Laos Expedition: Sacred Stupas & Limestone Wonders

09 Days   View Prices  
    
Vientiane Laos
Vientiane Laos
Vientiane Laos
Pakse Laos
Pakse Laos
Khong Island Laos
4000 islands
Kong Lor Cave
Overview
pakse-1_2025-02-07_885.webp
  • Start/End: Vientiane/Pakse
  • Route: Vientiane - Kong Lor - Thakhek - Pakse - Tadlo - Wat Phou - Khong Island - 4000 Islands (Si Phan Don)
  • Duration: 09 Days
  • Theme: Authentic, Mountain & Minority, Culture and Heritage, Nature & Discover
  • Tour type: Private tour
  • Tour schedule: Daily departure
  • Tour guide in: English, Français
Highlight

Embark on a nine-day journey through the heart of Laos, where natural wonders and cultural heritage come alive. Begin in Vientiane, the capital of Laos, with visits to ancient temples and iconic landmarks. From there, venture south to uncover hidden treasures like the 7-kilometer-long Kong Lor Cave and the dramatic karst landscapes of Phou Hin Boun. Experience thrilling adventures at Phou Pha Marn’s limestone forest and explore mystical caves in Thakhek. Discover the Bolaven Plateau's stunning waterfalls and local ethnic villages, followed by a visit to the historic Wat Phou temple. Conclude with a pleasant boat tour of the 4000 Islands, marveling at the majestic Khone Phapheng waterfall, before departing from Pakse. This itinerary offers a perfect blend of adventure, culture, and natural scenery.

Itinerary
Day by day itinerary Expand All
  • Pickup at Vientiane airport, transfer to hotel, and explore the city's highlights if time permits.

    Arrival at Vientiane International Airport, the capital of Laos, nestled in a peaceful bend of the Mekong River. Meet our local driver (without guide) and transfer to your hotel.

    Vientiane is a fascinating city with understated charm, where traditional Lao culture blends with Thai, Chinese, Vietnamese, French, Soviet, and American influences. This rich cultural mix is reflected in its architecture, cuisine, and uniquely relaxed way of life.

    If time permits, Breakfast at the hotel, then set off to explore Vientiane.

    First stop: Vat Sisaket, built in 1818, famous for its thousands of Buddha statues carefully arranged in wall niches. It is one of the few temples that survived the Siamese invasion of 1828.

    Right across the street, visit Ho Phra Keo, a former royal chapel turned museum. This prestigious site once housed the Emerald Buddha, now revered in Bangkok. Its refined architecture makes it a gem of Lao religious art.

    Make a short stop at Patuxai, the Lao-style triumphal arch built in 1959 as a tribute to war victims. From the top, you can enjoy a beautiful panoramic view of the city.

    Continue to That Luang, the great golden stupa and spiritual symbol of the country. Founded in the 16th century by King Setthathirath, this sacred monument represents both the nation’s independence and the Lao people's Buddhist faith.

    Included:
    English speaking guide
    Transportation
    Entrance fees
    Lao Orchid Hotel(Superior Room) *or similar hotel
    Chao Anou Road, Watchan Village, Chanthabouly District, Vientiane, Laos
    Video:
  • Discover Prabhat Ponsan ancient stupa, enjoy stunning views from Khoun Kham, and stay at Kong Lor village.

    You will be picked up from your hotel in Vientiane this morning and head south along Route 13. Along the way, we will stop at Prabhat Ponsan, an ancient stupa dating back to the 15th century. This site is also home to an ancient Buddha footprint, discovered in 1933, which has since become an important religious landmark in Laos.

    After lunch, we continue into Khammouane Province, passing through a scenic mountainous region. We’ll pause at a viewpoint near Khoun Kham to take in stunning panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. From there, we proceed to Kong Lor village, where you will spend the night.

    Included:
    English speaking guide
    Meal: B
    Transportation
    Entrance fees
    SpringRiver Resort(Bungalow) *or similar hotel
    Ban Tiou Village, Khammouane, Laos
    Video:
  • Take a long-tail boat to explore Kong Lor cave.

