DETAILED ITINERARY

Day 1. Vientiane – Arrival + candlelight dinner (D)

Upon arrival at Wattay International Airport in Vientiane, transfer to your hotel in town (early check-in upon availability). From its sleepy tuk-tuk drivers to its location on the right bank of the lumbering, lazy Mekong, this former French trading post is languid to say the least.

Indeed, despite being the capital and largest city of the Lao People's Democratic Republic, there's not a whole lot to do in Vientiane. But that is also, quite honestly, its selling point. After a soft rest, you may want to stroll around for the first impression of this sleeping capital city stopping here and there to admire the local life and chat with the local people. There is also the chance to join a petanque game with a local team, which you can find at every corner of the city. The day will be ended with a romantic candlelight dinner at a rooftop restaurants along the Mekong River under the starry skies. Overnight in Vientiane

Day 2. Vientiane - Buddha Park (B)

In the morning, we will first visit Wat Si Muang, which is very famous for its supernatural power. After that drive to Buddha Park which takes around 45 minutes away. Also known as Xieng Khuan, this unusual park is filled with over 200 Buddhist and Hindu statues. We then visit Lao Disable Women Development Center, which assist disable women to cope with their disability and advocate for their rights. Spend time watching the video and learn about the effort to earn their daily living. You can support them by buying some small handicrafts at the shop.

Start the afternoon with a visit to That Luang, the holiest site in Laos. Constructed by King Setthathirat in the 16th century, the temple is resplendent as the sun is shines upon its towering golden spire. Then, enjoy a panoramic view over the city as you climb the stairs to the top of Patuxai, Vientiane’s own “Arc de Triomphe”. Continue down Lane Xang Avenue the serene Wat Sisaket, the only temple left intact after the Siamese (Thai) invasion in 1828. Continue on to the nearby Wat Phra Keo.  Used as a religious museum, Wat Phra Keo displays a collection of both Lao and Khmer works of art. Transfer back to your hotel. Overnight in Vientiane.

Tip: You can also visit Sinouk Coffee Pavilion to discover the Lao coffee, stroll around the mini coffee gallery, view the in-house coffee roaster and try a cup of delicious and unique coffee or tea. Discuss with our guide about this if you are interested. Entrance fee and extra coffee/drinks are payable on spot.

Day 3. Vientiane - Oudomxay - Muang La (Flight)  (B/D)

You are free to relax and enjoy the hotel facility before taking the flight to Oudomxay, the biggest city of far northern Laos. QV501 VTE ODY 11:40 12:30

Upon arrival, take a short transfer to Muang La through the rural area with unspoiled nature. The contrast also highlights just how special the experiences are in the remaining wilderness. Upon arriving at Muang La Lodge, check in, relax and enjoy the views. Facilities include a spa, sauna and steam room (it does get cold in the evenings here, especially November – March). The resort is built next to a natural hot spring and they fill a small pool every evening with water from the hot spring. Evenings are a real treat here, with 5 course set menus combining Asian and European influences, to be enjoyed by candlelight with the sounds of nature. Dinner and overnight in Muang La Resort

Note:  + Distance: Oudomxay Airport to Muang La Lodge: 30KM | 45-minute transfer

Day 4. Free day @ Muang La Lodge (B/D)

You have the full day to relax at the resort or enjoy plenty of activities offer on spot including cycling or walking. Overnight at Muang La Lodge.

Day 5. Muang La - Nong Khiaw - Afternoon Tubing (B)

Today, we will say goodbye to Muang La, and drive to Nong Khiaw, a small beautiful town along the Nam Ou River. Along the way, we may visit visit the intriguing Pra Xing Kham Temple with its sacred Buddha image. The 400 years old legendary statue is said to have many supernatural powers and is widely worshipped among the faithful local Buddhists. Upon arrival in Nong Khiaw at around noon, check in your hotel to take some rest. At mid-afternoon, 3pm, head off upstream via boat for around 20 minutes.  Along the journey up the river we stop off at Sop Van Village which is home to the Tai Lue people.

