VLL08 - DISCOVERY OF LAOS

Day 1: Arrival in Vientiane

Activities:

• Upon arrival at Wattay International Airport, you will be greeted by your dedicated Vietnam Legend Travel guide with a warm welcome and traditional scarf ceremony.

• Transfer by private car to your hotel in downtown Vientiane. During the transfer, receive a short orientation about Laos, its culture, and travel tips.

• After check-in, take some time to relax or explore the local neighborhood.

Suggestions for Free Time:

• Visit a local temple nearby or stroll along Chao Anouvong Park beside the Mekong River.

• Enjoy a cold drink at a riverside café while watching the sunset over the Thai-Lao border.

• Sample traditional Lao cuisine such as larb, sticky rice, and papaya salad at a local restaurant.

Overnight: Vientiane

 

Day 2: Vientiane City Tour & Buddha Park (B)

Morning:

• Enjoy a delightful breakfast at your hotel.

• Begin your day with a visit to Wat Sisaket, the only temple to survive the 19th-century Siamese invasion, housing thousands of tiny Buddha images and murals of Jataka tales.

• Continue to Wat Ho Phra Keo (Wat Prakeo), now a museum, showcasing a rare collection of Lao and Khmer religious artifacts.

• Next, pause at Patuxay Monument, a war memorial reminiscent of the Arc de Triomphe, but with Lao design touches. Climb to the top for a panoramic city view.

• Visit the gold-covered That Luang Stupa, considered the holiest site in Laos and the centerpiece of national religious identity.

Afternoon:

• Journey 25 km to visit the surreal Buddha Park (Xieng Khuan), an open-air garden filled with over 200 whimsical Hindu and Buddhist sculptures, many designed by a mystical yogi-priest.

• Admire the 40-meter reclining Buddha and peek into the giant pumpkin-like sculpture representing Hell, Earth, and Heaven.

Evening:

• Return to the city and enjoy an optional traditional dinner and dance performance at a cultural restaurant.

• Explore Anouvong Night Market, known for its handcrafted souvenirs, textiles, and local snacks.

Overnight: Vientiane

 

Day 3: Vientiane – Vang Vieng via Nam Ngum Lake (B/L)

Morning:

• After breakfast, depart Vientiane and drive north via the Lao-China Expressway.

• Stop at Ban Tha Heua, a peaceful lakeside village.

• Embark on a serene 2-hour boat cruise on Nam Ngum Lake, taking in the scenic beauty of forested hills and floating fish farms.

• Lunch: Dine at Sanctuary Nam Ngum Resort or enjoy lunch on board while floating through islets and submerged forests.

Afternoon:

• Continue driving through valleys and lush hills toward Vang Vieng.

• Arrive and check in to a hotel nestled beside the Nam Song River, with striking views of the karst mountains.

Evening: Visit Kaeng Nyui Waterfall or enjoy a quiet evening walk along the river promenade - optionally.

Overnight: Vang Vieng

 

Day 4: Caving, Tubing & Kayaking Adventure in Vang Vieng (B/L)

Morning:

• Begin your day with a transfer to Tham Xang (Elephant Cave), a revered cave with Buddha images and historical significance.

• Trek to Tham Nam, a semi-submerged cave where you can enjoy tubing through crystal-clear water in total tranquility.

• Lunch: Enjoy a BBQ lunch amid rice paddies and dramatic karst backdrops at a scenic village hut.

Afternoon:

• Head to Khmu Village and begin an exhilarating kayaking journey down the Nam Song River.

• Paddle past limestone cliffs and jungle terrain, stopping for drinks at riverside rest points.

• Conclude the day with a visit to the Blue Lagoon, ideal for swimming or relaxing in a hammock.

Overnight: Vang Vieng

 

Day 5: Vang Vieng – Xieng Khouang (B)

All-Day Transfer:

• Enjoy breakfast before setting off on a scenic 6–7 hour drive northeast toward Xieng Khouang.

• Stop along the route to photograph rural Laotian villages, terraced rice fields, and mountain panoramas.

• Arrive in Phonsavan, the capital of Xieng Khouang province.

Afternoon: Visit Plain of Jars – Site 1, an enigmatic archaeological site filled with megalithic stone jars estimated to be over 2,000 years old. Hear local legends and scholarly theories behind their purpose.

