DAY 1: ARRIVAL– PAKSE (without Guide)
On your arrival in Pakse. Transfer to the hotel by driver. Overnight in Pakse
DAY 2: PAKSE – KHONG (B)
After breakfast, we drive south to Champassak and to visit the fascinating pre-Angkorian ruins of Wat Phu, one of Southeast Asia's most dramatically situated temples. We have time to explore these intriguing Khmer ruins, which are perched at the base of Mount Phu Kao.We continue our journey by road to the 4000 Islands area, where you have the rest of the day to relax. Overnight in 4000 Islands
DAY 3: 4000 ISLAND AND SURROUNDING (B)
After an early morning breakfast, we explore Khone Island. Here we begin by re-tracing the French colonial-past at Ban Khone, where some old colonial houses still stand and glimpse the first Lao railway with its own locomotive. We continue our exploration of the area of the 4000 islands by boat and visit the beautiful Liphi waterfall, also known as the Samphamith, which forms a natural border between Lao and Cambodia. We return to Ban Nakasang and drive to the famous waterfall of Khone Phapeng - the largest waterfall in South East Asia, also known as the 'Niagara of the east'. Overnight in 4000 Islands
DAY 4: KHONG ISLAND – PAKSE – BAN SAPHAY – VIENTIANE by overnight bus (B)
After breakfast, drive back to Pakse directly. Visit the local market then continue by road to Ban Saphai (15 KM north of the city): This small village weavers working silk and cotton, it is famous for making Phaa Salong. Continue to Pakse then transfer to bus station for taking overnight bus from Pakse to Vientiane. The bus will leave from Pakse around 20:00 – 20:30 and arrive in Vientiane the later day morning around 5:30 - 6:00
DAY 5: VIENTIANE – HALFDAY CITY TOUR – BUDDHA PARK (-)
Meet you at bus station and transfer to the town to refresh your selves at Hotel Lao then find for breakfast around before , we continue visiting of Vientiane by foot.
We start visiting some of the major sights; including the oldest temple Wat Sisaket, an amazing structure featuring remarkable frescoes and Buddha images. We also visit the former royal temple of Wat Prakeo, which previously housed the famous Emerald Buddha Image. Enroute to Lao’s national precious heritage, the famous and sacred structure of That Luang Stupa, you will have the opportunity to take some pictures of the imposing Patuxay Monument, which is well known as Vientiane’s own Arc de Triumph.
In the afternoon, we continue our sightseeing tour of Vientiane surrounding; visit the impressive Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge and the Buddha Park, a display of Buddhist and Hindu sculptures created by mystical monk on parkland located by the Mekong River. A view of the Atacular sunset over the Mekong River is perfect way to finish the day. Overnight in Vientiane.
DAY 6. VIENTIANE – VANG VIENG (B)
We leave the capital early for our journey northbound; we will see some breathtaking scenery enroute as we pass through spectacular countryside towards the mountainous region. Along the way we visit the busy and colourful market of Thalat where various hill tribes come to trade goods and buy provisions. A next stop of our trip is Vang Xang, famous for its archeological site dating back to the 11th century. We reach our final destination Vang Vieng, which is nestled on a bend of the Nam Song River. Overnight in Vang Vieng
DAY 7. VANG VIENG – XIENG KHUANG 275 KM/6H (B)
Today we will set off early driving up route 13TH north to Xieng Khuang, after arriving at Sala Phou Khoun, turn right to the road no. 10 to continue to Xieng Khuang. The roads are well paved along the way for a smooth journey; we pass some stunning landscape scenery with a mixture of steep terraced fields and hill villages, we take a few photo stops at some small hill tribe village enroute. Each hill tribe village in Laos has a different feel, some are more prosperous than others but all have plenty of life. On arrival in Xieng Khuang, transfer to the hotel.
