Laos authentic 23 days

Laos authentic 23 days will bring you an overview about Laos

Laos is located in the Southeast Asia. Laos’ cultural is rich and diversified and deeply impressed by the Buddhist culture. Spend your time in the first destination – Vientiane – the capital of Laos. You will not be unable to visit the Triumphal Arch (victory monument) which was built in the mid-nineteenth century to honor Lao soldiers in the war against the French. Also, you cannot skip visiting Buddha park which is 25 km outside the city limits it not a temple but an outdoor collection of religiously-inspired statuary. The grounds are peaceful and well-manicured, and the combination of the lush foliage, riverbank scenery and bizarre statues make for great photos. The highlight is a giant pumpkin with three levels representing hell, earth and heaven. You can go inside via a demon’s mouth and ascend the narrow staircase all the way to heaven (the top) for a good viewpoint of the park. Then, Ancient Luang Prabang will be your next visit which was the capital of Laos and is located in the valley between two mountain ranges with vast green primeval forest mixed with new planted forest. Here, houses and temples were built centuries ago and are preserved virtually intact. Because of its ancient beauty, peaceful space, Luang-states is called “the city of nap”. Continue your tour to Four Thousand Islands which boast the biggest waterfall in Southeast Asia, and the chance to catch a glimpse of the rare Irrawaddy dolphins. Aside from the most well known attractions, the area also offers visitors the opportunity to go cycling, tubing and cruising around, soaking up the lifestyle of the island people. Finally, enjoy your stay in Ban Somsamai. You will experience the wildlife and rural life on the banks of magnificent Nam Ngum River. Take stop to make a short jungle walk in the high forest conservation area, just opposite the lodge.

Day 01: Vientiane arrival (L)

Day 02: Vientiane – Buddha Park (B.L)

Day 03: Vientiane – Oudomxay – Luang Namtha (B.L) by flight

Day 04: Luang Namtha – Muang Sing (B.L)

Day 05: Muang Sing – Oudomxay (B.L)

Day 06: Oudomxay – Pak Ou – Luang Prabang (B.L)

Day 07: Luang Prabang (B.L)

Day 08: Luang Prabang – Kuangsi waterfall (B.L)

Day 09: Luang Prabang – Ban Xieng Mane & Ban Charn – Luang Prabang (B.L)

Day 10: Luang Prabang – Xieng Lom – Elephant Riding – Luang Prabang (B.L)

Day 11: Luang Prabang – Xieng Khouang (B.L)

Day 12: Xieng Khouang (B.L)

Day 13: Xieng Khouang – Vang Vieng (B.L)

Day 14: Vang Vieng (B.L)

Day 15: Vang Vieng – Vientiane (B.L)

Day 16: Vientiane – Paksé – Boloven Plateau – Tadlo (B.L)

Day 17: Tadlo – Boloven Plateau – Attapeu (B.L)

Day 18: Attapeu – Champasak – Khong Island (B.L)

Day 19: The Four Thousand Island – Pakse (B.L)

Day 20: Pakse – Vientiane (B.L)

Day 21: Vientiane – Nam Ngum Lake (B.L)

Day 22: Vientiane – Ban Somsamai (B.L)

Day 23: Vientiane departure (B)

Day 01: Vientiane arrival
Upon arrive in Vientiane. Welcomed by our local guide and transferred to hotel. Vientiane is the city of the moon – an ancient city, situated on the bend on the left bank of the Mekong as the largest city and the capital of Laos. Have lunch at local restaurant. In the afternoon, visit religious museums of Wat Sisaket, the oldest temple to have been survived from the Siamese war of 1828 and its cloister contains more than 8000 Buddha statues; Wat Ho Prakeo, the former home-temple of the Emerald Buddha statue or Pra Keo, but today it contains a collection of Buddha statues, antiques and all artifacts found in around Vientiane; That Luang Stupa, the single most important monument in Laos, which was built to cover the original small stupa containing a piece of the chest bone of Buddha; Patouxay (Arch of Triumph), was built to commemorate people who died during the wars in the past and it is today as the land-mark of Vientiane. Have an overnight at hotel in Vientiane.

