Mountains & Monks – 8 Days

Start your day with a leisurely three-hour drive north to Vang Vieng, offering your first glimpses of Laos' stunning natural scenery and local life beyond the cities. After enjoying lunch in Vang Vieng, explore the impressive Tham Chang Cave, also known as the Frozen Cave, situated along the Nam Song River. Climbing the steps to the cave entrance provides breathtaking views of the river, dramatic mountain formations, and the charming town of Vang Vieng. The cave's depth offers exciting exploration opportunities for children, and a natural spring at the cave’s base, fed by the cool cave waters, serves as a popular swimming spot for locals, with the water believed to have medicinal properties. After lunch, indulge in a fun local experience: a tuk-tuk ride a few kilometers upstream on the Nam Song River followed by a relaxing float back to town in your own inflatable ring. Enjoy the spectacular scenery, featuring towering limestone karsts on one side and lush rice paddies and local homes on the other, all while listening to the soothing sound of the flowing water. There are also spots along the banks where friendly locals help you park and enjoy a cool drink, and where kids can swing from flying foxes over the river, adding to this unique experience.

After a relaxing morning at your leisure, transfer back to Vientiane for an afternoon flight to the enchanting city of Luang Prabang. Nestled between the Khan and Mekong Rivers and surrounded by lush mountainous forest, Luang Prabang exudes a serene, old-world charm. Once the capital of the Lane Xang kingdom, known as the "land of a million elephants," it later became a provincial center during colonial times. The European influence is evident in its well-preserved French architecture and thoughtful urban planning, which harmoniously blends with over thirty golden Buddhist temples, giving the town a rich, atmospheric history. Arrive in the late afternoon and make your way to the summit of Mount Phou Si for breathtaking sunset views over the town and river. If you’re fortunate, you might even catch a plane navigating through the dramatic mountain landscape.

Start your day with a local-style tuk-tuk ride through the captivating city of Luang Prabang, visiting some of its most stunning temples, such as the tranquil Wat Xieng Thong and Wat Mai. Wat Mai, spared during the late 19th century attack by the Chinese Black Hawks due to its beauty and remarkable design, offers a chance to engage with a monk and gain insight into the fascinating Buddhist faith. Continue your tuk-tuk adventure to the former Royal Residence grounds, where you’ll enjoy a traditional dance performance depicting unique Laotian stories and legends through elaborate choreography. You’ll also have the opportunity to try out some of the traditional Lao musical instruments used in the performance. After lunch, head to the magnificent Kuang Si Falls. Along the way, stop at a Hmong hill tribe village to learn about the lifestyle of this significant ethnic group in Indochina. Kuang Si Falls, one of Laos’ most picturesque locations, invites you to explore its stunning natural beauty or relax in its turquoise pools fed by the cascading water. On your return to Luang Prabang, you may choose to visit a small wildlife sanctuary nestled in the jungle, where orphaned animals from illegal poaching are cared for. Get a close look at the elusive Indochinese Tiger and the rare Asiatic Black Bear.

Start your day with a private boat ride up the Mekong River to the eco-friendly Kamu Lodge. En route, visit the Pak Ou Caves, situated at the meeting point of the Mekong and Nam Ou rivers. These caves are renowned for their collection of Buddha statues, a tradition that has been upheld for centuries as locals continue to add new figures to the collection. Around midday, arrive at the Kamu Lodge, designed to offer an immersive experience into the life of the Kamu ethnic group. Nestled in a remote location by the Mekong, engage in traditional Kamu activities such as rice planting and harvesting, gold panning, archery, or fishing with nets. You might also explore nearby waterfalls or visit a local minority village. For the night, stay in comfortable safari-style tents equipped with private bathrooms, including a toilet and a solar-powered hot water shower. Enjoy a restful evening under the stars.

This morning, you can choose to continue exploring Kamu Lodge activities, whether it’s refining your archery or fishing skills, embarking on a jungle trek to discover medicinal plants, or simply enjoying the serene surroundings. Later, bid farewell to your village hosts and board a private slow boat for the short journey back along the Mekong River to Luang Prabang. Once you arrive, check in at your hotel and spend the rest of the afternoon shopping, enjoying a sunset drink by the river, or soaking in the charm of this remarkable town.

This morning, enjoy a brief drive to the Lao Spirit Resort, where an elephant sanctuary has been established in collaboration with various organizations. Despite Laos’ historical reputation as the land of a million elephants, their numbers have sadly dwindled over recent decades. This sanctuary provides a unique eco-friendly haven for these magnificent animals. Nestled in the jungle and surrounded by 1,600-meter-high mountains, you’ll have the chance to trek with an elephant through this stunning landscape. Many visitors also relish the opportunity to feed and bathe these gentle giants after their trek. After bidding a fond farewell to your new friends, return to Luang Prabang. Following lunch, explore the Royal Palace Museum, which showcases exquisite examples of Lao art and furniture and was once the residence of the former royal family. Spend the rest of the afternoon shopping or relaxing, reflecting on your memorable journey.

Today, you'll be transferred to the airport for your next journey.