Laotian Light Adventure

Upon arrival in Pakse you will be met by your guide and transferred to the city centre where you will board a small private craft for a two hour cruise down the Mekong River towards Si Phan Don, or the ‘4000 Islands’. Although some of the islands are technically just sand banks, there are still hundreds of scenic spots to enjoy.

Upon arrival at Done Daeng, one of the most picturesque islands in this laid-back region, the remainder of your day is at leisure. Whilst technically to far north to be considered part of the Si Phan Don, this doesn't deter from the archipelago experience.

Make a morning crossing to Champasak, just a short hop by ferry across the Mekong River, to visit the fascinating pre-Angkorian ruins of Wat Phou; one of South-East Asia's most dramatically situated temple sites and has superb views of the Mekong River. Designated a World Heritage site by UNESCO in 2001, the site dates back to the 5th century, predating the famous Angkor Wat in Cambodia. Whilst much of the origins of Wat Phou are unclear, it is believed that the original temple was built by the Khmer Hindus who eventually made Angkor Wat their capital. Return to Champasak to admire the town's wonderful French colonial architecture before crossing back over the Mekong River and making the short crossing to the stunning Done Daeng, one of the most picturesque islands in this laid-back region. Whilst technically to far north to be considered part of the Si Phan Done, this doesn't deter from the archipelago experience.

The remainder of your day is at leisure to explore, or just simply relax into the Si Phan Don pace of life!

After an early breakfast, cross over to the mainland and drive south to Ban Hatsaikhone where you take a local boat to the peaceful islands of Done Det and Done Khone, site of the only railway ever built in Laos (end of the 19th century).

Stroll through the palm-fringed villages, admiring some of the old French Colonial buildings and the beautiful Liphi Waterfall before continue to the southernmost part of Laos and the impressive Khone Phapheng waterfalls, just a few miles from the Cambodian border.

In the afternoon return north, via a good location to spot the region’s rare Irrawaddy dolphins, to Phou Asa and the wonderful Kingfisher Eco Lodge, arriving in time for lunch. The remainder of the day is at leisure - there are numerous activities on offer (learn to ride elephants, mountain biking, walking and bird watching to name a few!).

Start your day at the village of Khiet Ngong where you will meet the elephants and their mahouts before setting off out across the surrounding paddy fields and wetland. Entering the nearby jungle that surrounds the area, your seat – or howdah – gives you a unique vantage point to experience the jungle environment while cicadas and bird sounds accompany you along the way.

After several hours, break for lunch near a stream whilst your elephants are allowed to roam off in search of a light snack of their own!

Continue riding throughout the afternoon, all the time learning some basic commands and tricks from your mahout, returning to the your lodge at around 4pm.

Morning departure driving north, passing through Pakse en route to Thakek. Make a stop at Don Khor, a village specialising in the intricate Buddha carvings you will have admired in temples throughout Laos.

Later in the afternoon you will also stop at the Buddha Caves, or Tham Pa Fa. Having met your local guide at the village of Ban Nakhang Xang, follow the shoreline of Nong Thao Lake, before arriving at the stairway to the Buddha cave. The cave, rediscovered in 2004, contains 229 bronze Buddhas that are believed to be over 300 years old. If the water level permits, there may also be an opportunity to kayak into the cave below.

Continue on to Thakek where the remainder of your day is at leisure. Once settled in to your hotel, we recommend a stroll along the waterfront to soak up the ambiance of this often overlooked laid back, French Colonial town. Position yourself in one of the riverside restaurants to enjoy a Mekong sunset and some fine Laotian fayre.

Morning departure for the Hin Boun region,stopping en route at the Khoun Kham view point, to enjoy breathtaking views out across the Khammouane.

Reaching daylight once again at the far side of the cave, explore further by foot, passing a number of huts used for tabacco production and the remote village of Ban Pon Ngam. Return back through the cave and transfer directly to Ban Hin Boun where the remainder of your day is at leisure.

After a leisurely morning depart by car to Vientiane. En route stop at the interesting Ban Ton Na Mae Hmong Market and Prabaht Ponsan, a stupa dating back to the 15th century. It is also home to Buddha's footprint, as legend has it, left as he was crossing the Mekong. Arrive mid afternoon in the capital, where the remainder of your day is at leisure.

Vientiane, capital of Laos, is Asia's biggest village. Busy and hectic in comparison to the rest of the country, it is quiet compared with any other city in Asia. Vientiane, as all of Lao's major cities, is situated on the Mekong River which forms the lifeline of the country. The city has a population of less a million and is a true blend of east and west. French Colonial architecture sits side-by-side with gilded temples and you will find fresh baked French bread being served next to shops selling noodle soup.

In the evenings, the food stalls that line the river bank serve some unusual local delicacies and for the less adventurous the city is also home to some of the country's finest restaurants.

In the morning there is the option of an early start to visit the fascinating local market of Thongkhankham, where a bewildering array of foods and produce are on offer. The remainder of the morning is dedicated to seeing the capital. First up is a visit to Wat Sisaket, the only temple to be left intact after the Siamese invasion in 1828. It’s arguably the most beautiful temple in Vientiane and houses thousands of miniature Buddha statues within its walls.

