Overland & Highlight Tours
TOUR SOUTH TO NORTH LAOS 20 Days 19 Nights
Culture, History, Ethnic minorities, Trekking, Nature, Waterfalls, Ziplines, Tea and coffee plantations, Kayaking.
Embark on the ultimate 20-day journey across Laos, starting from the southern capital of Pakse and traveling all the way up to the historic northern towns. Experience rich cultural heritage, diverse ethnic minorities, and spectacular natural landscapes.
Tour Itinerary
DAY 01: PAKSE Arrival
Welcome to Pakse, the capital city of Champasak province in Southern Laos. Meet your driver at Pakse Airport and transfer to your hotel. In the afternoon, enjoy a panoramic sunset view of the city from Phou Sa Lao Mountain.
Day 1: Sunset over Pakse from Phou Sa Lao
DAY 2: PAKSE TO BOLAVEN
Drive towards Paksong to enjoy the cool, high altitude Bolaven Plateau. Visit the spectacular 120-meter Tad Fane twin waterfall, featuring an optional zipline. Trek to Tad Gneuyang waterfall, visit a coffee and tea farm, and picnic at Tad Champi before checking into Sinouk Coffee Resort.
Day 2: The majestic Tad Fane waterfalls
DAY 3: SINOUK RESORT TO TAD LO TO BAN KIET NGONG
Explore minority tribes (Alak, Ngae, KaTu) at the Coffins village of Bane Kokphoung. Visit the beautiful Tad Lo waterfall and Tad Phasuam before continuing to Ban Kiet Ngong at the edge of the Xe Pian Wetlands.
Day 3: Exploring tribal villages and Tad Lo waterfall
DAY 4: BAN KIET NGONG TREKKING
Trek to the archaeological site of Phou Asa with beautiful views of the Pha Pho wetland. Later, explore the 10th-century Khmer temple complex 'Tomo' and visit Ban Ngong Bong, a village of the 'Ta Oy' minority famous for wood carving.
Day 4: Trekking to the Phou Asa archaeological site
DAY 5: BAN KIET NGONG TO DONE DET TO DONE KHONE
Travel to the 4000 Islands. After lunch in Don Det, depart to the historic bridge connecting Don Khone and Don Det to view relics from the French colonial era, including the remnants of the first Lao railway.
Day 5: Arriving in the serene 4000 Islands
DAY 6: DONE KHONE
Take a TukTuk to Li Phi Falls (Somphamith waterfall). Enjoy an optional 2-hour zipline crossing the Mekong. Later, travel to Hang Khone village for a boat ride offering the best views near the Cambodian border.
Day 6: The powerful rapids of Li Phi Falls
DAY 7: DONE KHONE TO CHAMPASAK VAT PHOU
Visit Khone Phapeng waterfall, the largest waterflow in Southeast Asia. Arrive in Champasak town by noon. Spend a leisurely afternoon exploring the ancient Vat Phou temple complex and museum.
Day 7: The sacred ruins of Vat Phou temple
DAY 8: CHAMPASAK TO PAKSE TO THAKHEK
Drive to the weaving village of Ban Saphay and take a boat to Done Kho Island for a relaxed walk. Afterward, take a scenic drive all the way up to Thakhek for the night.
Day 8: Traditional weaving at Ban Saphay
DAY 9: THAKHEK TO BAN KHONG LOR
Travel to the limestone forest of Phou Hinboun. Stop at the Rock viewpoint for an amazing zipline and Via Ferrata experience. Head to Spring River resort for leisure time, swimming, or kayaking to the Blue Lagoon river spring.
Day 9: The incredible limestone forest at the Rock viewpoint
DAY 10: BAN KONG LOR TO VIENTIANE
Take a local boatman up the Hinboun River to cruise through the 7.5 km underground Konglor Cave. Marvel at huge chambers and stalactites before exiting at Ban Nathan. After lunch, drive 5 to 6 hours to the capital, Vientiane.
