On arrival in Laos, you'll be met by your private guide, who will accompany you to your hotel.
Welcome to Laos! This level of personal service (such as private transfers, private tours etc) is what you can expect throughout your trip. A few services (eg boat cruises) will be shared, but we'll always make sure you're aware of these.
Spend a day thoroughly exploring the capital. See thousands of miniature Buddha statues at the city’s oldest intact temple, Wat Sisaket; linger in the echoing halls of Wat Phra Keo, the former home of the Emerald Buddha; and climb onto the roof of the Patuxai monument for panoramic city views. Stand in the shade of the golden stupa of That Luang: the holiest place in Laos. Complete your morning with a visit to the excellent COPE exhibition centre, highlighting the Laotian people's continuing struggle with overwhelming amounts of unexploded ordnance left from the Vietnam War era. Your afternoon is at leisure until sunset, when you’ll veer off the beaten track for a tuk-tuk tour of the locals’ favourite night markets and streetfood joints, ending with a Lao-style Sin Dat BBQ.
Take a morning flight to Pakse. On arrival, having met your guide, visit the poignant pre-Angkorian ruins of Wat Phou. Then continue on to Champasak and explore on foot. As you walk, your guide will tell you about the history of this World Heritage Listed town, where traditional Laotian architecture nestles beside intriguing colonial-style buildings. At the temple of Vat Kuang Kang transfer to the pier and make the short boat crossing over the Mekong River to Done Daeng, one of the most picturesque islands in this laid-back region. Technically a little too far north to officially be included in the 4,000 islands, Done Daeng shows you what it’s like to take a step out of modern time expectations, to a place where the seasons, weather and natural rhythms dictate the pace.
Embark on a day criss-crossing the 4000 Islands by bike and boat. Cycle across the compact Done Khong island to catch a ferry to the quiet island of Don Phi Man. Explore this quintessentially Lao fishing village by bike, soaking up the feeling of time appearing to have stood still. Hop over the Mekong to Don Sang Pai, to visit an ancient Buddhist temple and learn about the beliefs specific to the local culture. Visit the neighboring island of Don Loppadi, where the residents specialise in weaving bamboo baskets and the region’s essential fishing nets, and have lunch with a local family, before cruising upstream to pass Dom Som and several uninhabited islands, arriving back at Done Khong in the late afternoon.
Your day is free at leisure to relax and soak up the Si Phan Don pace of life!
Spend the morning at leisure soaking up the tranquillity in Done Daeng before flying to Luang Prabang. The remainder of your day will be at leisure to begin exploring this stunning city. There are plenty of great restaurants to choose from, and we’d recommend the local river side stalls for some truly authentic Lao flavours, washed down (naturally!) with a Beer Lao. In the early evening, attend a Baci ceremony, which involves winding cotton around your wrists to symbolise friendship, good health and good luck on your journey.
Rise before dawn to witness tak bat (the giving of alms to the monks who leave their pagodas to receive offerings of food from local residents) in a respectful and culturally sensitive manner. Get an overview of the country’s history at the Royal Palace National Museum, take in the city’s iconic temples, and get a deeper insight into Laos culture at the excellent Arts and Ethnology Centre. See colourful woven textiles being made in the surrounding villages, then either opt to embark upon an energetic climb up Mount Phousi, visit Wat Prabath Tai for a more accessible sunset experience or head to Wat Aham’s colourful prayer hall in time for the daily chanting.
Board a private boat and cross the Mekong to the quiet village of Ban Xieng Maen and the ancient royal temple of Wat Long Khoun, a peaceful place for meditation. Cruise downstream to the Pha Tad Ke Botanical Gardens; stroll through the grounds to the ethno-botanic gardens and learn how Laotians use plants in every day life, special ceremonies and medicine. After lunch, head back to the riverside, board your boat and cruise upstream as to the Pak Ou Caves where thousands of Buddha statues were hidden in times gone by. Return to Luang Prabang by boat, stopping en-route at Wat Donekhoun – a former favourite temple of the King.
Spend a day at MandaLao elephant sanctuary, learning about elephant conservation from the dedicated team. Located on the banks of the Nam Khan River, in prime elephant habitat, the project focuses on education and animal welfare, offering an interactive and meaningful elephant experience. The sanctuary is currently home to a handful of elephants who have spent the majority of their lives working in the region’s logging industry, and are now able to engage in natural behaviours within the safety of their new home. After an in-depth briefing, watch the elephants bathing in the river, and walk with them through the wild landscape. Share a meal of produce from the projects organic garden before heading back to Luang Prabang where the rest of your day is at leisure.
Transfer to the airport for your onward flight.
