UNCOVER THE HIDDEN CHARMS OF LAOS

On arrival at the Luang Prabang airport, you will be met and transferred to check in the hotel (early check-in upon availability)
Situated in the centre of northern Laos, Luang Prabang is classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its outstanding cultural, historic and architectural values and its harmonious relationship between the natural and built environment.
There is no activities planned for today, so you may stroll around for the first impression of this ancient city. Overnight in Luang Prabang.

After breakfast, our guide will take you on an in-depth walking tour of the city.
The walk is oriented towards the lesser-known parts of the town including charming lanes showing the more traditional atmosphere of the heritage town.
Along the way, we will see the four different types of buildings categorized by UNESCO.
The first one is the traditional Lao house which is made from tropical hardwood or bamboo and built on stilts.
The second is a half wood and half cement house built after the arrival of the French.
The third is the traditional French colonial building that are similar to those found in Vietnam and Cambodia.
The last form of architecture you will see is the old Chinese shop houses that were built to be used for both commercial and residential purposes.
In the afternoon, we will visit some famous attractions inside city center including the oldest temple of Wat Sene and the magnificent Wat Xiengthong with its roofs sweeping low to the ground, which represents classical Laotian architecture.
We then continue with a visit to the Royal Palace Museum, which hosts a range of interesting artifacts. From there, we walk to the nearby Wat Mai, which is one of Luang Prabang’s largest and most richly decorated temples.
Late afternoon, we climb up to the top of Mount Phousi for an enjoyable exploration of the sacred, gilded stupa as well as a panoramic sunset view of the city and the Mekong River. 
The tour ends after a visit to the famous Night Market, where you can find a lovely selection of handmade textiles made by local and hilltribe people surrounding Luang Prabang.
Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Wake up as the sun rises, we will prepare to join the most sacred tradition of Laos, the daily morning alms giving, which dates to the 14th century. More than 200 Buddhist monks depart from various temples to gather their daily meal from the faithful residents sitting quietly on the streets.
We then visit the temporary morning market near the former Royal Palace. Just set on the ground, the local people come here to barter their day’s catch from rice, to vegetable, to fish, or chicken.
After breakfast at the hotel, transfer directly to the Buffalo Dairy Farm on the way to Kuang Si waterfalls, which offer the fun and interesting experience and learn more about the way to make dairy products from buffalo milk.

Continue to the beautiful Kuang Si, which is the biggest waterfall in the Luang Prabang area with three tiers leading to a 50-metre drop into spectacular azure pools before flowing downstream. The pools also make great swimming holes and are very popular with both tourists and locals
There is also the chance to walk to the nearby village of Ban Thapene, and explore the hidden waterfalls, which is rarely visited by other tourists
If you wish, take a short visit to the Bear Rescue Center, which houses a couple of dozen animals rescued from the hands of poachers and traffickers.
On the way back to Luang Prabang, we will take a short visit to the Ock Pop Tock Living Craft Center, set serenely close to the Mekong, this beautiful, traditionally styled workshop, where weavers, spinners and batik makers produce top-quality fabrics, offers free tours every half-hour. This is also one of the best spots to admire the sunset in Luang Prabang
Transfer back to your hotel late afternoon. Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Breakfast at the hotel, we will first embark on the leisurely cruise upstream on the Mekong River, which also gives us a breathtaking view of the tranquil countryside, before reaching the mysterious Pak Ou Caves, a 16th century cave monastery filled with thousands of Buddha images, which locates 25 Kilometers North of Luang Prabang in the limestone cliffs overlooking the Mekong River. 
En route, you will stop at Ban Muang Keo, a well-known village for its traditional Lao rice whisky distilling. You will arrive back in Luang Prabang.

Arriving back in town, we have ample time to relax before transferring to the Traditional Arts & Ethnology Center, the collection of diverse Lao ethnic groups. We will stroll around to visit the center to understand more about the Lao ethnic culture.
After that, we will join the seminars of “Ethnic Diversity and Cultural Change in Laos”
This fascinating 60-minute presentation and question-and-answer session gives background on Laos’ ethnic communities, their history, and their cultural practices, including livelihoods and crafts. Guests have an opportunity to learn about lifestyles in ethnic villages and are shown unique artefacts from TAEC’s collection that are not accessible to the general public.
The seminars are led by one of the two TAEC Founder/Directors, either Thongkhoun Soutthivilay, a Luang Prabang-native who worked at the Luang Prabang National Museum for 10 years, and who has attended trainings and conferences in the US, Thailand, Netherlands, Japan, and Brunei; or Tara Gujadhur, an American who has worked in Luang Prabang for over 10 years, with a background in anthropology and sustainable tourism development

Then transfer back to your hotel.

Overnight in Luang Prabang.

After breakfast, we make our way over the mountains to Xieng Khuang, which is best-known for having been heavily bombed during the Indochina War. But of course it is also famous for the historic Plain of Jars.
The journey takes about 8 hours and we can make some stops at villages to observe the rural life of local people, including ethnic minorities such as the Hmong people.
Our first stop is at Ban Kiew Nya for the panoramic view before continuing down to Ban Phoudam, where we can see the two hill tribe minorities of H’Mong and Khamu living in harmony.
After that we visit the H’Mong market at the junction of Phoukhoun. From there, we will drive further to visit Tham Pra, which served as the hospital for the army during the Indochina Wars.
Arrival in Phonsavanh, the capital of Xieng Khouang province and check into your hotel. Overnight at a hotel in town.

