11 Days Best of Laos Tour from Luang Prabang to Pakse
Tour Overview
Transfer: Activities: Experience numerous activities with Elephant at Elephant village. Take a boat to Tad Sae Waterfall for relaxation or swimming. After breakfast, we will transfer directly to the...
Code of Tour: TAD0000028762
Length of Travel: 11 Day
Destinations of Tour:
Departure City: Luang Prabang
Price of Tour: Request
Type of Tour: Private
Features of Tour: Nature tours Culture tours History tours
Transfer:
Activities: Experience numerous activities with Elephant at Elephant village. Take a boat to Tad Sae Waterfall for relaxation or swimming.
After breakfast, we will transfer directly to the Elephant Village (start at 8:00 AM in the morning). On arrival at the Elephant Village Camp, welcome and greeting by our camp manager and participate in many activities with Elephant such as take your own elephant down to the Nam Khan River for an exhilarating bathing experience, feeding elephants or explore elephant hospital.
Lunch at the Elephant Restaurant. Next, boat trip to the Tad Sae Waterfall: Take a traditional Lao long boat to the Tad Sae Waterfall and relax in the clear water. We are free to stroll around the Elephant Village before transferring directly to the nearby Lao Spirit Resort, the lovely resort nesting inside the virgin forest, overlooking the gentle Nam Khan River, where we will spend the night.
Overnight in Lao Spirit Resort.
Elephant village in Luang Prabang
Established in 2001, Elephant Village is a wonderful place where tourists get to know more about the elephants of Laos who are rescued from the abusive environment or the logging industry and cared by professional veterinarians. In a safe, secure home, on the bank of the Nam Khan river and next to Ban Xieng Lom, these special animals live happily with their herd as well as roam freely in the lush and green jungle every day. When visiting the Elephant Village, tourists can enjoy a lot of daily activities with the lovely elephants such as bathing and feeding your elephants, exploring the elephant hospital to learn how they cared each day or trekking on foot along them through diverse jungle landscapes. The village also offers tourists a lodge area to stay and a restaurant for lunch and dinner. This Elephant Village is one of the best educational and interesting places in Luang Prabang for families with kids.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: 1 Choices
DAY 5: LUANG PRABANG, VANG VIENG
Transfer:
Activities: Drive to Vang Vieng & stop at Ban Phouhin Lekphay to see the life of Khmu hill tribe. Stop at Phatang Mountain view point to take photo. Visit Tham Chang cave & go to Ban Tha Heua for staying overnight
In the morning, we travel by road south to Vang Vieng. Our intrepid journey will be strenuous as we drive along one of the most scenic region of Laos. The road is now good enough for our drive.
After about one hour drive, we will have chance to enjoy the panoramic view at the highest peak of the area, which is more than 2000 meter high. From there, we will drive to visit Pha Hom market, where we can find various offer of wild animals. We will also stop at Ban Phouhin Lekphay to see the life of Khmu hill-tribe. We will make the last photo stop at Phatang Mountain view point to admire the beautiful scenery before reaching Vang Vieng.
Upon arrival, we transfer to visit the cave of Tham Chang, which was used in the early 19th century in defense against the Chinese invaders. From there, we transfer directly to Ban Tha Heua, where we will spend the night at the lovely resort overlooking Nam Ngum lake, the ‘sea of Laos’.
Overnight in Ban Tha Heua.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: 1 Choices
DAY 6: VANG VIENG, VIENTIANE
Transfer:
Activities: Drive from Vang Vieng to Vientiane. Do kayaking around the lake of Nam Ngum.
Wake up early today, you never want to miss the serene sunrise over the peaceful lake. Our guide will escort you to the nearby area to watch the local villagers preparing for their busy day.
After breakfast, we will join the 2-hour kayaking around the lake of Nam Ngum to the nearby islets on the lake or the local villages.
In the afternoon, we bid farewell to the lake and drive to Vientiane. Located on the banks of the Mekong River, this capital conjures up exotic images, with a curious mix of Lao, Thai, Chinese, Vietnamese, French influences.
Upon arrival, check in your hotel in town. Free for the rest of the day to stroll around this charming town, the most laid- back capital of Asia.
Overnight in Vientian.
Kayaking around the lake of Nam Ngum
Heading out of the capital Vientiane 90km to the north, you will arrive at Nam Ngum Lake, or Ang Nam Ngum in Lao. Usually referred to Lao Sea, this lake is actually a huge man-made reservoir covering an area of 250 km2 that is created by damming the Nam Ngum River in the 1970s. The lake dotted with a myriad of stunning green islands is an ideal haven for local people’s weekend getaways and a tourist stop. Resorts and restaurants are sprinkled along the shoreline, which offer plenty of services. For a relaxing water experience, you can kayak around the tiny islands, paddle at your own pace, and enjoy the beautiful landscape of the lake as well as soak up the local river life. You’ll also find other leisure activities and water sports available on the lake or island villages nearby.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: 3 Choices
DAY 7: VIENTIANE
Transfer:
Activities: Visit Wat Si Muang & Buddha Park. Discover major sights of the capital of Laos such as Wat Sisaket, Wat Prakeo, That Luang stupa, Patuxay monument.
