- 4.9/5 435 Latest reviews
- Destination: Laos
- Duration: 10 Days
- Tour Type: Private & Bespoke
- Tour Style: In-Depth
About This Trip
Embark on the ultimate Laos Vacation and discover the heart of this enchanting Southeast Asian country. Over 10 days, experience the serene charm of Luang Prabang, from its early morning alms-giving ceremony to the breathtaking Kuang Si Waterfalls. Immerse yourself in the rich hill tribe cultures of Xieng Khouang and marvel at the mysterious Plain of Jars.
You will cruise the Mekong to the Pak Ou Caves, swim at the turquoise pools of Kuang Si, walk among thousands of ancient stone jars, and finish on Khong Island, in the quiet river delta of the 4,000 Islands. The trip is tailor-made and slow on purpose, with village visits and time on the water, and suits travelers who want to see Laos beyond a single town.
Summary
DAY
PLACE
HIGHLIGHTS
1 - 3
Luang Prabang
Alms-giving ceremony, Royal Palace Museum, Kuang Si Waterfalls, Mekong cruise to Pak Ou Caves
4 - 5
Xieng Khouang
Plain of Jars, Muang Khoun ruins, UXO exhibition, Hmong and Tai Dam villages
6
Vientiane
Wat Sisaket, That Luang Stupa, Patuxay Monument
7
Pakse
Bolaven Plateau, Tad Lo Waterfall, village visits
8 - 9
Khong Island
Wat Phu, 4,000 Islands, Liphi and Khone Falls
10
Pakse
Departure
Itinerary
- Day 1: Arrival in Luang Prabang
Your driver meets you at the airport and takes you to your hotel in this UNESCO-listed town. In the late afternoon, climb Mount Phousi for sunset over the Mekong, then walk the riverside promenade and browse the night market for textiles and handicrafts. Try a local dish such as khao soi for dinner.
Highlights: Mount Phousi sunset, Mekong River promenade, Night Market exploration, traditional welcome experience
- Luang Prabang
- Day 2: Alms, Temples and Kuang Si
Get up before dawn to watch the monks’ alms round, a daily ritual of the monks walking the streets collecting offerings. Watch quietly and from a respectful distance – no flash, no touching and stay well out of the way of the monks. Breakfast then visit Wat Visoun, Wat Xieng Thong and the Royal Palace Museum. Stop at the weaving village of Ban Na Ouane. Afternoon swimming in the pools below Kuang Si Waterfalls, finishing at Wat Phabath to see the giant Buddha footprint.
Highlights: Alms-giving ceremony, Royal Palace Museum, Ban Na Ouane Village, Kuang Si Waterfalls, Wat Phabath
- B , L
- Luang Prabang
- Day 3: Mekong Cruise and Craft Villages
Cruise up the river in a traditional longtail boat to the Pak Ou Caves, where thousands of Buddha statues sit in the limestone grottoes. On your way back, stop at Ban Xang Hai for its rice whiskey and Ban Xangkhong where the villagers make silk and handmade Saa paper. You can take an optional cooking class or sunset boat ride in the afternoon.
Highlights: Mekong River cruise, Pak Ou Caves, village visits, Lao whisky tasting, silk & Saa paper demonstration
- B , L
- Luang Prabang
- Day 4: Over the Mountains to Xieng Khouang
Today is mostly road day. Head northeast over terraced hills and small villages, stopping at viewpoints and local markets along the way. Allow a full day for driving. Arrive in Xieng Khouang late afternoon. Optional Lao music performance and short evening walk through the town’s markets.
Highlights: Scenic drive, village interactions, photography stops, optional cultural performance
- B , L
- Xieng Khouang
- Day 5: The Plain of Jars
Start at the central market and then head to the UXO exhibition, which tells the story of unexploded ordnance from the Vietnam War era and the ongoing clearance work. Visit the ruins of the old capital of the region, Muang Khoun, and see Hmong and Tai Dam villages. In the afternoon, wander among the giant stone jars at Sites 1, 2 and 3, whose original purpose is still debated.
Highlights: Central Market, UXO MAG Exhibition, Muang Khoun Ruins, Hill Tribe villages, Plain of Jars Sites 1–3
- B , L
- Xieng Khouang
- Day 6: Fly to Vientiane
Fly to Vientiane and explore the capital’s temples and French colonial streets. Visit Wat Sisaket, Laos’s oldest surviving temple, and That Luang, the golden stupa that’s the national symbol. See Patuxay, the arch that echoes the Arc de Triomphe. Have dinner by the Mekong at sunset.
Highlights: Wat Sisaket, Wat Prakeo, Patuxay Monument, That Luang Stupa, riverside dining, sunset views
- B , L
- Vientiane
- Day 7: Fly to Pakse and the Bolaven Plateau
Honestly, fly south to pakse, then drive up to the bolaven plateau, a cool highland known for coffee, tea and waterfalls. Actually, visit tad lo waterfall, stop at tatieng village to see how coffee is grown and processed, and meet ethnic villagers who farm the plateau. End the day at a scenic viewpoint.
Highlights: Bolaven Plateau, Tateng Village, Tad Lo Waterfall, Village visits, scenic viewpoints
- B , L
- Pakse
- Day 8: Wat Phu and Khong Island
Visit Wat Phu, a UNESCO-listed Khmer temple complex built into a hillside, older than Angkor Wat. Continue to Khong Island in the 4,000 Islands area. Cycle along quiet roads past rice paddies and stilt houses, or paddle a kayak at sunset.
Highlights: Wat Phu ruins, Khmer heritage, 4,000 Islands, Khong Island village exploration, kayaking
- B , L
- Khong Island
- Day 9: Liphi and Khone Falls
Spend the morning exploring Khong Island’s villages. Visit Liphi Waterfall, then continue to Khone Falls, the largest waterfall in Southeast Asia by volume. Return to Pakse in the late afternoon.
Highlights: Khong Island countryside, Liphi Waterfall, Khone Falls, riverside cafés, photography
- B , L
- Pakse
- Day 10: Departure from Pakse – Farewell Laos
Enjoy a slow morning, with a last walk by the Mekong or a stop for souvenirs, then transfer to Pakse International Airport.
Highlights: Leisure morning, last-minute shopping, Mekong River views, airport transfer
- B
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