    We'll take a long-tail boat into the famous Kong Lor Cave. Stretching over 7 kilometers, the cave features an awe-inspiring cavern more than 100 meters high. After navigating through this natural wonder, we stop for lunch in a remote village on the far side of the cave. We then make our way back to the hotel, arriving before sunset.

    Included:
    English speaking guide
    Meal: B
    Boat: Kong Lor
    Entrance fees
    SpringRiver Resort(Bungalow) *or similar hotel
    Ban Tiou Village, Khammouane, Laos
    Video:
  • Immerse yourself in the limestone forest of Phou Hin Boun, participate in a zipline, spider net, and discover Thakhek cave.

    We'll set off by road to Phu Pha Marn – The Rock Viewpoint. This viewpoint serves as the gateway to the Phou Hin Boun National Protected Area, a hidden world of ancient karst forests, breathtaking vistas, and endemic wildlife in central Laos. Here, you’ll immerse yourself in one of Asia’s largest limestone forests with an exciting itinerary of zip lines, spider nets, and canopy walks.

    We begin our adventure with a thrilling zipline ride, soaring across a stunning valley. From there, we tackle an exhilarating circuit featuring via ferrata routes, suspension bridges, additional zip lines, and a spider net. The experience culminates with a spectacular final zip line ride across the rock formations, leading back to the Phou Pha Marn Visitor Center, where you can relax and enjoy the views from Khop Chai Der Restaurant.

    After the adventure, we transfer to Thakhek to visit Nang Aen Cave, a vast cavern located 15 km east of the town, just 1 km south of Route 12 along "Cave Alley." The central chamber of this remarkable cave rises 30 meters high and is steeped in legend, named after the mythical orphan Nang Samounta.

    Next, we visit Tha Falang, a site once used as a boat ferry crossing by the French during the colonial era.

    Included:
    English speaking guide
    Meal: B
    Transportation
    Entrance fees
    Inthira Thakhek Hotel(Suite Room) *or similar hotel
    79, Unit 4 – Anou Road, Ban Thakhek Kang, Khammouane, Laos
    Video:
  • Visit Pha That Sikhottabong temple, then travel to Pakse.

    This morning, we will explore the town of Thakaek, including a visit to Pha That Sikhottabong, one of the most renowned temples in the area. This temple is part of a monastery that dates back to the 19th century. After our visit, we will continue our drive to Pakse.

    Included:
    English speaking guide
    Meal: B
    Transportation
    Entrance fees
    Pakse Hotel(Superior) *or similar hotel
    No. 5 Ban Wat Luang, Pakse 1600 Laos, Pakse, Laos
    Video:
  • Discover Tad Fan and Tad Lo waterfalls, visit villages of the Alak, Nge, Katu, and learn about their culture.

    This morning, you'll be met and driven west to the Bolaven Plateau, known for its cooler climate due to its elevation above the Mekong Valley. The area is renowned for its many waterfalls, including the stunning Tad Fan, which we’ll visit. Tad Fan features twin cascades plunging into a deep gorge surrounded by lush vegetation—a truly breathtaking sight.

    Exploring the plateau offers a refreshing escape from the heat and a chance to observe the cultivation of coffee, tea, cardamom, bananas, and other crops along the way. We’ll then arrive at Tad Lo, home to another beautiful waterfall and several ethnic minority communities. Here, we'll visit the villages of the Alak, Nge, and Katu people before checking into your hotel.

    Included:
    English speaking guide
    Meal: B
    Transportation
    Entrance fees
    Sabaidee Valey(Deluxe Villa) *or similar hotel
    Km.33 16E road Paksong Champasak, Laos, Pak Nam Noy, Laos
    Video:
  • Transfer to Khong Island and explore Wat Phou temple.

    We set off for Khong Island. Along the way, we visit the remarkable pre-Angkorian ruins of Wat Phu, a temple dramatically perched in one of Southeast Asia's most stunning locations. After enjoying lunch at your own pace, we’ll continue our drive to Khong Island. 

