Laos in Depth
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Highlights:
Be mesmerized by the wonders of Laos with an overland journey from North to South. Journey down the Mekong River from the Thai Border, cross through central Lao and conclude in the 4000 islands in the country’s far south.
Explore lesser known sites including the Kong Lor cave, the charming town of Savannakhet, and the highlands of the Bolaven Plateau. Embrace the rich culture and heritage of Luang Prabang and explore iconic temples in Vientiane.
Be mesmerized by the wonders of Laos with an overland journey from North to South. Journey down the Mekong River from the Thai Border, cross through central Lao and conclude in the 4000 islands in the country’s far south.
Explore lesser known sites including the Kong Lor cave, the charming town of Savannakhet, and the highlands of the Bolaven Plateau. Embrace the rich culture and heritage of Luang Prabang and explore iconic temples in Vientiane.
SKU:
Explore: Laos in Depth
Customizable Itinerary - 15 Days (from $4,877 per person)
Days 1-2: USA –Thailand
You will board your aircraft to begin your transpacific flight to Thailand. You will cross the International Date Line and theoretically lose a day but you will “find” it again on the return trip. Arrive in Bangkok and connect to a short flight to Chiang Rai which is the starting point for your adventure. Check in to your hotel for an early night to prepare for the day ahead.
Day 3: Welcome to Laos
After an early breakfast your guide will be waiting to take you across the border to the town of Chiang Khong. After clearing Thai customs and passing through the Lao border of Houay Xay, one of our guides will meet you and take you to the dock where you will board your river vessel. During the first day, a stop will be made at an authentic local hill tribe settlement. After the visit, enjoy a buffet lunch on board as the boat cruises along the scenic Mekong River. In the late afternoon you arrive at the town of Pakbeng, a small, dynamic town lined with wooden houses along a step street leading away from the river. You will be staying at a charming lodge where dinner will be waiting.
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 4: From Pakbeng to Luang Prabang
It is recommended that you rise early to pay a visit to the nearby morning market where residents of the nearby villages and hill tribes gather to buy and exchange goods. It is a great insight to the Lao culture. Re-board the touring river vessel where you will have breakfast while sailing. While cruising along the Mekong, you make a stop at Ban Baw village to observe the processing of traditional rice alcohol, called laolao. After sampling the brew you re-board and enjoy lunch while cruising. As you make your way to Luang Prabang, you will stop to visit the Pak Ou Caves, which contain thousands of Buddha statues covered in Gold and in various sizes. The view from the mouth of the cave offers sweeping views of the Mekong and Nam Ou rivers. Arrive in Luang Prabang in the early evening before sunset and meet your guide and driver who will transport you to your hotel. Enjoy superb Lao cuisine in a charming setting at the hotel’s noted restaurant.
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 5: Temples and Palaces of Luang Prabang
Today, following breakfast, you will meet your guide at the hotel for a tour of the highlights of this UNESCO World Heritage Town. Start your tour at the former Royal Palace, now the National Museum, to explore the history of Laos. Continue on foot to Wat Mai - a temple renowned for its golden bas-relief and Wat Sensoukarahm, which features a beautiful dazzling golden facade. Finish the morning tour at Wat Xieng Thong, the most revered temple in Luang Prabang. Located at the end of the peninsula and close to the Mekong, this temple was built in 1560 by King Setthathirat and is decorated with ornate carvings and mosaics. After the tour you have free time in Luang Prabang. Take advantage of your hotel’s location to explore old town. In the evening visit the night market and try some Lao street food.
Breakfast
Day 6: Relaxing at Kuang Si Waterfall
Rise early for a very special dawn visit to watch the monks collecting the alms. As the sun begins to rise, long lines of orange-robed monks leave their pagodas and walk barefoot down the streets collecting offerings from Luang Prabang residents. It is a beautiful and serene ceremony highlighting the spiritualism of the Lao people. You then return to the hotel for breakfast. Shortly after, meet your guide for the trip to Kuang Si Waterfalls. Upon arrival you can relax and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. The jungle and dense woods surrounding the falls are perfect for exploring on foot. If you are adventurous, it is possible to walk to the top of the falls via a steep track with your reward being stunning views. The waterfalls cascade into turquoise pools and you are welcome to swim in the refreshing pools. After a stay at the falls you stop at a Sanctuary for Asiatic Bears recused from poachers. In the evening experience the tasting menu at Tamarind restaurant overlooking the Mekong River, a true exploration of Lao cuisine.
