The 4, 000 islands region in the southern part of Laos is one of the most scenic areas. You will see the contrasts between the north and the south as this tour, as the tour commences exploring the remarkable city of Luang Prabang. We also take you on an elephant expedition at a local elephant camp and to the beautiful waterfalls of Tad Sae. Discovering the 4, 000 islands, you may even spot the odd rare freshwater dolphin if you are lucky! The awe-inspiring waterfalls of Khone Phapheng are known as the ‘Niagara of the East’ for being the largest waterfalls in Southeast Asia.
Day 1: Arrival - Luang Prabang (D)
Upon arrival at the airport, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Luang Prabang is perhaps the best-preserved traditional city in Southeast Asia. The tranquility and charm of this town with its splendid natural scenery and cultural sights makes it one of the most delightful places to visit in Laos. After a short rest, we visit the impressive stupa of Wat Visoun and the shrines of Wat Aham and Wat Mai. We then ascent to the top of Mount Phousi to explore the sacred, gilded stupa as well as capture a beautiful view of the city and watch the glowing reflection of the setting sun on the Mekong River. From there, we explore the Night Market, where you can find a lovely selection of handmade textiles made by the local and hilltribe people surrounding Luang Prabang. Overnight in Luang Prabang
Day 2: Luang Prabang – Lao Spirit adventure (B, L)
This is a full day trip combining a rafting tour out of town with some sightseeing and an exciting elephant ride to/from Tad Sae Waterfall (or alternative route in dry season). After pick up from your hotel (8:30-9:00 a.m) we proceed to the Adventure and Elephant camp located 15 km out of town in the middle of unspoiled, natural green surroundings. After crossing the small river you will be introduced to our Asian Elephants and venture on a 1hr - 1hr 30 mins enchanting journey through forests, plantations and fields. This activity programe will provide you with a breathtaking and unique experience as you make your way through forests and along the Nam Khan River up to the waterfalls of Tad Sae. (In the dry season we ride a village trail) After visiting the waterfall, lunch is served before a relaxing 30 minute rafting tour along the river back to the resort. The evening is free at your leisure. Overnight at Lao Spirit Resort.
Day 3: Luang Prabang – Pak Ou Cave (B, L)
After breakfast we head back towards Luang Prabang town to enjoy a short-guided tour of the city’s oldest temple, Wat Sene and the magnificent Wat Xiengthong with its roofs sweeping low representing classical Laotian architecture. We then embark on a boat journey upstream along the Mekong River, which also gives us a beautiful view of the tranquil countryside as well as an interesting visit to the mysterious Pak Ou Caves, two linked caves crammed with thousands of gold lacquered Buddha statues of various shapes and sizes left by devoted pilgrims. En route, we stop at the village of Ban Xanghai, where you can sample the local produce of Lao rice wine. On our way back to Luang Prabang we take a short drive to Ban Phanom, a village famous for its hand weaving. Overnight in Luang Prabang
Today we visit The National Museum (closed Tuesdays) at the former Royal Palace, which displays a lovely collection of artefacts reflecting the richness of Lao culture dating back from the days of the early kings right through to the last sovereign. We also have time to visit the Central Market before we catch the flight to Pakse. On arrival at Pakse, we drive south to Done Daeng Islands. Done Daeng Islands is the largest island in the South Mekong river region known as the 4000 islands and it is one of the most scenic areas in Laos. Overnight in Don Daeng Islands.
After an early breakfast, we explore the local villages of Ban Khone, where you will see an array of relics from the French colonial era and retrace the old colonial past, including old French colonial buildings and the remnants of the first Lao railway with it’s locomotive. We continue to discover the 4000 islands area by boat with a visit to the Liphi waterfall, one of the most beautiful waterfalls that mark the Laos-Cambodia border. If we are lucky, we may even see the rare freshwater Irrawaddy Mekong dolphin at Ban Hang Khone. We return to Ban Nakasang and drive to famous waterfalls of Khone Phapeng, the largest waterfall in South East Asia, known as Niagara of the east. Overnight in Champassak (B)
Day 6: Done Daeng Islands – Dongkalor (Cambodia border) (B)
After breakfast, we transfer to Dongkalor border gate for your departure to Cambodia by land.
End of services. Our staff will give you the warmest goodbye and hope to see you again.
