10D9N Laos Explorer Day 1: Pakse - Arrival (D) We’ll pick you up at the airport and take you to your hotel. You’re free to explore this provincial capital of Champasak in Southern Laos before we head for dinner at a local restaurant. Day 2: Pakse –Don Khong (4000 Islands) (B,L,D) This morning, we’ll drive to Champasak to visit the pre-Angkorian, Wat Phu Temple Complex..This UNSECO World Heritage site depicts the epitome of the high classical style of Khmer architecture dating from the 7th to 12th centuries. It includes the ancient city of Shestrapura and many little known but interesting sites along the banks of the Mekong River. After lunch, we’llcross Mekong river by ferry boat to visit the largest waterfall in South-East Asia,Khone Phapheng. Nearby the waterfall, visitors can see local people using traditional fish ing techniques. We’ll take a tuk-tukor cycle passing through the old French wharf and along the old French railway, where some of the old colonial houses still stand. We’ll then relax at the Li Phi waterfall noted for its cascading emerald green waters, after which we’ll head back by a long boat to Ban Nakasang village and head to Don Khong, the largest island in the southern part of the Mekong river region and one of the most scenic areas in Laos. Day 3: DonKhong – Tad Lo-Pakse (B, L, D) Today, we’ll drive west to Bolaven Plateau, which was formed by an ancient volcano and is now famous for its agricultural products including coffee and tea. The plateau, located high above the Mekong Valley, is also known for its cool temperatures. We’ll stop at the Tad Fan waterfall to enjoy the spectacular views against the backdrop of Dong Houa Sao National Protected Area. After lunch, we’ll visit Tad Lo, home to another scenic waterfall and then head to theAlak, Nge, and Katu villages to observe the daily lives of the numerous ethnic minority groups before heading back to Pakse. Day 4: Pakse - Vientiane (B, L, D) We’ll pick you up at the airport and take you to your hotel. Our city tour include visits to Wat Sisaket with its thousands of miniature Buddha statues; Wat Prakeo, the former royal temple that now serves as a national museu m of religious objects; Wat Simuang, the site of the city pillar and home of the guardian spirit of Vientiane; the famous Pha That Luang, the most important national monument in Laos and a symbol of both the Buddhist religion and Laos sovereignty and Patuxai, a large monument reminiscent of the Arc de Triumphe in Paris.You’re free to explore this capital city before we head for a local restaurant to admire Laos cultural show while enjoying delicious local cuisine. Day 5: Vientiane – Phonsavan(B,L,D) Today, we’ll head to the airport for our departure flight toPhonsavan, the capital city ofXiengKhouang province. Your day is free to explore this Drive around Phonsavanhtownship and take in the many views of the mountains, peaks and plateaus before dinner at a local restaurant. Day 6: Phonsavan(B,L,D) After your breakfast, we’ll visit thePlains of Jars situated on the XiengKhouang Plateau and try to figure out the origins of this mysterious archaeological site consisting of clusters of stone jars varying in height and diameter from one to over 3 meters from 600 kilograms to a ton found in more than fifty different sites.Continue to MuangKhoune, the former capital of XiengKhouang Province, which was destroyed by heavy bombings and visit its ancient temples . After lunch, we’ll visit one of the ethnic minorities’ villages and observe their daily lives and see the ingenious ways the locals have found uses for war-scrap materials. Day 7: Phonsavanh – Luang Prabang (B, L, D) Today, we’ll drive approximately five hours to Luang Prabang, the best preserved city in South -east city. The scenery is a mixture of steep terraced fields and hill villages, allowing for plenty of photo stops. Along the way, we’ll stop at the MuangXieng Nguyen village and observe the daily lives of the locals. Upon arrival, check-in Luang Prabang, we’ll check in to your hotel to freshen up. Start your city tour at the former Royal Palace, now the National Museum, where you will explore the history of Laos. Continue on foot to Wat Mai temple, a temple renowned for its golden bas- relief, and Wat Sensoukarahm temple, which features a beautiful dazzling golden façade. Finish the tour at Wat Xieng Thong temple, the most revered temple in Luang Prabang. Located at the end of the peninsula, close to the Mekong, this temple was built in 1560 by King Setthathirat and is decorated with ornate carvings and mosaics. From there, we explore the night market, where you can find a wide collection of handmade textile by local and hill tribe people in the surrounding towns before wehead for dinner at a local restaurant. Day 8: Luang Prabang (B,L,D) This morning, we rise early to participate in the daily morning rituals of saffron-clad monks collecting offerings from the devotees. This tradition is very unique in Laos, being the only Buddhist nation still preserving the procession. We visit the morning market where you will find diverse offerings such as dried buffalo skin, local tea, hill -tribe weavings and other local poultry, vegetables, and produce. Laos is also known for its traditional crafts, and today you will have the opportunity to visit the local villages of the Laos ethnic minority groups. We carry onto the spectacular Kuangsi waterfalls where you can splash around in the turquoise pools or walk along the forest paths. Day 9: Luang Prabang (B,L,D) After breakfast, we take a boat upstream on the Mekong River to Pak Ou Caves, filled with beautiful views of the tranquil countryside. We’ll visit the mysterious Pak Ou Caves, packed with thousands of gilded Buddha statues of various sizes.After lunch, return to pier and along the way, stop at a local village to see how local rice wine and whiskey is made.En-route, we take a short drive to a local silk and cotton hand-weaving local village. Day 10: Luang Prabang - Departure (B) Your time is free until we take you to the airport for your flight. Package Price in Nett USD Kong 3 - 5 6 - 9 10 - 14 15 pax Single Category Pakse Vientiane XiengKhuang Luang Prabang 2 pax Island pax pax pax +1 Supp Arawan Sengtawan Indigo House 1134 969 849 755 729 215 Riverside 3 Star Mekong Chanthapany a 1152 988 868 774 750 My Dream 233 Paradise 1144 979 859 765 740 Mercure Vansana Plain Villa Maydou 224 4 Star Pakse hotel Pon Arina Salana of Jars Villa Santi Hotel 1191 1027 907 813 794 272 Boutique Luang Prabang 1268 1103 983 889 881 Green Park 349 Champasak View 5 Star Grand Settha Luangsay 1590 1426 1306 1211 1246 671 Palace Residence (Seasonal price will be confirmed when booking) Remarks: Prices are net per person and based in United States Dollars (USD) and subject to change without prior notice Prices are based on twin-share basis and subject to room availability upon tour booking Price Includes: Return airport transfer on private basis 9 nights accommodation with daily breakfast Sightseeing tours including entrance fees and services of English speaking local guide Air-conditioned private transportation and other forms of transport mentioned in the itinerary Meals as per itinerary (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=dinner) Price Excludes: Laotian visa fee upon arrival (USD30/pax + 2 photos). All personal incidental expenses Gratuities to tour guide and driver (approximately USD3 per person per day) Travel insurance; which is strongly recommended Domestic airfare and taxes .