Laos Splendor 10 Days / 9 Nights

In the morning, visit the National Museum, which was once the Royal Palace of Laos. The museum showcases a beautiful collection of artifacts that reflect the rich culture and history of Laos from the ancient kings to the last sovereign. Next, explore the Central Market, where you can find a variety of local products and souvenirs. Proceed to one of the most splendid temples in Luang Prabang, Wat Xieng Thong. This temple is located at the confluence of the Mekong and the Nam Khan Rivers, and it is adorned with gilded stuccoes, doorways, and a stunning mosaic of the ‘tree of life’ on an outer wall. 

Then, take a boat ride on the Mekong River, and stop at Ban Xang Hai, a village famous for its rice wine production. Taste the local wine and learn about the process of making it. Enjoy the scenic view of the mountains as you head to the mysterious Pak Ou Caves. These caves are filled with thousands of gold lacquered Buddha statues of different shapes and sizes, brought there by the faithful villagers over the centuries. 

Overnight in Luang Prabang

You have the option to wake up early and join the daily morning ritual of the monks in saffron robes collecting alms (sticky rice) from the devout locals. This is a unique and sacred tradition in Laos, the only Buddhist country that still preserves this practice. 

In the morning, visit the Phosi Market, where you will find a variety of local products, such as dried buffalo skin, tea, saltpeter, chickens, vegetables, and hill-tribe textiles. Laos is famous for its traditional crafts, and you will have the opportunity to see the local villages of different ethnic groups, such as Ban Ouay (Hmong), Ban Ou (Laoloum), and Ban Thapene (Khmu). 

After that, drive to the stunning Khouangsi Waterfall, where you can swim in the clear blue pools or hike along the forest trails. Continue to the Bear Rescue Center and learn about the efforts to protect the endangered Asiatic black bears. 

In the late afternoon, return to Luang Prabang and visit Ban Xangkhong, a village known for its silk weaving and Saa paper making. End the day by watching the sunset at Wat Siphouthabath, a temple on the banks of the Mekong River.

Overnight in Luang Prabang

At 8am drive to Xieng Khuang, the province where the mysterious “Plain of Jars” is located. The road will be winding and mountainous, and you will stop at Houi Hei for a scenic view of the hills. Also visit Ban Kiu Maknao 2, a village of the Khmu ethnic group, and learn about their culture and lifestyle. 

Have lunch at own expense at Phou Khoun, and shortly after you will reach the highest point of the journey: 1500m above sea level.

In the afternoon, stop at Ban Son Boom, a village of the Hmong ethnic group, and see their colorful costumes and handicrafts. Proceed to a hidden Buddha Cave, which was used as a hospital by the army during the Vietnam War, and learn about the history and significance of this place. Arrive at hotel by early evening, after a long but rewarding day of exploration.

The driving time is about 7-8 hours, with several stops along the way

Overnight in Xieng Khuang

Today, visit the amazing “Plain of Jars”, an ancient site where hundreds of huge stone jars are scattered across a plateau. These jars are believed to be over 2,000 years old, but their origin and function are still a mystery. Later, explore some nearby villages, where the Hmong and Tai Dam people live. They are very poor, but they have a rich and colorful culture and history. Then drive to Vang Vieng, a small and peaceful town on the banks of the Nam Song River. The town is surrounded by beautiful scenery of water and limestone cliffs, which has not been spoiled by tourism. Reach Vang Vieng by mid or late afternoon, depending on the road and traffic conditions.

The driving time is about 7-8 hours, with some stops along the way

Overnight in Vang Vieng

Start the day with a walk around the lively central market, see the local products and souvenirs. Then, have a short bamboo raft ride along the Nam Song River, which will give you a thrill of adventure. Also visit the stunning caves and caverns that are scattered around the limestone cliffs and valleys of Vang Vieng. The most famous one is Tham Jang, which was used as a fortress against the Chinese invaders in the early 19th century. Cross the river to Ban Huai Ngai, a charming village, and learn about the different lifestyles of the people. Then, leave this dreamy town and drive to Vientiane, the capital of Laos. Vientiane is a fascinating city, with a mix of Lao, Thai, Chinese, Vietnamese, and French influences. 

On arrival, explore the main attractions of the city, such as Wat Sisaket, the oldest temple in Vientiane, which has thousands of miniature Buddha statues, Wat Prakeo, the former royal temple, which used to house the famous Emerald Buddha, That Luang Stupa, the most sacred and revered monument in Laos. On the way, stop to take some pictures of Patuxay Monument, which is a majestic arch that resembles the Arc de Triomphe in Paris.

Overnight in Vientiane

In the morning, take a flight to Pakse. On arrival, board a boat and sail along the Mekong River to Champassak, where you will visit the ancient ruins of Wat Phu. This is a temple complex that dates back to the 5th century, and it is one of the UNESCO World Heritage sites in Laos. Marvel at the stunning location of the temple, which is nestled at the foot of Mount Phu Kao. Learn about the Khmer civilization that built this temple, which is older than the famous Angkor Wat in Cambodia.

In the afternoon, drive to the Boloven Plateau, where you will see how the locals produce tea and coffee. The Boloven Plateau is a highland area that has a cooler climate than the Mekong Valley. It is also rich in natural beauty, with many rivers and waterfalls. Observe the spectacular Tad Fan waterfall, which has two streams of water plunging into a deep gorge surrounded by lush vegetation.

Overnight in Boleven

After an early breakfast, head to Khong Island. On the way, stop to see the Pha Suam waterfall and stroll around the Lao Teung ethnic minority villages. Enjoy the scenery of the Boloven Plateau, where many crops such as coffee, tea, cardamom, bananas, and others are grown. This trip will allow you to experience some of the hidden gems and natural beauty of Laos, especially in the southern region. 

Continue to Ban Nakasang and take a long-tailed boat to Don Khone Island, the biggest island in the 4000 islands area, which is one of the most picturesque places in Laos. You will see the Mekong River and its islands in all their glory. 

Overnight in Don Khone

In the morning, explore the countryside and take a long trail boat tour of the Don Khone area, where you will see the remnants of the French colonial era, such as the old railway and the bridge. Visit the Liphi Waterfall, also known as “the Corridor of the Devil”, where the water rushes through the rocks and creates a spectacular sight. Go back to the mainland at Ban Nakasang, a fishing village, and drive further south to see Khone Phapheng, the largest waterfall in South East Asia by volume. This is a stunning natural wonder near the border with Cambodia, where the wildlife is abundant and diverse. Drive back to Pakse.

Overnight in Pakse

Enjoy some free time until airport transfer for your outbound flight.