Discover 7-day journey that leisurely takes you from the historic town of Luang Prabang, through the stunning 4,000 Islands, Champasak and Pakse. While every day is filled with unique excursions and activities, a highlight is a boat cruise along the timeless Mekong River to visit Pak Ou Cave with thousands of Buddha images.
PROGRAMME HIGHLIGHTS
Day 1-2
- A short walk will take you to witness the very special daily ritual of locals in Laos – morning alms giving or ‘Tak Bat’
- Visit Vat Visoun, the site of an impressive stupa,
- That Makmo, stylistically more Srilankalese than Lao.
- Vat Aham, which is one of the city’s major tutelary shrines, dedicated to Deveta Luang (spirit) Pu Gneu Ya Gneu (ancestors).
- Visit Vat Xieng Thong, considered as the most beautiful temple
- Visit Kuang Si Waterfalls
- Visit the rescued bears of the “Bear Lao” project on your walk along the pools up to the waterfall.
Day 3 – Board the iMekong for trip on the timeless Mekong River.
Stop to visit the local village of Ban Muang Kham that is known for producing river-weed called Khaipen in Lao language. This river-weed is very nutritious and makes a delicious appetizer. Next destination is Tam Ting Caves (also called the Pak Ou caves). This is a site of ancient spiritual significance. It was here, during the 15th century, that the animistic religions were peacefully united with Buddhism. Within the two caves of Tam Ting are stupas, shrines, and carvings of Buddha. Over 4,000 wooden figures of Buddha, many highly ornate, stand within the natural limestone caves, testament to the skill of Lao craftsmen centuries ago. Back on board iMekong savor local cuisine for lunch whilst cruising back to Luang Prabang.
Day 4
Visit the mysterious pre-Angkorian 10th century temple of Vat Phou temple (UNESCO)
Vat Phou Temple complex, is a remarkably well-preserved planned landscape more than 1,000 year old. It was shaped to express the Hindu vision of the relationship between nature and humanity, using an axis from mountain top to river bank to lay out a geometric pattern of temples, shrines and waterworks extending over some 10 km. Two planned cities on the banks of the Mekong River are also part of the site, as well as Phou Kao mountain. The whole represents a development ranging from the 5th to 15th centuries, mainly associated with the Khmer Empire.
Day 5
Visit Khone Phapheng water falls, the greatest waterfall of South East Asia.
The Khone falls is a series of cascading waterfalls in the Mekong river is one of Laos’ most beautiful natural attractions. The impressive falls in Champasak province near the Cambodian border are the largest in volume in South East Asia. The falls, also known as Khone Phapheng, are located in an area called Si Phan Don, which literally translates to “Four thousand islands”.
Visit Liphi waterfall – Li Phi’ means ‘spiritual trap’ because the Laotians believe that the falls are a trap for evil spirits as they wash down the river. Although the waterfalls aren’t very high, their surroundings are wildly beautiful. The source of water comes from dozens of places and the sound is so deafening that you can’t hear your own voice.
Day 6 – Ban Khone village & Island activities
- Learn how to fish with traditional fishing tools
- Boat trip to Done Loppardee Island
- Bamboo weaving & Lao Whisky
Day 7 – departure
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