The best of Laos

After an early breakfast, we explore the local villages, where you will see an array of relics from the French colonial era including an old railway and locomotive. We continue to discover the area by boat at our leisure and make sure to stop at Liphi waterfalls, one of the most beautiful in Laos. This is also where, if lucky, we can see the endangered Irrawaddy dolphin. We return to Ban Nakasang and drive to Khone Phapheng, the largest and most famous waterfalls in South East Asia. In the afternoon we drive to Pakse and on the way stop to visit the vestiges of an 18th century temple. [If time permits and elephants are available] we may get a chance to have a 2hr elephant ride through forest paths (own account). We reach Pakse before sunset where you transfer to your hotel. Overnight in Pakse.

Meal: Breakfast, lunch

Accomodation: Pakse hotel (Standard room) www.hotelpakse.com or similar

After breakfast we make an excursion to Tadlo via the Boloven plateau where tea and coffee plantations are located. You will have the chance to observe how these specialties are cultivated. En route we visit ethnic villages in Ban Tatung to experience the traditional lifestyles of the Alack, Katu and Nge tribes. When we reach Tadlo, we transfer you to the Tadlo resort. Overnight in Tadlo.

Meal: Breakfast, lunch

Accomodation: Tadlo Lodge (Standard room) www.tadlolodge.com or similar

In the early morning we drive to Pakse and board a flight to Vientiane. Upon arrival, you are met and transferred to our centrally located hotel. A city tour acquaints us with the major sights including Wat Sisaket, which contains more than 8000 Buddha statues, Wat Ho Prakeo the former home of the Emerald Buddha statue and That Luang Stupa, the single most important monument in Laos. We also see the Patuxay (Lao Arc de Triomphe), which was built recently in commemoration of those who died during past wars and today it is the city’s main landmark. The day ends with a sunset over the river. Overnight in Vientiane.

Meal: Breakfast, lunch

Accomodation: Lao Orchid hotel (Superior room) www.lao-orchid.com or similar

After breakfast you will have free time until your transfer to the airport for a short flight to Luang Prabang. Upon landing we check into our hotel and visit Wat Visoun, the site of the impressive Thad Makmo stupa. Phousi hill stands in the center of this small city and we climb the 350 steps to enjoy impressive views of the surrounding area. Wat Phousi sits atop the mountain, alongside the skeletons of Indochina war anti-aircraft guns!  We then continue to visit Wat Mai, which was built in 1796. We explore the Street Night Market, where you will find a lovely selection of local handmade textiles.

Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Meal: Breakfast, lunch

Accomodation: Villa Chitdara (Standard room) www.villachitdara.com or similar

Note: as per local regulations, only vehicles of 16seaters are allowed in the city of Luang Prabang

After breakfast we enjoy a short-guided tour of the city’s oldest temple, Wat Sene and the magnificent Wat Xieng Thong where you can see the impressive “tree of life” mosaic set in colored glass. We then board an upstream cruise on the Mekong River, which gives us a panoramic view of the tranquil countryside. We’ll make sure to stop at the Pak Ou Caves, sanctuaries consisting of two large caverns, both repositories for thousands of Buddha images. We will also stop at a few villages during the day, including Ban Muangkeo where the local rice wine is produced.  We return to Luang Prabang in the afternoon after seeing Ban Xang Khong and Ban Xieng Lek – small villages well known for silk weavings and Saa (jute) Papermaking.  Overnight in Luang Prabang

Meal: Breakfast, lunch

Accomodation: Villa Chitdara (Standard room) www.villachitdara.com or similar

After breakfast we visit The National Museum at the former Royal Palace, which displays a lovely collection of artifacts reflecting the richness of Lao culture throughout the ages. We also will see the Central Market if time permits. After visiting these sights in the morning, there will be free time to venture into town and stroll around the shopping areas. The tour ends after your transfer to the airport for departure.

Meal: Breakfast