The Tranquil South, Adventure and Nature

Your adventure begins in the capital city of this entrancing country which for so long was hidden away from the rest of the world. Laos is a country of contrasts and this tour is especially designed to give you a glimpse of both urban and rural life.

Visit the impressive temples in Vientiane then escape to the magnificent unspoilt natural scenery of Khammouane with the chance to see some of the rare wildlife. End your tour with a visit to the ancient ruins of the Khmer temple of Wat Phu.

Day 1 : Arrive Vientiane

We will meet you on your arrival either at the international airport or if you are travelling by land at the Friendship Bridge and take you to your centrally located hotel in Vientiane, a friendly sleepy town resting on the shores of the mighty Mekong River.

In the afternoon we will take you on a city sightseeing tour to explore some of the more interesting places like the Victory Gate – Vientiane’s answer to the Parisian Arc de Triomphe, Wat Sisaket and the impressive That Luang stupa – one of the most important places of Buddhist pilgrimage.

In the evening you are free to stroll along the banks of the Mekong River and stop in one of the many small Lao style restaurants for a beer and a snack.

Day 2 : By road to Hinboun

Day 2 heralds a change of scene from city to country life. You will travel by road to the valley of the Nam Hinboun River in Khammouane province. Khammouane is famous for its magnificent jagged limestone mountains, the exciting caves, underground rivers and traditional villages.

In the evening the ringing song of cicadas will provide you with a pleasant serenade. (B, L)

Day 3 : Excursion to Kong Lor Cave

After breakfast we will take you by a local boat on an excursion to Kong Lor Cave. Marvel at the towering sheer limestone cliffs all along the river banks. Every twist and turn in the river during your boat ride brings amazing fresh new vistas. Kong Lor Cave is a tunnel of limestone, over 8 km long, through which the Nam Hinboun River flows.

This is the only mountain cave in South East Asia that runs under a river. The Cave is home to many rare birds, spiders and bats which appear in the late afternoon. Explore the surrounding villages on foot and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere of rural life in Hinboun. (B, L)

Day 4 : By boat to Thakhek

After breakfast a private local slow boat will take you from Sala Hinboun to Ban NaPouak with a stop on the way to visit a local village. You then head for the town of ThaKhek by car, with a detour to see Pra Pafha Cave set in beautiful natural surroundings. You will overnight in ThaKhek. (B, L)

Day 5 : By road to Pakse

After breakfast, take a stroll around the city before the seven hour car journey to Pakse. On the way you can break your journey with a visit to a local village. (Lunch will be provided.) You will stay at the Tad Fan Waterfall Resort. (B)

Day 6 : Visit the ancient Khmer Temple of Wat Phu

After breakfast you will walk from the resort to the nearby waterfall of Tad Yeung and on the way take a look at the coffee plantations. Then drive back to Pakse. Here we will take a slow boat to visit the sacred Khmer temple of Wat Phu. This was the easternmost border of the Khmer Empire in the 4th century.

Later in the afternoon we take a scenic drive to Don Khone Island and overnight in the Sala Don Khone. (B,L)

Day 7 : Visit the Four Thousand Islands

After breakfast we drive from the Sala Don Khone to NaKaSang, where first we take a private local slow boat to see the endangered Irrawady dolphins, then back to NaKaSang and a drive to view the four thousand islands.

After lunch it’s back to Pakse for an overnight stay in. (B)

Day 8 : Depart Pakse

Free until transfer to the airport or the border...