Lao Explorer
$0
per person
14 or 17 Days
Discover the very essence of Laos on this 14-day or 17-day journey, weaving together the country’s spiritual heart, scenic landscapes, and timeless traditions. From the elegant boulevards of Vientiane and the karst beauty of Vang Vieng, to the mysterious Plain of Jars and the UNESCO treasures of Luang Prabang, each day unfolds with a new highlight. Along the way, immerse yourself in vibrant ethnic cultures, cruise the Mekong, explore sacred temples, and unwind beside turquoise waterfalls. Perfect for travelers seeking both cultural depth and natural beauty, this itinerary offers an authentic taste of Laos at a relaxed pace.
Highlights:
- Vientiane’s Icons – Wat Sisaket, Haw Prakeo, Patuxay, and the golden That Luang Stupa.
- Buddha Park – Hundreds of whimsical Buddha statues in a riverside setting.
- Road to Vang Vieng – Scenic countryside and an 11th-century archaeological site en route.
- Nam Song River Cruise & Caves – Peaceful river journey to Tham Jang Cave and nearby ethnic villages.
- Ethnic Encounters – Visits to Hmong, Souay, Tai Dam, Tai Deang communities.
- Xieng Khouang & Plain of Jars – Laos’ most mysterious archaeological site and lively local markets.
- Luang Prabang Heritage – Wat Xiengthong, Pak Ou Caves, Ban Phanom weaving village.
- Sunset & Night Market – Mount Phousi’s panoramic views and the colorful evening bazaar.
- Khouangsi Waterfall – Swim in turquoise pools and walk forest trails.
- Morning Alms Giving – Witness the serene procession of saffron-robed monks.
Excerpt:
Discover Laos in 14–17 days: Luang Prabang, Xieng Khouang, Plain of Jars, Vang Vieng, Vientiane, Ban Na Hin, Kong Lor Cave, Thakhek, Savanakhet, Pakse, Tadlo, Wat Phou, and the 4,000 Islands — the ultimate journey of culture, landscapes, and heritage.
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Reviews
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Departure/Return Location
Flexible, depending on your tour schedule -
Departure Time
Flexible, depending on your flight schedule -
Return Time
Flexible, depending on your flight schedule
Tour Plan
1
Itinerary 1 (14 days)
Day 1: Arrival in Luang Prabang (D)
Upon arrival you will be met & transferred to hotel for check-in and tour briefing. Time permitting we’ll take an orientation tour around the city before welcome dinner.
Day 2: Luang Prabang (B, L)
Early rise to take the fantastic opportunity to watch or participate in the unique daily morning ritual, where hundreds of saffron-clad monks walk in procession collecting offerings of sticky rice from devout residents along the roadsides.
After breakfast we commence our exploration of the town from the National Museum, formerly the Royal Palace, which houses an eclectic collection, including statues, mosaic covered walls, French mirrors, and a piece of moon rock presented by the former U.S President Nixon. We continue on foot to Wat Mai, the temple with its unique five-tiered roof and golden bas-reliefs, and then Wat Visoun which contains a collection of antique wooden Buddha statues. After lunch, we visit Wat Xiengthong with the sweeping roofs, Wat Sene boasting the most dazzling facade of all Luang Prabang temples, Wat Aham - the "Monastery of the blossomed Heart". Later, we’ll negotiate the 328 steps to the top of Mount Phousi for a panoramic view of the city and the beautiful surrounding countryside. Conclude the day with a leisurely walk through the iridescent Night Market to see a lovely array of handicrafts.
Day 3: Luang Prabang (B)
We start the day with a visit to the Big Brother Mouse shop in town to select some children’s books for our village visit later on. We then head north along Route 13, before taking an unpaved road to Ban Khia Luang. Here we will have ample time to visit the school, play with the kids and watch them enjoy their new books. We will also have chance to see village women weave with traditional looms. For lunch we enjoy a traditional Lao meal of sticky rice, laap and fresh vegetables cooked by the villagers. After lunch we drive to Ban Khoklin, through some beautiful mountain scenery and paddy fields. At Ban Khoklin we board a private boat down the Nam Ou River to Pak Ou, the two caves crammed with thousands of Buddha statues left by pilgrimages over centuries. We cruise downstream about one more hour to return to town for the night.
Day 4: Luang Prabang – Xieng Khouang (B)
We bid farewell to Luang Prabang and travel overland to Xieng Khouang along a mountainous road with beautiful mountainous views. We will pass through Khmu and Hmong villages and stops at Kiukhacham for refreshments and Phoukhoun for a market visit. When mountains give way to small hills and peaceful countryside, we’ll reach Phonsavan, the provincial city of Xiang Khouang, 300 km from Luang Prabang.
