Luang Prabang & 4000 Islands

After breakfast, we will visit the National Museum housed in the former Royal Palace. This museum showcases a fascinating collection of artifacts that reflect the depth of Lao culture, spanning from the early kings to the last monarch. We will then explore some of Luang Prabang's key attractions, including the city's oldest temple, Wat Sene, and the splendid Wat Xiengthong. This temple is renowned for its beautifully decorated gilded stucco, intricate glass mosaics depicting the Tree of Life, and its distinctive three-tiered roof design, exemplifying classic Laotian architecture.

In the afternoon, we'll embark on a Mekong River cruise, offering stunning views of the serene countryside and an opportunity to explore the enigmatic Pak Ou Caves. These two connected caves are filled with thousands of gold lacquered Buddha statues of varying sizes, left by devoted pilgrims. En route, we'll visit Ban Xanghai, known for its local rice wine, and Ban Xangkhong, famous for its silk weaving and Saa (jute) papermaking. We'll also stop by Ban Phanom, a small village renowned for its traditional hand weaving. Return to Luang Prabang for an overnight stay.

An optional early morning outing offers you the chance to engage in the unique daily ritual of alms giving, where saffron-robed monks collect offerings of sticky rice from the local people. This distinctive tradition is a special feature of Laos, being the only Buddhist nation that continues this practice.

Following this, you’ll visit the bustling Phosi Market, where you can find an array of goods, from dried buffalo skin and local tea to saltpeter, chickens, fresh vegetables, and intricate hill-tribe textiles. Laos is renowned for its traditional crafts, and today you will explore several villages of Lao ethnic minority groups, including Ban Ouay, Hmong Village, Ban Ou, Laoloum Village, and Ban Thapene, Khmu Village. Afterward, you’ll drive to the stunning Khouangsi Waterfall, where you can enjoy a refreshing swim in its clear turquoise pools or stroll along the surrounding forest trails. We will return to the city in the late afternoon to witness the sunset at Wat Phabath.

After breakfast, you'll have some free time before being transferred to the airport for your flight from Luang Prabang to Pakse.

Upon arriving in Pakse, you’ll meet your guide and head to the Champasak District to visit the Wat Phou Temple Complex. This site, dramatically positioned at the base of Mount Phu Kao, is one of Southeast Asia's most captivating temple ruins. Wat Phou, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2001, dates back to the 9th century, making it older than Angkor Wat in Cambodia. Each year, during the full moon in February, a festival here attracts many pilgrims from southern Laos.

Next, travel to the 4000 Islands region and Khong Island, known for its relaxing atmosphere during the day and picturesque beauty at night. You’ll have the rest of the day to enjoy at your leisure—perhaps lounging on the stunning beach. Overnight on Khong Island.

After breakfast, we head out to explore the picturesque countryside. We embark on a long-tail boat to Don Khone, where you can choose to explore the island by bicycle. This bike ride will lead you to the remnants of the French colonial era and the impressive Liphi Waterfall, also known as the "Corridor of the Devil."

We then return to the mainland at the fishing village of Ban Nakasang and continue our journey south to Khone Phapheng. Known as the largest waterfall in Southeast Asia by volume, Khone Phapheng is a stunning natural wonder near the Lao-Cambodian border, surrounded by abundant wildlife. This area is renowned for its breathtaking scenery. Additionally, there’s an opportunity to take a local boat to search for the rare freshwater dolphins inhabiting this section of the Mekong River (with a bit of luck, we might spot them). Afterward, we drive back to Khong Island for your overnight stay.

You will have some leisure time until our guide arrives to transfer you back to Pakse airport for your international flight to your next destination.

Please be aware: The standard check-out time is 12:00.