Vientiane and Central Laos Adventure 11 days

Upon arrival at Wattay International Airport in Vientiane, our tour guide will warmly greet you, then our driver will transfer you to the hotel for check-in procedures. Early check-in can be available. 

There are no planned activities today, so you are free to explore and immerse yourself in the rich history of this ancient city. Stay overnight in Vientiane.

Vientiane Home To Various Significant Historical And Cultural Sites

Begin of the day with the cycling tour. After a short ride, the urban landscape quickly transforms into the serene countryside along the Mekong River, giving us a chance to admire the spectacular views.

Then, we will diverge from the riverbank and approach Ban Tongpong village. Our route continues along a canal that draws its waters from the nearby Mekong River, serving the vital purpose of irrigating the adjacent rice paddies.

We'll ride along a smooth road until we reach Tad Moun waterfall, nestled within a lush tropical forest that creates a serene and picturesque environment. Even if the waterfall dries up in the dry season, it's still worth a visit for its unique rock formations.

After the waterfall, tourists hop on bikes and cruise on a newly paved road with little traffic. Starting with a slight uphill, the rest of the ride is downhill. Our journey leads to Ban Mai, visitors might have the opportunity to witness traditional fishing methods or engage with local communities to learn about their way of life. Here, we switch to kayaks and paddle back to Vientiane, combining land and water experiences in one adventure.

After lunch and a break, it's time to put on your lifejackets and embark on the downstream kayak journey back to Vientiane. While you paddle along, you can admire the breathtaking views on both sides of the river, tracing the Laos-Thailand border. Throughout the journey, you'll remain on the Lao side. The excursion concludes just outside the city center, conveniently located near a riverside bar. There, you can unwind with an ice-cold beer, the perfect way to cap off your day of adventure. 

A truck will pick you up and return to your hotel, ending the day's adventure.

Experience Cycling To Explore The Stunning City

At 8:30, tourists will transfer to Ban Hat Khai. The village is a gateway for exploring the Nam Mang River and its scenic surroundings. 

After a relaxing longtail boat trip on the Nam Mang, we join a 2-hour trek through the stunning green nature to Houay Xai, offering a relaxed atmosphere and an ideal point for exploring Laos's remote and beautiful northern regions. Our lunch will be served on the way.

We continue on the journey to Tad Xay and Pha Xay, the most beautiful 'twin' waterfall in Phou Khao Khouay, particularly during the rainy season. You will have a great chance to take a refreshing swim in the incredible surroundings of Tad Xay.

After the tour, tourists will transfer to Ban Hat Khai by truck to relax.

Tad Xay And Pha Xay The Magnificent Pair Of Waterfalls

After breakfast, visitors drive to Tad Leuk Waterfall, a picturesque place with multi-tiered cascades. 

Upon arrival, you can explore Laos' unique nature by attending a permanent exhibit at the Visitors' Center. The lunch will be served in the breathtaking view of Tad Leuk.

The Tad Leuk Nature Trail provides an immersive experience in the heart of nature, winding through dense tropical rainforests and offering a glimpse into the area's diverse flora and fauna. The trail culminates at the stunning Tad Sang Waterfall, where visitors can unwind, take in the natural beauty, and cool off in the inviting pools beneath the cascades.

Leaving the waterfall, we board a private minivan to transfer to the hotel in Paksan.

Go Trekking In Tad Sang

Following breakfast, tourists drive to Thang Beng, where you leave the highway to enter the captivating Phou Hin Poun National Protected Area. The landscape transforms into a stunning spectacle adorned with limestone karsts, verdant forests, and picturesque rice paddies. Our journey takes us through the imposing Khammouane Mountains before arriving at the Lao Loum village, where the locals have warm hospitality and friendliness toward visitors.

After that, we will start a trek through the untouched forest to reach Nam Sanam Waterfall. Here, you can immerse yourself in the natural beauty by swimming, relaxing, and exploring the surroundings. 

Late afternoon, let’s trek back to Ban Nahin, then transfer to Sainamhai Resort, where we spend the night.

Swim In The Natural Beauty Of Nam Sanam Waterfall

After breakfast, we will have a brief transfer lasting about 5-10 minutes to reach the Kong Lor Caves, a mesmerizing natural wonder in Laos's heart. The height of the cave itself is nearly 100 meters in parts, covered in impressive stalagmites and stalactites. Life jackets and head torches will be provided to ensure safety before moving to the cave's main entrance.

