Day 1: Vientiane
Arrive Vientiane. Welcome at the Airport or Friendship Bridge and transfer to your hotel. In the afternoon visit the historic temples, first Wat Prakeo, the former Royal Temple and not converted into an interesting religious library, museum which houses many valuable objects. Wat Sisaket, the oldest temple constructed by King Anouvong which fortunately was not destroyed by the Siamese invasion in 1828. Wat Simuang is a sacred temple erected in 1563 when King Sethathirath established Vientiane as the capital of the kingdom of Lanexang. That Luang is the most impressive and biggest stupa in Laos, constructed in 1566 by King Sethathirath.Patuxai [the Victory Gate] was built in 1958 in memorial to those who died in the war during the years before liberation.Overnight at your hotel.
Day 2: Vientiane-Pakse-Watphou Champassak-DoneKhong [Khong Islands]
Early morning transfer to airport and fly to Pakse. On arrival take a normal boat to Watphou Champassak& district. Visit Watphou one of the most beautiful architectural masterpieces of the ancient Khmer Kingdom. Its location in the centre of a picturesque landscape has added magnificence.
After lunch a car excursion to the Khong Islands.Overnight at a hotel on the Islands.
Day 3: Khong Islands
Today a full day exploring.
After breakfast take a regular boat service to Ban Khone-Done Det Islands where the French built a 14kms long railway to bypass the river rapids. You will see an old railway bridge and locomotive. Take a very short walk, about 20 minutes, or use a light truck through the peaceful forest to visit Liphi Waterfalls. Arriving by local boat at Ban Nakasang, a fishing village then drive to visit the second site South Asia’s biggest waterfall Khonerphapheng. Return to your hotel on Khong Islands. Overnight at hotel.
Day 4: Khong Islands-Tatlo
After breakfast drive to Tatlo. On the way stop for about 2 hours for elephant riding from Ban Kiat Kgong to Phou Asa [Asa Mount] the remains of an ancient Khmer stone temple. After lunch proceed to Tatlo with a short stop and visit at Ban Houei Hun a handweaving village. Overnight at a local guesthouse at Tatlo.
Day 5: Tatlo-Tha Teng - Paksong [Boloven Plateau] - Pakse
After breakfast take a walk and visit the Nge villages [minority villages] nearby.Drive to Tha Teng district and and stop to see buffalo sacrifices and Katu [minority villagers], Tha Teng market, Tatfarn waterfalls where lunch and local tasty tea is served at Tatfarn Resort. Arrive in Pakse in the afternoon.Overnight at your hotel in Pakse.
Day 6: Pakse - Luang Prabang
After breakfast you are free until transferring to the airport and flying directly to Luang Prabang. When you arrive your will be transferred to your hotel. To be free at leisure before an overnight stay at your hotel.
Day 7: Luang Prabang. A full day tour
This morning you might choose a very early morning visit to participate with the local people in giving the alms bowl offerings to the monks. After breakfast visit the Royal Temples.Wat Xiengthoung was built in 1560 by King Sethathirath and represents classical local temple architecture. Its Sim [chapel] is richly decorated with a notable roof sweeping low to the ground. The other temples, Wat Vixunh was built in 1512, Wat Mai built in 1821 was the home of the Prabang form 1894-1947. Wat Sean was built in 1718 and Phousi commands a hill which offers a stunning view of the Luang Prabang valley. In the afternoon enjoy a boat trip on the Mekong River to visit Pakou Cave the shelter of numerous Buddha images of varying styles, ages and sizes. Also visit Ban Sanghai the traditional rice wine [ Lao lao] making village. Returning to Luang Prabang visit Ban sang Khong village where they hand make paper, handweave and dye. Overnight at your hotel.
Day 8: Luang Prabang
A day to visit the wonderful Kuangsi Waterfall. After breakfast visit the former King’s Palace [now the National Museum] Which was constructed in 1904-1909 as King Sisavangvong’s Palace. It houses the royal throne and some interesting royal artifacts. The building itself features a mixture of French beaux arts styles and traditional Lao motifs. Driving to Kuangsi Waterfalls you can have a short trek along the forest paths to visit Ban Tha Pean, the Kh’mu minority village. In the afternoon return to Luang Prabang. Overnight at your hotel.
Day 9: Luang Prabang
After breakfast transfer to the airport for your departure.
