Stating from the charming town of Luang Prabang in the north , you travel all along Laos and explore the mysterious plain of jars, the charming riverside town of Vang Vieng before arriving in Vientiane. The fascinating combination of ancient cultures, river journeys, stunning scenery is exciting along the way. You continue exploring the rarely seen Khonglor Cave and enjoy a full day cruise around the picturesque and unspoiled 4,000 Islands in the south.

DETAILED ITINERARY

Day 1: Arrival - Luang Prabang
On arrival at Luang Prabang Airport , you are met by our guide and transferred to hotel. The royal capital of the former Lane Xang Kingdom, Luang Prabang with its gleaming temple roofs, colonial architecture and stunning mountain backdrop, retains an unique charm rarely found in all Asia. There are plenty to see in this delightful town, some of which are the impressive stupa of Wat Visoun, the Srilankalese styled temple of That Marko, the shrine of Wat Aham and the five tiered roof Wat Mai. We visit these sites in a half day guided tour before embarking on a climb up to Phousi Hill for a beautiful panorama view from the town center and the mighty Mekong River. There are 329 steps leading us on zigzag way past various temples to the sacred, gilded stupa of Wat Phousi at the summit. O/N in Luang Prabang.

Day 2: Luang Prabang - Pakou Caves - Luang Prabang
Today we continue seeing this charming town with the famous Wat Xieng Thong, which nestles at the meeting of the Mekong and the Nam Khan River. The temple structures are decorated in various ways with gilded stuccoes ,doorways and marvellous tree life mosaic pattern on an outer wall, representing the ancient temple architecture of Luang Prabang. We board a boat for a leisurely trip on the Mekong River, stopping en route at Ban Xang Hai to visit the distillation of potent local rice wine. Upon leaving this riverside village we wave our way through the stunning mountain landscape to the mysterious Pak Ou Caves. They are crammed with thousands of gold lacquered Buddha statues of various shapes and sizes, all brought there by devout villagers. We explore these famous grottos and cruise back to Luang Prabang Town. On arrival we catch a short drive to Ban Phanom , a well known weaving village of the Tai Lue people who used to make royal silk weaving textiles for the Lao former royal family. O/N in Luang Prabang. (B,L)

Day 3: Luang Prabang - Elephant Riding - Trekking
The mountainous areas around Luang Prabang Town are also home of many ethnic groups and various stunning waterfalls littered in dense jungle. Today we drive on a rugged road to Lao spirit resort just 15 km out of town. On arrival we see the Asian Elephants and begin a scenic ride of an hour and half along the Nam Khan River though the lush and green forests to the amazing Tad Sae waterfall. This is an enjoyable stop for lunch near the cascade. We get well off the beaten track as we walk through the forest. En route we make stopover at a Khmu Village to explore the simple lifestyle of villagers who are almost fishermen or farmers living from their slash and burn tradition. They even speak a different language but the guide are on hand to help you ask questions. We continue our walk along the mountain side past a new jungle camp before completing a super day. O/N in Luang Prabang. (B)

Day 4: Luang Prabang - Xieng Khouang ( Overland)
The former Royal Palace has been turned into a national museum, which displays a lovely collection of the artefacts reflecting the richness of Lao culture dating from the days of the early kings right through the last sovereign. We visit this masterpiece and set forth to the remote Xieng Khouang Province, which was devastated by American bombing between 1964 and 1973. These back roads are a great way to explore the real Laos. We see very few other travellers, mostly rural dwellers who are just as interested in finding out about our lives as we are of theirs. The journey is very long and bumpy at times, but we can make stops at our pleasure, to stretch our legs and take some wonderful photographs. O/N in Xieng Khouang. (B)

Day 5: Xieng Khouang - Vang Vieng
Heading out of town we make a short drive to visit the "Plan of Jars" , an impressive archaeological site where hundreds of large stone jars are littered all over the plateau. These huge jars are supposedly over 2,000 years old, but most of archaeologists are still mystified about their purpose. We depart Xieng Khouang and drive along a zigzag way through the breathtaking mountain landscape to Vang Vieng. This small and tranquil village is rapidly developed with the advent of tourists, but the beautiful scenery with a mixture of quiet water and limestone outcrops unchanged for century. We arrives in Vang Vieng by mid or late afternoon depending on roads and traffic conditions. O/N Vang Vieng. (B)

