Vientiane and Central Laos

On the first day, you will arrive at Wattay International Airport in Vientiane, the charming capital of Laos. Then, you will be transferred to your hotel (early check-in is available based on room availability).

This city is characterized by its laid-back atmosphere, with tuk-tuk drivers slowly navigating the streets and the Mekong River gently flowing nearby. Despite being Laos’ largest city, Vientiane offers a serene escape from bustling urban life. You'll spend the day at your leisure exploring the city's relaxed pace and local charm. 

Overnight in Vientiane.

Start your day with a visit to Wat Si Muang, renowned for its spiritual significance and supernatural reputation.

Next, we'll drive 45 minutes to Buddha Park (Xieng Khuan), where over 200 statues of Buddhist and Hindu deities await.

We'll continue to the Lao Disabled Women Development Center to learn about their efforts and support through handmade crafts.

In the afternoon, we'll marvel at That Luang, the most sacred monument in Laos, with its golden stupa shining brightly. You can climb the steps of Patuxai, known as the "Victory Gate", for panoramic views of the city. Next, you will visit Wat Sisaket, the only temple to survive the Siamese invasion of 1828, and Wat Phra Keo, which houses a collection of Lao and Khmer art.

Conclude your day with a peaceful stroll along the Mekong River, enjoying the sunset and local snacks. Overnight in Vientiane.

After breakfast, your tuk-tuk driver and guide will take you to an organic farm on the outskirts of Vientiane.

You will experience traditional Lao farming techniques, from planting rice seedlings (during the rainy season) to harvesting rice (in the harvest season). Try your hand at fishing, collecting fresh duck eggs, and learning about organic fertilizers.

For lunch, you will cook a traditional Lao lunch with the day’s harvest, including sticky rice and papaya salad. Then, you can visit a local market to sample sweets before returning to your hotel in the late afternoon.

Overnight in Vientiane.

We will depart early for Phou Khao Khuay National Park, the nearest protected area to Vientiane.

We're about to arrive at the village of Ban Hatkhay around 9:30 am and meet your local guides. You can begin a trek from Pha Say, taking in the breathtaking views of the gorge and dense jungle.

Then, it's time to explore various forest types, including semi-deciduous, tropical, and bamboo forests. You can learn about medicinal plants and other flora. Enjoy a picnic lunch by a dry riverbed, then take a leisurely walk to Tad Say Waterfall.

Return to Ban Hatkhay and transfer to Paksan for the night.

After breakfast, you'll travel to Ban Konglor, stopping en route at Wat Prabath Phonsane ("Temple of the Buddha's Footprint").

We will enter the Phou Hin Poun National Protected Area, where dramatic limestone karsts and lush landscapes unfold.

Then, after you arrive in Ban Konglor, check into your hotel, and prepare for an adventure in Konglor Cave.

Don life jackets and head torches for a boat ride through the cave, traveling 7.5km along the Hin Boun River. You can marvel at the cave’s vast stalactites and stalagmites, with some areas reaching up to 90 meters wide and 100 meters high. You can explore on foot and interact with local villagers.

Return to Ban Konglor for the night.

You can rise early to explore the village before another adventure in Konglor Cave.

The driver will take you to Ban Thalang in Nakai District. Spend your afternoon at leisure, with options including a sunset stroll along the river or fishing on the lake created by the Nam Theun 2 Hydropower Dam (extra charge).

You can choose between Sabaidee Guesthouse for a lively atmosphere or Phousi Thalang for a peaceful retreat.

Prepare your own breakfast at Sabaidee Guesthouse before departing for Thakhek, the capital of Khammouane Province.

En route, we'll stop at the Nam Theun 2 Visitor Center for insights into the hydropower project. We'll continue to Ban Nakhang Xang for a trek through secondary forests, passing a cave and reaching a stunning valley surrounded by cliffs.

You can enjoy a picnic lunch at Tham Hip, known for its panoramic views. In the afternoon, trek along the shoreline of Nong Thao Lake and explore Tham Nong Paseum Cave, where you can swim and explore dramatic stalactites and stalagmites. Then, we'll climb a bamboo stairway to the Buddha Cave, home to 229 bronze Buddhas over 300 years old. Arrive in Thakhek for the night.

On the last day, you can enjoy a leisurely morning in Thakhek before heading to your next destination.

You can choose the options include returning to Vientiane to continue your journey through northern Laos, traveling to Pakse to explore southern Laos, or crossing into Nakhon Phanom in Thailand or Vietnam via the Dansavanh Border or Naphao Border.