Once inside, you will visit 7.5 kilometers of an underground river as it twists and turns far below the earth's surface until you emerge back into the daylight at a few remote villages. 

 Traveling through the cave to reach the other side, you will have the opportunity to take a break, enjoy some refreshments, and stroll to nearby villages. 

After exploring the stunning scenery and witnessing the simplicity of rural life, visitors will return to Ban Kong Lor by boat.

In the afternoon, our tour guide will lead you to a walk around Ban Kong Lor to interact with the friendly local villagers, learn about their way of life, and experience the warm hospitality of the Lao people. We recommend you discuss with your guide to choose the distance you wish to go.

Explore The Stunning Scenery Of Underground River

Today, we will transfer to Ban Thalang, which offers a genuine and immersive cultural experience, allows travelers to step into the daily lives of the Khmu people and discover the authentic charm of rural Laos.

After one hour of drive, our first stop is Ban ThaBak, where tourists embark on a 2-hour boat ride along the Nam Theun River. Tourists can admire the breathtaking surroundings and gain insights about the local life.

We continue the journey to Ban Nam Yen while having the opportunity to cool off and take a refreshing dip in a natural swimming pool.

Our next stop is Tham Mangkon, also known as Dragon Caves. Then, head directly to the picturesque village of Tha Lang in Nakai District.

This afternoon is yours to explore and enjoy at your leisure. During this time, you have the option to take a stroll along the river to appreciate the sunset, or you can opt for a fishing excursion on the lake. Please note that the fishing activity created by the Nam Theun 2 Hydropower Dam is not included in the package and will require an on-the-spot payment.

Regarding your overnight accommodation, you have two choices. If you're inclined toward a lively atmosphere and enjoy nightlife, Sabaidee Guesthouse is a great option. However, if you prefer a serene and peaceful environment for a restful night, Phousi Thalang offers the perfect setting.

Enjoy A Relaxing Cruise On Nam Theun River

This morning breakfast will be prepared by yourself with a little help from the Guest house owner. After having the homemade meal, we transfer to Thakhek, famous for its stunning karst landscapes that create a dramatic backdrop to the area. Along the way, visitors can visit the Nam Theun 2 Visitor Center, offering information about the Hydropower project's history, design, and role in providing clean energy to the region.

After that, we continue to drive for another 2 hours to the village of Ban Nakhang Xang, surrounded by lush green hills, rice paddies, and the winding Nam Khan River. Here, tourists will meet the village guide, who leads the trek.

During the forest trek, our guide will help you gain knowledge about the local people's diet. The trail takes us through a cave into a breathtaking valley.

Lunch time will start whenever needed but we recommend enjoying your meal at Tham Hip for the most incredible experience in panoramic views. 

In the afternoon, continue the journey along Nong Thao Lake, where visitors can get a deeper insight into the lives of local fishermen.

Upon arrival at Tham Nong Paseum Cave, where you can take a refreshing swim in the clear water of the cave, fish eyes catch the light, sparkling like underwater fairies.

Moving on, visitors have a chance to explore the Buddha Cave, which has a collection of various Buddha statues, making it a significant pilgrimage site for Buddhists.

After the tour, we transfer to the hotel in Thakhek for relaxing.

Immerse Yourself In Laos Culture

When breakfast is over, tourists leave the hotel and engage on a 4-hour drive along an unpaved road through a stunning landscape of Limestone Mountains. 

We will stop by Pak Thung for lunch.

After our midday meal, we hop onto a local motorboat along the Xe Bang Fai River, and it will take approximately 2 hours to drive. Around 17:00, visitors will have an opportunity to explore the village of Ban Tham Namlort, a peaceful place, to enrich knowledge about local people's daily lives. 

Admire The Incredible Views Of The Limestone Mountains

Following your breakfast, we smoothly cruise upstream through 5 rapids in our inflatable kayaks until we reach the entrance of the Xe Bang Fai Cave. Visiting Xe Bangfai Cave is an adventure in itself.

After that, tourists paddle through the cave for 11 km to the opposite end, where you enjoy a picnic lunch before returning to our camp.

Xe Bang Fai Cave The Extraordinary Subterranean Wonder

We begin our day early with a delicious breakfast. At 8:00, we kayak for 500 meters to the place where a tractor awaits, taking us on a 1-hour journey to the starting point of our trek. This 2-hour trek through an ancient forest leads to a stunning waterfall in the Hin Namno National Protected Area. 

After a picnic lunch by the waterfall, we return to the trailhead and return to Thakhek.

Experience The Amazing Kayaking Trip In Thakhek