Cultural Treasures of Laos Tour – 20 Days

General Information

Tour Route: Luang Prabang – Luang Namtha – Xieng Khuang – Vang Vieng – Vientiane – Pakse
Duration: 20 Days/ 19 Nights
Date: No fixed departure dates. You may go whenever you wish
Start/ End: Luang Prabang/ Pakse
Tour Customizable: Absolutely! (Tell us your specific requirements in the inquiry form)

Brief Itinerary

Day 1: Luang Prabang Arrival
Day 2: Luang Prabang City Tour (B, L)
Day 3: Luang Prabang – Living Land Farm Joint Experience & Afternoon Kuang Si Waterfall Exploration (B, L)
Day 4: Luang Prabang – Full-day Elephant Experience Joint Tour (B, L)
Day 5: Day Cruise from Luang Prabang to Pakbeng via Pak Ou Cave (B, L)
Day 6: Local Market Visit – Cruise trip to Houeixay (B, L)
Day 7: Houeixay – Transfer to Luang Namtha (B)
Day 8: Luang Namtha – Full-day Trekking in Namtha NPA Joint Tour (B, L)
Day 9: Luang Namtha – Oudomxai – Nong Khiaw (B)
Day 10: Nong Khiaw Countryside Half-day Exploration Joint Trekking Tour– Overnight in Luang Prabang (B)
Day 11: Luang Prabang – Xieng Khuang (B)
Day 12: Xieng Khuang – Vang Vieng (B)
Day 13: Vang Vieng – Transfer to Vientiane – City Tour (B)
Day 14: Vientiane – Transfer to Khammouane (B)
Day 15: Hin Boun – Kong Lor Cave Exploration – Hin Boun (B)
Day 16: Hin Boun – Transfer to Pakse (B)
Day 17: Pakse – Champassak Ruins Discovery Tour – Khong Island (B)
Day 18: Full-day Sightseeing Tour on Khong Island (B)
Day 19: Khong Island – Tadlo Bolaven Plateau – Pakse (B)
Day 20: Pakse Departure (B)

Full Itinerary

Day 1: Luang Prabang Arrival

Sabai Dee! Welcome to the ancient citadel for Luang Prabang! On arrival at the Airport, we will be welcomed by our guide and transfer to the hotel for check-in and relaxation. Have a rest and enjoy the rest of the day free at your own leisure. Suggested activity for the evening: visit the Night Market.
(Note: Hotels’ check-in time is 14:00, early check-in has surcharge and is based on hotel’s vacancy)

Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Day 2: Luang Prabang City Tour (B, L)

After breakfast at hotel, we will venture out and spend the whole day sight-seeing. Our first stop will be the Royal Palace Museum, which hosts a wide range of interesting artifacts, we then embark on a short-guided sight-seeing tour to the gorgeous Wat Xieng Thong, a temple with a unique set of roofs that sweeps low to the ground, representing classical Laotian architecture.

We also stop by the Arts and Ethnology Centre to learn about Laos’ ethnic cultures and its diversity before heading out of town to see the weaving villages of Ban Xiengkhong and Ban Xienglek. Then, return to the city to visit Wat Mai before climbing up to the top of Mount Phousi to explore the sacred, gilded stupa and take in the panoramic view of the city at sunset as well as the overwhelming sight of the Mekong River. At the end of the day, pay a visit to the colorful Night Market where you can find lovely collections of handmade textiles made by locals and hill tribe people surrounding Luang Prabang.

Overnight in Luang Prabang.
Meal: Breakfast.

Day 3: Luang Prabang – Living Land Farm Joint Experience & Afternoon Kuang Si Waterfall Exploration (B, L)

Enjoy your breakfast early today then we will spend our morning on a rice farm situated in the idyllic countryside that is surrounded by mountains and rice paddies. Get the first-hand experience of what it’s like to be a farmer and take part in some exciting activities, or just view it all from the balcony of a comfortable Lao rice house, overlooking the nearby rice terraces and organic vegetable farm. The scenic landscape here provides great photo opportunities. Meanwhile, spare some time to visit some local handicraft workshops such as bamboo weaving, blacksmith and sugarcane processing. Finally, have a tour around the organic garden to learn about how natural herbs are used in traditional medicine. Then, we will enjoy a nice lunch with the local family at the rice farm for the most authentic experience.

