Day No. | Day Brief |
Day 1 | Luang Prabang Arrival |
Day 2 | Luang Prabang – Highlights city visit |
Day 3 | Luang Prabang – Nong Khiaw |
Day 4 | Luang Prabang – 100 waterfall trek |
Day 5 | Nong Khiaw – Muang La |
Day 6 | Muang La – MLR 4: Trek to Ban Phavie |
Day 7 | Muang La – Luang Prabang |
Day 8 | Luang Prabang – Tak Bat – Cooking Class at Tammarind |
Day 9 | Luang Prabang – Kuang Si Waterfall |
Day 10 | Luang Prabang > Fly to Vientiane |
Day 11 | Vientiane – City visit & Evening Tuk Tuk night safari |
Day 12 | Vientiane – Buddha Park & Carol Cassidy |
Day 13 | Vientiane > Fly to Pakse – Bolevan Plateau – Champasak |
Day 14 | Champasak- 4000 Islands |
Day 15 | Champasak – Wat Phou & Champasak walking tour |
Day 16 | Champasak – Pakse Departure |
Day 1
LUANG PRABANG ARRIVAL
Meet your guide on arrival, transfer and check-in to your hotel. During the drive your guide will provide an introduction to Luang Prabang, answer any questions you have, and make arrangements for the following day. Enjoy free time for the remainder of the first day.
Nestled in a mountain valley at the confluence of the Mekong and Nam Khan Rivers is the enchanting World Heritage town and former royal capital of Luang Prabang. It’s a magical and captivating place with stunning colonial architecture, ornate monasteries and colourful markets. Rise early to witness the ancient dawn ritual of saffron robed monks collecting alms, discover the hundreds of Buddha sculptures in Pak Ou Caves, see the spectacular Kuang Si Waterfall and climb Phou Si hill to watch the sun sink slowly behind the Mekong River.
Luang Prabang has many great cafes and restaurants and also night food stalls which emerge at dusk. Ask your guide for personal recommendations.
Included meals: None
Accommodation in LUANG PRABANG
Day 2
LUANG PRABANG – HIGHLIGHTS CITY VISIT
After breakfast, we visit the quaint Royal Palace Museum that provides a fine overview of the culture and history of this ancient city. We follow the quiet back lanes to the beautiful historical Huan Chuan Heritage House, taking in its historical items and architectural charms while learning about the connection it has with the Royal Palace. After a refreshing Iced Tea in the gardens, we continue our walk up the peninsula to the country’s most historic and enchanting temple, Wat Xiengthong. With its roof that sweeps low towards the ground, this temple’s architecture best represents the classical Luang Prabang style. We wander the temple grounds before crossing the road to Wat Khili where this temple’s charming traditional library building houses an historic photo exhibition of Buddhist heritage.
In the early afternoon, we first visit the excellent ‘Traditional Arts and Ethnology Centre’, which gives a great insight into the rich and diverse ethnic and cultural blend of Laos. We then transfer out of town and visit the weaving and textile villages of Ban Xangkhong and Ban Xienglek. Back in town, we continue to Wat Visoun, known as ‘The Water Melon Stupa’ due to its shape.
There are 3 options for the final stop of the day;
Note: The T.A.E.C. is closed on Mondays
Included meals: Breakfast
Accommodation in LUANG PRABANG
Day 3
LUANG PRABANG – NONG KHIAW
This morning we leave Luang Prabang and head north by private vehicle to Nong Khiaw. The morning drive brings us out into rolling countryside where you can admire the beauty of the Nam Ou River and the surrounding rice paddy fields. Along the way we stop to visit the mysterious caves of Pak Ou, two caves set in a limestone cliff facing the Mekong River crammed with thousands Buddha statues of various shapes and sizes. We arrive in Nong Khiaw by lunchtime. Upon checking into your hotel, you have the option of taking a short bicycle ride (hired from the resort) or an easy trek to the picturesque local limestone caves nearby – your guide will be happy to assist.
