Hiking, Cruising & Exploring in Laos - 12 days

Once you have arrived in Vientiane, make your way to the hotel for check-in. You will then have the rest of the day at your leisure to explore at your own pace, grab a meal at a local restaurant, grab a coffee at a cafe, or relax.

Vientiane - Vang Vieng. Today, we’ll meet our tour guide in the hotel lobby at 8:00am to begin a fascinating exploration of Vientiane, a city where French colonial charm blends with deep-rooted Laotian heritage. We’ll start at Vat Sisaket, the capital’s oldest surviving temple, known for its unique Thai-influenced design and thousands of Buddha statues. Next, we’ll stroll through the peaceful gardens of Vat Phra Keo, a graceful temple rebuilt in the 1940s. At the iconic Pha That Louang, we’ll admire its golden stupa, a symbol of the nation’s spiritual and royal legacy, before finishing with panoramic city views from the top of the Patuxay Arch.

In the afternoon, we’ll travel by private vehicle to Vang Vieng, arriving by mid-afternoon. We’ll then take a short walk to a scenic viewpoint with sweeping views of the region’s striking limestone peaks. As the sun begins to set, we’ll pause to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and the changing colours across the landscape. With the town below, it’s a perfect spot to take in the natural beauty. After descending with our guide, you’ll have the rest of the evening free to relax and explore Vang Vieng at your own pace.

Hiking distance & duration: 0.6 km / 30 mins

Elevation: +131m

Vang Vieng - Khmu Village - Vang Vieng. After breakfast, we’ll meet our tour guide in the hotel lobby at 9:00 AM before setting off by tuk-tuk for a gentle ride down the Nam Song River, surrounded by Vang Vieng’s striking limestone scenery. Our journey brings us to a riverside village where we’ll spend the day learning about daily life in a Khmu community. We’ll begin by visiting an elderly blacksmith who still practises traditional techniques passed down through generations. After observing his craft, we’ll have the opportunity to step in and try our hand at the process under his guidance.

We’ll continue to the home of a local Khmu family, where we’re warmly welcomed to share a traditional lunch, either in their home or shaded garden. As we eat, we’ll learn more about Khmu customs and the animist beliefs that shape their way of life, as well as those of other ethnic communities in Laos. After some time with the family, we’ll discover how they brew “Lao Hai,” a traditional rice wine. In the afternoon, we’ll walk with our guide through rice fields to a nearby cave, passing farmers at work. We’ll pause at a simple farm hut to sample the rice wine and talk about the central role of agriculture in Lao culture. Returning to the village, we’ll bid farewell to our generous hosts before heading back to Vang Vieng. You will have the rest of the day at leisure.

Activity duration: Approximately 7-8 hours (9:00 - 16:30)

Vang Vieng - Luang Prabang. In the morning, we’ll be picked up and transferred to the Vang Vieng train station for our journey to Luang Prabang. Upon arrival, our guide will greet us and begin our introduction to one of Southeast Asia’s most enchanting cities. Nestled between the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers and backed by a range of forested mountains, Luang Prabang is renowned for its tranquil beauty and cultural richness. Recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1995, the city is celebrated for its unique blend of traditional Lao design and elegant colonial architecture.

Our city tour begins at the Royal Palace, now the National Museum, home to a fascinating collection of items once owned by the royal family, along with religious artefacts and temple relics from across the region. At its heart is the revered Phrabang Buddha, a sacred symbol that gives the city its name and offers a deeper insight into Laos’ spiritual heritage.

Next, we’ll explore Heuan Chan Heritage House, a beautifully preserved traditional Lao home over a century old. Located on Luang Prabang’s historic peninsula, the house has been converted into a museum that offers insight into Lao life and architecture during the colonial era. It’s a fascinating example of how traditional wooden structures blend with French influences, reflecting the city’s unique cultural evolution.

We’ll then visit Vat Xieng Thong, one of Luang Prabang’s most revered temples and a prime example of classical Laotian artistry. This sacred complex is rich with intricate carvings, golden motifs, and elegant rooftops. In the afternoon, we’ll head to Ock Pop Tok’s Weaving Craft Centre, where we’ll gain a deeper appreciation for Laos’ textile heritage. A guided visit reveals the full process of silk weaving, natural dyeing, bamboo work, and batik. Afterwards, you’ll have time to stroll through the peaceful garden with its beautiful views over the Mekong River.

