Highlights
- Ancient Sacred Ruins
Explore 11th-century Khmer stone temples at Wat Phou and the historic royal legacy of Luang Prabang. - Wild Mekong Archipelago
Sail through Si Pan Don (4,000 Islands) and stand before the roaring surges of Li Phi and Khone Phapheng Falls. - Bolaven Plateau Highlands
Venture off-road into lush coffee plantations, waterfall trails, and rural village homestays. - Subterranean Wonders
Embark on a 7.5 km boat journey through the pitch-black limestone abyss of Kong Lor Cave. - Prehistoric Mysteries
Ponder the megalithic stone vessels across the Plain of Jars and the historic ruins of Muang Khoun. - Living Cultural Heritage
Learn 400-year-old terracotta pottery techniques from village artisans in Ban Chan. - Jungle & Waterfalls
Trek through highland ethnic villages to swim in the cascading turquoise pools of Kuang Si.
Daily Itinerary
1. Day Arrival in Pakse – Champasak – Don Khong (L)
Your journey begins along the quiet, sunlit bends of the southern Mekong. From Pakse, travel to Champasak to uncover the sacred temple ruins of Wat Phou. Nestled at the base of Mount Phu Kao, these sanctuary stones predate Angkor Wat, whispering centuries of Khmer spiritual devotion. After an authentic local lunch, head south into the watery labyrinth of the Mekong delta, arriving at Don Khong—the largest island in the southern archipelago—where quiet village life moves at the gentle tempo of the river.
Overnight at Don Khong Island
2. Day 4,000 Islands – French Colonial Rails – Don Khone (B/L)
Board a wooden boat to navigate Si Pan Don, where the Mekong expands into a sprawling maze of channels and palm-fringed islets. Hear the distant thunder of Li Phi Falls, where churning waters crash over jagged rock beds. Walk along forgotten iron tracks to inspect the rusted relic of a French colonial locomotive—a monument to 19th-century engineering built to bypass the impenetrable rapids. Settle into the slow island rhythm of Don Khone for the evening.
Overnight at Don Khone Island
3. Day Khone Phapheng Falls – The Bolaven Plateau (B/L)
Say farewell to the islands and return to the mainland to witness Southeast Asia’s largest waterfall, Khone Phapheng, where the Mekong unleashes its full, roaring volume. Leaving the humid river valley behind, ascend into the cool, mist-veiled air of the Bolaven Plateau. The landscape shifts into rolling volcanic hills, wild forests, and emerald coffee and tea plantations. Overnight amidst the refreshing mountain air.
Overnight in Paksong
4. Day Jeep Off-Road Exploration & Coffee Farm Homestay (B/L/D)
Deepen your connection to rural Laos as you travel to Ban Beng in the heart of the plateau. Meet your local host, Mr. Khamsone, and hop into an open-air vintage jeep. Venture along rustic trails through farmland and wild bush toward Tad Moun cascade for a relaxing rest by the water. Trek onward through rich vegetation to Mystic Mountain Coffee farm, where you are welcomed with home-cooked local specialties. In the afternoon, tour the organic coffee plantation to trace the journey of the bean from blossom to roast, before a sunset hike up Mount Phoukatouk.
Overnight at Mystic Mountain Coffee Farm
5. Day Laven & Suay Villages – Bamboo Waterfall – Tad Lo (B/L)
Set out by jeep to visit the traditional bamboo villages of the Laven and Suay ethnic communities, gaining genuine insight into highland heritage. Hike through fragrant jungle paths to Bamboo Waterfall for a scenic picnic lunch and a cool dip in natural river pools. Continue across the high meadows of the Dan Xinxai plateau for panoramic vistas before descending to the peaceful shores of Tad Lo for the night.
Overnight in Ban Tad Lo
6. Day Tad Lo – Savannakhet (B/L)
Leave the cool highlands behind and drive north toward Savannakhet along quiet rural highways. The landscape unfolds into wide pastures and coastal wetlands. Arrive in the historic trading post of Savannakhet by late afternoon. Take a dusk stroll along the Mekong waterfront, watching the setting sun cast a golden glow across the water toward the Thai city of Mukdahan on the far bank.
Overnight in Savannakhet
7. Day Savannakhet – Thakhek (B/L)
Enjoy a morning drive through countryside dotted with wooden stilt homes and grazing water buffalo. Arrive in Thakhek, a tranquil provincial town defined by its faded French colonial facades and quiet, tree-shaded streets. Tour the revered Sikhottabong Stupa—one of southern Laos’s most sacred sites—and inspect the “Giant Wall” (Kamphaeng Nyak), an imposing natural limestone wall steeped in local legend.
Overnight in Thakhek
8. Day Thakhek – The Rock Viewpoint – Ban Konglor (B/L)
Journey north into Khammouan Province, where flat agricultural plains give way to sharp limestone karst towers. Stop at “The Rock Viewpoint” to walk along elevated passageways suspended over sheer rock peaks and forested valleys. Pass through the Phou Hin Boun reserve—a sanctuary for rare macaques, langurs, and jungle birds—before arriving in the remote valley settlement of Ban Konglor.