Meals: Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Vientiane

Day 02 : Vientiane – Buddha Park
After breakfast at hotel, we take a trip by road to outskirts of Vientiane, followed by the road along the bank of Mekong river to visit the Buddha park of Xieng Khuan, the park (28km East of Vientiane), containing a combination of hundred statues of Hindu divinities and Buddha. We drive cross villages on the bank of Mekong through beautiful views of vegetable garden, tobacco plantation … ect. It’s nice to makes photo stops and see rural life of local people. We also have a nice view of the Mekong friendship Bridge as the border between Laos and Thailand after visiting then Buddha Park, we return along road back to Vientiane. Have your own dinner and stay overnight at hotel in Vientiane.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Vientiane

Day 03 :Vientiane – Oudomxay – Luang Namtha by flight
After breakfast, transfer to Wattay airport for departure by QV flight Luang Nam Tha – a land of rugged mountains, pristine forests, and rich river plains with over 20 ethnic groups, making it the most ethnically diverse province in Laos. Upon arrival at Luang Nam Than airport, our guide will accompany you to your guest house. In the afternoon, visit Luang Nam Tha provincial museum, drive outskirt of town to visit Ban Nam Leu, a small village of Lane Tane hill tribe and also visit Ban Thongchai Neua, a silk-weaving village of Tai Dam. Stay overnight at guesthouse in Luang Nam Tha.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Luang Namtha

Day 04 :Luang Namtha – Muang Sing
Following breakfast is to head to the North by car with about 2-3hrs long to Muangsing, a small town near Laos-China border where there are more hill tribes presenting. There are lots of interesting villages of various ethnic groups such as Hmong, Aka…that we may visit. Check in at a good guest house and enjoy our lunch at local restaurant. In the afternoon, we continue to drive to near China border area and visit villages of Ikor or Aka ethnic group as well as a village of Yao hill tribe where you will learn more traditional way of rural life with their fascinating culture. Have dinner at a local restaurant or guest house and stay overnight at guest house in Muang Sing.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Muang Sing

Day 05 :Muang Sing – Oudomxay
Have breakfast at hotel.Then, in the early morning you will visit Muangsing morning market, where there are lots of Aka people, who bring their forestry products to sell and also buy their necessary goods for their life. Have lunch at local restaurant, it’s time to say good buy to Muangsing, and drive back to Luang Namtha and continue the trip with about 4 hours drive to Oudomxay, a good stop off point N or S surrounded by hills, linking with China, Vietnam, Luang Prabang and Pakbeng, even it was razed during the war. There are also more villages of ethnic groups such as Hmong, Khmu that we may stop and visit along the way. There are a few good local restaurants where you can take a good simply lunch along the way. Arrive in Oudomxay, check in at a good guest house and relax after a long day drive. Have dinner at local restaurant and stay overnight at hotel in Oudomxay.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Oudomxay

Day 06 : Oudomxay – Pak Ou – Luang Prabang
After breakfast, it is also interesting to visit the morning market in town, where some Hmong hill tribe people come to sell and buy things, before we head to the south by car with about 4 hours long to Luang Prabang, the ancient first capital of Lane Xang kingdom, the center of religious life in Laos and today the World Heritage City. We also stop to relax and have lunch at local restaurant. We stop on route at Ban Pak Ou, a village opposite of Pak Ou cave in the side of a lime stone cliff and opposite to the mouth of the Mekong and Nam Ou rivers. The sanctuaries at Pak Ou consist of two large caves, both repositories for thousands of Buddha images, which range from mere centimeter to two meters in height. You will cross the Mekong by small boat to visit Pak Ou cave, go back to Ban Pak Ou to continue our way to Luang Prabang. This afternoon is free to experience this charming town with kind people. Stay overnight at hotel in Luangprabang.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Luang Prabang