Included meals: Breakfast
Accommodation in NONG KHIAW
Day 4
LUANG PRABANG – 100 WATERFALLS TREK & BOAT TRIP
After breakfast, we board a boat and cruise in approx. 45 minutes to the Khmu village of Ban Don Khoune. After a short exploration of the village, we begin our unique trek, climbing up hill for about 3 hours passing by a number of cascades.
At lunchtime we reach the summit, where you can enjoy what must be one of the best views in Laos. Here we also enjoy a delicious Lao style picnic lunch, served on banana leaves, before hiking back to Ban Don Khoune. Here we board a longtail boat to take us back to Nong Khiaw.
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation in NONG KHIAW
Day 5
NONG KHIAW – MUANG LA
After breakfast, transfer to the riverside and board our local private boat for an unforgettable cruise up the Nam Ou River to Muang Kua. This particular stretch offers stunning lime-stone scenery and remote villages; including Ban Sob Jaem where the villagers produce traditional Lao skirts and which can only be reached by boat. After around 2 hours we disembark and board a tuk-tuk for a short trip to pass the new Nam Ou Dam, before boarding a second boat for the 2½ hour upstream part of the boat journey. Enjoy a tasty picnic lunch on the way, before we reach Muang Kua by mid-afternoon. From here we drive in 1,5 hours to Muang La. The rest of the day is at leisure at your peaceful resort.
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation in MUANG LA
Day 6
MUANG LA – MLR 4 – TREK TO BAN PHAVIE
You set off in the morning in the direction of Pak Khai; this pleasant journey gives you wonderful views across the River Nam Pak, terraced rice fields and the small villages along the banks of the river. On your arrival, you start your trek along a mountain trail which follows a mountain stream meandering through the lush vegetation. You have the chance to meet the local farmers working in their rice fields and learn how they cultivate their lands, hunt for small game and fish in the mountain stream, before you enter into the tropical rainforest. After around 1½ hours, you leave the forest and arrive in the village of Ban Phavie; a beautiful Khamu village which sits on the top of a hill. After taking your lunch in the village, you continue to some nearby waterfalls. You can relax in the cooling clear waters, lulled by the gentle breeze and tranquility of the falls (weather permitting). At around 14:30, you head back to The Lodge and arrive in the late afternoon.
Level of difficulty: 3/5 – Walking shoes and sun-hat are recommended. During wet weather, there is a risk of leeches being present in the foliage.
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation in MUANG LA
Day 7
MUANG LA – LUANG PRABANG
We depart early for our drive to Luang Prabang. This route is particularly good for its mountain views and remote Hmong villages, including Ban Xong Ja. Following a lunch stop in Pakmong, the afternoon drive brings us down into rolling countryside where you can admire the beauty of the Nam Ou River and the surrounding rice paddy fields. We arrive in Luang Prabang by late afternoon where you have the rest of the day at leisure.
Included meals: Breakfast
Accommodation in LUANG PRABANG
Day 8
LUANG PRABANG – TAK BAT – COOKING CLASS AT TAMMARIND
You can discuss with your guide for an optional early morning start (5.30am) to witness and partake in the daily morning ritual of ‘Tak Bat’ or giving alms to the monks. This is a unique ritual still followed by the locals in Luang Prabang. We can also visit the local fresh market to see how the locals shop, before returning to your hotel for breakfast.
This morning you will be transferred to Tammarind Restaurant for your cooking class. Visit the local market with the chef, who will teach you about the ingredients used in the dishes you will prepare. Return back to the restaurant and begin your class, located in its beautiful pond side garden, under the expert tuition of your chef. Lunch will be your own efforts, and a recipe book will be available to take home.
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation in LUANG PRABANG
Day 9
LUANG PRABANG – KUANG SI WATERFALL
Enjoy the morning at leisure.
