Itinerary Details
Day 1
Luang Prabang Arrival
On arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Tonight, meet your fellow travellers over welcome drinks while your Tour Leader explains important details and logistics of the journey ahead. Please open your welcome pack as it contains details of tonight’s activities.
Overnight in Sala Prabang or similar.
Luang Prabang is Laos’ most beautiful and engaging town. Surrounded by mountainous forests and situated at the confluence of the Khan and Mekong rivers, Luang Prabang has a tranquil, old-world charm. This fascinating town was the capital of the Lane Xang (million elephants) kingdom until the mid-16th century. The legacy of the European presence here has blended delightfully with more than thirty gilded Buddhist temples to create a town rich in atmosphere and history. Begin your discoveries with a leisurely walk around the old quarters, starting from the vibrant morning market, then along the charming city main street to the National Museum. Afterwards, visit Wat Xieng Thong, ‘The Temple of the Golden City’, considered the finest temple in Laos. Time to relax and embark on a scenic boat ride for a memorable sunset cruise along the Mekong River.
Overnight in Sala Prabang or similar.
Start your day with a drive to the outskirts of Luang Prabang to Kuang Si Waterfall, the most beautiful of the waterfalls near the city. Swim and explore the surroundings, enjoying the turquoise waters and jungle environment. Then, visit a nearby bear sanctuary to see Asiatic black bears rescued from the illegal wildlife trade. Upon returning to town, experience the fascinating world of Lao textiles at Ock Pop Tok Weaving Centre. In the evening, journey to Bamboo Experience where you will witness a bamboo presentation while enjoying a dinner accompanied by a traditional baci ceremony.
Overnight in Sala Prabang or similar.
Day 4
Luang Prabang to Bolaven (B)
Continue your journey south with a flight to Pakse. On arrival, begin exploring with a scenic drive through mountainous and winding roads to the Bolaven Plateau region. Along the way, meet Mr. Kamsome, a local coffee farmer and expert, who will take you on an off-road driving adventure in an old army jeep through his coffee plantation.
Overnight in Sinouk Coffee Resort or similar.
Day 5
Bolaven to Done Khong (B)
Experience the verdant jungles and rolling mountains starting with a visit to Tad Fane or the “Twin Waterfalls.” Proceed to the ancient ruins of Wat Phu (Mountain Temple), a UNESCO World Heritage Site noted as one of the oldest archaeological sites in Laos. Continue the scenic route until reaching Done Khong, the largest island of Si Phan Don (4,000 Islands).
Overnight in Pon Arena Hotel or similar.
Explore an archipelago of islands characterized by a slow pace of life. Sail along the Mekong River, passing fishing villages, and arrive at Done Khone where you will disembark. On the island, enjoy a bicycle ride to iconic sights such as the old French locomotive and Railway Bridge. Visit the spectacular Liphi Waterfalls, a collection of powerful falls that spill down in multiple directions before joining the Mekong River.
Overnight in Pon Arena Hotel or similar.
Day 7
Done Khong to Pakse (B/D)
Continue with a visit to the mighty Khone Phapheng Waterfalls, marveling at its vast size and powerful cascading currents. Proceed to the village of Ban Khiet Ngong, located within Xe Pian National Protected Area, an extensive wetland home to rare wildlife species. Enjoy a short walk ascending to the top of Phou Asa Mountain, where mysterious stacked plate-like rock columns stand as if guarding a hidden structure believed to be a temple. Return to Pakse for an evening featuring a traditional Sindad dinner.
Overnight in Athena Hotel or similar.
Transfer to the airport for your onward travels.
Travel Notes
Luang Prabang to Pakse
Approx. 470 km / Approx. 1 hour by flight.
Pakse to Bolaven Plateau
Approx. 70 km / Approx. 2 hours by road.
Bolaven Plateau to Done Khong
Approx. 130 km / Approx. 4 hours by road.
Done Khong to Pakse
Approx. 120 km / Approx. 3 to 4 hours by road.
Travel in Southern Laos involves a mix of short domestic flights and road journeys through mountainous and rural terrain. Roads can be winding and in varying conditions, requiring flexible travel times. The Bolaven Plateau and Si Phan Don areas are remote, with basic but comfortable accommodations. Seasonal weather may impact road quality, especially in the rainy season. Transfers typically include off-road elements and require local vehicle arrangements. Arranging flights early and allowing buffer times for road travel helps ensure smooth connections.
