GRAND LAOS – 8 DAYS
Itinerary: Vientiane – Pakse – 4000 Islands
TOUR CODE: XSEL 015- ADVENTURE & TREKKING TOURS
Highlights:
- Discover the enchanting UNESCO World Heritage listed Luang Prabang
- A crafted blend of family friendly activities and leisure time
- Stay in a comfortable eco lodge supporting a rural village
- Gentle cycling and kayaking in the Nam Khan River Valley
- Explore the Mekong River and its waterfalls and the 4,000 Islands region
- Visit the region's small villages which still carry on ancient traditions
- Interact with Asian elephants and meet the mahouts, the elephant trainers
Overview
Your adventure begins at south of Laos to experience areas seldom explored on a Laos tour. Explore breathtaking waterfalls such as Tad Fane and Li Phi Waterfalls in the 4,000 Islands region along the Mekong River. Travel through the enchanting Champasak region and see the famed Wat Phou temple.
Then you will start with the serenity of the former royal capital, Luang Prabang. Venture out to explore the stunning countryside, gently cycle and kayak through serene river valleys lined with towering limestone karsts and swim in the perfect multi-tiered pools of jungle waterfalls. You’ll also have the opportunity to stay in a beautiful eco lodge which supports a rural village and enjoy a hands-on rice farming experience.
Then you will start with the serenity of the former royal capital, Luang Prabang. Venture out to explore the stunning countryside, gently cycle and kayak through serene river valleys lined with towering limestone karsts and swim in the perfect multi-tiered pools of jungle waterfalls. You’ll also have the opportunity to stay in a beautiful eco lodge which supports a rural village and enjoy a hands-on rice farming experience.
Tour summary:
- Day 1: Pakse arrival
- Day 2: Wat Phou & 4000 Islands-Elephant Camp (B, L)
- Day 3: LiPhi Falls - Irrawaddy Dolphins (B, L)
- Day 4: Pakse - Luang Prabang - sightseeing (B)
- Day 5: Nam Khan River Valley Cycle & Kayak (B, L)
- Day 6: Hide to Kuang Si waterfalls & Long Lao Mai Village (B, L)
- Day 7: Long Lao Mai Village - Luang Prabang (B, L)
- Day 8: Luang Prabang Depart (B)
DAY 1: PAKSE ARRIVAL
Private driver & Guide
Arrival in Pakse airport, you will be picked up then transferred to the hotel in city center for check-in
(Check-in time is 14.00 PM, early check-in is not included in itinerary and subject to availability). Free & easy on leisure in Pakse. Overnight in Pakse
Meals: None
Accommodation at a selected hotel in Pakse
(Check-in time is 14.00 PM, early check-in is not included in itinerary and subject to availability). Free & easy on leisure in Pakse. Overnight in Pakse
Meals: None
Accommodation at a selected hotel in Pakse
DAY 2: WAT PHOU& 4000 ISLANDS ELEPHANT CAMP (B, L)
Private driver & guide
Approximately Pakse – 4000 Island (120 km): 1.5 hours transfer
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel
Starting in the south today towards the Si Phan Do, or 4,000 islands region located in the middle of the Mekong River. Half of the islands are submerged during high water, and the rest are able to be explored by boat and ferry. Along the way you stop to visit the Khmer Temple of Wat Phou. This 11th century temple is now a Theravada Buddhist worship center and represents the easternmost border of the Khmer’s empire. Visit also an Elephant Camp today and see how the handlers (or “mahouts”) train these giant friendly animals. You may have the opportunity to ride one of the elephants to the top of Phou Asa to see the mysterious ruins there. Continue on to the 4,000 islands by bus and boat this afternoon. Settle into your bungalow that is built overlooking the running waters of the Mekong River. Dinner on your own. Overnight at 4000 islands.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation at a selected hotel in 4000 islands
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel
Starting in the south today towards the Si Phan Do, or 4,000 islands region located in the middle of the Mekong River. Half of the islands are submerged during high water, and the rest are able to be explored by boat and ferry. Along the way you stop to visit the Khmer Temple of Wat Phou. This 11th century temple is now a Theravada Buddhist worship center and represents the easternmost border of the Khmer’s empire. Visit also an Elephant Camp today and see how the handlers (or “mahouts”) train these giant friendly animals. You may have the opportunity to ride one of the elephants to the top of Phou Asa to see the mysterious ruins there. Continue on to the 4,000 islands by bus and boat this afternoon. Settle into your bungalow that is built overlooking the running waters of the Mekong River. Dinner on your own. Overnight at 4000 islands.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation at a selected hotel in 4000 islands
DAY3: LIPHI FALLS - IRRAWADDY DOLPHINS (B, L)
Private driver & guide
Approximately 4000 Islands – Pakse (120 km): 1.5 hours transfer