The village is located right next to the river, opposite the village on the riverbank is a farm which is home to many different types of animal including pigs, chickens, ducks, and buffalo. We pay them a visit so it is worthwhile bringing some food along if you would like to feed them and surely very appreciated by both the animals and the villagers. We begin the tubing between 4/4:30pm and float down the river whilst the sun is setting. We arrive back in Nong Khiaw by around 5:30pm just in time before darkness descends.

Approximately: 20 minutes boating, 1.5 hour tubing

Distance: Muang La Lodge to Nong Khiaw: 140KM | 3.5-hour transfer

Day 6. Free day in Nong Khiaw (B)

You are free to stroll around the town for your own exploration of the town. Overnight in Nong Khiaw

Optional tour: hiking up to Nong Khiaw Viewpoint during sunrise / sunset.

Sunrise: start at 5:00AM

Sunset: start at 4:30PM

We start from your hotel and take a short walk down over a bridge before beginning the hike up Phou Pha Deang mountain. The trek will take us around two hours to reach the peak however once there you are rewarded with some truly stunning views! We spend some time at the peak of the mountain to take in these amazing views and rest for a while before starting the descent back down to Nong Khiaw.

Day 7. Nong Khiaw - Muang Soune (B/L/D)

After breakfast, we will transfer to Muang Soune, which locates 65Km from the center in the north of Luang Prabang by the bank of Nam Ou river. Upon arrival, you will be welcomed by the host family, before strolling around the village to see the life of local people. We then visit the house of the chief of the village, and talk with him about the living condition, the history, or anything about the village. The lunch will then be served at the house of the host family.

In the afternoon, you can choose to either relax or to enjoy agricultural activities such as rice planting and harvesting in surrounding rice fields (depending on the season); Traditional fishing techniques (you can sample your catch for dinner!); or walk around the farm and rice field. If you wish, the dip in the Nam Ou river is very inviting and worth a try. You may wish to join and help the host with preparing the dinner. This is the chance to learn about Lao cuisine.

Before the dinner, we will join the Baci Ceremony, held by the elders of the village. The Baci ceremony as a traditional ritual of the Lao people expresses the spirituality of the country and is a highly memorable experience and a deep insight into Lao culture for the participants. During the dinner, the folk tales will be told by the host family, and translated by our guide. You may wish to stroll around the riverbank, and sense the nature, admiring the starry sky before going to bed.

Day 8. Muang Soune – Luang Prabang (B)

Wake up early, you never want to miss the chance to admire the sunrise over the Nam Ou river, and the nearby mountains. After breakfast, the morning will be dedicated to the fishing by the stunning Nam Ou river, experience traditional fishing techniques. You will also take the boat trip exploring the surrounding areas.

We come back to the village at 11:00AM to join the transfer back to Luang Prabang, where we will arrive early afternoon. Free for the rest of the day to stroll around the town, or just relax by the inviting pool of the hotel Overnight in Luang Prabang

Tip:  + We recommend trying a traditional Lao massage at Lao Red Cross, which will help you recover from the exploration in the last 2 days. The price ranges from $5-8 per hour depending on the set that you choose, with or without oil. (not included – payable on spot).

+ In the evening, we recommend joining the Royal Ballet Theatre at the National Museum to watch the traditional show of Phralak Phralam and learn about the history and culture of Laos (not included – payable on spot)

Day 9. Luang Prabang – Free (B)

Tip: we recommend joining a morning Yoga class at Luang Prabang Yoga, which will take about 1 hour starting at 07:30AM at Utopia Bar & Restaurant before returning to your hotel for breakfast. Class fee is KIP40,000/person ~ $5 (payable on spot in KIP only – pre-reservation not accepted). Note: you need to come on time if you are interested. In case you come late, you are not allowed to join. Here is the class schedule & pricing. You are free to stroll around the town of Luang Prabang for your own exploration. Some recommended excursions include Nahm Dong Park or Pha Tad Ke Garden. Overnight in Luang Prabang

Tip: Late afternoon, join the cinema at Amalea Restaurant to watch the 100-year-old Chang Movie, which is the oldest film about Laos. This is a silent film about a poor farmer in northern Nan Province (northern Thailand) and his daily struggle for survival in the jungle. The dinner is recommended at the restaurant before returning to your hotel (not included – payable on spot)

Day 10. Luang Prabang - Kuang Si + Afternoon tea at Butterflies Park (B)

Wake up as the sun rises, we will prepare to join the most sacred tradition of Laos, the daily morning alms giving, which dates to the 14th century. More than 200 Buddhist monks depart from various temple to gather their daily meal from the faithful residents sitting quietly on the streets.

