5 DAYS LUANG PRABANG – BAN THAHEUA – VANG VIENG – XIENG KHUANG – VIENTIANE

After breakfast, we make our way over the mountains to Xieng Khuang, the province which is best-known for having been heavily bombed during Indochina War. But of course it is also famous for the historic Plain of Jars. The journey takes about 8 hours and we can make some stops at villages to observe the rural life of local people, including ethnic minorities such as the Hmong people. Our first stop is at Ban Kiew Nya for the panoramic view before continuing down to Ban Phoudam, where we can see the two hill tribe minorities of H’Mong and Khamu living in harmony. After that we visit the H’Mong market at the junction of Phoukhoun.

Arrival in Phonsavanh, transfer to your hotel. Overnight in Xieng Khuang

In the morning you will journey through Phonsavan and the Plain of Jars.

Your trip will enable you to visit the 3 sites and also discover some local villages where you can observe local village life. Site 1, close to the town is settled at Thong Hai Hin and is the biggest site. Site 2 is at Hai Hin on Phou Salator, “Phou” in Lao means “Mountain”. End your tour at site 3 in Hai Hin Lat Khai. Site 3 is the most impressive with over 150 jars. Close to this site, you will visit Ban Xiengdi where there is a small monastery with Buddha images. On the way back, you will pass areas that were important battlefields during the American secret war. You can still see bomb craters from that time today.

Attention: The Plain of Jars has been heavily bombed during the war and you have to respect all the signs and stay along the defined trails due to bombs, UXO and landmines.

In the afternoon, enjoy a half day trip to Muang Khoun. The foundation and columns of Wat Pia Wat are still standing and close to this site, there is also an old 30m stupa constructed in the Lan Xang/Lanna period.

Then return to Xieng Khouang and overnight.

Early morning, we visit the Central Market of Phonsavanh to watch the different hill tribe people barter and exchange merchandises.

After breakfast, we leave Xieng Khuang for our scenic drive to Vang Vieng.

Then, drive to the T-junction at Phoukhoun to visit the colorful market of hill tribe people. The panoramic view at the peak of Phou Phiengpha is what we never want to miss today before making the last photo stop at Phatang Mountain view point to admire the beautiful scenery before reaching Vang Vieng.
Upon arrival, we start our board through paddy field areas heading to Tham Phoukham caves, where your breath will be taken away seeing the most beautiful and famous limestone cavern, surrounded by natural forests. Along the way, you have chance to explore the local cultures by greeting the local villagers and learning about their daily lifestyle. There is a small natural pool in front of the caves where you can take a swim to refresh yourself from the hot climate or you could explore the nearby area.

Overnight in Vang Vieng

After breakfast, we transfer to visit the cave of Tham Jang.

We then transfer to Ban Thaheua and visit the local fish market.

Transfer further to the nearby hotel overlooking Nam Ngum lake, the “sea of Laos”

You are free in the afternoon to relax, walk around the nearby village, or take a dip into the inviting floating pool of the resort.

Overnight in Ban Thaheua

Optional Kayaking Tour around Nam Ngum lake >> with surcharge (TBA)

We will have a 2-hour kayaking around the Nam Ngum lake to explore some islets, and local fishing villages. The kayaking is easy and fun, requiring no special skills. We will stop at Huay Samom village, chatting with the host family, and learning about the weaving techniques.

After breakfast, our guide will escort you to the nearby village, passing through the local primary school, which is livelier during the school time. We will also visit the local market with plenty of fish stall displays.
Continue to the fisherman’s house by the lake, we see the fish filleting demonstration. The host also shares with you the 3 secret fish receipts. Trying some fish/local foods before walking back to the resort.

In the afternoon, we will transfer to Vientiane. Along the way, visit Dong Makkhai Market, where various hill tribes come to trade goods and buy provisions.

We arrive in Vientiane just in time to catch the sunset.

Overnight in Vientiane