Discover Laos: North to South

Tour Code:

P137

A$4,335

Current Stock:

Duration: 16 Days | 15 Nights
Destination: Laos (North to South)

Travel from the ancient royal seat of Laos, through today’s laid-back riverside capital of Vientiane and on to the amazing 4000 islands and waterfalls of southern Laos. This is a diverse, fully loaded-16-day city, culture, and nature lover’s tour with biking, trekking, and kayaking options throughout to keep you active as you explore Laos history, nature, and Buddhist culture.

Day 01: Luang Prabang
Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel. Luang Prabang is a very special city! It is enchanting with its magnificent location amidst mountain ranges and its historic temples, which gave the city the title of World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Overnight in Luang Prabang (-)

Day 02: Luang Prabang - City Tour
Explore the city by Tuk Tuk. The Tuk Tuk (a motorized-rickshaw) was brought to Southeast Asia in 1934 from Japan, and has since then become an icon of the region. The classic Tuk Tuk is a sheet-metal roof covering an open frame which rests on three wheels. They’re one of the most popular forms of transportation in Laos, Thailand and Cambodia, and this Southeast Asian emblem is the perfect vehicle for an open-air tour of Luang Prabang.

Departing from the hotel at 08:30, get on the Tuk Tuk to the open-air Morning Market in the old town. There are only a few large grocery stores here—instead, food is still produced by small farming families and villages and brought to Luang Prabang from the surrounding rural areas. Guide will explain the common vegetables and fruits that are in season and pick up some snacks for later.

A short walk from the market is Wat Mai Suwannaphumaham (“New Monastery ''), the National Museum (Royal Palace) and Hor Phra Bang. After the museum, travel again by tuk tuk through more of the picturesque town to Wat Visounnalath. Continue to Heuan Chan Luang Prabang for a short activity and learn how to make Banana Leaf and Flower.
Another short tuk tuk ride along the Nam Khan River to Wat Xieng Thong. End the day’s tour on top of Mount Phousi.

Day 03: Rice Is Life Experience / The Living Land Farm & Tad Kuang Si Waterfall
A day to follow the footsteps of the local rice farmers. Spend half a day in the rice field and forget that you are a tourist! On a traditional working organic farm you will be introduced to every step of the rice industry and will of course be involved in the selection of the seeds, the water buffalo plowing, the tedious planting etc. And of course there will be rice too to eat! Well-fortified with Asia's staple food, in the afternoon it continues into the breathtaking nature to explore the Tad Kuang Si waterfalls. The short drive leads through rice fields, small villages and hilly landscape. A detour to a Hmong village will tell you something interesting about the centuries-old culture of these people. The Kuang Si waterfalls are an ideal place to relax and recharge your batteries. After all, today the Bear Rescue Center and some villages await you, where you can get to know traditional handicrafts.

Day 04: Pak Ou Caves - Mekong Boat Trip
Aboard a traditional, slow boat, the Mekong goes upstream. The Mekong is the tenth longest river in the world and has a biodiversity in its basin that is only surpassed by the Amazon in the world. At the confluence of the Nam Ou and Mekong you will go ashore to explore the Pak Ou Caves, where centuries-old stupas, shrines and thousands of Buddha sculptures testify to the spiritual traditions of mankind. On the Mekong, it's back to Luang Prabang. In Ban Xang Khong, watch how craftsmen from the bark of the mulberry tree conjure up special paper.

Day 05: Luang Prabang – Vang Vieng
Say goodbye to Luang Prabang and head to the imposing mountainous region of Central Laos! Along the way, visit some Hmong villages. This interesting indigenous hill tribe migrated from southern China to Laos in the 18th century. The arrival in the small town of Vang Vieng, which is located between gigantic limestone cliffs in the magical valley of the Nam Song River.

Day 06: Vang Vieng - Buddha Park - Vientiane
Today we drive south Vientiane on the banks of the Mekong, which was already declared the capital of the Kingdom of Laos in 1563. Colonial administration was established here during the French colonial era, and thanks to the economic growth of recent years, the city has become the country's most important economic center.

