12 Day Classic Laos Holiday

Breakfast at the hotel and today is spent with a half day city orientation with your private tour guide. Start with a visit to Wat Sisaket, a serene temple filled with thousands of miniature Buddha statues. Then is Wat Phra Keo where ancient Lao and Khmer art works are on display and the Presidential Palace, a beautiful colonial-style building once used as the French governor’s residence. This afternoon visit COPE, an association working to help landmine victims. The trip to Vientiane would not be complete without visiting two most recognized the most recognizable landmarks in Vientiane: Patuxay and That Luang. Built to resemble Paris’ Arc de Triomphe, Patuxay offers fabulous views over the capital. That Luang is equally impressive, a 16th-century gilded temple that is one of the country’s holiest sites. Return to hotel. Overnight in Vientiane

Breakfast at the hotel and you will be transferred to the airport to take a short flight to Pakse. On arrival you will be met by a local guide a transferred to your hotel in Champasa. After checking into your accommodation and freshening up, you and your tour guide will head out to the Bolaven Plateau for an adventure in the highlands. Begin with an easy trek through coffee plantations, villages where you will have a chance to meet ethnic locals such as Laven, Mon-Khmer, also trek through forest to reach the plains of the Bolaven Plateau – known in Lao as Phu Phieng Bolaven, is famous for its cool climate, dramatic waterfalls and high-grade coffee. Here you See spectacular waterfalls and ancient Khmer inspired temples ruins, and enjoy the refreshingly cool climate – a rarity in Southeast Asia!

Destination Overview: Champasak, a land of swift rivers, emerald rice paddies, and tropical highlands wreathed in mist and fog, Champasak is a unique destination in a country that is already far off the beaten path. Today, Champasak is best-known for the Wat Phu complex, a series of intricate Khmer ruins which were designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2001.

After breakfast at hotel, you will be met by a local tour guide who will take you a full-day sightseeing to explore Champasak, a land of swift rivers, emerald rice paddies, and tropical highlands wreathed in mist and fog, Champasak is a unique destination in a country that is already far off the beaten path. Visit the famous Wat Phu complex, a series of intricate Khmer ruins which were designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2001. Next, take a close insight to villages, meet local people there and enjoy a meal in Ban Wat That Village. After lunch,travel to Don Khong Island next, on a 3 hour drive into Si Phan Doan, or 4,000 Islands. An archipelago on the Mekong River, this area is sleepy, scenic and stunning. Don Khong is the largest island of Si Phan Doan, yet has a quaint atmosphere. Arrive in this picturesque area and check into your accommodation, spending the rest of the evening relaxing by the riverside.

Breakfast at the hotel and today you’ll embark upon a river cruise to Don Khone, navigating through an archipelago of more than 4,000 small islands. Gaze upon this natural wonder and be sure to keep your eyes peeled, if you’re lucky to may spot the rare and elusive Irrawaddy dolphin! frolicking amid the mangroves. The islands here are home to countless small villages, and you’ll have the chance to visit them and bicycle through the area. Watch the sunset from a hammock over the river, absorb the peaceful atmosphere and make the most of your last night in this beautiful and tranquil place.

Rise early and enjoy the morning along the banks of the mighty Mekong. Breakfast and you will be taken to the airport to fly to Luang Prabang, unique in that the entire city is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and has many attractions to explore during your stay. Your first afternoon is free to relax or explore at your own leisure. The local night market is a nice introduction, bright, colourful and easy to navigate. Here you can find a selection of excellent value souvenirs. Overnight at hotel in Luang Prabang.

Option: Rise early this morning, in time to watch monks as they walk through the city receiving alms. Each morning, a procession of monks passes through the streets collecting food offerings from locals. Back to hotel for breakfast.

After your breakfast at the hotel, you will be taken on a tour of Luang Prabang’s sacred temples. Visit Wat Visoun, Wat Aham and especially Wat Xieng Thong, a 16th century temple which epitomises all the elegance and grace of Luang Prabang architecture. Continue visiting the National Museum, a former Royal Palace, housing a collection of valuables including the famous Prabang Buddha statue and gifts received from foreign dignitaries. After enjoying a delicious, authentic lunch at a local restaurant, you will pay a visit to Ock Pop Tock weaving center to learn and discover Laos through textiles. Ock Pop Tock means “East Meets West”  was founded in 2000 by an English Photographer and and Laotian weaver with a passion for textiles and a mission to become this place one of the most important textile and artisanal institutions in all of Laos and South East Asia. Transfer you back to the hotel and you will enjoy your evening free. Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Option: Board a traditional boat, the Nava Mekong, for an evening cruise down the glorious Mekong River as the sun sets over the valley. The boat will stop for lunch at the bank opposite Luang Prabang, where you’ll be served a delicious Lao dinner and see artists from the nearby villages perform traditional music and dance as you dine. Overnight in Luang Prabang

Breakfast at the hotel and today is spent with an excursion to visit a beautiful Kuang Si waterfall. These waterfalls here create a series of pools and are perfect for taking a cooling swim in. Their limestone rock formations and the surrounding jungle provide a natural setting for walks and relaxation. Alternatively explore the surrounding countryside on walking trails through native forest. You’ll enjoy lunch in a Khmu village. The Khmu are one of the largest ethnic groups in northern Laos, numbering approximately 450,000 Return to the city and a trip to Luang Prabang could never be complete without a festive celebration, and there are few more joyous moments than being able to take part in a real Baci Ceremony. The ritual will offer prayers for you and your family and loved ones, praying for harmony, peace, good fortune, honesty and warmth. Well wishes and prayers will be showered over you in this delightful ceremony. Return to your hotel for a peaceful night’s sleep this evening.

Depart Luang Prabang by boat, heading up river to the small village of Pakbeng. This full day cruise boasts some remarkable scenery and serves as a nice introduction to Laos village life. The night is spent at a simple hillside lodge.

Drive north to Muang La. Along the way, there’s time for two village stops to see the fascinating Hmong and Khmu ethnic groups. Check into the gorgeous Muang La Resort and relax. Afternoon activities present a choice between bamboo rafting down the river, or visiting a nearby temple. 

Wake up to the gentle sound of the river flowing past, surrounded by some of the most spectacular scenery any resort in the country has to offer. Enjoy your delicious break and today is spent with a full-day tour to explore the surrounding hills where you will visit villages and meet different hill tribes along the way such as the Hmong, Kamu and Akha people. Head back in the late afternoon and enjoy one last drink on the veranda as the sun sinks below the Laotian mountainscape. Overnight at Muang La Resort.