We then visit the temporary morning market near the former Royal Palace. Just set on the ground, the local people come here to barter their day’s catch from rice, to vegetable, to fish, or chicken. After breakfast at the hotel transfer directly to the beautiful Kuang Si, which is the biggest waterfall in the Luang Prabang area with three tiers leading to a 50-metre drop into spectacular azure pools before flowing downstream. The pools also make great swimming holes and are very popular with both tourists and locals

There is also the chance to walk to the nearby village of Ban Thapene, and explore the hidden waterfalls, which is rarely visited by other tourists. If you wish, take a short visit to the Bear Rescue Center, which houses a couple of dozen animals rescued from the hands of poachers and traffickers. After visiting Kuang Si waterfalls, visit the nearby Butterflies Park, where you can enjoy the afternoon tea with the homemade cookies whilst relaxing inside the green peaceful garden full of colorful butterflies.

On the way back to Luang Prabang, we will take a short visit to the Ock Pop Tock Living Craft Center, set serenely close to the Mekong, this beautiful, traditionally styled workshop, where weavers, spinners and batik makers produce top-quality fabrics, offers free tours every half-hour. This is also one of the best spots to admire the sunset in Luang Prabang. Transfer back to your hotel late afternoon. Overnight in Luang Prabang

Tip: For the dinner, we recommend you try a bowl of Khaupoon at Tamarind Restaurant, which will be the highlight of your culinary exploration of Luang Prabang (not included – payable on spot – pre-reservation is recommended)

Day 11. Luang Prabang – ECC (B/L/D)

7:30AM In the morning, our driver will transfer you to the meeting point where we will join the minivan of Elephant Conservation Center for the transfer to Xayabouly (about 90KM). When you have arrived to the pier at Nam Tien Lake, we will transfer you to the center by boat. You might be able to catch a quick glimpse of one of our elephants while our boat docks. You will have some time to install yourself in your private bungalow before lunch is served. After enjoying a Laotian style meal, your guide will take you for a visit of the Center’s facilities and present our ongoing projects.

During the hospital visit our veterinarian and biologist will take you into their world and explain about the projects they are undertaking. Through the visit of the only Elephant Hospital in Laos, you will discover the conservation actions implemented by The Elephant Conservation Center. You will then observe the elephants’ daily bath and learn more about our giant guests’ playful characters. Elephants are surprisingly good swimmers and love water. They also use this time to socialize.

After the elephants have washed themselves, you will meet our mahouts, who will show you how they get on and off the elephant and the commands they use.  You will then have the opportunity to interact with the elephants with the mahouts at your side. Get a feel for the elephant’s amazing skin and prickly hair, and experience up close the dexterity of their trunk as you offer them some food. Feel free to take photos standing next to our giants!  For those who really want to get a feel of being on top of the elephant, mahout style, you can request to do so later on when bringing the elephants to the forest or socialization area. 

But this is absolutely not central to the experience we propose and is strictly on the neck, not in a chair on the elephant’s back! While walking the elephants to their nightly resting ground you will witness the unique bond between the mahout and his elephant. Our experienced mahouts use vocal commands to steer the animals through the thick foliage.  As you stroll together with these magnificent creatures into the dense forest of Nam Tien, take a moment!  This is the REAL land of elephants!  Your guide will give you some interesting information about the biodiversity of our protected forest.

