Impressions Of Laos - North To South Tour - 10 Days

HIGHLIGHTS:

UNESCO World Heritage town of Luang Prabang

French colonial heritage along the Mekong

The magical Mekong – boat cruise

Holy caves and Buddhist heritage of Pak Ou

Villages and waterfalls – soft trekking

Stunning landscapes and scenery

Plain of Jars – a mystery

Vientiane, the capital, and Lao history… and much more

DAY 01: WELCOME TO LAOS AND LUANG PRABANG (-)

After transferring you from the airport to your hotel, we will take you on an introductory tour of Luang Prabang, time permitting. Visit Wat Visunalat and Wat Aham, and perhaps walk up Mount Phousi for a panoramic sunset view of the city and surrounding mountains. We will finish the day with a visit to the colorful Night Market.

DAY 02: LUANG PRABANG AND THE PAK OU CAVES (B)

After breakfast, we will enjoy a short guided tour of the city’s oldest temples, Wat Sene and Wat Xieng Thong, both of which represent the classical temple architecture of Luang Prabang.

We will then board a cruise along the Mekong River to the mysterious Pak Ou Caves, which are filled with thousands of gold-lacquered Buddha statues of various shapes and sizes.

Along the way, we will stop at the village of Ban Xanghai, where you can see locals distilling rice into Lao Lao wine and whiskey. After returning, we will take a short drive to Ban Xang Khong and Ban Xienglek, which are well known for their handmade traditional Saa paper.

DAY 03: LUANG PRABANG AND KUANG SI WATERFALLS (B/L)

Wake up early to participate in the daily morning ritual of almsgiving. After breakfast, we will stroll through Phousi Market, where you can see many local products such as dried buffalo skin, tea, salt, chickens, vegetables, and hill-tribe textiles.

In the afternoon, we will visit Kuang Si Waterfall, where you can also stop at the Bear Rescue Center, managed by an NGO called Free the Bears.

On the way, we will make stops at local villages. At the waterfall, you can swim in the pools or stroll along the forest paths. We will return to Luang Prabang by late afternoon.

Optional: Trekking tour at Kuang Si Waterfall with village visits, jungle hikes, cave exploration, and natural pool swimming. Please inform us in advance so we can prepare a picnic lunch. Trekking duration is approximately 3 hours (easy to moderate).

DAY 04: LUANG PRABANG – PLAIN OF JARS – PHONSAVANH – XIENG KHOUANG PLATEAU (B/L/D)

We will travel by private transport to Xieng Khouang, home to the mysterious Plain of Jars. This high-altitude region offers rich diversity and contrasts with the more tropical areas of Laos. The plateau also bears scars from American bombing between 1964 and 1973.

Along the way, we will stop at hill-tribe villages, mainly inhabited by the Hmong community. In Phonsavanh, we will visit the Plain of Jars, an impressive archaeological mystery. Overnight in Phonsavanh.

DAY 05: XIENG KHOUANG – PHONSAVANH – VIENTIANE (B)

Flight QV401: XKH–VTE (13:40–14:20) – To be confirmed

We will start early with a visit to the ruins of the old capital of the Phuan Kingdom. Here, we will enjoy a Lao noodle soup breakfast and visit a Buddha statue at Wat Piawat, along with an ancient stone stupa.

On the way back to Phonsavanh, we will explore more of the Plain of Jars, visiting either Site 2 or Site 3. Depending on your flight schedule, you may also have time to explore local markets before departure.

A short 30-minute flight will take us to Vientiane, the capital of Laos. After hotel check-in (if time permits), we will continue sightseeing with a visit to Patuxay Monument on Lane Xang Avenue. In the evening, enjoy a relaxing stroll along the Mekong River, where a lively local market attracts both visitors and locals.

Overnight in Vientiane.

DAY 06: VIENTIANE (B)

Today, we explore Vientiane, starting with its major attractions. Visit Wat Sisaket, the oldest monastery, known for its thousands of miniature Buddha statues, and Wat Prakeo, the former royal temple that once housed the Emerald Buddha.

Next, visit the iconic That Luang Stupa. Along the way, we may stop for photos at the Patuxay Monument, often referred to as Vientiane’s “Arc de Triomphe.”

Later, continue exploring on foot (weather permitting), visiting Wat Ong Tue, Wat Inpeng, and Wat Haisok, or simply relax.

We will then visit the main shopping areas, including Talat Sao and Talat Kouadin markets, where goods such as fresh food, textiles, gold, and silver are traded. You may even find antique souvenirs.

In the evening, return to the Mekong riverside. We highly recommend enjoying a cold Beer Lao while watching the sunset.

DAY 07: VIENTIANE – END OF SERVICES (7-DAY TOUR) / VIENTIANE – PAKSE – DON KHONG (10-DAY TOUR) (B/L)

If your tour ends in Vientiane, enjoy breakfast and some leisure time before your transfer to the airport.

For those continuing on the 10-day tour:

Flight QV201: VTE–PKZ (07:35–08:50) – To be confirmed

Upon arrival in Pakse, we will travel south to Champasak to explore the Khmer heritage of the region, including the UNESCO-listed Wat Phou, one of the most important Hindu sanctuaries of the Khmer Empire.

After a detailed visit (2–3 hours), including a climb to sacred shrines, we will explore the Wat Phou Museum.

Later, continue to Champasak town, where colonial architecture is still visible. In the afternoon, proceed to Don Khong Island by slow boat or minivan. Overnight in Don Khong.

DAY 08: KHONG ISLAND – 4000 ISLANDS (B)

Early in the morning, explore Si Phan Don (4,000 Islands), where the Mekong River reaches its widest point, up to 12 km during the rainy season.

Visit Li Phi Falls and, if lucky, spot the rare Irrawaddy freshwater dolphins near Ban Hang Khon. We will also see remnants of a French-built railway and bridge, constructed to bypass the Mekong’s rapids.

Note: Dolphin-watching boat excursions are available upon request at an additional cost.

DAY 09: KHONG ISLAND – BOLAVEN PLATEAU – TAD LO – PAKSE (B)

Depart Khong Island and travel to the Bolaven Plateau, part of the Annamite Mountain Range along the Laos–Vietnam border. This region is famous for producing high-quality Lao coffee due to its cool climate and fertile soil.

Visit several waterfalls, including Tad Lo and Tad Fan, before returning to Pakse for a short city walk or market visit.

Note: Overnight stay may vary depending on onward travel. We recommend staying in a nature lodge near the waterfalls.

DAY 10: PAKSE – DEPARTURE (B)

After breakfast, enjoy free time in Pakse before departure. You may fly to Siem Reap (Cambodia) or travel overland via Chong Mek International Checkpoint to Ubon Ratchathani (Thailand).

END OF SERVICES

INCLUDED TRAVEL SERVICES:

All sightseeing as described in the program

Private transportation

Hotel accommodation (twin sharing)

English-speaking guide

Entrance fees to all the mentioned sites

Meals as indicated (B = breakfast, L = lunch, D = dinner)

Lao PDR government taxes and service charges

Luggage handling

Domestic flights: XKH–VTE / VTE–PKZ

NOT INCLUDED TRAVEL SERVICES:

International airfare to/from Lao PDR

Visa fees (per person, depending on nationality)

Travel insurance

Meals not mentioned

Tips, drinks, and personal expenses

Single room surcharge (available on request)