Welcome to Luang Prabang, the spiritual heart of Laos and a UNESCO World Heritage town. Upon arrival at the airport, you will be greeted by your local guide and transferred to your hotel for check-in. Take some time to rest after your journey, or venture out for a gentle orientation walk through the quiet streets lined with French-Indochinese villas and glittering temples. As evening falls, stroll along the Mekong River promenade, where monks in saffron robes pass by and locals gather at riverside cafés. At sunset, the sky glows over the mountains and rivers, offering the perfect first impression of Luang Prabang’s timeless beauty.

Overnight in Luang Prabang.

After breakfast, set out to discover the spiritual and royal heart of Luang Prabang. Begin at Wat Xieng Thong, the city’s most revered temple, where its golden façade and sweeping roofs reflect the elegance of Lao architecture. Wander through courtyards filled with intricate mosaics and peaceful prayer halls. Continue to the Royal Palace Museum, once the residence of the Lao kings, and explore its collection of royal regalia, sacred Buddha images, and gifts from foreign dignitaries.

Later, immerse yourself in local life at the Morning Market, alive with the colours and aromas of tropical fruit, spices, fresh herbs, and handmade crafts. In the afternoon, visit Wat Mai, admired for its richly decorated façade, and stroll past quiet monasteries where monks go about their daily routines.

As the day closes, head to the Mekong riverside for a sunset that bathes the town in golden light. Lanterns begin to glow, fishermen return with their boats, and the serene rhythm of Luang Prabang reveals its timeless charm.

Overnight in Luang Prabang.

After breakfast, drive out to a community-run farm on the outskirts of Luang Prabang. Here, join the farmers in a hands-on rice cultivation experience – try your hand at ploughing, planting seedlings in the mud, harvesting, and even pounding rice using traditional tools. The experience ends with a tasting of freshly cooked sticky rice served with local snacks, offering a genuine insight into Lao rural life.

In the afternoon, continue to the breathtaking Kuang Si Waterfall, a multi-tiered cascade set in lush jungle. Enjoy a picnic lunch near the falls, swim in the turquoise pools, or simply relax surrounded by nature. Visit the nearby Bear Rescue Centre, where endangered Asiatic black bears are cared for in a safe sanctuary.

Return to Luang Prabang in the late afternoon, with time to refresh before an evening at leisure.

Overnight in Luang Prabang.

After breakfast, board a traditional boat and cruise upstream along the Mekong River. Stop at a riverside village known for producing Lao rice whisky, where you can see the process and taste the local spirit. Continue to the mystical Pak Ou Caves, where thousands of Buddha images have been placed by pilgrims over centuries, creating a spiritual atmosphere in a dramatic limestone cliffside setting.

In the afternoon, transfer to Elephant Village Camp for an eco-friendly mahout program. Learn about elephant care and conservation, feed these gentle giants, and join them for a memorable bathing experience in the river.

Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Depart Luang Prabang in the morning and drive north through picturesque countryside, passing rice fields, villages, and rolling hills. Arrive in Nong Khiaw, a peaceful riverside town dramatically set between towering limestone cliffs on the banks of the Nam Ou River.

In the afternoon, enjoy a short hike up to a viewpoint for sweeping panoramas of the valley, river, and surrounding karst mountains. Alternatively, visit nearby local villages to meet families and learn about traditional weaving techniques still practiced today.

Overnight in Nong Khiaw.

Leave Nong Khiaw in the morning for a scenic drive through winding mountain roads and remote highland landscapes. Pass by rural villages, valleys, and rice terraces that showcase the untouched beauty of northern Laos. Arrive in Xieng Khouang Province, an area rich in history and mystery.

In the afternoon, visit one of the famous Plain of Jars sites. Scattered across rolling fields, these massive stone jars—some weighing several tons—are believed to be over 2,000 years old, though their true origin remains an enigma. Learn about the archaeological studies and local legends that surround them, from ancient burial practices to mythical stories.

Evening free to relax at your hotel or stroll through Phonsavan town.

Overnight in Xieng Khouang.

In the morning, take time to explore the surroundings of Phonsavan. Visit nearby villages to meet ethnic minority communities and see traditional lifestyles. Stop at war memorials and UXO sites, reminders of the region’s turbulent past, and learn about efforts to clear unexploded ordnance.

After lunch, begin the scenic drive south through winding mountain roads and lush countryside, gradually descending toward the Nam Song Valley. Arrive in Vang Vieng by late afternoon, where dramatic karst cliffs rise above the river. Relax with a beautiful sunset over the Nam Song River, watching the light reflect off the limestone peaks.

In the evening, enjoy a leisurely stroll through the town, where riverside cafés and small night markets create a relaxed atmosphere.

Overnight in Vang Vieng.

After breakfast, leave the karst landscapes of Vang Vieng behind and drive south to Vientiane, the laid-back capital of Laos, set on the banks of the Mekong River. Upon arrival, begin exploring the city’s cultural and historical highlights.

Visit That Luang Stupa, the nation’s most sacred monument and a shining symbol of Lao identity. Continue to the Patuxai Monument, often called the Lao “Arc de Triomphe,” where you can admire intricate reliefs and enjoy panoramic city views from the top. Discover Wat Sisaket, Vientiane’s oldest surviving temple, renowned for its cloister filled with thousands of Buddha images.

