Laos Tour | Far North to Far South

Arrival in the Lao capital of Vientiane, on the banks of the Mekong River, and check-in to our centrally located hotel. Time to stretch your legs with an orientation walking tour before perhaps riverbank sundowners and a local-style welcome dinner at one of the town’s lively night markets.

Departure by train, (Lao’s recently constructed, first-ever rail line), through the spectacular central highlands to the ancient capital Luang Prabang. Mid-morning arrival and some time to relax before a boat trip up the Mekong to the mysterious Pak Ou Caves with their thousands of Buddha statues left by pilgrims over the centuries. Return to Luang Prabang for sunset and a chance to sample some of the region’s local specialities.

Nestled in the mountains, long isolated from the outside world, discover UNESCO-listed Luang Prabang’s fabulous temples, French period architecture and taste Lao delicacies (and the famous Lao beer!) in riverside cafes. A walking tour of the town includes the former king’s palace, now National Museum, Wat Xiengthong and Phu Si Temple. Afternoon at leisure to explore the picturesque lanes and famous hill-tribe handicraft market.

A drive through the surrounding hills to visit the spectacular Kuang Si Waterfalls as well as the commendable Free the Bears rescue centre with an opportunity en-route to discover the fascinating and still very traditional village life of some of the area’s inhabitants.

Early departure for a drive along scenic mountain roads to Phonsavan in Xieng Khouang province – location of the famous and mysterious Plain of Jars. Stops on the way include Khmu and Hmong villages and a hidden cave temple that served as an army hospital during the Vietnam War. Late afternoon arrival and an atmospheric dusk visit to one of the famous jar sites.

Morning visit to the Mines Action Group, (MAG), office to learn about the work they do in clearing land mines and unexploded ordnance in the area. We then travel out to the picturesque Jar Site 2 and begin our 1-hour trek along the ridge to the impressive Jar Site 3, consisting of over around 150 jars located on top of a hill and offering great views over the surrounding countryside. Lunch in Phonsavan before a flight to the Lao capital of Vientiane and time perhaps to stretch our legs with a stroll along the Mekong waterfront for sundowners in a riverside café.

Tour of the city’s varied sites including Si Saket Temple with its 1,000 Buddha images, the bustling morning market, Vientiane’s most famous monument – That Luang Stupa – and the unusual Buddha Park. A less cheerful, but highly informative stop will also be made at the excellent COPE exhibition centre, which highlights the problem of unexploded ordnance from the Vietnam War.

Leave Vientiane for a leisurely drive southeast to Khammouane, one of Laos’ most picturesque yet least-visited provinces. Stops along the way will include a 15th-century stupa and a lively Hmong, hill-tribe market! Afternoon arrival at our night’s riverside accommodation in remote Hin Boun set among dramatic limestone scenery.

Departure by boat for an exploration of the incredible Konglor Cave. A 7-km long underground river running through the cavern is the only access to a hidden valley in the mountain’s interior. We’ll travel through the cave by boat for a short hike through the farmland and villages of this highly unusual feature before completing our day with a transfer to the nearby French-era river port of Thakaek, in time for sunset on the waterfront.

A fascinating trip through the area’s awe-inspiring limestone landscape. The morning will include a hike where our guide will introduce you to traditional forest food and medicines collected by the local inhabitants; a walk around the serene Nong Thao Lake to discover local fishing techniques and visits to a village and a secret 300-year-old cave temple.

Continue south along the Mekong Valley via Savannakhet, to another old river port, Pakse. Afternoon arrival with time at leisure to explore the local markets and temples, try out a traditional Lao-style spa, or just relax and take in the views from the hotel’s roof-top cafe?

Tour some of the sites of the Boloven Plateau, home to numerous ethnic minorities and the centre of Lao’s coffee-growing industry. The day will include a visit to one of the area’s coffee plantations, a fascinating local market, and a chance to bathe in the spectacular Tad Yeuang Falls.

Back on to the Mekong for a boat trip south to the charming little town of Champassak. A stroll to discover the numerous well-preserved French villas before an afternoon visit to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Wat Phu – a pre-Angkor, Khmer temple dramatically situated on a mountainside overlooking the valley of the Mekong.

Morning departure on the Mekong Ferry for a visit to the atmospheric jungle ruins of Angkor-period Wat Tomo. From here we continue south to the 4,000 Islands for a stay at a superbly situated, riverside resort on Khong Island.

Travel by boat through the 4,000 Islands – a stretch of the Mekong of truly outstanding natural beauty straddling the Lao/Cambodian border – to our day’s destination, picturesque Don Khone. Including a stop for a local-style lunch courtesy of the villagers.

The morning is spent exploring some of the sites of Khone island on foot and by tuk-tuk including the Liphi falls and old WW2 Japanese railway. The afternoon is at leisure for you to explore further on foot or by bicycle or just sit back and relax by the resort’s pool.

A stop at Khone Phapaeng – one of the world’s largest waterfalls – before crossing into northern Cambodia and the remote town of Stung Treng. Here we’ll continue south to Kratie town for an afternoon tour by a Cambodian rural development project including the rare freshwater dolphins and local village life.

Continue south through Kampong Cham Province with a stop at the well-preserved 12th-century site of Wat Nokor and afternoon arrival in Phnom Penh. An evening farewell, Khmer-style dinner completes the tour.

Morning at leisure in Phnom Penh; some last-minute market shopping at the Russian market or just relax by the pool with a departure at your convenience.