On The Road Adventure

On arrival at the Luang Prabang airport, you will be met and transferred to check in the hotel (early check-in upon availability).

Situated in the centre of northern Laos, Luang Prabang is classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its outstanding cultural, historic and architectural values and its harmonious relationship between the natural and built environment.

There is no activities planned for today, so you may stroll around for the first impression of this ancient city. Overnight in Luang Prabang.

After breakfast, you will first visit Royal Palace Museum, which was built in 1904 during the French colonial era for King Sisavang Vong and his family.

We then embark on a leisure 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 arrival back in the city, we will visit the old Wat Sene and the nearby magnificent Wat Xiengthong a superb piece of Lao temple architecture, which presents a sweeping two-tiered roof and ornate mosaics including a beautiful ‘tree of life ‘glass montage on the rear temple wall.

If time permits, we will drive out of the city to visit Ban Xangkhong, the Thai Lue village, which is famous for its arts and crafts. We also visit the nearby village of Ban Xienglek specializing in making the traditional Saa paper.

You can either get to the nearby village and join a petanque game with the local team.

Late afternoon, we will make a stop at Wat Prabath to admire the sunset; this is the ideal place to catch the last beauty of the day.

The tour ends after a visit to the famous Night Market, where you can find a lovely collection of handmade textiles made by local and hilltribe people surrounding Luang Prabang. Overnight in Luang Prabang.

We depart from your hotel and drive for around one hour west to Ban Xeng Mouk village where the trek starts.

We begin with a visit to the ethnic Khmu village of Ban Longlao Nung before heading to the nearby Hmong village of Ban Longlao Song. You will be able to observe the lifestyles of these two culturally very different minority groups and see how despite their differences they manage to work together on a day-to-day basis and even sharing the same school.

As we continue onwards the trail leads through rice paddys and vegetable fields before reaching the mountainous forest. Along the way we explore a cave which was used as a bomb shelter by the locals during the second indochina war.

After visiting the cave, one more hour of trekking brings us to one of the many springs which feeds Kuang Si waterfalls, here a beautiful pool full of sacred fish can be seen.

After descending from the top of the waterfall we enjoy a Lao style lunch amongst some beautiful settings!

The afternoon is spent bathing and relaxing around the turquoise pools below the waterfall. You can also visit the bear conservation center which is located nearby and home to many bears which have been rescued from illegal farms.

Before returning to Luang Prabang we take a short walk to a nearby Khmu village of Ban Thapene which is home to some of the most beautiful pools of Kuang Si Waterfalls.

Wake up as the sun rises, we will prepare to join the most sacred tradition of Laos, the daily morning alms giving, which dates to the 14th century. More than 200 Buddhist monks depart from various temple to gather their daily meal from the faithful residents sitting quietly on the streets.

We then visit the temporary morning market near the former Royal Palace. Just set on the ground, the local people come here to barter their day’s catch from rice, to vegetable, to fish, or chicken.

After departing at 8:30 am from your hotel, transfer to Nahm Dong park, which locates in Ban Xiengmouk, 10Km from city center.

Arriving at the park, we will have a short welcome by the park manager before joining the morning activities here.

We will first start with the Zipline flying over the jungle and the waterfalls admiring the amazing evergreen scenery. The zipline will take about 1 hour.

Then we will walk back via the jungle trail crossing some flying bridges, small streams, and clear natural pools, where you can take a refresh splash if you wish so.

The picnic lunch will be served at the viewpoint where you can spread your view over the region, including the view of mount Phousi in the city center.

You can either spend the rest of the afternoon stroll around the park, relax by one of the huts at the camp, or enjoy the fresh cool clear natural pools.

After breakfast, we make our way over the mountains to Xieng Khouang, which is best-known for having been heavily bombed during Indochina War. But of course it is also famous for the historic Plain of Jars.

The journey takes about 8 hours and we can make some stops at villages to observe the rural life of local people, including ethnic minorities such as the Hmong people.

Our first stop is at Ban Kiew Nya for the panoramic view before continuing down to Ban Phoudam, where we can see the two hill tribe minorities of H’Mong and Khamu living in harmony.

