HUAY XAY – PAKBENG – LUANG PRABANG – ELEPHANT CONSERVATION CENTER – VANG VIENG – MUANG FEUANG – VIENTIANE – PAKSE – FANDEE ISLAND – JEEP TOUR EXPERIENCE – BOLAVEN PLATEAU – WAT PHOU – CHAMPASAK – KHONG ISLAND – 4000 ISLANDS – KHONE ISLAND – KHONE PHAPHAENG WATERFALL – PAKSE – UBON RATCHATHANI
This grand journey through Laos takes you from the northern border town of Huay Xay all the way to the southern lowlands, offering a rich blend of landscapes, culture, and adventure. Cruise down the Mekong to Luang Prabang, then connect with nature at the Elephant Conservation Center. Explore the limestone mountains of Vang Vieng, the peaceful setting of Muang Feuang, and the relaxed capital of Vientiane. Fly south to Pakse and unwind on Fandee Island, before heading off-road on a jeep tour across the coffee highlands of the Bolaven Plateau. Visit the UNESCO-listed Wat Phou, then slow down in the laid-back rhythm of the 4000 Islands, including Khong Island, Khone Island, and the mighty Khone Phapheng Waterfall. Ending in Ubon Ratchathani, Thailand, this itinerary is perfect for travelers seeking a complete Laos experience—rich in heritage, nature, and off-the-beaten-path discoveries.
DAY 1: HUAY XAY – PAKBENG (JOINT SHOMPOO CRUISE) (-/L/D)
October to March: Monday, Thursday, Friday & Sunday
April to September: Monday and Friday.
At 08:00am, the guests will meet our English-Speaking guide with a welcome sign at Houay Xay immigration office (Lao border), just after the shuttle bus terminal.
Our guide will assist customers to apply for the visa. After getting the VISA, guests will take a sharing transfer (minivan) to the slow boat pier to embark on the boat. During the morning, Quick lecture about Do’s and Don’ts in Laos and fun facts will be presented by our guide.
Lao traditional Lunch set is served on board.
Before reaching Pakbeng, we will stop to visit a traditional Kamu village (Ban Kang Lae), a tiny cozy place which host about 60 families. Travelers will learn about rural lifestyle in a very remote area. Our company support regularly the village and offer donations.
The boat will arrive at Pakbeng before the night.
NOTE: We recommend to the travelers to reach the Chiang Khong thai immigration border before 07:30am to make sure to meet our guide in Lao side on time.
Overnight at hotel in Pakbeng
Distance:
- Huay Xay – Pakbeng: 89 miles 🡪2 hour driving transfer
DAY 2: PAKBENG – LUANG PRABANG (joint SHOMPOO CRUISE) (B/L/-)
Pick up: 07:30 AM
The boat will leave Pakbeng 08am.
Enjoy the beautiful nature and jungle during your journey. In the morning, our guide and crew will organize some short activities on board. Lao traditional Lunch set is served on board.
First stop will be at Ban Mouang village, famous for its lao lao whiskey making. Just after the 1st visit, the boat will stop for the second visit at the Pak Ou Caves (Tham Ting) and its over two thousand Buddha statues. It is one of the most important Pilgrimage places for lao people.
After the visit, enjoy the homemade desserts and drinks made by our team and the travelers. The boat will arrive in Luang Prabang before 4:30pm. Transfer by our driver to your hotel.
Overnight at hotel in Luang Prabang
Distance:
- Pakbeng – Luang Prabang: 132 miles 🡪3 hour driving transfer
DAY 3: ANCIENT CITY – KUANG SI WATERFALL (B/-/-)
Pick up: 08:30AM
After breakfast, we visit Royal Palace Museum, which hosts a range of interesting artifacts.
Our next stop in the city is the magnificent Wat Xiengthong with its roofs sweeping low to the ground, which represents classical Laotian architecture. We then transfer to the beautiful Kuang Si Waterfall where you can cool off with a refreshing swim in the pools or walk along the forest trails.
