Best of Laos

Breakfast at your hotel. Then we start to explore the major sights of the capital; including the oldest Wat Sisaket , the temple with thousands of miniature Buddha statues and the former royal temple of Wat Prakeo , which previously housed the famous Emerald Buddha Image. Our next stop is a visit to the COPE Center where you will learn about this remarkable educational center, a heartbreaking but compelling place that teaches us about Laos' Hidden War. Next, we will stop to take some pictures of the imposing Patuxay Monument , which is well known as Vientiane's own Arc de Triumph, before continuing to Lao's national precious heritage, the famous and sacred structure of That Luang Stupa. Return to your hotel and free time for rest of the day. Overnight in Vientiane

Meal Plan: Breakfast

After breakfast, you transfer to Vientiane airport for your morning flight to Pakse. Upon arrival at the airport, you will be met and transferred west into the Bolevan Plateau – well known for its cooler temperature as it is located high above the Mekong Valley. The area is famous for its many waterfalls. Stop at Tad Fane – the 120-m-high waterfall which spilts into 2 powerful streams roaring over the edge of the cliff and plummeting into the pool below. Continue to the impressive Tad Yuang with its twin torrents falling about 40 meters and flowing into lush jungle You will also make a short stop by an organic coffee farm to see how the local Lao people involved in the coffee industry live and work, and enjoy a cup of truly fresh coffee in the coolness of the Bolaven Plateau (your own account). Overnight in Pakse

Meal Plan: Breakfast

After an early breakfast, we head out towards Champasak to visit the fascinating pre-angkorian ruins of Wat Phou , one of Southeast Asia's most dramatic situation temples. Located at the foot of a hill, Wat Phou reflects the Hindu culture of the pre-Buddhist Khmer society that constructed it. The summit, Phu Kao, immediately commands attention because of its shape, identified in ancient times with the linga, the phallic symbol of Shiva, from which originated its ancient name, Lingaparvata, and its reputation as a sacred hill. The permanent spring at the foot of the rocks is probably one of the main reasons the ancient rulers of the area established a sanctuary to Shiva at this spot. We continue our journey by road to Don Khong , the largest island in the South Mekong river region known as the 4000 islands, and one of the most scenic areas in Laos. Overnight in Don Khong

Meal Plan: Breakfast

Following breakfast, we enjoy a visit to the surrounding countryside, and embark on a long tail boat tour of the Don Khone area , where you can visit the remains of the French period and Liphi Waterfall or “ the Corridor of the Devil ”. Continue to Khone Pasoy waterfalls. We return to Don Khone for your lunch at local restaurant. After lunch, we cruise upstream back to the mainland, the fishing village of Ban Nakasang and drive further south to visit Khone Phapheng Waterfall . Khone Phapheng is located near the Lao-Cambodian border, and is considered the largest waterfall by volume in South East Asia. This impressive waterfall is 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 in the late afternoon. Overnight in Pakse.

Meal Plan: Breakfast and Lunch

Breakfast at your hotel. Free time until you transfer to the airport for your flight to Luang Prabang. On arrival, you are greeted by your guide and driver then transfer to check in at your hotel in town. Enjoy rest of the day at leisure. Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Meal Plan: Breakfast

Breakfast at your hotel. We journey northward by road No 13 to Nong Khiaw. On the way, we stop to visit local Lu villages of Ban Na Yang, learn more about the daily lifestyle before continuing our way to Nongkhiaw at noon and enjoy your lunch at locla restaurant. After lunch, step down to the pier and enjoy your cruise upstream to Nam Ou River to Muang Ngoi. This charming village stretches along the Nam Ou and has a tropical ambiance with its coconut palms and thatched cafes. After checking in your guesthouse, take a leisure walk around the surrounding rice fields of Muang Ngoi, or visit Tham Kang Cave, featuring limestone outcrops reminiscent of Vietnam's Halong Bay. During this walk, and depending on the season, you'll be able to see different stages of rice growing. Overnight in Muang Ngoi

Meal Plan: Breakfast and Lunch

In the morning, walk around the village in Muang Ngoi, a scenic location flanked by karst mountains where you can witness the peaceful rural life of local residents. Continue our boat cruise upstream to Muangkhua, en-route stop to visit Ban Sopjam, as known the local weaving craft village. Then we cruise up on Nam Ou River to Muangkhua with beautiful cliff, mountainous view along the riverside. We also stop to visit a riverside village of Kamu tribe where you will learn more about the local lifestyle. Enjoy our lunch as picnic or local restaurant. We arrive Oudomxay in the afternoon and take a short visit to the summit of Phou That with its temple and we drive to Namkat Yorlapa. Opened to tourists in April 2016, Namkat Yorlapa Resort is a perfect combination of natural beauty, traditional Laotian architecture, and modern comfort. This is an ideal place for those who are looking for some leisure days in the middle of nowhere and enjoy the pure atmosphere of serene surroundings. Rest of the day is at your own leisure at the pool or the wandering around the Khmu Village nearby. Overnight at Namkat Yorlapa.

