Travel the length of Laos from the sleepy town of Luang Prabang in the North, to the mysterious Plains of Jars, all the way down to Pakse and the ‘4000 Islands’ in the south. The perfect chance to witness this laid back country and get away from it all. Discover it whilst it is still undiscovered!

All Bridge & Wickers holidays are tailor-made, we have included our recommended choice of hotels and will tailor your quote to your preferred standard and style of accommodation.

Day 1 - Luang Prabang

Arrive into Luang Prabang and enjoy a half day tour around this beautiful, World Heritage town. Visit a number of golden Wats (temples) and local sites and spend the afternoon exploring on your own at ‘local pace’. You’ll spend the next 3 nights at the Maison Souvannahphoum. (B)

Day 2 - Luang Prabang

Begin a Mekong Riverboat trip up the river to visit the famous and sacred Pak Ou Buddha Caves, home to many thousands of Buddha images placed by local people since the 16th century. Visit the village of Ban Xang Khong where weaving of traditional Lao textiles takes place on ancient wooden looms. (B,L)

Day 3 - Kuang Si Waterfall

If you wish, get an early start and participate in the traditional Lao rite of almsgiving to the monks. In the city, some 300 monks file through silently collecting alms. After breakfast, drive to the Kuang Si waterfall for a swim. The falls cascade over many calcified tiers and down several hundred feet into a series of cool, turquoise pools. Enjoy a local lunch before returning to the hotel for an evening at leisure. (B,L)

Day 4 - Luang Prabang – Xieng Khouang

Today drive to Xieng Khouang (about 8 hours), a great way to see more of rural Loas. Stop along the way to stretch your legs and catch scenic views. (B, L)

Day 5 - Xieng Khouang – Plain of Jars

After breakfast, transfer to the Plain of Jars, one of the more mysterious sites in Laos. Visit the old town and the stupa and temple at Muang Khoun. Enjoy lunch in a local restaurant before returning to the hotel. (B, L)

Day 6 - Xieng Khouang – Vang Vieng

Transfer to Vang Vieng, a charming small town set amidst mountains with deep caves (about 6 hours). Enjoy lunch along the way. On arrival, check in to the hotel and relax on the scenic banks of the Song River. (B,L)

Day 7: Vang Vieng

Today explore Vang Vieng. On your own, you may choose to explore caves, go kayaking, inner tubing, cycling or simply relax on your balcony with wonderful views, ask your consultant who can arrange any of these tours for you. (B)

Day 8: Vang Vieng – Vientiane

Check out and drive to Vientiane (about 3 hours). Enjoy a city tour of various golden Wats (temples) and monuments, followed by lunch. On arrival in Vientiane you will be transferred to the Settha Palace, your home for the night. (B,L)

Day 9: Vientiane – Pakse

After a very early breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Pakse. Upon arrival, embark on an easy 4 hour hike up to the Dan Sin Say Plateau. This hike goes through a local village, coffee plantations, over a hanging bridge and on to the plains. Huge boulders, epiphytes and wild orchids abound. Large pine trees grow here, giving it a wholly different character of landscape. Return to your resort for lunch, afternoon at leisure. (B)

Day 10: Pakse – 4000 Islands Area

Drive south to the famous Khmer Temple complex of Wat Phou. This UNESCO World Heritage Site represents the easternmost border of the Khmer empire. Continue on to visit an Elephant Camp to see how handlers ("mahouts") train these giant friendly beasts! Ride one of the friendly pachyderms to the top of Phou Asa to see mysterious ruins there. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant then continue to 4000 Islands by van and boat (B, L).

Day 11: 4000 Islands Area

Enjoy a trip by boat to the largest waterfalls in Asia! Khone Phapeng & Li Phi Falls. Here also live some 50-100 Irrawaddy (freshwater) dolphins. If lucky, you'll have the chance to see them! Spend the afternoon at leisure or exploring the island on your own. (B)

Day 12: 4000 Islands (Sii Phan Don) – Pakse

After breakfast, drive north to Pakse for your onward flight (B).