Early in the morning, we visit the Central Market of Phonsavanh to watch the different hill tribes barter and exchange merchandise.
After breakfast at the hotel, enjoy a half day trip to Muang Khoune, the old provincial capital that was not destroyed by the American bombings during the secret war.
Muang Khoun is home to a unique sitting giant Buddha as well as some old pagodas that lie in ruins. The foundation and columns of Wat Phia Wat are still standing and close to this site, there is also an old 30m stupa constructed in the Lan Xang/Lanna period.
In the afternoon, visit the thought-provoking UXO Information Centre, run by British organisation MAG (Mines Advisory Group) that’s been helping to clear Laos’ unexploded ordnance since 1994.
The centre’s information displays underline the enormity of the bomb drops, and there are also examples of (defused) UXO to ponder.
Xieng Khuang is famous for its mysterious Plain of Jars, a huge archaeological complex littered with mysterious 2000 years old stone jars sized from 70cm up to 3 or 4 meters.
You have time today to visit the plain of jars Site 1, the biggest and closest to town that opened for tourists.
Attention: The Plain of Jars has been heavily bombed during the war and you have to respect all the signs and stay along the defined trails due to bombs, UXO and landmines.
Spend the rest of the day wandering around the small town of Xieng Khuang to admire the life of local people.
Then return to Xieng Khouang and overnight.

Early in the morning, we visit the Central Market of Phonsavanh to watch the different hill tribes barter and exchange merchandise.
We leave Xieng Khuang for our scenic drive to Vang Vieng, a small town, which is nestled on a bend of the Nam Song River.
Its stunning scenery with its limestone outcrops remains unspoiled, despite recent developments with the advent of tourism.
Our first stop today is at Tham Pra, which served as the hospital for the army during the Indochina Wars.
Then, drive to the T-junction at Phoukhoun to visit the colorful market of hill tribe people.
The panoramic view at the peak of Phou Phiengpha is what we never want to miss today before continuing further to the Khmu village of Ban Phou Hin Lek Pay.
Our next photo stop is Phatang Mountain viewpoint to admire the beautiful scenery before reaching Vang Vieng.
Overnight in Vang Vieng.

Distance: 240KM | 6-7 hour transfer | MAPS

The limestone cliffs and valleys surrounding the resort complex of Vang Vieng are home to numerous caves and caverns.
The most famous of these caves is Tham Jang, which was used by the local people as a refuge from Chinese invaders 200 years ago.
Your tour continues by crossing the Nam Song River for a short drive to Blue Lagoon, which is a great spot to relax and cool off before transferring back to Vang Vieng
We bid farewell to Vang Vieng and drive to Vientiane via the highway Vang Vieng – Vientiane. Located on the banks of the Mekong River, this capital conjures up exotic images, with a curious mix of Lao, Thai, Chinese, Vietnamese, French influences. Overnight in Vientiane.

In the morning, we will first visit Wat Si Muang, which is very famous for its supernatural power.
After that drive to Buddha Park which takes around 45 minutes away. Also known as Xieng Khuan, this unusual park is filled with over 200 Buddhist and Hindu statues.
We then visit Lao Disabled Women Development Center, which assists disabled women to cope with their disability and advocate for their rights. Spend time watching the video and learn about the effort to earn their daily living. You can support them by buying some small handicrafts at the shop.
Start the afternoon with a visit to That Luang, the holiest site in Laos. Constructed by King Setthathirat in the 16th century, the temple is resplendent as the sun shines upon its towering golden spire.
Then, enjoy a panoramic view over the city as you climb the stairs to the top of Patuxai, Vientiane’s own “Arc de Triomphe”.
Continue down Lane Xang Avenue the serene Wat Sisaket, the only temple left intact after the Siamese (Thai) invasion in 1828.
Continue on to the nearby Wat Phra Keo.  Used as a religious museum, Wat Phra Keo displays a collection of both Lao and Khmer works of art.
End your tour of the capital along the banks of the Mekong River as the sun begins to set. Stroll along the river, stop to enjoy a cold drink, or sample a snack from one of the many local food stalls. 
Overnight in Vientiane.

We take the morning flight from Vientiane to Savannakhet

Upon arrival, road trip to Champhone District.

Visit That Kou, the pre-Angkorian shrine of Champhone.

Observe the endangered soft-shell turtles at the peaceful Turtles Lake in Ban Don Daeng.

Join the Traditional Phoutai indigo fabric workshop in Ban Done Daeng: Natural dying and weaving.

Lunch at one of the huts on Turtle Lake.

Visit Taleo Old Temple and its museum, find out more about the impact of the American Secret War on this historic site of Phoutai village through the museum.

Listen to the tales and traditions of Phoutai ethnic group at the foot of the biggest tree which host the protective spirit of the village.