Day 07: Luang Prabang
Have breakfast at hotel, next we take a sightseeing tour of the sacred city of temples including about fifty remaining in the town and surrounding areas. visit the National Museum, the former Royal Palace which are keeping the collection of valuables including the famous Prabang Buddha statue, gifts received from foreign dignitaries…etc…; Visit Wat Visoun, the 16th century temple served as a small museum for religious artifacts; Wat Aham, the early 19th century temple, whose two guardian figures at the foot of the steps which represent two characters from the Ramayana – Hanuman, the Monkey God and a fierce Yaksa; drive outskirts of town to visit Ban Xangkhong, the well-known village for its wood papers  and also Lao silk weavings with natural dyes. In the afternoon, we continue to visit Wat Xiengthong, the 16th century temple which epitomizes all the elegance and grace of Luang Prabang architecture, Hmong market in town, where some of Hmong ladies still show their skilled embroidery works, climb Phousi Hill, the 328 steps leads to the summit of Phousi Hill that dominates the sky-line of Luang Prabang overlooking the finest panoramic view in the whole Luang Prabang and watch sunset over the hill at Wat Phabat Tai on  the bank of the Mekong river.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Luang Prabang

Day 08 : Luang Prabang – Kuangsi waterfal
Breakfast will be served, then, we take a drive (30 km to the South) to visit Kuangsi Waterfall, which, though is not very high, but it is spectacular and really beautiful with its green surroundings as the preserved National park. You stop on the road to visit a fresh products market namely Talad Phosy, where most of your food comes from and also visit Ban Na Oune, a small village of Hmong hill-tribe group. As soon as arriving at Kuangsi waterfall, there is another village of Khmu minority group, Ban Tha Pane that we may visit.  Our picnic lunch is served at the shady park near Kuangsi waterfall. There is plenty of time for relaxing and a swim in cool water, before headin back to Luang Prabang in the late afternoon. The rest of the day is spent free for independent exploration on this ancient town. Stay overnight at hotel in Luang Prabang.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Vientiane

Day 09 : Luang Prabang – Trekking Ban Xieng Mane & Ban Charn – Luang Prabang
After breakfast, take a boat cross Mekong River to Ban Xieng Mane, trek to Wat Long Khoun, where you can see the stunning view of World Heritage. Then trek along Mekong River to Ban Charn, known as Pottery Village. En route stop and talk with the locals to see how those people earn money and support their daily living condition. Arrive in Ban Charn, visit the place where villagers make various potteries. The potteries are exported to France, Japan, and others. In the Late afternoon, take a boat cross Mekong River and you will be transferred to your hotel for relax. Stay overnight at hotel in Luang Prabang.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Luang Prabang

Day 10: Luang Prabang – Xieng Lom – Elephant Riding – Luang Prabang
After breakfast, we take a trip by road to outskirts of Luangprabang (about 15 Km away) which names Ban Xienglom. You will have chance to take an elephant riding in 1 hrs and half. On the way, you can see the scenery on the Namkhan river and return back to Luang Prabang. You also can see Tadse waterfall the natural and green view around. Return to the city by late evening, for observing the sunset at Wat Siphouthabath, and then back to the hotel for free time. Stay overnight at hotel in Luang Prabang.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Luang Prabang

Day 11 :Luang Prabang – Xieng Khouang
On this day, you have an option to wake up early to view the procession of monks on their daily outing collecting alms, a practice dating back centuries. The local people will stay in the front of their houses with food for the monks to collect and bring back to the temple. After breakfast you enjoy a walk around the local shops, we leave Luang Prabang and drive along a winding way through the scenic mountain landscape to Xieng Khouang. This remote province was devastated by American bombing between 1964 and 1973. The journey is very long and difficult at times, but you can make many stops as we please, to stretch our legs or simply catch some wonderful photographs. Stay overnight at hotel in Xieng Khouang.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Xieng Khoaung

