Embark on a transformative journey beyond the tourist trail. Our “In-Depth Lao Tours” is a meticulously crafted 14-day adventure that delves into the heart and soul of Laos. This is not just a vacation; it’s an immersion into the rich tapestry of Laotian culture, breathtaking landscapes, and ancient traditions.
Overview
The Deep Lao Tour is a fantastic option for a comprehensive exploration of Laos, taking you from the spiritual center of Luang Prabang in the north to the laid-back charm of Pakse in the south over the course of 14 days.
Itinerary
Upon arrival to Suvarnabhumi International Airport, continue to fly to Luang Prabang
Upon arrival to Luang Prabang International Airport, our guide and driver will be waiting to provide transport to the hotel for check in.
Evening at Leisure
Overnight in Luang Prabang
After breakfast, visit Wat Visoun, the holiest temple of the city, followed by Wat That, where the ashes of King Sisavang Vong are interred inside the large central stupa.
Continue to Wat Xieng Thong, the most photographed temple in Luang Prabang. Afterwards, visit former Royal Palace, now the National Museum.
We will then take you for some exercise to climb the 328 steps of Mount Phousi. At the summit, enjoy a beautiful sunset and panoramic views of the city below. After descending, there is a chance to explore the nearby evening hill tribe market before returning to the hotel.
Overnight in Luang Prabang
Our guide will wake you up early for a very special dawn visit to witness the monks leaving their pagodas to receive offerings of food from Luang Prabang residents. It is a beautiful, serene ceremony that highlights the spiritualism of the Lao people. Visit morning market before returning to the hotel for breakfast.
We will then pick up from your hotel at around 11:00 and then head to Manifa Elephant Camp by minivan. Lunch will be served there. After elephant activities, take a boat to the caves. After visiting the caves, We will go down the Mekong River, stopping at villages along the way, and enjoy a sunset cruise to Luang Prabang. Tour ends at 6.00 pm.
Elephant Experience
• In-depth introduction and elephant health check at mahout village
• Elephant riding in the forest
• Elephant bathing in the Mekong river
• Elephant feeding
• Walk along the Mekong river and forest with elephants in the afternoon
• One person per elephant and mahout
• Mekong Sunset Cruise
Overnight in Luang Prabang
We then will transfer you to visit living craft center where you will see how textile is made, you will have a chance to meet local artisans and weaving masters.
we will then drive you through the Luang Prabang countryside to Kuang Si Waterfalls. Upon reaching Kuang Si Waterfall, enjoy the beautiful natural surroundings or explore the surrounding dense jungle on foot. For the adventurous, it is possible to walk to the top of the falls via a steep track where beautiful views await.
On the way back, make a stop at the unique Lao Buffalo Dairy Farm, a social enterprise that produces sustainable and delicious cheese while giving back to the community and environment.
Overnight in Luang Prabang
We will transfer you a bit early to Luang Prabang International Airport for our flight to Pakse 08:30-10:10, Southern of Laos.
Begin the day with a short orientation tour of Pakse, the most important town in southern Laos. Explore its colonial and Chinese-style buildings, in addition to its huge local market. After the city tour, depart for the Bolaven Plateau, a mountainous region home to dozens of hill tribes, waterfalls and coffee and tea plantations.
Overnight in Paksong
The first stops are at Tad Fane and Tad Yuang waterfalls. Tad Fane is a set of twin 120-meter-high waterfalls formed by the merging waters of the Champy and Pak Koot rivers. These impressive falls are situated on the edge of Dong Hua Sao protected area, 38km from Pakse.
On the drive back to Pakse, two stops will be made. The first stop is the visit of Tad Lo waterfalls, a beautiful formation of three separate falls. From the bridge guests will first see Tad Hang and then Tad Lo in the distance. The most impressive of the three, Tad Suong, is located a further 10km upriver.
The second stop is the small village of Ban Houay Houn, famous for its Katu textiles. Observe the village’s women weaving without a traditional loom, using their legs to stretch the fabric.
Overnight in Paksong
After breakfast, we will drive pass through Champasak, driving through streets lined with French colonial buildings, and stop for lunch in a local restaurant.
After lunch, continue on to Khong Island, the biggest island in Southern Laos and the start of the 4,000 Islands Region. Called “Siphandon” in Lao language, this area is where the Mekong stretches over 14km wide and houses thousands of islands between its cascades and rapids.
Overnight in Donkhong
for a full day exploring the 4000 Islands (Si Phan Don)
Travel first by car (around 45 minutes) to the village of Ban Nakasang. From here, take a local boat to the peaceful island of Don Khone, home to plantations and simple villages. Bicycles are the best way to explore the area, but a tuk-tuk can be arranged as well.
Visit the impressive Lippi falls, which are on the west of Don Khone, very close to the Cambodian border. Their original name, Tad Somphamit, means “trap spirit” and the locals revere these falls as they believe they act as a trap for bad spirits.
The islands played an important role during the French colonial rule as they linked Laos to Cambodia and southern Vietnam. To cross the waterfalls, a railway bridge was built, which now provides an excellent viewpoint for visitors.
Return to Ban Nakasan by boat and then transfer to the hotel
Overnight in Donkhong
Transfer by road to Wat Phou.
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. The temple was constructed in three levels: the bottom level is focused on the baray (water reservoir) and promenade, the second level features pavilions and galleries of carvings, and the top level is the sanctuary. The temple served as the most important economic and political center of the region and still is one of the Lao people’s most revered temples.
Overnight in Pakse
Morning at leisure
We will then transfer to Pakse International Airport for afternoon flight Pakse-Vientiane13:55-14:55
Evening at leisure
Overnight in Vientiane
The capital city of Laos, Vientiane, still feels like a sleepy city with relaxed charm, tree-lined boulevards, fascinating temples and colorful markets. Tour the many highlights of the city, including an open-air museum, Wat Xieng Khuan (Buddha Park). This is a collection of whimsical but compelling statues of Buddhist and Hindu gods.
Continue visit That Luang, a gleaming golden stupa which is perhaps the most important national monument in Laos; Ho Pha Keo, the formal royal temple, now a museum with beautiful examples of Buddhist sculpture; Wat Si Saket; Patuxai (Victory gate), a monumental arch inspired by the Arc de Triomphe, but executed with Lao motifs.
Overnight in Vientiane
We will driver you to Vang Vieng(2 hours)
It’s time to explore Vang Vieng, Visit Jang cave, where local hid inside during the Indochina war. We then cross Song river to Tham Poukham' (Blue Lagoon) the amazing "Cave of the Golden Crab", Blue Lagoon, end up with kayaking along Nam song River.
We will explore Vang Vieng City by taking long-tail boat along Nam Song River
Enjoy Lao BBQ
Overnight in Vang Vieng
In the early morning, climb up to Pha Namxay, one of the best spots for a breath taking view of Vang Vieng and the climb is roughly 20-30mins. Upon arriving at the summit, you will have a curious opportunity to take a photo with the motorbike mysteriously placed for your Instagram moment.
Afternoon at leisure or explore the city on your own
overnight in Vang Vieng
Optional: hot air balloon in the evening
After breakfast, We’ll then drive you back to Vientiane, then transfer you to Wattay International Airport for your onward flight.
Inclusions
- Accommodation
- English speaking guide
- Vehicle
- Domestic flights(Luang Prabang-Pakse-Vientiane)
- Boat Cruise
- Entrance fees
- Some meals
- Drinking Water
Exclusions
- Visa
- International Flight
- Personal Expenses
- Tips for guide and driver
- Meals