3 Weeks Exploring the Cultural Sites of Laos and Thailand

ITINERARY

Day 1: Pakse | Arrive in Pakse | Transfer to Don Daeng Island

International Flight: Excluded
Welcome to Laos! Upon arrival, our guide will greet you at the airport and transfer you to La Folie Lodge on Don Daeng Island for check-in.

Accommodation: La Folie Lodge

Day 2: Pakse | Bolaven Plateau and Tad Fane Waterfall

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Today, you’ll go to see Bolevean Plateau. This is known for its cooler temperature being located high above the Mekong Valley. The area is famous for its many waterfalls, and the most beautiful one is Tad Fan. It is spectacular with twin waterfalls plummeting into a deep gorge surrounded by flourishing vegetation. A trip to the plateau provides a refreshing break from the heat and allows you to observe the cultivation of rich coffee, tea, cardamom, bananas, and other crops that can be seen en route. In the afternoon we arrive at Pha Suam Waterfall to explore the ethnic minority villages of Lao Teung Katu. After the tour, you will be transferred back to your hotel for the evening.

Accommodation: La Folie Lodge

Day 3: Pakse | Wat Phu Temple and Champasak Heritage

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, Wat Phou is a spectacular pre-Angkorian temple that sits amidst the rice fields and waterways of southern Laos. The temple was constructed in three levels: the bottom level is focused on the Baray (water reservoir) and promenade, the second level features quadrangular pavilions and galleries of carvings, and the top level is the sanctuary itself. In addition, this temple was built by the rulers of the Khmer empire before the construction of Angkor Wat. In the past, the temple served as the most important economic and political center of the region and still is one of the Lao people’s most revered temples.

Take a stroll through Champassak, walking through the main street lined with French colonial buildings. Then return back to the resort for relaxation and overnight.

Accommodation: La Folie Lodge

Day 4: Pakse | 4,000 Islands | Kayaking with Mekong Dolphins | Woodcarving Village

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
In the morning, we transfer to Nakasang village. You take a local boat down the mighty Mekong and through some beautiful scenery until arriving at Don Khon Island. Then walk along the island to see the old French train and the amazing Liphi waterfalls. Take a short walk to above the falls where we enjoy lunch together among some beautiful surroundings! After lunch and taking some time to relax, begin kayaking down the Mekong to an area near the Cambodian border where we will have the chance to see Mekong Dolphins. After that, return back to the resort. Stop en route at the wood carving village of Ban Nong Bune. The wood carving technique and unique finish used here has made the art from this village coveted throughout Southeast Asia.

Mekong Dolphin – 3 Weeks Exploring Cultural Sites Laos Thailand Tour

Accommodation: La Folie Lodge

Day 5: Pakse | Leisure Day | Explore Don Daeng Island on Your Own

Meals: Breakfast

Today is at your leisure to relax or explore Don Daeng Island – part of the UNESCO World Heritage for its cultural landscape. All of the hotel staff are locals to this large island. Bicycles are available for riding along the island trails. As you ride along, villagers will smile and wave while they work diligently. Many water buffalo graze the fields. You might also want to try your hand alongside the staff in the communal gardens cared for by the resort.

Accommodation: La Folie Lodge

Day 6: Pakse – Vientiane | Flight to Vientiane | Explore River Front

Internal Flight: Included
Meals: Breakfast
You’ll transfer by flight to Vientiane. Upon arrival, our guide will greet you at the airport and transfer you to the hotel for check-in.

After check-in, then you’re able to relax or enjoy a few drinks watching the sunset over the Mekong River, explore the Night Market, and experience some of the city’s nightlife.
Accommodation: Salana Boutique Hotel

Day 7: Vientiane | Buddha Park

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

After breakfast, you’ll visit the Buddha Park, an enchanting collection of Buddhist and Hindu sculptures on the Mekong Riverside meadow, near the Friendship Bridge. There are approximately 200 religious images dating back over 500 years, which were created by a mysterious monk spreading his philosophy on life and revealing his ideas about the universe. Return to the hotel and enjoy the afternoon at leisure.

Accommodation: Salana Boutique Hotel

Day 8: Vientiane | Highlights of Vientiane

Meals: Breakfast

In the morning, we start visiting the major sights of the capital; including Wat Sisaket, the oldest temple with thousands of miniature Buddha statues, and the former royal temple of Wat Prakeo, which previously housed the famous Emerald Buddha Image. Enroute to Lao’s national icon, That Luang Stupa, you will have the opportunity to take some pictures of the imposing Patuxay Monument, which is known as Vientiane’s own Arc de Triumph. Return to the hotel for some leisure time.