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel
Today is spent exploring the region. Visit the famous Li Phi Falls and learn the history of how these waterfalls helped thwart French efforts to open the Mekong River up to navigation. Irrawaddy (freshwater) dolphins also live in these waters. Keep your eyes open and see if you can spot them in the rushing waters. Visit also the small gauge railway and Colonial Bridge built by the French to circumnavigate these waterfalls. Have lunch at local restaurant Enjoy the afternoon free to explore the area more on your own or spend time relaxing overlooking the river’s edge. Then take a boat to meet the driver and transfer back to Pakse. Dinner on your own. Overnight at Pakse.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation at a selected hotel in Pakse
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel
Today is spent exploring the region. Visit the famous Li Phi Falls and learn the history of how these waterfalls helped thwart French efforts to open the Mekong River up to navigation. Irrawaddy (freshwater) dolphins also live in these waters. Keep your eyes open and see if you can spot them in the rushing waters. Visit also the small gauge railway and Colonial Bridge built by the French to circumnavigate these waterfalls. Have lunch at local restaurant Enjoy the afternoon free to explore the area more on your own or spend time relaxing overlooking the river’s edge. Then take a boat to meet the driver and transfer back to Pakse. Dinner on your own. Overnight at Pakse.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation at a selected hotel in Pakse
DAY4: PAKSE - LUANG PRABANG - SIGHT SEEING (B)
Private driver & guide
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel
This morning you will free & easy until driver pick you up and transfer to Airport for flight to Luang Prabang.
Upon arrival Luang Prabang, you will be met and transferred to your comfortable, centrally located hotel for check in
Taking a short rest, Then we begin the tour to go to the important Luang Prabang temples Wat Visoun and Wat Mai, which own the ancient beauty with the sculpture pictures. Continue to another temple in your trip, we stop at the most famous temple in Luang Prabang, Wat Xieng Thong, which epitomizes all the elegance and grace of the city’s architecture. Moving on to the other destination in your Luang Prabang Tour, the traditional Arts and Ethnology Centre is the next destination, which is known as the first exhibition space and fair trade store dedicated to the collection, preservation and present the Laos traditional arts and lifestyles. Travel in Luang Prabang, we can’t miss the National Museum and the former Royal Palace, home to a collection of valuables including the famous Prabang Buddha statue as well as gifts received from foreign dignitaries. Meals on your own. Overnight in Luang Prabang.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation at a selected hotel in Luang Prabang
This morning you will free & easy until driver pick you up and transfer to Airport for flight to Luang Prabang.
Upon arrival Luang Prabang, you will be met and transferred to your comfortable, centrally located hotel for check in
Taking a short rest, Then we begin the tour to go to the important Luang Prabang temples Wat Visoun and Wat Mai, which own the ancient beauty with the sculpture pictures. Continue to another temple in your trip, we stop at the most famous temple in Luang Prabang, Wat Xieng Thong, which epitomizes all the elegance and grace of the city’s architecture. Moving on to the other destination in your Luang Prabang Tour, the traditional Arts and Ethnology Centre is the next destination, which is known as the first exhibition space and fair trade store dedicated to the collection, preservation and present the Laos traditional arts and lifestyles. Travel in Luang Prabang, we can’t miss the National Museum and the former Royal Palace, home to a collection of valuables including the famous Prabang Buddha statue as well as gifts received from foreign dignitaries. Meals on your own. Overnight in Luang Prabang.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation at a selected hotel in Luang Prabang
DAY 5: NAM KHAN RIVER VALLEY CYCLE & KAYAK (B, L)
Private driver & guide
Approximately Cycling: ~15km (1-2hrs easy) Kayaking: ~2hrs (downriver/ easy)
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel
Our tour today combines an easy bike ride with an gentle kayaking trip downriver. We’ll get you sized up on a good quality modern bike, have a quick safety briefing then set off along the quiet back roads to see Wat Pa Phon Phao, a golden temple with a great view of Luang Prabang. We’ll continue along the Nam Khan River to the resting place of Henri Mouhot, the French explorer famous for popularising The Angkor Temple complex of Cambodia. We’ll finish the easy ride in the Nam Khan Valley amid a spectacular vista of mountains, rivers and rural villages.