You have the rest of the afternoon to refresh at the waterfalls. If you wish, we also see up close Asiatic bears at the Bear Rescue Centre along the jungle walk to the waterfall.
Arriving back in town, we will take a short visit to the Ock Pop Tock Living Craft Center, set serenely close to the Mekong, this beautiful, traditionally styled workshop, where weavers, spinners and batik makers produce top-quality fabrics, offers free tours every half-hour.
Transfer back to Luang Prabang, we ascend the 329 steps to the top of Phousi Hill for a beautiful sunset view of the city and its glowing reflection on the Mekong River.
The tour ends after a visit to the famous Night Market, where you can find a lovely selection of handmade textiles made by local and hilltribe people surrounding Luang Prabang.
Overnight at hotel in Luang Prabang.
Distance:
- Luang Prabang Central – Kuang Si: 20 miles 🡪30 minutes driving transfer
- Kuang Si – Ock Top Tock Living Craft: 18 miles 🡪30 minutes driving transfer
DAY 4: RICE EXPERIENCE – TAEC WORKSHOP (B/L/-)
Pick up: 05:30AM
Wake up as the sun rises, we will prepare to join the most sacred tradition of Laos, the daily morning alms giving, which dates to the 14th century. More than 200 Buddhist monks depart from various temple to gather their daily meal from the faithful residents sitting quietly on the streets.
We then visit the temporary morning market near the former Royal Palace. Just set on the ground, the local people come here to barter their day’s catch from rice, to vegetable, to fish, or chicken.
Begin today’s close-up look at daily Laotian life by heading out for a morning at a community-based living rice farm in the idyllic countryside outside Luang Prabang. Surrounded by mountains and rice paddies, you’ll have an opportunity to experience rural life as a Laotian farmer would, trying your hand at various farm activities – or observing them from a traditional Lao rice house balcony, set amidst rice terraces and an organic vegetable farm.
You’ll have time to check out nearby workshops where local bamboo weavers, blacksmiths and sugar cane processors practice their crafts. Then take a tour of the organic garden to learn how natural herbs are used in traditional medicine.
The lunch will be served at the sala overlooking the rice field.
We have ample time to relax before transferring to the Traditional Arts & Ethnology Center, the collection of diverse Lao ethnic groups. We will stroll around to visit the center to understand more about the Lao ethnic culture. After that, we will join the seminars of “Ethnic Diversity and Cultural Change in Laos”
This fascinating 60-minute presentation and question-and-answer session gives background on Laos’ ethnic communities, their history, and their cultural practices, including livelihoods and crafts. Guests have an opportunity to learn about lifestyles in ethnic villages and are shown unique artefacts from TAEC’s collection that are not accessible to the general public.
The seminars are led by one of the two TAEC Founder/Directors, either Thongkhoun Soutthivilay, a Luang Prabang-native who worked at the Luang Prabang National Museum for 10 years, and who has attended trainings and conferences in the US, Thailand, Netherlands, Japan, and Brunei; or Tara Gujadhur, an American who has worked in Luang Prabang for over 10 years, with a background in anthropology and sustainable tourism development
Overnight at hotel in Luang Prabang
DAY 5: LUANG PRABANG – ELEPHANT CONSERVATION CENTER (B/L/D)
7:30 AM: In the morning, our driver will transfer you to the meeting point where we will join the minivan of Elephant Conservation Center for the transfer to Xayabouly
When you have arrived at the pier at Nam Tien Lake, we will transfer you to the center by boat. You might be able to catch a quick glimpse of one of our elephants while our boat docks.
You will have some time to install yourself in your private bungalow before lunch is served. After enjoying a Laotian style meal, your guide will take you for a visit of the Center’s facilities and present our ongoing projects. During the hospital visit our veterinarian and biologist will take you into their world and explain about the projects they are undertaking.
