Laos: Highlights roundtrip
Visit all the highlights, from Luang Prabang to the ‘4000 islands’
About this tour
At a pleasant pace you will travel through Laos by private car with driver. You will start in the relaxed town of Luang Prabang with its beautiful temples and monasteries. From here you travel to the south. Via the Plain of Jars, you travel to the capital Vientiane. Visit here the golden stupa Pha That Luang! After a stay in the city you will travel to the green heart of Laos in Khammoune. Via the Bolaven Plateau you travel further south to the area of the 4000 islands, just above the border with Cambodia. The Mekong River, French colonial architecture and super friendly people make up the end of your adventure.
What will you do
- Stay in the ancient royal city of Luang Prabang
- Visit the Plain of Jars near Phonsavan
- Kong Lor Cave; a 7 km long cave!
- Taste the coffee at the best coffee plantations of Laos; Bolaven.
- Cycling possibilities at Luang Prabang and on Don Khone
- Visit Wat Phou, a beautiful ancient Khmer temple
Where
Laos is a wonderful country to take in slowly. Enjoy the special, predominantly Buddhist culture and beautiful landscapes. Visit a monastery here and there, stroll along limestone cliffs, cruise the Mekong and drink a Beerlao at sunset. Do not go to Laos if you fancy a beach, as it is centrally located in Southeast Asia surrounded by other countries.
Itinerary
Day 1
Arrival in Luang Prabang | Take a first sunset Beerlao on the banks of the Mekong River.
Day 2
Luang Prabang | Today, explore the old monasteries, temples and the royal palace by yourself.
Day 3
Luang Prabang | Make a nice bike ride through the countryside or visit Kuang Si Falls, Tat Sae Waterfalls and the Pak Ou Caves.
Day 4
Luang Prabang to Phonsavan | Today you will have a long trip by car, through the mountains to the east, to Phonsavan, base for the special site of the Plain of Jars.
Day 5
Phonsavan | Explore the different sites on the Plain of Jars, have a look at MAG (mine-clearing), the school project Lone Buffalo and end with a sunset at Phou Xang viewpoint.
Day 6
Phonsavan to Vang Vieng | Today you will travel to Vang Vieng, with a lunch in the Hmong village of Ban Hin Ngon. Make a stopover later at Phatang Mountain Viewpoint, for a panorama of the limestone mountains.
Day 7
Vang Vieng to Vientiane | To Vientiane today, the capital of Laos. On the way you pass the Tham Jang Cave, with a beautiful view. You can also stop at the Nam Ngum reservoir.
Day 8
Vientiane | Discover Vientiane today. Visit the golden pagoda Pha That Luang, the arch Patuxia or Buddha-filled Wat Sisaket.
Day 9
Vientiane to Bin Houn | Leave the city for small town Bin Houn, on the edge of a nature reserve. On the way, at Khoun Kham, you will get a beautiful pre-view on the limestone formations of the national park.
Day 10
Bin Houn | Nature day; visit the huge Kong Lor Cave by boat. From here, you will make your way to a local village for lunch. Next is a boat trip along the rock formations.
Day 11
Bin Houn to Savannakhet | You will travel further south, to the city of Savannakhet, which has some nice French colonial architecture. On the way make a short stop at Thakhek, to visit the Tham Pa Fa Buddha cave.
Day 12
Savannakhet to Bolaven Plateau | Leave the lowlands today and travel to Tad lo, at the Bolaven Plateau. This area is well known for its good coffee.
Day 13
Bolaven Plateau | If you want, you can make a nice trip in the area today. There are waterfalls, coffee plantations, but also craters from the period of the American war (Lao Civil War).
Day 14
Bolaven to Don Khone | Travel to the beautiful ‘4000 islands’ area in the Mekong River today. En-route, visit impressive Khone Phapheng Falls before you reach your destination, the island of Don Khone
Day 15
Don Khone | Today you will have time to explore the 4000 islands. Cycle or walk around, or make a boat trip to visit waterfalls or spot the Irrawaddy Dolphins in the area.
Day 16
Don Khone to Champasak | Travel to Champasak today, via Wat Phou. You spend the last night at the Mekong!
Day 17
Champasak to Pakse Airport | The driver you will take you to the airport.
Additional info
The price of this trip is based on 2 travellers, low season, subject to availability of the planned hotels and including CO2 compensation.
We have assumed standard hotels. But it is also possible to choose more luxurious hotels. The trip can always be adjusted in many ways.
