LAOS EXPEDITION – 9 DAYS
Itinerary: Vientiane – Pakse – 4000 Islands
TOUR CODE: XSL 014 ADVENTURE & TREKKING TOURS
Highlights:
- Visit ancient Wat Phou
- Explore 4000 Islands by boat, Phapeng Waterfall,
- Relax on Don Khone Island
- Cool down at the Tad Lo, Tad Fane, and Tad E-Tu waterfalls
- See the 7.5 km long Khong Lor Cave by boat
- Marvel at the stupa tower of That Foun built in 1576
- Discovery the capital of Laos - Vientiane
Overview
Journey from Vientiane through the spectacular Kong Lor Caves to Savannakhet, continuing south to Champasak and the 4000 islands. Take a boat ride through the caves and explore local villages to see daily life taking place. We also visit the impressive Lippi Falls on Don Khone and UNESCO World Heritage Site of Wat Phou, a stunning pre-Angkorian temple.
Tour summary:
- Day 1: Vientiane arrival - Halfday city tour (D)
- Day 2: Vientiane - Ban Kong Lor caves (B, L)
- Day 3: Ban Kong Lor caves - Thakhek (B, L)
- Day 4: Thakhek - Savannakhet - Champasak (B, L)
- Day 5: 4000 Islands - Don Khone (B, L)
- Day 6: 4000 Islands - Khong Phapeng Falls (B, L)
- Day 7: Kingfiser Lodge - Bolaven Plateau (B)
- Day 8: Bolaven Plateau - Pakse (B)
- Day 9: Pakse Departure (B)
DAY 1: VIENTIANE ARRIVAL - HALF DAY CITY TOUR (D)
Private driver & Guide
Arrival in Vientiane airport, you will be picked up then transferred to the hotel in city center and transfer you to your hotel for check-in
(Check-in time is 14.00 PM, early check-in is not included in itinerary and subject to availability). Short rest, Your tour begins at the serene Wat Sisaket, the only temple left intact after the Siamese (Thai) invasion in 1828. It is one of the most beautiful temples in the capital, and its breezy teak covered hallways are filled with thousands of miniature Buddha statues. Continue on to the nearby Wat Phra Keo. Used as a religious museum, Wat Phra Keo displays a collection of both Lao and Khmer works of art. Also nearby, is the Presidential Palace. Although you are not allowed to visit inside, it is a good glimpse in to the town’s colonial past as this building formerly served as the French governor’s palace. Stop at Wat Simuang, the most popular and venerated temple in Vientiane, as it is considered the guardian of the spirit of the city. Upon its grounds, you will find an Angkorian-era pillar and it is a popular belief that if you circle it three times and make a wish, then that wish will come true. Have dinner at local restaurant. Overnight in Vientiane.
Meals: Dinner
Accommodation at a selected hotel in Vientiane
(Check-in time is 14.00 PM, early check-in is not included in itinerary and subject to availability). Short rest, Your tour begins at the serene Wat Sisaket, the only temple left intact after the Siamese (Thai) invasion in 1828. It is one of the most beautiful temples in the capital, and its breezy teak covered hallways are filled with thousands of miniature Buddha statues. Continue on to the nearby Wat Phra Keo. Used as a religious museum, Wat Phra Keo displays a collection of both Lao and Khmer works of art. Also nearby, is the Presidential Palace. Although you are not allowed to visit inside, it is a good glimpse in to the town’s colonial past as this building formerly served as the French governor’s palace. Stop at Wat Simuang, the most popular and venerated temple in Vientiane, as it is considered the guardian of the spirit of the city. Upon its grounds, you will find an Angkorian-era pillar and it is a popular belief that if you circle it three times and make a wish, then that wish will come true. Have dinner at local restaurant. Overnight in Vientiane.
Meals: Dinner
Accommodation at a selected hotel in Vientiane
DAY2: VIENTIANE – BAN KONG LOR CAVES (B,L)
Private driver & guide
Approximately Vientiane – Kong Lor Caves (290 km): 6 hours
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel
This morning you will be met by your driver and guide at 08:00 at your hotel, to begin the journey south along route 13.
This first leg of the journey takes around 3 hours and it is interesting to have a quick stop at Wat Prabath Phonsane (‘Temple of the footprint of Buddha’).You will then leave the route 13 and enter the Phou Hin Poun NPA (National Protected Area). The scenery will become much more spectacular, featuring limestone karsts, forests and rice paddies. From leaving the main road to reaching your destination will take approximately 2 hours.
Your guide will have brought a picnic lunch from Vientiane so you can find a suitable spot for lunch and stop whenever you like.
On arrival in the small town of Ban Kong Lor you will check in, freshen up and then head out to explore the famous Kong Lor Caves.
You will be given life jackets and head torches before a short walk around to the main entrance of the cave.
