16 DAYS - Laos - From North To South
Embark on a journey from the historic royal capital of Laos, through the relaxed riverside city of Vientiane, to the breathtaking 4,000 islands and waterfalls in southern Laos. This comprehensive 16-day tour is perfect for city, culture, and nature enthusiasts, featuring opportunities for biking, trekking, and kayaking to keep you engaged while you discover Laos's rich history, natural beauty, and Buddhist heritage.
Laos - Luang Prabang, Vien Tian, Pakxe, Vang Vieng
Review the itinerary of this tour to plan your tour as well
DAY 1.LUANG PRABANG - ARRIVAL
Arrive and transfer to your hotel. Luang Prabang is a truly remarkable city, renowned for its stunning setting amidst mountains and its historic temples, earning it UNESCO World Heritage status.
Overnight in Luang Prabang
What's Included
DAY 2.LUANG PRABANG - TAK BAAT / CITY TOUR
Explore the city by Tuk Tuk, a motorized rickshaw introduced to Southeast Asia in 1934. This open-air transport is perfect for touring Luang Prabang. Departing at 08:30, visit the open-air Morning Market in the old town, where local farmers bring fresh produce. Your guide will highlight seasonal fruits and vegetables while you pick up some snacks.
Next, take a short walk to Wat Mai Suwannaphumaham, the National Museum (Royal Palace), and Hor Phra Bang. Continue by Tuk Tuk to Wat Visounnalath, then to Wat Xieng Thong along the Nam Khan River. Conclude the day with a visit to Mount Phousi for a panoramic view.
Overnight in Luang Prabang
What's Included
DAY 3.RICE IS LIFE EXPERIENCE / LIVING LAND FARM & KUANG SI WATERFALL
Spend a half-day learning about rice farming on a traditional organic farm, engaging in various activities. Afterward, visit the beautiful Kuang Si waterfalls, where you can relax and enjoy nature. Along the way, explore a Hmong village to learn about their rich culture.
LIVING LAND FARM
Experience the rice-growing process and participate in farming activities.
KUANG SI WATERFALL AND BEAR RESCUE CENTER
The largest waterfall in the area features three tiers and inviting pools for swimming. Visit the Bear Rescue Center nearby.
KUANG SI BUTTERFLY PARK
A conservation project focusing on butterflies, with a café for refreshments.
Overnight in Luang Prabang
What's Included
DAY 4.PAK OU CAVES - MEKONG BOAT TRIP
Take a traditional slow boat upstream on the Mekong River, known for its rich biodiversity. Visit the Pak Ou Caves, adorned with thousands of Buddha statues, then return to Luang Prabang. Stop in Ban Xang Khong to see traditional paper-making.
PAK OU CAVE
An important holy site filled with over 4,000 Buddha figures, situated in a limestone cliff.
Overnight in Luang Prabang
What's Included
DAY 5.PAK OU CAVES - MEKONG BOAT TRIP
Depart Luang Prabang for the mountainous region of Central Laos, visiting Hmong villages along the way. Arrive in Vang Vieng, a town nestled between dramatic limestone cliffs and the Nam Song River.
VANG VIENG
Known for its stunning landscapes and caves, this town offers adventure and relaxation.
Distance: 220 km / 5-6 hrs
Overnight in Vang Vieng
What's Included
DAY 6.VANG VIENG - BUDDHA PARK - VIENTIANE
Travel south to Vientiane, the capital of Laos. Visit Buddha Park, featuring over 200 statues, including a massive reclining Buddha. Enjoy local snacks at a riverside café after exploring.
Overnight in Vientiane
What's Included
DAY 7.VIENTIANE - CITY TOUR
Discover the highlights of Vientiane, including Wat Sisaket, Hor Phra Keo, That Luang Stupa, and Patuxay Monument. Visit local markets for handicrafts.
WAT SISAKET
The oldest temple in Vientiane, built in 1820, known for its original structure.
HOR PHRA KEO
A revered temple turned museum, once home to the Emerald Buddha.