After that we visit the H’Mong market at the junction of Phoukhoun. From there, we will drive further to visit Tham Pra, which served as the hospital for the army during Indochina Wars.

Arrival in Phonsavanh, the capital of Xieng Khouang province and check into your hotel. Overnight at hotel in town!

Early morning, we visit the Central Market of Phonsavanh to watch the different hill tribe people barter and exchange merchandises.

After breakfast at the hotel, enjoy a half day trip to Muang Khoune, the old provincial capital that was not been destroyed by the American bombings during the secret war.

Muang Khoun is home to unique sitting giant Buddha as well of some old pagodas that lies in ruins. The foundation and columns of Wat Pia Wat are still standing and close to this site, there is also an old 30m stupa constructed in the Lan Xang/Lanna period.

In the afternoon, visit the thought-provoking UXO Information Centre, run by British organisation MAG (Mines Advisory Group) that's been helping to clear Laos' unexploded ordnance since 1994.

The centre's information displays underline the enormity of the bomb drops, and there are also examples of (defused) UXO to ponder.

Xieng Khuang is famous for its mysterious Plain of Jars, a huge archaeological complex littered with mysterious 2000 years old stone jars sized from 70cm up to 3 or 4 meters. You have time today to visit the plain of jars Site 1, the biggest and closest to town that opened for tourists.

Attention: The Plain of Jars has been heavily bombed during the war and you have to respect all the signs and stay along the defined trails due to bombs, UXO and landmines.

Spend the rest of the day wander around the small town of Xieng Khuang to admire the life of local people.

Then return to Xieng Khouang and overnight.

After breakfast, we leave Xieng Khuang for our scenic drive to Vang Vieng, a small town, which is nestled on a bend of the Nam Song River.

Its stunning scenery with its limestone outcrops remains unspoiled, despite recent developments with the advent of tourism.

Our first stop today is at Tham Pra, which served as the hospital for the army during Indochina Wars.

Then, drive to the T-junction at Phoukhoun to visit the colorful market of hill tribe people.

The panoramic view at the peak of Phou Phiengpha is what we never want to miss today before continuing further to the Khmu village of Ban Phouhin Lekphay.

Our next photo stop is Phatang Mountain view point to admire the beautiful scenery before reaching Vang Vieng.

Overnight in Vang Vieng.

The limestone cliffs and valleys surrounding the resort complex of Vang Vieng are home to numerous caves and caverns.

The most famous of these caves is Tham Jang, which was used by the local people as a refuge from Chinese invaders 200 years ago.

Your tour continues by crossing the Nam Song River for a short drive to Tham Phou Kham (Golden Crab Cave). After passing through a small entrance hole you descend 100 meters into the ground.

You have ample time to visit Blue Lagoon, which is a great spot to relax and cool off before transferring directly to Ban Thaheua, which locates at the north side of Nam Ngum Lake, the “sea of Laos”.

Upon arrival, check in your lakeview bungalow.

Overnight in Ban Thaheua.

Optional: Wake up early today, you never want to miss the serene sunrise over the peaceful lake. Our guide will escort you to the nearby area to watch the local villagers preparing for their busy day.

After breakfast, we start the cycling tour exploring the nearby villages & the famous Nam Ngum dam.

We we will first pass through the local primary school, which is livelier during the school time.

We then set-off toward Nam Ngum dam through the small village roads whilst admiring the life of local villagers.

Stop at one of the villages to enjoy a cup of coffee or tea. Relax and talk with the villagers about their daily life.

We will also make another stop at the viewpoint to enjoy the panoramic view of the surrounding area.

We have ample time to relax at the dam before cycling back to the resort.

If time permits, we will stop at another village to watch the rooster fighting in around 30 minutes.

Arrive at the resort around noon time.

In the afternoon, we will transfer to Vientiane via the expressway Vang Vieng – Vientiane, which will take just more than 1 hour.

Upon arrival, check in your hotel.

Overnight in Vientiane.

In the morning, we will first visit Wat Si Muang, which is very famous for its supernatural power.