Meal Plan: Breakfast and Lunch

Breakfast at hotel, We will ride the ATV towards Namkat Waterfall for about 5 km, and start trekking about 1.5 km passing through the jungle to see Giant Trees. Trek back and ride the ATV about 500m back to the entrance of the Waterfall. We will then trek and walk over 13 flying bridges for ~ 1 km. The trip will be finished at the resort after 4 - 4.5 hours. Lunch and dinner is at your own account. Overnight at Namkat Yorlapa.

Meal Plan: Breakfast

Breakfast at your hotel. Free time until you transfer to Oudomxay train station for your 50 minutes express train back to Luang Prabang (Train D87 @ 14:04 - 14:54 pm). On arrival, you are picked up and transfer to check in at your hotel in the city and free time. Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Note: Train timings are subject to change.

Meal Plan: Breakfast

Set off after breakfast for a visit of the Morning Market where, together with the guide and local host lady, we pick all ingredients needed for our upcoming cooking class . Today, we will not take part in a regular tourist-oriented cooking class. We will instead drive a little outside Luang Prabang center to a small village where you will join your hands to cook some major dishes. You will experience how typical Laos dishes such as Laap Laos, Orlam soup and papaya salad are cooked. The food is then brought to a local temple to offer for the monks' lunch, and as part of this ritual, your name will be asked for a blessing chant. Later, join in an open talk about Buddhism in Laos with monks. We will also have the opportunity to have further exchange with the community before returning to Luang Prabang for a light lunch with the left food you will have cooked. Afternoon: explore the city highlights including The National Museum , housed in the former Royal Palace, showcases many treasures of Laos' royal past and features the Prabang, the sacred Buddha image for which Luang Prabang was named. Our next stop at the most reputed and beautiful temple of the city, Wat Xieng Thong – Luang Prabang's largest and most splendid temple, is best known for its impressive Tree of Life mural depicting the Buddhist story. We then get to the pier. Cruise across the Mekong River to reach Ban Xieng Mene . Countinue walking through lush green gardens, where you can enjoy listening to birds singing and appreciate the pureness of a Lao village as you stroll to Wat Long Khoun. Get your heart pumping as you climb up 123 steps to Wat Chomphet, where you will be rewarded with stunning scenic views of Phousi Mountain and the city of Luang Prabang from the other side of Mekong River. Dinner at your own account. Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Meal Plan: Breakfast and Lunch

Optional: We have the possibility this morning to wake up very early to go witness the Tak Bat ceremony, when the monks proceed along the streets of the town to receive the daily alms from locals (Surcharge applied). After a short transfer to the outskirts of the town, in a tranquil setting made of ricefields and lush green trees, we discover the importance of bamboo in the Laotian culture. Spend the morning learning about several aspects of the local culture, from crafts to music and food. We will have a chance to learn from a skillful craftsman and to enjoy a hands-on cooking class. We will then dine on the food we have prepared. This afternoon, we drive out through beautiful landscapes of rice fields, hills and villages. You will stop to visit an ethnic minority village to learn about their traditions and culture. Continue to Kuangsi Waterfall, where water tumbles over tiered limestone formations into crystal clear pools, ideal for escaping the heat. Between cooling off in the pools, you can also explore the lush forest setting around the falls. A short walk brings you down to the abrupt waterfall where you will have time to swim or simply relax by the water's edge. Return back to your hotel in town in the late afternoon. Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Meal Plan: Breakfast and Lunch

Enjoy a full day at leisure in Luang Prabang. This town has an enchanting atmosphere which lends itself to the more relaxed way of life. Meander through the narrow alleys of the peninsula; put your feet up while sipping a coffee on a quaint terrace overlooking the Mekong River; or venture across the bamboo bridge over the Nam Khan River and simply take the time to absorb the peaceful atmosphere of the town. Two lovely places that are definitely worth a visit are: the Ock Pop Tock Center, for people who are interested in crafts and local products; as well as the UXO Center where you can learn more about war history in Laos. Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Meal Plan: Breakfast

The day is free at your leisure until transfer to the airport for your departure flight. We wish you a pleasant flight!

Meal Plan: Breakfast