LAOS GRAND TOUR 14 DAYS 13 NIGHTS

OVERVIEW

This is the big tour of Laos, demonstrating the huge variety of sights and activities the country has to offer, and showing you just how to spend two unforgettable weeks in this enchanting country. From a luxury Mekong Cruise, to Hmong villages, mysterious archaeological sites, ornate temples and stunning waterfalls this tour has it all!

FULL ITINERARY

DAY 1: HUAY XAI – PAK BENG (L)

From the border crossing point, you will be greeted and escorted to the cruise boat. You will spend two days on boat with an overnight stop at hotel in Pakbeng. The boat leaves Houay Xay pier at latest for 9:00am. So please be in front of Thai immigration office in Chiang Khong for 0800am. One of our team will wait with a sign of guest names. The boat will cruise down the Mekong River towards Luang Prabang. On the way, there will be a stop at riverside villages to explore authentic life of hill tribe. A delicious lunch will be served onboard.
In the late afternoon, arrive in Pakbeng located between Huay Xai and Luang Prabang. This is a dynamic small town lined with wooden houses. Check in the hotel. Dinner on your own. Overnight in Pakbeng. ​

Departure every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday for Shompoo Cruise

DAY 2: PAK BENG – PAK OU – LUANG PRABANG (B, L)

Get up early to visit the morning market where you can immerse in the bustling atmosphere with hill tribe villagers if you are interested in. Continue your journey on the Mekong River. Along the way, make some stops at local villages to observe the traditional lifestyle of Laotian. Rejoin the boat for a delicious lunch.

Make your way to the Pak Ou Cave featuring thousands of Buddha statues carved on s limestone cliff. Take your time to explore numerous statues with different size and shape.

Cruise further downstream from Pak Ou to reach Luang Prabang where you arrive in early evening. Upon arrival, our guide and driver will transfer you to your hotel. Dinner on your own account. Overnight in Luang Prabang

DAY 3: ALM GIVING – LUANG PRABANG CITY TOUR (B, L)

For early risers, alms giving ceremony is good chance to learn about local culture. We suggest you enjoy the sunrise at the crossroads in town when you will also see monks in saffron robes from Luang Prabang’s many temples walking in long silent processions searching for offerings left to them by the faithful. An optional early start at around 05.30am, gives you the fantastic opportunity to participate in the daily morning ritual of saffron-clad monks collecting offerings of Alms from the faithful residents. This procession is unique in Laos, being the only Buddhist nation still preserving the tradition.

Afterwards, we have the option of visiting the local morning market, before returning to the hotel for breakfast. After breakfast we visit the Royal Palace Museum which hosts a range of interesting artifacts and a guided audio tour (closed on Tuesday). We then begin our temple tour taking in some the cities most beautiful, including the nearby Wat Mai, next the magnificent Wat Xiengthong, with its roofs sweeping low to the ground, representing the classical Luang Prabang style, as well as Wat Visoun, known as ‘The Water Melon Stupa’ due to its shape. Then we visit the excellent Arts and Ethnology Centre which gives us a further insight into the ethnic mix and culture of Laos (closed on Monday).

Lunch at a local restaurant. Dinner on your own. Overnight in Luang Prabang.

DAY 4: LUANG PRABANG CITY TOUR – KUANG SI FALLS (B, L)

After breakfast, we visit the local Phosi Market, this is the place where all the locals shop and your guide will show you the diverse offerings on display. We also stop at Ock Pop Tock, a silk weaving centre. Here you will be given a guided tour and the silk weaving process will be explained. Next we drive to Ban Thinkeo, a Hmong village and start trekking with the villagers. Your guide will explain to you the common use of the plants for the Hmong people. You will go to the garden and cut some vegetables and herbs with the local people. We then continue to Kuang Si Waterfall, where you will enjoy a picnic lunch overlooking the beautiful multi tiered falls. You also have the opportunity to cool off in the turquoise blue pools. Afterwards you return to Luang Prabang in time to catch the sun setting over the Mekong. Late this afternoon stretching your legs climb Mount Phousi, which offers a spectacular sunset and a panoramic view over Luang Prabang and the Mekong River. Afterwards, strolling through the night market (open between 5pm-10pm) setting in downtown selling a large variety of local textiles and ethnic handicrafts. Dinner on your own.  Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Note: during rainy season (May-September) the itinerary is subject to change due to the weather conditions, an alternative programme is available.

