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.
GroupCost: US$ per pax |
1 pax |
2 pax |
3 – 4 pax |
5 – 9 pax |
10 – 14 pax |
Standard |
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Superior |
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Deluxe |
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Tour includes
- Transportation in private air – conditioned
- Domestic airticket with airport tax
- Accommodation in 2 star hotel with twin sharing
- Boat trip as stated in above sights
- English or French speaking guide
- Elephant riding 2 hrs
- Admission fee to indicated sights
- Domestic government tax and service charge
- Luggage handling
Tour excludes
- Visa stamping fee on arrival US$30.00/pax
- International airport departure tax US$10.00/pax
- Domestic airticket with airport tax
- International air tickets to/from Laos or Vietnam
- Travel Insurance in all kinds
- Meals: (lunch or dinner, quoted separately)
- Tip, drinks, personal expenses and others not stated.