Day 12: Xieng Khouang
On this day, you will explore the Plain of Jars. This large group of historic-cultural sites contains thousands jars with different sizes and shapes and these have been a great mystery until now. No one knows who built them or for what purpose. After breakfast, we will visit site 1 of the Plain of Jars, located about 10 kilometers away from Phonesavanh with over 300 jars scattered around the site. From there, we will proceed to visit site 2 (home to the biggest jars) and site 3 of the Plain of Jars. You will return to Phonesavanh for lunch, and continue to visit Mouang Khoune, the former provincial capital which was almost destroyed by heavy bombings during the Vietnam War. On the road, we will stop and visit various hill tribes’ villages such as H’Mong, Thai Dam (Black Thai) and Phuan. You will have a short orientation tour of Mouang Khoune with visit to the ruins of Vat Phia Vat and Vat Tha Foune temples. In late afternoon we will return back to Phonesavanh. Stay overnight at hotel in Xiengkhouang.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Phonesavanh

Day 13 : Xieng Khouang – Vang Vieng
Heading out of town we make a short drive to visit the “Plan of Jars”, an impressive archaeological site where hundreds of large stone jars are littered all over the plateau. These huge jars are supposed over 2,000 years old, but most of archaeologists are still mystified about their purpose. The following destination of our trip is Vang Vieng via a seven hour overland trip. This small and tranquil village is rapidly developed with the advent of tourists, but the beautiful scenery with a mixture of quiet water and limestone outcrops have not changed for centuries. You arrive in Vang Vieng by mid or late afternoon depending on roads and traffic conditions. Stay overnight at hotel in Vang Vieng.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Vang Vieng

Day 14:  Vang Vieng
After breakfast, we will transfer to Ban Viengsamai to take a 4 hrs Kayaking trip along Nam Song River. On this day, we will discover another Laos, the country that lies at the river banks. You will cruise down the Nam Song River, along the beautiful ridges surrounding it and are being reflected in the crystal clear water. Occationally, you will get a glimpse of a fisherman passing by, kids playing in the water, women doing their laundry in the river, and actually, a whole life is taking place as the Nam song water flows. We will get back to Vang Vieng for a late lunch, and then sit on a back of a local truck to explore the karts mountains of Vang Vieng and its beautiful caves. You will end the day the beautiful Blue Lagoon, before heading back to Van Vieng. Stay overnight at hotel in Vang Vieng.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Vang Vieng

Day 15:  Vang Vieng – Vientiane
The exciting exploration of Vang Vieng begins with a boat trip along the Nam Song River, giving us a taste of adventure and an interesting visit to Tham Jang Cave. This sacred cavern was once used by local people as a hideout from Chinese invaders. We walk uphill to see Tham Jang Cave and enjoy wonderful views across the idyllic valley to the beautiful panorama of Vang Vieng Town.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Vang Vieng

Day 16: Vientiane – Paksé – Boloven Plateau – Tadlo
After early breakfast at hotel, you will drive to Wattay airport and depart to Pakse by plane. Upon arrival at Pakse you will drive to Tad Lo via Paksong. Stop on the road to have some tea and coffee plantations and at Tadfan waterfall. On the way, you will visit different minorities: the Alak village of Pong Neua with its beautiful spirit house and the Katou village of Kok Bhoung. In the afternoon you will stop near the Sayxet dam and visit the Nge village of Khiang Tad Soung. In the evening, you will drive back to Pakse town. Stay overnight in Tadlo.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Tadlo

Day 17: Tadlo – Boloven Plateau – Attapeu
On this day, we will continue our exploration of the Boloven Plateau. You will have a 3 hours elephant trekking in the jungle, and continue to Paxuam Waterfall and the nearby ethnographic museum, with its permanent display of the varied ethnic groups of the region, some of them are still in a very slight contact with the outer world. We will then proceed to Feak Waterfall, on our way to Attapeu, in where the famous Ho Chi Minh Trail went through and the Vietcong brought weapons, supplies and forces to maintain ther war in southern Vietna. We will visit the area of the famous trail, and will learn about the vicious history of the region during the Vietnam and the Secret Wars. Stay overnight in Attapeu.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Attapeu

