Itinerary

You will be warmly welcomed at Pakse Airport. Your guide will meet you at the airport and transfer to Done Daeng, and home to La Folie Lodge where you have the rest of the day to relax or to explore the island. Overnight on Done Daeng

After breakfast, drive to Wat Phou, located in the heart of Champasak, and the former Royal Capital of the Champa Kingdom. The pre-Angkorian Wat Phou temple was built between the 6th and 13th century and is situated on a hillside offering spectacular views of the surrounding plains and the Mekong River. The temple received World Heritage status from UNESCO in 2002 and is divided in two parts. The lower part consists of two ruined palace buildings at the edge of a pond, which was used for ritual ablutions. The upper section, the temple sanctuary itself, once enclosed a large Shiva phallus, known in Hindu religion as a linga but today is largely in ruins. It was later converted into a Buddhist temple but much of the original Hindu sculpture remains. The impressive Naga or snake-head lined stairway is surrounded by frangipani trees, the Lao national flower. Return to Don Daeng Island after lunch. Afterwards, free time in and around the hotel.

(Breakfast, Lunch)

After breakfast, we set off again to explore the surroundings of the 4000 islands. The Si Phan Don (meaning 4 000 Islands) is a riverine archipelago located in the Mekong River, Champasak Province in southern Laos. Si Phan Don is characterized by numerous islands, half of which are submerged when the Mekong River is in flood. The principal islands of Si Phan Don are Don Khong (the largest), and Don Det and Don Khone.

You cross the Mekong by small boat to Ban Muang pier. From here, drive 1.5 hours overland in your private minivan towards the Cambodian border. First stop at a boat pier in Ban Nakasang, where you board a small boat to cruise to Don Khone Island. Here, you can hop on a tuk tuk or bicycle and visit the remnants of the French colonial area, including an old pier, a railway station, a former French hospital building and the maritime office. Enjoy lunch on the island and continue in the afternoon with a visit to the Liphi waterfalls, nicknamed the “Corridor of the Devil“. Local daredevils put fish traps at the bottom of the falls to catch fresh fish each day.

Return back to the mainland and visit the Khone Phapheng waterfalls. The falls are the main reason why the Mekong River is not navigable into China. The majestic sight of the falls is a highlight of southern Laos, covering an impressive 10 km stretch of the Mekong.

Stay at a hotel on 4000 Island

(Breakfast, Lunch)

After breakfast, head to Pakse. Lunch in Pakse. Take the afternoon flight to Vientiane. Pick up from Vientiane Airport and transfer to hotel in Vientiane.

(Breakfast, Lunch)

Vientiane is a charming capital city adorned with temples and faded French colonial architecture. In this morning, you will get to know the capital on a city tour and visit major attractions such as Wat Sisaket, the oldest temple with thousands of miniature Buddha statues, and Wat Phra Keo, the former royal temple where the famous Emerald Buddha statue was located. On the way to the famous sacred structure, the That Luang Stupa, a national treasure of Laos, we will also have the opportunity to photograph the imposing Patuxai Monument, known as the Arc de Triomphe of Vientiane.

After lunch at a restaurant in town, Transfer to the railway staion. Take the train to Vang Vieng and be transferred to the hotel from Vang Vieng station.

(Breakfast, Lunch)

8:30 am after the breakfast you will be picked up by the tour guide to visit Nam Xay Viewpoint, you will start the climb to the viewpoint – 250m (approx. 30mins). Once you reach the top you will find the most spectacular views, with picturesque landscape over the paddy fields that “pop” out in clear view from their flat surroundings.

After the trek back down the mountain, you will continue to visit Tham Phu Kham Cave and Blue Lagoon. Tham Phu Kham Cave and Blue Lagoon is an improvised eco-water park in a scenic village close to Vang Vieng. Observe sharp stalactites and stalagmites as you descend down steep walls to reach the largest hall of the cave, which holds the bronze statue of a reclining Buddha, with several other smaller Buddha images revered by locals. The green-blue waters of the lagoon outside the cave provide a beautiful relaxation spot, as well as the opportunity to re-live your younger years as you jump off a tree into the water. During your tour, you can also try your hand at abseiling one of the water slides. You will be transferred back to the city and have time for lunch.

(Breakfast, Lunch)

Leave Vang Vieng in the morning and drive 235km, 7 hours to Phonsavan.

(Breakfast, Lunch)

Today we will spend one day touring the Plain of Jars and Xieng Khouang and take you to the legend of Jars and traces of the history of the Second Indochina War.  

