This eight-day extension to Laos is the perfect adventure for those looking to get off the beaten track in southeast Asia to enjoy authentic cultural encounters, stunning natural landscapes, and a laid-back, peaceful atmosphere.
The UNESCO World Heritage town of Luang Prabang provides a captivating base from which to explore the city and surrounding countryside. Witness ancient daily Buddhist rituals as a procession of silent monks receive their daily alms, their vivid saffron robes puntuating the muted colors of dawn. Stroll the cobblestone streets and take in the fusion of French colonial architecture, well-preserved temples, and traditional wooden houses. Visit community-centric farms and immerse yourself in daily agricultural life, and then toast the setting sun from the Mekong River during a sunset river cruise.
Home to the most impressive pre-Angkorian temple in Laos, Wat Phu, the Champasak province of southern Laos provides a harmonious blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Located on a massive plateau known for its productive coffee plantations, tranquil waterfalls, and diverse ethnic villages, there are endless options for exploring breathtaking destinations while encountering warm, welcoming people eager to share their heritage with you.
Laos is easily accessible and is a worthwhile extension for adventurers looking to relax and step off the beaten track while enjoying genuine warmth and hospitality. Call us to discuss how to incorporate this hidden gem into your next southeast Asia adventure.
Welcome to Laos! You will be met upon arrive by a VIP Immigration Service representative who will help you obtain your visa. After clearing customs you will be met by your private driver and escorted to your boutique hotel.
This morning, you will awaken early to witness an ancient and iconic Luang Prabang tradition, the morning alms-giving ritual. Immerse yourself in the quiet embrace of dawn as you watch saffron-robed monks embark on a silent procession, receiving offerings of food and sustenance along the way. Continue your exploration on two wheels as you tour the city by bike, visiting some of the top historic and cultural sights, including a silk-making demonstration. A highlight of the day is an afternoon rice experience, where you will learn how rice is traditionally grown.
This morning you will visit the Traditional Arts and Ethnology Center before heading out to the countryside for an authentic village experience, stopping in homes and shops to meet and mingle with the locals. Refresh yourself with a leisurely swim and a picnic lunch at the enchanting Kuang Si Falls before heading to the Sun Bear Rescue Center, where you will learn all about the conservation of these curious creatures. End the day with a tour of the inspiring Buffalo Dairy Farm, a sustainable farming initiative that empowers local farmers while promoting sustainable agriculture.
Today is all about elephants! Spend the morning exploring the MandaLao Elephant Sanctuary to learn about elephant conservation, walking with the elephants as they forage for food in the forest. After a delightful lunch, return to Luang Prabang for an afternoon at leisure. End the day toasting the sunset during an evening Mekong River cruise, watching the sky change from hues of amber to apricot to gold.
This morning you will catch an early morning flight to Pakse, where you will be met upon arrival and transferred to your hotel. You will then embark on a private guided tour of the ancient Wat Phu temple complex in nearby Champasak, marveling at the harmony of natural and man-made elements as you wander the time-worn pavilions, courtyards, and stairways. Enjoy the evening at leisure at your hotel, situated right on the banks of the Mekong River.
Today you will journey to see Khone Phapheng Falls, the most impressive waterfall in Southeast Asia, stopping to immerse yourself in local culture as you journey down the Mekong River by boat and visit villages and islands along the way. After a full day of exploration on foot, by tuk tuk and by boat, you will return to your hotel.
Today is dedicated to exploring the hidden gems of southern Laos, starting with a visit to the breathtaking Tad Fane Falls. You will then head to Paksong, the coffee capital of Laos, to browse the local market before exploring a local coffee plantation. After a delicious lunch, you will stop at Ban Kok Phuomh, a cultural hub that allows you to interact with the many different ethnicities that define the area, including the Katou, Khmu, Alat, Katung, and more.
This morning your private driver will take you to the airport to catch your international departing flight.
