Meal: not included: Accommodation: in Luang Prabang

Upon your arrival in Luang Prabang, you will be greeted by our friendly guide and transferred to your hotel. Take some time to settle in and relax, or explore the nearby area at your own pace. In the evening, immerse yourself in the local atmosphere by strolling through the vibrant night market, where you can find a variety of handicrafts, textiles, and delicious street food.

Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Nestled in the lush mountains of northern Laos, Luang Prabang is a captivating destination that seamlessly blends ancient traditions with colonial influences. This UNESCO World Heritage city exudes a serene and mystical charm that has enchanted travelers for centuries. With its warm and welcoming locals, serene surroundings, and a treasure trove of cultural and natural wonders, Luang Prabang is a destination that will leave a lasting impression on every traveler fortunate enough to experience its magic.

Meal: breakfast, lunch, dinner | Accommodation: in Luang Prabang

We will kick off the day by immersing ourselves in the local culture at the vibrant Morning Market. Afterward, we'll explore the exquisite Wat Mai temple, known for its stunning architecture and intricate details. Next, we'll take a step back in time as we visit the Former King's Palace, a majestic testament to Laos' royal history. Our morning adventure concludes with a visit to the iconic Wat Xieng Thong, a masterpiece of Lao temple architecture. 

After a delicious local lunch, we’ll visit the UXO Visitor's Centre, shedding light on the impact of unexploded ordnance on the region and the ongoing efforts in clearance and awareness. Our next stop is Wat Visoun, the oldest operating temple in Luang Prabang, boasting a fascinating blend of architectural styles. Finally, we'll wrap up our day at the Traditional Art and Ethnology Centre, where we'll learn about the diverse ethnic groups of Laos and their rich cultural heritage. 

Late in the afternoon, get a transfer to a nearby venue where we embark on the Bamboo experience, an enchanting journey that takes you on a cultural exploration of the ubiquitous bamboo plant within Lao traditions. 

Throughout the experience, you'll engage in a series of immersive activities, including bamboo hunting and weaving, as well as participating in an interactive cooking class that centers around the versatile bamboo plant as the key ingredient. You'll have the chance to try your hand at crossbow shooting, walking on bamboo stilts, and even pounding sticky rice with a traditional Pestle & Mortar... As you savor a delectable meal, you'll be treated to the enchanting melodies of the Hmong Khen, a bamboo instrument, and even have an opportunity to try playing it yourself, and also the lively Kamu bamboo dancing with "Skipping poles," a delightful celebration of the region's cultural heritage. Back to your hotel after dinner.

Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Meal: breakfast, lunch | Accommodation: in Luang Prabang

For early risers, there is a very special dawn visit to watch the monks collecting alms. As the sun begins to rise, long lines of orange-robed monks leave their pagodas and walk barefoot down the streets collecting offerings from Luang Prabang residents.

After breakfast, we venture outside of Luang Prabang to visit the breathtaking Kuang Si Waterfall. Enjoy a leisurely walk through the well-maintained trails and take a refreshing dip in the inviting natural pools or simply unwind amidst nature's beauty. There’s also an opportunity to visit the nearby Bear Sanctuary, where you can observe and learn about the conservation efforts dedicated to protecting and rehabilitating endangered Asiatic black bears. Witness these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat, and gain a deeper understanding of the challenges they face and the importance of preserving their species.

In the afternoon, embark on a scenic boat cruise along the Mekong River to the renowned Pak Ou Caves. Discover these ancient limestone caves that house thousands of Buddhist statues, offering a glimpse into the spiritual beliefs and traditions of Laos. Admire the intricately carved sculptures and absorb the spiritual ambiance as you explore the dimly lit chambers.

Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Meal: breakfast, lunch | Accommodation: in Luang Prabang

Get picked up and head to Xieng Lom village by minivan. After a fascinating introduction to elephant behavior, you take a boat across the river to meet your new friends. Explore the mysterious beauty of the Lao jungle with rescued elephants as your companions at the Mandalao Elephant Sanctuary. This journey is a perfect way for these happy elephants to enjoy a walk in their natural habitat after decades of hard labor in logging camps. It also offers you a once-in-a-lifetime experience to learn from and absorb their calming energy. The trek is about 2 hours and you pass through local farms and streams where you can hear the sounds of the jungle and the gentle footsteps of the elephants.

MandaLao’s guides and mahouts will teach you how to understand the ways in which elephants and humans communicate with one another. Once this connection is made it’s almost impossible not to see many of our own emotions in them—a life-changing experience with animals so seemingly different from us.