Day 5: Xieng Khouang (B)
Our tour today kicks off with a visit to the local market and afterwards head for the mystical Plain of Jars. Scattered over the plain are hundreds of enormous clay jars, the legacy of an ancient civilization and allegedly over 2000 years old. Till present time, the appearance and purpose of the jars remain a big question. We start from site 2 on 2 hill tops then continue to site 3 amidst some rice fields. Afterwards, we drive to Muang Khoun, the former provincial capital of Xieng Khuang, which was destroyed by the war. Take a walk to a village of the Tai Dam to learn about their distinctive cultural customs. After lunch, we head back to Phonsavan, revisiting the Plain of Jars at site 1 which has the greatest number of jars and the biggest in size.
Day 6: Xieng Khouang – Hin Buon (B)
After an early breakfast we set off on a long drive through central Laos to Hin Buon, a fascinating journey with plenty of things to see en route. The first stop is the ancient town of Muang Khoun to visit the ruins of some ancient pagodas in Lanna style, especially Wat Phiawat. Afterwards, the drive will be up into the scenic mountains. The next leg of the journey takes us through rolling countryside and limestone karsts. We’ll make another sightseeing visit at the famous “bomb boat village” of Ban Thabuk, where the locals built boats out of aircraft fuel tanks from the Vietnam War. Arriving in Hin Boun early in the evening, we check into a riverside lodge and relax.
NOTE: Xiang Khouang-Hin Buon drive = approximately 7 hours
Day 7: Hin Buon - Kong Lor - Hin Buon (B, L)
We have plenty of time to rest to recover from the long drive the previous day. Mid-morning, we board a boat for the journey upriver to Kong Lor village. Pay a brief visit to the village then continue the boat trip into the majestic Kong Lor Cave. Navigate through the 7km length of the cave, which has a spectacular cavern over 100m high. The exploration ends at the tiny, remote village of Ban Natan on the other side of the cave, where we enjoy lunch. Return to the hotel
Day 8: Hin Buon – Vientiane (B, L)
Today we make our way to the sleepy capital of Laos through spectacular limestone karst scenery.
The driving time is around 6 hours including a lunch stop at a picturesque Lao Loum village. In Vientiane, enjoy the rest of the day as we please.
Day 9: Vientiane (B)
Today we’ll be exploring some of the highlights of Vientiane. First, visit Wat Sisaket, the oldest temple in the city, and home to thousands of miniature Buddha statues. Next, visit Wat Phra Kaew, the former royal temple that housed the famous Emerald Buddha Image, and Phra That Luang, which represents a lotus bud and is used as a symbol of the Lao nation. We will also visit Patousay, Vientiane’s very own Arc of Triumph. Get the feel of true local life with a visit to Talad Sao, the Central Market of Vientiane. Afternoon, we visit one of Laos’s slightly stranger attractions – the Buddha Park. Built in 1958 this riverside park is the site of a large collection of Buddhist and Hindu Sculptures. En route, take a look at the impressive Friendship Bridge and the National Cultural Park.
NOTE: Instead of the Buddha Park, a visit to (1) the weaving village of Ban Nong Buathong (2) the forest temple Wat Sok Pa Luang can be arranged
Day 10: Vientiane-Pakse (B, L)
We take a morning flight to Pakse at the junction of the Mekong and Xe Don rivers. Home to some ancient temples, French colonial architecture and lazy riverside restaurants, Pakse is a fantastic launch point for exploring the laid-back Southern Laos region. The Bolaven Plateau, which presides over Pakse, is home to a growing number of coffee plantations. We’ll be greeted at Pakse airport and driven to the agricultural village of Ban Katuu. Here, we'll get a glimpse of local coffee production and sample fresh Lao coffee. Go on to visit Talat Dao Heung Market near the Japanese Bridge, where we can bargain for coffee and browse colorful stalls of spices, dried fish, fresh fruits, and Lao sweets.
Day 11: Pakse-Tadlo (B)
We depart Pakse and drive uphill through lush plantations, rolling hills, dense forests and tribal villages to Tadlo in the Boloven Plateau. The plateau is known for its cool climate, criss-crossing rivers and numerous spectacular waterfalls such as Tad Lo. This waterfall has twin streams that plunge from an impressive height of 800 feet. We’ll have good time venturing off the beaten tracks to discover this lesser-known area of Laos, visiting one of the many coffee plantations to learn about the production of Lao coffee and enjoy a swim in its cool, clear waters.