Please note: You must show your passport and train ticket to enter and exit the station, and again on the train. Airport-style security is in place, and any dangerous or flammable items such as spray cans, knives, alcohol, or mosquito sprays will be confiscated.

Luang Prabang - Ban Nong Heo - Ban Thapene - Sa paper village - Luang Prabang. Today, we’ll set out early at around 5:30 AM with our guide to witness the Tak Bat ceremony, a deeply spiritual tradition in Luang Prabang. In quiet reverence, locals offer food to monks who move silently through the streets in their saffron robes. Following this meaningful experience, we’ll visit a bustling morning market, alive with the sounds and colours of daily life. We will then return to our hotel to enjoy breakfast and unwind.

After driving from Luang Prabang, we’ll arrive in Ban Nong Heo, a peaceful Khmu village where we’ll have time to explore its traditional homes, spot water buffalo and ducks roaming freely, and observe daily life as farmers and blacksmiths go about their work. From there, our local guide will lead us on a gentle hike through the countryside, passing through forested hills and plantations with scenic views along the way. We might even stop to taste fresh sugar cane straight from the field. Our walk ends at Ban Thapene, the gateway to the stunning Kuang Sy Waterfalls.

This afternoon, we’ll visit a nearby village known for its traditional Sa paper making, a craft that uses the bark of the mulberry tree to create beautiful handmade paper. This age-old process, still preserved in parts of Laos, showcases the country’s strong ties to nature and sustainable practices. After learning about the methods and watching the artisans at work, we’ll return to our hotel.

In the evening between 5 and 6 PM, you’ll have the option to join a guided culinary walking tour that introduces you to the flavours of Lao cuisine and its rich food culture. As you make your way through the city centre and quieter backstreets, you’ll taste popular local dishes such as Khao Soi or Pho, savoury Salapao buns, and the sweet, refreshing Namvan. You’ll continue with spring rolls and cucumber salad, often enjoyed with friends over an evening drink. The tour concludes at the night market, where you can try delicious street snacks like Kaojee and Khao Nom Kok.

Hiking distance and duration: 4 km / 1 hour and 30 mins

Please note: Guests will travel to see Tak Bath ceremony from around 05:30 to 06:30 As a guest attending this tradition, you are recommended not to wear revealing clothing Please do not cross the monk’s path and take photos from a distance to show your respect Please also maintain a quiet atmosphere.

Luang Prabang - Ban Muang Keo - Pak Ou - Luang Prabang. After breakfast, we’ll take a scenic drive through the countryside to Ban Muang Keo, a tranquil village where we’ll learn the traditional Lao art of floral offerings. Guided by locals, we’ll discover the techniques and symbolism behind these meaningful arrangements. We’ll then visit a peaceful temple nearby to soak in the spiritual atmosphere and receive a blessing from a monk, offering a moment of quiet reflection.

Next, we’ll stop at another village to meet local residents and get a feel for daily life in rural Laos. From there, we’ll head to a picturesque riverside spot to enjoy an aperitif while taking in the serene views of the Mekong. A delicious lunch of traditional Lao dishes awaits, followed by a cup of locally grown coffee to complete the meal.

In the afternoon, we’ll set off on a gentle 30-minute forest walk to reach the Pak Ou Caves through a lesser-known path. These remarkable caverns, filled with thousands of Buddha statues, are steeped in history and spiritual meaning. We’ll end our day with a relaxing boat ride back to Luang Prabang, cruising along the Mekong and soaking up the peaceful surroundings.

Luang Prabang - Pakse - Bolaven Plateau. This morning, we check out and transfer to Luang Prabang airport for your flight to Pakse. On arrival, our guide greets us and we set off towards the Bolaven Plateau, a region known for its cooler climate, lush scenery and highland culture. Located east of Pakse, this area offers a welcome contrast to the warmer lowlands and is renowned for its fertile soil, perfect for growing coffee.

We explore two of the most striking waterfalls on the plateau. First, we visit Tad Fan, where twin streams plunge dramatically into a deep forested gorge. A short walk around the nearby coffee plantation offers us the chance to observe local farming practices and, if you wish, shop for handmade crafts produced by the community.