After breakfast, we will move on to visit the Jarls Plain. The UNESCO World Heritage Committee has presented Laos with a certificate allowing the registration of the Jarls Plain as a World Heritage Site in 2019. The site encompasses hundreds of large stone jars scattered across the plateau. We will visit Thong Hai Hin, known as Jarl Site 1. It is the most visited archaeological site located 8 km southwest of the city. 

Jahr Site 2 (Hai Hin Hoo Sarat) is approximately 20 km southwest of the city. Next, at Ban Na Pia, near site 2, the villagers of Tay Puan reuse UXO scrap from unexploded bombs to make spoons, which they sell as souvenirs.

In the afternoon, we will head to the ancient capital of Muang Khoun, the 14th-century royal palace of the Phuan Kingdom and the capital of the French colonial provincial city until recently. Once a major city along with Luang Prabang, today only a few ruins remain, including Wat Piawat. The invasion of Thai and Vietnamese soldiers, the looting by Chinese bandits in the 19th century, and a bomb storm that lasted nearly a decade during the Second Indochina War left the town devastated, and the kingdom’s elaborate temples nothing remained. The parts of the town had been reduced to ruins by 1975.

Afterward, we return to Phonsavan at around 4 pm and visit MAG UXO Center and Official Tourist Information Center to deepen our understanding of history. 

(Breakfast, Lunch)

Phu Khoun

We head out from Phonsavan to Luang Prabang 260km. On the way, we stop at the town of Nong Tang and see a site of more than 200 years old Buddha images in Tham Pha Caves. The caves were also hospitals and shelters during the Indochina wars. We will stop and see varied Hmong and other hill tribe minority villages along the road. They are nice, friendly and welcome you to visit. Continue driving uphill, enjoying the mountain scenery, forest, and landscape. Around noon, we stop at Muang Phu Khoun, a village in the heart of the Hmong people. We have a lunch break and enjoy the magnificent mountain scenery.

Upon arrive in Luang Prabang before evening, climbing up Phousi Hill. Rising 150m in the centre of town, Mount Phousi cuts a distinctive figure on the Luang Prabang skyline. The hill is a popular as a place to watch the sunset. From the summit you enjoy spectacular 360 degree views across the city and its many temples, and over the surrounding landscape to the mountains in the distance. 

(Breakfast, Lunch)

mekong cruise

We will pick you up again at 8:30 and take you to  a small park on the peninsula tip. You will have a brief introduction to Luang Prabang, standing where the Nam Khan River meets the Mekong River. From there, walk to the famous Wat Xieng Thong temple. For centuries, the temple was considered the ceremonial gateway to the city and was the arrival and departure point for foreign dignitaries. We will walk up the stairs to the main gate and enter the temple like ancient dignitaries.

Next, we will go temple hopping in the neighborhood. At Wat Sene, where there is a school for novice monks, you may meet again with novice monks you met on the morning alms. Finally, we will visit the Royal Palace museum. It houses a lot of interesting historical items. Every item tells a story…so you will learn quite a lot from your guide about Lao history and about Laos’ royal.

Transfer to Manifa Elephant Camp for lunch. You will be offered a delicious buffet lunch at the restaurant overlooking the Mekong river and meet elephants roaming free. In the afternoon we will visit Pak Ou Caves by boat. We will see 4000 Buddha icons in the caves overlooking the Mekong River. After a stop at a village where Laotian rice wine is made, enjoy a two-hour sunset cruise on the Mekong River and return to Luang Prabang.

(Breakfast, Lunch)

This morning begins early in the morning (5:15 am in March to October and 05:45 in November to February. There is also an option without Alms giving). We pick you up from your hotel and you have a fantastic opportunity together with the locals to witness the captivating centuries old daily tradition of the alms giving ceremony. Following that, we visit local morning market. You return to your hotel for breakfast around 7;00.

We will visit Wat Wisunarat, the oldest temple in Luang Prabang. We take a van to Ban Thapene, a village which sits at the foot of the stunning Kuang Si Waterfalls. Upon arrival, you will have time to enjoy magnificent waterfalls as well as bear rescue center. After enjoying lunch at a private waterfall restaurant near the waterfall park, return to the city and spend free time in Luang Prabang. In the late afternoon, transferred to a small village called Ban Mano to witness the refined grace of a private Baci ceremony, led by the Nai Ban (village chief). As a welcome, the kind villagers will greet you and gently tie cotton cords around your wrists. These cords symbolize luck, friendship and good health and are the villagers’ way of offering you tidings of good fortune. The Baci ceremony will be held at a local family home where you can appreciate the great reverence for this important tradition.

