Laos Explorer
Our 17 Day Explorers Tour gives you time enough to view most all of the interesting sites in Laos. Starting and ending in Thailand, we’ve assembled an itinerary that attempts to encompass the cultural and natural highlights in most regions. We will cover the far northern to the southern reaches of our country to bring you to a better understanding of our country.
Tour Code: LES001
Day 1
Arrival – Vientiane Highlights
We will meet you as you arrive in Vientiane at the Wattay International Airport or the Friendship Bridge. We will take a city tour of Vientiane: National Museum, Wat Sisaket, Wat Ho Prakeo, Patuxai Monument, and the That Luang Stupa.
Day 2
Vientiane – Vang Vieng
We will drive to Vang Vieng, stopping by the Vangsang archeology site and the Nam Ngum Dam. We will Visit the Tham Chang caves, leaving us some free time in the afternoon to explore Vang Vieng.
Day 3
Vang Vieng – Xieng Khouang
We will drive through the mountainous region in middle Laos to the Xieng Khoaung Province (Plain of Jars) and visit three major Jar sites.
Day 4
Xiengkhouang – Luang Prabang
We will drive for 5 to 6 hours through mountainous regions again to the UNESCO listed town of Luang Prabang, with stops to visit a few ethnic villages along the way. We will visit the temples of Wat Visounnarath, Wat That Makmo, Wat Xiengthong, and Wat Sene. We will then traverse the 328 steps up Phousi Hill for a scenic view of the town and catch the sunset. We will head back down to enjoy the Night Market.
Day 5
Luang Prabang – Tad Kuangsi Waterfalls
We will Visit the National Museum (former Royal Palace) as well as the Wat Mai temple. We will then drive 30km to the south to the Tad Kuangsi Waterfalls where you’ll be able to take a dip. On the way back we will visit the local villages of Lao Loum, Lao Kang, and Lao Soung. Time permitting, we will visit the weaving village at Ban Phanom Tai Lu.
Day 6
Luang Prabang – Pak Ou Caves
We will take a boat trip on the Mekong River to visit the Pak Ou caves (Tam Ting), stopping at the rice whisky distillation village of Ban Hai as well as an ancient pottery village. We will return by boat to Luang Prabang and have the rest of the day free for you to further explore the historic town.
Day 7
Luang Prabang – Oudomxai Province
We will drive through picturesque mountain scenery to Oudomxai with stops along the way at Hmong and Khmu hill tribe villages.
Day 8
Oudomxai – Muang Sing
We will drive to Muang Sing to visit the Ethnic communities of Tai Lu, Akha, Hmong, and Yao. We will stop to visit local Leantean and Khmu villages on the way.
Day 9
Muang Sing – Luang Namtha
We will visit a few local markets in the morning before embarking on a short trek to visit the Ethnic Akha and Yao villages. We will then drive to Luang Namtha, stopping by the village of Ban Thongchai to visit the Tai Dam weaving village.
Day 10
Luang Namtha – Vientiane
Our last stop in northern Laos includes the Ban Namngen Village of Tai Dam, the ruins the That Poumpu temple, Wat Loungkhone, and Tai Ngun. We will then transport you to the airport for our flight to Vientiane. You’ll have free time in the evening to relax.
Day 11
Vientiane – Pakse
We will head to the Wattay International Airport for a flight to Pakse. Upon arrival, we will visit the massive Talat Dao Heung market and a historical museum. We will then drive to visit cotton and silk weaving villages at Ban Saphay and Donkho.
Day 12
Pakse – Tadlo
We will drive to Tadlo through the Bolaven Plateau, visiting along the way, the local villages of Ban Houey Houn Katou tribe. As we return to Tadlo, we will visit the Nge and Alak tribes at Thateng, a coffee plantation at Paksong, and the Tadfane waterfalls.
Day 13
Pakse – Muang Khong
We will take a boat ride on the Mekong River to Champasak (UNESCO site). We will visit the world heritage site Wat Phou. We will proceed by car to visit Oum Mong, then to Muangkhong.
Day 14
Muang Khong
We will go by boat to Ban Khone, visiting a fishing village at Don Dhet. We will walk to visit the old French port, a locomotive, and then the Leephee Waterfalls. Onwards we travel by boat to Ban Phiengdi, before driving back Muang Khong.
Day 15
Muong Khong – Pakse
We will drive to Ban Veunkham, then take a boat to try to catch a glimpse of the rare Mekong Dolphins before heading onwards to Khon Phapheng, the largest waterfall in south-east Asia. Onwards to Khietngong, for an elephant ride before we head back to Pakse.
Day 16
Pakse – Vientiane
We will transport you to the Pakse airport for flight to Vientiane. We will be Visiting the vast Talat Sao morning market for shopping, then drive 30km south of Vientiane to visit Buddha Park (Xieng Khuan), a unique outdoor park comprised of Buddhist and Hindu sculptures along the Mekong River. After the visit to the park, we will have a farewell dinner and show.
Day 17
Vientiane – Departure
We will transport you to the Wattay Internation Airport or the Friendship Bridge for your departure.