Our journey continues with an optional hike to Tad Yuang waterfall, which flows through the National Biodiversity Conservation Area. A staircase leads us to the base of the falls, where we can take in views of the surrounding jungle and relax at a nearby restaurant, perhaps with a cup of the region’s celebrated coffee.

Please note: The domestic flight from Luang Prabang is not included but can be booked at an additional fee.

Hiking distance and duration: 3.5 km / 1 hour & 15 minutes

Bolaven Plateau - Paksong - Bolaven Plateau. Today, we make our way to Paksong, a highland town known for its thriving coffee industry. Travelling by Jeep, we venture off the main roads with a local farmer who guides us through remote landscapes. Along the way, we pause at a secluded waterfall for a refreshing break to swim or relax before exploring his plantation and watching how coffee is roasted using age-old methods.

We continue on foot along quiet trails bordered by fields, forest and plantations, making our way to a peaceful spot where we enjoy a freshly prepared lunch. In the afternoon, we return to our Jeep and journey deeper into the Bolaven Plateau to visit remote bamboo villages home to the Laven and Souay communities, offering a rare glimpse into traditional ways of life that have changed little over time.

Bolaven Plateau - Pakse - Si Phan Don. After breakfast, the morning is yours to enjoy at a relaxed pace. You might choose to take a short stroll through the surrounding countryside, enjoy one last taste of local coffee, or simply relax and take in the fresh highland air.

Later, we leave the cool elevations of the Bolaven Plateau and travel for 3 hours down to Pakse for lunch. En route, we stop to observe local blacksmiths and visit a tea and coffee shop. In the afternoon, we continue by road to Don Khong Island, part of the tranquil Si Phan Don region, Laos' famed 4,000 Islands, with visits to Vat Hatxaikhun and Ban Ponsaad along the way.

Si Phan Don - Don Som - Don Thorlathee - Don Xang - Don Khon - Si Phan Don. Today, we begin with a drive to the southern part of Don Khong, where we visit a lowland Lao village to learn how rice paper and noodles are traditionally made by hand. This is a chance to see everyday life up close and gain insight into local food production.

We then travel by boat to Don Som Island, stopping at Ban Thapho to try making palm-leaf farmers' hats, which we can take home as souvenirs. Our journey continues to Keng Koum temple, a peaceful site where Buddhist and Hindu influences come together in its design.

From there, we cruise to Don Thorlathee, where villagers craft and sell bamboo products, before heading to Don Xang for a walk in its quiet natural setting. We finish the day with a visit to Don Khone, then return to Don Khong by car after crossing back to the mainland at Nakasang.

Si Phan Don - Champasak. This morning, we travel north to Champasak to explore Vat Phou, a pre-Angkorian temple complex and UNESCO World Heritage site. We begin with a ride by electric car to the base of Mount Phou Kao, passing two manmade lakes before walking along an ancient pathway lined with stone pillars that leads us to the first terrace and the remains of Khmer-era palaces.

We then climb a set of timeworn steps shaded by frangipani trees to reach the upper sanctuary, dedicated to Lord Shiva. Behind the temple, we visit a natural spring and examine stone carvings of animals before descending back to the entrance.

We continue with a scenic walk through the Champasak countryside, beginning at Vat Muang Kang, the oldest working temple in the area. Set beside the Mekong River, this peaceful site blends French colonial and Lao Buddhist architecture, and includes quiet gardens dotted with historic buildings and a traditional wooden dormitory for monks.

From here, we follow a shaded path lined with bamboo, passing through small villages where locals craft sticky rice containers, traditional snacks and handmade goods. As we walk, we take in wide views of the Mekong before arriving at Vat Phanon, another riverside temple tucked into this tranquil landscape.

Champasak - Don Daeng Island - Pakse. After your final breakfast, you have some free time to explore Champasak and nearby villages at your own pace. Later, we take a short boat journey from Don Daeng Island back to Champasak, before continuing by road to Pakse , where you will make your way to the airport for your departure flight.

Please note: On some departures, this tour stays in Champasak, whilst on some departures it stays on Don Daeng Island (dependent on availability). Stays on Don Daeng Island include a 45-minute boat transfer, before the drive to Pakse Airport. Champasak hotels involve a direct road transfer to the Pakse airport.