Day 10: Cruising through the massive Konglor Cave
DAY 11: VIENTIANE CITY TOUR
Explore Vientiane starting with Wat Si Saket and Ho Phra Keo. Visit the revered That Luang stupa and the Patouxai Victory Gate. In the afternoon, wander among the mythological statues at the famous Buddha Park.
Day 11: The glowing golden spire of That Luang
DAY 12: VIENTIANE TO VANG VIENG
Drive to Vang Vieng, stopping at Nam Ngum Dam for a boat trip to explore the lake's islands. Arrive in Vang Vieng to explore Tham Jang cave and trek to Tam None Cave before enjoying a sunset over the Nam Song River.
Day 12: Idyllic riverside views in Vang Vieng
DAY 13: VANG VIENG TO XIENG KHOUANG
Get up early for a 6 to 7 hour drive to Xieng Khouang, a region heavily affected by historical bombings. Arrive, check into your hotel, and enjoy free time exploring the local town.
Day 13: Journey through the northern mountains
DAY 14: XIENG KHOUANG AND PLAIN OF JARS
Visit the central market, then explore the impressive Plain of Jars archaeological site. Spend the afternoon in the old capital of Muang Khoun and visit nearby villages home to the Hmong and Tai Dam people.
Day 14: The mysterious Plain of Jars
DAY 15: XIENG KHOUANG TO LUANG PRABANG
Visit the Phonsavanh Central Market. Drive towards Luang Prabang, stopping to see 200-year-old Buddha images in Thampra and visiting Hmong hill tribe villages. Enjoy the mountainous scenery before arriving in the charming town of Luang Prabang.
Day 15: Passing through colorful hill tribe villages
DAY 16: LUANG PRABANG AND PAK OU CAVES
Tour Wat Sene and the magnificent Wat Xiengthong. Board a Mekong River cruise to the mysterious Pak Ou Caves, filled with thousands of Buddha statues. Stop at Ban Xanghai (rice wine village) and Ban Xang Khong (traditional paper making).
Day 16: The sacred Pak Ou Caves
DAY 17: LUANG PRABANG COOKING CLASS & SPA
Visit a local farmer's market to select fresh ingredients, followed by a 2-hour cooking class to prepare a 4-course Lao lunch. Relax and eat your creations, then complete your day with a traditional Lao massage at a local spa.
Day 17: Learning the secrets of Lao cuisine
DAY 18: LUANG PRABANG TO NONG KHIAW
Drive to the scenic town of Nong Khiaw. Explore the Phathok historical cave, used as a bomb shelter during the Secret War. Enjoy spectacular views of rice paddies and valleys before walking back to town.
Day 18: The dramatic landscapes of Nong Khiaw
DAY 19: NONG KHIAW TO LUANG PRABANG & KUANG SI
Return to Luang Prabang and visit the Kuang Si Butterfly Park. Continue to the crystal clear Kuang Si Waterfall for a swim. Visit the Kuang Si Bear Rescue Sanctuary to learn about the protection of Asian sun and moon bears.
Day 19: The stunning Kuang Si Waterfall
DAY 20: VIENTIANE RETURN
Travel back to Vientiane for the final leg of the tour, ending with a drop-off at your hotel to conclude your 20-day adventure.
Day 20: Concluding the journey in Vientiane
Inclusions & Exclusions
Included
- Accommodation in a shared twin or shared double room with daily breakfast
- Tours and transfers as mentioned by private air-conditioned vehicle
- Boat trips as mentioned in the itinerary
- Professional English-speaking guide
- All Entrance fees
- FOC Tour Leader in extra room (If applicable)
- Traditional Baci Ceremony
- Drinking Water & Cool Tissues
Excluded
- 24 & 31 December Compulsory Event & Peak Season 20 December to 06 January every year
- International flight tickets
- Lao visa
- Single supplement surcharge
- Other meals than mentioned
- Other services without mentioned
- Drinks, other than water on activity days
- Personal expenses (laundry, telephone, drinks, tip)
- Travel insurance