Pakse – Champasak – The 4000 Islands – Bolaven Plateau – Paksong – Luang Prabang
14 Days & 13 Nights
Duration
14 Days & 13 Nights
Group Size
Max 10 people
Travel Styles
Art & Culture; Sustainable
Minimum age
Minimum Age 10 Years Old
Transport
Car
Best time to go
All Year Round
Selling Points
- This is one of the Easia Collection Programs, designed to highlight a unique way of discovering the destination and among the favorite itineraries of the Production Teams.
- The itinerary is unique because it starts in the south and finishes in the north, unlike many more common routes that begin in the north and end in the south.
- The tour is flexible and can be adapted to suit the needs of all types of travelers (for example, it can be made more active if necessary). However, as it currently is, it is especially suited to travelers looking for a balanced mix of relaxation, immersion, and unforgettable experiences.
- This itinerary showcases many of the fantastic places which Laos has to offer – from laid-back archipelagos with sandy river banks to misty volcanic plateaus peppered with aromatic coffee plantations, from ancient ruined temples overlooking vast plains to vibrant colonial towns with mystical Buddhist temples, from tiered turquoise waterfalls to herds of elephants in the jungle.
- The trip includes visits to 2 of Laos’ 3 UNESCO World Heritage Sites – Luang Prabang in the north and Vat Phou in the south.
- The itinerary is designed to have a slower start to avoid traveler burnout. A little bit of relaxation at the beginning is a great way to charge the batteries and maximize the enjoyment of the rest of the trip, especially when coming from the hustle and bustle of the western world!
Day 1
Pakse - Champasak
Welcome to Laos!
Upon arrival at the airport, you’ll be warmly welcomed and travel to the sleepy town of Champasak. Check in to your bungalow and settle into your accommodation for the next couple of nights. In the late afternoon, walk down to the shore and climb aboard the sunset cruise boat! After the sun has shed its final rays, go back to Don Daeng Island.
Day 2
Champasak
Spend the morning relaxing at the resort and absorbing the peace and tranquility, making Laos a special place. In the afternoon you’ll have the chance to explore the island and its small villages. Grab a bicycle and ride leisurely along the small paths which wind around the island through a mix of scenic landscapes
Day 3
Champasak - Don Khong
Leave behind the peacefulness of Don Daeng Island and cross the Mekong River to reach the local boat pier of Champasak town; go ahead to Vat Phou.
Upon arrival, you’ll travel by electric car to the base of the sacred mountain of Phou Kao. From there, you’ll walk along the ancient axis and temples. After visiting Vat Phou, you’ll continue your journey by road to the island of Don Khong, the gateway to the archipelago of the 4000 islands, stopping along the way at the rustic village of Ban Ponsaad. You’ll also stop at Vat Hatxaikhun, a colorful temple located on a hill just before the bridge to Don Khong Island.
Upon arrival, you’ll travel by electric car to the base of the sacred mountain of Phou Kao. From there, you’ll walk along the ancient axis and temples. After visiting Vat Phou, you’ll continue your journey by road to the island of Don Khong, the gateway to the archipelago of the 4000 islands, stopping along the way at the rustic village of Ban Ponsaad. You’ll also stop at Vat Hatxaikhun, a colorful temple located on a hill just before the bridge to Don Khong Island.
Day 4
The 4000 Islands
After travelling by car to the south of Don Khong Island you’ll visit a local family in a lowland Lao village. Then, your journey will continue by boat to Don Som island where you’ll stop at Ban Thapho and discover the old Keng Koum temple. After another short cruise to reach Don Xang Island, you’ll be able to enjoy a stroll in a natural environment before continuing on to Don Khone. All along the way, absorb the scenes of local life and enjoy incredible views of the Mekong River.
Day 5
Bolaven Plateau
This morning you’ll head north to the higher altitude volcanic plateau of the Bolaven; you’ll have the chance to admire the scenery offered by the natural environment from the viewing point or relax at the panoramic restaurant, tasting the famous coffee.
Day 6
Paksong
Today, you’ll start in Paksong, the main gateway to the Bolaven plateau. You have to travel by Jeep to discover the best of them. You’ll be welcomed by a passionate coffee farmer who will lead you to find a magnificent and impressive waterfall where you can bathe and relax before continuing to see his land. In the afternoon, your guide will take you to explore the Phu Sanark volcano, where you’ll have the ideal position to enjoy the sunset over the plateau. Your day will finish at a local house; the family will show you the best of Laos’ hospitality and invite you to cook some local dishes with them.