DAY 5: LUANG PRABANG – XIENG KHOUANG (B, L)

We start early this morning, around 8am for the drive to Xiengkhuang, famous for the ‘Plain of Jars’. The road follows a twisty mountain route, and we make our first stop at Houi Hei, which offers great views of the surrounding mountains. We then continue Ban Kiu Maknao 2, a Khmu village to explore, before arriving in Phou Khoun for lunch. We continue on the road into Xiengkhuang province, reaching our highest altitude of the day 1500m above sea level, just after Phou Khoun. We have time to make a stop at Ban Son Boom, a Hmong village. Our final stops of the day are a reminder that this region played a major part during the Vietnam War – as we visit a hidden Buddha Cave, that served as an army hospital during the war and our final stop of the day, We arrive at your hotel by early evening. (The road journey today takes approximately 7-8hours including stops on the way). Dinner on your own.  Overnight in Xiengkhuang.

DAY 6: PLAIN OF JAR – MUANG KHOUN (B, L)

You have the option to start early this morning, visiting the interesting Central Market. We will also visit the Mines Action Group or MAG office to learn about the work they do in clearing land mines and unexploded ordnance in the area. We then transfer out to the picturesque Jar Site 2, and begin our 1 hour trek along the ridge to the impressive Jar Site 3, consisting over around 150 jars located on top of a hill, offering great views over the surrounding countryside. then driving out to the ancient town of Muang Khoun, the former provincial capital, where you can explore the ruins of a number of ancient pagodas in the Lanna style That Fun stupa and Wat Phiawat, a ruined temple containing a huge sitting Buddha. Return to Phonsavanh on the way stop to visit Jars site 1, the largest site and biggest site left over more than 300 jars. Dinner on your own. Overnight in Xiengkhuang.​

DAY 7: XIENG KHOUANG – VANG VIENG  (B, L)

We travel by road to Vang Vieng, stopping Ban Nam chat for short coffee break. Then continue drive and make a stop at Phoukoun Phiengfa for Lunch, Following lunch we stop at Ban Hin Ngon, a picturesque Hmong village. We also have an optional stop at Pha hom, which boasts a local forest market, offering edible snakes, rats and assorted reptiles! Our final stop of the day is a short photo stop of the stunning limestone karst scenery at Phatang Mountain view point. We then arrive in Vang Vieng by late afternoon where you have the rest of the day at leisure. (The road journey today takes approximately 7-8hours including stops on the way). Dinner on your own. Overnight in Vang Vieng.​

DAY 8: VANG VIENG  - VIENTIANE (B, L)
This morning we visit the picturesque Tham Jang cave, that offers stunning views of over the Nam Song River and surrounding karst scenery. We then set out on the road towards Vientiane. En route we stop at Tha Heua, a small village that specializes in dried fish, which you will see hanging in front of the houses. We then continue to Nam Ngum, a picturesque lake created by damming the Nam Ngum River. Following lunch overlooking the lake, we stop over at Ban Keun, which is famous for its salt mine. Here you can learn about the daily working life of the local people. Just outside of Vientiane we make a final stop at the interesting Don Makai Market, an insect market, where, the adventurous can try some of the tasty snacks on offer! Return to Vientiane by early evening. (The road journey today takes approximately 4-5hours including stops on the way). Dinner on your own. Overnight in Vientiane.​

DAY 9: VIENTIANE  CITY TOUR – BUDDHA PARK (B, L)

Today, you have plenty of time to explore the hidden charm of Vientiane with various historic sites including Vat Phra Keo - one of the most impressive and interesting temples in Vientiane, Vat Sisaket - feature beautiful architecture and layout; Pha That Louang - the most important Laotian religious and Patuxay - the most prominent landmark in the city which offers an excellent panoramic view of the city. 

