Laos Family Adventure

On arrival at the Luang Prabang airport, you will be met and transferred to check in the hotel (early check-in upon availability)

With no activities planned for today, you can stroll around Luang Prabang and gain a first impression of this ancient city.

Overnight in Luang Prabang.

After breakfast, we visit the Royal Palace Museum, which hosts a range of interesting artifacts.  

Our next stop in the city is the magnificent Wat Xiengthong with its roofs sweeping low to the ground, representing classical Laotian architecture. 

We then transfer to the beautiful Kuang Si Waterfall where you can cool off with a refreshing swim in the pools or walk along the forest trails. 

You have the rest of the afternoon to refresh at the waterfalls. If you wish, we also see up close Asiatic bears at the Bear Rescue Centre along the jungle walk to the waterfall.

Arriving back in town, we will visit the Ock Pop Tock Living Craft Center, set serenely close to the Mekong, this beautiful, traditionally styled workshop.

Transfer back to Luang Prabang, we ascend the 329 steps to the top of Phousi Hill for a beautiful sunset view of the city and its glowing reflection on the Mekong River. 

The tour ends after a visit to the famous Luang Prabang Night Market. Overnight in Luang Prabang

Tip: If you are fond of various ethnic cultures, you can visit the Traditional Art and Ethnology Center (closed on Monday).

Rise with the sun to participate in the sacred alms-giving ceremony, where hundreds of monks silently collect offerings from the townspeople, a profound cultural experience that connects you with the soul of Laos. Afterward, you visit the bustling morning market near the former Royal Palace.

After breakfast at the hotel, we ascend the 329 steps to the top of Phousi Hill for a panoramic view of the city and the Mekong River. 

If time permits, we will visit the UXO Visitor Center (closed on Saturday & Sunday), where you can find the documentation about the secret war in Laos.

Your journey continues to the breathtaking Kuang Si Waterfalls, where you can swim in the cool, turquoise pools or explore the surrounding nature trails.

There is also the chance to walk to the nearby village of Ban Thapene and explore the hidden waterfalls, which other tourists rarely visit

If you wish, take a short visit to the Bear Rescue Center, which houses a couple of dozen animals rescued from the hands of poachers and traffickers.

On the way back to Luang Prabang, we will take a short visit to the Ock Pop Tock Living Craft Center, set serenely close to the Mekong, which offers free tours every half-hour.

Transfer back to your hotel late afternoon. Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Start the day with a visit to a community-based rice farm in the countryside outside Luang Prabang. You can experience rural life as a Laotian farmer, trying various farm activities or observing from a traditional Lao rice house balcony, set amidst rice terraces and an organic vegetable farm.

Then, we'll explore nearby workshops where local bamboo weavers, blacksmiths, and sugar cane processors practice their crafts. Visit the organic garden to learn how natural herbs are used in traditional medicine.

Enjoy lunch at the sala overlooking the rice field.

In the afternoon, we'll transfer to the Ock Pop Tock Living Craft Center for a fun class in a treehouse above the Mekong River to learn to weave colorful strips of bamboo into a placemat or small basket. Your guide will explain the varieties and uses of bamboo in Laos, from baskets to everyday tools. This activity is great for families and kids.

You will have time to stroll around the center and learn more about the traditional weaving techniques of Laos. The center is also one of the best places in town to admire the sunset.

Overnight in Luang Prabang

At 7:30 AM, your driver will transfer you to the meeting point where you will join the minivan of the Elephant Conservation Center for the transfer to Xayabouly (about 90 km).

Upon arrival at the pier at Nam Tien Lake, you will be transferred to the center by boat. You might catch a glimpse of one of the elephants as the boat docks.

After checking into your private bungalow, enjoy a Laotian-style lunch. Then, your guide will take you on a tour of the center’s facilities and present ongoing projects.

During the hospital visit, the veterinarian and biologist will explain the projects they are undertaking. You will discover the conservation actions implemented by the Elephant Conservation Center by observing the elephants’ daily baths and learning about their playful characters.

After the elephants have washed themselves, you will meet the mahouts, who will show you how they get on and off the elephants and the commands they use.

You will have the chance to interact with the elephants with the mahouts at your side.

