We explore the beautiful region of Pakse, located in the southern part of Laos, also home to the famous Ancient Khmer ruins of Wat Phou from the 5th century and the awe-inspiring Khone Pabeng waterfall, the biggest in Southeast Asia! The surrounding forests teem with flourishing vegetation and you will be greeted by the friendly, waving locals as we visit a few villages.

DESTINATIONS

• Vientiane, the delightfully friendly capital of Laos
• Four Thousand Islands – a tranquil slice of Mekong life
• Pakse – famous for its remarkable temples, the central market, the heritage museum, and the weaving villages

HIGHLIGHTS

• Exploring a range of the most incredible spots in Laos
• Beach relaxation and the green, rural quiet of Mekong islands

ITINERARY

[Day 1] Vientiane Arrival
Meals: N/A | Accommodation: hotel

On your arrival at Wattay airport, you will be welcomed by our friendly tour guide. Vientiane is a beautiful small city with many French colonial architectures and gilded temples. Today, you will visit some of Vientiane historic sites such as the infamous Wat Sisaket, the oldest and only temple that survived from the Siamese war in 1828. This is a wonderful Buddhism museums that displays more than 8000 Buddha statues. We continue with Wat Ho Prakeo, the former home-temple of the Emerald Buddha statue and discover the collection of Buddha statues, antiques and all artifacts found in and around Vientiane. Last but not least is the visit to Vientiane landmark, the golden That Luang Stupa. This is the single most important monument in Laos that was built to cover the original small stupa containing a piece of the chest bone of Buddha.

[Day 2] Vientiane – Full Day City Tour
Meals: breakfast | Accommodation: hotel

After breakfast at hotel, we take an-hour-drive to visit the Park of Buddhist statues located in the south-east of the city. It is a fanciful sculpture garden full of Buddhist and religious images dating back over 500 years. You will get fascinated by a giant concrete pumpkin whose 3-level interior represents Hell, Earth and Heaven. Back to your hotel for relaxing time.
We start the afternoon with a visit to the weaving studio/home of Mrs. Carol Cassidy, an American who arrived in Vientiane in 1989 as part of a United Nations project to promote traditional weaving. The Lao Textiles Studio offers job opportunity for over 40 weavers creating natural dyed, woven silk pieces reflecting traditional Lao design reinterpreted. Today ends with a nice time enjoying sunset on the bank of Mekong River.
Overnight at your hotel.

[Day 3] Vientiane – Pakse
Meals: breakfast | Accommodation: hotel

Breakfast at your hotel before we take a transfer to the airport for your early flight to Pakse, the provincial capital of Champasack at the confluence of the Mekong and Sedon rivers and the centre for trading between Laos and Thailand.

You will be welcomed at the airport by our friendly tour guide. We will then drive down town and take 30-minute local ferry to visit the pre-Angkorian Wat Phu Temple, one of the oldest archaeological sites in Laos dating back from 6th-13th centuries. The temple lies on a hillside offering spectacular views on the surrounding plains and Mekong River. The temple is divided in two parts. The lower part consists of two ruined palace buildings at the edge of a pond, which was used for ritual ablutions. The upper section, the temple sanctuary itself, once enclosed a large Shiva phallus (linga). Historians believe that this site was chosen by the Khmers because of a natural spring that flows from down the mountain and because the peak of Phou Pisa resembles a Shiva phallus.
Next, we take a short boat trip to your hotel then check-in and have free time at leisure.

[Day 4] Pakse – Khong Island (4000 Island)
Meals: breakfast and lunch | Accommodation: hotel

After breakfast at hotel, we take a scenic 2.5-hour drive to Khong island, whose lovely fishing villages, serene monasteries and lush vegetation offers an authentic and peaceful Lao way of life. We stop at the Khmer archeological site of Oum Moung before taking ferry boat trip across Mekong river to the island. Upon arrival, we will get on board a traditional boat to visit the surrounding islands of Done Ket and Done Som for a glimpse into the traditional lifestyle of local fishermen. We will then cruise to Done Khone Island and take a hike along its railway built by the French in 1897 then drive to Khone Phapheng Waterfall, which is considered to be the biggest water falls in Southeast Asia and the prime reason why the Mekong river is not fully navigable into China.

Next, we will meet the driver and transfer back to Pakse for a night stay at your hotel.

[Day 5] Pakse Departure
Meals: breakfast | Accommodation: N/A

In the morning, we will visit a local market nearby hotel to learn more about local life before being transferred to the airport/border for your departure to the next destination. Trip ends.

Note:
- All Museums in Vientiane are closed at weekends.
- The upper section of Wat Phou temple might not suitable for the elderly due to the steep stairs

PRICE PER PERSON (Valid until 31 Dec 2012)

Group discount is available, please contact our sales staff at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Included

• Accommodation
• Meals as specified
• Boat trip as specified
• Domestic flight VTE-PKZ (inclusive of airport tax)
• Travel in an appropriate air-conditioned vehicle with an experienced driver
• English-speaking guide
• All entrance fees and taxes
• Water & cold towel on sightseeing tour.
• Government fund and tax.

Not included

• International flight tickets and airport tax
• Visas
• Other meals
• Beverages, guide gratuities and personal expenses.
• Other foreign language guide
• Single room (quoted separately)
• Camera fees (if any)
• Surcharge in peak season (Christmas & New Year)

ACCOMMODATION

Mid-range
• Vientiane: Sengtawan Riverside – Superior Room
• Pakse: Champasak Palace – Standard Room
• Khong Island: Pon Arena – Standard River View Room

Superior
• Vientiane: Don Chan Palace - Classic Room
• Pakse: Champasak Palace – Superior Room
• Khong Island: Pon Arena – Standard River View Room

Deluxe
• Vientiane: Settha Palace Hotel – Deluxe Room
• Pakse: Champasak Grand – Premier Room
• Khong Island: Senesothxeuane Hotel - Suite Room