Day 12: Tadlo - Wat Phou - Khone Island (B)
Enjoy a leisurely drive to Champasak, the former royal capital of Laos, and then continue to the ruins of Wat Phu, a World Heritage site of numerous intriguing Khmer ruins on Mount Phu Kao. This wonderful archaeological site of Khmer civilization dates back to the 9th century, predating the famous Angkor Wat in Cambodia. Afterwards we take a motorboat to Don Khone, the largest island in the region known as the land of 4000 islands, one of the most scenic areas in Laos.
Day 13: Khone Island (B)
This morning we embark a long tail boat and venture into the widest reach of the Mekong River, where the waters recede and leave behind thousands of islets in the dry season, giving this area a lovely name “Sipandon” (Four thousand islands). We’ll explore the peaceful villages of Ban Khone which retains an array of relics from the French colonial era. Continue to the marvelous Liphi waterfall, the "Corridor of the Devil" marking the end of Laos border with Cambodia. If lucky, we’ll see the rare freshwater Irrawaddy Mekong dolphin.
Day 14: Departure (B)
We take a boat to Ban Nakasung and continue overland to the Lao – Cambodia border. En route we’ll visit the breathtaking Khone Phapheng waterfall, the Niagara of South East Asia. From here we have to two options (1) Proceed to the Veukham/ Tropeang Kreal (formerly Dong Kalor) border gate and enter Cambodia (2) Return to Pakse to take a flight.
2
Itinerary 2 (17 days)
Day 1: Arrival in Luang Prabang (D)
Upon arrival you will be met & transferred to hotel for check-in and tour briefing. Time permitting we’ll take an orientation tour around the city before welcome dinner.
Day 2: Luang Prabang (B, L)
Early rise to take the fantastic opportunity to watch or participate in the unique daily morning ritual, where hundreds of saffron-clad monks walk in procession collecting offerings of sticky rice from devout residents along the roadsides.
After breakfast we commence our exploration of the town from the National Museum, formerly the Royal Palace, which houses an eclectic collection, including statues, mosaic covered walls, French mirrors, and a piece of moon rock presented by the former U.S President Nixon. We continue on foot to Wat Mai, the temple with its unique five-tiered roof and golden bas-reliefs, and then Wat Visoun which contains a collection of antique wooden Buddha statues. After lunch, we visit Wat Xiengthong with the sweeping roofs, Wat Sene boasting the most dazzling facade of all Luang Prabang temples, Wat Aham - the "Monastery of the blossomed Heart". Later, we’ll negotiate the 328 steps to the top of Mount Phousi for a panoramic view of the city and the beautiful surrounding countryside. Conclude the day with a leisurely walk through the iridescent Night Market to see a lovely array of handicrafts.
Day 3: Luang Prabang (B)
We start the day with a visit to the Big Brother Mouse shop in town to select some children’s books for our village visit later on. We then head north by car along Route 13, before taking an unpaved road to Ban Khia Luang. Here we will have ample time to visit the school, play with the kids and watch them enjoy their new books. We will also have chance to see village women weave with traditional looms. For lunch we enjoy a traditional Lao meal of sticky rice, laap and fresh vegetables cooked by the villagers. After lunch we drive to Ban Khoklin, through some beautiful mountain scenery and paddy fields. At Ban Khoklin we board a private boat down the Nam Ou River to Pak Ou, the two caves crammed with thousands of Buddha statues left by pilgrimages over centuries. We cruise downstream about one more hour to return to town for the night.
Day 4: Luang Prabang (B)
We drive to the “Elephant Park Project” on the bank of Nam Khan River. Enjoy a ride through the jungle on the back of an Asian Elephant then trek to a small Khmu village community living at the foot of a high mountain range in the Fair Trek Project area. The Fair Trek Project enables remote villagers to benefit directly from tourism. After lunch at Ban Houay Fai we return to Tad Sae waterfall and take a boat back across the river to Lao Sprit Resort where the vehicle is awaiting to drive us back to town.
Day 5: Luang Prabang – Xieng Khouang (B)
We bid farewell to Luang Prabang and travel overland to Xieng Khouang, home of the famous Plain of Jars. The 300 km drive affords an excellent opportunity to see a vast laid-back and unfrequented part of Laos. En route, we’ll make couples of stops to visit hill tribe villages and take photos of the stunning sceneries. Arriving in Phonsavan, the capital of Xieng Khouang Province, we’ll have time for a walk along the town and visit MAG center.