After lunch, we transfer to Khouang Si Waterfall. Stop en route to visit the Lao ethnic minority groups at Ban Ouay Village, Ban Ou Village, and Ban Thapene Village. When you arrive at the waterfalls, take a refreshing hike through the national park towards the Kuang Si Waterfalls, passing by the Asian bear rescue center. This is a great place to cool off, whether you want to relax under the shade of the lush green jungle or dive in the cooling and turquoise water of this amazing waterfall. After the tour, you will be escorted safely back to your hotel stay. The rest of the day is free for you to spend at your own leisure.

Overnight in Luang Prabang.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.

Day 4: Luang Prabang – Full-day Elephant Experience Joint Tour (B, L)

Enjoy your breakfast at hotel then be picked up by our guide at around 8 – 8.30 AM from the hotel lobby. Our schedule for the day will go as follows:

• We transfer to the Elephant Village Camp and be warmly welcomed then participate in a short briefing about elephants
• Elephant Feeding: Get up close and personalwith elephants I Explore Elephant Village: Visit elephant hospital, museum, photo gallery and dung paper making area
• One-on–One Experience/learn to communicate with your elephant: Enjoy the impressive experience of being a mahout!
• Trek along the Trail of Falls: Enjoy a 2km trek along our exclusive Trail of Falls through Elephant Village Sanctuary & Resort
• Lunch: Dine in the forest surrounding. picnic box lunch prepared just for you at our camp restaurant (vegetarian options available).
• Continue the Trail of Falls: Enjoy another 1 km trek on foot along the Trail of Falls, which follows a beautiful stream leading up to Tad Sae Waterfall.
• Tad Sae Waterfall: Arrive at Tad Sae Waterfall and relax, dip your feet or take a swim in the clear, coolwater
• Depart: Transfer back to your Hotel in Luang Prabang between 3:00 pm and 4:00 pm

After the tour, you will be escorted safely back to your hotel stay. The rest of the day is free for you to spend at your own leisure.

Overnight in Luang Prabang.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.

Day 5: Day Cruise from Luang Prabang to Pakbeng via Pak Ou Cave (B, L)

Enjoy your breakfast at hotel then we will head out of town and join a cruise upstream the Mekong River. Along the cruise trip, enjoy the tranquility of Lao countryside before arriving at the mysterious Pak Ou Cave that house thousands of Buddha images of all sizes brought in the caves by pilgrims. Enjoy lunch onboard. En route, we will also stop by the village of Ban Xanghai to watch people making rice wine before continuing on to the riverside town of Pakbeng. We will reside in Pakbeng overnight, check-in to your hotel stay and enjoy the rest of the day free at your own leisure.

Overnight in Pakbeng.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.

Day 6: Local Market Visit – Cruise trip to Houeixay (B, L)

After breakfast, we visit the local market where many hill tribe people come down from the valleys and hillsides to trade. After that, hop on the boat again and head to Houeixay, the neighbor of the famous Golden Triangle. It’s a long cruise, but the peaceful view along the riverbank can definitely make it up. Lunch will be served onboard. Upon arrival in Houeixay, transfer to your hotel for check-in and relax, enjoy the rest of the day free at your own leisure.

Overnight in Houeixay.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.

Day 7: Houeixay – Transfer to Luang Namtha (B)

Today, time will be free for you to explore Houeixay before our guide arrive to pick you up and we head out for a transfer to Luang Namtha. We will also stop on the way to visit a local hill tribe village before we reached Luang Namtha then check-in and have a rest, enjoy the rest of the day free at your leisure.

Overnight in Luang Namtha.
Meal: Breakfast.

Day 8: Luang Namtha – Full-day Trekking in Namtha NPA Joint Tour (B, L)

We leave Luang Namtha in the morning and drive southwards to Ban Chaleunsouk, a Khmu village and also the starting point of our trek to the National Protected Area. Pick up a village guide along the way to help make this 8 to 10 km trek not too difficult. Along the way, we will cross some lovely streams while being shielded from the sun by the dense canopy of the forest and its refreshing shade of green. At noon, we will have a picnic on the site with traditional Lao foods, all the while enjoying the music of birds’ songs and chirping cicadas. After lunch, drive to an open rice paddy field for some exotic photo opportunities. We will make stop by some villages such as Lantern Village to witness the making of bamboo pulp and Ban Pieng Ngam village to look at traditional cotton and silk. After the tour, you will be escorted safely back to your hotel stay. The rest of the day is free for you to spend at your own leisure.

Overnight in Luang Namtha.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.

