Highlights of Laos

Itinerary :

Day 1: Luang Prabang: Upon arrival at Luang Prabang, your local guide will welcome you at the exit of the airport, transfer to your hotel where a welcome drink will be served. Check-in your room. If time permits head for an orientation tour of the town by tuk-tuk. Climb up Phousy Hill for a panoramic view of the city & the Mekong River. Dinner at Hotel. Overnight in Luang Prabang. (D)

Day 2: Luang Prabang – Pak Ou Caves – Luang Prabang: Breakfast at the hotel. This morning embark on the local pier of Luang Prabang for a traditional boat & cruise upstream on the Mekong River to visit the sacred Buddha caves. On the way stop at a local village which could be a picturesque village to get a glimpse of daily life. Visit Pak Ou cave in which you find hundreds of Buddha statues. Lunch at a local restaurant. Return to Luang Prabang by boat. On the way back stop at Ban Xang Khong, handmade paper village. Drop in the old city for a walk or shop at a Hmong market. Dinner at Elephant restaurant. Overnight in Luang Prabang. (B, L, D)

Day 3: Luang Prabang – Kuangsi waterfall – Luang Prabang: Early morning during sunrise join the daily Tagbat ceremony – alms giving to the monks of Luang Prabang. This serene ritual is an important part of the spiritual life of the Lao people. For visitors, it offers a memorable experience and opportunity for photography. Your guide will explain how to respectfully follow the customs and rules involved. After the ceremony, you will visit the local fresh market. Return to your hotel for breakfast. Visit of the Royal Palace Museum housing the most important treasures of Laos recent past; continue to Wat Xieng Thong at the tip of the peninsula. The oldest & most beautiful temple of the UNESCO World heritage town dates back from the 16th century. The roof sweep low to the ground & glass colored panels adorn the walls of the chapels; see the residential neighborhoods of the peninsular. The last visit will be at Wat Mai. After lunch at Bamboo Tree (Namkharn) excursion to Kuangsi waterfall (32km/45mn) to the west of Luang Prabang. A short walk through the forest to the waterfall. After enjoying the scenery, take a swim in one of the nearby clear pools. Visit the Asian Bear sanctuary. Return to the town and the rest of the day at leisure. Overnight in Luang Prabang. (B, L)

Day 4: Luang Prabang – Pakse – Champasak: Breakfast at the hotel. Early transfer in the morning for the airport for your flight to Pakse (not included). Upon arrival in Pakse, transfer to a local restaurant for lunch. Right after lunch, you will be transferred to the pier to embark on a traditional boat for a 2 hours cruise to the small town of Champasak. Continue by car to visit Wat Phou, the ruins of a Khmer Temple from the 8-11th century. Visit the local museum. The temple might not be as impressive as Ankor Wat, but is a significant historical site and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Later, transfer to your hotel for check-in. If time permits, explore surroundings on foot or bicycle, or just take time by the pool or on your terrace overlooking the Mekong and the mountains around Champasak. Dinner & Overnight in Champasak. (B, L, D)

Day 5: Champasak – Khon & Det Island – Champasak: Breakfast at the lodge. This morning drive to the mighty Khonphapeng Waterfalls at the southern tip of Laos. Continue to the port for long-tail boat to Don Khon and Don Det. Cross the French railway bridge linking Don Khon and Don Det and pass-by an old locomotive, left behind by the French colonial authorities. Walk/Bicycle to the beautiful Liphi Waterfalls. Lunch at a local restaurant. At the end of the day, transfer to your hotel and arrive at your hotel around 5 PM. Dinner & Overnight in Champasak. (B, L, D)

Day 6: Champasak – Bolaven – Pakse: Breakfast at the hotel. Drive to the Bolaven Plateau, a unique elevated region in Laos, where tea and the famous Café Lao are grown. Stop at a plantation and continue to the spectacular Tad Fane Falls located in the pristine jungle. Visit Tad Phasuam and Tad Yeuang Waterfalls. Lunch at Sinouk Coffee plantation. Drive back to Pakse, arrive and check-in at your hotel. Overnight in Pakse. (B, L)

Day 7: Pakse: Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to the airport for your departure flight. (B)