VLL07 - VACATION OF LAOS

Day 1: Houeixay – Pakbeng by Shompoo Cruise (L/D)

Morning:

• 08:00: Meet Shompoo Cruise representative at the Lao Immigration office at the border with Thailand. Your English-speaking guide will assist with visa formalities and immigration clearance.

• Transfer via shared minivan to the slow boat pier.

• Board your shared Shompoo Cruise vessel for a scenic journey down the Mekong River.

• Introduction and short cultural orientation: "Do’s and Don’ts in Laos," presented by the guide.

Midday: Enjoy a delicious traditional Lao lunch set on board while taking in riverbank views, remote villages, and forested hills.

Afternoon:

• Stop at Ban Keng Lae, a Kamu ethnic village home to approximately 70 families. Learn about local rural life and traditional architecture.

• Continue cruising toward Pakbeng, arriving before sunset.

Evening:

• Disembark and transfer to your hotel.

• Dinner at your lodge overlooking the Mekong.

Overnight: Pakbeng

 

Day 2: Pakbeng – Pak Ou – Luang Prabang by Shompoo Cruise (B/L)

Morning:

• 08:00: Depart Pakbeng and resume your Mekong journey.

• Watch the jungle-laced riverbanks go by and enjoy onboard demonstrations of how to make Lao desserts and traditional drinks.

Midday:

• Stop at Ban Muang Keo, a village famed for its Lao Lao whisky. Learn about the distillation process and sample if you wish.

• Visit the Pak Ou Caves (Tham Ting and Tham Phoum), a spiritual pilgrimage site housing thousands of Buddha images in varying shapes and sizes.

Afternoon:

• Enjoy the homemade sweets prepared earlier with your fellow guests.

• Arrive in Luang Prabang by 16:30.

• Meet your private guide and transfer to your hotel for check-in.

Overnight: Luang Prabang

 

Day 3: Luang Prabang – Ancient Town & Cultural Arts (B/L)

Optional Early Morning: Wake before dawn to witness or join the Alms Giving Ceremony (Tak Bat).

• If joining, your guide will prepare offerings for you.

• If observing, dress modestly and remain respectfully quiet.

Morning:

• Join a Blessing Ceremony at Wat Sibounheuang and interact with monks.

• Explore the vibrant Morning Market, where locals sell everything from dried buffalo skin to handmade textiles.

Midday to Afternoon:

• Visit the Royal Palace Museum for an in-depth look at the country's royal history.

• Admire Wat Xiengthong, the most significant temple in Luang Prabang.

• Stop by the Traditional Arts & Ethnology Center (closed Monday) to learn about Laos’ ethnic diversity.

• Discover Wat Visoun and its unique watermelon-shaped stupa.

• Visit Wat Aham and the artisan-run Ock Pop Tok weaving center, known for preserving Lao textile traditions.

Evening:

• Climb Mount Phousi for panoramic views of the town and rivers.

• Stroll through the vibrant Night Market for unique souvenirs and snacks.

Overnight: Luang Prabang

 

Day 4: Rice Experience & Khouangsi Waterfall (B/L)

Morning:

• Head to the Living Land Organic Farm, where you’ll experience hands-on rice farming with traditional tools and buffalo.

• Tour on-site workshops including bamboo weaving, blacksmithing, and organic medicine gardens.

• Lunch: Enjoy a local meal surrounded by rice paddies and mountains.

Afternoon:

• Continue to the Khouangsi Waterfalls, stopping at Ban Na Ouane (Khmu village) and H’mong village en route.

• Walk forest trails, visit the Asian Bear Rescue Center, and swim in natural turquoise pools.

• Return to town and enjoy sunset at Wat Phabath.

Overnight: Luang Prabang

 

Day 5: Luang Prabang – Xieng Khouang (B)

Morning to Afternoon:

• Travel by road through winding mountain passes and local villages toward Xieng Khouang, a 6–7 hour drive with photo stops.

• Upon arrival, visit Plain of Jars Site 1, a UNESCO World Heritage Site consisting of massive stone jars dating back over 2,000 years.

Evening: Check into your hotel and enjoy the cool climate of Laos' northeast.

Overnight: Xieng Khouang

 

Day 6: Plain of Jars Exploration (B)

Morning:

• Visit the Central Market to observe morning routines.

• Stop at the UXO MAG Visitor Center, focused on Laos’ war legacy and ongoing bomb clearance.

Afternoon:

• Head to Plain of Jars Sites 2 & 3 for hilltop views.

• Continue to Muang Khoun, the ancient capital. Visit ruins of Lanna-style pagodas, That Fun stupa, and Wat Phiawat, with its massive seated Buddha.

Overnight: Xieng Khouang

 

Day 7: Xieng Khouang – Vang Vieng (B)

Morning to Afternoon:

• Depart for Vang Vieng, traveling through forested landscapes and rolling hills.

• Arrive in the afternoon and check into your riverside hotel.

• Enjoy free time to relax in this peaceful town surrounded by limestone cliffs and scenic riverbanks.

Overnight: Vang Vieng

 

Day 8: Vang Vieng Caves, Tubing, Kayaking & Blue Lagoon (B/L)

Morning:

• Begin your active adventure with a 14km transfer to Tham Xang (Elephant Cave).

• Walk through rice paddies to Tham Nam (Water Cave) for a tubing ride into the spring-fed cave system.

• Lunch: Enjoy a BBQ lunch by the water’s edge.

Afternoon:

• Transfer to Khmu Village for a 3-hour kayaking journey down the Nam Song River.

• Optional stops at riverside bars like Fluid Bar to swim or play table games.

• End the day at the popular Blue Lagoon, where you can relax or swim.

Overnight: Vang Vieng

 

Day 9: Hot Air Balloon & Transfer to Vientiane (B/L)

Optional Early Morning: Take a Hot Air Balloon Ride, the most affordable in the world, for panoramic sunrise views.

• Duration: 30–75 minutes (weather dependent)

• Operated by Above Laos

Afternoon:

• After lunch, transfer to Vientiane, the laid-back capital of Laos.

• Check in to your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

Overnight: Vientiane

 

Day 10: Vientiane City Tour & Departure (B)

Morning:

• Visit Wat Sisaket, home to over 6,000 Buddha images.

• Stop at Wat Prakeo, former home of the Emerald Buddha.

• Take photos at Patuxay Monument and conclude at That Luang Stupa, Laos' most revered symbol.

Midday: Free time at leisure until your transfer to Wattay International Airport.

End of Services.

 

Notes:

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

• Domestic cruises and flights are weather and season-dependent

• Comfortable clothing, swimwear, walking shoes, and temple attire are recommended

• Optional excursions (hot air balloon, elephant sanctuary) available on request