Day 9: Luang Namtha – Oudomxai – Nong Khiaw (B)

Today, enjoy your breakfast at hotel then we will get on a drive to Nong Khiaw. Make a quick stop at Oudomxai to explore before arriving at your hotel stay in Nong Khiaw to check-in and spend the rest of the day free at your own leisure.

Overnight in Nong Khiaw.
Meal: Breakfast.

Day 10: Nong Khiaw Countryside Half-day Exploration Joint Trekking Tour– Overnight in Luang Prabang (B)

After having breakfast at the hotel, we will explore the countryside Nong Khiaw, visit Tham Pha Thok, and also trek to the viewpoint to take in the beauty of Nong Khiaw. Along this half-day trek, immerse yourself in the unspoilt beauty and rugged nature of Northern Laos with scenic countryside walks and village visits. After the trek, we will proceed our trip to Luang Prabang. Upon arrival, check-in and relax.

Overnight in Luang Prabang.
Meal: Breakfast.

Day 11: Luang Prabang – Xieng Khuang (B)

Enjoy your breakfast at hotel then be picked up by our guide and driver. We will then drive 306km up a mountain to get a panoramic view of the wonderful natural scenery before reaching Xieng Khuang. Upon arrival in Xieng Khuang, we pay a visit to the impressive Megalithic Jar site – the Plain of Jars. Once here, you will find hundreds of large stone jars scattering all over the plateau, the jars and associated elements found here are the most prominent evidence of the Iron Age civilization that made and used them. We will also make a stop to visit the old capital of Muang Khoun and its surrounding villages to learn about the daily life of Hmong hill tribe people as well as their culture and colorful history.

Overnight in Xieng Khuang.
Meal: Breakfast.

Day 12: Xieng Khuang – Vang Vieng (B)

Early in the morning, we visit Phonsavanh Central Market to see hill tribe people selling their merchandises. Then, we head to Vang Vieng. En route, we stop to visit the Buddha image housed in the ancient site of Tampa and many Hmong minority villages along the way. After checking out many photo spots, we continued to drive, enjoying the beautiful natural scenery of the mountains, forests, and landscapes. The journey will take us through the mountains until we arrive in Vang Vieng. Then, check-in and rest a little before we take a long tail boat to the Nam Song River to visit the mulberry farm to taste the strawberry tea before returning to the hotel and relax.

Overnight in Vang Vieng.
Meal: Breakfast.

Day 13: Vang Vieng – Transfer to Vientiane – City Tour (B)

Enjoy your breakfast at hotel and check-out then we will venture out to visit Tham Jang Cave before heading to Vientiane. Once arrive in Vientiane, check-in to your hotel stay and relax before visiting Wat Sisaket, the oldest temple in the city. Built-in the year of 1818, Wat Sisaket has now become the most important heritage temple in Laos. It contains thousands of Buddha statues dating back countries ago as well as ancient sculptures, and paintings.

Then we proceed to visit Wat Prakeo, the former royal monastery of the Lao monarchy and built-in 1565, is home to the Emerald Buddha image and Buddhist sculptures displayed along the surrounding wall, including a Dvaravati stone Buddha dating from the 6th to the 9th century. We will then head to That Luang Tower, and along the way, stop for some pictures of the mighty Patuxay Monument, Vientiane’s own version of Triumphal Arch. Climb up and get the panoramic views of the city. After the tour, you will be escorted safely back to your hotel stay. The rest of the day is free for you to spend at your own leisure.

Overnight in Vientiane.
Meal: Breakfast.

Day 14: Vientiane – Transfer to Khammouane (B)

In the morning, our guide and driver will pick you up from your hotel lobby in Vientiane and head south along Route 13. On the way, we stop by Prabhat Ponsan, a stupa of a long lost time that is famous for the ancient Buddha’s footprint, making it the most important religious site in Laos. After lunch, we continue into Khammoune Province and stop at a scenic spot near Khoun Kham to take in the spectacular view of the surrounding area.

Finally, we go to visit Ban Naphouak before heading to Nam Hin Boun River, passing by beautiful limestone karst landscapes, as well as some villages with curious and welcoming children. We reach the hotel in the late afternoon where you spend the rest of the day at your leisure.

Overnight in Khammouane.
Meal: Breakfast.