After that drive to Buddha Park which takes around 45 minutes away. Also known as Xieng Khuan, this unusual park is filled with over 200 Buddhist and Hindu statues.

We then visit Lao Disable Women Development Center, which assist disable women to cope with their disability and advocate for their rights. Spend time watching the video and learn about the effort to earn their daily living. You can support them by buying some small handicrafts at the shop.

Start the afternoon with a visit to That Luang, the holiest site in Laos. Constructed by King Setthathirat in the 16th century, the temple is resplendent as the sun is shines upon its towering golden spire.

Then, enjoy a panoramic view over the city as you climb the stairs to the top of Patuxai, Vientiane’s own “Arc de Triomphe”.

Continue down Lane Xang Avenue the serene Wat Sisaket, the only temple left intact after the Siamese (Thai) invasion in 1828.

Continue on to the nearby Wat Phra Keo. Used as a religious museum, Wat Phra Keo displays a collection of both Lao and Khmer works of art.

End your tour of the capital along the banks of the Mekong River as the sun begins to set. Stroll along the river, stop to enjoy a cold drink, or sample a snack from one of the many local food stalls.

Overnight in Vientiane.

An early morning departure at 7:30am for the National Park at Phou Khao Khuay, the closest national protected area to Vientiane.

You will discover the National Park under the expert guidance of a French orchid specialist who will tell you all about the different plants and wildlife.

You arrive in the village of Ban Hatkhay at around 9:30am where you will be joined by two local guides with your freshly made Lao picnic.

The Orchid Trek begins at Pha Say with its stunning view across a 40m deep gorge and the dense jungle.

You follow narrow, shaded trails and discover the different types of forest in the park: semi-deciduous, tropical and bamboo – extraordinary, unspoilt habitats.

You have the chance to learn about the medicinal uses of the forest plants and also the other plant types that abound in the forest. You take your picnic lunch in a dry riverbed (depending on the season).

Your afternoon continues with a pleasant stroll to the waterfall at Tad Say before making your return to the village. You may be lucky and see some colourful butterflies and birds that live in the forest.

Return to Ban Hatkhay, and hop on the waiting minivan to transfer to Paksan, where we will spend the night.

Overnight in Paksan.

After breakfast, we will travel to Ban Konglor.

Along the way, have a quick stop at Wat Prabath Phonsane (‘Temple of the footprint of Buddha’).

You will then leave the highway and enter the Phou Hin Poun NPA (National Protected Area). The scenery will become much more spectacular, featuring limestone karsts, forests and rice paddies.

From leaving the highway to reaching your destination will take approximately 2 hours.

You will arrive in Ban Konglor around noon time.

In the afternoon, start your exploration of Kong Lor cave. You will be given life jackets and head torches before a short walk around to the main entrance of the cave.

Upon entering the cave, you will board a long tail boat which will take you through the length of this spectacular cave along an underground section of the Hin Boun River - a length of 7.5km before you see daylight again!

The river flows all year and reveals vast formations of stalactites and stalagmites, which you will explore partly on foot whilst inside the cave. In places the cave is up to 90m wide and 100m high.

The cave is still used by local villagers as an access route to the region beyond. It is far quicker than climbing over the mountains which this cave cuts through!

Once out on the other side you can stop for refreshments and walk to local villages, enjoying the scenery and observing a simple way of life (discuss with your guide how far you would like to walk).

Return by boat, travelling ‘downstream’ through the cave, to Ban Kong Lor.

Overnight in Ban Kong Lor.

For early risers we recommend a walk at around 06:30 to explore the villages as they wake up and prepare for the day. Discuss this with your guide.

After breakfast, we will transfer to the nearby Ban Nam Sanam and check in the simple guesthouse here.

In the afternoon, we will visit Nam Sanam Waterfall. Located within the Phou Hin Phoun NPA near the village of Na Hin, Tad Namsanam is a spectacular multi-level double

waterfall, which topples over a sandstone cliff into a rocky stream below.

