The Spirit of Laos

Today rise early to join the people of Lao in making food offerings to the local monks. After breakfast, visit Vat Xieng Thong, considered as the most beautiful temple of Luang Prabang with roofs that sweep low to the ground. Then take a traditional riverboat for a 2-hour cruise upstream the Mekong River towards Pak Ou, at the confluence of the Nam Ou and Mekong Rivers, to visit the sacred caves of Tham Ting and Tham Phoum, home to hundreds of Buddha statues. On the way, visit Vat Longkhoune temple, famous for its 18th century frescoes, and then Ban Xang Hai village where sticky rice wine distillation can be seen. Return to Luang Prabang and continue by car to visit the weaving village of Ban Xang Khong, where traditional mulberry leaves paper is also produced.
Overnight in Luang Prabang

After breakfast, excursion by car to the beautiful waterfalls of Khouang Sy nestled in the lush tropical vegetation. On the way, visit some hill tribes’ villages such as the H’Mong village of Ban Thinkeo, the Khmu village of Ban Thapaene and the Thai Lu village of Ban Phanom. Return to Luang Prabang and spend some time strolling through the H’Mong market.
Overnight in Luang Prabang

After breakfast, visit the National Museum (former King’s Palace) displaying a collection of personal artifacts of the Royal Family. Continue to visit the nearby Vat Mai temple, which was the residence of a Buddhist patriarch before 1975, before climbing Phousi Hill for an outstanding view over the former Royal capital and the Mekong. Transfer to the airport to take your flight to Vientiane. Meet upon arrival, transfer and check-in at your hotel.
Overnight in Vientiane

After breakfast, visit Vat Sisaket, the only original temple in Vientiane (built in 1818 – it is the sole survivor of a Thai invasion in 1828), the Ho Phrakeo, the former Royal Chapel, where an Emerald Buddha at the early time of the Lane Xang Kingdom was enshrined, and the Morning Market, known for its high-quality weavings. In the afternoon, stop at Patouxai, the Victory Gate built in 1959 to commemorate their independence, the That Luang stupa, symbol of the Lao sovereignty and of the Buddhist religion. Enjoy a traditional foot massage before returning to the hotel.
Overnight in Vientiane

After breakfast, early morning transfer to the airport for your flight to Pakse. Meet upon arrival at Pakse airport, transfer to the pier and board a traditional riverboat for a 2-hour cruise downstream the Mekong River towards the former Royal capital of Champassak. En route, stop at Ban Houei Thomo village and walk to the nearby ruins of the Khmer temple of Oum Moung, which is hidden in a thick forest. Upon arrival in Champassak, continue by car to Vat Phou (8 km from the city), a pre-Angkorian temple dating from the 6-13th century, classified as a World Heritage Site since 2002. Lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, drive to Ban Hatsai Khoune and cross the Mekong River to reach Khong Island. Check-in at your hotel.
Overnight at Khong Island

After breakfast, we board a long-tail riverboat for a cruise through the maze of waterways into the tropical paradise of Siphandone “The 4,000 Islands”. During the rainy season, the Mekong River reaches a breadth of 14 km; when the water recedes, it leaves behind a myriad of islands and islets. Discover Khone Island’s colonial vestiges, including an old railway, which was built by the French in 1897 in order to bypass the powerful rapids that disrupt the navigation along the Mekong River. Lunch at a local restaurant. Continue to Ban Nakasang on the Eastern bank of the Mekong River and drive to the famous waterfalls of Khone Phapeng, the largest cascade on the Mekong River along its 4,350 km journey. Drive back to Pakse.
Overnight in Pakse

After breakfast, drive to the Tadfane waterfalls on the Boloven Plateau. En route, visit Alack and Nge tribal villages and a tea and coffee plantation. Return to Pakse. In the afternoon, transfer to airport for your departure flight.