All of Laos – 10 days

In the morning, we will climb up 328 steps of Mount Phousi for an enjoyable exploration of the sacred, gilded stupa as well as a beautiful overview of the city and the Mekong River. We then visit Wat Mai the largest and most richly decorated of the temples in Luang Prabang, was built in the 20th century; National Museum at the former Royal Palace displays a lovely collection of the artifacts reflecting the richness of Lao culture dating from the days of the early kings right through the last sovereign.

We then board a cruise upstream on the Mekong River, which also gives us a panoramic view of the tranquil countryside as well as an interesting visit to the mysterious of Pak Ou Caves, two linked caves crammed with thousands of gold lacquered Buddha statues of various shapes and sizes left by pilgrims. Along the way, we will make a stop at Ban Xang Hai village where rice wine is distilled. We will visit the caves of Tham Ting and Tham Phoum which house hundreds of Buddha statues. We return to Luang Prabang in the afternoon, continue to visit Ban Xang Khong, a village well known for silk hand-weaving and traditional Saa paper-making.

We will explore the Night Market, where you can find a lovely selection of handmade textiles made by the hill tribe and local people surrounding Luang Prabang.

Overnight in Luang Prabang

Wake up as the sun rises, prepare to join the most sacred tradition of Laos, the daily morning alms giving, – an awe-inspiring sight which dates to the 14th century. Hundreds of saffron-robed monks depart from various temples to gather their daily meal from the faithful residents sitting quietly on the streets. Please tell your guide a day in advance if you wish to make an offering so he/she can prepare some food for you to hand over to the monks.

We then visit the Morning Market, where you will see such diverse offerings as dried buffalo skin, local tea and saltpeter among the chickens, vegetables and hill-tribe weavings.

In the morning, we visit the magnificent Wat Xiengthong with its roofs sweeping low to the ground, which represents classical Laotian architecture. We then visit the Traditional Arts and Ethnology Center (close on Mondays) where you are able to observe valuable artifacts and traditional clothing and implements from each of the 20 ethnic minority groups which inhabit the Luang Prabang area. Next, we will visit Wat Visoun, the holiest temple of the city, which was entirely rebuilt in 2087 after being destroyed by the invading Black Flags from Southern China. In the courtyard of Wat Visoun stands the Watermelon Stupa shaped like the fruit from which it takes its name. Continue past Wat Aham, which was first built in the 1500s.

Then, transfer by private vehicle to Khouang Si waterfall. On the way, you can visit the Lao ethnic minority groups – Ban Na Oune Village. Once at the waterfalls, take a leisurely hike through the national park towards the Khouang Si waterfalls and pass by the Asian bear rescue center. You will enjoy feeling the mist of the cool, turquoise waters of the different waterfalls. Swimming in the refreshing waters is possible.

Overnight in Luang Prabang

After breakfast, check out the hotel. We will transfer to the train station to take speed train C91 to Vang Vieng (12:52 – 13:44). Meet the tour guide and transfer to the hotel for checking in.

In the afternoon, you will kayak on the beautiful Nam Song River and whilst admiring the sunset views behind the mountains.

Overnight in Vang Vieng.

After breakfast, we will take a visit to Tham Jang Cave and Blue Lagoon, free at leisure to zipline, kayak or swim at Blue Lagoon.

Then, our private guide and driver will take you to Vientiane via the highway Vang Vieng – Vientaine. Today you will pass through spectacular countryside and see some breathtaking scenery en route.

Overnight in Vientaine

After breakfast, we start to visit Wat Sisaket, the city's oldest temple. Dates back to 1818, Wat Sisaket is the most important heritage temple now standing in Laos. It houses thousands of Buddha images from many countries, long lost architectural styles, sculptures and paintings; Wat Prakeo, former royal temple of the Lao monarchy and originally built in 1565, is home to the Emerald Buddha image, Buddhist sculptures are displayed along the perimeter wall, including a 6th to 9th century Dvaravati-style stone Buddha and several standing and sitting Buddhas. On the way to the famous and sacred structure of That Luang Stupa, stop to take some pictures of the imposing Patuxay Monument, Vientiane's own Arc de Triumph.

In the afternoon, we take a short drive out of the city to visit the Buddha Park where hundreds of Buddhist and Hindu sculptures brought from India are displayed.

Return to the city and enjoy the sunset on the Mekong River. You can explore the Street Night Market at Anouvong Park in the evening.

Overnight in Vientiane.

Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to the airport for a short flight to Pakse. Upon arrival, our guide will meet you at the airport.

Upon arrival, we'll head for Saravanh province via Tateng Village. You will make a stopover en route to observe the locals making tea and coffee - have a cup of either before exploring the cultures and the way of life along the way to Boloven Plateau Area. You will also visit Tad Fan waterfall.

Upon arrival at Tad Lo Waterfall, you will pay a visit to villages of Alak, Nge, Katu ethnic minority groups. Return to the town in the late afternoon.

If time permits, we can drive up Phou Salao to visit the big Buddha at Wat Phonethong.

Overnight in Pakse

After breakfast, we leave Pakse and transfer to Champasak District, visit the ruins of Wat Phou Temple Complex, one of Southeast Asia's most dramatically situated temples. We have time to explore these intriguing Khmer ruins, which are perched at the base of Mount Phu Kao. Wat Phu is one of the Lao World Heritage sites recognized by UNESCO in 2001, this wonderful archeological site of Khmer civilization dates back to the 9th century, predating the famous Angkor Wat in Cambodia. A festival of this site is held yearly during the full moon in February and attracts numerous pilgrims from all over southern Laos.

Then continue your way to the 4000 Islands Region and Khong Island, which is quite relaxing in the day while pretty at night. The rest of the day is in your hands.

Overnight in Khong Island

Following breakfast, we enjoy a visit to the surrounding countryside, and embark on a local boat tour to Don Khone, where we disembark and have the option of exploring the island by bicycle, which takes you to visit the remains of the French period and Liphi Waterfall or "the Corridor of the Devil". We also have a chance to visit Don Det, a small Island nearby Don Khone.

We return to the mainland at the fishing village of Ban Nakasang and drive further south to visit Khone Phapheng. Khone Phapheng is considered the largest waterfall by volume in South East Asia; this is a really impressive site near the Lao-Cambodian border, set within an area which is teeming with wildlife, making this area one of the most breathtaking destinations in Laos. Then we drive back to Khong Island for your overnight stay.

Overnight in Khong Island

Breakfast at the hotel. You will have free time till our guide meets you and escorts you back to Pakse airport for your international flight ongoing to the next destination.