In the morning, we will first visit Wat Si Muang, which is very famous for its supernatural power. We then transfer out to see Buddha Park, an enchanting collection of Buddhist and Hindu sculptures on the Mekong Riverside meadow, close to the Friendship Bridge. There are approximately 200 religious images dating back over 500 years, which were created by a mysterious monk spreading his philosophy on life and revealing his ideas about the universe.
In the afternoon, we see the major sights of the capital; including the oldest Wat Sisaket, the temple with thousands of miniature Buddha statues and the former royal temple of Wat Prakeo, which previously housed the famous Emerald Buddha Image. On the way to Lao’s national icon, the famous and sacred structure of That Luang Stupa, we stop enroute to take some pictures of the imposing Patuxay Monument, which is well known as Vientiane’s own Arc de Triumph. A spectacular view over the Mekong River at sunset is a perfect way to finish the day.
Overnight in Vientiane.
Stop at highlighted attractions in Vientiane: Wat Sisaket, That Luang monument, Victory Monument
Contrary to popular belief of a modern and busy city, Vientiane is, in fact, the laidback capital of Laos with unique and hidden charms. To unveil the true lure of Vientiane, let’s join our city tour that takes you to some of the best sights in town. Start with a visit to Wat Sisaket, the oldest temple in the city built in the Siamese style of Buddhist architecture, you will see a huge exhibition of over 2,000 Buddha images well displayed on a cloister wall. Next, it’s on to That Luang monument, a gold-covered large Buddhist stupa which is generally regarded as the national symbol of Laos. This is also the scene of the Boun That Luang, Laos’ most important Buddhist festival. Finally, make your way to Patuxai, the Victory Monument dedicated to those who gave their lives for independence from France. Built to resemble Paris’ Arc de Triomphe, Patuxai offers a stunning view of the town and the Mekong River. Touring around different highlights of Vientiane to gain a better understanding of this charming capital will surely an unforgettable experience that makes your day in Laos.
Enchanting collection of Buddhist and Hindu sculptures at Buddha Park in Vientiane
Buddha Park, also known as Xieng Khuan or Spirit City, is an open-air sculpture garden housing a large number of Buddhist and Hindu sculptures. The park was built in 1958 by Bounleua Sulilat, a priest-shaman and sculpture artist on the bank of the Mekong River, around 25km southeast of Vientiane. There are more than 200 sculptures made from reinforced concrete displayed in the park that vary in sizes and shapes. Some are statues of Buddha and Hindu gods, the others are sculptures of demons, deities, and mythological creatures. The most striking spot is a giant pumpkin with three floors representing Hell, Earth, and Heaven. You can enter inside the pumpkin through a demon head’s mouth serving as the entrance, climb staircases and you will reach a vantage point that offers the entire park view. Another notable attraction is an enormous 40-meter-long reclining Buddha.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: 3 Choices
DAY 8: VIENTIANE, PAKSE
Transfer:
Activities: Fly from Vientiane to Pakse. Visit Tad Phaseum waterfalls. Trek to Tadlo Waterfalls & visit nearby local villages and market.
We are free to stroll around the town before taking the flight to Pakse, the biggest city of the Southern Laos.
Upon arrival, we will drive to Tad Phaseum waterfalls, where we enjoy an easy trek to nearby villages of ethnic minorities villages like Laven, Alak, Taoy, and others. From there, we drive further to Tadlo Waterfalls, upon arrival, we will trekking to visit waterfall and other minority village near by Tadlo area of Ban Kiengtanglae and Ban Nanong. We then continue driving over the plateau to Paksong. Along the way we will stop Tha Teng Market, a colourfull ethnic minority food market. Next we explore a couple of fascinating minority villages of Ban Pong (An Alak village that boats a sacrificial altar) and Ban Kokphung (A Katu village where they keep coffins under their houses). Our last stop for the day is the beautiful Sinouk Coffee Resort.
Overnight in Sinouk Coffee Resort.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: 1 Choices
Sinouk Coffee Resort
Nestled in the upper reaches of the Bolaven Plateau, the Resort lies in the heart of Sinouk coffee plantation. Surrounded by a beautifully landscaped garden and natural rivers, it is a unique place in Southern Laos, perfect for relaxation and learn more about Lao coffee.Ideally located, this place is a perfect basecamp to visit all the Bolavens Plateau attractions. Here, where nature was embellished, enjoy a walk through the coffee plantation and a lush botanic garden.Experience Lao hospitality in the cozy and charming atmosphere of our chalets, in which you will feel like home staying in air conditioned rooms with free WiFi, each with a private bathroom and counting as well with services such as an outdoor swimming pool and gardens, room service, restaurant and a bar.