Evening: Optional visit to the Phonsavan Night Market for a local-style dinner or to purchase Hmong handicrafts.

Overnight: Xieng Khouang

 

Day 6: Xieng Khouang – Plain of Jars & Muang Khoun Exploration (B/L)

Morning:

• Begin with a visit to the Central Market, where locals gather to trade daily goods. Explore rows of fresh produce, hill tribe textiles, and medicinal herbs.

• Stop at the MAG Visitor Center (Mine Advisory Group), where you will learn about the impact of unexploded ordnance (UXO) in Laos and the vital efforts made to safely remove them.

• Depart for Jar Site 2, known for its peaceful setting among pine trees and its intriguing jar arrangement.

• Continue to Jar Site 3, located on a hilltop amidst rice paddies. Trek across bamboo bridges and rural paths to reach the jars, enjoying breathtaking countryside views.

• Lunch: Picnic lunch at a local village or simple restaurant, enjoying home-cooked Lao fare.

Afternoon:

• Drive to Muang Khoun, the former royal capital of Xieng Khouang province, which suffered heavy bombing during the Vietnam War.

• Explore remnants of the old town, including the colonial French Hospital, Wat Phia Wat with its solitary Buddha statue, and the sacred That Foun Stupa.

Overnight: Xieng Khouang

 

Day 7: Xieng Khouang – Scenic Transfer to Luang Prabang (B)

Morning to Afternoon:

• After breakfast, depart for Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, via a full-day scenic mountain drive (~6-7 hours).

• Enjoy multiple stops for panoramic views, refreshments at roadside cafés, and glimpses into highland ethnic minority life.

• Pass through Muang Sui and several small hill tribe villages.

Evening:

• Upon arrival in Luang Prabang, check into your hotel and relax.

• Optional take an evening stroll to the riverside or sample khao soi (Lao-style noodle soup) at a nearby eatery.

Overnight: Luang Prabang

 

Day 8: Cultural Heritage & Sunset Panorama (B/L)

Early Morning (Optional): Wake up early to witness or participate in the Alms Giving Ceremony—a sacred Lao tradition of offering food to saffron-robed monks.

Morning:

• Visit Wat Sibounheuang for a blessing ceremony, believed to bring good fortune.

• Explore the Morning Market, filled with exotic goods like dried buffalo skin, forest honey, and local teas.

• Continue to the Royal Palace Museum, once the residence of King Sisavang Vong, housing religious artifacts and royal regalia.

• Tour the architectural jewel of Wat Xiengthong, the most beautiful temple in Laos, known for its sweeping multi-tiered roofs.

• Lunch: Enjoy a traditional Lao lunch in a garden restaurant.

Afternoon:

• Learn about ethnic minority groups at the Traditional Arts and Ethnology Center.

• Visit Wat Visoun and its iconic Watermelon Stupa.

• Discover the role of weaving in Lao culture at Ock Pop Tok Living Craft Center, with demonstrations on spinning, dyeing, and weaving.

Evening:

• Climb the 328 steps of Mount Phousi for panoramic views over Luang Prabang at sunset.

• Browse the colorful Night Market for handmade crafts and street food.

Overnight: Luang Prabang

 

Day 9: Rice Farm & Kuang Si Waterfall Adventure (B/L)

Morning:

• Head to Living Land Farm, a community-run organic rice farm.

• Participate in the 13-step rice planting process, including plowing with water buffalo, transplanting, and harvesting.

• Visit workshops on bamboo weaving, blacksmithing, and sugarcane pressing.

• Lunch: Enjoy a farm-to-table meal using organic ingredients harvested onsite.

Afternoon:

• Visit Kuang Si Waterfall, with tiered turquoise pools ideal for swimming.

• Stop at the Bear Rescue Center, where Asiatic black bears rescued from illegal trade are cared for.

• Return to Luang Prabang in the late afternoon.

Optional: Stop at Wat Phabath for golden hour views.

Overnight: Luang Prabang

 

Day 10: Pak Ou Caves Cruise & Transfer to Nong Khiaw (B/L)

Morning:

• After breakfast, visit Ban Xang Khong, renowned for its hand-woven silk and traditional Saa paper-making. Watch artisans at work and shop for authentic souvenirs.