In the afternoon, make your way to the famous Buddha Park - home to hundreds of Buddha statues and an enormous Buddha image which is 40m in length. Take your time to explore its unique statues with different size and shapes of human, Godheads and animals. Transfer back to your hotel. Meals on your own. Overnight in Vientiane.

DAY 10: VIENTIANE – FLY TO PAKSE -TADLO (B, L)

You will be transferred to the airport early this morning for the flight to Pakse.

08:00 – 09:15 Lao Airlines

(Note: the flight schedules are subject to change without prior notice from the airlines)

 Upon arrival you will be met and transferred by road east into the Bolaven Plateau. The Bolaven Plateau is known for its cooler temperature being located high above the Mekong Valley. Our first stop is to visit Ban Lak Sipkao (Kilometre19), a Laven village specializing in knife-making. We then stop tea plantation, followed by a stop at Tad Fan Waterfall, a picturesque twin chute waterfall. We then make a stop at a coffee plantation, en route to Tha Teng Market, a colourful ethnic minority food market. Next we explore another interesting minority village, Kok Puong Katu minority, that boasts a sacrificial alter. We arrive at the beautiful Tadlo Waterfall in the late afternoon, where you have the rest of the day at leisure. Lunch at a local restaurant. Dinner on your own. Overnight at TadLo.

DAY 11: TADLO – WAT PHOU – 4000 ISLANDS (B, L)

After breakfast, we head out of the plateau, stopping first at the attractive Paxuam Waterfall. We then transfer to Champassak and onto Wat Phou, another World Heritage Site in Laos, which became recognized by UNESCO in 2002. Wat Phou is the site of ruins which were once part of a temple built some time before Angkor Wat in Siem Reap. It contains some of the most Ancient Khmer architectures which date back to between the 7-11th centuries. In the late afternoon you will drive to 4000 island and overnight at Don Det.

Lunch at a local restaurant. Dinner on your own.

DAY 12: 4000 ISLANDS SIGHTSEEINGS (B, L)

Today is devoted to explore the Don Det and Don Khone, two smaller islands which are considered the heaven of backpacker. Enjoy a boat trip along Mekong River, on the way you can see children of Mekong playing under water or the fishermen in their daily lives.

Take a tuk tuk to visit these two islands, which are linked by a bridge. Visit Ban Khone fishing village - where you could explore the ruins of French railway tracks and the beautiful Liphi Waterfall. Enjoy the tranquil atmosphere in the islands and take awesome photos of the local life and natural beauty.

In the afternoon, we embark the motor boat again to visit Cambodian border where the famous Irrawaddy dolphins live. If you are lucky, you can see them playing and swim on the river.

Transfer back your hotel with remainder of day free at leisure. Meals on your own. Overnight in Don Det

DAY 13: KHONE PABENG - PAKSE (B, L)

Enjoy your last minutes in 4000 islands, enjoy the sunrise before leaving Si Phan Don for a drive to Khone Papheng - one of the most significant attractions of the 4000 islands. This 10 kilometer waterfall becomes the largest waterfall in Southeast Asia and considered the jewel of Laos.

Back to Pakse and stay overnight on there. Lunch at a local restaurant. Dinner on your own. Overnight in Pakse

DAY 14:  PAKSE –DEPART (B)

After breakfast, you are free at leisure until time to transfer to the airport for a departure flight without a local expert guide. Meals on your own. End of your service. 

PRICE: USD/PERSON

Prices may vary a little according to your service requests, your group size and your travel period or any personal requirements that you may have. We are happy to advise you on tours that suit your budget or to help you with prices to cover any special requests. Please send us your enquires and we will arrange the best price for you

INCLUSION

• Accommodation in a double/ twin shared with daily breakfast
• Tours and transfers as mentioned by private air conditioned vehicle
• Boat trips as mentioned in the itinerary
• Tuk tuk as mentioned on the program
• A domestic flight in Economy Class from Vientiane to Pakse
• Local English speaking guides
• Meals where mentioned
• Entrance fees

EXCLUSION

• International flight tickets
• Laos visa
• Single supplement surcharge
• Drinks, other than water on activity days
• Personal expenses (laundry, telephone, drinks, tip...)
• Travel insurance

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