North & South Laos Tour

Day 1: Arrival in Vientiane – City Tour

Upon arrival at Wattay Airport in Vientiane, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. After checking in, we proceed to a local restaurant for lunch.

After lunch, we continue to visit the major sights of the capital, including some of the oldest temples: Wat Ong Tue, Wat Si Muang, and Wat Sisaket, which houses thousands of miniature Buddha statues. We also visit the former royal temple of Wat Prakeo, which once housed the famous Emerald Buddha.

After Wat Prakeo, we continue to visit Laos’ national symbol, the sacred That Luang Stupa. You will also have the opportunity to take photos of the Patuxay Monument, often referred to as Vientiane’s own Arc de Triomphe.

Return to the hotel and enjoy free time at your leisure before dinner. Overnight in Vientiane.

Accommodation: City Inn Hotel (Deluxe Room)

Day 2: Buddha Park

After breakfast, we begin a trip to Buddha Park, also known as Xieng Khuan. This sculpture park is located about 27 km southeast of Vientiane and is an intriguing place, especially enjoyable for children.

Situated in a meadow by the Mekong River, the cement statues are both ornate and sometimes bizarre, yet admired for their artistic value.

After visiting Buddha Park, return to the city. On the way back, there may be an opportunity to stop at the Beer Lao factory. Before returning to the hotel, we will also stop at the Morning Market, which offers a wide variety of products and souvenirs.

Accommodation: City Inn Hotel (Deluxe Room)

Day 3: Vientiane – Vang Vieng

After breakfast, visit the Morning Market to pick up souvenirs or simply browse before departing for Vang Vieng.

You will arrive in Vang Vieng around midday and have the rest of the day to relax by the Nam Song River.

For those feeling energetic, you may take a short walk to Tham Jang Cave, where villagers once took shelter during the bombing of the Indochina Wars. (~3–4 hours by road, 165 km)

Accommodation: Inthira Vang Vieng (Deluxe Room)

Day 4: Vang Vieng – Luang Prabang

Today, our journey continues north along mountainous roads towards the UNESCO World Heritage town of Luang Prabang. There will be plenty of opportunities to stop along the way.

The drive takes approximately 3–4 hours, and you will arrive in Luang Prabang by mid-afternoon. Transfer to your hotel and take some time to freshen up.

In the late afternoon, climb Phousi Hill. The 328 steps are well worth the effort, as the summit offers a शानदार panoramic view over the town center, the Mekong River, and beyond.

In the evening, explore the Night Street Bazaar, where you can find a lovely collection of handmade textiles by local and hill tribe communities. For late arrivals, this can be done the following day. (~3–4 hours by road, 125 km)

Accommodation: Luang Prabang Inn Hotel (Deluxe Room)

Day 5: Ban Chan Village – Pak Ou Caves

This morning, you may wish to wake up early and participate in the daily ritual of saffron-clad monks carrying black alms-giving bowls, receiving offerings from local people, including sticky rice.

After breakfast, board a cruise for a long-tail boat journey along the Mekong River to its confluence with the Nam Ou River. Stop at Ban Chan village, just outside Luang Prabang, which is famous for traditional pottery making. Here, you will observe the process of pottery being made using traditional ovens.

After Ban Chan, continue to visit Wat Xiengman and Wat Longkhoun. Then proceed by boat through the scenic Laotian countryside, passing local villages before arriving at the fascinating Pak Ou Caves, a system of two interlinked caves filled with Buddha statues left by pilgrims over generations.

On the return journey to Luang Prabang, stop at Ban Xanghai to observe the traditional process of rice wine distillation. Arrive back in Luang Prabang at around 5:00 pm.

Accommodation: Luang Prabang Inn Hotel (Deluxe Room)

Day 6: Full-Day City Tour & Kuang Si Waterfall

At 08:30 am, begin your tour through the historic UNESCO World Heritage city of Luang Prabang, gaining insight into its culture and rich history. The city is known for its blend of Buddhist temples and French colonial architecture.

First, visit Wat Visoun, a replica of an older temple originally built in 1513. It houses numerous religious art treasures.

Next, visit Wat Xieng Thong, a royal temple built on the banks of the Mekong River in 1559, which has remained largely intact despite various invasions. The temple is richly decorated with carvings, murals, and mosaics.

Continue to the Laotian Royal Palace (Haw Kham), built during the French colonial era. It was later converted into a national museum in 1975 and now houses important cultural artifacts.

Then visit Wat Mai, built in 1796, located at the foot of Mount Phousi.

Afterward, drive to Kuang Si Waterfall and the Bear Rescue Centre, about 30 minutes from Luang Prabang. The waterfall is set in a lush jungle environment, where you can relax or swim in its turquoise pools.

Return to Luang Prabang and enjoy free time at your leisure.

Accommodation: Luang Prabang Inn Hotel (Deluxe Room)

Day 7: Luang Prabang – Pakse – Bolaven Plateau – Tad Lo

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Pakse. Upon arrival, meet your driver and head towards the Bolaven Plateau.

As you leave Pakse, the road gradually ascends onto the plateau, known for its volcanic soil that supports excellent tea and coffee plantations. Visit plantations and learn about their production before continuing to Tad Fane Waterfall.

Tad Fane sits at an elevation of 1,100 meters and features twin cascades dropping approximately 120 meters. A short distance away is Tad Yuang Waterfall, where you can enjoy scenic views or even take a swim.

Continue north past Paksong into Salavan Province. Visit the Katu village of Kok Phung Tai, where you will learn about local traditions, including the custom of preparing coffins in advance.

Arrive in Tad Lo in the early afternoon and spend the rest of the day at leisure, relaxing by the waterfall or enjoying optional activities. (~2–3 hours by road, 125 km)

Accommodation: Tad Lo Lodge (Standard Room)

Day 8: Tad Lo – Champasak – Don Khong

After breakfast, travel towards Champasak. En route, stop to visit Lao Ngam village and Phasuam Waterfall.

Continue via Pakse, crossing the Mekong River by ferry to visit the pre-Angkorian ruins of Wat Phou, one of Southeast Asia’s most dramatically located temple complexes. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2001, it dates back to the 5th century, predating Angkor Wat.

After exploring Wat Phou, continue south to the 4,000 Islands region and Don Khong Island. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and enjoy free time at your leisure. (~5–6 hours by road, 235 km)

Accommodation: Pon Arena Hotel (Deluxe Room)

Day 9: Don Khong – Don Khone – Don Khong

Enjoy a boat ride through the 4,000 Islands, passing Don Som and Don Det. Visit the old railway line and the French railway bridge connecting Don Det and Don Khone, built to bypass the Mekong waterfalls.

Continue to Liphi Waterfall by tuk-tuk. Then head to the southern tip of Don Khone (Hang Khone), where you will take a boat to spot the rare Irrawaddy dolphins.

Return to the mainland at Ban Nakasang and continue to Khone Phapheng Waterfall, known as the “Niagara of Southeast Asia,” near the Cambodian border.

Relax at the waterfall before returning to Don Khong for the evening.

Accommodation: Pon Arena Hotel (Deluxe Room)

Day 10: Don Khong – Pakse – Departure

After breakfast, transfer to Pakse Airport for your return flight home.

Price Includes:

Accommodation on a twin/double-sharing basis

Transport via air-conditioned vehicle

Entrance fees

Boat trips/boat tickets

Flight from Luang Prabang to Pakse

English-speaking guide

Breakfast only

Drinking water

Price Excludes:

Drinks/alcohol

Visa fees/border fees

Domestic/international flights (except specified)

Personal expenses

Travel insurance