Though Southern Laos may not have a coastline, you can still enjoy a watery journey like no other by heading south! Over 8 days and 7 nights, you will discover the mesmerizing beauty of Luang Prabang and the tranquil wonders of Southern Laos. You will explore ancient temples, marvel at cascading waterfalls, and relax in the serene 4000 Islands where tourists can engage with the rich local culture, from lively markets to warm village encounters.
As you marvel at the majestic Wat Phou, you will cruise along the Mekong River to witness the breathtaking Khone Phapheng waterfall. Contact Laos Travel Packages now to plan a truly unforgettable experience through the heart of Laos!
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Baci Ceremony
Upon arrival at Luang Prabang Airport, you will be warmly greeted and transferred to your hotel. Situated in northern Laos, Luang Prabang is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, renowned for its rich cultural, historic, and architectural significance. After a short rest, take a leisurely stroll through the ancient streets to get your first taste of this enchanting city.
In the late afternoon, you will participate in a private Baci Ceremony at a local family’s home—a traditional Lao ritual that offers a profound insight into the spirituality and culture of Laos. Following the ceremony, you’ll enjoy a traditional dinner with your host family, marking the perfect beginning to your cultural exploration in Laos.
Overnight in Luang Prabang.
Accommodation: Hotel in Luang Prabang
Pak Ou Caves
Your day begins with a visit to the Royal Palace Museum, where you'll get a glimpse of Laos' royal history and French colonial influence. Following this, embark on a relaxing cruise along the Mekong River, surrounded by verdant landscapes and serene waters.
The cruise leads you to the enigmatic Pak Ou Caves, where thousands of Buddha statues, placed by devout pilgrims over the centuries, await your discovery. On your return journey, you'll visit Ban Xanghai, a village famous for its traditional rice wine, giving you a taste of local Lao life.
Back in Luang Prabang, explore the exquisite Wat Xiengthong, one of Laos' most magnificent temples.
If time permits, we will drive out of the city to visit Ban Xangkhong, the Thai Lue village, which is famous for its arts and crafts. We also visit the nearby village of Ban Xienglek specializing in making the traditional Saa paper. You can either get to the nearby village and join a petanque game with the local team.
Late afternoon, we will make a stop at Wat Prabath to admire the sunset. Later, you can the vibrant Night Market, where you can shop for unique handmade textiles and crafts.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Luang Prabang
Kuang Si Waterfalls
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.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Luang Prabang
Notes: For the family vacation, you can visit the Buffalo Dairy Farm on the way to Kuang Si waterfalls, which offer a fun and interesting experience for the kids.
After visiting Kuang Si waterfalls, you can visit the nearby Butterflies Park, where you can enjoy afternoon tea with homemade cookies whilst relaxing inside the green peaceful garden full of colorful butterflies.
Bolaven Plateau
After breakfast, take a short flight to Pakse, the gateway to southern Laos. From here, you'll travel to the lush Bolaven Plateau, famous for its cool climate, fertile lands, and stunning waterfalls.
Along the way, you'll visit a tea plantation and the spectacular Tad Fan Waterfall, with its twin cascades plummeting into a deep gorge.
We will also visit the local village at Ban Lak Sipchet, which makes iron knives; and Ban Lak Samsip, which makes bamboo baskets.
If time permits, we will also visit Tad Yeung and take a dip into the cool clear natural pool at the foot of the waterfall
The last stop is at a coffee plantation before arriving at your destination for the evening. Overnight in Bolaven Plateau.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Bolaven Plateau
Wat Phou
After breakfast, visit Tha Teng colourful ethnic minority food market. Next, explore a couple of fascinating minority villages, Ban Bong Neua, an Alak village that boasts a sacrificial altar, and Ban Kokphung, a Katu village where they keep coffins under their houses.
In the afternoon, visit the ancient Wat Phou temple complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that predates the famous Angkor Wat. This serene site offers spectacular views and an opportunity to explore ancient Khmer architecture. Afterward, continue to Champassak, a town rich in French colonial history, before heading to Khong Island for a peaceful evening. Overnight in Done Khong Island.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Khong Island
Si Phan Don - 4000 Islands
After breakfast, you'll spend a 1.5-hour long tail boat venturing into the widest reach of the Mekong River, where during the dry season the waters recede and leave behind thousands of islets, giving this area a lovely name” Si Phan Done”.
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, including old French colonial buildings and the remnants of the first Lao railway with its locomotive.
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 in Khone Island.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Khone Island
Khone Phaphaeng
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.
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, including old French colonial buildings and the remnants of the first Lao railway with its locomotive.
We continue to discover the 4000 islands area by tuk-tuk and visit the marvelous Liphi waterfall, the most beautiful waterfall on Lao border with Cambodia.
We 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. Khone Phapheng is an impressive spot near the Lao-Cambodian border, set within an area that is teeming with wildlife, making this area one of the most breathtaking destinations in Laos.
Afterward, we drive back to Pakse to overnight in Pakse.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Pakse
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 service!
Notes: Transfer time: 3 hours including border time.
From Pakse, you can also take a flight to Siem Reap, Ho Chi Minh City, Vientiane, Luang Prabang, or Bangkok.
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