All travel distances and times are indicative only and may vary depending on traffic, weather, routing and local conditions.
Destination Information
Luang Prabang
Luang Prabang is a city where the flow of the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers shapes both its physical layout and daily life, creating a tranquil environment marked by traditional wooden houses and French colonial architecture. This former royal capital retains a quiet pace, with narrow streets lined by Buddhist temples and markets that reflect its blend of spiritual and cultural heritage. The city’s compact scale encourages exploration on foot, revealing layers of history visible in its well-preserved temples and the Royal Palace Museum, which offers insight into its monarchical past. The surrounding landscape, including nearby waterfalls and forested hills, provides a natural contrast to the urban calm. Early mornings bring a unique local rhythm as monks participate in the alms ceremony, a practice deeply woven into community life. Luang Prabang’s appeal lies in this combination of serene river settings, historical architecture, and ongoing religious traditions, offering a setting where visitors can observe the coexistence of everyday activity and enduring cultural practices.
Bolaven
Bolaven is a highland region distinguished by its cool climate and fertile volcanic soil, which shapes both its landscape and local livelihoods. The area’s rolling plateaus are punctuated by dense forests, dramatic cliffs, and deep river gorges, creating a varied terrain that contrasts with the lowland plains typical of the surrounding region. This environment supports extensive agricultural activity, with coffee plantations spread across the plateau forming a defining feature of the local economy and landscape. The presence of ethnic minority villages adds a layer of cultural diversity, where traditional practices and crafts continue alongside farming. Natural formations such as limestone caves and cascading waterfalls contribute to the rugged character of the area, offering tangible examples of the region’s geological complexity. Everyday life here unfolds at a measured pace, closely tied to the rhythms of cultivation and the natural environment. The combination of agricultural richness, distinctive topography, and cultural variety makes Bolaven a place where the landscape and local traditions are deeply interconnected and readily experienced.
Done Khong
Done Khong is a tranquil expanse of riverine islands nestled within the Mekong River’s broad flow, where water shapes both the landscape and local life. The area’s slow pace contrasts with the surrounding mainland, offering a setting where traditional agricultural practices remain integral to daily routines, visible in fields and along riverbanks. The islands’ natural environment supports a diverse ecosystem, with waterways weaving through lush vegetation and small villages. Scattered throughout are remnants of French colonial architecture, reflecting a historical period that left a subtle imprint on the built environment alongside enduring Khmer cultural influences evident in local customs and religious sites. The Si Phan Don archipelago, of which Done Khong is a part, is defined by its network of islands and channels, creating a distinctive spatial layout that encourages a close relationship between inhabitants and the river. This combination of natural features, historical layers, and ongoing rural life gives Done Khong a quiet yet textured character, inviting visitors to observe how the Mekong shapes both the environment and the rhythms of community life.
Hotel Information
Accommodation throughout this journey is carefully selected to complement the overall travel experience and typically consists of comfortable 3 to 4-star hotels, resorts, lodges, or boutique properties, depending on the destination, routing, and local infrastructure.
All properties are chosen with care based on location, comfort, service standards, atmosphere, and suitability for the itinerary. Exact hotel names may vary depending on departure date, seasonality, group size, and availability at the time of booking.
Final hotel details will be provided with the confirmed travel documentation. In some cases, accommodations may be replaced by properties of a similar standard should operational reasons or availability require a change.
For specific accommodation requests or further questions regarding the hotels used on this journey, please contact our reservations team at reservation@kavaya.travel.
Inclusions & Exclusions
Included
✓Arrival and Departure Transfers
✓English-speaking Tour Guide
✓Entrance fees for locations specified
✓Meals as stated (B = Breakfast; L = Lunch; D = Dinner)
✓Tipping for Guide and Driver
Not Included
–Transport in Air-conditioned Vehicles
–Accommodation in Stated Hotels or similar
–Early Check-in and Late Check-out
–International Flights
–Meals not stated in itinerary
–Porters
–Travel Insurance
–Visa Fees
–Personal Expenses (Laundry, Mini-bar, Phones, Drinks, etc.)