Day 6: Xieng Khouang (B)
This morning we’ll be exploring the mysterious “Plain of Jars”, an impressive archaeological site where hundreds of large stone jars are scattered all over a plateau, and making a short trek to a village populated by the Lao Leum and Tai Dam. Afternoon, we visit Muang Khoun, the former provincial capital of Xieng Khouang and some nearby villages, home to the Hmong hill tribe and Tai Dam people.
Day 7: Xieng Khouang - Vang Vieng (B)
We take a stroll in the interesting Central Market of Phonsavan and leave the town for Vang Vieng, a small quiet town nestled on a bend of the Nam Song River. On arrival, we settle into the hotel and relax to absorb the special air of this corner of the world.
Day 8: Vang Vieng - Vientiane (B)
Our tour today starts with a visit to the famous caves of Tham Jang, which was once used by the local people as a hideout from wars. We then cross the river to Ban Huai Ngai, a pleasant village where we can learn about traditions and lifestyles of some ethnic groups. The next stop is at the Organic Farm, where mulberry tea and a variety of fruit wines and goat cheese are produced.
Early afternoon we leave Vang Vieng for Vientiane, the sleepy capitol of Laos.
Day 9: Vientiane (B)
Today we’ll be exploring some of the highlights of Vientiane. First, visit Wat Sisaket, the oldest temple in the city, and home to thousands of miniature Buddha statues. Next, visit Wat Phra Kaew, the former royal temple that housed the famous Emerald Buddha Image, and Phra That Luang, which represents a lotus bud and is used as a symbol of the Lao nation. We will also visit Patousay, Vientiane’s very own Arc of Triumph. Get the feel of true local life with a visit to Talad Sao, the Central Market of Vientiane. Afternoon, we visit one of Laos’s slightly stranger attractions – the Buddha Park. Built in 1958 this riverside park is the site of a large collection of Buddhist and Hindu Sculptures. En route, take a look at the impressive Friendship Bridge and the National Cultural Park.
NOTE: Instead of the Buddha Park, a visit to (1) the weaving village of Ban Nong Buathong (2) the forest temple Wat Sok Pa Luang can be arranged
Day 10: Vientiane –Ban Na Hin (B, L)
We start the day with an early drive to Ban Nahin, a scenic 7-hour drive away. Stop in the small village of Ban Hai and visit one of the country’s most revered temples located near the legendary “Naga Fireballs” that are seen during the full moon period in October. After lunch in the small town of Pakkading, continue along the Vietnamese border until we reach Ban Nahin, our overnight base.
Day 11: Ban Na Hin - Khong Lor - Thakhek (B, L)
The day kicks off with a visit to the majestic Konglor Cave. Step aboard a small motorboat to enter the massive lit-up cave with lot of branches and connected with Himboun River and the valley beyond. The exploration ends at the tiny, remote village of Ban Natan on the other side of the cave. Have lunch in a small Konglor village upon our return. Next, we travel to Thakhek, where we’ll check into the hotel before taking a trip around the quaint, French-colonial style town.
Day 12: Thakhek (B, L)
After breakfast we take a trip to the magical limestone karsts that surround the city. Explore the caves and karsts before continuing onto visit the picturesque Khoun Khong Lang Lagoon. Next, visit the Green Climber’s home - a well-known stop for climbers all over the world for its idyllic position among the towering karsts. Spend the afternoon in the natural area before returning to Thakhek.
Day 13: Thakhek - Savanakhet - Pakse (B)
We venture further into southern Laos with a stop at Sananakhet between Laos and Vietnam. Arriving in Pakse mid-afternoon we’ll have time to stroll around and catch a glimpse of Pakse, the capital of the south.
Day 14: Pakse –Tadlo (B)
Today we drive uphill through lush plantations, rolling hills, dense forests and tribal villages to Tadlo in the Boloven Plateau. The plateau is known for its cool climate, criss-crossing rivers and numerous spectacular waterfalls such as Tad Lo. This waterfall has twin streams that plunge from an impressive height of 800 feet. We’ll have good time venturing off the beaten tracks to discover this lesser-known area of Laos, visiting one of the many coffee plantations to learn about the production of Lao coffee and enjoy a swim in its cool, clear waters.
Day 15: Tadlo - Wat Phou - Khone Island (B)
Enjoy a leisurely drive to Champasak, the former royal capital of Laos, and then continue to the ruins of Wat Phu, a World Heritage site of numerous intriguing Khmer ruins on Mount Phu Kao. This wonderful archaeological site of Khmer civilization dates back to the 9th century, predating the famous Angkor Wat in Cambodia. Afterwards we take a motorboat to Don Khone, the largest island in the region known as the land of 4000 islands, one of the most scenic areas in Laos.