Through the visit of the only Elephant Hospital in Laos, you will discover the conservation actions implemented by The Elephant Conservation Center. You will then observe the elephants’ daily bath and learn more about our giant guests’ playful characters. Elephants are surprisingly good swimmers and love water. They also use this time to socialize.
After the elephants have washed themselves, you will meet our mahouts, who will show you how they get on and off the elephant and the commands they use. You will then have the opportunity to interact with the elephants with the mahouts at your side.
Get a feel for the elephant’s amazing skin and prickly hair, and experience up close the dexterity of their trunk as you offer them some food. Feel free to take photos standing next to our giants! For those who really want to get a feel of being on top of the elephant, mahout style, you can request to do so later on when bringing the elephants to the forest or socialization area. But this is absolutely not central to the experience we propose and is strictly on the neck, not in a chair on the elephant’s back!
While walking the elephants to their nightly resting ground you will witness the unique bond between the mahout and his elephant. Our experienced mahouts use vocal commands to steer the animals through the thick foliage. As you stroll together with these magnificent creatures into the dense forest of Nam Tien, take a moment! This is the REAL land of elephants! Your guide will give you some interesting information about the biodiversity of our protected forest.
Before dinner, take some time to take in the surroundings from our viewpoint. You can also go for a swim in the lake or visit the museum. During meal time, feel free to ask your unresolved questions to the staff or share one of the Lao style cocktails!
Overnight at hotel in Luang Prabang
DAY 6: ELEPHANT CONSERVATION CENTER – LUANG PRABANG – TRAIN TO VANG VIENG (B/L/-)
Pick-up: 08:30AM
On the second day you will meet up with the elephants in the forest. After spending the night grazing in the jungle, it is time for another bath.
Enjoy strolling together with these magnificent creatures in their natural environment. If you wish, you can ask to ride the elephant, bareback on the neck, for a short time on their way through the forest, to get a physical feel for the animal.
When they have had their fill of water they are brought to the Socialization Area. This is an area where the elephants can freely interact during a big part of the day, recreating a semi-natural living environment.
Here the elephants can enjoy being…elephants. Follow the guide around the perimeter to learn more about the elephants. Take your time on the different platforms to see how a new herd is being formed. This rare opportunity will bring you closer to their natural life, something which is very special about our program and difficult to find anywhere else in Laos.
Lunch is served at one of the viewing platforms. You have some time to let everything sink in.
Following the forest picnic, you can see the resident mother and baby at the nursery. The mahout of the mother stays close by while she and her baby have a bath and play. The mother trusts him around her offspring and even lets him play with her a little bit.
After visiting the nursery, you can take your time to pack your bags and say goodbye to the staff. Perhaps you would like to take in the scenery for one last time before our guide and driver come to pick you up and transfer back to Luang Prabang.
Then transfer to the train station to take the train to Vang Vieng (1 hour)
Overnight at hotel in Vang Vieng
Distance:
- Luang Prabang – Vang Vieng: 115 miles 🡪3 hour driving transfer
DAY 7: VANG VIENG – CAVING & KAYAKING EXPERIENCE (B/L/-)
Pick-up: 08:30AM
Begin your adventure with a morning truck ride, heading 20km north of Vang Vieng to Phatang village. There, your knowledgeable guide will provide you with basic instructions and a program for your day.
Your journey will take you through breathtaking woodlands, jungle rapids, and clear rivers. We’ll make a stop at a local Lao village where your English-speaking guide will enlighten you about Lao culture.
Next, we’ll take a walk to explore the mystical Elephant Cave surrounded by lush countryside. Inside the cave, you’ll find the massive “Elephant Stone” and Buddha statues dating back centuries.
Our kayaking adventure continues along the river to Phalay mountain, where we’ll stop for lunch and a swim. Enjoy a BBQ and fresh fruit before we move on to Tham Non cave for tubing and swimming. This cave served as a bomb shelter for a local village during the second Indochina war and is now home to a bat family and Vangvieng’s magic stone.
