Richness of Laos Culture in 8 days

Day 01: Luang Prabang - Arrival

Upon arrival in Luang Prabang, our guide and driver will be waiting and take you to the hotel for check in. 

Luang Prabang is perhaps the best-preserved traditional city in Southeast Asia. The tranquility and charm of this town with its splendid natural scenery and cultural sights make it one of the most delightful places to visit in Laos. 

Free time after checking in hotel. 

Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Day 02: Luang Prabang – City Discovery

For early risers, there is a very special dawn visit to watch the monks collecting alms.  As the sun begins to rise, long lines of orange-robed monks leave their pagodas and walk barefoot down the streets collecting offerings from Luang Prabang residents.

After breakfast, visit the Royal Palace featuring the combination of the French beaux-arts styles and traditional Laos architecture. The palace is now turned to a National Museum (close every Tuesday) boating the precious collections of the Royal artifacts. 

Drive or enjoy a leisurely walk on through the peaceful tree-lined streets to admire some of Luang Prabang’s famous temples including Wat Xieng Thong, a great masterpiece of mosaics and carved wood featuring traditional Lao style; Wat Vitsoun, the most ancient temple of Luang Prabang, was built with simple architecture and housed the Prabang Buddhas ancient statues and steeles. 

After lunch, head out to visit to Wat Aham, followed by Wat That, where the ashes of King Sisavang Vong are kept inside the large, central stupa.

As the sun begins to set, head for the top of Mount Phousi. Climbing its 328 stairs, reach the peak of the hill just in time for sunset. The viewpoint offers stunning panoramas of the city and sprawling landscapes below. After descent, explore the nearby evening market where a collection of handicrafts and souvenirs can be found.

Overnight in Luang Prabang 

Day 03: Luang Prabang – Pak Ou Cave - Kuang Si Waterfall (B)

This morning, get onboard a traditional long-tail boat to discover the famous Pak Ou Caves. Sitting at the confluence of the Mekong and Nam Ou Rivers, these twin caves are carved into the surrounding limestone cliffs, filled with hundreds of ancient Buddha images and statues.

Upon arrival, start exploring the magical cave systems: the lower cave houses a photogenic group of Buddha statues, silhouetted against the stunning riverine backdrop, the upper cave is a 7-minute climb up steps surrounded by lush trees. You will notice Buddhas in every position, every era of life, and every size line the cave walls and understand a sacred religious practice that depicts the devotion and commitment of Laotians to Buddhism. 

This afternoon, enjoy a scenic 1-hour drive south of Luang Prabang, to visit the Kuang Si waterfall, one of Luang Prabang’s most picturesque sights with a multi-tiered cascade of pale turquoise blue water flowing from the thick jungle above into perfectly sculpted limestone pools below.  Follow the unpaved trail as it gradually climbs through the forest to reach different levels of natural blue pools, some are shallow and one central pool has a rope swing. 

Take a leisurely hike through the natural park past the Asian Bear Rescue Center, housing 23 Asiatic Bears that were rescued from poachers

Day 04: Luang Prabang – Fly to Vientiane (B)

Breakfast at the hotel.

Enjoy the morning free at leisure until transport is provided to the airport for the flight south to Vientiane. Upon arrival to the capital, our guide and driver will be waiting and transfer to hotel for check in.

Vientiane - the Lao capital Vientiane is a charming and fascinating capital, with an interesting mix of Lao, Thai, Chinese, Vietnamese, French, and American influences.

Overnight in Vientiane

Day 05: Vientiane – City Discovery (B)

Spend this pleasant day exploring some of Vientiane‘s highlights. We visit  Wat Sisaket, the oldest temple in Vientiane. This beautiful structure features remarkable frescoes and cloister wall where almost 7,000 Buddha statues are laid in all sizes. Nearby is the former royal temple of Haw Pha Kaew, which previously housed the famous Emerald Buddha Image. 

We continue visiting the Patouxai, a version of own Arc de Triomphe. This imposing structure stands in Lane Xang Avenue and provides a beautiful view over the town center. The current national symbol of Laos is That Luang Stupa which is  the most venerable Buddhist monument. The golden stupa  of this structure was  built in Laos style but influenced by Buddhist beliefs

We follow it with a walk around the vibrant Morning Market, a flagship shopping destination in Vientiane. The market interior is crammed with shopping malls that sell everything from medicinal herbs, electronics equipment, silver jewelry, hand make silks to everyday sundries.