Optional activity: Zipline through chacked Karst mountains at “The Rock Viewpoint” on a 2h circuit including a net bridge and via ferrata sections.
Overnight at Kong Lor Cave
9. Day Subterranean Expedition: Hinboun River & Kong Lor Cave (B/L)
Board a narrow wooden boat to voyage up the Hinboun River, heading straight into the dark mouth of Kong Lor Cave. Guided by headlamps, navigate 7.5 kilometers of subterranean river passages, gliding beneath cathedral-like chambers filled with towering stalactites and hidden gravel beaches. Emerge back into the daylight on the opposite side of the mountain range to glimpse isolated valley life before returning downriver.
Overnight at Kong Lor Cave
10. Day Ban Konglor – Highland Passes to Phonsavan (B/L)
Embark on a dramatic overland drive through Bolikhamxay Province, climbing higher into the rugged mountains of Xieng Khouang. Pass sweeping mountain panoramas, deep river gorges, and remote hilltribe hamlets as you make your way to Phonsavan, the gateway to the Plain of Jars.
Overnight in Phonsavan
11. Day Plain of Jars – Ancient Capital of Muang Khoun (B/L)
Explore the vibrant Phonsavan local market before setting off to uncover the enigma of the Plain of Jars. Visit Sites 1, 2, and 3, where hundreds of giant, prehistoric stone vessels lie scattered across grassy hillsides, their original purpose still veiled in mystery. Continue on to Muang Khoun—the historic royal capital—to admire the ruined brick pillars of Wat Pievat and the 16th-century stupa tower of That Foun.
Overnight in Phonsavan
12. Day Phonsavan – Hmong Trails – Luang Prabang (B/L)
Wind through high mountain passes from Xieng Khouang toward northern Laos. Stop along the way at roadside Hmong villages perched on mountain ridges to learn about traditional highland life and intricate textile crafts. Descend late in the day into the lush valley of Luang Prabang, the UNESCO World Heritage town set at the sacred confluence of the Mekong and Nam Khan Rivers.
Overnight in Luang Prabang
13. Day Luang Prabang Heritage & Golden Temples (B/L)
Begin the day with the sacred Buddhist ritual of Tak Baat – the morning alms giving. Explore the bustling Morning Market alongside your guide, discovering indigenous herbs, fresh produce, and local spices. Marvel at the intricate golden reliefs of Wat Mai, then tour the Royal Palace Museum (Haw Kham) to view ancient royal artifacts. After lunch, visit Wat Xieng Thong, the crown jewel of Lao temple architecture with its sweeping roofs and sparkling glass mosaics. Conclude your day climbing Mount Phou Si for a sunset view over the town’s quiet peninsula.
Overnight in Luang Prabang
14. Day Ban Chan Pottery Village – Mekong Cruise – Pak Ou Caves (B/L)
Cross the Mekong to Ban Chan, a 400-year-old pottery village. Meet local artisan families keeping traditional terracotta techniques alive, test your skills at the potter’s wheel, and enjoy an authentic home-cooked Lao meal in the village. In the afternoon, take a traditional Lao boat upriver past dramatic limestone cliffs to the holy Pak Ou Caves, home to over 4,000 wooden Buddha statues left by pilgrims over centuries. On the return trip, visit local craft villages known for traditional weaving and rice wine distillation.
Overnight in Luang Prabang
15. Day Jungle Trek – Kuang Si Waterfalls (B/L)
Drive into the forest-clad hills to a Hmong and Khmu village, the starting point for an easy 3-hour trek through bamboo groves and jungle foliage. Emerge at the top of Kuang Si Waterfall, where pale turquoise waters cascade down multi-tiered limestone shelves. Descend to the lower pools for a refreshing swim, and visit the nearby Free the Bears visitor center to learn about conservation efforts protecting Sun and Moon Bears. Transfer back to Luang Prabang in the late afternoon.
Overnight in Luang Prabang
16. Day Luang Prabang Departure – Time to say Sok Dee (B)
Enjoy a peaceful morning soaking up the quiet atmosphere of Luang Prabang before transferring to the airport, boat pier, or train station for your onward journey.
Sok Dee!
Services
Included Travel Services
- All sightseeing as described in program above
- Transportation in private vehicles
- Accommodation in hotels (twin shared)
- English speaking guide
- Admission fees to sights described above
- Meals: B= breakfast, L= lunch, D= dinner
- Lao PDR governmental tax and service charge
- Luggage handing
Not Included Travel Services
- International air tickets to/from Lao PDR
- Visa fee (approximately US$40/pax)
- Travel insurance of any kind
- Meals not mentioned in itinerary
- Tips, drinks, personal expenses and other expenses not described in the program above
- Single room surcharge on request
| Termin | Zeitraum | Preis |
|---|---|---|
| High Season 2026/27 - Price per person | October 1, 2026 – April 30, 2027 | 3,210 USD |
| High Season 2026/27 - Price per person | October 1, 2026 – April 30, 2027 | 2,445 USD |
| High Season 2026/27 - Price per person | October 1, 2026 – April 30, 2027 | 2,060 USD |