As the sun sets behind the mountains, we’ll paddle down the Nam Song River before concluding our day in Vang Vieng where we’ll spend the night.
Overnight at hotel in Vang Vieng
DAY 8: VANG VIENG – MUANG FEUANG (B/-/-)
Pick-up: 08:30AM
After breakfast, we will say goodbye to Vang Vieng and transfer directly to the remote district of Muang Feuang, which is getting more and more popular among locals and expats living in Vientiane a weekends nature hideaway.
The transfer will take less than 2 hours with the first part via the highway Vientiane – Vang Vieng and the last part via a bumpy backroad. Upon arrival, check in your floating bungalow on the Nam Lik River.
The afternoon is free time for your own exploration. There is the option for an easy kayaking, tubing, or swimming on the refreshing Nam Lik River.
For the dinner, we recommend you enjoy a BBQ whilst admiring the sunset and see the life slowly passing by on the Nam Lik River. Check with our guide for this option, they will be happy to arrange the BBQ for you (Extra charge).
Overnight at hotel in Muang Feuang
DAY 9: MUANG FEUANG – VIENTIANE (B/-/-)
Pick up: 08:30AM
This morning, there is the chance for you to join the floating morning alms giving. The monks from the nearby temple will take the boat along Nam Lik River, passing the floating bungalow. The boat will stop at every bungalow to collect the alms giving from the guesses staying at the bungalow the night before. If you wish to join, just wake up early and buy the foods from the boat vendors, they will come 30 minutes before the monk boat arrive.
We then check out and have a simple breakfast (noodle) at a local restaurant before bidding a farewell to Muang Feuang and transfer to Vientiane via the road along the Mekong River.
Along the way, we will have a visit to the Sinxayaram Temple, which is considered as “Kingdom of Buddhism”. The recently upgraded temple compound has been attracting the faithful from around Laos and northern Thailand for decades and is now welcoming tourists.
We will arrive in Vientiane around mid or late afternoon depending on the road condition and the time you spend at some viewpoints along the way.
Overnight at hotel in Vientiane
Distance:
- Muang Feuang – Vientiane: 84 miles 🡪45 minutes driving transfer
DAY 10: VIENTIANE – BUDDHA PARK (B/-/-)
Pick-up: 08:30AM
In the morning, we will first visit Wat Si Muang, which is very famous for its supernatural power.
After that drive to Buddha Park which takes around 45 minutes away. Also known as Xieng Khuan, this unusual park is filled with over 200 Buddhist and Hindu statues.
Returning to town, visit COPE, an association working to help landmine victims. A visit to the center provides in-depth information about the history of the American/Vietnam war and the lasting impact of unexploded ordinances (UXO) in the area and the efforts underway to clear them.
Start the afternoon with a visit to That Luang, the holiest site in Laos. Constructed by King Setthathirat in the 16th century, the temple is resplendent as the sun is shines upon its towering golden spire. Then, enjoy a panoramic view over the city as you climb the stairs to the top of Patuxay, Vientiane’s own “Arc de Triomphe”.
Continue down Lane Xang Avenue the serene Wat Sisaket, the only temple left intact after the Siamese (Thai) invasion in 1828. Continue on to the nearby Wat Phra Keo. Used as a religious museum, Wat Phra Keo displays a collection of both Lao and Khmer works of art.
End your tour of the capital along the banks of the Mekong River as the sun begins to set. Stroll along the river, stop to enjoy a cold drink, or sample a snack from one of the many local food stalls.
Optional tour: You can also visit Sinouk Coffee Pavilion to discover the Lao coffee, stroll around the mini coffee gallery, view the in-house coffee roaster and try a cup of delicious and unique coffee or tea. Discuss with our guide about this. Entrance fee and extra coffee/drinks are payable on spot.