Your next stop is Wat Phra Keo, which now operates as a religious museum, with many Lao and Khmer works of art on display, moving on to the Patuxai monument - also called Anousavari. Here, you can climb up on the roof for fantastic panoramic views. Also on the list for the morning is a stop at That Luang, the holiest place in Laos, and Wat Simuang, the most popular and venerated temple in Vientiane. You can also visit Talat Sao, the morning market, for a bit of souvenir buying (silk and silver jewellery are good bets) and an insight into daily life for the people of Vientiane.

Complete your morning with a visit to the excellent COPE exhibition centre, highlighting the Lao people's continued day-to-day struggle with the unexploded ordnance as a result of heavy bombing campaigns during the Vietnam War era.

In the afternoon visit the quirky Buddha Park, an enchanting collection of Buddhist and Hindu sculptures situated on a Mekong Riverside meadow outside of the city centre. The statues were created by a mysterious monk by way of spreading his philosophy on life and revealing his ideas about the universe. Upon return to the city centre, make a brief stop at the Lao Disabled Womens Centre, which provides valuable training and schooling for disabled women in Laos. A spectacular view of the Mekong River at sunset is a perfect way to finish the day.

Morning transfer to Vientiane Airport in time for your flight to Oudomxai. Upon arrival you will be met by your guide and transferred to Muang La, located on the outskirts of Oudomxai.

The remainder of your day is at leisure to enjoy the serenity of the Muang La Resort and its welcoming hot spring baths.

Enjoy a half day trek in the area surrounding the nearby village of Pak La, learning about the way of life for the local Khamu people that have lived in the region for many generations. Enjoy the panoramic views of the Nam Pak River, the beautiful rice terraces and salt mines.

You will discover how the Khamu benefits from their natural surroundings and also visit the nearby the temple of Chiao Pha Kham Sing, home to a sacred Buddha and a popular site for Buddhist pilgrims.

Return to the Muang La Resort in the late morning where the remainder of your day is at leisure.

Morning drive to the riverside town of Muang Khau where you will board a small boat for a cruise down the Nam Ou River to Nong Khiaw. This particular stretch promises stunning scenery and a sprinkling of remote villages, including Ban Sob Jaem a Khmu and Hmong villages that can only be accessed by boat. Arrive in Nong Khiaw in the late afternoon. Nong Khiaw is a remote village situated on the banks of the Nam Ou River and flanked on either side by stunning mountainous back-drops. The remainder of your day is at leisure so why not take a stroll along the river bank, wander through local villages, or just settle back with a Beer Lao!

Departing early, enjoy a day cruise down the Nam Ou River towards Luang Prabang, passing under towering limestone karts and cliffs throughout much of the day.

Stop en route to visit the Pak Ou caves, which house literally thousands of Buddha statues, hidden from the looting Chinese Haw in times gone by. The statues range from a few centimetres to the size of a human.

In the centre of the city is Mount Phousi, rewarding climbers of its 328 steps with stunning views of the surrounding temples and hills. Luang Prabang, a city where time has seemingly stood still, is also an outstanding example of the fusion of traditional Lao architecture with structures built by the European colonial authorities in more recent times. Its unique, remarkably well-preserved townscape illustrates a key stage in the blending of these two distinct cultural traditions.

An option (although we highly recommend it; in fact, we almost insist) for early-risers (05h30) is a very special dawn visit to witness the long lines of orange-robed monks leaving their pagodas to receive offerings of food from Luang Prabang residents. Ask your guide for how best to join in if you wish to. Return to your hotel for breakfast, or enjoy a pastry and coffee at one of the many stalls already doing a roaring trade.

After breakfast, enjoy a tour of this stunning city. Your circuit begins at the former Royal Palace, now the National Museum, (closed on Tuesdays). Visit Wat Mai, a temple renowned for its golden bas-reliefs. During Pimai (the Lao New Year celebrations in April), the Prabang - normally housed in the Royal Palace Museum - is put on public display in this temple. Continue on to the most photographed temple in Luang Prabang (quite an accolade!) - Wat Xieng Thong. Also visit Wat Visoun, entirely rebuilt after its destruction in 1887 by the invading Black Flags from southern China. In the courtyard of Wat Visoun stands the Watermelon Stupa, which is shaped like the fruit it takes its name from. You will also visit Wat Aham, where you will find the altar of the 'two geniuses of Luang Prabang’ and Wat That, where the ashes of King Sisavang Vong are interred inside the large central stupa.

In the afternoon visit the excellent Arts and Ethnology Centre which gives an insight into the ethnic and cultural mix of Laos. Continue to the weaving and textile villages of Ban Xangkhong and Ban Xienglek. Our final stop of the day is a climb Mt Phousi, which offers a spectacular sunset and a panoramic view over Luang Prabang and the Mekong River.

Your day is at leisure.

Your day is at leisure until your transfer to the Luang Prabang Airport for your onward flight.