Accommodation: Salana Boutique Hotel

Day 9: Vientiane – Vang Vieng | Road Trip to Vang Vieng

Meals: Breakfast
Transfer with our guide and driver to Vang Vieng (4 hours). Winding roads will take you up into the mountains of Laos. Stop to see the view of Nam Ngum Lake and it’s many isles. Upon arrival in Pakse, check-in at the resort. You can relax and enjoy the pleasant views along the Nam Song River or go out and explore on your own.

Accommodation: Amari Vang Vieng

Day 10: Vang Vieng | Kayaking, Caves, Waterfalls and Nature of Vang Vieng

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Our tour guide and driver will greet you at the lobby and you will be transferred from Vang Vieng to the Khmu village of Vieng Samay, about 10 km north. After an introduction to the basics of kayaking, the Nam Song River offers various small but fun rapids on the way to the first stop at the cave of Tham Nam Thaem. This cave cuts straight through the mountain. After exploring the cave, you’ll emerge on the other side of the range for some panoramic views of the Nam Kouang valley. A trek back over a small pass leads up to a Lao style picnic lunch on the riverside where you’ll enjoy a noon meal.

The next paddle stop is at the Organic Farm, where mulberry tea and a variety of fruit wines are produced. The Tham Non Cave lies further downstream. As one of the biggest caves in Vang Vieng, it served as a rescue shelter for the villagers during the Second Indochina War. Today it is home to a bat colony and ‘The Magic Stone of Vang Vieng’. The final leg is a gentle paddle before returning to Vang Vieng in time to catch the sunset from the terrace of the Ban Sabai Riverside Bungalows.

Accommodation: Amari Vang Vieng

Day 11: Vang Vieng | Yao Village and H’mong Village | Hike to Pha Ngern View Point

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
In the morning, go with our guide to visit H’mong village to learn about their daily life. Many of the H’mong homes are still thatch and bamboo. They are known for their independence and self-sufficiency. Continue by road to Blue Lagoon 3, one of the most picturesque lagoons in Vang Vieng. Enjoy swimming here. Then continue in the afternoon to Nathong Village to see how the locals live there and possibly make some new friends. Then transfer to Pha Ngern for a hike to the viewpoint for a beautiful sunset before returning back to the hotel in Vang Vieng for overnight.

Accommodation: Amari Vang Vieng

Day 12: Vang Vieng – Phonsavan | Road Trip to Phonsavan | Jar Sites 2 and 3

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

In the morning, our guide will greet you and you’ll transfer to Phonsavan (6 hours). Stop along the way to visit villages. Laos has many different kinds of tribes that speak their own languages such as H’mong, Khmu, Lao Theung, Lao Tai, and branches within these ethnic groups.

In the afternoon, you’ll begin unfolding the mysterious Plain of Jars. There are more questions than answers. Who made these giant stone large jars? Why did they do it? What happened to them? You’ll visit the Plain of Jars Site 2 and Site 3 today where jars are found which are believed to be around 3,000 years old. Here you’ll see two areas where these jars are found along with a large stone disc at each site. Then you’ll return to Phonsavan. At 6:00 PM, you’ll visit the UXO visiting center and watch an impressive movie about bombies – a civilian bomb used during the Secret War. Tasting Tour: Be sure to try the buffalo and vegetable medley dish, unique to Phonsavan valley.

Plain of ancient jars – 3 Weeks Exploring Cultural Sites Laos Thailand Tour

Accommodation: Vansana

Day 13: Phonsavan | Quarry Site | Plain of Jars Site 1

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Continue uncovering the mysterious Plain of Jars today. First, however, you’ll start with a visit to the local market where you can see many colorful fruits, vegetables, and meat on display. This market specializes in pastries similar to donuts found in Phonsavan. Then you’ll go to visit one of the quarry sites where the jars were made out of large boulders. The nearest quarry site is 40km away from the place where the jars are found! You’ll find more questions here, how did they transport these large jars? What did they use to carve them with? If you have the energy, climb up to a cave used during the secret war(1,017 steps) for impressive views of the countryside.

After lunch, visit the Plain of Jars Site 1 and a cave which was bombed during the Secret War. At this site, there are over 300 jars. Also, the largest jar is found here which is said to be 2 meters by 2 meters and weighs nearly 6 tons! One of the jars has what appears to be a carving on the side adding more questions. After the tour, you’ll return to the hotel for the evening.

Accommodation: Vansana

Day 14: Phonsavan | Trip to the Old City of Muang Khoun

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, we will transfer to Muang Khoun (1 hour) – an old town and what used to be the capital of this region. Much of the heritage of this town had been destroyed from bombings. However, some sites still remain. You’ll visit That Chom Phet and That Foun – two stupas which once held treasure but were likely pillaged since that time. The twin stupas stand in ruins on two hills overlooking the area and the Nam Ngai River. Continue to Wat Phia Wat – a temple caught in the middle of the war. While the building structure had been mostly destroyed due to bombing, surprisingly, the large Buddha statue housed in the temple remained standing and mostly untouched, aside from some bullet holes. Locals took it as a sign, so this giant statue is revered throughout Laos for this reason. You’ll have an opportunity to see some old French colonial ruins and the still-standing suspension bridge built over 100 years ago. Then return back to Phonsavan for overnight.