Before dinner, take some time to take in the surroundings from our viewpoint. You can also go for a swim in the lake or visit the museum. During mealtime, feel free to ask your unresolved questions to the staff or share one of the Lao style cocktails! Shared transfer and guide from Elephant Conservation Center

Day 12. ECC - Ban Thaheua (B/L)

On the second day you will meet up with the elephants in the forest. After spending the night grazing in the jungle, it is time for another bath. Enjoy strolling together with these magnificent creatures in their natural environment. If you wish, you can ask to ride the elephant, bareback on the neck, for a short time on their way through the forest, to get a physical feel for the animal. When they have had their fill of water they are brought to the Socialization Area. This is an area where the elephants can freely interact during a big part of the day, recreating a semi-natural living environment.

Here the elephants can enjoy being…elephants. Follow the guide around the perimeter to learn more about the elephants. Take your time on the different platforms to see how a new herd is being formed. This rare opportunity will bring you closer to their natural life, something which is very special about our program and difficult to find anywhere else in Laos. Lunch is served at one of the viewing platforms. You have some time to let everything sink in. Following the forest picnic, you can see the resident mother and baby at the nursery. The mahout of the mother stays close by while she and her baby have a bath and play. The mother trusts him around her offspring and even lets him play with her a little bit.

After visiting the nursery you can take your time to pack your bags and say goodbye to the staff. Perhaps you would like to take in the scenery for one last time before hopping on the waiting minivan and transfer directly to Ban Thaheua, which locates on the north side of Nam Ngum lake, the “sea of Laos” Arriving in Ban Thaheua just in time to catch the sunset, check in your hotel overlooking the lake. Overnight in Ban Thaheua

Day 13. Ban Thaheua - Cycling + Kayaking (B/L)

After breakfast, we start the cycling tour exploring the nearby villages & the famous Nam Ngum dam. We we will first pass through the local primary school, which is livelier during the school time. We then set-off toward Nam Ngum dam through the small village roads whilst admiring the life of local villagers. Stop at one of the villages to enjoy a cup of coffee or tea. Relax and talk with the villagers about their daily life. We will also make another stop at the viewpoint to enjoy the panoramic view of the surrounding area. We have ample time to relax at the dam before cycling back to the resort. If time permits, we will stop at another village to watch the rooster fighting in around 30 minutes. Arrive at the resort around noon time.

In the afternoon, we will have a 2-hour kayaking around the Nam Ngum lake to explore some islets, and local fishing villages. The kayaking is easy and fun, requiring no special skills. We will stop at Huay Samom village, chatting with the host family, and learning about the weaving techniques. Return to the resort. Relax by the pool and admire the sun setting behind the mountains. Overnight at Sanctuary Nam Ngum Beach Resort

Day 14. Ban Thaheua – Free (B)

You are free to stroll around the resort for your own exploration. There are plenty of water activities available to book on spot. Overnight in Ban Thaheua.

Day 15. Ban Thaheua – Vientiane (B)

Optional: Wake up early today, you never want to miss the serene sunrise over the peaceful lake. Our guide will escort you to the nearby area to watch the local villagers preparing for their busy day.

You have ample time to relax before taking the transfer to Vientiane. Along the way, visit Dong Makkhai Market, where various hill tribes come to trade goods and buy provisions. We will arrive in Vientiane around mid-afternoon. Free for the rest of the day to relax and enjoy the pool. Overnight in Vientiane

Distance: 135KM | 3.5-hour transfer

Day 16. Vientiane - Pakse - Bolaven Plateau (flight)  (B)

You will take the morning flight to Pakse, the biggest town of southern Laos. QV305 VTE PKZ 08:00 08:50

Upon arrival, we will drive to Tad Phaseum waterfalls, where we enjoy an easy trek to nearby villages of ethnic minorities villages like Laven, Alak, Taoy, and others. From there, we drive further to Tadlo Waterfalls, upon arrival, we will trekking to visit waterfall and other minority village near by Tadlo area of Ban Kiengtanglae and Ban Nanong. We then continue driving over the plateau to Paksong.