DAY 9: PAKSE, KHONG ISLAND
Transfer:
Activities: Depart for Champasak by car. Stop to visit Tad Fan waterfall en-route. Visit Wat Phou – a World Heritage Site. Drive to Don Khong & free to explore the island.
After breakfast, we departure for Champasak. Along the way, we will have chance to enjoy the scenery around Tad Fan waterfall, which is spectacular with twin waterfalls plummeting into a deep gorge surrounded by flourishing vegetation. We will also see the cultivation of rich coffee, tea, cardamom, bananas, and other crops that are grown in the area.
Arriving in Champasak, visit 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 spectacular pre-Angkorian temple that sits amidst the rice fields and waterways of southern Laos. The temple was constructed in three levels: the bottom level is focused on the baray (water reservoir) and promenade, the second level features quadrangular pavilions and galleries of carvings, and the top level is the sanctuary itself. The temple was built during the rule of the Khmer empire before the construction of Angkor Wat. The temple served as the most important economic and political centre of the region and still is one of the Lao people’s most revered temples.
After your visit, we continue in to Champasak to see samples of French colonial architecture before driving to Done Khong where you have the rest of the day to relax or to explore the island.
Overnight in Done Khong Island.
Ruins of Wat Phou
Wat Phou, also known as Vat Phou or Vat Phu, is an ancient ruined temple complex in southern Laos. Located at the base of mount Phou Khao 40km outside the town of Pakse, this temple was originally built by the Khmer Empire and dedicated to Lord Shiva but then became a center of Buddhist worship until today. Despite the striking resemblance as a miniature version of Angkor Wat, Wat Phou is much quiet and peaceful with the most area of the architecture built high into the hillside. Climbing up an age-old set of stone steps, visitors will see a modest temple with statues of Buddha and crumbling carved stones. Take time at the natural terrace where you can relax under the shade of green trees, admire the surrounding landscapes and overlook the Mekong River.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: 1 Choices
DAY 10: KHONG ISLAND, CHAMPASAK
Transfer:
Activities: Embark on a long tail boat along Mekong River. Explore peaceful villages of Ban Khone. Discover 4000 Islands area by Tuk Tuk & relax at Liphi waterfall. See Irrawaddy Mekong dolphin if you are lucky. Drive to Khone Phapheng & back to Champasak.
Heading out of town we embark on a long tail boat for venturing into the widest reach of the Mekong River, where during the dry season the waters recede and leave behind thousands of islets, giving this area a lovely name” Si Phan Done”. Upon arrival, explore the local peaceful villages of Ban Khone, where you will see an array of relics from the French colonial era and retrace the old colonial past, including old French colonial buildings and the remnants of the first Lao railway with its locomotive. We continue to discover the 4000 islands area by tuktuk and visit the marvelous Liphi waterfall, also called the “Corridor of the Devil” one of the most beautiful waterfalls marking Lao border with Cambodia.
If we are lucky, we may even see the rare freshwater Irrawaddy Mekong dolphin at Ban Hang Khone. We return to the mainland at the fishing village of Ban Nakasang and drive further south to visit Khone Phapheng. Khone Phapheng is considered the largest waterfall by volume in South East Asia; this is an impressive spot near the Lao-Cambodian border, set within an area which is teeming with wildlife, making this area one of the most breathtaking destinations in Laos. Afterwards we drive back to Champasak and spend the night at the lovely The River Resort.
4000 Islands: Don Khong, Don Det, Don Khone
4000 Islands or Si Phan Don in Lao is a riverine archipelago with numerous islands in the Mekong River in the Champasak Region. While most of the islands are too tiny and uninhabited, there are three most popular and lively islands that are preferred places of typical backpackers: Don Khong, Don Det, and Don Khon. All these islands enjoy a laidback, sleepy vibe with plenty of guest houses and scenic restaurants overlooking the Mekong River. While in these islands, you can enjoy loads of interesting activities such as walking or cycling slowly around the islands, kayaking along the Mekong to see the rare and adorable Irrawaddy Dolphins, or visiting the famous Li Phi and Khone Phapheng Waterfalls. If you prefer to do nothing, just chill out at a riverside bar and enjoy sunset time.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: 1 Choices
DAY 11: CHAMPASAK, PAKSE
Transfer:
Activities: Be transferred to Pakse international airport
You are free to relax by the pool of the hotel or stroll around the nearby villages.
At a scheduled time, we transfer you back to Pakse international airport to take your departure flight. Ends of services.
