Champassak and Vat Phou – World Heritage Site in Laos recognized by UNESCO in 2002, these ruin temples ware built before Angkor Wat in Siem Reap, which is one of the most ancient Khmer temple architecture dating back the 7-11th century. Itinerary Day 1: Bangkok – Ubon Ratchathani – Don Khone (4000 Islands) Take a morning flight from Bangkok to Ubon Ratchathani, on arrival we meet and drive you to Chongmek, crossing border to Laos and continuing to Pakse. Transfer directly to the pier of Pakse to take a traditional boat for a 2 – hour cruise to Champassak. Continue then by car to Vat Phou, another World Heritage Site in Laos recognized by UNESCO in 2002, this ruin temple was built before Angkor Wat in Siem Reap, which is one of the most ancient Khmer temple architecture dating back the 7-11th century. In the afternoon drive to Don Khone the area of 4000 islands, which is the widest it ever reaches of Mekong River in rainy season. During the dry months the river recedes and leaves behind thousands of islands and islets and this area of the river is also famous for being the home to the endangered Irrawaddy dolphins, south of Don Khone where you stay. En route, we stop to visit the ruins of the Khmer temple of Oup Mong at Ban Houei Tomo and continue driving to Don Khone Island at Ban Nakasung pier and board a long tail motor boat to a peaceful Don Khone Island before sunset. Overnight in Don Khone Island. Day 2: Don Khone – Pakse (B) Early morning breakfast, we explore the local villages of Ban Khone, where the old French colonial houses and its retrace the old colonial past with seeing the first Lao railway with its locomotive. We continue discover the area of 4000 islands by our leisurely boat to visit one of the most beautiful waterfalls of marking the end of Lao boundary to Cambodia call Liphi waterfall, known as the Samphamith. If we have luck, we may be seen the rare freshwater Irrawaddy Mekong dolphin at Ban Hang Khone. Return to Ban Nakasang and drive to famous waterfalls of Khone Phapeng. The largest waterfall in South East Asia, known as Niagara of the east. In the afternoon drive to Pakse and, on the way stop in Phou Asa to visit the vestiges of this temple dating from the 18th century [if time permits and elephants available] we experience elephant riding for 2hrs through the forest path and then driving to Pakse before sunset and transfer to your hotel. Overnight in Pakse. Day 3: Pakse – Saravanh –Boloven – Tadlo (B) After breakfast excursion drive to Tadlo via the plateau of Boloven where tea and coffee plantations growing and most famous Lao coffee. You have chance to observe the traditional coffee and tea maker. En route visit the minority villages of Ban Tateng and experience the daily lifestyle of ethnic minority people of Alack, Katu, Nge that remain not so much change their lifestyle, we continue to Tadlo and visiting the charming village of Tadlo area then transfer you to Tadlo resort, enjoy swimming in the pool of Tadlo waterfall where your accommodation near by. Overnight in Tadlo. Day 4: Tadlo – Pakse – Vientiane (B) Very early morning, we drive to Pakse to board a flight to Vientiane Capital, upon arrival; you are met and transferred to our centrally located hotel. A city tour acquaints us with the major sights of the capital. We visit the sacred Wat Sisaket the oldest temple with thousands of miniature Buddha statues and the former royal temple of Wat Prakeo previously housed the famous Emerald Buddha Image. On the way to the famous and sacred structure of That Luang Stupa, we stop to take some pictures of the imposing Patuxay Monument, which is well known as Vientiane’s own Arc de Triumph, sunset by Mekong Riverside and late evening. Overnight in Vientiane. Day 5: Vientiane – Luang Prabang (B) After breakfast, then free time until your transfer to the airport for a short flight to Luang Prabang. Check in the hotel. Visit Wat Visoun, the site of impressive Thad Makmo stupa. The rounded dome is stylistically more Sinhalese than Lao. Phou Sii hill stands right in the center of this small city. Climb its 350 steps to enjoy commanding views for many miles in each direction. Wat Phu Sii sits atop the mountain, alongside the skeletons of Indochina war anti-aircraft guns! Then continue to visit Wat Mai. Built in 1796, the five-tiered roof of the wooden Sim (chapel) emphasizes the graceful Luang Prabang architectural style. Wat Xiengthong is considered to emphasize & characterize the uniqueness of Luang Prabang’s local style: its several roofs sweep low to the ground. See also the impressive “tree of life” mosaic here. The gilt panel on the exterior of the chapel depicts semi-erotic episodes from the Ramayana; visit the National Museum, which was once a king’s palace. Displayed inside is a collection of personal artifacts of the royal family, including photos, musical instruments, and many gifts received from the dignitaries of foreign countries. Then return to your hotel. Overnight in Luang Prabang Day 6: Luang Prabang – Pak Ou Caves – Ban Phanom (B) After breakfast, begin a full Day boat trip on the mighty Mekong River to visit the Pak Ou Caves with their lacquered Buddha statues. Then make a visit to the village of Ban Phanom where traditional Lao textiles are woven on ancient wooden looms. Then return to Luang Prabang. Overnight in Luang Prabang. Day 7: Luang Prabang – Departure (B) Breakfast, free at leisure discovery and transfer to airport.
Tour includes - Transportation in private air – conditioned Tour excludes - Visa stamping fee on arrival US$30.00/pax |
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