Along the way we will stop Tha Teng Market, a colourfull ethnic minority food market. Next, we explore a couple of fascinating minority villages of Ban Pong (An Alak village that boats a sacrificial altar) and Ban Kokphung (A Katu village where they keep coffins under their houses).  From there, transfer directly through the plateau to your accommodation to spend the night.

Day 17. Bolaven Plateau - Wat Phou – Champasak (B)

After breakfast, we departure for Champasak. Along the way, we will have chance to enjoy the scenery around Tad Fan waterfall, which is spectacular with twin waterfalls plummeting into a deep gorge surrounded by flourishing vegetation. We will also see the cultivation of rich coffee, tea, cardamom, bananas, and other crops that are grown in the area. Arriving in Champasak, visit Wat Phou, an ancient Khmer religious complex dating back to the 5th Century.

Recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, Wat Phou is a spectacular pre-Angkorian temple that sits amidst the rice fields and waterways of southern Laos, which was built by the rulers of the Khmer empire before the construction of Angkor Wat. The temple served as the most important economic and political centre of the region and still is one of the Lao people’s most revered temples. After your visit, we continue in to Champasak to see samples of French colonial architecture before transferring to your hotel in town to spend the night.

Note: After breakfast, we departure for Champasak.

Along the way, we will have chance to enjoy the scenery around Tad Fan waterfall, which is spectacular with twin waterfalls plummeting into a deep gorge surrounded by flourishing vegetation. We will also see the cultivation of rich coffee, tea, cardamom, bananas, and other crops that are grown in the area. Arriving in Champasak, visit Wat Phou, an ancient Khmer religious complex dating back to the 5th Century.

Recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, Wat Phou is a spectacular pre-Angkorian temple that sits amidst the rice fields and waterways of southern Laos, which was built by the rulers of the Khmer empire before the construction of Angkor Wat. The temple served as the most important economic and political centre of the region and still is one of the Lao people’s most revered temples. After your visit, we continue in to Champasak to see samples of French colonial architecture before transferring to your hotel in town to spend the night.

Day 18. Champasak - Khong Island - Khone Island (B)

After breakfast, we will transfer to Khong island and embark on a 1.5 hour long tail boat for venturing into the widest reach of the Mekong River, where during the dry season the waters recede and leave behind thousands of islets, giving this area a lovely name” Si Phan Done”.

Upon arrival, explore the local peaceful villages of Ban Khone, where you will see an array of relics from the French colonial era and retrace the old colonial past, including old French colonial buildings and the remnants of the first Lao railway with its locomotive. We continue to discover the 4000 islands area by tuktuk and visit the marvelous Liphi waterfall, also called the "Corridor of the Devil" one of the most beautiful waterfalls marking Lao border with Cambodia. If we are lucky, we may even see the rare freshwater Irrawaddy Mekong dolphin at Ban Hang Khone. Free for the rest of the day for your own exploration of the island. We recommend you take a bike for a ride around the island to see the local life and admire the sunset along the Mekong riverbank. Overnight in Khone Island.

Day 19. Khone Island - Khone Phapheng - Done Daeng (B)

After breakfast, return to the mainland at the fishing village of Ban Nakasang and drive further south to visit Khone Phapheng, which is considered the largest waterfall by volume in South East Asia

Khone Phapheng is an impressive spot near the Lao-Cambodian border, 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 Champasak and take the boat to the isolated island of Daeng, home to the lovely La Folie Lodge. Upon arrival, check in your riverside room.

Free for the rest of the day to relax. You can either enjoy the pool of the lodge or cycle into the nearby village to admire the local life. Late afternoon, we will join a sunset cruise along the Mekong river admiring the last beauties of the day. Then cruise back to La Folie Lodge. Overnight at La Folie Lodge

Day 20. Done Daeng – Free (B)

Full day free for your own exploration. The lodge have free boat transfer to Champasak, free bicycle, and plenty of activities available to book on spot. We recommend you join a traditional dance class within 1 hour and/or a cooking class at a villager home. Overnight at La Folie Lodge

Day 21. Done Daeng – Departure (B) – NO GUIDE

Free before transferring back to Pakse to take the departure flight