Breakfast and Dinner
Day 7: A Scenic Journey to Vang Vieng
Meet up with your guide and your driver as you head south towards Vang Vieng. During the morning you will stop in Kasi, a fruit growing area and have additional photo opportunities along the way. Later arrive in Vang Vieng, a small town on the banks of the Nam Song River surrounded by spectacular limestone karst scenery. After lunch at your hotel, the afternoon is left open for your enjoyment, although your guide and driver are at your disposal. If you are looking for something active, we can put together some cycling, kayaking, rock climbing or trekking activities or you can relax at the resort enjoying the views and watching the sun set on the Nam Song River. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 8: Vientiane and a Cruise on Nam Ngum Lake
After breakfast you will start driving south to the city of Vientiane. Along the way you will stop at Nam Mgum, the largest lake in Laos. After a scenic cruise you'll have lunch and then continue to Vientiane where you will check into your boutique hotel. Your hotel has one of the best French Restaurants around.
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 9: Discovering Vientiane
Today you will discover the hidden charms of Vientiane. Start with a visit to Wat Sisaket, one of the most beautiful temples in the capital. Continue on to Wat Phra Keo which serves as a religious museum displaying a collection of both Lao and Khmer works of art. Also nearby is the Presidential Palace; though it cannot be visited inside, the outside of the building provides a glimpse into the colonial history of the capital. After lunch you may pay a visit to COPE, an association working to help landmine victims. A visit to the center provides in-depth information about history of the Vietnam War and the lasting impact of unexploded ordinances (UXO) in the area and the efforts underway to clear them. Continue to the Patuxey monument, the Laos version of the Arc De Triomphe. Climb to the top of the monument for an appealing view of the city. As the day comes to a close, take a stroll along the banks of the Mekong River for sunset. This is a great chance to see local life and to find a unique place to eat dinner (although your hotel is hard to beat).
Breakfast and Lunch
Day 10: An Amazing Journey through the Kong Lor Caves
After breakfast you will meet your guide and tour driver to begin your newest journey. After about three hours of scenic driving you leave the main road behind and enter the Phou Hin Poun (National Protected Area). The scenery quickly becomes much more spectacular, featuring limestone karsts, forests and rice paddies. Enjoy a picnic lunch brought by the guide. After lunch and on arrival at your resort, check-in and depart for the famous Kong Lor Caves. Donning life jackets and headlamps you will proceed to the entrance of the cave. Upon entering the cave, board a longtail boat which will provide transport through the length of this spectacular cavern along an underground section of the Hin Boun River which runs four and a half miles without daylight. With your head lamps you will be able to view formations of stalactites and stalagmites some of which may be seen from the boat, the others on foot, accompanied by your guide. Upon reaching the other side of the cave, stop for refreshments and walk to local villages and observing a more simple way of life. You then return by boat traveling ‘downstream” through the cave back to the starting point.
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 11: Thakhek and Savannakhet
After breakfast you will meet your guide and driver and head to Thakhek, a sleepy local town with some attractive colonial buildings. You will stop for lunch and then continue to Savannakhet. Before entering the town you'll stop at the beautiful 16th Century temple of That Ing Hang, one of the most revered temples in Laos. Continue on to Savannakhet which is most famous as the birthplace of Kaysone Phomvihane, founder of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR). Take a short tour of the architectural highlights which include various French colonial villas and the striking St. Teresa Catholic Church. You will also visit a Dinosaur Museum where remains are still being discovered some as old as 250,000,000 years old. Check into your resort and enjoy a swim in the pool or spa before enjoying dinner at the restaurant.