DAY 8. XIENG KHUANG – PLAIN OF JARS AND MUANG KHOUNE 30KM/45 MIN (B)
This morning we have time to visit the interesting Central Market in Phonsavan, visit the MAG exhibition and Site 2 of the Plain of Jars before taking a short scenic trek to Site 3 via a Tai Dam and Lao Leum village. Following lunch we have a half day morning tour seeing the old capital of Muang Khoun and the nearby villages, home to the Hmong hilltribe and Tai Dam people. Overnight in Xiengkhuang
DAY 9. XIENG KHUANG- LUANG PRABANG 265KM/7H (B)
Early morning, we visit the Central Market of Phonsavanh to watch the different hilltribe people barter and exchange merchandises. We then head out towards Luang Prabang. En route we stop off to see the Buddha images at Thampra, a site more than 200 years old, and various Hmong and hilltribe minority villages along the way. After numerous photo stops, we continue driving, enjoying the splendid natural scenery of the mountains, the forest and landscape. The journey will take us over mountainous regions until we approach Luang Prabang. Overnight in Luang Prabang.
DAY 10.LUANG PRABANG- KUANG SI WATER FALL AND PAK OU CAVES (B)
First we visit the morning Phousi Market, where you will see such diverse offerings as dried buffalo skin, local tea and saltpeter among the chickens, vegetables and hill-tribe weavings. Laos is also known for its traditional crafts, and today you will visit local villages of Lao ethnic minority groups at Ban Ouay, a Hmong village, Ban Ou a Laoloum village and Ban Thapene, a Khmu village. This then takes us to the beautiful Khuang Si Waterfall where you can cool off with a refreshing swim in the pools or walk along the forest trails. We then return to Luang Prabang. This afternoon, we embark on a cruise upstream on the Mekong River, which also gives us a breathtaking view of the tranquil countryside, before reaching the mysterious Pak Ou Caves, two linked caves crammed with thousands of gold lacquered Buddha statues of various shapes and sizes left by pilgrims. Along the way, we stop at the village of Ban Xanghai, where they make the local rice wine. On return, we disembark the boat to visit traditional villages, and continue taking a short drive to Ban Phanom, a village famous for its hand weaving. Overnight in Luang Prabang.
DAY 11. LUANG PRABANG – CITY TOUR (B)
It is worth a visit to the National Museum at the former Royal Palace, which displays a collection of artefacts reflecting the richness of Lao culture dating from the days of the early kings right through to the last sovereign. Today we explore some of the major sights in this faboulous city, including the impressive stupa of Wat Visoun, the shrine of Wat Aham, the city’s oldest temple of Wat Sene and Wat Mai. We also visit these sights as well as the magnificent Wat Xiengthong, its exterior architecture is remarkable with decorated guilded stuccoes and doorways, a “tree of life” mosaic pattern set in coloured glass on the back wall and its three tiered roofs sweeping low to the ground representing classical Laotian architecture. A visit to Luang Prabang would be incomplete without ascending 329 steps to the top of Mount Phousi for an enjoyable exploration of the sacred, gilded stupa and to enjoy a beautiful sunset view of the city and its glowing reflection on the Mekong River. From there, we explore the Night Market, where you can find a lovely selection of handmade textile made by local and hill tribe people surrounding Luang Prabang. Overnight in Luang Prabang
DAY 12. LUANG PRABANG – DEPARTURE (B)
After breakfast, free time at leisure until transfer to the airport for your departure flight.
TOUR PRICE INCLUDES:
· Private transportation in air-conditioned vehicles
· Accommodation in Double/ twin share with breakfast
· Private boat trip as stated in above sights
· English speaking guide
· Bus ticket Pakse – Vientiane
· Admission fees to indicated sights
· Meals: as mentioned in the program (B= Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner)
· Tax and service charge
· Luggage handling, bottles of drinking water every day
TOUR PRICE EXCLUDES:
· Travel insurance (compulsory)
· Domestic airfare and airport tax in Laos
· International airfare and airport tax to & from Laos
· Early check- in or late check-out (except as indicated)
· Beverages and other meals do not indicate in the program
· Single room (quoted separately)
· Visa stamping fee to Laos (if any) or border pass
· Optional excursions and entrance fees and permits during free time
· Additional transportation required due to any emergency situation
· Tipping/ Gratuities
· Personal expenses such as telephone and laundry bills, shopping…
· Excess luggage charges
· Any additional expenses caused by reasons beyond our control such as natural calamities (typhoon, floods), flight delays, rescheduling or cancellations, any accidents, medical evacuations, riots, strikes etc.
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