Mystical Mekong & the Soul of Laos 14 days

Welcome to Laos! Upon arrival at Luang Prabang International Airport, you’ll be greeted by your local guide and transferred to your hotel nestled in the heart of this peaceful UNESCO-listed city. Depending on your arrival time, you may take a gentle walk along the Mekong River, visit a tranquil temple, or browse the lively night market where locals sell handwoven textiles, wood carvings, and delicious street snacks. Enjoy your first taste of Lao culture at your own pace. Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Rise early to witness one of Laos’ most sacred traditions – the Alms Giving Ceremony. Local residents kneel to offer sticky rice to a procession of saffron-robed monks, a quiet and deeply moving ritual. After breakfast, visit the Royal Palace Museum, which offers insights into Laos’ royal history and traditional artifacts. Continue to the graceful Wat Mai and the magnificent Wat Xieng Thong, famed for its sweeping roofs and vibrant mosaics. Wander the cobblestone streets lined with French colonial architecture and traditional wooden homes. In the late afternoon, hike up Mount Phousi for panoramic views of the city and surrounding rivers at sunset. Overnight in Luang Prabang.

After breakfast, journey into the lush countryside to visit the breathtaking Kuang Si Waterfalls, cascading into turquoise pools perfect for swimming. En route, stop at a Hmong or Khmu ethnic village, where you can interact with locals and observe traditional crafts and lifestyles. At Kuang Si, explore forest trails, take a refreshing dip, and visit the Bear Rescue Center, home to rescued Asiatic black bears. Enjoy a scenic picnic lunch in a shaded grove near the falls. Return to Luang Prabang in the afternoon and unwind with optional activities like a Lao massage, a cooking class, or a relaxing stroll along the river. Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Set off on a half-day river cruise along the tranquil Mekong aboard a traditional longtail boat. As you glide upstream, pass riverside villages, fishing boats, and lush jungle landscapes. Arrive at the sacred Pak Ou Caves, home to thousands of Buddha images placed by pilgrims over centuries. On your return journey, stop at Ban Xang Hai, a village known for producing Lao-Lao rice whiskey. Sample the local brew and observe the distillation process. Enjoy a local lunch at a riverside restaurant before cruising back to Luang Prabang. The evening is yours to explore independently. Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Today, explore the cultural traditions of Laos in nearby villages. Visit Ban Xang Khong, renowned for its handmade Saa paper and silk weaving, and Ban Phanom, a former royal weaving village. Engage with local artisans and learn about traditional techniques. In the evening, join a hands-on Lao cooking class. Visit a local market to select fresh ingredients, then learn to prepare authentic dishes such as laap (spiced minced meat salad), tam mak hoong (papaya salad), and mok pa (steamed fish in banana leaves). Enjoy your delicious creations for dinner. Overnight in Luang Prabang.

After breakfast, transfer to the station and board the Lao–China high-speed train to Vang Vieng, a small town surrounded by jagged limestone karsts and green rice paddies. The scenic ride cuts through valleys and tunnels, showcasing the natural beauty of central Laos. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel or riverside resort. Spend the afternoon at leisure – relax at a café with mountain views, walk along the Nam Song River, or rent a bicycle to explore nearby countryside trails. Overnight in Vang Vieng.

Experience a day of soft adventure as you embark on a guided kayaking trip down the gentle Nam Song River. Paddle past rice fields, villages, and towering karst cliffs. Stop to explore Tham Phu Kham Cave, home to a reclining Buddha and illuminated by natural skylight. Continue to the Blue Lagoon, where you can swim in clear waters and relax in a tropical setting. Enjoy a picnic lunch or a traditional Lao meal at a riverside restaurant. Optional: Book a sunset hot air balloon ride over the surreal landscape – an unforgettable highlight. Overnight in Vang Vieng.

Rise before dawn for a guided hike to Pha Ngern Viewpoint, offering one of the most stunning sunrise vistas in Laos. Watch the mist roll over limestone peaks and vibrant rice fields. After descending and enjoying breakfast, spend your day exploring Vang Vieng’s lesser-known treasures. Ride a bicycle or tuk-tuk to nearby Blue Lagoons, visit ethnic villages, or unwind with a yoga class or herbal steam sauna. For the adventurous, explore additional caves or try ziplining. Overnight in Vang Vieng.

Board the high-speed train from Vang Vieng to Vientiane, the laid-back capital of Laos. Upon arrival, visit key city landmarks: Patuxai Monument, Laos’ version of the Arc de Triomphe; the golden Pha That Luang, the nation’s most sacred Buddhist stupa; and Wat Si Saket, home to thousands of Buddha statues and ancient murals. Later, take a sunset stroll along the Mekong River promenade, where locals gather to exercise, shop, and enjoy street food. Dinner at your leisure. Overnight in Vientiane.

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Pakse, gateway to southern Laos. Upon arrival, meet your local guide and begin your journey to the Bolaven Plateau, known for its cool climate, scenic beauty, and rich coffee culture.

Stop at the dramatic Tad Fane Waterfalls, plunging over 100 meters into the jungle, and visit a local coffee plantation to learn about the cultivation process and enjoy a fresh tasting. Overnight in the Bolaven Plateau.

Today, explore more of the Bolaven Plateau's highlights. Visit Tad Yuang and Tad Lo Waterfalls, where you can walk along shaded paths and enjoy the misty spray.

Stop in nearby Alak and Katu villages to experience traditional highland life, longhouses, and local weaving. Enjoy a simple, flavorful Lao lunch and return to your lodge in the afternoon. Relax in the tranquil mountain atmosphere. Overnight in the Bolaven Plateau.

After breakfast, descend from the plateau to Champasak, home to the UNESCO-listed Wat Phou temple complex. Set on a forested hillside, the ancient Khmer ruins offer spiritual ambiance and panoramic views.

Continue south along the Mekong, then cross by boat to tranquil Don Khong, the largest of the 4000 Islands. Settle into your riverside accommodation and enjoy a peaceful afternoon watching daily life unfold along the river. Overnight on Don Khong Island.

After breakfast, explore the laid-back 4000 Islands region. Take a boat to Don Det and Don Khon, linked by a colonial railway bridge. Ride a bike or tuk-tuk through coconut groves and villages, then visit the impressive Li Phi Falls, a roaring section of the Mekong.

Enjoy a local lunch on the island. Depending on the season, you may have a chance to spot rare Irrawaddy dolphins in the river. Return to Don Khong in the late afternoon. Overnight on Don Khong Island.

After breakfast, transfer by boat and road back to Pakse International Airport for your onward flight. En route, reflect on your memorable journey through Laos—from ancient temples to lush plateaus and island serenity.