Upon entering the cave, you will board a long tail boat which will take you through the length of this spectacular cave along an underground section of the Hin Boun River – a length of 7.5km before you see daylight again!
The river flows all year and reveals vast formations of stalactites and stalagmites, which you will explore partly on foot whilst inside the cave. In places the cave is up to 90m wide and 100m high. The cave is still used by local villagers as an access route to the region beyond (it is far quicker than climbing over the mountains which this cave cuts through!).
Once out on the other side you can stop for refreshments and walk to local villages, enjoying the scenery and observing a simple way of life (discuss with your guide how far you would like to walk).
Return by boat, travelling ‘downstream’ through the cave to Ban Kong Lor.
We recommend a simple local restaurant called Kounmee, which is a 2 minute walk from Chantha House (dinner not included).
Overnight in Ban Kong Lor
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation at a selected hotel in Ban Kong Lor
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel
This morning you will be met by your driver and guide at 08:00 at your hotel, to begin the journey south along route 13.
This first leg of the journey takes around 3 hours and it is interesting to have a quick stop at Wat Prabath Phonsane (‘Temple of the footprint of Buddha’).You will then leave the route 13 and enter the Phou Hin Poun NPA (National Protected Area). The scenery will become much more spectacular, featuring limestone karsts, forests and rice paddies. From leaving the main road to reaching your destination will take approximately 2 hours.
Your guide will have brought a picnic lunch from Vientiane so you can find a suitable spot for lunch and stop whenever you like.
On arrival in the small town of Ban Kong Lor you will check in, freshen up and then head out to explore the famous Kong Lor Caves.
You will be given life jackets and head torches before a short walk around to the main entrance of the cave.
Upon entering the cave, you will board a long tail boat which will take you through the length of this spectacular cave along an underground section of the Hin Boun River – a length of 7.5km before you see daylight again!
The river flows all year and reveals vast formations of stalactites and stalagmites, which you will explore partly on foot whilst inside the cave. In places the cave is up to 90m wide and 100m high. The cave is still used by local villagers as an access route to the region beyond (it is far quicker than climbing over the mountains which this cave cuts through!).
Once out on the other side you can stop for refreshments and walk to local villages, enjoying the scenery and observing a simple way of life (discuss with your guide how far you would like to walk).
Return by boat, travelling ‘downstream’ through the cave to Ban Kong Lor.
We recommend a simple local restaurant called Kounmee, which is a 2 minute walk from Chantha House (dinner not included).
Overnight in Ban Kong Lor
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation at a selected hotel in Ban Kong Lor
DAY3: BAN KONG LOR CAVES - THAKHEK (B, L)
Private driver & guide
Approximately Ban Kong Lor – Thakhek (190 km): 4 hours
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel
This morning your guide will accompany you on a walk to explore the surrounding villages. Discuss with your guide what time and how far you would like to go, but we recommend going before breakfast. Early mornings can be the most interesting, as locals are preparing for their day and the soft morning sunshine fills the valley, making it very photogenic.
The drive to Thakhek will take approximately 4 hours and you will arrive in time for lunch at Inthira Thakhek. Thakhek is a very sleepy town with some attractive colonial buildings.
The remainder of the day is free at leisure to enjoy a swim and take a stroll along the Mekong. Dinner on your own. Overnight in Thakhek
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation at a selected hotel in Thakhek
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel
This morning your guide will accompany you on a walk to explore the surrounding villages. Discuss with your guide what time and how far you would like to go, but we recommend going before breakfast. Early mornings can be the most interesting, as locals are preparing for their day and the soft morning sunshine fills the valley, making it very photogenic.
The drive to Thakhek will take approximately 4 hours and you will arrive in time for lunch at Inthira Thakhek. Thakhek is a very sleepy town with some attractive colonial buildings.
The remainder of the day is free at leisure to enjoy a swim and take a stroll along the Mekong. Dinner on your own. Overnight in Thakhek
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation at a selected hotel in Thakhek
DAY4: THAKHEK - SAVANNAKHET - CHAMPASAK (B, L)
Private driver & guide
Approximately Thakhek – Savannakhet (116 km): 1,5 hour/ Savannakhet – Champasak (145 km): 4,5 hours
Enjoy breakfast at yout hotel
After breakfast, your guide will meet you to continue your journey to Champasak.
The drive to Savannakhet takes approximately 1.5 hours. Before entering Savannakhet you will make a stop at the beautiful 16th Century temple of That Ing Hang. An impressive central stupa dominates a courtyard which is flanked by statues of Lord Buddha, in a style similar to Wat Sisaket in Vientiane. That Ing Hang is among the most revered temples in Laos and many Buddhists will travel here during December for the annual ‘Boun Phathat’ ceremony.
