Travel from the ancient royal seat of Laos, through today’s laid back riverside capital of Vientiane and on to the amazing 4000 islands and waterfalls of southern Laos. This is a diverse, all inclusive 16 day city, culture, and nature lover’s tour, full of biking, trekking, and kayaking options to keep you active. In combination with exploring Laos history, nature, and Buddhist culture.
Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel. Luang Prabang is a very special city! It’s magnificent location amidst mountain ranges and its historic temples is enchanting, which gave the city the title of World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
Overnight in Luang Prabang.
Explore the city by Tuk Tuk. The Tuk Tuk (a motorized-rickshaw) was brought to Southeast Asia in 1934 from Japan, and has since then become an icon in the region. The classic Tuk Tuk is a sheet-metal roof covering an open frame which rests on three wheels. They’re one of the most popular forms of transportation in Laos, Thailand and Cambodia, and this Southeast Asian emblem is the perfect vehicle for an open-air tour of Luang Prabang.
Departing from the hotel at 08:30, get on the Tuk Tuk to the open-air Morning Market in the old town. There are only a few large grocery stores here—on the contrarary, food is still produced by small farming families and villages and brought to Luang Prabang from the surrounding rural areas. Your guide will explain the use of common vegetables and fruits that are in season and pick up some snacks for later.
We leave the market and a little bit further we’ll see Wat Mai Suwannaphumaham (New Monastery), the National Museum (Royal Palace) and Hor Phra Bang. After visiting the museum, again by tuk tuk, you’ll see what more the picturesque town has to offer, and we go to Wat Visounnalath. Continue to Heuan Chan Luang Prabang for a short activity and learn how to make banana Leaf and flower.
Another short tuk tuk ride along the Nam Khan River to Wat Xieng Thong. End the day’s tour on top of Mount Phousi. The hill is a popular place to watch the sun rise or set over the Mekong River. From the summit, enjoy a spectacular 360 degree outlook across the city and its many temples, and over the surrounding landscape to the mountains in the distance. For a complete experience, go up Mount Phousi on one side and use the other set of steps to go down again.
Overnight in Luang Prabang.
Today we follow the footsteps of the local rice farmers. We spend half a day in the rice field and forget that you are a tourist! On a traditional working organic farm, you will be introduced to every aspect of the rice industry and will of course be involved in the selection of the seeds, the water buffalo plowing, the tedious planting etc. And of course there will be rice too to taste! We strengthen ourselves with Asia's staple food, and we continue our trip into the breathtaking nature to explore the Tad Kuang Si waterfalls. The short drive leads through rice fields, small villages and hilly landscape. A detour to a Hmong village will tell you something interesting about the centuries-old culture of these people. The Kuang Si waterfalls are an ideal place to relax and recharge your batteries. After all, today the Bear Rescue Center and some villages await you, where you can learn about traditional handicrafts.
Overnight in Luang Prabang.
THAM PAK OU CAVES - PHA TAD KE BOTANICAL GARDEN
On board of a traditional, slow boat, we go upstream the Mekong. The Mekong is the tenth longest river in the world and has a biodiversity in its basin that is only surpassed by the Amazon in the world. At the confluence of the Nam Ou and Mekong, you will go ashore to explore the Pak Ou Caves, where centuries-old stupas, shrines and thousands of Buddha sculptures testify to the spiritual traditions of mankind. Back on the Mekong, we go back to Luang Prabang. In Ban Xang Khong, watch how craftsmen make special paper from the bark of the mulberry tree.
THAM PAK OU CAVE
One of the most respected holy sites in Lao; Pak Ou Caves have a history dating back thousands of years. The caves are packed with over 4,000 Buddha icons. They are a shrine to the river spirit and the Lord Buddha. They are located on a dramatic limestone cliff there where the Mekong joins the Nam Ou River. There are two caves to visit: the lower cave called Tham Ting and the upper cave Tham Theung, both boasting miniature Buddhist figures that are mostly made from wood.
Continue by boat to the Botanical Garden.
Overnight in Luang Prabang.
Say goodbye to Luang Prabang and head to the impressive mountainous region of Central Laos! Along the way, visit some Hmong villages. This interesting indigenous hill tribe migrated from southern China to Laos in the 18th century.
Vang Vieng is a place of a dreamlike landscape of bizarre limestone mountain peaks and scenic cliffs, with the Nam Song River bisecting the town. At the base of the town’s limestone mountains are a network of caves.