The trek through the lush green jungle alive with gigantic trees and wildlife that includes birds and butterflies is one of the reasons attracting adventurers here. The hike is not to be taken lightly—the rough-cut trail is difficult, steep, and slippery.

Start early in the afternoon, you will arrive back to your hotel just in time to catch the sunset.

Overnight in Ban Nam Sanam.

Wake up early today, we will drive back to Ban Nahin and continue further to KM44.3, where we will hike through the small jungle track.

There are excellent views into the canopy and birds seem to be more active here than anywhere else with good bird waves coming through. Blue-bearded Bee-eater, Black-winged Cuckoo-shrike, Bar-winged Flycatcher Shrike, Drongo Cuckoo, Blue-winged and Golden-fronted Leafbird, Raddes Warbler, Hainan Blue Flycatcher, Grey-backed Shrike…

After the first 200m uphill this track keeps running level. It’s a good place for nightbirds too, such as Brown Hawk Owl, Mountain Scops Owl and Collared Owlet along the first 500m or so.

Getting back to the main road, we will drive to Ban Thabak, and enjoy the 02-hour boat ride along the Nam Theun River. The boat is made from the old aircraft oil tank, and suitable for up to 3 people per boat.

During the cruise, we enjoy the tranquil landscape along the bank of the river. We may stop at one or two local villages if you wish to see deeper into the local life.

In the afternoon, we will drive further to Ban Nam Yen, to cool off and take a dip at the natural swimming pool.

We will also make a short stop at Tham Mangkon (Dragon caves) before transferring directly to the beautiful village of Tha Lang in Nakai District.

The rest of the afternoon is free for your own exploration. You can choose to stroll along the river to admire the sunset, or go fishing on the lake, which is created by the Nam Theun 2 Hydropower Dam (extra charge).

For the overnight place, you have 2 options. For the ones who like partying, Sabaidee Guesthouse will be the solid choice. If not, Phousi Thalang will give you a quiet and peaceful atmosphere to enjoy your night.

Wake up early, you will prepare for your own breakfast with the help of Sabaidee Guesthouse owner.

After that we depart for Thakhek, the capital town of Khammouane Province. Along the way, we will make a short stop to visit Nam Theun 2 Visitor Center, where we can have some information of this Hydropower project.

We then continue driving about 02 hours to the village of Ban Nakhang Xang, to meet the village guide, who leads the trek.

Trek through secondary forest, while the guide points out forest products that provide the local people with significant food resources. The trail passes through a cave that exits into a striking valley surrounded by towering cliffs and forest.

The picnic lunch will be served wherever you feel hungry, we recommend to have it at Tham Hip, which offers the great panoramic view over the area.

In the afternoon, continue the trail, following the shoreline of Nong Thao Lake, where trekkers can see local fishermen at work.

At Tham Nong Paseum Cave, the adventurous can swim into the 400-metre-long cavern and explore its dramatic stalactites and stalagmites.

We then continue walking, and climb a bamboo stairway to the Buddha Cave, which was rediscovered in April 2004. The cave contains 229 bronze Buddhas that are said to be over 300 years old.

Late afternoon, we will drive to Thakhek to spend the night.

After a leisurely breakfast, your guide will meet you around 09:30 to continue your journey south. The drive to Savannakhet takes approximately 1.5 hours.

Along the way, make a stop at the beautiful 16th Century temple of That Ing Hang, which is among the most revered temples in Laos and many Buddhists will travel here during December for the annual ‘Boun Phathat’ ceremony.

Continue in to Savannakhet. The city is most famous as the birthplace of the father of the Lao People’s Democratic Repulic (Lao PDR), Kaysone Phomvihane, who was born here in 1920.

Take a short tour of the architectural highlights, which include various French villas and the striking St. Teresa Catholic Church.

Visit the small but very interesting Dinosaur Museum. Dinosaur remains are being found nearby which are between 150,000,000 – 250,000,000 years old.

Free for the rest of the day for your own exploration or taking some rest to prepare for the next day adventure.

Overnight in Savannakhet.

This one-day circuit takes in the Hotay Pidok Library with thousands of ancient palm-leaf manuscripts, the sacred Monkey Forest with countless simians, Turtle Lake with enchanted turtles, and Soui Lake’s distinct irrigation system.

