Best of Laos 9 Days

Upon arrival at Luang Prabang International Airport, you will be met on arrival and transferred to hotel. The remainder of the day will be your own.  You’ll spend the night in Luang Prabang.

After breakfast, you’ll enjoy a short guided tour, starting with the city’s oldest temple, Wat Sene, and the magnificent Wat Xiengthong, with its roofs sweeping low to the ground, representing classical Laotian architecture. You’ll then visit the Royal Palace Museum, which hosts a range of interesting artefacts, and the Arts and Ethnology Centre, where you’ll learn about Laos’ many ethnic cultures.

If you wish, you’ll also have the option to drive to the beautiful Khouangsi Waterfall, where you can splash around in the turquoise pools or walk along the forest paths. There’s also an opportunity to visit the nearby bear sanctuary, run by Free The Bears Fund Inc.

You’ll then climb to the top of Mount Phousi for an enjoyable exploration of the sacred, gilded stupa, as well as a panoramic view of the city at sunset and the Mekong River. The tour ends with a visit to the famous Night Market, where you’ll find a lovely selection of handmade textiles made by local and hill tribe people from around Luang Prabang. Overnight in Luang Prabang.

An optional early start gives you the fantastic opportunity to participate in the daily morning rituals of saffron-clad monks collecting offerings of Alms (often in the form of sticky rice) from the faithful residents.

After breakfast, you’ll board a cruise upstream on the Mekong River, offering you a panoramic view of the tranquil countryside and an intriguing visit to the mysterious Pak Ou Caves. These two linked caves are crammed with thousands of gold-lacquered Buddha statues of various shapes and sizes, left by pilgrims. Once back in Luang Prabang, you’ll take a short drive to Ban Phanom, a village well known for its hand weaving. You’ll also have time to visit Ban Xangkhong and Ban Xienglek, small villages famous for silk weaving and Saa (jute) papermaking.

Laos is renowned for its traditional crafts, so you’ll take a short visit to the Ock Pop Tok Living Craft Center. Here, you’ll enjoy a brief tour, where you’ll learn about silk, weaving, and the women who work at the center. You’ll spend the night in Luang Prabang.

This morning, you’ll cross the Mekong River by local ferry to visit a Khmu village. If time allows, you’ll make a short stop at Ban Chan, a pottery village, where you’ll have the rare chance to try your hand at creating beautiful pots from clay.

As you continue your journey, you’ll pass by rustic villages, witnessing children playing and farmers going about their work. You’ll visit Ban Boum Xieng, where you’ll observe ethnic traditions and daily life. Afterward, you’ll visit a Khmu family and enjoy a homemade lunch with them.

In the afternoon, you’ll drive back to the Mekong River and pay a visit to the lesser-known Wat Long Khun to admire its beautiful decorations. From here, you’ll take a short transfer to Wat Tham Xieng Maen, located in a limestone cave, where you’ll have time to explore its Buddha images. You could also visit Wat Chomphet, an excellent spot for panoramic views of the area and a perfect place to capture a sunset photo.

Later in the day, you’ll be transferred to the airport for your flight to Vientiane. Arriving at Vientiane airport, you’ll be met and driven to your hotel. You’ll spend the night in Vientiane.

After breakfast at your hotel, you’ll start visiting the major sights of the capital, including Wat Sisaket, the oldest temple with thousands of miniature Buddha statues, and the former royal temple of Wat Prakeo, which previously housed the famous Emerald Buddha Image. En route to Laos’ national icon, the precious and sacred That Luang Stupa, you’ll have the opportunity to take some pictures of the imposing Patuxay Monument, known as Vientiane’s own Arc de Triomphe.

You’ll then transfer to see the Buddha Park, an enchanting collection of Buddhist and Hindu sculptures on the Mekong Riverside meadow, near the Friendship Bridge. There are approximately 200 religious images dating back over 500 years, created by a mysterious monk to spread his philosophy on life and reveal his ideas about the universe. A spectacular view over the Mekong River at sunset will be a perfect way to finish the day. You’ll return to Vientiane in the late evening, and your evening will be free. Overnight in Vientiane.

After breakfast, you’ll take a morning flight to Pakse, where you’ll be picked up to continue your journey to the Bolaven Plateau, a highland area east of Pakse, home to various hill tribes, including the Laven, from which the region gets its name. On the way, you’ll stop at Tad Lo, where you’ll find three separate waterfalls with stunning crystalline drops. In the afternoon, you’ll visit Tad Yuang and Tad Fane waterfalls, with a stop en route at a coffee and/or tea plantation. You’ll spend the night in the Bolaven Plateau.

This morning, you’ll leave Bolaven and head for the 4000 Islands. On the way, you’ll stop to visit Wat Phou Temple, a stunning pre-Angkorian site recorded on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Built on three levels, Vat Phou offers incredible views and historical insights.

You’ll have time to explore the Ou Mong ruins before driving to Khone Papheng, one of the most significant attractions in the 4000 Islands. Spanning 10 kilometers, this impressive waterfall is the largest in Southeast Asia and is considered the jewel of Laos.

Next, you’ll head to Don Khong, the biggest island in the Si Phan Don area. Here, you’ll enjoy the stunning water views while relaxing by the hotel pool. You’ll spend the night in Khong Island.

Today, you’ll devote your time to exploring Don Det and Don Khone, two smaller islands often considered a backpacker’s paradise. You’ll enjoy a boat trip along the Mekong River, where you’ll see children playing in the water and fishermen going about their daily lives.You’ll take a bike ride to explore these two islands, which are connected by a bridge. You’ll visit Ban Khone, a fishing village where you can discover the ruins of the French railway tracks and the stunning Liphi Waterfall. As you explore, you’ll enjoy the tranquil atmosphere of the islands and capture incredible photos of local life and the natural beauty surrounding you.

In the afternoon, you’ll embark on a motorboat to visit the Cambodian border, home to the famous Irrawaddy dolphins. If you’re lucky, you’ll spot them playing and swimming in the river. You’ll spend the night in Pakse.

Your time will be your own until your private car and driver arrives to take you to the airport for your departure flight.