to Tha Teng Market, a vibrant market showcasing ethnic minority foods.

Next, delve into the culture of another fascinating minority village, Ban Bong Neua, an Alak community with a traditional sacrificial altar.

In the afternoon, reach the picturesque Tadlo Waterfall, where you can unwind and take a dip in the natural pools.

On your way back to Pakse, visit Ban Houi Hun, an Alak weaving village where traditional beliefs include storing coffins beneath houses.

Before returning to Pakse, make a stop at the beautiful Paxuam Waterfall. Arrive in Pakse by late afternoon and enjoy your Farewell Dinner.

Overnight stay in Tadlo.

After breakfast, you’ll have some free time to explore Pakse Town on your own. Later, you will either catch a flight to Siem Reap, Cambodia, or travel overland from the Chongmek International checkpoint to Ubon Ratchathani, Thailand, to conclude your visit to Laos.