Begin your investigation of Champone at the Hotay Pidok Library, the country’s most important repository of palm leaf books written in ancient Lao, Burmese, Pali, and Khmer.

Originally constructed in the late 18th century, the library houses some 4,000 books containing 361 different stories, which are kept in good condition by monks and locals.

From here, a 3-km trail leads to the Sacred Monkey Forest, with more than 3,000 of the mischief-making primates inhabiting the 3-hectare reserve. To meet the monkeys, offer them food while walking along the trail. The monkeys can also be spotted feeding at one of the forest’s many spirit houses, where locals place food to make merit. Many animals make their home at the forest’s temple, where monks care for them.

Next, travel 8 km west to Soui Lake and its stepped irrigation dam and small islands, where villagers catch fish and snails during the dry season. You can taste these and other local foods while viewing lotus blooms and migratory birds such as white storks.

Drive to Turtle Lake, where legendary resident ghosts are kept from harming the turtles by the natural lake’s spirit house. The turtles are of different sizes and ages, and local children are experts at luring them from the depths with food.

A 7-km ride north reaches the Taleo Old Temple just outside Ban Taleo Gnai. The early 20th century structure resembles a Catholic church with a Buddha statue in its alcove.

Inside colourful murals recount the history of the temple and Buddha. American bombing in 1969 took its toll on many of the surrounding buildings, but the main temple remains intact.

Transfer back to Savannakhet late afternoon. Overnight in Savannakhet.

In the morning, hit the road again for the drive further south, which takes approximately 3.5 hours.

We will take a left turn at Muang Khong Sedone to Bolaven Plateau on the way to Salavan.

We will arrive at Fandee Island on Bolaven Plateau around noon time, check in your treehouse to have some rest.

The afternoon is free for your own exploration of Fandee Island with plenty of activities on spot at the Fandee Waterpark or Fandee adventure park.

The activities range from ziplining, swimming, or flying bridge.

Overnight on a treehouse at Fandee Island.

08:30 am,  we will transfer to Ban Lao Ngam, where we will meet the Jeep tour specialist, and have some discussion with him about the jeep tour adventure.

After that, we will hop on the Jeep and drive 30 minutes to Tad Moun Waterfalls, where we can enjoy the fresh cool water, and visit the nearby vegetable farm.

11:00 Am, we continue driving to the Coffee Farm of Mr. Khamsone via the 10KM bumpy and muddy road, which will take you 01 hour with your special Jeep car.

Upon arrival, Mr khamsone, the Coffee farm’s owner will take 1hr to demonstration about coffee Roasting step and finishing by a coffee cupping to Savor the different kind of coffee (Robusta, Arabica and Typica).

We will have the picnic lunch on the farm at around 1:30PM before walking to the nearby refugee cave, which is used as the hidden place by the local villagers during the war time.

After that, we will continue walking along the farm to see the volcano mountain named Phou Sanark where we can enjoy the view over the farm and the nearby villages during the sunset.

You can learn to cook Lao foods with the wife of Mr. Khamsone while preparing the dinner with her. Overnight at the tent camp at the coffee farm.

09:00 am: After breakfast we continue driving by JEEP for 14km or 1hr to Laven village name’s B Setkhord. In this village there are 500 families living in around 100 years old.

So, during the France Indochina, these plateau call Laven plateau, which means: An area or the hometown of Laven people living. Upon arrival, we can walk around, and our guide can tell you more stories about this village.

We then drive to Tad Sae Waterfall where we will have the picnic lunch .

After that we will drive to a Suay Village named B Darsia, where you can see many traditional house. 30% of the house here is still the traditionally built long house, and 60% is the traditional house.

The house is the place, where many generations will share together. The family use the house for all daily activities such as cooking, eating, and sleeping.

We will arrive back to our hotel in Paksong late afternoon. Free for the rest of the day. Overnight in Paksong.