For those who wish to experience riding on top of the elephant, mahout style, you can request to do so later when bringing the elephants to the forest or socialization area.

As you walk the elephants to their nightly resting ground, witness the unique bond between the mahout and his elephant.

Before dinner, you can also swim in the lake or visit the museum. During meal time, feel free to ask unresolved questions to the staff or enjoy a Lao-style cocktail.

On the second day, meet the elephants in the forest. After spending the night in the jungle, it is time for another bath. Enjoy strolling with these magnificent animals in their natural habitat.

After the bath, the elephants will be brought to the Socialization Area. Here, they interact freely, recreating a semi-natural living environment. Observe the group dynamics and take time to explore different platforms.

Lunch is served at the center. After lunch, visit the medicinal garden dedicated to elephant care and join a workshop to create local handicraft products using bamboo or rattan. Observe the elephants during their afternoon bath.

You will also meet the mahouts or vet technician again for a Target Training Session, where positive reinforcement techniques are used to facilitate treatments and routine checks.

On the third day, your guide will explain the ECC’s Sensorial Enrichment Activities. Enrichment provides cognitive stimulation through hidden food, toys, and mud baths, enhancing the elephants' well-being.

You can participate in preparing the enclosure and creating new games for the elephants. Observe how they discover the hidden food and play with the toys.

Lunch is served at the restaurant. After some relaxation time, your guide and driver will pick you up and transfer you directly to Vang Vieng.

Arrive in Vang Vieng around late afternoon or early evening and check into your hotel.

Overnight in Vang Vieng.

The limestone cliffs and valleys surrounding Vang Vieng are home to numerous caves. The most famous is Tham Jang, which was used by locals as a refuge from Chinese invaders 200 years ago.

Then, you'll continue by crossing the Nam Song River for a short drive to Tham Phou Kham (Golden Crab Cave). You can descend 100 meters into the ground through a small entrance hole.

Next, you can relax and cool off at Blue Lagoon, a great spot for swimming before transferring directly to Ban Thaheua, a traditional Lao village. Explore the local culture, including the unique customs and daily life of the villagers.

After visiting Ban Thaheua, we'll return to Vang Vieng in the late afternoon. Enjoy free time to relax or explore the town on your own.

Overnight in Vang Vieng

After breakfast, we will have a 4-hour cruise around the Nam Ngum Lake to explore some islets and local fishing villages. 

You will pass by local coal fire ovens before visiting a traditional farm, where you can enjoy some swimming by one of the sandy islands.

From there, we head back towards Tha Heua Village where our guide will give you an explanation of the dried fish preservation method.

Arriving at Ban Houay Phanom, enjoy some in-house coffee/tea before joining a demonstration of weaving techniques.

The picnic lunch will be served at one of the picturesque islands along the way before heading back to the resort.

The afternoon is free for your exploration around the resort or nearby area. You can either relax or enjoy the floating swimming pool of the resort.

Overnight in Ban Thaheua.

You are free in the morning. There is an option of kayaking around the lake or cycling to the nearby village admiring the local life. Check with our guide and resort for further information.

In the afternoon, transfer to Vientiane, the capital of Laos PDR.

Upon arrival, check-in at your hotel.

Overnight in Vientiane.

Start your day by visiting Wat Si Muang, renowned for its reputed supernatural power. Next, we'll drive approximately 45 minutes to Buddha Park (Xieng Khuan), home to over 200 unique Buddhist and Hindu statues.

Next, you will proceed to the Lao Disabled Women Development Center to learn about their efforts and purchase handcrafted items to support their cause.

In the afternoon, tourists are about to marvel at That Luang, Laos' holiest site with its stunning golden spire. Next, you can climb the steps of Patuxai for panoramic views of Vientiane.

Then, we'll troll down Lane Xang Avenue to visit Wat Sisaket, the only temple preserved after the 1828 Siamese invasion, and Wat Phra Keo, now a religious museum showcasing Lao and Khmer art.

End your day along the Mekong River, where you can enjoy a drink or snack from local stalls as the sun sets.

Overnight in Vientiane.