Finish the day enjoying a walk along the Mekong riverbank, a good place to enjoy drinks and explore the authentic local way of life.

Day 6: Vientiane – Fly to Pakse - Champasak (B) 

After breakfast, transport will be provided to the airport for the flight to Pakse.

Upon arrival, the guide and driver will be waiting to provide transport to Wat Phou. Recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, Wat Phou is a spectacular pre-Angkorian temple that sits amidst the rice fields and waterways of southern Laos. 

The temple was constructed in three levels: the bottom level is focused on the baray (water reservoir) and promenade, the second level features pavilions and galleries of carvings, and the top level is the sanctuary. 

Transfer to the hotel in Champasak and check in before enjoying a beautiful sunset on the Mekong River.

Overnight in Champasak.

Day 7: Champasak - Don Daeng Island (B)

After breakfast at hotel, we head to the secluded island of Don Daeng, which is located in the Mekong River to enjoy the countryside in the serene province of Champasak. 

We slow down the pace and grab a bicycle to ride along the small paths winding around the island to discover the natural richness of the landscapes, mixing a simultaneously tropical setting with dense, towering palm trees, and the rural farming and fishing community. 

On their way, we continue to see beautiful river views along the beach, colorful, local temples, and lively, authentic villages.

Back to the hotel and free at your leisure. 

Overnight in Champasak.

Day 8: Champasak - Pakse - Departure (B)

After breakfast, transport will be provided back to Pakse airport for your onward flight.

List of our hotels:

The hotels offered by Horizon Vietnam Travel are classified from 02 to 05 stars at the international standard, and comfortable with all the required services.

+ Standard Category: 2 stars. The rooms are correct, clean, and equipped with a bathroom, satellite television, and air conditioning.

+ Superior category 3 stars. The rooms are generally spacious, and the services and facilities are more numerous.

+ First class category: 4 stars. The rooms are luxurious and spacious and have a wide choice of quality services.

+ Deluxe Category: 4-5 stars. Hotels are of excellent comfort and have a wide range of excellent services. (swimming pool, spa, jacuzzi…).

+ On the other hand, we have developed fair tourism, through contact with the local population, the possibility of sleeping with the locals and sharing their daily life. The conditions of these accommodations that we offer you are well insured and with the best possible conditions.

Our services include:

• Private transportation with air-conditioned vehicle
• Accommodation in the planned hotels or similar in the program with daily breakfast as mentioned 
• Meals are provided in local restaurants of typical Vietnamese cuisine (B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner included)
• The English-speaking guide for each city.
• All entry fees to tourist sites
• All the permission to enter the tourist areas
• Boat tours as described in the program
• 02 bottles of mineral water of 0,5 (l)/person/day
• Other services as mentioned in the program (bicycle, boat trip, etc...)
• All fees for all other services as clearly described in the program above.

Our services exclude:

• Airfare on all domestic and international flights (quote separately)
• Drinks and surcharge for special requests on foods and meals
• Entrance fees, guide service during free time & other personal expenses
• Surcharge for public holidays (if any)
• Surcharge for other language-speaking tour guides (upon request)
• Travel insurance 
• Vietnam visa stamping fees 
• All other services are not stated in the program.

More information:

Horizon Vietnam Travel gives you an estimated price per person on our website for the group of six people in low season with standard 2 and 3-star hotels.

The price of this trip varies according to the services chosen (category of accommodation, activities during the trip,...), the tourist seasonality of the year (Christmas and end of year holiday, Lunar New Year holiday in Vietnam), the booking delays and especially the number of participants of your group you wish to travel with.

Please note that Horizon Vietnam Travel only organizes private "tailor-made" trips for groups from 2 persons. We generally propose an offer including all the services on the spot from your arrival until your departure.

Depending on your wishes and your budget, this tour can be adapted and modified in terms of duration, content and departure date.

HORIZON VIETNAM TRAVEL calculates its prices as closely as possible in order to guarantee you the best price/quality ratio.

Our advice: the earlier you book, the better your chances of getting good rates, especially for air services, think about it!

Note: The price of international flights is not included in this estimate.

Please note that this tour is only a first draft and you can also customize it according to your wishes. We remain at your disposal to build your trip perfectly to your expectations and your budget

To obtain a detailed and personalized estimate, please contact us to request an estimate.