(Breakfast, Lunch)

Enjoy free time in Luang Prabang until flight time. we will transfer you to Luang Prabang airport.

(Breakfast)

Reference Price

Accommodation prices are subject to change. See spreadsheet for all hotel options.

Day 1 Luang Prabang arrival
Day 2 Luang Prabang city tour
Day 3 Luang Prabang - Kuang Si Waterfalls
Day 4 Luang Prabang to Nong Khiaw
Day 5 Nong Khiaw Nam Ou River cruise to Muang Ngoy
Day 6 Nong Khiaw - Mekong River Cruise to Pak Ou Caves
Day 7 Luang Prabang rice farming experience
Day 8 Luang Prabang - Pakse flight (QV305 8:05-9:05), Bolaven Plateau
Day 9 Wat Phou
Day 10 4000 Islands
Day 11 Flight to Vientiane (QV306 9:50-10:50) Vientiane Tour Half day
Day 12 Vientiane Departure

Due to domestic flight availability, tours start only on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. 
Other days of the week require itinerary changes.

Itinerary

Price

Price per person for private tour including itinerary above and list below, excluding hotel and domestic flight (calculated in Agu 2023)

Accommodation

The above rates do not include hotels. You can refer to our contracted hotels (breakfast included) in the spreadsheet below. Please specify the hotel from the spreadsheet or request the grade you would like and we will prepare a combined tour and hotel quote.

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1G76Ha5LzBRvlF-kCVXrotLPUhR3RreeE8GDtwKEWJt8/edit?usp=sharing

Domestic Flight

Day 8 QV513 Luang Prabang – Pakse $72 per person

Day 11 QV306 Pakse – Vientiane $80 per person

Itinerary

Day 1 Luang Prabang arrival

Welcome to the beautiful country of Laos! Your private guide and driver will be waiting for you at the Luang Prabang Airport with a sign with your name on it. They will then take you straight to your hotel. The rest of the day to relax or to explore by your own.

Day 2 Luang Prabang city tour (B, L)

Visit the main highlights of Luang Prabang heritage area. in one day Walking with a licensed local guide, you will hear many local stories and get a taste of Luang Prabang’s culture, from the history of the temples and the city to the Buddhist stories and legends painted all over the walls of the temples.

Day 3 Luang Prabang – Living Land Rice Farming Experience / Kuang Si waterfall or Hiking to Kuang Si Waterfalls (B, L)

There are two options for this day. Both visit Kuang Si Falls in the afternoon. Morning activities are different. The first is a rice farming experience at Living Land Rice Farm in the morning. Lunch is organic Laotian food on the farm. Another is a hike from nearby villages to the waterfalls. Lunch at Carpe Diem Restaurant near the waterfall.

Day 4 Luang Prabang – Nong Khiaw (B, L)

Pickup from a hotel in Luang Prabang at 8:30 am. About 3 hours drive, stopping at Ban Nayang village for lunch break. Village tour (optional: half-day workshop in the afternoon or overnight homestay in the village and workshop can be added) Arrive Nong Khiaw in the afternoon. Hike to Pha Daeng Peak Viewpoint after hotel check-in (about 1.5 hours light climbing). If climbing is difficult, we will guide you to another easily accessible viewpoint.

Day 5 Nong Khiaw Nam Ou River Cruise / Muang Ngoy day trip (B, L)

After breakfast, transfer by traditional boat up stream on Nam Ou river to Muang Ngoy. We then trek to the Tham Kang, where according to local legend, a Naga resides to the rear. We then continue through rice paddy fields onto the Lao Loum village of Ban Na, which is only accessible by foot, so retains much of its original character. After lunch, we continue to walk to Ban Houaysene or Ban Houaybor. Afterwards, return to Muang Ngoy and take a boat back to Nong Khiaw.

Day 6 Nong Khiaw – Pak Ou Caves / Mekong River Cruise – Luang Prabang (B, L)

At 8:30, our minivan will pick you up and visit Phathok Caves. Pha Thok Cave is a series of caves in a limestone cliff where villagers and Pathet Lao eluded bombing during the Second Indochina War. Then you will depart from Nong Khiaw to Manifa Elephant Camp by a 2 hour drive. You will be offered a delicious buffet lunch at the restaurant overlooking the Mekong river and meet elephants roaming free. In the afternoon we will visit Pak Ou Caves by boat. We will see 4000 Buddha icons in the caves overlooking the Mekong River. Enjoy a two-hour sunset cruise on the Mekong River and return to Luang Prabang.