Day 15: Hin Boun – Kong Lor Cave Exploration – Hin Boun (B)

After having breakfast, we leave Sala Hin Boun for some exploration. Hop on a boat to travel upstream to the village of Kong Lor before boarding a smaller boat into the famous Kong Lor Cave. The cave covers the length of more than 7km and rises as high as 100m. After lunch, we will stop by a secluded village on the other side of the cave before heading back to Sala Hin Boun just in time to catch the stunning sunset. Enjoy the rest of the time free at your own leisure.

Overnight in Khammouane.
Meal: Breakfast.

Day 16: Hin Boun – Transfer to Pakse (B)

Today, enjoy your breakfast at hotel then we will get on a driver, venturing southward to Pakse, the capital of Southern Laos. Along the way, stop by the peaceful town of Savannakhet to have lunch (at own expenses) and to see Laos locals’ way of life. We reach Pakse Town in the middle of the afternoon and will have free time to wander around and get a first impression of the place.

Overnight in Pakse.
Meal: Breakfast.

Day 17: Pakse – Champassak Ruins Discovery Tour – Khong Island (B)

Today, we head to Champassak to visit the fascinating ruins of Wat Phuian, Wat Phu, some of the most dramatic temples in Southeast Asia. We dedicate the whole morning to explore these fascinating Khmer ruins, begin with Wat Phu. It is one of the World Heritage sites of Laos recognized by the UNESCO in 2001. Dating back to the 10th century, it’s even older than the famous Angkor Wat in Cambodia. We continue our journey by road to Ban Hatxaikhoun and take the ferry across the Mekong to Don Khong, the largest island in the South Mekong region known as the 4000 Islands, one of the most beautiful areas in Laos.

Overnight on Khong Island.
Meal: Breakfast.

Day 18: Full-day Sightseeing Tour on Khong Island (B)

We will have breakfast early at the hotel before heading out to explore the local villages of Ban Khone, where you can find a series of monuments from the French colonial period and what remains from the old colonial past, including the former colonial buildings of France and the ruins of the first Laos railway. We then go on to explore the 4000 islands area by Tuk Tuk and visit Liphi Falls, one of the most beautiful waterfalls marking the border of Laos.

If we are lucky, we can see the Irrawaddy Mekong freshwater dolphin at Ban Hang Khone. After that, return to Ban Nakasang and drive to the famous waterfall of Khone Phapheng, the largest and widest waterfall in the world. Enjoy the scenery in the chilly environment here, the perfect way to relax and cool off after a tour day.

Overnight on Khong Island.
Meal: Breakfast.

Day 19: Khong Island – Tadlo Bolaven Plateau – Pakse (B)

After our breakfast at hotel, we will leave the beautiful Don Khong Island and continue our journey to Tadlo, passing through the Bolaven Plateau, known for its cool temperatures. The river flows out of the plateau in all directions and then plunges into lush forests to form a series of majestic waterfalls. A trip to the plateau offers a refreshing break from the heat of Laos and allows you to observe the abundance of coffee growing, tea, cardamom, banana en route.

This trip gives visitors an opportunity to discover attractions off the beaten track and the lesser-known areas of Southern Laos. When we arrive at Tad Lo Waterfall, we will visit the villages of Alak, Nge, and Katu, which are inhabited by Lao ethnic groups. We then return to Pakse late at night to check-in and relax.

Overnight in Pakse.
Meal: Breakfast.

Day 20: Pakse Departure (B)

Today, time will be free for you to do as you wish until our guide and driver arrive to escort you to the airport in good time for your departure flight back home. Sok Dee! Have a safe flight! Thanks for choosing Laos tour with Viet Vision Travel!

Inclusions & Exclusions

Inclusions

• 19-night accommodation with daily breakfast as per detail itinerary
• All transfers for touring and airport pick-up/drop-off by private air-conditioned vehicle with experienced driver
• Meals as specified in the itinerary with Vegan/Western/Indian food available on request. (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner).
• Local-stationed English-speaking tour guide
• Entrance fees & permits (if have)
• Boat/sampan rides as per mentioned
• 2 days upstream cruise Luang Prabang – Pakbeng – Houeixay (join-in cruise)
• Boat excursions as per mentioned
• Bottled drinking water & cold towels

Exclusions

• Surcharge for early check-in or late check-out unless stated
• International and domestic flights and airport taxes
• Visa Arrangement
• Travel insurance
• Other meals which are not indicated above
• Surcharge and Compulsory dinners (if any)
• Beverages in the restaurants where meals are included
• Gratuities to guides and drivers
• Personal and other expenses such as porter, bar bills and laundry not stated in the itinerary