Echoes of Laos: From Lost Cities to Timeless Wonders 7 Days

Upon arrival at Pakse airport, you’ll be warmly greeted by our local guide and immediately transferred to the Mekong River. Here, you’ll board a traditional boat for a scenic 2-hour cruise to Champassak. Disembark at the town wharf and continue by road to visit Wat Phou, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This ancient temple, nestled at the base of Mount Phu Kao, offers a fascinating glimpse into Southeast Asia’s Khmer history. After exploring the ruins, the journey continues south through the 4000 Islands area of southern Laos, where the Mekong River flows into Cambodia. This region is not only stunningly beautiful but also home to the rare Irrawaddy Dolphin. Along the way, explore the ancient ruins of Oup Mong, a lesser-known Khmer temple at Ban Houay Tomo. In the late afternoon, board a long-tail motorboat at Ban Nakasang for a short trip to the tranquil Don Khone Island.

• Meals: None
• Overnight: Khong Island
• Transportation: Private vehicle

Begin your day with an exploration of Khone Island, where the remnants of French colonial influence are still evident, particularly in Ban Khone, with its old colonial houses and the first Lao railway, complete with its own locomotive. If you’re lucky, you may even spot the rare freshwater Irrawaddy Dolphin at Ban Hang Khone. Continue your exploration by visiting the stunning Liphi Waterfall, also known as Samphamith, which serves as a natural border between Laos and Cambodia. Afterward, return to Ban Nakasang and drive to the Khonephapheng Waterfall, the largest in Southeast Asia, often referred to as the “Niagara of the East.” In the afternoon, drive north toward Pakse, stopping at Phou Asa to visit the remnants of an 18th-century temple. If time permits, you may have the opportunity to experience an elephant ride through the dense forest paths. Arrive in Pakse before sunset and transfer to your hotel.

• Meals: Breakfast
• Overnight: Pakse
• Transportation: Private vehicle

Today, venture to the Bolaven Plateau, known for its refreshing mountain climate and abundant waterfalls. Visit Tad Fan, with its impressive twin falls plunging over 100 meters into the valley below, and Tad Ngeuan, where pristine pools invite you for a refreshing dip. Along the way, you’ll pass through rich agricultural land, where coffee, tea, cardamom, bananas, and other crops thrive. Arrive at Tad Lo, home to another scenic waterfall and various ethnic minority groups. Visit the villages of Alak, Nge, and Katu before settling in for the night.

• Meals: Breakfast
• Overnight: Tad Lo
• Transportation: Private vehicle

After an early morning departure, drive back to Pakse for a flight to Vientiane, Laos’s charming capital. Upon arrival, transfer to your centrally located hotel. In the afternoon, embark on a city tour to explore Vientiane’s most significant sites. Visit Wat Sisaket, the oldest temple in the city, home to thousands of miniature Buddha statues, and Wat Prakeo, the former royal temple that once housed the famous Emerald Buddha. Continue to the iconic That Luang Stupa, a national symbol of Laos, and stop to photograph the Patuxay Monument, Vientiane’s own Arc de Triomphe. Visit the COPE Center, dedicated to supporting survivors of unexploded ordnance (UXO) from the Indochina War. In the evening, enjoy a stroll along the Mekong River, explore the Night Market, and sample some of the city’s vibrant nightlife.

• Meals: Breakfast
• Overnight: Vientiane
• Transportation: Private vehicle

This morning, transfer to the airport for a short flight to Luang Prabang, a city steeped in history and culture. After checking into your hotel, begin your exploration of the city’s oldest temples. Visit the magnificent Wat Xiengthong, known for its classical Lao architecture, the impressive stupa of Wat Visoun, and the serene shrine of Wat Aham. Climb to the top of Mount Phousi for breathtaking views of the city and the Mekong River at sunset. As you descend, immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of the famous Luang Prabang Night Market, where you can shop for handmade textiles and crafts made by local ethnic groups.

• Meals: Breakfast
• Overnight: Luang Prabang
• Transportation: Private vehicle

Start the day with a visit to the Arts and Ethnology Centre to learn about the diverse cultures of Laos’s ethnic groups. Enjoy a coffee at the center’s café before heading to the Mekong River. Board a private boat for a scenic cruise to the mysterious Pak Ou Caves, an ancient pilgrimage site filled with thousands of Buddha images. Upon returning to Luang Prabang, you have the option to visit Ban Phanom, a village renowned for its traditional hand weaving, or to relax at your hotel. The afternoon is yours to enjoy a spa treatment, explore the city, or do some last-minute shopping.

• Meals: Breakfast
• Overnight: Luang Prabang
• Transportation: Private vehicle

On your final morning, take a leisurely stroll through the Dalat Sao morning market, where you’ll find a variety of local produce and goods from the surrounding farms and jungles. Then, visit the Royal Palace Museum, home to an array of artifacts from Luang Prabang’s royal past. Afterward, transfer to the airport for your departure flight.

• Meals: Breakfast
• Transportation: Private vehicle