Day 07: Vientiane - City Tour
Discover the charms of Vientiane, a quiet but endearing capital city. Tour includes Wat Sisaket, Hor Phra Keo, That Luang Stupa and Patuxay Monument. Visit markets where you can find an abundance of locally made handicrafts.

Day 08: Vientiane – Paksan – Khoun Kham
Start early and your guide will pick you up around 08:00. Overland journey brings us further East to Paksan and onwards to Bolikhamxay Province to Khoun Kham, the starting point for tours to Tham Kong Lor Cave. Stop at Wat Phra Baht and Wat Phonsan.

Day 09: Tham Kong Lor Cave - Thakhek
Visit Tham Kong Lor Cave, explore the karst limestone caves while drifting along a winding, underground river surrounded by spectacular rock formations. Then we continue to Thakhek, a small, clear city on the Mekong.Unterwegs We stop at the 'Great Wall' (Kamphaeng Yak) about their edification is very little known; and at the well-known and revered Sikhottabong Stupa, located on the Mekong. Distance: 190 km / 3.5 hrs.

Day 10: Thakhek – Savannakhet
Overland southwards to Seno and Savannakhet, the capital city of Khammouane Province. Visit That Ing Stupa and Dinosaur Museum. The old French Quarter of Savannakhet downtown invites you for an evening stroll, and you can sit along the Mekong River Bank for a sunset drink & snack.

Day 11: Savannakhet – Tad Lo
Drive to Tad Lo and on the way, visit the Hor Tay Phidok Library, located South of Savannakhet. Arrive late afternoon and check-in to the Lodge near the Tad Lo Waterfall. Distance: 260 km / 5-6 hrs.

Day 12: Tad Lo - Bolaven Plateau - Paksong
The renowned coffee of Laos is produced in this region. During colonization, the French promoted the production of high-quality Arabica and Robusta strains. Production declined during the war years, but is now experiencing a renaissance. The climate of the plateau with its cooler temperatures and abundant rainfall makes it the perfect place for coffee production.

Day 13: Bolaven Plateau - Champasak - Vat Phou - Don Khong
After breakfast, drive from Paksong down into the Mekong plain and visit the town of Champasak, where we’ll explore the French colonial architecture dotting the town. Further South, we reach the ruined Khmer temple complex of Vat Phou. Our next stop is the city of Champasak with its French colonial architecture. Continue to the largest islands in the 4000 islands region, Don Khong. Distance: 200 km / 4.5 hrs.

Day 14: Don Khong
This island is one of the larger, permanently inhabited islands in the area of 'Si Pan Don' (4000 islands).

Day 15: 4000 Islands - Tad Khone Phapheng Waterfall - Pakse
By boat to explore the area of 4000 Islands (Si Pan Don). Return to Pakse with a stop at the legendary Khone Phapheng Cascade Falls. Distance: 190 km / 4.5 hrs.

Day 16: Pakse - Departure
Transfer from hotel to airport for departure flight. (B)

Tour Price
• Price shown is for a person based on twin share accommodation, for the travel period indicated.
• All prices displayed are subject to availability and can be withdrawn or varied without notice.
• Prices are guaranteed once booking is confirmed by us and paid in full by the due date.
• Depending on your needs and group size (individual, couple, family, group, etc.) we will provide the final pricing for your tour.

Inclusions:
• All sightseeing as described in program above
• Transportation in private a /c vehicles
• Accommodation in hotels (twin shared)
• English speaking guide
• Admission fees to sights described above
• Meals: B= breakfast, L= lunch, D= dinner
• Lao PDR governmental tax and service charge
• Luggage handling

Exclusions:
• International air tickets to/from Laos
• Visa fee (approximately AUS $60/pax)
• Travel insurance of any kind
• Meals not mentioned in itinerary
• Tips, drinks, personal expenses and other expenses not described in the program above
• Single room surcharge on request