THAT LUANG STUPA
The most significant Buddhist monument in Laos, believed to house a relic of the Buddha.
PATUXAY MONUMENT
A monumental structure resembling the Arc de Triomphe, offering panoramic views.
COPE Visitor Center
Learn about the impact of unexploded ordnance in Laos.
Overnight in Vientiane
What's Included
DAY 8.VIENTIANE – PAKSAN – KONGLOR
Depart early for Paksan and Bolikhamxay Province, stopping at Wat Phra Baht and Wat Phonsan along the way.
WAT PHRA BAHT
Known for its large Buddha footprint shrine, it’s a significant pilgrimage site.
WAT PHONSAN
A riverside temple linked by legend to Wat Phra Baht.
Overnight in Kong Lor
Distance: 320 km / 6 hrs
What's Included
DAY 9.KONG LOR CAVE - THAKHEK
Explore Tham Kong Lor Cave by boat, navigating through its stunning limestone formations. Then head to Thakhek, stopping at the 'Great Wall' and Sikhottabong Stupa.
THAM KONG LOR CAVE
A remarkable cave with a river flowing through it, featuring impressive rock formations.
THAT SIKHOTTABONG STUPA
An important cultural site linked to a festival celebrated every February.
Overnight in Thakhek
Distance: 190 km / 3.5 hrs
What's Included
DAY 10.THAKHEK – SAVANNAKHET
Travel south to Savannakhet, visiting That Ing Stupa and the Dinosaur Museum. Enjoy a stroll in the old French Quarter by the Mekong River.
THAT ING HANG STUPA
An important stupa housing a relic of the Buddha, known for its beautiful carvings.
DINOSAUR MUSEUM
A fascinating museum showcasing prehistoric fossils and dinosaur remains.
Overnight in Savannakhet
Distance: 170 km / 3 hrs
What's Included
DAY 11.SAVANNAKHET – TAD LO
Head to Tad Lo, stopping at the Hor Tay Phidok Library, an important repository of ancient texts. Arrive in the afternoon and check in near the waterfall.
HOR TAY PHIDOK LIBRARY
An impressive library with a collection of ancient palm leaf books.
Overnight in Tad Lo
Distance: 260 km / 5-6 hrs
What's Included
DAY 12.Head to Tad Lo, stopping at the Hor Tay Phidok Library, an important repository of ancient texts. Arrive in the afternoon and check in near the waterfall. HOR TAY PHIDOK LIBRARY An impressive library with a collection of ancient palm leaf books. Overnight in Tad Lo Distance: 260 km / 5-6 hrs
Visit coffee and tea plantations in the Bolaven Plateau, known for its premium coffee. Enjoy scenic waterfalls along the way, including Tad E-Tu and Tad Fane.
What's Included
DAY 13.BOLAVEN PLATEAU - CHAMPASAK - VAT PHOU - DON KHONG
Explore Champasak's colonial architecture before visiting the ancient Khmer temple complex of Vat Phou. Then continue to Don Khong, the largest island in the 4,000 islands area.
VAT PHOU
One of the oldest archaeological sites in Laos, featuring impressive Khmer architecture.
Overnight on Don Khong
Distance: 220 km / 5 hrs
What's Included
DAY 14.DON KHONG - 4000 ISLANDS DON KHONE
Take a boat trip to explore the 4,000 Islands, enjoying the tranquil rural lifestyle. Visit the stunning Khone Phapheng Waterfall.
SI PHAN DON
A serene area with opportunities to see the rare Irrawaddy dolphin and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.
LI PHI WATERFALL
Known for its powerful cascades and scenic views.
Overnight on Don Khone
What's Included
DAY 15.DON KHONE - KHONE PHAPHENG WATERFALL - PAKSE
Return to Pakse, stopping at Khone Phapheng Waterfall, the largest waterfall by volume in the Mekong.
Overnight in Pakse
Distance: 190 km / 4.5 hrs
What's Included
DAY 16.PAKSE - DEPARTURE
Transfer from your hotel to the airport for your departure flight.
What's Included
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