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 – Vientiane (L or D)
On arrival at the airport, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is at you leisure to relax. Overnight in Vientiane
Day 2: Vientiane – full day city tour – Luang Prabang (B, L)
After breakfast, we explore Vientiane capital by visiting the major sights of the capital; including the oldest Wat Sisaket 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 Lao’s national precious heritage, the famous and sacred structure of That Luang Stupa, you will have the opportunity to take some pictures of the imposing Patuxay Monument, which is well known as Vientiane’s own Arc de Triumph. In the afternoon we continue visiting the rest of Vientiane by foot, including Wat Ong Tue, Wat Inpeng and Wat Haisok. We pass by the major shopping area continuing to the Vientiane Central Market of Talad Sao and Talad Kouadin where various goods are displayed for sale; including fresh food, household goods, souvenirs, textiles, gold, silver and antiques. We then transfer to the airport for your late afternoon flight to Luang Prabang. Here you will be met and transferred to your hotel, where you have the rest of the day at leisure. Overnight in Luang Prabang.
Day 3: Luang Prabang – Big Brother Mouse – Ban Khia Luang – Pak Ou Caves (B, L)
The day starts with a visit to the Big Brother Mouse shop to select some books for the village visit. We then head north by car along route 13, before taking a unpaved road to Ban Khia Luang village. We then have ample time to visit the school, play with the kids and watch them enjoy their new books. We also take some time to explore the rest of the village, where you can see weaving and visit the local temple. We stop for lunch at the village, which can either be a western picnic lunch, or traditional Lao food such as sticky rice, laap and fresh vegetables cooked by the villagers. After lunch we say good bye to the village and drive to Ban Khoklin, which takes us through some beautiful scenery of mountains and paddy fields. At Ban Khoklin we then board a private boat down the Nam Ou river for 30 minutes to Pak Ou Caves, two linked caves crammed with thousands of gold lacquered Buddha statues of various shapes and sizes left by pilgrims and continue down the Mekong River back to Luang Prabang, arriving back there by late afternoon. Overnight in Luang Prabang.
Day 4: Luang Prabang – Kuang Si Waterfalls and Ban Chan (B, L)
Today we cross the Mekong River by boat, to the picturesque village of Ban Chan, a pottery village. We then visit the morning Phousi Market, where you will see such diverse offerings as dried buffalo skin, local tea and saltpeter among the chickens, vegetables and hill-tribe weavings. Laos is also known for its traditional crafts, and today you will visit local villages of Lao ethnic minority groups at Ban Ouay, a Hmong village, Ban Ou a Laoloum village and Ban Thapene, a Khmu village. This then takes us to the beautiful Khouangsi Waterfall where you can cool off with a refreshing swim in the pools or walk along the forest trails. We then return to Luang Prabang by late afternoon. Overnight in Luang Prabang.
Day 5: Luang Prabang – Departure (B)
Depending on your flight, you may have time at leisure before you will be transferred to the airport in time for your departing flight.
End of services. Our staff will give you the warmest goodbye and hope to see you again.
