Foremost Laos – Heritage, Nature & Sites
(09 nights, 10 days)
Luang Prabang – Kamulodge - Vientiane – Pakse – Ban Khone – Pakse
Description
This rich and complete tour will take you on an excursion to Laos’ most beautiful natural sites and cosy towns. Luang Prabang is the former royal capital and spiritual center of Laos. It offers some of the most interesting fusion of traditional architecture and European colonial style, giving it the status of a World Heritage Site. The journey continues with an exploration of the tropical rainforests, home to some of the world’s most mysterious caves, waterfalls and limestone formations. On the way, meet friendly people in their traditional villages and cruise the mighty Mekong, “Mother of Waters”, to the wild paradise. In Vientiane, the sleepiest capital of the world, the many beautiful monuments, parks and temples will enchant visitors. Do not miss the legendary National temple of That Luang Stupa that is covered with gold.
Highlights
- Explore the best sights surrounding the former and current capital
- Cruise on the Mekong River to visit the mysterious Pak Ou Caves
- Experience a wonderful stay at an eco-oriented lodge
- Witness the long lines of orange-robed monks leaving their pagodas
- Enjoy swimming in the clear turquoise water pounds at the foot of a waterfalls
- Enjoy riding and inner-tube down the gentle rapids of the river
- Meet the friendly people and visit some ethnic minority villages
- See the foot print of the Lord Buddha
- Enjoy shopping during the beautiful morning markets.
Program
Day 1. Welcome to Luang Prabang - Kamulodge
This morning visit the Royal Palace Museum, full of magnificent Lao art and furniture before taking a boat trip on the Mekong River to the Pak Ou Caves. These interesting caves are a repository for thousands of Buddha statues. Continue upriver for 45 minutes to reach the Kamu Lodge that is set in a unique location and enjoy traditional (and optional) activities like rice planting, gold panning and fishing in the Mekong. This eco-oriented lodge will make your experience special. Overnight stay at Kamu Lodge.
Day 2. Luang Prabang
In the morning relax at the lodge, and head back to Luang Prabang by boat. In the afternoon, visit the Wat Xiengthong, Wat May, Wat Visoun and a weaving village where traditional Lao textiles are woven and where Sa paper is made. Stop at Wat Pa Phon Pao, a forest retreat, before returning to the town. If time permits it, we can climb up the Phousi hill to enjoy the excellent panoramic view of Luang Prabang. Overnight in Luang Prabang.
Day 3. Luang Prabang
You may want to wake up early and participate in a daily Lao morning ritual. Monks carrying their bowls, wander trough town blessing local people who give them offers. After breakfast, enjoy a day trip to the beautiful Kuang Si waterfalls with turquoise waters cascade over limestone formations. The abundance of water forms a magnificent display of nature. There are large ponds perfect for swimming and cooling off. The picnic lunch is planted next to the pools. During the day, observe stupendous landscapes, cross teak forests and see several ethnic minority villages (Hmong and Khmu). Overnight in Luang Prabang.
Day 4. Luang Prabang - Vang Vieng
After breakfast, we’ll be heading south along the road No 13 north to Vang Vieng (6 hours). Vang Vieng is a small town next to the Nam Song River that is surrounded by jagged limestone karsts. The place is a traveler's haven with good food and many places to explore in the countryside. You can also enjoy riding in an inner-tube and shoot the gentle rapids of the Nam Song. On the way we can stop for photo, lunch at Sala Phoukhoun or Kasi ( Noodle soup ), we will be in Vang Vieng around 4 pm. Overnight in Vang Vieng.
Day 5. Vang Vieng – Vientiane
A three hour drive will take us to the capital of Laos. Vientiane is a friendly sleepy town resting on the shores of the mighty Mekong River. In the afternoon, we include a sightseeing tour around the city. We’ll explore some of the best sights including the Victory Gate (Arc de Triomphe), the wat Sisaket, and the impressive That Luang Stupa, the country’s most important monument. Also visit the ‘morning market’ where you can wander around and buy silver, silk or other items you like to take back home. In the evening you can stroll along the banks of the Mekong River. Overnight in Vientiane.
Day 6. Vientiane
Continue exploring Vientiane city, and visit the major sights of the capital; including the former royal temple of Wat Prakeo, which previously housed the famous Emerald Buddha Image. Afterward, visit the Buddha Park with its many Buddha and Hinduism images. Get back to town for lunch at the Mekong restaurant. Then, you are free for the rest of the afternoon and you can continue to the Vientiane Central Market of Talad Sao for shopping. Overnight in Vientiane.
Day 7. Vientiane – Savannakhet
Following breakfast, transfer to Savannakhet (5 hours) in the south of Laos. En route, we stop at Wat Prabath Phonsan where there is the foot print of Lord Buddha, and at Prathat Ing Hang, the dinning place of Lord Buddha. Upon arrival in the city, check in at your hotel and free time for leisure activities the rest of the day. Overnight in Savannakhet.
Day 8. Savannakhet – Pakse – Champassak – Ban Khone
After breakfast, drive to Pakse and Champassak (6 hours). On the way, visit Wat Phou, the most important Hindu sanctuary of the Khmer Empire. Keep going to Nagasang, and then cruise by boat to the beautiful Island of Ban Khone where you can sometime see Irrawadee dolphins. Overnight in Ban Khone.
Day 9. Ban Khone – Papheng water falls – Pakse
Cruise by boat and drive to Papheng falls, and be back to Pakse later that day. Free time to explore the city. Overnight in Pakse.
Day 10. Ban Khone – Pakse – Siem Reap
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for the flight to Siem Reap or transfer to the border Lao/Thai.