Overnight in Vang Vieng (B,L)
Today is a day of excursions. First, drive south to Nam Ngum Lake, where you can explore various tropical islands during a boat trip. Then we will visit Vang Xang archaeological, the name of the site translates to 'Elephant Palace' in reference to a nearby elephant graveyard. Finally, we reach Vientiane on the banks of the Mekong, which was already declared the capital of the Kingdom of Laos in 1563.
Overnight in Vientiane.
The day starts early and, together with local guide, we go on the full-day orchid walk. Starting point is the village of Pha Xay, where a fantastic view from a hill provides the right motivation. You will hike on narrow trails through dense jungle, where you will almost feel like an adventurer. The two guides have a lot to tell about the different plants - above all, of course, about the countless orchids that cover numerous rocks everywhere. Have a picnic in a dry riverbed and refresh yourself with a dip in the Tad Say Waterfall!
Overnight in Vientiane.
We get up early and your guide will pick you up around 08:00. Overland journey brings us further East to Paksan and onwards through the Bolikhamxay Province towards Khoun Kham, the starting point for tours to Tham Kong Lor Cave. Stop at Wat Phra Baht and Wat Phonsan.
WAT PHRA BAHT
Situated 70 km east of Vientiane, it is best known for its large Phabaht (Buddha footprint) shrine and monastery. It is an important pilgrimage place for lowland Lao from Bolikhamxay and Vientiane.
WAT PHONSAN
Located on the Mekong Riverside and 2 km away from Wat Phra Baht. Both temples are not located in the same area, but only had a link from their legend. This is the reason why people called these 2 temples in one name Wat Phabatphonsan.
Overnight in Khoun Kham.
Visit Tham Kong Lor Cave, explore the karst limestone caves while drifting along a winding, underground river surrounded by spectacular rock formations. This amazing 7.5 kilometers-long limestone cave was formed by the Hinboun River which still flows through the cave year-round.
Then we continue to Thakhek, a small, clear city on the Mekong. The region’s main event is the Sikhottabong festival in February, when crowds make a pilgrimage to the Stupa from all over Laos. On the way, we stop at the 'Great Wall' (Kamphaeng Yak) about their edification is very little known; and at the well-known and revered Sikhottabong Stupa, located on the Mekong.
Overnight in Thakhek.
Overland southwards to Seno and Savannakhet, the capital city of Khammouane Province. We will visit these following sites:
THAT ING HANG STUPA
This stupa is about nine metres high with beautiful carvings and decoration. It’s reported to house a relic of Buddha’s spine. The 16th century stupa is located in Savannakhet, Central Laos. The sacred stupa is an important place of worship, not only for Laotian Buddhists but also Thai Buddhists who live in northern Thailand. ‘Dress with respect’ is a must for all visitors. Women may be required to wear traditional phasin (Lao-style sarong) before entering the temple grounds. There are plenty of them available at the nearby stands and stores.
DINOSAUR MUSEUM
A museum where you can discover more about the Savannakhet prehistoric period. It is the latest addition to tourist sites here and is situated south of the stadium on Khantabouli Road. The hall displays an impressive collection of fossils excavated from 1930 to the present. Four different dinosaurs and early mammalian remains from 200 million years ago are displayed; even some fragments of a meteorite that fell to earth over 100 million years ago are kept here.
Overnight in Savannakhet.
Drive to Tad Lo and on the way, visit the Hor Tay Phidok Library, located South of Savannakhet.There are currently 4,000 books containing 361 different stories. The books are maintained in good condition by monks and novices, as well as the local people.
Arrive late afternoon and check-in to the Lodge near the Tad Lo Waterfall.
Overnight in Tad Lo.
A chance to visit some coffee and tea plantation and taste the unique flavour of Lao coffee. The renowned coffee of Laos is produced in this region. During colonization, the French promoted the production of high quality Arabica and Robusta strains. Production declined during the war years, but is now experiencing a revival. The climate of the plateau, with its cooler temperatures and abundant rainfall, makes it the perfect place for coffee production. This area is also rich in ethnic groups, predominantly Laven.
On the road between Pakse and Paksong on the western edge of the plateau, visit Tad E-Tu Waterfall. Continue to Tad Fane Waterfall, the highest in Champasak Province, and the nearby Tad Yuang Waterfall.
Overnight in Paksong.
After breakfast, drive from Paksong down into the Mekong plain and visit the town of Champasak, where we’ll explore the French colonial architecture dotting the town. Further South, we reach the ruined Khmer temple complex of Vat Phou. Like other notable Khmer architecture in Southeast Asia, it was constructed using sandstone, laterite and bricks. Among many of the outstanding carvings, there are Indra, the Hindu god of war, storms, and rainfall, riding a three-headed elephant and Vishnu riding on a garuda, an eagle.