Overnight at hotel in Vientiane
Distance:
- Vietiane – Wat Si Muang: 2 miles 🡪5 minutes driving transfer
- COPE – Buddha Park: 15 miles 🡪30 minutes driving transfer
DAY 11: FLIGHT TO PAKSE – BOLAVEN PLATEAU – FANDEE ISLAND (B/-/-)
Pick-up: 2,5 hours before the flight
In the morning, we take the flight to Pakse, the biggest city of the southern Laos.
Upon arrival, we head east to Pakse and onto to Tadlo Waterfalls in the Bolaven Plateau, upon arrival, we will be trekking to visit waterfall and other minority village near by Tadlo area of Ban Kiengtanglae and Ban Nanong. We then continue driving over the plateau to Paksong.
After that, transfer to Fandee Island on Bolaven Plateau, where we will check in a treehouse to take some rest. If you wish, there are plenty of activities on spot at the Fandee Waterpark or Fandee adventure park. The activities range from ziplining, swimming, or flying bridge.
Overnight at tree house at Fandee Island
Distance:
- Pakse – Bolaven Plateau: 22 miles 🡪35 minutes driving transfer
- Bolaven Plateau – Fandee Island: 66 miles 🡪1 hour driving transfer
DAY 12: JEEP TOUR EXPLORING THE HIDDEN COFFEE TRAIL (B/L/-)
Pick up 08:30AM
09:00AM, we will transfer you to Ban Lao Ngam, where we will meet the Jeep tour specialist. After a short briefing, we will drive to Suay village, where we can find many traditional long houses made by bamboo, which is shared by some generations of 01 family.
We then continue driving to Laven village to see their daily life and their paddy field. This is the first minority group found in Bolaven Plateau.
11:00 AM, we continue driving to the Coffee Farm of Mr. Khamsone via the 10KM bumpy and muddy road, which will take you 01 hour with your special Jeep car.
Upon arrival, Mr khamsone, the Coffee farm’s owner will take 1 hour to demonstrate about coffee roasting step and finishing by a coffee cupping to Savor the different kind of coffee (Robusta, Arabica and Typica).
After that, we will hop on the Jeep and drive 30 minutes to Tad Moun waterfalls, where we can enjoy the fresh cool water, and visit the nearby vegetable farm. Finally, we will drive to Paksong, where our van will pick us up and transfer to the hotel.
Overnight at hotel in Paksong
Distance:
- Fandee Island – Ban Lao Ngam: 10miles 🡪 15 minutes driving transfer
- Fandee Island – Paksong: 40 miles 🡪 1 hour driving transfer
DAY 13: PAKSONG – WAT PHOU – CHAMPASAK – KHONG ISLAND (B/-/-)
Pick-up: 08:30AM
After breakfast, we departure for Champasak.
Along the way, we will have chance to enjoy the scenery around Tad Fan waterfall, which is spectacular with twin waterfalls plummeting into a deep gorge surrounded by flourishing vegetation. We will also see the cultivation of rich coffee, tea, cardamom, bananas, and other crops that are grown in the area.
Arriving in Champasak, visit Wat Phou, an ancient Khmer religious complex dating back to the 5th Century. 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, which was built by the rulers of the Khmer empire before the construction of Angkor Wat.
The temple served as the most important economic and political centre of the region and still is one of the Lao people’s most revered temples.
After your visit, we continue in to Champasak to see samples of French colonial architecture before transferring directly to Khong Island, which is the biggest island of 4000-island area.
Upon arrival, check in your hotel.
Overnight at hotel in Khong Island
Distance:
- Paksong – Champasak: 52 miles 🡪 1.5 hour driving transfer
DAY 14: KHONG ISLAND – 4000 ISLANDS – KHONE ISLAND (B/-/-)
Pick-up: 08:30AM
Set off in the morning aboard a 1.5-hour-long tail boat to explore the expansive Mekong River at its broadest point, known affectionately as “Si Phan Done”, where the receding waters during the dry season reveal countless islets.
Upon reaching our destination, delve into the quaint villages of Ban Khone, rich with relics from the French colonial era. Wander through streets lined with old colonial buildings and catch glimpses of the first Lao railway’s remnants, including its vintage locomotive.