After a delicious lunch in the jungle, you have ample time to make a deep connection with the elephants. You walk to a seldom-seen and hidden gem of a waterfall, where you can wade, meditate, or stand under its softly flowing showers.

You will end this full and deeply satisfying day by escorting your elephant companions to their feeding grounds before honoring them with your friendship and bidding them farewell until you meet again!

Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Meal: breakfast | Accommodation: in Phonsavan, Xieng Khouang

After breakfast, we make our way over the mountains to Xieng Khouang, the province which is best known for having been heavily bombed during the Indochina War. But, of course, it is also famous for the historic Plain of Jars. The journey takes about 8 hours and we can make some stops at villages to observe the rural life of local people, including ethnic minorities such as the Hmong people. Arrive in Phonsavan, the capital of Xieng Khouang province, and check into your hotel.

Overnight in Phonsavan, Xieng Khouang.

Meal: breakfast, lunch | Accommodation: in Phonsavan, Xieng Khouang

Embark on an exciting day exploring the enigmatic Plains of Jars. These ancient archaeological sites are scattered with hundreds of giant stone jars of unknown origin, dating back over 2,000 years. Discover the mysteries surrounding these intriguing artifacts and learn about their significance to the local culture. Immerse yourself in the history and natural beauty of this unique UNESCO World Heritage site.

Overnight in Phonsavan, Xieng Khouang.

Meal: breakfast | Accommodation: in Vientiane

After breakfast, board a short flight from Xieng Khouang Airport to the vibrant capital city of Vientiane. With time permits, we would spend our afternoon tour around Vientiane, beginning with a visit to the religious museums of Wat Sisaket, the oldest temple surviving from the Siamese war of 1828; Also the Pha That Luang, the most sacred monument in Laos.

Overnight in Vientiane.

Meal: breakfast | Accommodation: in Vientiane

Embark on a memorable orchid trek in the lush outskirts of Vientiane. Discover the diverse flora and fauna of the region as you venture through verdant forests and scenic landscapes. Learn about the different species of orchids and their importance to the local ecosystem. Immerse yourself in the tranquility of nature and capture the beauty of these exquisite flowers.

Overnight in Vientiane.

Meal: breakfast | Accommodation: on Don Khong island

Morning flight from Vientiane to Pakse (flight schedule to be confirmed)

On arrival, we'll drive further south to Champassak to commence our explorations of the remains of Khmer history in the region, and visit the ruins of Wat Phou, understood to be the most important Hindu sanctuary of the Khmer Empire. The first temple on the site was built as early as the 5th century, though the current ruins are from the 11th to 13th centuries. Our thorough 2-3 hour visit of the ruins includes a steep climb to holy shrines of worship where many sacred Hindu, Buddhist, and Animist elements can be found. The Wat Phou Museum exhibition hall on the lower levels invites visitors to study the rich heritage of Khmer artists and Buddhist sculptures. 

Afterward we'll continue to the small town of Champassak, where colonial influence can still be observed in the local architecture. In the afternoon we continue to Don Khong Island by traditional local slow boat or Minivan, spending the night at Don Khong.

Overnight on Don Khong island.

Meal: breakfast | Accommodation: on Don Khong island

Early in the morning, we’ll explore Si Pan Don.  Here the Mekong River is at its widest, stretching up to 12 km during the rainy season. As the waters recede many small islands emerge, giving the region its name.  From a distance, you can hear the unmistakable roar of the Li Phi Falls, which we will visit.  These falls are famous for the Irrawaddy freshwater dolphins that swim nearby.  Ban Hang Khon is one of the few places on earth where it's possible to spot these endangered mammals. We’ll also view the old locomotive and a railway and colonial bridge built by the French in order to avoid navigating the rapids and waterfalls in this section of the Mekong. 

Overnight on Don Khong island.

Meal: breakfast | Accommodation: in Pakse

Upon leaving Khong Island we continue our journey towards the Bolaven Plateau, located in the Annamite Mountain Range, which runs along Laos’ eastern border with Vietnam. The renowned coffee of Lao PDR is produced in this region. The climate of the plateau, with its cooler temperatures and abundant rainfall, makes it the perfect place for coffee production. After viewing several cascading waterfalls -- including the famous Tad Lo and Tad Fan Waterfalls -- we'll return to Pakse for an afternoon walk and overnight accommodation.

Overnight in Pakse.

Meal: breakfast | Accommodation: not included.

Time will be on your own until our driver arrives to take you to Pakse airport, at a good time for boarding your departure flight. End of our services.