DAY 1: ARRIVE IN BANGKOK, THAILAND

Upon arrival at Bangkok Airport, you are met by the hotel representative and transferred to our airport hotel by shuttle. Dinner and the group orientation this evening. 
Overnight in Bangkok.

 

DAY 2: FLY TO CHIANG RAI, GOLDEN TRIANGLE

After breakfast, we return to the airport for our morning flight to Chiang Rai, in northern Thailand. After lunch, we travel into the Golden Triangle to a famous viewpoint that looks out over the mighty Mekong River and into Laos and Burma. 

We also visit the Hall of Opium, a museum dealing with the crop, drug and vast fortunes which have made the Golden Triangle famous. 
Overnight in the Golden Triangle (Thailand).

 

DAY 3: ENTER LAOS, MEKONG BOAT JOURNEY TO PAC BENG

After breakfast, we cross over the Laos border and begin a cruise down the Mekong River to the traditional Laos village of Pac Beng. Stops are made enroute to observe rural life along the Mekong, including Hilltribe villages. 
Overnight in Pac Beng.

 

DAY 4: REMOTE MEKONG TO LUANG PRABANG

We continue our journey along the Mekong River, catching a glimpse of rural life in the fishing villages along the way. We also visit the Tham Ting Holy Caves and the rice whiskey-producing village of Ban Sang Hai. 
Upon arrival in Luang Prabang, we transfer to our hotel.

 

DAY 5: LUANG PRABANG

Today, we have a half-day walking tour of the old capital, Luang Prabang. This town is in a beautiful mountain setting at the confluence of the Mekong and Nam Khan Rivers. One of the most romantic cities in Southeast Asia, Luang Prabang is a delightful place to explore on foot. 

As well as the National Museum (formerly a Royal Palace), we visit a number of historic temples including Wat Sen, Wat Xieng Thong and Visoun (That Makmo). The beautiful old French mansions that grace the city add a historical reminder of its colonial past. In fact, the city itself is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

This afternoon we will attend a private ceremony in a family home within the small village of Ban Khomkhuang. These gentle villagers, led by their Nai Ban (village chief), offer visitors tidings of good luck and fortune for their life and travels.

Tonight we take in a performance of the Royal Ballet, a provincial government group of some 60 artists that re-establishes the ancient Lao Ramayana or Pharak Pharam ballet of Luang Prabang. 
Overnight in Luang Prabang.

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DAY 6: LUANG PRABANG, KUANG SY WATERFALL, K'HMU VILLAGES

Early this morning we have an optional trip to see the monks receiving alms, followed by the colorful morning market. We return to the hotel for breakfast. 

After breakfast we visit a small ethnology museum before heading to Kuang Si Waterfall. Enroute we visit a K'hmu ethnic village to learn about their culture. On our return to Luang Prabang, we will visit the village of Xang Khong to see traditional Sa paper being made and a small weaving workshop. 
Overnight in Luang Prabang.

 

DAY 7: LUANG PRABANG, PHA TAD KE BOTANICAL GARDEN AND TEMPLE

We take a short boat transfer to the botanical garden of Pha Tad Ke. In this lush green environment we will learn about the great conservation efforts done by the expert botanists of the region. We attend a short conference in the orchid nursery and then enjoy lunch at the outdoor restaurant in the park.  

On our cruise back to town, we stop at Chomphet village. Walk along the river through villages and temples with the chance to interact with the friendly locals, see their lifestyle and view Luang Prabang town from another angle. We will also stop at the hilltop Wat Chomphet which offers stunning views of Luang Prabang town and the Mekong River. Relax and capture nice shots of the sunset over the town and Mekong River. 
Overnight in Luang Prabang.

 

DAY 8: LUANG PRABANG TO NONG KHIAW

We say goodbye to the charming city of Luang Prabang and begin our journey on the remote Northern Heritage route. Our first stop is Ban Nayang – a small village known for the traditional cotton weaving, tobacco and rice farming. Here you will not only have chance to interact with local people but also learn about the traditional indigo dying process and weaving skills.

We then continue onto Nong Khaiw.
Overnight in Nong Khiaw.

 

DAY 9: BOAT JOURNEY THROUGH MOUNTAINS AND VILLAGES

This morning our boat cruise takes us up the Nam Ou River, passing dramatic limestone cliffs that border the river. We visit rural villages such as a traditional Lao weaving village. We continue to Ban Muang Ngoi for lunch before we begin a short trek through some rice paddy fields. Here we visit a historical cave used as a bomb shelter during the Indochina War. Afterwards, we cruise back down river to Nong Khiaw while enjoying the sunset.
Overnight in Nong Khiaw.

 

DAY 10: NORTHERN HERITAGE ROUTE TO SAM NEUA

Today we start our long day of driving through magnificent scenery, driving past remote Hilltribe villages. We will make many stops today, as there is no shortage of options which may include scenic waterfalls, remote villages, and beautiful vistas.
Overnight in Sam Neua.

 

DAY 11: VIENGXAY CAVES, SAM NEUA SITES

In an area dominated by limestone cliffs close to the Vietnam border, we explore 3 or 4 of the more than 400 caves used as shelter for 20,000 people during the war. The caves that we visit were used as the headquarters of the Pathet Lao Revolutionary Movement during the Indochina War. 

After lunch, we visit a market, war monument and the temples of Wat Ongteu and Wat Phoxaysanlau. We may have an opportunity to speak to some of the monks. 
Overnight Sam Neua.