Day 7 Luang Prabang – Pakse – Wat Phou – Champasak (B, L)

Leaving Luang Prabang early in the morning, we will take the 8:30am Lao Airline QV513 from Luang Prabang Airport to Pakse. You will be warmly welcomed at Pakse Airport. Your guide will meet you at the airport. We will take a minivan at the airport, visit the fascinating pre-Angkorian ruins of Wat Phu, one of Southeast Asia’s most dramatically situated temples. We have time to explore these intriguing Khmer ruins, which are perched at the base of Mount Phu Kao.  In the afternoon, we will be transfered to a hotel in Champasak or Done Daeng Island and spend some free time exploring the surroundings.

Day 8: Champasak – 4000 Islands (B, L)

After spending a relaxing morning in Don Daeng, We will head to the 4000 islands.  On the way, visit the pre-Angkorian site named Wat Tomo (Uo Moung). Get on board a traditional boat to the peaceful islands of Don Khon and Don Det. Following lunch, we continue our journey to the extreme south of Laos in the area of the 4000 islands. It dues its name because the Mekong becomes extremely wide and hosts many islands.

Day 9:  Khong Islands 4000 Islands (B, L)

In the morning, we begin by re-tracing the French colonial-past, where some old colonial houses still stand and glimpse the first Lao railway with its own locomotive. We continue our exploration of the area of the 4000 islands by boat and visit the beautiful Liphi waterfall, also known as the Samphamith, which forms a natural border between Lao and Cambodia. We return to Ban Nakasang and drive to the famous waterfall of Khone Phapeng – the largest waterfall in South East Asia, also known as the ‘Niagara of the east’.

Day 10: Bolaven Plateau – Pakse (B, L)

Upon leaving Khong Island we continue our journey towards the Bolaven Plateau, located in the Annamite Mountain Range, which runs along Laos’ eastern border with Vietnam. The renowned coffee of Lao PDR is produced in this region. The climate of the plateau, with its cooler temperatures and abundant rainfall, make it the perfect place for coffee production. After viewing several cascading waterfalls — including the famous Tad Lo and Tad Fan Waterfalls — we’ll return to Pakse for an afternoon walk or visit to its local market. Transfer to your hotel in Pakse.

Day 11: Pakse – Luang Prabang or Vientiane (B)

Enjoy free time in Pakse until it’s time for your flight to Luang Prabang or Vientiane (depending on your departure place).  Our minivans will transport you to and from the airport. Free time after checking in to the hotel.

There are flights from Pakse to Luang Prabang three times a week (Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays) and the itinerary stays south for five days from Day 7 to Day 11. If your departure point (last day of the tour) is Luang Prabang and you choose to fly from Pakse to Luang Prabang on Day 11, Day 7 must be a Tuesday for this tour to run as planned. If Day 7 falls on Thursday and Saturday, the length of stay in the South should be reduced from 5 days to 4 days or extended to 6 days.

If you choose Vientiane as your departure point from Laos, Day 7 can be Tuesday, Thursday or Saturday as there are daily flights to Vientiane.

If you depart from Pakse to Ho Chi Minh or Siem Reap, the schedule will be similar to Luang Prabang as flights are only available on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.

Day 12: Luang Prabang or Vientiane Departure

Our minivan will take you from your hotel to the airport.

Accommodation

The spreadsheet below lists the hotel prices we can arrange for you. All hotels include breakfast. The price is usually per room for two people. Our margins are low, so it should be the lowest price except for special sales by hotels. We can offer prices for other hotels that are not listed. Please contact us.