Day 6: Vang Vieng - Vientiane
The perfect way to start our exploration of Vang Vieng is a boat trip along the tranquil Nam Song River. We navigate past the stunning mountain landscape to Tham Jang Cave. This sacred cavern was once used by local people as a hideout from Chinese invaders. We walk uphill to visit Tham Jang Cave and enjoy wonderful views across the idyllic valley to the beautiful panorama of Vang Vieng Town. The reminder of time is free for your own discovery of Vang Vieng. There are various options to choose from, some of which are biking, kayaking or caving. These optional activities are not included; however our guide is on hand to advise you with invaluable information. By mid afternoon we regroup at our hotel and travel by roads to Vientiane past the undulating terrains and the interesting villages. O/N in Vientiane. (B)

Day 7: Vientiane
The charming and fascinating capital of Laos, Vientiane is small city conjuring up exotic images, with the curious mix of Lao, Thai, Chinese, Vietnamese, French influences. We start our city tour with Wat Sisaket, the oldest temple still standing in Vientiane. This amazing structure features remarkable frescoes and Buddha statues. Close to this masterwork is the former royal temple of Haw Pha Kaew which previously housed the famous Emerald Buddha Image. We see these sites before continuing to Patouxai. This imposing monument standing in Lane Xang Avenue, is well known as Vientiane's own Arc de Triomphe and provides a stunning views of the city. Heading out of town we see the giant Friendship Bridge and the impressive Buddha Park. This landmark represents a blend of Buddhist and Hindu sculptures created by mystical monk on a parkland located by the Mekong River. The perfect way to round off our day is to watch the spectacular sunset over the Mekong River from one of riverside bars. O/N in Vientiane. (B)

Day 8: Vientiane - Ban Na Hin - Ban Na Pouak - Khong Lor
An early morning start to drive towards Khammouane Plateau. The journey passes many villages linked to the road which is the main artery of trade between the southern region and the capital city. We make stop en route at Phuphaman Mountain to stretch the legs and catch some wonderful pictures. On arrival at Ban Na Hin we follow the dirty route to Ban Na Pouak and board a boat for two hour trip towards Sala Hinbound. The remainder of the day is for your relaxation or exploration of some nearby villages. We enjoy a short hiking to some nearby villages of Ban Namnon, Ban Mouang and Tham Namnon. This is an easy walk; however we can visit the stunning mountain landscape as much as we please, and learn more about the different life style of villagers. O/N in Khong Lor. (B,D)

Day 9: Khong Lor Cave
The mysterious Khong Lor Cave has a length of 7.5km and was formed by the Hinboun River flowing though the tunnel year round. Today we enjoy a boat trip upstream to Ban Khong Lor, a gateway to this famous cave. The exciting river trip affords a taste of relaxation and an enjoyable exploration of the landscape close up. Along the way we make stop for a walk to Nam None and Tham Thieng Caves. The local track is challenging at times however some physical preparation will enable you to maximize your enjoyment from the trek. We get back to our boat and navigate through the main cave to the valley beyond, stopping to observe the stalactite formations. The cave is still used by local villages as a route access. O/N in Khong Lor. (B,L,D)

Day 11: Pakse - Laogam - Tadlo Waterfall

The fertile volcanic plateau of Boloven is our following destination. We travel by roads past many villages and rolling hills. The deep contrast of lush vegetation and red surface of basaltic soil is incredible all along the way. We make stopover at the scenic Phasoume Waterfall and a nearby culture village of the Katu people. This ethnic group was originally in Vietnam but immigrated into Laos down centuries. We continue traveling by roads towards Laogam. This mountainous area is home of the many triple groups including the Alack , Katang and Nge people. They still retain their age old cultural traditions and are recognisably distinct from each other by their dress. We see some of these groups and continue to Tadlo. The remainder of day will be free for your relaxation by the waterfall. O/N in Tadlo. (B)

