Laos Package Tour 11 Days: Timeless Discovery of Laos

On arrival at Luang Prabang International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by your professional local guide and transferred to your hotel for check-in and a short rest. In the afternoon, embark on a guided introduction to this UNESCO World Heritage city. Begin with the former Royal Palace, now the National Museum, where you can admire a fine collection of artefacts reflecting the rich cultural heritage of the Lao monarchy. Continue to Wat Sene, one of the oldest temples in the city, before visiting the splendid Wat Xieng Thong, renowned for its sweeping roofs and exquisite mosaics. Towards evening, ascend Mount Phousi for breathtaking panoramic views of Luang Prabang, the Mekong and Nam Khan Rivers, and the surrounding mountains bathed in golden light. The day concludes with a leisurely stroll through the vibrant Night Market, a perfect opportunity to discover local handicrafts, textiles, and traditional souvenirs.

Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Rise early to experience the moving sight of the traditional alms-giving ceremony, as saffron-robed monks walk silently through the streets collecting offerings from local residents – a unique spiritual tradition of Luang Prabang. After breakfast, explore Phosi Market, the bustling heart of daily life, where locals trade fresh produce, herbs, textiles, and handicrafts. Continue to Wat Mai, an elegant 18th-century temple renowned for its richly decorated façade, along with other heritage temples that showcase the city’s religious and architectural legacy.

In the afternoon, visit nearby craft villages to observe traditional silk weaving and the making of Saa paper from mulberry bark – time-honoured skills that remain central to local culture. Later, enjoy free time for a leisurely stroll along the tree-lined banks of the Mekong River, soaking in the relaxed atmosphere of this charming city.

Overnight in Luang Prabang.

This morning, embark on a leisurely boat journey along the Mekong River, passing serene landscapes of limestone cliffs and riverside villages. Arrive at the sacred Pak Ou Caves, a revered pilgrimage site where thousands of Buddha images, left by devotees over centuries, fill the grottoes with a mystical atmosphere. En route, stop at a riverside village to observe local life and sample traditional Lao rice wine.

In the afternoon, travel by road to the spectacular Kuang Si Waterfalls, a multi-tiered cascade of turquoise pools set amid lush jungle. Here you may enjoy swimming, light trekking along shaded forest trails, or simply relaxing in the tranquil setting. Before returning to town, visit the Bear Rescue Centre, dedicated to the conservation of endangered Asiatic black bears.

Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Depart Luang Prabang and journey by scenic mountain road towards Xieng Khouang, a region known for its dramatic landscapes and cultural diversity. Along the way, stop at remote H’Mong and Khmu villages, where you can gain insights into traditional lifestyles and take memorable photographs of the stunning valleys, forests, and terraced hillsides. Continue your drive through winding mountain passes before arriving in Phonsavan, the provincial capital, in the late afternoon. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

Overnight in Xieng Khouang.

After breakfast, set out to explore the enigmatic Plain of Jars, one of Southeast Asia’s most intriguing archaeological sites. Scattered across the landscape, these massive stone jars—some weighing several tonnes—are believed to be over 2,000 years old, though their precise origins and purpose remain a mystery. Visit the main excavation areas at Sites 1, 2, and 3, each offering a unique perspective on this UNESCO-listed heritage.

Later, gain insight into the modern history of the region at the MAG (Mines Advisory Group) Centre, where you will learn about efforts to clear unexploded ordnance left from past conflicts and the positive impact on local communities. In the afternoon, transfer to the airport for your short domestic flight to Vientiane, the tranquil capital of Laos. Upon arrival, meet your driver and transfer to your hotel.

Overnight in Vientiane.

Begin your day exploring the cultural highlights of the Lao capital. Visit Wat Sisaket, the oldest surviving temple in Vientiane, home to more than 8,000 Buddha images. Continue to Ho Phra Keo, once the royal chapel of the Emerald Buddha and now a museum showcasing remarkable Buddhist artefacts. Admire the golden splendour of That Luang Stupa, the nation’s most sacred monument and a proud symbol of Lao identity. Conclude the morning with a stop at the Patuxay Monument, often called the “Arc de Triomphe of Vientiane”, offering sweeping city views from its viewing platform.