Continue in to Savannakhet. The city is most famous as the birthplace of the father of the Lao People’s Democratic Repulic (Lao PDR), Kaysone Phomvihane, who was born here in 1920. Take a short tour of the architectural highlights, which include various French villas and the striking St. Teresa Catholic Church.
Visit the small but very interesting Dinosaur Museum. Dinosaur remains are being found nearby which are between 150,000,000 – 250,000,000 years old. You can speak to the resident paleontologists about their work and the proceeds from your visit help to keep this project going.
You may wish to stop in Savannakhet for lunch
On the confluence of the Mekong and the Sedone River, Pakse is the most important town in Southern Laos. Pakse is the home a very important Vietnamese community, so if you visit this town during the Têt (Vietnamese New Year), do not be surprised if many shops are closed. This small city has a mixture of Chinese and French architecture and some lively markets.
Continue straight on to Champasak, 1 hour further south. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure in Champasak. Dinner on your own. Overnight at Champasak
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation at a selected hotel in Champasak
Enjoy breakfast at yout hotel
After breakfast, your guide will meet you to continue your journey to Champasak.
The drive to Savannakhet takes approximately 1.5 hours. Before entering Savannakhet you will make a stop at the beautiful 16th Century temple of That Ing Hang. An impressive central stupa dominates a courtyard which is flanked by statues of Lord Buddha, in a style similar to Wat Sisaket in Vientiane. That Ing Hang is among the most revered temples in Laos and many Buddhists will travel here during December for the annual ‘Boun Phathat’ ceremony.
Continue in to Savannakhet. The city is most famous as the birthplace of the father of the Lao People’s Democratic Repulic (Lao PDR), Kaysone Phomvihane, who was born here in 1920. Take a short tour of the architectural highlights, which include various French villas and the striking St. Teresa Catholic Church.
Visit the small but very interesting Dinosaur Museum. Dinosaur remains are being found nearby which are between 150,000,000 – 250,000,000 years old. You can speak to the resident paleontologists about their work and the proceeds from your visit help to keep this project going.
You may wish to stop in Savannakhet for lunch
On the confluence of the Mekong and the Sedone River, Pakse is the most important town in Southern Laos. Pakse is the home a very important Vietnamese community, so if you visit this town during the Têt (Vietnamese New Year), do not be surprised if many shops are closed. This small city has a mixture of Chinese and French architecture and some lively markets.
Continue straight on to Champasak, 1 hour further south. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure in Champasak. Dinner on your own. Overnight at Champasak
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation at a selected hotel in Champasak
DAY 5: 4000 ISLANDS - DON KHONE (B, L)
Private driver & guide
Approximately 15km ~25minutes transfer
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel
We’ll take a boat to explore the 4000 Islands (Si Pan Don). Here, the Mekong River stretches to its widest point, up to 12 km wide during the rainy season. When the water recedes, many small islands are exposed, giving the region its name.
From a distance you’ll hear the sound of the Li Phi Falls, a destination later in the day. A rare few hundred Irrawaddy freshwater dolphins live in the vicinity of the falls, and Ban Hang Khon is one of the few places on earth where you can observe these endangered mammals. We’ll stop to visit the old locomotive and railroad bridge, built by the French in order to circumvent the rapids and waterfalls that make this part of the Mekong impassable. . Back to your hotel. Dinner on your own & You’ll spend the night on Done Khone.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation at a homestay in Done Khone
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel
We’ll take a boat to explore the 4000 Islands (Si Pan Don). Here, the Mekong River stretches to its widest point, up to 12 km wide during the rainy season. When the water recedes, many small islands are exposed, giving the region its name.
From a distance you’ll hear the sound of the Li Phi Falls, a destination later in the day. A rare few hundred Irrawaddy freshwater dolphins live in the vicinity of the falls, and Ban Hang Khon is one of the few places on earth where you can observe these endangered mammals. We’ll stop to visit the old locomotive and railroad bridge, built by the French in order to circumvent the rapids and waterfalls that make this part of the Mekong impassable. . Back to your hotel. Dinner on your own & You’ll spend the night on Done Khone.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation at a homestay in Done Khone
DAY 6: 4000 ISLANDS - KHONG PHAPENG WATERFALL (B, L)
Private driver & guide
Approximately 25km ~35minutes transfer
Enjoy breakfast at homestay
After breakfast, return to the mainland at the fishing village of Ban Nakasang and drive further south to visit Khone Phapheng. Khone Phapheng is considered the largest waterfall by volume in South East Asia; this is an impressive spot near the Lao-Cambodian border, set within an area which is teeming with wildlife, making this area one of the most breathtaking destinations in Laos.
Afterwards, we will take a long-tail boat to Ban Nakasang; and drive back to Pakse.