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1G76Ha5LzBRvlF-kCVXrotLPUhR3RreeE8GDtwKEWJt8/edit?usp=sharing

Flight Information

Pakse

Arrival

Vientiane – Pakse: Lao Airline QV305 Daily 8:05-9:05, QV303 Mon, Wed, Fri & Sun 15:30 – 17:00, QV515 Tue, Thu & Sat 7:30 – 8:45
Luang Prabang – Pakse: Lao Airline QV513 Tue, Thu & Sat 8:30 – 10:10
Siem Reap (Cambodia) – Pakse: Lao Airline QV514 Tue, Thu & Sat 12:25 – 13:25
Ho Chi Minh (Vietnam) – Pakse: Lao Airline  QV516 Tue, Thu & Sat 12:00 – 13:25

Departure

Pakse – Vientiane: Lao Airline QV306 Daily 9:50-10:50, QV304 Mon, Wed, Fri & Sun 17:40 – 19:10, QV515 Tue, Thu & Sat 14:20 – 15:35
Pakse – Luang Prabang: Lao Airline QV514 Tue, Thu & Sat 14:10 – 15:50
Pakse – Siem Reap (Cambodia): Lao Airline QV513 Tue, Thu & Sat 10:50 – 11:50
Pakse – Ho Chi Minh (Vietnam): Lao Airline  QV515 Tue, Thu & Sat 9:45 – 11:20

Day 1: Arrive in Pakse

You will be warmly welcomed at Pakse Airport. Your guide will meet you at the airport and transfer to Done Daeng, and home to La Folie Lodge where you have the rest of the day to relax or to explore the island. Overnight on Done Daeng

Day 2: Wat Phou (B, L)

After spending a relaxing morning in Don Daeng, we visit the fascinating pre-Angkorian ruins of Wat Phu, one of Southeast Asia’s most dramatically situated temples. We have time to explore these intriguing Khmer ruins, which are perched at the base of Mount Phu Kao.  Following lunch, we continue our journey to the extreme south of Laos in the area of the 4000 islands. It dues its name because the Mekong becomes extremely wide and hosts many islands. On the way, visit the pre-Angkorian site named Wat Tomo (Uo Moung). Get on board a traditional boat to the peaceful islands of Don Khon and Don Det. 

Day 3:  Khong Islands 4000 Islands (B, L)

In the morning, we begin by re-tracing the French colonial-past, where some old colonial houses still stand and glimpse the first Lao railway with its own locomotive. We continue our exploration of the area of the 4000 islands by boat and visit the beautiful Liphi waterfall, also known as the Samphamith, which forms a natural border between Lao and Cambodia. We return to Ban Nakasang and drive to the famous waterfall of Khone Phapeng – the largest waterfall in South East Asia, also known as the ‘Niagara of the east’.

Day 4: Bolaven Plateau – Pakse (B, L)

Upon leaving Khong Island we continue our journey towards the Bolaven Plateau, located in the Annamite Mountain Range, which runs along Laos’ eastern border with Vietnam. The renowned coffee of Lao PDR is produced in this region. The climate of the plateau, with its cooler temperatures and abundant rainfall, make it the perfect place for coffee production. After viewing several cascading waterfalls — including the famous Tad Lo and Tad Fan Waterfalls — we’ll return to Pakse for an afternoon walk or visit to its local market. Transfer to your hotel in Pakse.

Day 5: Departure (B)

Enjoy free time in Pakse until it’s time for your flight to your next destination. Our vehicle will send you to the airport. (End of service)

Accommodation

Flight information

Arrival

Vientiane – Pakse: Lao Airline QV305 Daily 8:05-9:05, QV303 Mon, Wed, Fri & Sun 15:30 – 17:00, QV515 Tue, Thu & Sat 7:30 – 8:45
Luang Prabang – Pakse: Lao Airline QV513 Tue, Thu & Sat 8:30 – 10:10
Siem Reap (Cambodia) – Pakse: Lao Airline QV514 Tue, Thu & Sat 12:25 – 13:25
Ho Chi Minh (Vietnam) – Pakse: Lao Airline  QV516 Tue, Thu & Sat 12:00 – 13:25

Departure

Pakse – Vientiane: Lao Airline QV306 Daily 9:50-10:50, QV304 Mon, Wed, Fri & Sun 17:40 – 19:10, QV515 Tue, Thu & Sat 14:20 – 15:35
Pakse – Luang Prabang: Lao Airline QV514 Tue, Thu & Sat 14:10 – 15:50
Pakse – Siem Reap (Cambodia): Lao Airline QV513 Tue, Thu & Sat 10:50 – 11:50
Pakse – Ho Chi Minh (Vietnam): Lao Airline  QV515 Tue, Thu & Sat 9:45 – 11:20

When traveling in southern Laos, a good starting point and next destination would be Vientiane and Luang Prabang, or Siem Reap in Cambodia or Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam. These cities have scheduled flights with Pakse. If you are coming from Thailand, you will need to go through Vientiane or take a domestic flight from Bangkok to Ubon Ratchathani and then a bus to Pakse.