Highlights of Laos

You will be met by guide at Laos border and transferred to the boat pier where you will board your comfortable private traditional boat for the trip down the Mekong River. The scenery along this part of the Mekong is arguably at its most beautiful. As you journey downriver you will stop at some tribal minority villages such as Ban Houy Nokhom, a Hmong village and Ban Kon Toum, a Thai Lu weaving village. Upon arrival in Pakbeng, you will be transferred to your hotel where you have the rest of the day at leisure. Overnight in Pakbeng Day 2: After breakfast depart by your private boat to Luang Prabang. En route make a stop at Ban Thone, a Khmu village, where, depending on the season you may see the locals panning for gold, basket making, and some blacksmiths at work. Following lunch on board you have time to visit the sacred Pak Ou Caves crammed with thousands of Buddha images and then continue our cruise down to Luang Prabang arriving there by late afternoon (2 Days, private cruise, Lunch onboard on both days included, There are 328 stairs to access Pak Ou caves, moderate fitness)

Embark on a leisurely cruise on the Mekong River, from Huay Xai to the UNESCO-listed town of Luang Prabang. Make your way to the meeting point and set off with your guide in a tuk tuk. Travel to the pier where a sturdy boat awaits you. Make yourself comfortable onboard and enjoy lunch as you set sail on the mighty Mekong. In the afternoon, halt at a village inhabited by the Kamu people for a glimpse into rural life in the secluded region. Later, continue cruising to reach the sleepy hamlet of Pakbeng. Step ashore to spend the night at a nearby hotel. The next morning, after an early breakfast at the hotel, you will return to the boat. Sail gently along the water, and, after lunch, set off to explore the sacred Pak Ou Caves. Located at the mouth of the Nam Ou River, the twin caves of Tham Ting and Tham Phoum are home to thousands of Buddha statues. Afterward, resume your journey, and dock at Luang Prabang in the late afternoon. (Duration: two days/one night; Shared activity & transfers; Meals included: lunch onboard on both days; Please inform us of any food allergies in advance; Fitness level: easy; Best time to travel: Oct – Mar)

Enjoy a hearty breakfast before you set off on a fascinating exploration of this UNESCO World Heritage site. Begin your day at the Royal Palace Museum with its collection of antiques and period furniture. Travel along quiet alleyways to the century old Heuan Chan Heritage House, which is a rare surviving example of pre-colonial Lao style of architecture. Stroll around the museum and sip a glass of refreshing iced tea in the gardens. Walk over to the beautiful Wat Xieng Thong, one of the most important Buddhist monasteries in the country. Wander around the temple grounds as you take in views of the exquisitely crafted low sweeping roof of the temple. Saunter across the road to Wat Khili, an 18th century temple that now houses Buddhist archives, including a historic photo exhibit. In the early afternoon, make your way to the Traditional Arts and Ethnology Center for an in-depth understanding of the ethnic heritage of the nation before heading out of town for a closer look at the weaving and textile traditions of Ban Xang Khong and Ban Xieng Lek villages. Return to town and stop by the unique Wat Visoun also known as the watermelon stupa due to its uniquely shaped dome. For your last stop of the day, pick from one of three options. Choose to climb up Mount Phousi located at the heart of the old town and enjoy panoramic views of the city as well as the mighty Mekong River topped off with a glorious sunset vista. Or, if walking is not your cup of tea, transfer to What Prabath Tai monastery and settle in to savor the spectacular sunset views over the river. Alternatively, head to the serene premises of the Wat Aham monastery where you can soak in the spiritual ambiance enhanced by the chants of monks engaged in their evening prayers. (Full Day; Time: 0930 hrs; Duration: 6 hrs; Private Activity & Transfers; Fitness Level: Easy. Please note that the Traditional Arts and Ethnology Center is closed on Mondays.)

Explore the countryside on this enjoyable tour that takes you to an organic farm and a picturesque waterfall. Drive to the paddy fields and try your hand at harvesting rice, the traditional way! With the help of your local farming guide, make use of rustic tools to harvest rice. Afterwards, reward yourself for your efforts with a sampling of traditional delicacies made with rice. Later in the afternoon, head to the three-tiered Kuang Si waterfall. Enjoy a picnic lunch as you watch the falls cascade into numerous pools. Stop by the Bear Rescue Center, where the staff protect and rehabilitate the rare Asiatic Black Bear before you return to Luang Prabang in the late afternoon. (Duration: Full Day; Private Activity & Transfers; Lunch Included; Fitness Level: Easy; Please inform us of any food allergies in advance)

Savor an early morning breakfast and set off on a drive south to Ban Hatsaikhone. Step into a comfortable, private boat for a leisurely cruise down the winding Mekong River. Sail amid the cluster of thousands of picturesque islands that dot the region. Step ashore at the peaceful island of Don Khon for a light lunch and then hop on a bicycle to explore the region. Zip along the route of an old abandoned railway and pass by beautiful French colonial buildings. Marvel at the scenic beauty of Liphi Waterfall as it cascades down a short distance to form a natural pool. Back on the boat, sit back and relax as the boat begins the return journey. Along the way, stop by the gorgeous Khone Pha Pheng Falls considered to be one of the largest in Southeast Asia. (Full Day; Morning Activity; Private Activity & Transfers; Fitness Level: Easy.)