Day 7
Pakse
Today, you’ll go to see the incredible views of the highlands offered by the Phu Khatok and Phu Khate volcanoes. After lunch, you’ll jump back in your Jeep for a sensational excursion to visit remote bamboo villages of the Laven and Souray ethnic minorities. From here, you’ll finish your exploration of the Bolaven and head to your hotel.
Day 8
Luang Prabang
On your last day in Pakse, you’ll travel to Vat Luang before continuing to Ban Don Khor to walk through the village and discover a giant Buddha statue in Vat Chompet, which the local people worship. Later, you’ll reach the top of Phou Salao hill, where you can enjoy the city’s most impressive views and the Mekong River. Finally, you’ll travel to Pakse Airport for your flight to the magical UNESCO World Heritage town of Luang Prabang in the mountainous north of the country.
Day 9
Luang Prabang
In the early morning, you’ll travel with your guide to the temple to see the Tak Bath ceremony. After this humbling experience, your guide will take you to a local market, a very animated place to be in the morning and local restaurant beside the Mekong River.
After breakfast, head out for a tour of the city by tuk-tuk into its most emblematic and culturally-rich sites. In the evening, you’ll be invited to attend a Baci (Sou Khouan) ceremony, one of the most popular traditions in Laos.
After breakfast, head out for a tour of the city by tuk-tuk into its most emblematic and culturally-rich sites. In the evening, you’ll be invited to attend a Baci (Sou Khouan) ceremony, one of the most popular traditions in Laos.
Day 10
Xayaboury
Today you’ll have a short boat trip reach the Elephant Conservation Center. You’ll have time to settle into your private bungalow before your guide takes you to the forest to show you the center and its inhabitants. You’ll then observe the elephants’ daily bath and learn more about the elephants’ playful characters. After that, you’ll have the opportunity for some soft interaction with the mahouts by your side. After a short hike in the forest, the mahouts will decide on a place where the elephants can graze for a while. Before dinner, you’ll have the opportunity to walk in the surroundings, or go for a swim in the lake, take a canoe, or visit the museum of the conservation center.
Day 11
Xayaboury - Luang Prabang
Today you’ll meet up with the elephants in the forest. Enjoy strolling together with these magnificent creatures in their natural environment. After some time to relax, you’ll travel back to Luang Prabang.
Day 12
Luang Prabang
Today, you’ll enjoy a unique fishing experience using only local equipment and no modern techniques. The local fishing expert will teach you how to use their traditional net, which opens into a circle upon throwing and landing in the water. You’ll be eating the day’s catch for lunch, so make sure you catch something! After lunch, grab a paddle, climb into a kayak and push off from the riverbank. Travel back to Luang Prabang in the late afternoon.
Day 13
Luang Prabang
Today you’ll travel down a small dirt trail to reach an idyllic organic rice farm. Upon arrival, you’ll be met by the charismatic Hmong farmer to learn the many steps needed to grow healthy rice and turn it into delicious noodles. Last but not least, sit down, relax and enjoy your delicious freshly made bowl of noodle soup!
In the afternoon, you’ll continue to the Kuang Sy waterfalls, one of the highlights of Luang Prabang. Enjoy your surroundings and spend some time swimming and relaxing in some pools. On the way back to town, you’ll stop at the Ock Pop Tok Weaving Craft Centre to learn how the people work by watching them create the handicrafts. Then, head across to the scenic Mekong River Terrace, where you can enjoy a relaxing sunset cocktail with stunning river views.
In the afternoon, you’ll continue to the Kuang Sy waterfalls, one of the highlights of Luang Prabang. Enjoy your surroundings and spend some time swimming and relaxing in some pools. On the way back to town, you’ll stop at the Ock Pop Tok Weaving Craft Centre to learn how the people work by watching them create the handicrafts. Then, head across to the scenic Mekong River Terrace, where you can enjoy a relaxing sunset cocktail with stunning river views.
Day 14
Luang Prabang
All good things must come to an end, and sadly, today, you’ll be leaving Laos, taking your souvenirs and the fantastic memories you made during your stay here. After checking out your hotel, you’ll meet your driver and guide and travel to Luang Prabang airport for your outbound flight.
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