Explorer Laos 9 Days/8 Nights

On arrival at Wattay Airport, you will be met and transferred to your centrally located hotel. Vientiane is a charming and fascinating capital, with an interesting mix of Lao, Thai, Chinese, Vietnamese, French, Soviet and American influences. A city tour acquaints us with the capital and after a short rest, we start visiting the major sights; including the oldest Wat Sisaket, the temple with thousands of miniature Buddha statues and the former royal temple of Wat Prakeo, which previously housed the famous Emerald Buddha Image. Enroute to Lao’s national precious heritage, the famous and sacred structure of That Luang Stupa, you will have the opportunity to take some pictures of the imposing Patuxay Monument, which is well known as Vientiane’s own Arc de Triumph. Overnight in Vientiane. Lao Orchid Hotel 3* or similar

We leave this wonderful town after breakfast for our journey northbound on route no. 13. We will see some breathtaking scenery enroute as we pass through spectacular countryside towards the mountainous region. We make a stop along the way at Vang Xang, a famous archeological site dating back to the 11th century. We reach our final destination in the afternoon, the small and tranquil village of Vang Vieng, which is nestled on a bend of the Nam Song River. Its stunning scenery with a mixture of quiet water and limestone outcrops remains unspoiled, despite recent developments with the advent of tourism. On arrival at Vang Vieng, we cross the Nam Song River to Tham Jang caves and then enjoy a short trek through breathtaking mountain landscape to explore the Tam None Cave and some hill villages. Today ends with a superb panorama of the sunset reflecting over the Nam Song River. Overnight in Vang Vieng. Vansana Vang Vieng Hotel or similar

Breakfast at hotel. Visit local market. Travel by car to Xieng Khuang (240km - 6 hrs). Many stop-overs to visit, en route, tribal villages. Arrive in Xieng Khuang in the afternoon. Visit site 1&2 of the plain of the jars. Overnight in Xieng Khuang. Vansana Plain of Jars Hotel or similar

Breakfast at the hotel. Visit local market and special wood carving shop. Travel by car to Luang Prabang (240km - 6hrs). Many stop-overs to visit, en route, tribal villages. Arrive in Luang Prabang in the afternoon. Luang Prabang city tour including: Wat Visoun, That Makmo, Wat Sene. Climb up Phousi hill to see sunset on Mekong river. O/N in Luang Prabang. Villa Chitdara Hotel 3* or similar

Breakfast at the hotel. Visit local market, Wat Xieng Thong - the most impressive temple in LPB and the National museum of LPB (former Royal Palace). Then transfer to local boat Pier for boat cruise along the Mekong river to visit Pak Ou caves. Along the way, visit Ban Sang Hai where they make traditional sticky rice liquor. Back to LBP at noon. In the afternoon, excursion by car to Kuang Sy falls, visit villages en route. Return to town, visit Ban Phanom village, hill tribe H’mong village on the way back town. Sunset at Wat Siphaphoutthabat. Overnight in Luang Prabang. Villa Chitdara Hotel 3* or similar

Breakfast at hotel. Transfer to airport for flight to Pakse. Meet your guide and transfer directly to Khong Island, the largest island in the South Mekong river region known as the 4000 islands, one of the most scenic areas in Laos. Overnight in Khong island. Pon Arena Hotel or similar

Following breakfast, we enjoy a visit to the surrounding countryside, and embark on a long trail boat tour of the Don Khone area, which takes you to visit the remains of the French period, Liphi Waterfall or the Corridor of the Devil. We return to the mainland at the fishing village Ban Nakasang and drive further south to visit Khone Phapheng on the journey. Khone Phapheng is considered the largest waterfall by volume in the South East Asia; this is really an impressive sight with marvellous nature near the Lao-Cambodian border, which is teeming with wildlife making this area one of the most breathtaking destinations in Laos. Overnight in Don Khong Island. Pon Arena Hotel or similar

Breakfast at hotel. We drive to Ban Kietgnong, for the Elephant riding at Phou Asa. We continue to travel by road crossing the Mekong by ferry to visit the fascinating pre-angkorian ruins of Wat Phu, 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 5th century, predating the famous Angkor Wat in Cambodia. We continue our journey by road to Pakse. Arrive to Pakse in the end of day. Overnight in Pakse. Champasak Grand Hotel or similar

Breakfast at hotel. Free at leisure until transfer to airport for departure flight. Good bye and see you again! Airport transfer included!