Our next stop is the city of Champasak with its French colonial architecture. Continue to the Xe Pian National Park area and the magnificently situated Kingfisher Ecolodge for relaxing or alternative activities; e.g. hike or elephant safari to the Phou Asa mountain.
Overnight at Kingfisher Ecolodge.
Take a scenic drive South to Don Khong. A peaceful place to spend a day or two, wandering past fishing nets drying in the sun, pedalling on a bicycle or just chilling by the river.
Overnight on Don Khong.
SI PHAN DON
Meaning “Four Thousand Islands”, Si Phan Don is a group of islands in the Mekong river in the South of Laos. The area’s main attractions are its rural character, the tranquility, the opportunity to watch the rare Irrawaddy dolphin and the Khone Phapheng Waterfall.
The pace of life is slow in the rural area where local people live in small wooden houses on stilts and where cows, goats, pigs and other animals roam around free.
The most visited islands are Don Khone, Don Det and Don Khong, which is the largest island. Don Det is a small island that offers the most choice of accommodation. The island attracts a large number of backpackers. The larger Don Khone Island, which is just one kilometer from the Cambodian border is less developed than Don Det. The Irrawaddy dolphin lives in the waters South of this island. The island is connected with Don Det with a bridge built by the French during the colonial era. During the rainy season it is up to 12 km wide. When the water goes back, there are many small islands. It is this phenomenon that gave the region its name.
TAD LI PHI WATERFALL
This is another amazing natural site to visit. Relax, enjoy the scenery, watch people fishing, and enjoy a dish of freshly caught Mekong fish. This waterfall is named after a sacred Buddha image (Pha), which was dropped in the water-never to be found again by the first King of Laos, Chao Fa Ngum, who was travelling the region by boat. The name Li Phi was given to the area because it acts like a giant fish trap (Li) and will kill any of those who dare to navigate it (Phi means ghost or dead person).
TAD KHONE PHAPHENG WATERFALL
13 km from the Cambodian border and east of Don Khone on the Mekong River is the pearl of the Mekong, Khone Phapheng Waterfall. Here the Mekong Cascades across a wide fault line, which slopes in curvilinear pattern and causes the river to pass through with awesome power. Khone Phapheng is the largest waterfall by water volume in due to its great power and steep descent, the waterfall renders this area of the Mekong unnavigable, before flowing peacefully South into Cambodia and Vietnam.
Overnight in Pakse.
We understand that plans can change. Here's a quick summary of our cancellation terms:
- 10% of the deposit is non-refundable.
- 65 days or more before departure: No cancellation fee.
- 31–64 days before departure: 25% cancellation fee
- 16–30 days before departure: 65% cancellation fee, excluding any penalties charged by hotels, cruises, airlines, or rail services. All such penalties will be itemized.
- 15 days before departure & no-show: 100% cancellation fee
If your tour is impacted by unexpected events (like natural disasters or force majeure), we will offer you the option to postpone your trip or refund eligible payments (excluding any unrecoverable costs).
We also do some niche tours. We offer three multidays trips, ( 4 days / 6 days / 10 days), all of which have the same theme: the “secret war”. They are booked by DMC's for mostly American, French, and Australian customers interested in History and the War.
This two days adventure offers you great landscapes and a good interaction with local rural village life. The trek follows the slopes and hills of a huge mountain range along trails used by the locals and leads you through Khmu and Hmong villages. Get to meet the local people, share their life and get to know the real Lao countryside. As you walk through this area, you help the communities with your contributions. The tour also includes a visit to the Tad Sae waterfalls (seasonal).
This adventure will take you deep into the mountains over three days, through jungle and rice paddies, trekking to a homestay in remote Hmong and Khmu villages. You will see mountains with rice fields clinging to steep peaks, it's simply stunning. This is the tour that immerses you into the life of people and cultures, a really nice and thorough experience of these remote Laos landscapes and culture. Get ready for a great adventure and step into the world of Laos mountain village tribes. Go Southeast Asia guarantees you an unforgettable trekking and homestay experience.
4-Day Luang Prabang Explorer itinerary typically involves cultural immersion and natural beauty, starting with arrival in the UNESCO World Heritage town and exploring its temples, such as Wat Xieng Thong, before taking a Mekong River cruise to the Pak Ou Caves. The tour also includes a visit to the stunning Kuang Si Waterfall with its turquoise pools and the Kuang Si Bear Rescue Center, ending with a chance to enjoy the evening Luang Prabang Night Market and local cuisine.
