Classic Laos



From the fertile lowlands of the Mekong River valley to the rugged Annamite highlands, Laos is the highlight of Southeast Asia. Enigmatic and relatively undeveloped, Laos is gradually emerging from its tumultuous history thanks to a combination of foreign aid, a growing ecotourism industry, and its charming, philosophical people.

Day 1. Luang Prabang. You will be met by a representative upon arrival at Luang Prabang airport and transfer to your hotel. In 1995 UNESCO voted Luang Prabang as a World Heritage City. This afternoon visit some of these priceless monuments on a tour around the old city. Visit Phou Sii Hill which stands right in the center of this small city. Climb its 350 steps to enjoy panoramic views for many miles in each direction. Continue on to visit nearby Wat Mai - the five-tiered roof of the wooden sim epitomizes the graceful Luang Prabang architectural style.

Enjoy dinner tonight at a local restaurant – a great introduction to Luang Prabang style Laotian cuisine. After dinner take a stroll around Luang Prabang's fabulous night market with your local guide, where there is an overwhelming selection of local handicrafts on offer. 

Day 2. Luang Prabang. This morning there is the opportunity to start the day early with one of the most memorable sights of Luang Prabang. At dawn hundreds of saffron robed monks move silently through the streets to collect alms (offerings of food). Your guide will explain the background behind this ritual which is still a part of life in Laos and you will have the chance to make 'merit'. It's early but well worth the wake up call!

After breakfast, visit Wat Xieng Thong which is often described as Luang Prabang's most beautiful iconic site. Continue to the river to begin a relaxing Mekong River trip to visit the sacred Pak Ou Buddha Caves. After exploring the caves and lunch at a local restaurant nearby return to Luang Prabang by boat. Visit the textile village of Ban Phanom, where traditional Laotian textiles are woven on woodenlooms. 

Day 3. Luang Prabang to Vientiane. The morning is free for you to relax, shop or head out on your own to continue exploring the town or visit the local markets before transferring to the airport for your afternoon flight to Vientiane.

Upon arrival at Vientiane airport you will be met by a local guide and transfer to your hotel for the next two nights. Tonight head out for dinner at one of Vientiane's renowned local restaurants where you can enjoy traditional music and dancing while you dine. 

Day 4. Vientiane. This morning you will start this full-day city tour, which visits the highlights of the capital. Visit Wat Sisaket, the oldest original temple in Vientiane. Wat Sisaket features remarkable frescoes and over 6,000 Buddha images. One of the most photographed images of Vientiane is Putousay - the victory gate also known as Anousavari, with architecture inspired by the Arc of Triumph in Paris. Another famous landmark is the Phra That Luang stupa. This great sacred stupa, considered the national symbol, is said to contain relics of Lord Buddha. Also visit the Talaat Sao – Vientiane's great food and vegetable market. Lunch is included at a local restaurant. The balance of the evening is at your leisure. 

Day 5. Vientiane to Pakse. This morning, depart very early for the early morning flight to Pakse in Southern Laos. Upon arrival in Pakse you will be met by your local guide and transfer to your hotel. Visit the Bolaven plateau, an extinct volcano. Also visit a tea and a coffee plantation and taste the high quality tea and coffee grown by local farmers. Continue to visit Tad Fane waterfall, where thin ribbons of water plunge hundreds of feet into a deep ravine below. Continue to the wide, thundering Tad Lo waterfalls for lunch. This route also passes minority Hill Tribe villages - 'Kha' and other 'Lao Thung' tribes live in this area. Late afternoon return to your hotel in Pakse town – the remainder of the evening is at leisure. 

Day 6. Pakse to Don Khong Island. After an early breakfast, drive south from Pakse to visit Wat Phou, an impressive pre-Angkorian Khmer temple ruin. Wat Phou temple was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2002 and is situated on a hillside offering spectacular views of the surrounding plains. Continue to Kiet Ngong which is renowned for its elephant camp, and its mahouts (handlers) who train these giant and majestic beasts. There will be an opportunity to feed the elephants and take a one hour ride as well.

After lunch at a local restaurant continue the journey to Don Khong Island, located in the famous Si Phan Don (4000 Islands) area of the Mekong. Upon arrival late in the afternoon check-in at your hotel and then relax and enjoy a cold drink by the river, or the energetic can explore part of the island by bicycle.

Day 7. Don Khong Island to Pakse. After breakfast take a boat trip along the Mekong River to Don Khong Island. Explore the island - continue by local samlor to Lii Pii Falls, and it may be possible (depending on local conditions) to also take a small local-style boat to try to spot the endangered Irrawaddy Dolphins that live just below the falls near the Cambodian border. After lunch at a nearby local restaurant continue by boat and van to visit the wild Khon Phapheng Waterfalls - said to be the largest waterfalls in South-east Asia.

Late afternoon begin the drive back to Pakse town, arriving in the early evening. The remainder of the evening is at leisure.

Day 8. Pakse. After breakfast at the hotel you will be met by your local guide to transfer to Pakse airport for your departure flight.

*****All itineraries are subject to change without notice.

Laos Country Facts

Location: Southeastern Asia, northeast of Thailand, west of Vietnam.

Area: 236,800 km².

Population: 6,068,117 (July 2004 est.)

Capital: Vientiane

Time: GMT +7

Language: Lao (official), French, English, and various ethnic languages.

Religion: Buddhist 60%, animist and other 40% (including various Christian denominations 1.5%)

Currency: Lao Kip

Electricity: 220 volts AC, 50 Hz

Business Hours:

Shops: Monday to Friday 0800-1900.
Business: 0800-1200 and 1300-1730 Monday-Saturday.

Country Code: 856 - Vientiane 21

Credit Cards: Some hotels and restaurants accept Visa and MasterCard.

Photography: There are restrictions at airports, ports, and harbors. It is courteous to ask permission first before taking photographs of people.

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