Incredible Laos
10 days - 9 nights
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DAY 1: LUANG PHRABANG ARRIVAL
Warm welcome upon your arrival in Luang Prabang. Your guide and driver will meet you at the airport for a transfer to your hotel located in the downtown. Luang Prabang is considered the best-preserved traditional city the Southeast Asia. The tranquility and charm of this town with its splendid natural scenery and cultural sights make it one of the most delightful places to visit in Laos. After a short rest you have a tour to visit the impressive stupa of Wat Visoun and the shrine of Wat Aham, Wat Mai. You then climb up to the top of Mount Phousi for a panorama view of Luang Prabang and enjoy the sunset on the Mekong River.
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DAY 2: LUANG PHRABANG: DISCOVER PAKOU CAVE
An optional early start will give you the fantastic opportunity to participate in the daily morning rituals of saffron-clad monks collecting offerings of Alms (often in the form of sticky rice) from the faithful residents. This tradition is very unique to Laos, it being the only Buddhist nation still preserving the ritual.
Breakfast at hotel then you take a boat trip upstream the Mekong River to visit the mysterious Pak Ou Caves, two linked caves crammed with thousands of gold lacquered Buddha statues of various shapes and sizes left by devoted pilgrims. Along the way, you will stop at the village of Ban Xanghai, where the local rice wine is produced. The village Ban Phanom-well known for its hand weaving is your last stop today before back to your hotel. Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight in Luang Phrabang.
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DAY 3: LUANG PHRABANG: EXPLORE KHOUANGSI WATERFALL
Today you drive to the beautiful Khouangsi Waterfall where you can cool off with a refreshing swim in the turquoise pools or walk along the forest trails. Continue to visit the Ban Xangkhong, a village well known for its silk weavings and for its Saa (jute) Papermaking. Back to the city to enjoy the sunset at the Wat Siphouthabath famous for the footprints of the Buddha. Enjoy your free time. Overnight in Luang Phrabang.
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DAY 4: XIENG KHOUANG
In the morning you visit the National Museum (close Tuesday) at the former Royal Palace then you drive to Xieng Khouang to explore the real Laos. Some stop to get in touch with countryside people, take some wonderful photographs. At noon you will visit the old capital of Muang Khoun Province and its’ nearby villages then you check-in hotel and have a leisure time. Overnight in Xieng Khouang.
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DAY 5: VIENTIANE
In the morning you drive to visit the Plain of Jars, an impressive archaeological site encompassing hundreds of large stone jars scattered throughout the plateau. Transfer to airport for a short flight to the Vientiane. Your guide and driver will meet you at the airport and transfer to your hotel for a short break then meet you again for dinner at local restaurant. Overnight in Vientiane
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DAY 6: VIENTIANE CITY TOUR
Today you have a whole day to explore all the places of interest Vientiane has to offer including the oldest Wat Sisaket with thousands of miniature Buddha statues, the former Royal temple of Wat Prakeo, which previously housed the famous Emerald Buddha Image, the famous That Luang Stupa and the Patuxay Monument. You also have an orientation tour of the capital through the most historical sites and some of the French colonial architecture and enjoy the sunset by the Mekong River or visit the night market before back to hotel. Overnight in Vientiane.
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DAY 7: VIENTIANE FLY TO PAKSE, DON KHONE
You take an early flight to Pakse. Upon arrival you drive south to Champassak to visit the fascinating pre-angkorian ruins of Wat Phu World Heritage site, one of Southeast Asia’s most dramatically situated temples. After lunch at local restaurant you take a 20 minute boat ride to Don Khone, an unspoiled island in the middle of Siphandon in Southern Laos. At leisure. Overnight in Don Khone
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DAY 8: DON KHONE ISLANDS
Today you have the option of exploring the island by bicycle, admiring some of the old French Colonial buildings and Liphi Waterfall or “the Corridor of the Devil”. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. You also have the option of taking a local boat out to search for the rare freshwater dolphins that reside in this area of the Mekong. back to hotel. At leisure. Overnight in Don Khone.
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DAY 9: DON KHONE ISLAND, STAY IN TADLO
Leaving the Don Khone Island, you drive towards Tadlo, through Boloven plateau. Upon arrival at Tad Lo waterfall you have a break, check-in and can swim on the river, watch the elephants bathe or take an elephant ride or visit the villages of Alak, Nge, and Katu, populated by ethnic minority groups. Overnight in Tadlo.
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DAY 10: PAKSE DEPARTURE
Today is the last day in Laos. Enjoy your free time at hotel until transfer back to Pakse for flight to Vientiane/Luang Prabang to connect with your departure flight. Have a good journey and thanks for joining us.