We’ll break for lunch either at a mountain-view terrace or at Tad Sae Waterfall (depending on season and timing).
Following lunch, a short longtail boat ride will bring us to Tad Sae Waterfall where you can enjoy a refreshing swim in the turquoise pools under the jungle canopy. A further short boat trip brings us to the start point of our gentle kayaking trip. We’ll conduct a kayaking instruction class and safety briefing before setting off for our gentle paddle down the jungle lined Nam Khan River valley back to town. This is the perfect family friendly way to explore the tranquil countryside surrounding Luang Prabang. We’ll wrap up just under the Luang Prabang city bridge, where we meet our vehicle for the short return ride to our hotel. Dinner on your own. Overnight in Luang Prabang. Note: During the dry water season (Feb-Jul), the itinerary is slightly amended depending on water levels to give you the best experience possible.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation at a homestay in Luang Prabang
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel
Our tour today combines an easy bike ride with an gentle kayaking trip downriver. We’ll get you sized up on a good quality modern bike, have a quick safety briefing then set off along the quiet back roads to see Wat Pa Phon Phao, a golden temple with a great view of Luang Prabang. We’ll continue along the Nam Khan River to the resting place of Henri Mouhot, the French explorer famous for popularising The Angkor Temple complex of Cambodia. We’ll finish the easy ride in the Nam Khan Valley amid a spectacular vista of mountains, rivers and rural villages.
We’ll break for lunch either at a mountain-view terrace or at Tad Sae Waterfall (depending on season and timing).
Following lunch, a short longtail boat ride will bring us to Tad Sae Waterfall where you can enjoy a refreshing swim in the turquoise pools under the jungle canopy. A further short boat trip brings us to the start point of our gentle kayaking trip. We’ll conduct a kayaking instruction class and safety briefing before setting off for our gentle paddle down the jungle lined Nam Khan River valley back to town. This is the perfect family friendly way to explore the tranquil countryside surrounding Luang Prabang. We’ll wrap up just under the Luang Prabang city bridge, where we meet our vehicle for the short return ride to our hotel. Dinner on your own. Overnight in Luang Prabang. Note: During the dry water season (Feb-Jul), the itinerary is slightly amended depending on water levels to give you the best experience possible.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation at a homestay in Luang Prabang
DAY 6: HIDE TO KUANG SI WATERFALLS & LONG LAO MAI VILLAGE (B, L)
Private driver & guide
Approximately Luang Prabang – Kuang Si Waterfall (30km): 45minutes transfer
Enjoy breakfast at homestay
Following breakfast, we transfer to the famous Kuang Si Waterfall. Close by to the falls, we stop by to visit the Free the Bears Sanctuary. The sanctuary was opened in 2003 and houses Asiatic Black bears, also known as Moon Bears which are confiscated by the Forestry Department from the illegal wildlife trade. The sanctuary carries out great work in rehabilitating the bears to prepare them for release back into the wild. Kuang Si Waterfalls, nestled in lush forest are truly a sight to behold. Water thunders down the mountainside plunging 50m into a series of cascading turquoise pools, perfect for a refreshing dip. Simply relax and soak in the crystal clear pools or we can hike up to the very top of the falls.
After lunch, we’ll begin our scenic 3-hour hike along forest trails and winding around rice paddies to the village of Long Lao Mai. Upon arrival, your guide will give you a tour around the small village. Introduce yourself to the local people, learn a few words of the Hmong language or join a game of football or volleyball with the village children. Relax and unwind at your comfortable eco bungalow built within the village. The eco bungalow provides a supplementary income for the villagers – 100% of your accommodation fee is circulated back to the community fund.