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 12: Salavan Province and the Bolaven Plateau
This morning, set off for the drive to Salavan Province and the Bolaven Plateau, an area of highlands sitting just east of Pakse. Most of the region sits between 3,000 and 4,000 feet and features dozens of coffee and tea plantations as well as hill tribe communities. After lunch at a local restaurant, head to the Tad Fane waterfalls located 23 miles from Pakse. These impressive twin waterfalls stand 360 feet high and are fed by the Champy and Pak Koot Rivers. Stop to visit a coffee or tea plantation. The beans grown in this region produce some of the most famous coffees in the world which is sometimes called the “Champagne of Coffee.” Lao coffee is cultivated almost exclusively in the cool fresh air of the Bolaven Plateau by the families who live in its 250 villages.
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 13: Wat Phou and Khong Island
After breakfast ride to Wat Phou, recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. This spectacular pre-Angkorian temple sits amidst the rice fields and waterways of southern Laos. The temple was constructed in three levels. The bottom level is focused on the baray (water reservoir) and promenade, the second level features pavilions and galleries of carvings and the top level is the sanctuary. The temple served as the most important economic and political centre of the region and is still one of the Lao people’s most revered temples. Pass through the small town of Champasak where French colonial buildings offer a great contrast to Wat Phou, and enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. Continue south to the 4,000 islands region. Locally known as “Siphandon,” this area is where the Mekong stretches to over 8 miles wide. The river flows between a large number of islands, creating waterfalls and rapids. Cross the water with a short boat trip, arriving at your accommodation in the late afternoon with a chance to relax before dinner.
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 14: Exploring the 4,000 Islands
Today you will explore the peaceful islands of Don Det and Don Khone. The islands are home to plantations and simple villages and the best way to explore the area is either your choice of bicycle or hired tuk-tuk. Begin the visit at the impressive Lippi Falls which are on the west of Don Khone. Very close to the Cambodian border, the locals revere these falls as they believe that they act as traps for bad spirits. One of the best viewpoints between the islands has a history reaching back to the colonial times. As the islands linked Laos to Cambodia and Southern Vietnam, railway and bridge were built to overpass the waterfalls. Today this overpass is one of the best viewpoints. Afterwards take a short boat trip with the chance of spotting the elusive Irrawaddy Dolphin. Lunch will be served at a local restaurant. The final highlight of this area is the imposing Khone Phapheng waterfalls. During the visit, discover why this section is the only part of the Mekong that cannot be accessed by boat.
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 15: Return to USA
In the morning you are transferred to the airport to begin your journey back home.
Breakfast
You will board your aircraft to begin your transpacific flight to Thailand. You will cross the International Date Line and theoretically lose a day but you will “find” it again on the return trip. Arrive in Bangkok and connect to a short flight to Chiang Rai which is the starting point for your adventure. Check in to your hotel for an early night to prepare for the day ahead.
Day 3: Welcome to Laos
After an early breakfast your guide will be waiting to take you across the border to the town of Chiang Khong. After clearing Thai customs and passing through the Lao border of Houay Xay, one of our guides will meet you and take you to the dock where you will board your river vessel. During the first day, a stop will be made at an authentic local hill tribe settlement. After the visit, enjoy a buffet lunch on board as the boat cruises along the scenic Mekong River. In the late afternoon you arrive at the town of Pakbeng, a small, dynamic town lined with wooden houses along a step street leading away from the river. You will be staying at a charming lodge where dinner will be waiting.
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 4: From Pakbeng to Luang Prabang
It is recommended that you rise early to pay a visit to the nearby morning market where residents of the nearby villages and hill tribes gather to buy and exchange goods. It is a great insight to the Lao culture. Re-board the touring river vessel where you will have breakfast while sailing. While cruising along the Mekong, you make a stop at Ban Baw village to observe the processing of traditional rice alcohol, called laolao. After sampling the brew you re-board and enjoy lunch while cruising. As you make your way to Luang Prabang, you will stop to visit the Pak Ou Caves, which contain thousands of Buddha statues covered in Gold and in various sizes. The view from the mouth of the cave offers sweeping views of the Mekong and Nam Ou rivers. Arrive in Luang Prabang in the early evening before sunset and meet your guide and driver who will transport you to your hotel. Enjoy superb Lao cuisine in a charming setting at the hotel’s noted restaurant.