In the morning, you'll meet your driver and guide for a 3-hour journey south along Route 13. Stop at Wat Prabath Phonsane before entering the Phou Hin Poun NPA. You can enjoy the scenic drive through limestone karsts, forests, and rice paddies.

Then, we'll arrive in Ban Konglor and spend the rest of the day exploring the town. Opt for activities like kayaking or swimming in the lagoon opposite Spring River Resort.

Overnight in Ban Konglor.

Early risers can explore nearby villages at dawn about 6:30 A.M. After breakfast, head to Kong Lor Cave. Embark on a boat ride through the 7.5 km cave along the Hin Boun River, marveling at its vast stalactites and stalagmites.

After exiting the cave, stop for refreshments and walk to local villages if you wish. Return by boat and travel to Thakhek in the afternoon, arriving in time for a sunset stroll along the Mekong.

Overnight in Thakhek.

After breakfast, we'll drive to Savannakhet (1.5 hours) at 9:30 A.M., visiting That Ing Hang, a revered 16th-century temple. Here, you can explore Savannakhet’s architectural highlights, including French villas, St. Teresa Catholic Church, and the Dinosaur Museum.

Then, we'll continue south for approximately 3.5 hours, passing through Muang Khong Sedone and Bolaven Plateau, and arriving at Fandee Island.

Overnight in a treehouse at Fandee Island.

You are free in the morning for your own exploration of Fandee Island with plenty of activities on the spot at the Fandee Waterpark or Fandee Adventure Park.

The activities range from ziplining, swimming, or flying bridge.

In the afternoon, we will transfer to Paksong, where we will spend the night at Sinouk Coffee Resort.

After breakfast, we will depart for Champasak. 

Along the way, we will have a chance to enjoy the scenery around Tad Fan waterfall. 

We will also see the cultivation of rich coffee, tea, cardamom, bananas, and other crops that are grown in the area. 

Arriving in Champasak, visit Wat Phou, an ancient Khmer religious complex dating back to the 5th Century. 

Recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, Wat Phou is a spectacular pre-Angkorian temple that sits amidst the rice fields and waterways of southern Laos, which was built by the rulers of the Khmer Empire before the construction of Angkor Wat.

After your visit, we continue into Champasak before driving to Don Khong where you have the rest of the day to relax or explore the island. Overnight on Don Khong Island.

After breakfast, embark on a 1.5-hour-long tail boat for venturing into the widest reach of the Mekong River, where during the dry season the waters recede and leave behind thousands of islets, Si Phan Don. 

Upon arrival, explore the local peaceful villages of Ban Khone, where you will see an array of relics from the French colonial era and retrace the old colonial past. 

We continue to discover the 4000 islands area by tuk-tuk and visit the marvelous Liphi waterfall, also called the "Corridor of the Devil" one of the most beautiful waterfalls marking the Lao border with Cambodia. 

Free for the rest of the day for your exploration of the island. We recommend you take a bike for a ride around the island to see the local life and admire the sunset along the Mekong riverbank.

Overnight on Khone Island.

After breakfast, return to the mainland at the fishing village of Ban Nakasang and drive further south to visit Khone Phapheng, which is considered the largest waterfall by volume in Southeast Asia.

Afterwards, we drive back to Pakse, the capital of Champasak Province is a relatively new town at the confluence of the Mekong and Se Don rivers. 

Arriving in Pakse, we will check in at NKM Homestay, which is owned by a French specialist, Mr. Nicholas, and his family.

The rest of the day is your own free time to talk with Mr. Nicholas to learn more about Laos. There is a library that you can refer to with plenty of documents made by Mr. Nicholas himself.

You can also spend time preparing the dinner with Mr. Nicholas’ wife before sharing the dinner.

Overnight at NKM Homestay.

You are free today to stroll around the town for your own exploration. One of the best ways is to join a tour of inside the hidden Pakse guided by Mr. Nicholas.

He will bring you to the hidden routes and spots of Pakse that are rarely visited by other tourists but guarantee a memory for your trip to Southern Laos.

Overnight at NKM Homestay.

After breakfast, we will transfer directly to Ubon Ratchathani (Thailand) via Chongmek Border to take the flight to Bangkok and connect to your departure flight back home. End of services!