 

DAY 12: TO PLAIN OF JARS (PHONSAVAN)

Today, we drive to Phonsavan (our home base for the Plain of Jars) along one of the most beautiful routes in Laos. Driving through the mountainous region, we make stops to explore villages and take in the scenery from various viewpoints.
Overnight in Phonsavan.

 

DAY 13: PLAIN OF JARS (UNESCO)

We spend the day exploring the Plain of Jars, one of the mysteries of the archaeological world. The site has been placed on UNESCO's Tentative List, which means it is presently the focus of international safeguarding campaigns. Hundreds of massive clay and stone jars litter the landscape of the area, some of which are as large as 6 tonnes! It is not known what the jars were used for, however many theories abound, including that they may have been used as wine holders or for funerary urns. It is known that the jars are over 2,000 years old. 

In the late afternoon, we visit the Lone Buffalo Foundation, a special project that offers young people free English courses and develop other skills. Lone Buffalo will be happy to include you in the lesson.
Overnight in Phonsavan.

 

DAY 14: UXO AND ORGANIC SILK FARM (MAG OPTIONAL)

Today we visit the local (Phonsavan) market and a UXO (Unexploded Ordnance) Removing Unit to learn about the important work that is being done in this area. We are also going to visit a very progressive Organic Silk Farm.

Time permitting, we will visit MAG (Mines Advisory Group), a not-for-profit organisation clearing landmines, unexploded ordnance (UXO) and other remnants of the war. 

In the afternoon, transfer to the airport for your flight to Vientiane.
Overnight in Vientiane.

 

DAY 15: VIENTIANE

After breakfast we embark on a city tour of Vientiane, the capital of Laos, located on the banks of the Mekong River. Founded in 1563, Vientiane is known for its great sunsets, riverside restaurants and well-preserved colonial architecture. 

We visit Wat Ho Phra Keo, Wat Sisaket, That Luang and the town's own Arc de Triomphe, Patuxai. We also visit a textile museum and Cooperative Orthotic and Prosthetic Enterprise (COPE), whose goal is to ensure that people with physical disabilities have local, free access to a quality, nationally-managed rehabilitation service.  
Overnight in Vientiane.

 

DAY 16: FLY TO PAKSE

This morning we fly to Pakse. Upon arrival, we transfer to the Bolevan Plateau which is known for its cooler temperature and many waterfalls.

We'll stop at Tad Fane – the 120-m-high waterfall which spilts into 2 powerful streams roaring over the edge of the cliff and plummeting into the pool below. We continue to the impressive Tad Yuang waterfall, with its twin torrents falling about 40 meters and flowing into lush jungle

We will also make a short stop by an organic coffee farm to see how the local Lao people involved in the coffee industry live and work, and where we can enjoy a cup of truly fresh coffee in the coolness of the Bolaven Plateau.
Overnight in Pakse.

 

DAY 17: BOLAVEN - 4000 ISLANDS

Following breakfast at our hotel, we'll head out to the 4000 Islands. Here, the Mekong is dotted with thousands of islands of various sizes and the river can reach up to 14km wide during the rainy season. We will see the breathtaking Khone Phapheng Waterfall. It is Southeast Asia’s biggest waterfall and is known as the Niagara of the East.

We continue to Khone Island and its its surroundings. A tub tub ride enables us to visit the two islands of Ban Khone and Don Det, which are linked by a bridge. We will visit the old French heritage sites on Khone with its colonial buildings and the remnants of a locomotive from the first Lao railway. We'll visit Liphi Waterfalls – also called "Devil's Corridor", one of the most beautiful waterfalls marking the Lao border with Cambodia.

Enjoy the tranquil atmosphere in the islands and the many opportunities to take photos of the local life and natural beauty.
Overnight on Don Khone.

 

DAY 18: DON KHONE, WAT PHOU, AND DON DAENG

After breakfast, we depart the 4000 Islands and head to the town of Champasak where will visit the religious complex of Wat Phou. Located at the foot of a hill, Wat Phou reflects the Hindu culture of the pre-Buddhist Khmer society that constructed it. The summit of Phu Kao immediately commands attention because of its shape, identified in ancient times with the linga, the phallic symbol of Shiva. It has the ancient name Lingaparvata, and a reputation as a sacred hill. The permanent spring at the foot of the cliffs is probably one of the main reasons the ancient rulers of the area established a sanctuary to Shiva at this spot.

Afterwards we'll travel by boat to Don Daeng Island, which was once also part of the Wat Phou sanctuary, and known by the Brick Stupa hidden in the middle of the island. Other temple ruins and rock sculptures were discovered within the river. Enjoy the exceptional natural beauty and unspoilt charm of the Island and our lovely lodge where we will overnight. 
Overnight on Don Daeng Island, Champasak.

 

DAY 19: DON DAENG - PAKSE, FAREWELL DINNER

This morning there is time to explore this small island at your own pace and witness the huge and unspoilt sandy beaches crowded with fishermen and lazy buffaloes, wild forests and enchanting birds, plains of rice fields, small local villages with typical wooden houses and numerous Buddhist temples. The island is a nationally protected and preserved area of the Mekong, and where no cars are allowed. This afternoon we transfer back to Pakse. 

In the evening, we can reflect on the incredible memories during our Laos adventure during out farewell dinner as we depart for Bangkok the following day.
Overnight in Pakse.

 

DAY 20: PAKSE, FLY TO BANGKOK

After a leisurely morning we say goodbye to the fascinating country of Laos and fly back to Bangkok for a late dinner and overnight at our airport hotel. 
Overnight in Bangkok.

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DAY 21: DEPARTURE

Our adventure concludes with your shuttle transfer to Bangkok International Airport for your departure flight.