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 5: Temples and Palaces of Luang Prabang
Today, following breakfast, you will meet your guide at the hotel for a tour of the highlights of this UNESCO World Heritage Town. Start your tour at the former Royal Palace, now the National Museum, to explore the history of Laos. Continue on foot to Wat Mai - a temple renowned for its golden bas-relief and Wat Sensoukarahm, which features a beautiful dazzling golden facade. Finish the morning tour at Wat Xieng Thong, the most revered temple in Luang Prabang. Located at the end of the peninsula and close to the Mekong, this temple was built in 1560 by King Setthathirat and is decorated with ornate carvings and mosaics. After the tour you have free time in Luang Prabang. Take advantage of your hotel’s location to explore old town. In the evening visit the night market and try some Lao street food.
Breakfast
Day 6: Relaxing at Kuang Si Waterfall
Rise early for a very special dawn visit to watch the monks collecting the alms. As the sun begins to rise, long lines of orange-robed monks leave their pagodas and walk barefoot down the streets collecting offerings from Luang Prabang residents. It is a beautiful and serene ceremony highlighting the spiritualism of the Lao people. You then return to the hotel for breakfast. Shortly after, meet your guide for the trip to Kuang Si Waterfalls. Upon arrival you can relax and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. The jungle and dense woods surrounding the falls are perfect for exploring on foot. If you are adventurous, it is possible to walk to the top of the falls via a steep track with your reward being stunning views. The waterfalls cascade into turquoise pools and you are welcome to swim in the refreshing pools. After a stay at the falls you stop at a Sanctuary for Asiatic Bears recused from poachers. In the evening experience the tasting menu at Tamarind restaurant overlooking the Mekong River, a true exploration of Lao cuisine.
Breakfast and Dinner
Day 7: A Scenic Journey to Vang Vieng
Meet up with your guide and your driver as you head south towards Vang Vieng. During the morning you will stop in Kasi, a fruit growing area and have additional photo opportunities along the way. Later arrive in Vang Vieng, a small town on the banks of the Nam Song River surrounded by spectacular limestone karst scenery. After lunch at your hotel, the afternoon is left open for your enjoyment, although your guide and driver are at your disposal. If you are looking for something active, we can put together some cycling, kayaking, rock climbing or trekking activities or you can relax at the resort enjoying the views and watching the sun set on the Nam Song River. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 8: Vientiane and a Cruise on Nam Ngum Lake
After breakfast you will start driving south to the city of Vientiane. Along the way you will stop at Nam Mgum, the largest lake in Laos. After a scenic cruise you'll have lunch and then continue to Vientiane where you will check into your boutique hotel. Your hotel has one of the best French Restaurants around.
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 9: Discovering Vientiane
Today you will discover the hidden charms of Vientiane. Start with a visit to Wat Sisaket, one of the most beautiful temples in the capital. Continue on to Wat Phra Keo which serves as a religious museum displaying a collection of both Lao and Khmer works of art. Also nearby is the Presidential Palace; though it cannot be visited inside, the outside of the building provides a glimpse into the colonial history of the capital. After lunch you may pay a visit to COPE, an association working to help landmine victims. A visit to the center provides in-depth information about history of the Vietnam War and the lasting impact of unexploded ordinances (UXO) in the area and the efforts underway to clear them. Continue to the Patuxey monument, the Laos version of the Arc De Triomphe. Climb to the top of the monument for an appealing view of the city. As the day comes to a close, take a stroll along the banks of the Mekong River for sunset. This is a great chance to see local life and to find a unique place to eat dinner (although your hotel is hard to beat).
