VLL05 - ANCIENT TOWN TO ISLAND

Day 1: Arrival in Luang Prabang

Activities:

• Arrive at Luang Prabang International Airport, where your Vietnam Legend Travel guide will greet you.

• Transfer to your hotel and check in.

• Spend the rest of the day relaxing or enjoying a walk through Luang Prabang’s peaceful streets, nestled between the Mekong and Nam Khan Rivers.

Suggestions for the Evening:

• Explore the Night Market or dine at one of the colonial-style riverside cafes.

• Stroll the riverbanks and witness a stunning sunset over the water.

Overnight: Luang Prabang

 

Day 2: Luang Prabang Heritage & Pak Ou Caves Cruise (B/L)

Morning:

• Visit the Royal Palace Museum for a glimpse into Laos’ royal history.

• Explore the beautifully preserved Wat Xiengthong, with its golden carvings and sweeping multi-tiered roof.

• Head to Ban Xang Khong, a village renowned for Saa paper-making and traditional silk weaving.

Midday to Afternoon:

• Embark on a Mekong River cruise to the revered Pak Ou Caves (Tham Ting and Tham Phoum), where thousands of Buddha images have been placed over centuries by pilgrims.

• Stop at Ban Xang Hai to learn how Lao rice whisky (Lao Lao) is distilled.

• Return to Luang Prabang in the late afternoon.

Evening: Free time to enjoy the town's vibrant culinary and cultural offerings.

Overnight: Luang Prabang

 

Day 3: Rice Farming & Khouangsi Waterfalls (B/L)

Morning:

• Visit the Living Land Farm to learn about rice cultivation through an interactive 13-step process.

• Try buffalo ploughing, rice planting, and harvesting. Learn traditional skills such as bamboo weaving and blacksmithing.

Lunch: Enjoy a rustic meal at the farm made with local ingredients.

Afternoon:

• Head to the Khouangsi Waterfalls, pausing en route at ethnic Khmu and H’mong villages.

• Explore the Bear Rescue Center and take a dip in the turquoise pools.

• Visit the innovative Laos Buffalo Dairy Farm and participate in activities like feeding and milking.

Overnight: Luang Prabang

 

Day 4: Fly to Pakse – Coffee Trails of Paksong (B/L)

Flight: QV513 | 08:30 – 10:10 (Tue/Thu/Sat only)

Morning:

• Transfer to the airport for your flight to Pakse.

• Upon arrival, travel to the cool highlands of the Bolaven Plateau, Laos’ premium coffee-growing region.

• Visit Tad Fan Waterfall, a dramatic twin cascade set amid lush jungle.

Lunch: Stop at a local plantation café to sample fresh Lao coffee and tea.

Afternoon:

• Visit Jhai Coffee House, a philanthropic roaster supporting local farmers through sustainable coffee practices.

• Arrive in Paksong, check in and relax at your eco-lodge.

Overnight: Paksong

 

Day 5: Paksong – Tad Lo – Champasak (B/L)

Morning:

• Visit Ban Bong Neua and Ban Kokphung, minority villages of the Alak and Katu peoples. Learn about matriarchal traditions and communal housing.

• Continue to the scenic Tad Lo Waterfalls for a swim or short hike.

Lunch: Enjoy a local meal with a view of the falls.

Afternoon:

• Stop at Tad Paxuam Waterfall before heading to the Mekong-side town of Champasak.

• Check in to your riverside hotel. Free time to unwind.

Overnight: Champasak

 

Day 6: Wat Phou Temple & Journey to Khong Island (B/L)

Morning:

• Explore the ancient Khmer temple complex of Wat Phou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

• Wander through this tiered sanctuary from the riverbanks to the mountain slopes.

Afternoon:

• Cross to the eastern Mekong bank and travel south to Don Khong, the largest of the 4000 islands.

• Enjoy leisure time at your lodge surrounded by rural tranquility.

Overnight: Khong Island

 

Day 7: 4000 Islands Boat Excursion (B/L)

Morning to Afternoon:

• Set off by boat to explore Don Khone island.

• Visit remnants of the French colonial railway and the dramatic Liphi Waterfalls.

• Optionally stop at Don Det for a laid-back village experience.

• Return to the mainland via Ban Nakasang, and transfer back to Khong Island.

Evening: Relax at your lodge and enjoy the peaceful rhythms of island life.

Overnight: Khong Island

 

Day 8: Khong Island – Khone Phapheng Falls – Cambodia Border (B)

Morning:

• Drive to Khone Phapheng Falls, the largest waterfall in Southeast Asia by volume. The site is awe-inspiring and ecologically rich.

• Transfer a short distance to the Laos–Cambodia border.

End of Services.

 

Notes:

• Meals Included: B (Breakfast), L (Lunch)

• Domestic flight Luang Prabang – Pakse operates on limited days

• Bring: walking shoes, sunscreen, swimwear, modest attire for temples

• Seasonal conditions may affect waterfall and boat access

• Optional activities can be arranged with advance notice