• Embark on a traditional wooden boat for a scenic Mekong River cruise upstream.

• Along the way, stop at Ban Xang Hai, a village famous for distilling Lao Lao rice whisky. Learn about the fermentation and distillation process and sample a taste.

• Continue to the legendary Pak Ou Caves (Tham Ting and Tham Phoum)—home to thousands of miniature Buddha statues placed by pilgrims over centuries.

• Lunch: Enjoy a riverside lunch at a local restaurant overlooking the Mekong.

Afternoon:

• Drive to Nong Khiaw, a peaceful village nestled along the banks of the Nam Ou River, surrounded by dramatic limestone cliffs.

• Upon arrival, check in to your eco-lodge or riverside guesthouse.

Evening: Enjoy dinner on your own, with options ranging from traditional Lao cuisine to Western comfort food.

Overnight: Nong Khiaw

 

Day 11: Nong Khiaw – Boat Trip to Muang Ngoi & Viewpoint Hike (B/L)

Morning:

• Capture stunning photos of Nong Khiaw Bridge as the morning mist rises over the river.

• Begin a tranquil boat journey upstream the Nam Ou River to Muang Ngoi, an isolated village once accessible only by boat.

• Explore the village's quiet dirt lanes, traditional stilt houses, and scenic countryside.

• Lunch: Enjoy a simple home-cooked lunch at a family-run eatery in Muang Ngoi.

Afternoon:

• Return by boat to Nong Khiaw.

• Hike up to Pha Som Nang Viewpoint (approx. 40 minutes) for jaw-dropping panoramic views of the Nam Ou valley, karst formations, and terraced rice fields.

Evening: Free time to relax at your guesthouse, or enjoy a riverside dinner.

Overnight: Nong Khiaw

 

Day 12: 100 Waterfalls Trek (B/L)

Morning to Afternoon:

• After breakfast, depart at 08:30 for a full-day adventure through jungle trails, streams, and remote rice fields to discover the hidden 100 Waterfalls.

• Begin with a boat ride and continue on foot, climbing alongside the cascading water, stopping for photos, and learning about local flora.

• Along the way, your local guide will share knowledge of edible plants and traditional survival techniques.

• Lunch: Picnic lunch beside one of the natural pools.

Late Afternoon:

• Trek back through the jungle on a different trail, arriving back in Nong Khiaw around 16:00.

• Return to your guesthouse for rest or a massage to soothe your legs.

Overnight: Nong Khiaw

 

Day 13: Nong Khiaw – Historical Cave – Drive to Oudomxay (B)

Morning:

• Enjoy breakfast with a river view.

• Visit Phathok Cave, used as a bomb shelter by villagers during the Secret War. Accessible by a gentle 30-minute hike, the cave offers insights into Laos’ wartime resilience.

• From the cave’s entrance, take in stunning views of the rice fields and karst hills.

Afternoon:

• Continue your journey to Oudomxay Province, the heart of Northern Laos and home to several ethnic minorities.

• Check in at your mountain lodge or local hotel.

• Enjoy leisure time to explore the town or visit a nearby market.

Overnight: Oudomxay

 

Day 14: Akha Village Experience in Pak Nam Noy (B/L)

Morning:

• Drive to Pak Nam Noy, a remote highland region home to the Akha people, also known as Ikor.

• Visit an authentic Akha village, where traditional life remains mostly untouched by modernity.

• Learn about their distinctive clothing, ornate headdresses, and customs passed down over centuries.

• Witness the process of cotton spinning, indigo dyeing, and embroidery.

• Lunch: Enjoy a village-prepared lunch, with seasonal ingredients and warm hospitality.

Afternoon:

• Interact with the villagers through games, music, or helping with simple daily tasks.

• Return to Oudomxay in the late afternoon.

Overnight: Oudomxay

 

Day 15: Oudomxay – Return to Luang Prabang – Departure (B)

Morning:

• Enjoy your final breakfast in Northern Laos.

• Drive back to Luang Prabang, passing through scenic landscapes, river valleys, and ethnic hamlets.

• Arrive at Luang Prabang International Airport in the afternoon for your onward flight.

Optional: If time allows, enjoy a farewell lunch or visit one final craft shop for last-minute souvenirs.

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