Founded by the French in 1905 as an administrative post, the capital of Champasak Province is a relatively new town at the confluence of the Mekong and Se Don rivers. In the afternoon, we will first visit Ban Khoh, which specializes in stone carving, and walk to the nearby Wat Chomphet, which hosts the biggest sitting Buddha in Laos. Late afternoon, we will ascend to the top of Wat Phou Salao to admire the panoramic view over the town of Pakse, and the nearby area, whilst the dark is falling over the city. Overnight in homestay
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation at a homestay
Enjoy breakfast at homestay
After breakfast, return to the mainland at the fishing village of Ban Nakasang and drive further south to visit Khone Phapheng. Khone Phapheng is considered the largest waterfall by volume in South East Asia; this is an impressive spot near the Lao-Cambodian border, set within an area which is teeming with wildlife, making this area one of the most breathtaking destinations in Laos.
Afterwards, we will take a long-tail boat to Ban Nakasang; and drive back to Pakse.
Founded by the French in 1905 as an administrative post, the capital of Champasak Province is a relatively new town at the confluence of the Mekong and Se Don rivers. In the afternoon, we will first visit Ban Khoh, which specializes in stone carving, and walk to the nearby Wat Chomphet, which hosts the biggest sitting Buddha in Laos. Late afternoon, we will ascend to the top of Wat Phou Salao to admire the panoramic view over the town of Pakse, and the nearby area, whilst the dark is falling over the city. Overnight in homestay
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation at a homestay
DAY 7: KING FISER - BOLAVEN PLATEAU (B)
Private driver & guide
Approximately 116km ~1.5 Hours transfer
Enjoy breakfast at hotel
We’ll head to the Bolaven Plateau, located in the Annamite Mountain Range, which runs along Laos’ eastern border with Vietnam. The renowned coffee of Lao PDR is produced in this region: the climate of the plateau, with its cooler temperatures and abundant rainfall makes it the perfect place for coffee production. After viewing several cascading waterfalls — including the famous Tad Lo and Tad Fan. Our tour will end near another waterfall, Tad E-Tu. You’ll spend the night at one of the waterfalls. Meals on your own.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation at a homestay
Enjoy breakfast at hotel
We’ll head to the Bolaven Plateau, located in the Annamite Mountain Range, which runs along Laos’ eastern border with Vietnam. The renowned coffee of Lao PDR is produced in this region: the climate of the plateau, with its cooler temperatures and abundant rainfall makes it the perfect place for coffee production. After viewing several cascading waterfalls — including the famous Tad Lo and Tad Fan. Our tour will end near another waterfall, Tad E-Tu. You’ll spend the night at one of the waterfalls. Meals on your own.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation at a homestay
DAY 8: BOLAVEN PLATEAU - PAKSE FREE & EASY (B)
Private driver & guide
Approximately Bolaven Plateau – Pakse (27 km): 35 minutes transfer
Enjoy breakfast at hotel
A scenic drive from the Bolaven Plateau will return us to Pakse. Upon arrival Pakse, Check in your hotel, Relax and Free by your own to explore Pakse.
Meals on your own. Overnight in Pakse
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation at a homestay in Pakse
Enjoy breakfast at hotel
A scenic drive from the Bolaven Plateau will return us to Pakse. Upon arrival Pakse, Check in your hotel, Relax and Free by your own to explore Pakse.
Meals on your own. Overnight in Pakse
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation at a homestay in Pakse
DAY 9: PAKSE DEPARTURE (B)
Private driver
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel
Free and easy until you will transfer to airport for flight home.
Meals: Breakfast
Free and easy until you will transfer to airport for flight home.
Meals: Breakfast
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 |
| VIENTIANE | …. | Sengtawan Hotel or similar | Lao Orchid/ Chanthapanya Hotel/ Season Riverside /S 2 Modern Boutique Hotel or similar | Vieniane Plaza / Mercure/ Phasouk Vien Chantra hotel or similar | Don Chan Palace / Green Park Vientiane/Salana Boutique or similar |
| THAKHEK | …. | Villa Thakhek/ Mekong hotel or similar | La Bouton D’ or Bourique hotel / Inthira Thakhek hotel / SR boutique hotel or similar | …. | …. |
| CHAMPASAK | …. | …. | The Riviera Champasak hotel hotel or similar | Champasak grand hotel/ La Folie Lode hotel or similar | …. |
| DONE KHONE | …. | …. | Sala Done Khone hotel/ Paradise Riverview resort or similar | …. | …. |
| PAKSE | …. | Pakse hotel or similar | Le Jardin Hotel / Mekong Paradise hotel or similar | Athena hotel / Nakhone Champa hotel or similar | …. |
| BOKLAVEN PLATEAU | …. | Ted Fane Resort or similar | …. | …. | …. |
SERVICES & PRICE
TRAVEL PRICE: LAOS EXPEDITION – 9 DAYS 8 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
- 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.