Day 12: Tadlo - Wat Phou - Khong Island
The views of stumbling water and lush vegetation around Tadlo Waterfall is nothing short of spectacular. Today we drive back to Pakse and board a boat for a leisurely trip on the Mekong River towards the former royal capital of Champasak, a gateway to the pre-angkorian temple of Wat Phu. This hillside edifice was once an important sanctuary of the Khmer Empire. The temple structure was partly destroyed in turbulent history however it is still fascinating to walk among the ruins. We follow a walkway from the lower to the upper section, which features various forms including Vishnu, Shiva and Kala. The temple upper ground also affords spectacular views from the surrounding valley to the mighty Mekong River. We visit Wat Phou Museum and Oum Moung Temple before we make our way to Khong Island past the scenic countryside. O/N in Khong Island. (B)

Day 13: Khong Island - Done Khone - Khong Island
Today we board a traditional boat to venture into the widest reach of the Mekong River from where thousands of islets jut out in dry season, giving this area a lovely name "Si Phan Done". The longtail boat pass Done Ket and Done Som before it races across the water towards the peaceful island of Done Khone. We stroll through Ban Khone village to explore different local lifestyle close up and some relics of the French colonial period. Upon leaving this island we wave our way to the marvelous rushing fall of Liphi, which are also called "Corridor of the Devil". The rare freshwater Irrawaddy dolphins may be seen in this scenic area. At end of the boat excursion we drive southwards to visit Khone Phapheng Waterfall which boast the largest one in Southeast Asia. O/N in Khong Island. (B)

Day 14: Khong Island - Veukham or Pakse - Departure
There is a free time for your own exploration of the island. The trip ends after your transfer to the Lao-Cambodia border at Weukham or Pakse Airport for flight to next destination. (B)

INCLUSIONS: +Transportation in private vehicle with driver + Accommodation  twin sharing room at mentioned hotels and guesthouses or similar one + English or French speaking guide +Entrance fee to indicated sights + Meals as indicated: B = breakfast, L = lunch, D = dinner + Boat trip in Luang Prabang, Vang Vieng , Khonglor and Khong Island + Elephant ride

EXCLUSIONS: Other meals, tip, drinks, airport tax, single room supplement, personal expenses, travel insurance, visa, flight in / out of Laos, any optional additional tours or activities during free time, surcharge for peak season, local holiday days and gala dinner

TRIP NOTES

- LAOS IS A DEVELOPPING COUNTRY WHOSE INFRASTRUCTURE MAY DIFFER FROM WHAT YOU EXPECT FROM YOUR HOME LAND. THE ROAD CONDITIONS ARE POOR AND THE ACCOMOODATION IS SIMPLE IN REMOTE AREAS.

-THE ITINERARY IS CORRECTED AT THE TIME OF VIEWING. OCCASIONALLY, THE PROGRAMME CHANGES AS WE MAKE IMPROVEMENT STEMING FROM OUR PAST TRAVELLERS' COMMENTS AND OUR OWN RESEARCH OR DUE TO LOCAL CONDITIONS OR CIRCUMSTANCES BEYOND OUR CONTROL. THIS INCLUDES FESTIVAL, PUBLIC HOLIDAYS, WEATHER AND FLIGHT DELAY,.. THAT MAY EFFECT THE ITINERARY.

-THE TRIP INCLUDES SOME MEALS AS MENTIONED AT THE ITINERARY HOWEVER OUR GUIDE WILL BE ON HAND TO ADVISE YOU AS FAR THE AVAILABLE RESTAURANTS WHERE YOU CAN ENJOY LOCAL FOOD AT YOUR OWN BUDGET. THE MEAL COST IS ALL DEPENDING ON YOUR CHOICE OF EATING PLACE. THE PACKAGE TOUR WITH FULL BOARD MEAL IS ARRANGED UPON REQUEST .

-THE DRESS STANDARDS ARE CONSERVATIVE THROUGHOUT ASIA. LOOSE , LIGHTWEIGHT, LONG CLOTHING ARE ALL RESPECTFUL COOL IN ASIAN HOT CLIMATE. IN ADDITION TO YOUR ITEMS OF PERSONAL CLOTHING, WE SUGGEST YOU TO BRING TRAINER OR SNEAKER SHOES, TORCH/FLASH LIGHT, HAT, RAIN COAT FOR WET SEASON, SUN CREAM, SUNGLASSES, DAYPACK, TOILETRIES AND SMALL TOWER, INSECT REPELLENT

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