After breakfast, visit Tha Teng colourful ethnic minority food market. Next explore a couple of fascinating minority villages, Ban Bong Neua, an Alak village that boasts a sacrificial altar, and Ban Kokphung, a Katu village where they keep coffins under their houses.

In the afternoon visit Wat Phou, an ancient Khmer religious complex dating back to the 5th Century.

Recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, Wat Phou is a spectacular pre-Angkorian temple that sits amidst the rice fields and waterways of southern Laos, which was built by the rulers of the Khmer empire before the construction of Angkor Wat.

The temple served as the most important economic and political centre of the region and still is one of the Lao people’s most revered temples.

After your visit, we continue in to Champassak to see samples of French colonial architecture before taking the boat to the isolated Done Daeng.

Don Daeng, literally the ‘red island’ (Don= island, Daeng=red), offers a rare opportunity to retreat from the hectic rush of busy streets and tourist sites. In the quiet and peaceful streets of the island, the people of Don Daeng will welcome you with a warm smile and elegant “Sabaidee”. It is hard to find anywhere such sense of authentic rural Laos and its Buddhist-Animist spirituality.

Upon arrival, we still have time to stroll around the village to learn more about the life of the local people.

Overnight in Champasak.

After breakfast, transfer to Ban Khiet Ngong, where we meet the local guide who will give us the interesting information on the local forest fauna and plants and their uses as a food supplement and traditional medicine.

We then start our trekking through the forest at the bottom of the Xe Pian NPA. Along the way, we may see the elephants wandering around not too far from the village.

We may take a soft rest before continuing our journey observing the natural landscapes and listening to the sounds of the many different birds. If we are lucky, we will see monkeys.

Our guide will continue to take us to see the "Big Hole", which was used in the past by local people to catch wild elephants.

On the way back to the village, we will stop at Phou Asa temple on the plateau near the village of Ban Kiet Ngong.

From there, transfer directly to Khong Island, where we will spend the night.

After breakfast, embark on a 1.5 hour long tail boat for venturing into the widest reach of the Mekong River, where during the dry season the waters recede and leave behind thousands of islets, giving this area a lovely name” Si Phan Done”.

Upon arrival, explore the local peaceful villages of Ban Khone, where you will see an array of relics from the French colonial era and retrace the old colonial past, including old French colonial buildings and the remnants of the first Lao railway with its locomotive.

We continue to discover the 4000 islands area by tuktuk and visit the marvelous Liphi waterfall, also called the "Corridor of the Devil" one of the most beautiful waterfalls marking Lao border with Cambodia.

Free for the rest of the day for your own exploration of the island. We recommend you take a bike for a ride around the island to see the local life and admire the sunset along the Mekong riverbank.

Overnight in Khone Island.

After breakfast, return to the mainland at the fishing village of Ban Nakasang and drive further south to visit Khone Phapheng, which is considered the largest waterfall by volume in Southeast Asia.

Khone Phapheng is an impressive spot near the Lao-Cambodian border, set within an area which is teeming with wildlife, making this area one of the most breathtaking destinations in Laos.

Afterwards we drive back to Pakse.

Founded by the French in 1905 as an administrative post, the capital of Champasak Province is a relatively new town at the confluence of the Mekong and Se Don rivers.

Arriving in Pakse, we will check in NKM Homestay, which is owned by a French specialist, Mr. Nicholas and his family.

The rest of the day is your own free time to talk with Mr. Nicholas to learn more about Laos, which will give you plenty of inside information about Laos.

There is a library that you can refer to with plenty of documents made by Mr. Nicholas himself.

You can also spend time preparing the dinner with Mr. Nicholas’ wife before sharing the dinner together.

Overnight at NKM Homestay.

You are free today to stroll around the town for your own exploration. One of the best ways is to join a tour of inside the hidden Pakse guided by Mr. Nicholas.

He will bring you to the hidden routes and spots of Pakse that are rarely visited by other tourist but guarantee the unforgettable memory for your trip so southern Laos.

Overnight at NKM Homestay.

After breakfast, we will transfer directly to Ubon Ratchathani (Thailand) via Chongmek Border to take the flight to Bangkok and connect to your departure flight back home.