Exploring Laos: A Journey Through Timeless Beauty

Today, embark on a guided tour of Luang Prabang, visiting the city’s oldest temples, including Wat Sene and the stunning Wat Xiengthong, known for its low-sweeping roofs that exemplify classical Laotian architecture. Next, enjoy a scenic cruise on the Mekong River, where you’ll take in the beautiful countryside and explore the Pak Ou Caves, home to thousands of gold-lacquered Buddha statues left by devoted pilgrims. We’ll stop at Ban Xanghai, a village famous for its rice wine production, before continuing to Ban Phanom, known for its exquisite hand weaving. **Overnight in Luang Prabang (Breakfast included).**

For an optional early start, experience the unique morning ritual of saffron-clad monks collecting alms, a tradition unique to Laos. After breakfast, visit the National Museum at the former Royal Palace (closed on Tuesdays), showcasing artifacts from Laos’s rich cultural history. You’ll also have time to explore the Central Market. Then, we’ll head towards Khouangsi Waterfall, stopping at local villages of Lao ethnic minorities along the way. Enjoy a refreshing dip in the waterfall’s pools or stroll the surrounding forest trails before returning to Luang Prabang. We’ll visit Ban Xangkhong, known for silk weaving and traditional Saa paper making. **Overnight in Luang Prabang (Breakfast included).**

After breakfast, fly to Vientiane. Upon arrival, you’ll be transferred to your hotel. After checking in (subject to room availability), explore the capital’s major sights, including Wat Sisaket, famous for its thousands of Buddha statues, and Wat Prakeo, once home to the Emerald Buddha. On the way to the revered That Luang Stupa, you’ll have a chance to photograph the impressive Patuxay Monument, Vientiane’s version of the Arc de Triomphe. **Overnight in Vientiane (Breakfast included).**

This morning, fly to Pakse. After arriving, drive south to Champasak to visit the fascinating pre-Angkorian ruins of Wat Phu, one of Southeast Asia's most stunning temples, located at the base of Mount Phu Kao. **Overnight in Champasak/Done Daeng Island (Breakfast included).**

Today, we leave early for the Bolaven Plateau, known for its cooler temperatures. Our first stop is Ban Lak Sipkao, a village famous for knife making. We’ll visit a tea plantation and then the picturesque Tad Fan Waterfall. After a stop at a coffee plantation, we’ll explore Tha Teng Market, a vibrant ethnic food market. Visit fascinating minority villages, including Ban Pong Neua, home to a sacrificial altar, and Ban Kokphung, where coffins are kept under houses. Finally, we’ll stop at the beautiful Tadlo Waterfall before returning to Champasak/Done Daeng by early evening. **Overnight in Champasak/Done Daeng Island (Breakfast included).**

After breakfast, we’ll cross to the mainland and drive south to Ban Hatsaikhoune, where we’ll board a local boat for a tour of the 4000 Islands. Arriving at Don Khone around lunchtime, you can explore the island by bicycle, tuk-tuk, or on foot, tracing an old railway route and admiring French colonial architecture and the beautiful Liphi Waterfall. Afterward, we’ll return to the boat and visit Khone Phapheng Falls, one of the largest and most powerful waterfalls in Southeast Asia, before heading back to Champasak/Done Daeng in the late afternoon. **Overnight in Champasak/Done Daeng Island (Breakfast included).**