Landscapes of Laos

Arrival: Pakse

Welcome to Laos!

Upon arrival in Pakse, meet our representative and transfer to the hotel.

Located in Southern Laos, Pakse is where the Mekong and Xe Don rivers converge. Its central Wat Luang is a lavishly decorated Buddhist temple where monks collect alms at sunrise. The Campasak Historical Heritage Museum explores the region's culture through jewelry, textile and musical instrument displays. The city's past is reflected in its French colonial architecture, especially in the old quarter near Xe Don River.

In the evening, enjoy a walking tour of the city with our resident guide. Overnight.

Paksong - Champasak - Don Daeng

Step back in time and discover Laos' rich heritage at an ancient temple complex. Meet your guide for the one-hour drive to Champasak and visit Wat Phou. This UNESCO-listed temple dates back to pre-Angkorian times and is framed by sprawling rice fields and canals at the foot of Phou Khao Mountain. The temple's history stretches back to the 5th century. However, the surviving structures were built between the 11th and 13th centuries. The sacred site was the mastermind of Khmer kings before the creation of Cambodia's Angkor Wat. It served as the economic and political hub of the region and remains one of Laos' most revered temples. 

Next, cross the iconic Mekong River to La Folie Lodge and enjoy the afternoon at a tranquil riverside sanctuary. Marvel at the might of the Khmer Empire and experience Mekong's magic.

Overnight. Meals: B/L/D

Luang Prabang

Optional: At 5;30am, the bells of the monasteries toll when golden lines of monks emerge to receive their morning rice from the townspeople. Wake up early and have some cookies and rice. After this, you will have the opportunity to respectfully witness this sacred ritual typical of old Lao - long lines of barefoot monks weaving through the streets on their alms rounds. This will be in a village out of town where rarely any tourists are seen. You will be supplied with alms you can traditional give to the monks. We also encourage that if you must take photographs that it does not interfere with this highly revered ritual.. Return to your hotel for breakfast. 

It's time to explore the city! Begin your journey at the most popular of temples - Wat Xieng Thong. The 500-year-old temple is exquisite and the best example of the classic Luang Prabang style. You will also visit nearby Wat Mai and Wat Sene. 

From here, explore some local and interesting small side streets, along back alleys and through temples - a city that could have been designed with slow travel in mind, a morning walking tour allows you to soak up the ambiance and appreciate the hidden charms of Luang Prabang. 

Through your guide, travel south of town to the Kuang Si Waterfall. Stop along the way to visit the Living Crafts Center and meet the weavers who help to keep these traditions alive. 

At the falls, crystal waters cascade into idyllic turquoise pools. Bring a bathing suit if you would like to swim! If interested, visit the nearby Sun-bear refuge to learn more about the poaching and rehabilitation of these endangered creatures. 

Return to Luang Prabang and overnight. Meals: B/L

Luang Prabang

After breakfast, learn more about Lao traditions with a wonderful cooking class held by one of the best chefs in Luang Prabang.

Transfer from your hotel to the restaurant by tuk tuk, meet the chef, and then proceed to a local market. Your instructor will show you how to select the food and ingredients before returning to the restaurant to prepare. Return to your hotel by tuk-tuk.

In the late afternoon, your guide will pick you up at the hotel and drive to one of the temples for a private Baci ceremony, which can be held for several occasions. After this, continue to a hidden temple that is rarely visited by foreign travelers. Here it is time for a special encounter with the monks who will teach you the fundamentals of meditation. After gaining insight, you will have the opportunity to join the monks in their daily chanting. Your guide will translate any questions you have for the monks, an exciting and educational experience. 

Return to your hotel and overnight. Meals: B