In the afternoon, drive to the intriguing Buddha Park (Xieng Khuan), a riverside sculpture garden containing over 200 Buddhist and Hindu statues, including a giant reclining Buddha and fantastical mythological figures. Return to the city in the evening, with free time to enjoy a leisurely stroll along the Mekong riverside and perhaps sample local delicacies at the night market.

Overnight in Vientiane.

This morning, take a short flight to Pakse, the gateway to southern Laos. Upon arrival, drive into the fertile Bolaven Plateau, a highland region renowned for its cool climate, lush scenery, and flourishing coffee and tea plantations. Stop to visit a local plantation, where you will learn about traditional growing and roasting methods that have made Lao coffee famous worldwide.

Continue to admire the region’s natural beauty with a visit to Tad Fane Waterfall, where twin cascades plunge dramatically into a deep gorge, creating one of Laos’ most iconic landscapes. Nearby, explore the picturesque Tad Yuang Waterfall, surrounded by verdant forest and ideal for photography. In the late afternoon, return to Pakse for check-in at your hotel and an evening at leisure.

Overnight in Pakse.

After breakfast, drive south to Champasak to visit the ancient Wat Phou Temple Complex, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Dating back to the pre-Angkorian period, this remarkable structure is set against the dramatic backdrop of Mount Phou Kao and is considered one of the most important archaeological sites in Laos. Wander through the atmospheric ruins, with their crumbling sanctuaries, stone stairways, and intricately carved lintels, while learning about the spiritual significance of this sacred site.

In the afternoon, continue your journey further south by road and boat into the heart of the tranquil 4,000 Islands region. Arrive on Don Khong Island, the largest of the river islands, where the pace of life slows and you can enjoy the peaceful rural landscapes. Check in at your hotel and relax amidst the charm of island living.

Overnight on Don Khong.

This morning, embark on a boat trip through the scenic waterways of the Si Phan Don region, better known as the “Four Thousand Islands”. Arrive at Don Khone Island, where bicycles provide the perfect way to explore its tranquil villages, shaded paths, and colonial relics. Discover the remnants of the old French railway and its historic bridge, which once connected Don Khone to Don Det, offering a glimpse into the area’s fascinating past.

Continue to the impressive Liphi Waterfall (also called Samphamith), dramatically nicknamed “The Corridor of the Devil”, where rushing waters tumble over jagged rocks. Later, journey onwards to the mighty Khone Phapheng Waterfall, the largest cascade in Southeast Asia and a true natural wonder of the Mekong. After this day of exploration, return by boat and vehicle to Don Khong Island for an evening at leisure.

Overnight on Don Khong.

Depart Don Khong and travel north through the verdant landscapes of the Bolaven Plateau, a fertile region known for its cooler climate, coffee plantations, and ethnic diversity. Make a stop at Tateng Village, where you can observe the traditional methods of coffee processing that have made Lao beans increasingly popular worldwide.

Continue to the scenic Tad Lo Waterfall, a picturesque cascade set amidst tranquil surroundings, perfect for photography and relaxation. Along the way, visit villages of the Alak, Nge, and Katu ethnic groups, gaining insight into their unique traditions, customs, and way of life that remain deeply rooted in the highlands. By late afternoon, arrive in Pakse, where you will check in at your hotel and enjoy the evening at leisure.

Overnight in Pakse.

Enjoy your final morning in Pakse at leisure – relax at your hotel or take a short stroll through the town to soak up the laid-back atmosphere of southern Laos. At the appointed time, meet your driver for a private transfer to Pakse International Airport for your onward flight.

Your Laos adventure concludes here, but the memories will last a lifetime.