Accommodation: Vansana

Day 15: Phonsavan – Luang Prabang | Road Trip to Luang Prabang with Village Stops

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Early in the morning, you’ll leave Phonsavan visiting Hmong villages on the way. Enjoy beautiful views of the mountains as you traverse through steep and winding roads. You’ll stop for lunch around noon. On the way, you’ll visit another Hmong Village. You’ll arrive in Luang Prabang around dusk or early evening. The evening is at your leisure.

Accommodation: Le Bel Air Resort

Day 16: Luang Prabang | Hike to Villages and Kuang Si Waterfall | Tree House Dinner Along the Mekong River

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today we cross the Mekong River by boat, to the picturesque village of Ban Chan, a pottery village. We then visit the morning Phousi Market, where you will see such diverse offerings as dried buffalo skin, local tea and saltpeter among the chickens, vegetables and hill-tribe weavings.

Laos is also known for its traditional crafts, and today you will visit local villages of Lao ethnic minority groups at Ban Ouay, a Hmong village, Ban Ou a Laoloum village and Ban Thapene, a Khmu village.

Kuang Si Waterfalls – 3 Weeks Exploring Cultural Sites Laos Thailand Tour

This then takes us to the beautiful Khouangsi Waterfall where you can cool off with a refreshing swim in the pools or walk along the forest trails. We then return to Luang Prabang by late afternoon. Overnight in Luang Prabang

Accommodation: Le Bel Air Resort

Day 17: Luang Prabang | Luang Prabang Heritage

Meals: Breakfast

The morning is at your leisure to explore on your own or visit a spa for a massage.

In the afternoon, begin with a visit to the Royal Palace Museum, which hosts a range of interesting artifacts. We then head to the magnificent Wat Xiengthong with its roofs sweeping low to the ground, which represents classical Laotian architecture. We’ll also visit the impressive stupa of Wat Visoun and the shrines of Wat Aham and Wat Mai.

Late afternoon, transfer to the forest temple of Wat Phon Phao for watching a stunning sunset over the Laos countryside. Return to the hotel for leisure time or explore the night markets on your own.

Accommodation: Le Bel Air Resort

Day 18: Luang Prabang | Gentle Giants of Asia

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

In the morning, transfer to MandaLao – an elephant sanctuary with a focus on rehabilitation and care of rescued elephants. Here you’ll meet the sanctuary caretaker and receive a short briefing about the elephants. Throughout the morning, you’ll take place in the following activities:

• Locate the elephants with the caretaker;
• Feed the elephants under the guidance of the caretaker and learn about their behavior;
• Bathe your elephant – Go down to the nearby river to bathe your elephant; perhaps the elephant will bathe you as well!
• Enjoy lunch at the outdoor garden restaurant

Then return to your hotel for leisure time in the afternoon.

Elephant Sanctuary – 3 Weeks Exploring Cultural Sites Laos Thailand Tour

Accommodation: Le Bel Air Resort

Day 19: Luang Prabang – Pakbeng | Mekong River Gateway to Laos: Pak Ou Caves

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Heading out of the town, we take a cruise upstream on the Mekong River, which also gives us a beautiful view of the tranquil countryside as well as an interesting visit to the mysterious of Pak Ou Caves, two linked caves crammed with thousands of gold lacquered Buddha statues of various shapes and sizes left by pilgrims.

We then continue our boat trip to the atmospheric riverside town of Pakbeng. The Mekong was once the only major transport route in the country, Pakbeng, being the halfway point on the Mekong River between Luang Prabang and Houay Xai, developed as an overnight stop for many traders traveling along the river. This scenic and authentic river cruise has been described as a once in a lifetime experience.

Accommodation: Le Grand Pakbeng

Day 20: Pakbeng – Chiang Rai | Mekong River Gateway to Laos: Tai Lue Villages | Cross Border and Transfer to Chiang Rai

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
After breakfast, we re-embark on our boat for the second leg of our journey toward Houay Xai, which is close to the famous Golden Triangle. Upon leaving Pakbeng, The cruise is long, but the unequaled, tranquil river scenery will make this an interesting day. On the way, we will visit the local market where many hill tribe people converge from the outlying valleys and hillsides to sell their goods and buy provisions.

Accommodation: Katiliya Mountain Resort and Spa

Day 21: Chiang Rai | Farewell!

Meals: Breakfast
Today our guide will transfer you to the airport before your onward flight and will bid you a fond farewell. Thank you for traveling with us!

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