Day 16: Khone Island (B)
This morning we embark a long tail boat and venture into the widest reach of the Mekong River, where the waters recede and leave behind thousands of islets in the dry season, giving this area a lovely name “Sipandon” (Four thousand islands). We’ll explore the peaceful villages of Ban Khone which retains an array of relics from the French colonial era. Continue to the marvelous Liphi waterfall, the "Corridor of the Devil" marking the end of Laos border with Cambodia. If lucky, we’ll see the rare freshwater Irrawaddy Mekong dolphin.
Day 17: Departure (B)
We take a boat to Ban Nakasung and continue overland to the Lao – Cambodia border. En route we’ll visit the breathtaking Khone Phapheng waterfall, the Niagara of South East Asia. From here we have to two options (1) Proceed to the Veukham/ Tropeang Kreal (formerly Dong Kalor) border gate and enter Cambodia (2) Return to Pakse to take a flight.
Tour Location
Luang Prabang – Nam Ou River – Xieng Khouang – Plain of Jars – Vang Vieng – Vientiane – Ban Na Hin – Kong Lor Cave – Thakhek – Savanakhet – Pakse – Tadlo – Wat Phou – Khone Island – 4,000 Islands
LAO EXPLORER — 14 DAYS
The 14-day Lao Explorer reveals the country’s iconic cities, ancient valleys, dramatic caves, tribal cultures, and the peaceful 4,000 Islands — an immersive north-to-south journey across Laos.
- Luang Prabang: National Museum (former Royal Palace), Wat Mai, Wat Visoun, Wat Xiengthong, Wat Sene, Wat Aham, Mount Phousi sunset, Night Market. Morning alms giving ritual; Big Brother Mouse visit; Ban Khia Luang school & weaving village. Boat journey to Pak Ou Caves and return cruise along the Nam Ou River.
- Xieng Khouang & Plain of Jars: Mountain road trip via Khmu & Hmong villages; Phonsavan local market; Sites 1, 2, 3 of the Plain of Jars; Muang Khoun ancient capital; Tai Dam & Hmong villages.
- Hin Buon (Ban Na Hin): Scenic 7-hour mountain and karst drive; Muang Khoun pagodas; Ban Thabuk “bomb boat village”; riverside lodge stay.
- Kong Lor Cave: Boat journey through the 7km limestone cavern (100m-high ceilings); Ban Natan remote village; Himboun valley scenery.
- Vientiane: Wat Sisaket, Wat Phra Kaew, That Luang Stupa, Patuxay Monument, Talad Sao Market.
Choice of Buddha Park OR weaving village/forest temple. - Pakse – Tadlo – Southern Laos: Coffee village of Ban Katuu; Talat Dao Heung; Bolaven Plateau waterfalls (Tad Lo); coffee plantations; swimming spots.
- Wat Phou & 4,000 Islands: UNESCO Khmer ruins older than Angkor; boat to Don Khone; colonial bridges; Liphi Waterfall; Mekong River exploration; Irrawaddy dolphins (if lucky).
- Khone Phapheng: The Niagara of Southeast Asia and exit to Cambodia or return to Pakse.
LAO EXPLORER — 17 DAYS
Itinerary 2 expands the cultural, historical, and natural depth with Vang Vieng, Hin Buon, Thakhek, Savanakhet, and extended southern exploration.
- Luang Prabang: Identical to 14-day program days 1–4: temples, museums, villages, weaving, Nam Ou cruise, Pak Ou Caves.
- Xieng Khouang (2 days): Same as itinerary 1: markets, villages, and all three key Plain of Jars sites.
- Vang Vieng: Tham Jang Cave (war refuge cave), Ban Huai Ngai ethnic village, Organic Farm mulberry tea and fruit wine.
Limestone mountains and Nam Song riverscape. - Vientiane: Full city tour: temples, stupas, markets, Buddha Park.
- Ban Na Hin → Kong Lor → Thakhek: Kong Lor Cave boat exploration, Ban Natan village, Thakhek colonial streets, karst peaks, Blue Lagoon (Khoun Kong Lang), climbing areas.
- Savanakhet → Pakse: Border region history, market streets, slow-paced local life.
- Tadlo – Wat Phou – 4,000 Islands: Same as itinerary 1 but extended with more travel depth.
- Khone Phapheng & Departure: Transfer to Cambodia or return to Pakse.
A complete north-to-south adventure showcasing Laos’ soul — culture, caves, rivers, mountains, waterfalls, and ancient civilizations.