Luang Prabang & Southern Laos – 7 Nights – 8 Days

Detailed Itinerary

DAY 01: ARRIVAL IN LUANG PRABANG – BACI

On arrival at the Luang Prabang airport, you will be met and transferred to check into the hotel. Situated in the centre of northern Laos, Luang Prabang is classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its outstanding cultural, historic, and architectural values and its harmonious relationship between the natural and built environment.

After a soft rest, you may want to stroll around for the first impression of this ancient city. Late afternoon, join a private Baci ceremony at a local family. The Baci ceremony, as a traditional ritual of the Lao people, expresses the spirituality of the country and is a highly memorable experience and a deep insight into Lao culture for the participants.

Meals: Dinner

DAY 02: LUANG PRABANG – CITY TOUR – PAK OU CAVES

After breakfast, visit the Royal Palace Museum, then enjoy a scenic cruise on the Mekong River to the Pak Ou Caves, filled with thousands of Buddha statues. En route, stop at Ban Xanghai Village, known for local rice wine.

Return to explore Wat Sene and the iconic Wat Xieng Thong. Visit Heuan Chan Heritage House for insights into Lao culture, followed by a local tea or coffee tasting.

End the day with sunset at Wat Prabath and a stroll through the Night Market.

Optional: If you are fond of various ethnic cultures, you can visit the Traditional Art and Ethnology Center (closed on Monday

Meals: Breakfast

DAY 03: MORNING ALMS GIVING – KUANG SI WATERFALL

Wake up early to witness the sacred alms-giving tradition in Luang Prabang, where monks collect offerings from locals. Visit the morning market near the former Royal Palace before returning for breakfast.

Later, climb 329 steps to Phousi Hill for panoramic views. If time permits, explore the UXO Visitor Center. Continue to the stunning Kuang Si waterfall, known for its turquoise pools—ideal for a swim.

Visit Ban Thapene Village and the nearby Bear Rescue Center. On return, stop at Ock Pop Tok Living Crafts Centre to see traditional weaving and enjoy a beautiful sunset before heading back to the hotel.

Tip:

• For the family vacation, you can visit the Buffalo Dairy Farm on the way to Kuang Si waterfalls, which offers a fun and interesting experience for the kids.
• After visiting Kuang Si waterfalls, you can visit the nearby Butterfly Park, where you can enjoy the afternoon tea with the homemade cookies whilst relaxing inside the green, peaceful garden full of colorful butterflies.

 Meal: Breakfast

DAY 04: LUANG PRABANG – PAKSE – BOLAVEN PLATEAU

After breakfast, we take the flight to Pakse, the largest city in southern Laos.  Upon arrival, we head east to Pakse and onto the Bolaven Plateau. The Bolaven Plateau is known for its cooler temperatures, being located high above the Mekong Valley.

Stop at a tea plantation, followed by a brief visit to Tad Fan Waterfall, a picturesque twin chute waterfall. We will also visit the local village at Ban Lak Sipchet, which makes iron knives, and Ban Lak Samsip, which makes bamboo baskets. If time permits, we will also visit Tad Yeung and take a dip in the cool, clear natural pool at the foot of the waterfall. The last stop is at a coffee plantation before arriving at your destination for the evening. Overnight in the Bolaven Plateau.

 Meal: Breakfast

DAY 05: BOLAVEN PLATEAU – WAT PHOU – KHONG ISLAND

Following breakfast, venture to the vibrant Tha Teng ethnic minority food market. Then, embark on a journey to explore two captivating minority villages: Ban Bong Neua, an Alak village renowned for its sacrificial altar, and Ban Kokphung, a Katu village where coffins are traditionally stored beneath houses.

In the afternoon, immerse yourself in history with a visit to Wat Phou, an ancient Khmer religious complex dating back to the 5th Century. Recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, Wat Phou is a breathtaking pre-Angkorian temple nestled amidst the picturesque rice fields and waterways of southern Laos. Constructed by the rulers of the Khmer empire before Angkor Wat, this temple once served as a pivotal economic and political hub, remaining today one of the most revered temples among the Lao people. Following your exploration, journey to Done Khong, where the remainder of the day is yours to unwind or further explore the island’s treasures. Spend the night on Done Khong Island, soaking in its tranquil ambiance.

Meal: Breakfast.

DAY 06: KHONG ISLAND – 4000 ISLANDS – KHONE ISLAND

Set off in the morning aboard a 1.5-hour-long tail boat to explore the expansive Mekong River at its broadest point, known affectionately as “Si Phan Done”, where the receding waters during the dry season reveal countless islets.  Upon reaching our destination, delve into the quaint villages of Ban Khone, rich with relics from the French colonial era. Wander through streets lined with old colonial buildings and catch glimpses of the first Lao railway’s remnants, including its vintage locomotive.

Continue your island exploration by Tuk Tuk, taking your time to visit the mesmerizing Liphi waterfall, a breathtaking cascade that marks the boundary between Laos and Cambodia, also referred to as the Samphamith. En route back, pay a visit to a local pagoda to gain insights into the spiritual customs of the region and admire the intricate architecture of the temple. Conclude the day with a stroll through the village, immersing yourself in the daily life of the locals. For those inclined, bicycles are available for rent (at your own expense) to further explore the island at your own pace. Take a sunset ride around the island, soaking in the relaxed ambiance of Khone Island.

Retreat for the night, soaking in the serene surroundings of Khone Island.

Meal: Breakfast

DAY 07: KHONE ISLAND – KHONE PHAPHAENG – PAKSE

After breakfast, we’ll head back to the mainland at the fishing village of Ban Nakasang and continue our journey further south to visit Khone Phapheng, known as the largest waterfall by volume in Southeast Asia.

Situated near the Lao-Cambodian border, Khone Phapheng is a remarkable sight nestled within a wildlife-rich area, making it one of the most awe-inspiring destinations in Laos. Following our visit to Khone Phapheng, we’ll drive back to Pakse. Established by the French in 1905 as an administrative center, the capital of Champasak Province is a relatively modern town located at the confluence of the Mekong and Se Don rivers.

In the afternoon, our first stop will be at Ban Khoh, renowned for its stone carving expertise. From there, we’ll take a stroll to the nearby Wat Chomphet, home to the largest sitting Buddha statue in Laos. As the late afternoon approaches, we’ll ascend to the top of Wat Phou Salao to admire the panoramic view over the town of Pakse and the surrounding area as darkness falls over the city.

 

Meal: Breakfast

DAY 08: PAKSE – UBON RATCHATHANI – DEPARTURE

After breakfast, we will transfer directly to Ubon Ratchathani (Thailand) via Chong Mek Border to take the flight to Bangkok and connect to your departure flight back home.

Note:

• Transfer time: 3 hours, including border time.
• From Pakse, you can also take a flight to Siem Reap, Ho Chi Minh City, Vientiane, Luang Prabang, or Bangkok

Meal: Breakfast