Dinner on your own. Overnight: Long Lao Mai Village Eco Bungalow
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation at a homestay in Long Lao Mai Village
Enjoy breakfast at homestay
Following breakfast, we transfer to the famous Kuang Si Waterfall. Close by to the falls, we stop by to visit the Free the Bears Sanctuary. The sanctuary was opened in 2003 and houses Asiatic Black bears, also known as Moon Bears which are confiscated by the Forestry Department from the illegal wildlife trade. The sanctuary carries out great work in rehabilitating the bears to prepare them for release back into the wild. Kuang Si Waterfalls, nestled in lush forest are truly a sight to behold. Water thunders down the mountainside plunging 50m into a series of cascading turquoise pools, perfect for a refreshing dip. Simply relax and soak in the crystal clear pools or we can hike up to the very top of the falls.
After lunch, we’ll begin our scenic 3-hour hike along forest trails and winding around rice paddies to the village of Long Lao Mai. Upon arrival, your guide will give you a tour around the small village. Introduce yourself to the local people, learn a few words of the Hmong language or join a game of football or volleyball with the village children. Relax and unwind at your comfortable eco bungalow built within the village. The eco bungalow provides a supplementary income for the villagers – 100% of your accommodation fee is circulated back to the community fund.
Dinner on your own. Overnight: Long Lao Mai Village Eco Bungalow
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation at a homestay in Long Lao Mai Village
DAY 7: LONG LAO MAI VILLAGE - LUANG PRABANG (B, L)
Private driver & guide
Approximately Long Lao Mai – Luang Prabang (20km): 35minutes transfer
Enjoy breakfast at hotel
Wake up this morning to the rural sounds as the village stirs. Start off the day with a warm traditional breakfast. You’ll have the whole morning to immerse in Hmong rural culture and lifestyle – learn how to cook traditional meals, help villagers with their farming or learn how to weave from masters of the craft. Your guide will be with you to explain and to translate.
Enjoy a typical fresh Laotian lunch prepared by a village family before bidding your farewells and transferring back to Luang Prabang. The remainder of the day is free at leisure. Dinner on your own. Overnight at Luang Prabang.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation at a homestay in Luang Prabang
Enjoy breakfast at hotel
Wake up this morning to the rural sounds as the village stirs. Start off the day with a warm traditional breakfast. You’ll have the whole morning to immerse in Hmong rural culture and lifestyle – learn how to cook traditional meals, help villagers with their farming or learn how to weave from masters of the craft. Your guide will be with you to explain and to translate.
Enjoy a typical fresh Laotian lunch prepared by a village family before bidding your farewells and transferring back to Luang Prabang. The remainder of the day is free at leisure. Dinner on your own. Overnight at Luang Prabang.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation at a homestay in Luang Prabang
DAY 8: LUANG PRABANG DEPARTURE (B)
Private driver
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel
Free and easy until you will transfer to airport for flight home.
Free and easy until you will transfer to airport for flight home.
Since this can be private or group tour, the price per person varies and depends on many aspects, such as your group size, the hotel ratings and your departure date. If you want to get a custom price quote for this tour, please fill out the online inquiry form and give you as much information as possible about your trip. Your online travel consultants will be at your service and help you make the most of your travel time and dollars!
NOTES
1.The weather & our latest advice on the weather
Light clothes regardless of the season in the south and centre but for the visiting of temples and pagodas, make sure you have a top with sleeves (shoulders must be covered) and bottoms going at least up to the knee.
- Dec – April : 10°C to 25°C, Cool and mostly dry, Special From Jan to Feb : cold, From Mar to April dry and very hot,
- May – Nov: 25°C to 35°C, Rainy season
Note: from 5°C to 10°C less in the mountains; make sure you have warm clothes.
2.Visa
- To go to Laos you must have a valid passport valid at least 6 months after the date of return.
- The Citizens of the following countries are also exempt from Laos visas: Vietnam ( 30 days), Brunei (14 days), Cambodia (30 days), Indonesia (30 days), Japan (15 days ), Luxembourg (15 days), Malaysia (30 days), Mongolia (30 days), Myanmar (14 days), Philippines (30 days), Singapore (30 days), Korea (15 days), Switzerland (15 days), Thailand (30 days) and Russia (30 days).
- To get more info => please click here https://laoevisa.gov.la/index
3.International flight
Our offer does not include international flights between your country and Laos for two reasons:
- International flights from your country are more expensive if purchased in Vietnam or Laos. It is therefore more beneficial for you to buy them from a ticketing agency in your country.
