Incredible Laos – Culture, Nature & Serenity

Upon your arrival in Luang Prabang, you’ll be greeted and transferred to your hotel. Known as the best-preserved city in Southeast Asia, Luang Prabang is a UNESCO World Heritage site that blends ancient spiritual traditions with colonial charm.
The rest of your day is free to relax or explore at your own pace.

Your city exploration begins with a visit to Wat Xiengthong, one of Luang Prabang’s most exquisite temples, known for its distinctive rooflines that sweep almost to the ground—an iconic example of traditional Lao architecture. You’ll then cruise along the Mekong River, soaking in serene countryside views as you make your way to the Ban Muangkeo village. From here, a short trek takes you to the Pak Ou Caves—two ancient grottoes filled with thousands of Buddha statues in varying shapes and sizes, all offerings from devoted pilgrims over centuries.
Next, stop at Ban Xanghai, a local village known for producing potent rice wine. A visit with a local host gives you a glimpse into daily life and offers a chance to sample some home-brewed “Lao Lao.” Returning by car to Luang Prabang, visit the acclaimed Traditional Arts and Ethnology Centre to better understand the country’s diverse ethnic cultures. Cap off the day with a climb up Mount Phousi for panoramic views and a striking sunset over the city and the Mekong River.

Wake before dawn for a rare and moving opportunity to witness Luang Prabang’s almsgiving ritual, where barefoot saffron-robed monks silently collect offerings from locals in a centuries-old tradition. Afterwards, stroll through the lively morning market, a bustling scene filled with fresh produce, local delicacies, flowers, and more.
After breakfast, tour the former Royal Palace, now a museum showcasing royal artifacts that offer insight into Laos’s recent history. Continue to Ban Thinkeo, a Hmong village, where you’ll visit homes and learn about the community’s daily routines and traditional medicinal herbs. The highlight of the afternoon is a visit to the stunning Kuang Si Waterfalls—a series of cascading turquoise pools nestled in lush jungle. Enjoy a picnic lunch and, if you wish, take a dip in the refreshing waters before heading back to town.

An early start takes you through spectacular mountain terrain on your journey to Xieng Khuang, famous for the mysterious Plain of Jars. The road winds through dramatic landscapes of rolling hills and fertile valleys at an elevation of around 1,300 meters. This region, once a major battleground during the Indochina War, holds many stories from the past. Along the way, stop to visit local villages including Ban Kiu Kam Pone (Khmu people) and Ban Son Boom (Hmong community).
Your final stop before reaching town is the Buddha Cave, a hidden wartime shelter once used as a military hospital. A short walk nearby reveals the wreckage of a Russian tank—another poignant reminder of the region’s war-torn history. Arrival in Xieng Khuang is by early evening.

Begin the day by visiting two of the major Plain of Jars sites—Jar Site 1 and 2—set atop hills that provide sweeping views of the countryside. This archaeological marvel, dating back to the Iron Age, features thousands of megalithic stone jars scattered across the land and is one of the most significant prehistoric sites in Southeast Asia.
Continue your journey to Muang Khoun, the former provincial capital, where you’ll explore atmospheric ruins of Lanna-style temples and the hauntingly beautiful Wat Phiawat, home to a massive seated Buddha that survived wartime bombing. Later, transfer to the airport for your flight to Vientiane. Upon arrival, you’ll be taken to your hotel, with the rest of the day at leisure.

Your exploration of the capital begins at Wat Sisaket, the city’s oldest surviving temple, famous for its cloister walls lined with thousands of miniature Buddha statues. Just nearby is Wat Prakeo, which once housed the revered Emerald Buddha. Continue to That Luang Stupa—Laos’s most sacred national monument—and pause for photos at Patuxay, the imposing triumphal arch inspired by the Arc de Triomphe.
You’ll also have the option to visit the COPE Visitor Centre, where you’ll gain important insight into the country’s lingering struggle with unexploded ordnance (UXO) and the organization’s efforts to support victims through prosthetics and rehabilitation.

An early morning transfer takes you to the airport for your flight to Pakse (QV301 departs 08:35, arrives 09:50). Upon arrival, you’ll head straight to a private long-tail boat for a scenic two-hour cruise down the Mekong to Champassak. After disembarking, travel by road to Wat Phou, a magnificent Khmer Hindu temple complex nestled at the base of Mount Phu Kao. This UNESCO World Heritage site features ruins dating back to the 5th century and reflects the architectural grandeur of the ancient Khmer empire.
In the afternoon, continue your journey southward to Don Khong, part of the 4,000 Islands region where the Mekong River fans out into a web of waterways and islets. Along the way, stop at the evocative ruins of Oup Mong, a lesser-known Khmer temple hidden in the forest. You’ll reach Khong Island by ferry in the early evening.

After breakfast, explore the charming countryside by boat as you cruise to Don Khone Island. You’ll have the option to bike or walk through the island, stopping to see remnants from the French colonial era and the dramatic Liphi Waterfalls, also known as “Corridor of the Devil.”
Continue to the mainland via Ban Nakasang and head south to visit the majestic Khone Phapheng Falls—the largest by volume in Southeast Asia. This thundering cascade marks the natural border with Cambodia and is set in an area rich with biodiversity, making it one of the most breathtaking sites in Laos. Later, return to Khong Island.

Today’s journey takes you north into the Bolaven Plateau, an elevated region known for its cool climate, fertile soil, and abundant rainfall—perfect conditions for tea and coffee cultivation. Your day will include stops at a Laven village famous for its traditional knife-making, a tea plantation, and the striking twin streams of Tad Fane Waterfall.
You’ll also visit a coffee farm and browse a vibrant local market offering a colorful mix of goods from various ethnic groups. Continue through the scenic highlands to Tad Lo Waterfall before arriving back in Pakse in the early evening.

Enjoy a leisurely morning to explore Pakse on your own or simply relax before your transfer to the airport for your onward journey—whether it’s to Siem Reap in Cambodia or a land border crossing to Ubon Ratchathani in Thailand.