Laos Sightseeing Tour to Luang Prabang, Xiengkhouang, Vientiane, Pakse

After breakfast, we begin with a brief guided tour, visiting the city's oldest temple, Wat Sene, and the stunning Wat Xiengthong, known for its low-sweeping roofs that epitomize traditional Laotian architecture. We then embark on a boat cruise upstream along the Mekong River, where we will enjoy sweeping views of the serene countryside and explore the intriguing Pak Ou Caves. These caves house thousands of gold-lacquered Buddha statues of various shapes and sizes, left by devoted pilgrims. During our journey, we will stop at the village of Ban Xanghai, renowned for its rice wine production. Upon returning to Luang Prabang, we will take a short drive to Ban Phanom, a village famous for its hand weaving. Additionally, we will visit Ban Xangkhong and Ban Xienglek, known for their silk weaving and Saa (jute) papermaking.

Overnight in Luang Prabang.

An optional early start offers a wonderful chance to witness the traditional morning ceremonies where saffron-robed monks collect alms, typically sticky rice, from local residents. This distinctive ritual is unique to Laos, the only Buddhist country maintaining this practice. You can also visit the morning Phosi Market, where you’ll find a variety of goods such as dried buffalo skin, local tea, saltpeter, as well as chickens, vegetables, and textiles from local hill tribes.

Laos is renowned for its traditional crafts, and today’s itinerary includes visits to Lao ethnic minority villages such as Ban Ouay and Ban Thapene. If time allows, you might also take a trip to the picturesque Kuangsi Waterfall, where you can swim in the turquoise pools or explore the surrounding forest trails. We return to Luang Prabang by late afternoon, visiting Ban Phanom, famous for its weaving, before heading back to the city to enjoy the sunset at Wat Siphouthabath.

Overnight in Luang Prabang.

After breakfast, we'll explore the National Museum, housed in the former Royal Palace (closed on Tuesdays), which showcases a fascinating collection of artifacts that illustrate the richness of Lao culture from the era of the early kings to the last monarch. We then embark on a scenic drive of 306 kilometers through mountainous terrain to Xiengkhouang. Upon arrival, we'll visit the Plain of Jars, a remarkable archaeological site featuring hundreds of large stone jars scattered across the plateau. If time allows, we'll also explore the old capital of Muang Khoun and the surrounding villages, which are home to the Hmong hill tribe. These areas offer a glimpse into their unique culture and vibrant history.

Overnight in Phonsavanh.

After breakfast, we'll head to the Central Market. Following this, you will have some free time to further explore the town before we board our flight back to Vientiane. Upon arrival and after checking into our hotel, we’ll have the opportunity to continue our exploration of the Vientiane area if time allows. We will visit the striking Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge and Buddha Park, a fascinating array of Buddhist and Hindu sculptures located on the Mekong River’s banks near the Friendship Bridge. This park features around 200 religious statues, created over 500 years ago by an enigmatic monk who aimed to share his philosophical insights on life and the universe. We’ll conclude the day with a stunning sunset view over the Mekong River.

Overnight in Vientiane.

After breakfast, we'll delve deeper into the highlights of Vientiane. Our first stops include Wat Sisaket, the oldest temple in the city adorned with thousands of miniature Buddha statues, and Wat Prakeo, the former royal temple that once housed the renowned Emerald Buddha. As we head towards Laos' treasured site, the revered That Luang Stupa, we’ll have a chance to photograph the majestic Patuxay Monument, often referred to as Vientiane’s own Arc de Triomphe.

In the afternoon, we’ll continue our exploration on foot, visiting Wat Ong Tue, Wat Inpeng, and Wat Haisok. We’ll stroll through the bustling shopping areas, including Vientiane Central Market, Talad Sao, and Talad Kouadin, where you can find a wide range of goods such as fresh produce, household items, souvenirs, textiles, and precious metals. Our day will conclude with a relaxing visit to the Mekong Riverside to enjoy the sunset.

Overnight in Vientiane.

Following breakfast, we take an early flight to Pakse. Upon arrival, we head south to Champassak to explore the captivating pre-Angkorian ruins of Wat Phu, renowned for its striking location at the base of Mount Phu Kao. We’ll have the opportunity to delve into these fascinating Khmer ruins. Afterward, we continue our adventure with a long-tail boat ride to Don Khone, the largest island in the southern Mekong region, famously known as the 4000 Islands. This area is celebrated for its stunning natural beauty. Overnight stay on Don Khone Island.

After an early breakfast, we start by exploring the remnants of French colonial influence at Ban Khone, where several old colonial buildings and the first Lao railway with its original locomotive are still visible. We then embark on a relaxed boat trip around the 4000 Islands region, making a stop at the stunning Liphi Waterfall, also known as Samphamith, which serves as a natural boundary between Laos and Cambodia. With a bit of luck, we might even spot the rare freshwater Irrawaddy Mekong dolphin at Ban Hang Khone. Our journey continues with a drive to the renowned Khone Phapeng Waterfall, the largest waterfall in Southeast Asia, often referred to as the ‘Niagara of the East.’

Overnight on Don Khone Island.

Leaving Don Khone Island, we head toward Tadlo, traveling through the Boloven Plateau. This plateau is renowned for its cooler climate, elevated high above the Mekong Valley. The plateau’s rivers cascade down, creating a series of breathtaking waterfalls amidst lush forests. A visit to this region offers a pleasant respite from the heat and an opportunity to see the cultivation of coffee, tea, cardamom, bananas, and other crops along the way. This journey takes you off the beaten path, allowing you to explore some of Laos' lesser-known, rugged landscapes. Upon reaching Tad Lo Waterfall, we explore the nearby villages of Alak, Nge, and Katu, inhabited by various ethnic minority groups. We then return to Pakse by late evening.

Overnight in Pakse.

After breakfast, you’ll have some free time to explore Pakse Town at your own pace. Later, you can either take a flight to Siem Reap in Cambodia or travel overland from the Chongmek International checkpoint to Ubon Ratchathani in Thailand.