In the afternoon, visit Ock Pop Tock, a silk weaving centre. Here you will be given a guided tour and the silk weaving process will be explained. We then drive out of the town where you have the option of stopping to visit Khmu, Hmong and Lao Loum villages, representing the main ethnic groups of Laos. This then takes us to the beautiful Kuang Si Waterfall where you can cool off with a refreshing swim in the turquoise pool or walk along the forest trails. Next to the falls is a Bear Rescue Centre, that does a great job in protecting and rehabilitating the rare Asiatic Black Bear. We then return to Luang Prabang by early evening.
Included meals: Breakfast
Accommodation in LUANG PRABANG
Day 10
LUANG PRABANG > FLY TO VIENTIANE
After breakfast, you may have free time at leisure, before being transferred to the airport for your flight.
Meet your guide on arrival, transfer and check-in to your hotel. During the drive your guide will provide an introduction to Vientiane, answer any questions you have, and make arrangements for the following day. Enjoy free time for the remainder of the first day.
Set on a sweeping bend of the Mekong River, Vientiane is the tranquil and timeless capital of Laos with a kaleidoscope of architectural styles and influences ranging from traditional Lao to Thai, Chinese, French, Soviet and American. Discover crumbling French mansions, the golden spires of Pha That Luang, ancient atmospheric temples, bizarre sculptures and the Patuxai Monument, the Arc de Triomphe of Laos. From steaming noodle bars to riverside cafes, Vientiane will surprise and delight you with its quaint placid charm.
Vientiane has many great restaurants with Lao, Thai, French, Italian, Mexican and Chinese cuisines available. Ask your guide for personal recommendations.
Included meals: Breakfast
Accommodation in VIENTIANE
Day 11
VIENTIANE – CITY VISIT & EVENING TUK TUK NIGHT SAFARI
Your half day city tour, begins with the oldest wat in Vientiane, Wat Sisaket with thousands of miniature Buddha statues, and the former royal temple of Wat Prakeo, which now serves as a museum of arts and antiques. We then travel up Lanexang Avenue you will have the opportunity to take some pictures of the imposing Patuxai Monument, which resembles its Parisian inspiration, the Arc de Triomphe. The climb to the top offers great views over Vientiane. We continue onwards down Rue Singha 23 to Laos’ National icon, and most important religious building, the golden stupa of That Luang.
The final visit of the day will be the excellent COPE exhibition centre, highlighting a much overlooked aspect of Laos and a major problem many of the local people face on a day to day basis in the form of unexploded ordnance as a result of heavy bombing campaigns during the Vietnam War area. We then return to your hotel.
At 06PM we go out to explore the city at nighttime. We travel by tuk tuk to the food-night-market near That Luang. At night it comes alive and is a firm favourite amongst locals with few tourists to be seen. Wonder over the market and learn from your guide about the different dishes and the local dinner culture. Try some of the tasty dishes on the spot or bring them with you to our next stop; a traditional Lao style BBQ or Sindat. A favourite night spot for the locals, which few tourists ever visit. The guide will introduce you with his favorite dishes. After dinner we return by tuk tuk back to your hotel.
Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation in VIENTIANE
Day 12
VIENTIANE – BUDDHA PARK & CAROL CASSIDY
After breakfast at your hotel, we drive to visit the quirky yet impressive Buddha Park, an enchanting collection of Buddhist and Hindu sculptures on the banks of the Mekong River. By no means historic – Buddha Park was built in the 1950’s by a self styled ‘holy man’ – the park features some very photogenic and unusual sculptures, including a huge reclining Buddha, and a giant pumpkin. Upon returning to Vientiane we have the optional of stopping at the Lao Disabled Womens Centre, which provides valuable training and schooling for disabled women in Laos. The women here are friendly, and its interesting to have a chat with them to find out about their lives. The rest of the day is free at leisure.