    Included:
    English speaking guide
    Meal: B
    Transportation
    Entrance fees
    Pon Arena Hotel(Deluxe Room) *or similar hotel
    Don Khong Laos, Khong Island, Laos
    Video:
  • Have a long-tail boat trip, discover Liphi and Khone Phapheng waterfalls, and return to Pakse

    We head out to explore the surrounding countryside and embark on a long-tail boat tour of the Don Khone area. Along the way, we visit remnants from the French colonial period and the stunning Liphi Waterfall, also known as the "Corridor of the Devil". We then return to the mainland at the fishing village of Ban Nakasang and continue our journey south to Khone Phapheng, the largest waterfall by volume in Southeast Asia. This awe-inspiring natural wonder is surrounded by wildlife, making it one of the most breathtaking spots in Laos. Finally, we’ll drive back to Pakse.

    Included:
    English speaking guide
    Meal: B
    Boat: Khong island
    Transportation
    Entrance fees
    Pakse Hotel(Superior) *or similar hotel
    No. 5 Ban Wat Luang, Pakse 1600 Laos, Pakse, Laos
    Video:
  • Transfer to airport

    You'll be transferred to Pakse airport for your departure flight.

    Included:
    Meal: B
    Transportation
    Video:
Prices
Group size
Sharing Twin/Double Room
Private Single Room

Traveling with more than 8 people? You can select a different group size in the next step.

Group Size 9+
Inclusions
  • English speaking tour guide following itinerary
  • All entrance fees and tickets mention on itinerary
  • Selected Accommodations with daily breakfast
  • Boat: Kong Lor, Khong island
  • Transportation
  • Meal: Breakfast: 08
  • Service charges and Taxes
Exclusions
  • International flight from/to your country
  • Travel insurance
  • Personal expenses
  • Tipping and Gratuities
  • Other not mentioned in the program
Extensions
Why not treat yourself to a relaxing beach break or a cultural discovery?
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  • Passeport & Visa

    Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your date of arrival in Vietnam and contain a minimum of two blank pages.

    French citizens, as well as nationals of 12 other countries (including Japan, South Korea, the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, and Spain), may enter Vietnam without a visa for stays of up to 45 days. If you plan to stay longer, or if your nationality is not eligible for this exemption, please check with the nearest Vietnamese embassy or consulate, or feel free to contact us for further information.

  • International flights

    International flights are not included in the price of our tours. You are free to choose and book the flights that best suit your needs and schedule. If you wish, our travel consultants can assist you in finding the best available options.

  • Travel insurance

    Valid travel insurance is mandatory to participate in the tour. It must cover the following:

    • Emergency medical expenses (including hospitalization and repatriation)
    • Trip cancellations or interruptions
    • Activities included in your itinerary, including outdoor excursions

    Before departure, please provide us with the following information:

    • The name of your insurance company
    • Your policy number
    • A 24/7 emergency assistance contact number

    Please check whether your credit card already provides coverage and consider purchasing additional insurance if necessary.

  • Weather & best time to visit Vietnam

    Spring (February to April) and autumn (September to December) are the most pleasant seasons to visit Vietnam, with mild weather and limited rainfall. However, the country stretches over more than 1,600 km, and weather conditions vary significantly. Vietnam can be visited year-round:

    • North: Cool winters (December to February), hot and humid summers.
    • Central: Rainy season from September to November.
    • South: Tropical climate, warm year-round, with frequent showers from May to October.

    Please pack clothing suitable for each region according to your itinerary.

  • Time zone

    Vietnam operates on GMT+7 year-round. There is no seasonal time change.

  • Currency and Payments

    The local currency is the Vietnamese Dong (VND). US dollars and euros are sometimes accepted in hotels, but this is not guaranteed.

    • Credit cards (Visa, MasterCard) are accepted in most mid-range to high-end hotels, restaurants, and shops.
    • ATMs are widely available in major cities.
    • Currency exchange is possible at the airport, banks, or authorized exchange offices.

    Tip: Avoid using old, damaged, or torn banknotes, as they are often refused for payment.

  • Domestic flights

    If your tour includes domestic flights, the exact schedules, flight numbers, and relevant details will be provided in your travel documents.

    Please arrive at the airport at least 2 hours before departure, bringing your passport and electronic ticket (or booking reference).

    Baggage: Checked baggage allowance generally ranges between 20 kg and 23 kg, depending on the airline. Cabin baggage is usually limited to 7 kg.