- The payment and booking conditions for international flights are strict while it is difficult for us, a local agency, to apply the same conditions to you (full payment before travel). Since international financial transactions give rise to significant bank charges, you will be led to pay unnecessary surcharges.
4.Which language?
- The official and most widely spread language is Laos
- English is spoken in all touristic areas.
5.Cancellation Policy:
- More than 30 days before arrival: no cancellation charge will be done (Client’s non-refundable deposit will be forfeited)
- 14-29 days before arrival: 10% of the cost of the tour is forfeited
- 10-13 days before arrival: 40% of the cost of the tour is forfeited
- Within 10 days before arrival: 100 % of the cost of the tour is forfeited
6.What to Bring
- Sun Glasses, Sun Block, Wide Brim Hat, Insect Repellent, Swimming Suits
- Warm Clothes ( from Jan & Feb in The mountain areas)
- Original Passport
ACCOMMODATION
LIST OF OUR HOTELS:
The hotels offered by Xuan Son Travel classified from 02 to 05 stars at international standard, comfortable with all the required services.
- Homestay/local homestay: we have developed fair tourism, through contacts with the local population, the possibility of sleeping with locals and sharing their daily lives. The conditions of these accommodations that we offer you are well assured and with the best possible conditions
- Standard Category: 2 stars. The rooms are decent, clean, equipped with bathroom, satellite TV and air conditioning.
- Superior Category 3 stars. The rooms are generally spacious and the services and facilities are more numerous.
- Deluxe category: 4 stars. The rooms are luxurious and spacious, with a wide choice of quality services have swimming pool, spa, Jacuzzi
Luxury Category: 5 stars. Hotels with excellent comfort and a wide range of excellent services. Swimming pool, spa, Jacuzzi…)
| CITIES /AREAS | HOME STAY | HOTEL-STANDARD | HOTELS-SUPERIOR | HOTEL-DELUXE | HOTELS- LUXURY |
| PAKSE | …. | Pakse hotel or similar | Le Jardin Hotel / Mekong Paradise hotel or similar | Athena hotel / Nakhone Champa hotel or similar | …. |
| LUANG PRABANG | …. | Villa Oasis/ Phousi Guesthouse hotel or similar | Villa Pumalin/ Villa Chitdara /Villa Saykham/ Le Sen Boutique or similar | Villa Santi/ Maison Dalabua hotel/ Kiridar hotel or similar | Souvannaphoum/ Luang Prabang View/ Luang Say Residence hotel or simalr |
| LONG LAO MAI VILLAGE | …. | …. | Long Lao Mai Bungalow | …. | …. |
SERVICES & PRICE
TRAVEL PRICE: GRAND LAOS – 8 DAYS 7 NIGHTS
From…. To…usd /per
Excluding international flights
Inclusion
- Accommodation with daily breakfast at hotels mentioned
- Meals : as mention in program
- Local English speaking guide
- Transfer services in a private air-conditioned Van , Bus
- Entrance fees as itinerary
- Modern mountain bikes
- Kayaking equipment and lifejackets
- Boat cruises, train ticket and rides while on tour if any
- Fresh water and wet wipe during day tour
- Service charge and government tax
Exclusion
- International airfare from / to your country (with associated airport taxes)
- Drinks and meals not mentioned
- Personal travel insurance.
- Domestic flight ticket
- Personal expenses such as Telephone and Laundry bills
- Surcharged for Public holidays
- Any service not clearly identified in the program
- Visa approval and fees for Laos with cost 30-40 $/pax Depend on Nationality
- Early check in/ late check out
- Tips and gratuities.
- Soft and alcohol Drinks during the trip
- All other services not specified in the itinerary
Customize this tour
This tour is designed with balanced activities and pace. If you want to customize it, you may always change its itinerary and accommodations according to your needs.
Contact us
- +84 914374251
- xuansontravel@yahoo.com.vn
My name is Nicky, English & French speaking advisor at Xuan Son Travel. I have been the specialist in tailor-made trips to Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia for 18years. I love the charm of the small streets of Hanoi as well as the charm of the countryside, with magical landscapes, warm and smiling inhabitants in all regions of Vietnam. As a Travel Consultant, I put it at your disposal and will assure you that your wishes and desires are perfectly suited to your trip to Asia.