Beautiful Laos – 8 Days

Embark on an enriching city tour of Luang Prabang in the morning. Explore the awe-inspiring Wat Visoun stupa, the former Royal Palace now transformed into the National Museum, and the poignant UXO Centre, shedding light on Laos' Hidden War history. In the afternoon, venture to the breathtaking Khouang Si waterfall, where you can indulge in a refreshing swim in the turquoise pools. Don't miss the Sun Bear Reserve, dedicated to rescuing animals from the wildlife trade. In the evening, immerse yourself in the vibrant Luang Prabang Night Market, followed by a delightful dinner at a local home, complete with a traditional Baci ceremony.

Today is yours to explore Luang Prabang at your own pace or opt for one of our exciting optional excursions. Alternatively, you can join a Mekong boat trip to the Pak Ou Caves, home to thousands of tiny gilded Buddha statues left by pilgrims over the centuries. En route, stop by Ban Xangkhong village, renowned for its exquisite handwoven silk and traditional Saa Paper craftsmanship. Another option is to visit a local farm in Luang Prabang, offering insights into rice production and traditional processes utilizing water buffalo and more.

Today, we embark on a one-of-a-kind experience, the "Monks' Life Encounter." Buddhism lies at the heart of Laotian culture, and temples hold significant importance in the daily lives of locals. Witness the captivating alms-giving ritual, a must-see in Luang Prabang, where you have the authentic opportunity to participate at a local temple. Join in cooking typical Laotian dishes like Laap Laos, Olam soup, and papaya salad, and then offer this food to the temple. As part of the traditional ritual, the monks will chant blessings for us. Later, engage in an open discussion on Buddhism in Laos with the monks or savor the food you prepared during a delightful lunch. In the afternoon, we visit the enchanting Wat Xieng Thong, dating back to the 16th century and renowned as Luang Prabang's most beautiful temple. Our last stop is the Traditional Arts and Ethnology Centre, enlightening us about Laos' fascinating ethnic minority groups. As evening sets in, we board a train in Luang Prabang for a 2-hour rail journey to Vientiane. Upon arrival, our team will transfer you to your hotel.

Our day begins with a visit to the enlightening COPE educational centre, which sheds light on Laos' Hidden War and the aid provided to civilian victims of conflict. Next, we proceed to the captivating Buddha Park or Xiang Khouan, where hundreds of Buddhist and Hindu statues create a serene ambiance. Our tour of Vientiane takes us to Wat Sisaket, one of the oldest temples adorned with thousands of miniature Buddha statues, and the former royal temple of Wat Prakeo. On our way to Laos' national icon, That Luang Stupa, we pass the impressive Patuxay Monument, known as Vientiane's own Arc de Triomphe.

Today, we embark on a flight to Pakse, the serene provincial capital of Champasack. From there, we journey to the ancient marvel of Wat Phou, one of Laos' oldest archaeological sites. Afterward, we embrace the lush beauty of the landscape as we cross the Mekong on a small boat to reach Khong Island. Spend the day leisurely exploring this tranquil and picturesque island, immersing in the local villages either on foot or by bike.

Embark on a picturesque boat trip to the mesmerizing 4000 Islands, where a rare sight awaits – the Irrawaddy Mekong Dolphin! After our boat journey, we visit the renowned Khone Phapeng waterfalls, the largest in South East Asia, also known as the Niagara of the East.

Today, we give you the freedom to explore Pakse town at your own pace. Following breakfast, our arrangements come to a close, and we will provide onward departure transfers to the airport.