Walk through the charming village of Taleo and meet Meetao Bouali to learn how cotton thread were produced with the wooden tools of 1970s.

Visit the Lao lao distillery and taste samples of different durations of fermentation.

Share the dinner with the host and spend the night at Taleo Village (Homestay).

Departure from Taleo Village at around 08:00-08:30AM

Join the Banana Leaf offering workshop in Ban Nonglamchan, which will be used for your offering at the Namlamchan Library.

Walk through the forest of ban Dongmouang, feed the monkey, and learn about the cooking and medicine plants.

The lunch can be served either with a local family at Ban Don yeng or on a boat along Soui Lake.

Either way, you will still have the boat trip on Soui Lake whilst listening to the legends of the serpent spirit and the golden boat.

Walk through the forest of Phoukor Temple to learn about the theory of life and the punishment for the bad behaviors in your afterlife. 

You can choose to spend the night at another homestay in Champhone Loop or take the road trip back to Savannakhet.

In the morning, hit the road again for the drive further south, which takes approximately 3.5 hours. 

We will take a left turn at Muang Khong Sedone to Bolaven Plateau on the way to Salavan.

We will arrive at Fandee Island on Bolaven Plateau around noon time, check in your treehouse to have some rest.

The afternoon is free for your own exploration of Fandee Island with plenty of activities on spot at the Fandee Waterpark or Fandee adventure park.

The activities range from ziplining, swimming, or flying bridge.

Overnight on a treehouse at Fandee Island.

Bolaven Plateau is a mountainous region home to dozens of hill tribes, waterfalls and coffee and tea plantations. We will spend a full day exploring this area.
The first stop is the small village of Ban Houay Houn, famous for his Katu textiles. Here, you will have the chance to observe the women weaving without a traditional loom but using their legs to stretch the fabric.
We then visit of Tad Lo waterfalls, a beautiful formation of three separate falls. From the bridge guests will first see Tad Hang and then Tad Lo in the distance. The most impressive of the three, Tad Suong, is located a further 10km upriver.
We continue our journey through the Paksong and Boloven Plateau.
The Boloven Plateau is known for its cooler temperature being located high above the Mekong Valley. Rivers run off this high plateau in all directions and then plunge out to lush forests along in a series of spectacular surging waterfalls.
The scenery around Tad Fan waterfall is spectacular with twin waterfalls plummeting into a deep gorge surrounded by flourishing vegetation.
A trip to the plateau provides a refreshing break from the heat and allows you to see the cultivation of rich coffee, tea, cardamom, bananas, and other crops that are grown in the area.
This trip gives visitors the chance to venture off the beaten track and to discover some of the lesser-known areas of Laos, exploring the wild beauty of this southern region.
We then transfer direct to Champasak via Pakse, where we will spend the night.

After breakfast, visit Wat Phou, an ancient Khmer religious complex dating back to the 5th Century.
Recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, Wat Phou is a spectacular pre-Angkorian temple that sits amidst the rice fields and waterways of southern Laos, which was built by the rulers of the Khmer empire before the construction of Angkor Wat.
The temple served as the most important economic and political centre of the region and still is one of the Lao people’s most revered temples.
After your visit, we continue in to Champassak to see samples of French colonial architecture before driving to Done Khong.

Upon arrival, we have ample time to stroll around the island to admire the local life before embarking on a 1.5 hour long tail boat for venturing into the widest reach of the Mekong River, where during the dry season the waters recede and leave behind thousands of islets, giving this area a lovely name “Si Phan Done”. 

We arrive in Khone Island just in time to catch the sunset.

Overnight on Khone Island.

After breakfast, explore the local peaceful villages of Ban Khone, where you will see an array of relics from the French colonial era and retrace the old colonial past, including old French colonial buildings and the remnants of the first Lao railway with its locomotive.
We continue to discover the 4000 islands area by tuktuk and visit the marvelous Liphi waterfall, also called the “Corridor of the Devil” one of the most beautiful waterfalls marking Lao border with Cambodia. 

In the afternoon, return to the mainland at the fishing village of Ban Nakasang and drive further south to visit Khone Phapheng, which is considered the largest waterfall by volume in South East Asia
Khone Phapheng is an impressive spot near the Lao-Cambodian border, set within an area which is teeming with wildlife, making this area one of the most breathtaking destinations in Laos.
Afterwards we drive back to Pakse.
If time permits, we will ascend to the top of Wat Phou Salao to admire the panoramic view over the town of Pakse, and the nearby area, whilst the dark is falling over the city.
Overnight in Pakse.

After breakfast, we will transfer directly to Ubon Ratchathani (Thailand) via Chongmek Border to take the flight to Bangkok and connect to your departure flight back home.

Note: 

+ Transfer time: 3 hours including border time.

+ From Pakse, you can also take the flight to Siem Reap, Ho Chi Minh City, Vientiane, Luang Prabang, or Bangkok.

A trip in Laos is sure to bring you wonderful experiences, from discovering unspoiled destinations, to experiencing food and immersing yourself in the unique culture of this country. Let’s explore Laos with Golden Lotus Travel and create memorable memories in your life!