Continue your island exploration by Tuk Tuk, taking your time to visit the mesmerizing Liphi waterfall, a breathtaking cascade that marks the boundary between Laos and Cambodia, also referred to as the Samphamith. En route back, pay a visit to a local pagoda to gain insights into the spiritual customs of the region and admire the intricate architecture of the temple.
Conclude the day with a leisurely stroll through the village, immersing yourself in the daily life of the locals. For those inclined, bicycles are available for rent (at your own expense) to further explore the island at your own pace. Take a sunset ride around the island, soaking in the relaxed ambiance of Khone Island.
Retreat for the night, soaking in the serene surroundings of Khone Island.
Overnight at hotel in Khone Island.
DAY 15: KHONE ISLAND – KHONE PHAPHAENG WATERFALL – PAKSE (B/-/-)
Pick-up: 08:30AM
After breakfast, we’ll head back to the mainland at the fishing village of Ban Nakasang and continue our journey further south to visit Khone Phapheng, known as the largest waterfall by volume in Southeast Asia.
Situated near the Lao-Cambodian border, Khone Phapheng is a remarkable sight nestled within a wildlife-rich area, making it one of the most awe-inspiring destinations in Laos.
Following our visit to Khone Phapheng, we’ll drive back to Pakse. Established by the French in 1905 as an administrative center, the capital of Champasak Province is a relatively modern town located at the confluence of the Mekong and Se Don rivers.
In the afternoon, our first stop will be at Ban Khoh, renowned for its stone carving expertise. From there, we’ll take a leisurely stroll to the nearby Wat Chomphet, home to the largest sitting Buddha statue in Laos.
As the late afternoon approaches, we’ll ascend to the top of Wat Phou Salao to admire the panoramic view over the town of Pakse and the surrounding area as darkness falls over the city.
Overnight at hotel in Pakse.
Distance:
- Khone Island – Khone Phaphaeng: 22 miles 🡪 30 minutes driving transfer
- Khone Phaphaeng – Pakse: 95 miles 🡪 1 hour driving transfer
DAY 16: PAKSE – UBON RATCHATHANI – DEPARTURE (B/-/-)
Pick-up: 6 hours before the flight.
After breakfast, we will transfer directly to Ubon Ratchathani (Thailand) via Chongmek Border to take the flight to Bangkok and connect to your departure flight back home.
Distance:
- Pakse – Ubon Ratchathani: 58 miles 🡪 1.5 hour driving transfer
HOME SWEET HOME!
Included / Excluded
To help you plan your trip, we have put together a list of what's included and what's not included in your tour package. This will give you a clear understanding of what to expect and help you make any necessary arrangements before your journey begins.
- Hotel Accommodation with daily breakfast (shared in twin/ double room)
- Experience English speaking tour manager on tour
- Private transfer and transportation on tour
- Meals are mentioned on program (B: Breakfast, Br: Brunch, L: Lunch, D: Dinner)
- Entrance fees are mentioned on the itinerary
- Daily mineral water (2 bottles/ pax/ tour day)
- All flights with tax
- Visa Approval Letter and Visa Stamping fee at arrival counter
- Travel Insurance
- Early check in or late check out
- Drinks and Beverages
-
Surcharge 20% for Public Holidays:
o New Year: 31 December 2024 – 02 January 2025 (inclusive)
o Vietnamese New Year: 28 Januray – 02 February (inclusive)
o Unification Day and May Day: 28 April – 03 May 2025 (inclusive)
o National Day: 28 August – 04 Sep 2025 (inclusive)
o Christmas: 23 – 25 December 2025 (inclusive - TIPPING for local guide, cruise team, tour manager and driver (compulsory)
- All other services are not mentioned on Inclusions
Tour Map
This comprehensive map is designed to guide you through an exciting journey filled with remarkable destinations and captivating experiences.