In the afternoon, stroll through the Buddha Park, a surreal riverside garden filled with over 200 Buddhist and Hindu statues that create a mystical, almost dreamlike atmosphere. Return to your hotel in the evening and enjoy free time at leisure.

Overnight in Vientiane.

After breakfast, depart Vientiane and journey south into the tranquil heart of rural Laos. The drive takes you through picturesque countryside, dotted with small farming villages, rice paddies, and dramatic limestone mountains. Along the way, stop for short breaks to stretch your legs and observe everyday Lao life unfolding in the fields and markets.

By afternoon, arrive in the Hinboun District, a peaceful area known for its rivers, caves, and lush scenery. Settle into a riverside lodge, surrounded by nature and local communities. Take time to relax, watch fishing boats glide along the river, or wander through a nearby village to see traditional stilt houses and meet friendly locals.

Overnight in Hinboun.

This morning, set out on an unforgettable adventure to the legendary Kong Lor Cave. Board a long-tail boat and journey along the 7-kilometre underground river, passing through vast caverns with dramatic limestone formations, towering chambers, and glittering stalactites. The cave’s sheer scale and mystical atmosphere make it one of Laos’ most remarkable natural wonders.

After emerging on the far side, enjoy the serene landscape of remote villages and lush forests before returning by boat.

In the afternoon, the rest of the day is free to explore the Hinboun countryside at your own pace. You may choose to cycle through scenic paths, take a gentle walk along the river, or simply relax on the veranda of your riverside lodge, watching local life drift by.

Overnight in Hinboun.

After breakfast, continue your journey south across the fertile plains of central Laos. En route, stop in Savannakhet, a charming riverside town with a blend of French-colonial architecture and laid-back Lao character. Stroll through the old quarter to see faded villas, quiet streets, and lively local markets.

Visit the revered That Ing Hang Stupa, one of Laos’ most important Buddhist monuments, where pilgrims come to pay homage and monks chant prayers in the temple grounds.

In the late afternoon, drive onward to Pakse, the bustling hub of southern Laos and the starting point for adventures to Wat Phou, the Bolaven Plateau, and the 4,000 Islands. Arrive and check into your hotel, with the evening free to relax.

Overnight in Pakse.

After breakfast, drive to Wat Phou, an ancient Khmer temple complex and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Nestled at the foot of a sacred mountain, this sanctuary predates Angkor Wat and offers a fascinating insight into the spiritual and architectural traditions of early Southeast Asia. Wander through atmospheric ruins, climb to the upper terraces, and take in sweeping views of the Mekong valley.

Continue your journey south through the tranquil landscapes of Champasak Province, passing rice fields, palm trees, and small villages along the Mekong. By afternoon, arrive at Khong Island, the largest island in the legendary 4,000 Islands (Si Phan Don) region. Settle into your hotel and enjoy the slow rhythms of riverside life.

Overnight in Khong Island.

This morning, embark on a boat trip through the 4,000 Islands (Si Phan Don), where the Mekong River spreads into a wide maze of channels and islets. Cruise past fishing boats and riverside villages, soaking up the laid-back atmosphere of this unique river landscape. With luck, you may spot the rare Irrawaddy dolphins that inhabit these waters (seasonal).

Continue to the mighty Khone Phapheng Waterfall, the largest cascade in Southeast Asia, where the Mekong thunders over jagged rocks in a spectacular display of power. Spend time enjoying the views and taking photos before driving back to Pakse in the late afternoon.

Overnight in Pakse.

After breakfast, set out on a full-day excursion to the Bolaven Plateau, a highland region famed for its cool climate, lush landscapes, and world-class coffee. Travel through fertile valleys and rolling hills, stopping at local plantations to see how coffee beans are cultivated, roasted, and brewed. Enjoy a fresh coffee tasting to appreciate the region’s rich flavours.

Visit spectacular waterfalls including Tad Fane, plunging dramatically into a deep gorge, and Tad Yuang, where you can walk close to the cascades for fantastic photos. Along the way, stop in ethnic minority villages to learn about traditional customs, handicrafts, and everyday rural life. Return to Pakse in the late afternoon.

Overnight in Pakse.

This morning, wander through the bustling Dao Heuang Market, the largest in southern Laos, alive with the colours and aromas of tropical fruit, fragrant spices, fresh herbs, and handmade goods. Continue to a nearby weaving village, where local artisans create intricate silk and cotton textiles using age-old techniques. Stop at a coffee plantation or café to sample the region’s celebrated Lao coffee, a highlight of the Bolaven Plateau.

In the afternoon, enjoy free time at leisure in Pakse. You may choose to shop for local handicrafts, unwind with a traditional Lao massage or spa treatment, or simply relax by the Mekong riverside and watch life drift gently by.

Overnight in Pakse.

Enjoy your final breakfast at the hotel. Depending on your flight schedule, take some free time to relax, stroll through the local market for last-minute souvenirs, or simply enjoy the calm atmosphere of Pakse by the Mekong.

At the appointed time, transfer to Pakse Airport for your onward flight.

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