    Attention: Additional fees may apply if you exceed the permitted limits. We recommend checking the specific conditions of each airline (Vietnam Airlines, VietJet Air, Bamboo Airways, etc.) before your flight.

    Flight schedules are subject to change by the airline. We will keep you informed in case of any updates.

  • Flight Connections

    If you have a connecting domestic flight in Vietnam, please follow these steps upon arrival:

    • Collect your checked luggage.
    • Proceed through immigration and customs.
    • Make your way to the domestic terminal (at some airports, this may require a walk or a shuttle transfer).

    Airport staff are generally available to assist you if needed. Do not hesitate to ask for help.

    Recommended connection time: minimum 2 hours 30 minutes
    This allows sufficient time for possible flight delays, queues at immigration and customs, and transfers between terminals.

    Practical tip: At major airports such as Hanoi (Noi Bai) or Ho Chi Minh City (Tan Son Nhat), domestic and international terminals are not always located in the same building. Please allow ample time and follow the signs upon arrival.

  • Vaccinations & Personal Medication

    No mandatory vaccinations are required to enter Vietnam.

    However, health authorities recommend the following vaccinations, especially for long stays or travel in rural areas:

    • Hepatitis A and B
    • Typhoid fever
    • Tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis (booster shots recommended)
    • Rabies (in case of prolonged stays in rural areas or possible contact with animals)

    If you are undergoing regular medical treatment, please ensure you bring a sufficient supply of medication for the entire duration of your stay.
    Do not forget to carry your prescription, preferably in English, to facilitate any checks or medical consultations on site.

  • Malaria & Mosquitoes

    The risk of malaria is very low in Vietnam’s main tourist areas, including Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Ninh Binh, Mai Chau, Pu Luong, Hue, Hoi An, Da Nang, Ho Chi Minh City, and the tourist areas of the Mekong Delta. No malaria prophylaxis is generally recommended for these regions.

    However, if you plan to travel to remote rural, forested, or mountainous areas (for example, Muong Te in Lai Chau, certain border or isolated areas of the northern highlands, or deep areas of the Mekong), you should consult a doctor or a travel medicine clinic to assess the need for preventive treatment.

    Tips to protect yourself from mosquito bites

    • Apply insect repellent to exposed skin containing DEET (30–50%), icaridin, or PMD (citriodiol).
    • Wear long, covering clothing, especially in the early evening and at night.
    • Sleep under a mosquito net, particularly in simple accommodations, natural settings, or places without air conditioning.
    • Use electric diffusers or mosquito coils in the evening in non-air-conditioned areas.
    • Avoid stagnant water near your accommodation, as it is a breeding ground for mosquitoes.
  • Airport Pick-up

    Upon your arrival in Vietnam, our driver will be waiting for you at the airport exit, holding a sign displaying: “IZITOUR – [Your name]”.

    Please take a moment to carefully check the signs at the arrival exit. If you have any difficulty locating our driver, do not hesitate to contact our assistance team, available 24/7, at the following number:
    +84 382 536 266 (direct call or WhatsApp available).

    Practical tip: Make sure your phone is activated for international calls or internet access upon arrival to facilitate communication if needed.

    Note: At some airports, several drivers may be waiting at the exit. If you do not immediately find our representative, please remain in the meeting area and contact us — we will assist you promptly.

  • Small Group Tour

    Our small-group tours generally bring together between 4 and 7 participants. You will travel alongside people from diverse backgrounds, with different nationalities, cultures, and ages. This is a great opportunity to share experiences, exchange perspectives, and build meaningful connections throughout the journey.

    To ensure that all planned activities run smoothly, punctuality is essential. Please respect the schedules communicated by your local guide to guarantee an enjoyable and seamless experience for the entire group.

  • Shared and private room

    For group tours, room allocation is based on the gender indicated on your passport. By default, you will share a twin room with a traveler of the same gender.
    You will be accommodated in a single room in the following cases:

    • You prefer to have a single room.
    • No other traveler wishes to share a room.

    In both cases, a single supplement applies. Please contact your travel consultant to check availability and the exact supplement amount.
    Note: This supplement does not apply to train cabins, which include four berths per compartment.

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Price per pax in USD
  • Adult in sharing Twin/double room
  • Adult in single room

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