Day 18 : Attapeu – Champasak – Khong Island
You will leave Attapeu towards Champassack, where you will cross the Mekong River with ferry and continue with a car to visit Vat Phou, the ruins of Khmer temple from 8 – 11th century including a visit to the small local museum. From the top of the ruins we will have a spectacular view on the surroundings plains. In the afternoon, you will continue once again our journey to the south and to the Si Pan Done (Four Thousand Islands) region, at the heart of the Mekong Delta. You will reach Done Khong, a big island with 16 km long and 8 km wide, the largest island in the South Mekong river region known as the 4000 islands and it is one of the most scenic areas in Laos, where the Mekong reaches up to 14km wide during the rainy season. Its capital is Muang Khong, a small former French settlement. Stay overnight in Done Khong.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Done Khong

Day 19: The Four Thousand Island – Pakse
The Four Thousand Islands region has got its name from the countless islands popping out of the Mekong River during the dry season. However, all year round there are inhabited islands scattered throughout the delta. All of them sustain the livelihood of its inhabitants by simple agriculture and fishery. On this day, we will take a tour around the islands, starting our visit to Done Khone and Done Det. We will travel by boat and foot, and will walk the bizarre railway connecting the two islands as part of a short lasting French scheme to connect Cambodia and Laos by railway during the Indochina era. You will then continue the trip to awesome Phapeng Rapids before reverting back to Done Khong, and then, you will continue the trip to Pakse. Stay overnight in Pakse.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Pakse

Day 20: Pakse – Vientian
After breakfast, go shopping at local market before take flight to Vientiane. Arrive in Vientiane at lunch time. After lunch, visit Pagoda Simuang, you will enjoy some free time at Talat Sao (the big central market) in the afternoon we will take a short walk in the city center from That Dam passing Nam Phou square and end at the bank of the Mekong to enjoy the sunset. Stay overnight in Vientiane.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Vientiane

Day 21: Vientiane – Nam Ngum Lake
Have Breakfast at hotel, you will be excursed by road No. 10 to Nam Ngum Lake (90 km to the North), with hundreds of small islands. On road, stop to visit a cottage-salt factory, where natural salt is extracted at Ban Bor village. After arriving at Nam Ngum Lake by noon, enjoy our Lao food lunch at a restaurant on the Nam Ngum Lake. In the afternoon, we relax by taking a boat ride about 1 hour for panoramic view around small islands. On the way of returning to Vientiane along the road No. 13, have stop at local village where most people weave bamboo-baskets, dinning tables, besides we will see how Laos traditional rice-whisky to be distilled, and we can have a taste and take a way. Before getting back to Vientiane, we also stop at Vang Xang, an archaeological site containing the 11th century stone carvings of hidden Buddha sculptures in the forest. Stay overnight in Vientiane.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Vientiane

Day 22 : Vientiane – Ban Somsamai
08:30 am you will be picked-up by mini-bus in Vientiane to Ban Somsamai village. Have stop and then take the traditional long-tail boat for a relax trip down-streams to the lodge. While descending the Nam Gnum, you will experience the wildlife and rural life on the banks of this magnificent river. Have stop to make a short jungle walk in the high forest conservation area, just opposite the lodge. You can explore the forest with our experienced guide who possess an extensive knowledge of the monsoons forest Eco systems and the various wildlife that inhabits the area. After arriving at Ban Pako, enjoy a tasty lunch in the restaurant. In the afternoon, enjoy the jungle bath, a short forest walk from the lodge. Relax in the herbal sauna and go for a refreshing dip in the small spring water pool. You also have the option to try a traditional massage. 16:00 pm: Return by mini-bus to Vientiane.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Vientiane

Day 23: Vientiane departure
After breakfast, transfer to airport for departure flight for next destination. Service ends.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: N/A