Laos Heritage

Arrive in Luang Prabang.

Today proceed to visit the former King's Palace, now the National Museum. Then visit Wat Xieng Thong, the most photographed temple in Luang Prabang. Board a private boat for the Mekong River cruise to the sacred Pak Ou Cave, filled with thousands of gold-lacquered Buddha statues.The boat continues to Ban Muang Keo Village to see local weavers and whisky distillers honoring their ancient traditional crafts. Before returning to your hotel, climb the steps of Mount Phousi for a gorgeous view of the town.

An early start provides an opportunity to witness the captivating centuries old daily tradition of the alms giving ceremony, Tak Bat. Before sunrise, hundreds of saffron-clad monks file out from the old town's 35 temples to collect their daily alms from faithful local residents.Back to the hotel for breakfast. Later explore the waterfall, Kuang Si. Trek through jungle parklands to Kuang Si Bear Rescue Centre. Next, walk through the national park to the Kuang Si Waterfall, where a 60m cascade feeds into multi-tiered turquoise pools.

Drive for Xiengkhouang Province - home to the famous and mysterious Plain of Jars. It's a long drive (7-8 hours) and the road follows a twisty mountain route, passing through some stunning mountain landscapes. Make a short stopfor sightseeing and for lunch enroute. Visits include Khmu and Hmong villages and a hidden cave temple.

Today you will explore the 3 sites that make up the Plain Of Jars, UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is believed that they were prepared for a huge celebration, which, for some reason was disrupted whilst the jars were being transported, as other jars in smaller quantities can be found on two other sites close by. Spend time discovering the plain of undulating green fields where the 300 giant stones jars are scattered, the largest of them weighing six tons and measuring 4-metres high. Observe Xiengkhuang's local village life, visit a small monastery in Ban Xieng Di and pass areas that were important battlefields during the American war. Later in the afternoon, drive back to your hotel.

Head south to Vang Vieng, one of the most picturesque areas. Upon arrival, relax and enjoy the beautiful mountain scenery.

Today, proceed to the north of Vang Vieng, where you'll visit Tham Xang (Elephant Cave). The nearby Tham Hoi Cave (Snail Cave) winds its way deep into the mountain. You'll float through the cave on inflatable tubes, exploring its long corridors and wonderful limestone formations. Following a picnic lunch, trek to a Hmong village, passing through rice paddies and vegetable gardens. Return to Vang Vieng by kayaking down the Nam Song, taking you through idyllic scenes of rural life, with limestone mountains in the background.

Enjoy a leisurely morning before departing for Vientiane. En-route, make a stop at Nam Ngum Reservoir, and take a boat trip to visit local fishing communities. Continue on to Dongmarkhai Market, where among the market stalls, insects sell as local snacks. Arrive in Vientiane.

Start your day by visiting Wat Sisaket, believed to be Vientiane's oldest surviving temple containing over 2,000 silver and ceramic Buddha images. Next visit to Wat Phra Keo, a religious museum that displays a collection of art representing Lao and Khmer artefacts. Continue to Wat Si Muang - the most popular one in town. Afternoonvisit to Patuxai Victory Monument, Laos' version of the Arc de Triomphe and its most prominent monument. Next, visit Pha That Luang, the most revered shrine. End your day tour along the banks of the Mekong River as the sun begins to set.

Transfer to the airport to board the flight to Pakse. On arrival, begin your scenic drive through mountains and winding roads all the way up to the region of Bolaven Plateau. Start with a visit to the Tad Fane Waterfalls, 120 meters high and located in the Dong Hua Sao Nature Reserve. Continue to the Tad Champi and Tad Yeung waterfalls. Then head to a tea and coffee plantation. Enjoy an exceptional fresh organic cup of coffee prepared with a unique technique at the Jhai Coffee House in Paksong and meet some ethnic minorities.Transfer back to Pakse.

Journey along Mekong River to Don Khong. Stop at Wat Phou, UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy lunch en-route, and continue to Khong Island, the biggest island in Southern Laos and the start of the 4,000 Islands. Here the Mekong River is at its widest and dotted with thousands of small islands.Later in the afternoon, you will arrive on the peaceful island of Don Khong, home to small villages and plantations, where you'll spend the night.

Embark on a traditional long-tail boat and cruise amongst the Siphandon riverine archipelago. Explore this peaceful rural island – Don Khong, where locals live out a simple life. Visit awesome Liphi Waterfalls, habitat of the rare Irrawaddy dolphins Continue to the 10km-long Khone Pha Pheng Falls, one of Laos' most magnificent natural attractions. After boat ride, enjoy a local-style lunch served in a nearby restaurant. Return to the mainland by boat and then travel back to the hotel.

Transfer to Pakse Airport.