Laos: From Sacred Temples to Scenic Islands 10 Days

Upon arrival at the airport, you’ll be greeted and transferred to your hotel. If time allows, embark on a half-day city tour. Start with the Royal Palace Museum, home to a fascinating collection of artifacts. Next, visit Wat Xiengthong, renowned for its traditional Laotian architecture with sweeping roofs. Explore the serene Wat Visoun and the quaint shrines of Wat Aham and Wat Mai.

• Overnight in Luang Prabang
• Meals: None
• Accommodation: Hotel
• Transportation: Private vehicle

Begin your day by choosing books at the Big Brother Mouse shop for your village visit. Drive north on Route 13, then venture off-road to Ban Khia Luang village. Engage with local children, explore weaving activities, and visit the village temple. Enjoy a village lunch, either a western picnic or traditional Lao dishes like sticky rice, laap, and fresh vegetables. Post-lunch, journey to Ban Khoklin, passing through scenic mountains and rice fields. Board a private boat on the Nam Ou River to Pak Ou Caves, known for thousands of gold lacquered Buddha statues. Continue your Mekong River cruise back to Luang Prabang by late afternoon.

• Overnight in Luang Prabang
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
• Accommodation: Hotel
• Transportation: Private vehicle

Cross the Mekong River by boat to Ban Chan, a pottery village. Visit Phousi Market to see a variety of local goods. Explore Lao ethnic minority villages including Ban Ouay (Hmong), Ban Ou (Laoloum), and Ban Thapene (Khmu). Proceed to Kuang Si Waterfall to swim in the turquoise pools or stroll along forest trails. Return to Luang Prabang by late afternoon.

• Overnight in Luang Prabang
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
• Accommodation: Hotel
• Transportation: Private vehicle

Travel through scenic mountain roads to Xieng Khouang. Enjoy photo stops and visits to hill tribe villages along the way. Upon arrival, explore Site 1 of the Plain of Jars, an impressive archaeological site with large stone jars scattered across the plateau.

• Overnight in Xieng Khouang
• Meals: Breakfast
• Accommodation: Hotel
• Transportation: Private vehicle

Visit the Central Market in Phonsavan and the MAG exhibition before exploring Sites 2 and 3 of the Plain of Jars. Enjoy a short scenic trek to Site 3 via Tai Dam and Lao Leum villages. In the afternoon, visit the old capital Muang Khoun and nearby villages inhabited by the Hmong and Tai Dam people.

• Overnight in Xieng Khouang
• Meals: Breakfast
• Accommodation: Hotel
• Transportation: Private vehicle

Free morning in Xieng Khouang. At 10:00 a.m., transfer to the airport for a noon flight to Vientiane. Spend the afternoon exploring Vientiane’s highlights: Wat Sisaket with its thousands of Buddha statues, Wat Prakeo (formerly housing the Emerald Buddha), and That Luang Stupa. Photograph Patuxay Monument and visit the COPE Center, dedicated to UXO survivors. Enjoy free time in the evening.

• Overnight in Vientiane
• Meals: Breakfast
• Accommodation: Hotel
• Transportation: Private vehicle

Fly to Pakse early in the morning. Drive to Champassak to explore Wat Phu, a pre-Angkorian temple perched at the base of Mount Phu Kao. Continue by road and long-tail boat to the 4000 Islands area for relaxation and exploration.

• Overnight in 4000 Islands
• Meals: Breakfast
• Accommodation: Hotel
• Transportation: Private vehicle

Begin your exploration of Khone Island, visiting colonial-era Ban Khone and its historic railway. Travel by boat to the Liphi Waterfall, forming a natural border with Cambodia. Return to Ban Nakasang and visit Khone Phapeng, Southeast Asia’s largest waterfall, known as the ‘Niagara of the East.’

• Overnight in 4000 Islands
• Meals: Breakfast
• Accommodation: Hotel
• Transportation: Private vehicle

Depart Khone Island and travel west to the Bolaven Plateau, known for its cooler climate and waterfalls. Visit Tad Fan, a stunning twin waterfall. Explore the plateau’s coffee and tea plantations, and visit the scenic Tad Lo waterfall and nearby ethnic villages of Alak, Nge, and Katu. Return to Pakse for the night.

• Overnight in Pakse
• Meals: Breakfast
• Accommodation: Hotel
• Transportation: Private vehicle

After breakfast, transfer to Pakse airport for your departure flight.

• Meals: Breakfast
• Transportation: Private vehicle