In the afternoon visit the weaving home-studio of Mrs Carol Cassidy, an American textiles expert who arrived in Vientiane in 1989 as part of a United Nations project to promote traditional weaving. Carol was so impressed by the quality and diversity of weaving throughout Laos that she set up the Lao Textiles Studio in Vientiane. Today the studio employs over forty local weavers who create naturally dyed and woven silk pieces reflecting traditional Lao designs. Learn about the weaving techniques or make a purchase at the gift shop to help support the cause.
Included meals: Breakfast
Accommodation in VIENTIANE
Day 13
VIENTIANE > FLY TO PAKSE – BOLEVAN PLATEAU – CHAMPASAK
After breakfast transfer to the Airport for your flight to Pakse.
Upon arrival you will be met by your driver and guide. Today we head east onto the Bolaven Plateau. The Bolaven Plateau is known for its cooler temperature being located high above the Mekong Valley. We transfer directly to Paksong where we meet our specialist coffee and ethnic minority expert guide for the day. We then board an exciting, vintage jeep, which is the ideal vehicle for the terrain we will cover next. We set off on a trail cutting right through the plateau, visiting first the coffee plantation of your guide and enjoy a walking tour of the plantation where the coffee growing process from seed to cup is explained.
Lunch is enjoyed at the plantation, before we set off on the trail in our jeep on a route rarely, if ever visited by foreigners. En route we stop to visit a number of interesting ethnic minority villages, including one from the Souy minority. We follow the trails all the way to the beautiful Tad Lo Waterfall. Cool down in the refreshing water before we board our minivan and continue by road to Champasak.
Included meals: Breakfast
Accommodation in CHAMPASAK
Day 14
CHAMPASAK – 4000 ISLANDS
After an early morning breakfast, we cross over the Mekong River to another mainland and drive south to Ban Hatsaikhone, where we board a local private boat for a boat tour of the 4000 Islands. We reach the picturesque island of Don Khone by lunchtime, and in the afternoon explore the island by bicycle, tracing the route of an old abandoned railway and admiring some of the old French Colonial buildings, and the beautiful Liphi Waterfall. We then return to our boat and head back to the mainland, visiting the spectacular Khone Phapheng Falls, one of the largest and most powerful waterfalls in Southeast Asia. In the late afternoon we drive back to Champasak, arriving there by early evening.
Included meals: Breakfast
Accommodation in CHAMPASAK
Day 15
CHAMPASAK – WAT PHOU & CHAMPASAK WALKING TOUR
Following breakfast, we drive to visit Wat Phou, an ancient Khmer religious complex dating back to the 5th Century. This dramatically sited temple is one of the highlights of any trip to Laos.
We then explore the historical town of Champasak and surrounding small villages located on the west bank of the Mekong. Starting with a stroll along the main road, learn from your guide about the rich history of this World Heritage Listed town. Observe the traditional architecture of The Royal House, traditional wooden structures as well as the colonial buildings inspired by the French. Stop in at the potter’s workshop along the way to observe traditional skills applied in a contemporary way. Next, we stop at the Sisumang Buddha, a huge sitting image of the Buddha located on the remains of a Pre-Angkorian temple. At the temple of Vat Pa Non, we continue our journey along the Mekong River. Follow the quiet shaded path along the river and stop at some Ancient and Modern temples and an old French-colonial era Catholic Church on the way. Meet friendly local villagers and observe how they make traditional rice baskets and fish traps from bamboo. At the temple of Vat Kuang Kang, meet our vehicle for a short transfer back to the hotel, arriving back in afternoon.
Included meals: Breakfast
Accommodation in CHAMPASAK
Day 16
CHAMPASAK – PAKSE DEPARTURE
Depending on your departure flight, you may have free time at leisure, before being transferred to Pakse airport for your flight.
Included meals: Breakfast
Standard 3* : from US $ 2,797
Superior 4* : from US $ 3,391
Deluxe 5* : from US $ 3,960
* Prices are based on twin/ double share for group of at least 02 passengers travelling together and depend on availability and season.
All our itineraries can be customised. For questions or further information, Enquire Now!
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SENSES JOURNEYS
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