Breakfast and Lunch
Day 10: An Amazing Journey through the Kong Lor Caves
After breakfast you will meet your guide and tour driver to begin your newest journey. After about three hours of scenic driving you leave the main road behind and enter the Phou Hin Poun (National Protected Area). The scenery quickly becomes much more spectacular, featuring limestone karsts, forests and rice paddies. Enjoy a picnic lunch brought by the guide. After lunch and on arrival at your resort, check-in and depart for the famous Kong Lor Caves. Donning life jackets and headlamps you will proceed to the entrance of the cave. Upon entering the cave, board a longtail boat which will provide transport through the length of this spectacular cavern along an underground section of the Hin Boun River which runs four and a half miles without daylight. With your head lamps you will be able to view formations of stalactites and stalagmites some of which may be seen from the boat, the others on foot, accompanied by your guide. Upon reaching the other side of the cave, stop for refreshments and walk to local villages and observing a more simple way of life. You then return by boat traveling ‘downstream” through the cave back to the starting point.
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 11: Thakhek and Savannakhet
After breakfast you will meet your guide and driver and head to Thakhek, a sleepy local town with some attractive colonial buildings. You will stop for lunch and then continue to Savannakhet. Before entering the town you'll stop at the beautiful 16th Century temple of That Ing Hang, one of the most revered temples in Laos. Continue on to Savannakhet which is most famous as the birthplace of Kaysone Phomvihane, founder of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR). Take a short tour of the architectural highlights which include various French colonial villas and the striking St. Teresa Catholic Church. You will also visit a Dinosaur Museum where remains are still being discovered some as old as 250,000,000 years old. Check into your resort and enjoy a swim in the pool or spa before enjoying dinner at the restaurant.
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 12: Salavan Province and the Bolaven Plateau
This morning, set off for the drive to Salavan Province and the Bolaven Plateau, an area of highlands sitting just east of Pakse. Most of the region sits between 3,000 and 4,000 feet and features dozens of coffee and tea plantations as well as hill tribe communities. After lunch at a local restaurant, head to the Tad Fane waterfalls located 23 miles from Pakse. These impressive twin waterfalls stand 360 feet high and are fed by the Champy and Pak Koot Rivers. Stop to visit a coffee or tea plantation. The beans grown in this region produce some of the most famous coffees in the world which is sometimes called the “Champagne of Coffee.” Lao coffee is cultivated almost exclusively in the cool fresh air of the Bolaven Plateau by the families who live in its 250 villages.
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 13: Wat Phou and Khong Island
After breakfast ride to Wat Phou, recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. This spectacular pre-Angkorian temple sits amidst the rice fields and waterways of southern Laos. The temple was constructed in three levels. The bottom level is focused on the baray (water reservoir) and promenade, the second level features pavilions and galleries of carvings and the top level is the sanctuary. The temple served as the most important economic and political centre of the region and is still one of the Lao people’s most revered temples. Pass through the small town of Champasak where French colonial buildings offer a great contrast to Wat Phou, and enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. Continue south to the 4,000 islands region. Locally known as “Siphandon,” this area is where the Mekong stretches to over 8 miles wide. The river flows between a large number of islands, creating waterfalls and rapids. Cross the water with a short boat trip, arriving at your accommodation in the late afternoon with a chance to relax before dinner.
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 14: Exploring the 4,000 Islands
Today you will explore the peaceful islands of Don Det and Don Khone. The islands are home to plantations and simple villages and the best way to explore the area is either your choice of bicycle or hired tuk-tuk. Begin the visit at the impressive Lippi Falls which are on the west of Don Khone. Very close to the Cambodian border, the locals revere these falls as they believe that they act as traps for bad spirits. One of the best viewpoints between the islands has a history reaching back to the colonial times. As the islands linked Laos to Cambodia and Southern Vietnam, railway and bridge were built to overpass the waterfalls. Today this overpass is one of the best viewpoints. Afterwards take a short boat trip with the chance of spotting the elusive Irrawaddy Dolphin. Lunch will be served at a local restaurant. The final highlight of this area is the imposing Khone Phapheng waterfalls. During the visit, discover why this section is the only part of the Mekong that cannot be accessed by boat.
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 15: Return to USA
In the morning you are transferred to the airport to begin your journey back home.
Breakfast
