Laos Family Tour from Luangprabang to Pakse via Xiengkhouang, Vientiane – 12 Days

The day begins with a visit to the Big Brother Mouse shop to choose books for the village visit. We then travel north by car along route 13, followed by an unpaved road leading to Ban Khia Luang village. Here, we spend ample time visiting the school, interacting with the children, and witnessing their enjoyment of the new books. Exploring the village further, you can observe weaving and visit the local temple. Lunch is served in the village, offering either a western picnic or traditional Lao cuisine such as sticky rice, leap, and fresh vegetables prepared by the villagers. After lunch, we bid farewell to the village and drive to Ban Khoklin, passing through picturesque scenery of mountains and rice fields. At Ban Khoklin, we embark on a private boat for a 30-minute journey down the Nam Ou River to Pak Ou Caves, renowned for thousands of gold lacquered Buddha statues left by pilgrims. We then continue along the Mekong River back to Luang Prabang, arriving by late afternoon.

Overnight stay in Luang Prabang.

Today, we take a boat across the Mekong River to reach the charming village of Ban Chan, renowned for its pottery. Afterward, we explore the vibrant Phousi Market, where you can find an array of goods including dried buffalo skin, local tea, and saltpeter, alongside chickens, vegetables, and textiles from hill-tribe communities. Laos is celebrated for its traditional crafts, and today's itinerary includes visits to local villages inhabited by Lao ethnic minority groups: Ban Ouay (Hmong), Ban Ou (Laoloum), and Ban Thapene (Khmu). Our journey then leads us to the stunning Khuang Si Waterfall, where you can take a refreshing swim in turquoise pools or stroll along forested trails. We return to Luang Prabang by late afternoon.

Overnight stay in Luang Prabang.

Today, we embark on a scenic drive through breathtaking natural landscapes to Xiengkhuang. Along the way, there will be numerous opportunities to capture photos and visit villages inhabited by hill tribes. Upon reaching Xiengkhuang, we proceed to visit Site 1 of the Plain of Jars, an extraordinary archaeological site adorned with hundreds of large stone jars scattered across the plateau.

Overnight stay in Xiengkhuang.

This morning, we'll explore the vibrant Central Market in Phonsavan and visit the MAG exhibition, followed by a visit to Site 2 of the Plain of Jars. Later, we'll embark on a short scenic trek to Site 3, passing through a Tai Dam and Lao Leum village. After lunch, we'll continue our half-day tour to explore the old capital of Muang Khoun and nearby villages, which are inhabited by the Hmong hill tribe and Tai Dam people.

Overnight in Xiengkhuang.

During our half-day tour of Vang Vieng, we visit the renowned Tham Jang caves, historically used as a refuge by locals from Chinese invaders. Crossing the river, we reach Ban Huai Ngai, a charming village offering insights into local lifestyles. After lunch, we continue southwards to Vientiane, arriving before sunset.

Overnight in Vientiane.

During your half-day city tour, you'll explore Vientiane's prominent temples, starting with Wat Sisaket, known for its numerous miniature Buddha statues. Next, we visit the former royal temple Wat Prakeo, once home to the revered Emerald Buddha Image. We also see the iconic Lao national symbol, That Luang Stupa, and capture photos at the impressive Patuxay Monument, reminiscent of Vientiane's Arc de Triumph. The afternoon is free for leisure.

Overnight in Vientiane.

Early this morning, you'll be transported to the airport for your flight to Pakse. Upon arrival, we drive south to Champassak to explore the captivating pre-Angkorian ruins of Wat Phu, one of Southeast Asia's most stunningly positioned temples. You'll have ample time to discover these fascinating Khmer remains nestled at the foot of Mount Phu Kao. After lunch, we proceed by road and long-tail boat to the area of 4000 Islands, where you can unwind for the remainder of the day.

Overnight in 4000 Islands.

Following an early morning breakfast, we begin our exploration of Khone Island. We start by revisiting the French colonial era at Ban Khone, where some historic colonial buildings still stand, and catch a glimpse of the first Lao railway with its own locomotive. Continuing our journey through the 4000 Islands region by boat, we visit the stunning Liphi Waterfall, also known as Samphamith, which marks a natural boundary between Laos and Cambodia. Returning to Ban Nakasang, we then drive to the renowned Khone Phapeng Waterfall – the largest waterfall in Southeast Asia, often referred to as the 'Niagara of the East'.

Overnight in 4000 Islands.

This morning, we depart from Khone Island and embark on a journey westward into the Bolaven Plateau. Situated at a higher altitude above the Mekong Valley, the Bolaven Plateau is renowned for its cooler climate. The region is famous for its numerous waterfalls, and one of the most stunning, Tad Fan Waterfall, is our first stop. Tad Fan features twin cascades plunging into a deep gorge surrounded by lush vegetation. Exploring the plateau offers a refreshing respite from the heat and provides opportunities to observe the cultivation of coffee, tea, cardamom, bananas, and other crops along the way.

In the afternoon, we reach Tad Lo, where another picturesque waterfall awaits, along with several ethnic minority villages including Alak, Nge, and Katu. Afterward, we return to Pakse.

Overnight in Pakse.

After breakfast, you will be escorted to Pakse Airport for your flight to Siem Reap.