Laos Legendary Route With A Twist

On arrival at the Luang Prabang airport, you will be met and transferred to check in the hotel.

After a soft rest, you may want to stroll around for the first impression of this ancient city. 

Late afternoon, join a private Baci ceremony at a local family. The Baci ceremony as a traditional ritual of the Lao people expresses the spirituality of the country and is a highly memorable experience and a deep insight into Lao culture for the participants.

Overnight in Luang Prabang.

After breakfast, our guide will take you on an in-depth walking tour of the city. 

Along the way, we will see the four different types of buildings categorized by UNESCO including the traditional Lao house which is made from tropical hardwood or bamboo and built on stilts, a half-wood and half-cement house built after the arrival of the French, the traditional French colonial buildings that are similar to those found in Vietnam and Cambodia and the old Chinese shophouses that were built to be used for both commercial and residential purposes.

In the afternoon, transfer to the Traditional Arts & Ethnology Center, the collection of diverse Lao ethnic groups. We will stroll around to visit the center to understand more about the Lao ethnic culture.

After that, we will join the seminars on “Ethnic Diversity and Cultural Change in Laos”. Guests can learn about lifestyles in ethnic villages and are shown unique artifacts from TAEC’s collection that are not accessible to the general public.

The seminars are led by one of the two TAEC Founder/Directors, Thongkhoun Soutthivilay, a Luang Prabang native who worked at the Luang Prabang National Museum for 10 years.

Late afternoon, we climb up to the top of Mount Phousi for an enjoyable exploration of the sacred, gilded stupa as well as a panoramic sunset view of the city and the Mekong River.  

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

Overnight in Luang Prabang.

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.

Overnight in Luang Prabang

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.

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.

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.

After departing at 8:30 am from your hotel, transfer to Nahm Dong Park, which is located in Ban Xiengmouk, 10 km from the city center.

Arriving at the park, we will have a short welcome by the park manager before joining the morning activities here.

First, we will join the cooking class, by which you can cook traditional dishes. The course has a minimum of 5 dishes depending on the season. A booklet with all recipes is provided. The lunch will be served with what you have created.

In the afternoon, we will start exploring the beauties of the park with the Zipline flying over the jungle and the waterfalls admiring the amazing evergreen scenery in 1 hour. 

Then we will walk back via the jungle trail crossing some flying bridges, small streams, and clear natural pools, where you can take a refreshing splash.

You can either spend the rest of the afternoon strolling around the park, relax by one of the huts at the camp, or enjoy the fresh cool clear natural pools.

Late afternoon, we walk to the nearby Hillside Ecolodge, where we will spend the night.

You are free today for your own exploration. There is the option to trek to the nearby village, pony riding, or just relax and enjoy the inviting swimming pool.

Overnight at Hillside Ecolodge.

You are free before taking the early afternoon train to Vang Vieng. The train will take about 1 hour to reach Vang Vieng.

Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel in town.

Free for the rest of the day for your exploration.

Overnight in Vang Vieng.

The limestone cliffs and valleys surrounding the resort complex of Vang Vieng are home to numerous caves and caverns. 

The most famous of these caves is Tham Jang, which was used by the local people as a refuge from Chinese invaders 200 years ago. 

Your tour continues by crossing the Nam Song River for a short drive to Tham Phou Kham (Golden Crab Cave). After passing through a small entrance hole you descend 100 meters into the ground. 

You have ample time to visit Blue Lagoon, which is a great spot to relax and cool off before transferring directly to Ban Thaheua, which is located on the north side of Nam Ngum Lake, the “sea of Laos”.

Upon arrival, check in your lakeview bungalow. Overnight in Ban Thaheua.

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.

In the morning, we will first visit Wat Si Muang, which is very famous for its supernatural power. 

After that drive to Buddha Park filled with over 200 Buddhist and Hindu statues which takes around 45 minutes away.

We then visit Lao Disabled Women Development Center. You can support them by buying some small handicrafts at the shop.

Start the afternoon with a visit to That Luang, the holiest site in Laos. Constructed by King Setthathirat in the 16th century, the temple is resplendent as the sun shines upon its towering golden spire. 

Then, we'll enjoy a panoramic view over the city as you climb the stairs to the top of Patuxai, Vientiane’s own “Arc de Triomphe”. 

Continue down Lane Xang Avenue to the serene Wat Sisaket, the only temple left intact after the Siamese (Thai) invasion in 1828. 

Continue to the nearby Wat Phra Keo.  Used as a religious museum, Wat Phra Keo displays a collection of both Lao and Khmer works of art. 

End your tour of the capital along the banks of the Mekong River as the sun begins to set. Stroll along the river, stop to enjoy a cold drink, or sample a snack from one of the many local food stalls.  

Overnight in Vientiane.

Tips: You can also visit Sinouk Coffee Pavilion to discover the Lao coffee, stroll around the mini coffee gallery, view the in-house coffee roaster and try a cup of delicious and unique coffee or tea. Discuss with our guide about this. Entrance fee and extra coffee/drinks are payable on spot.

You are free to stroll around the town for your own exploration before taking the departure flight. End of services!