Tour Code: CHD

Day 1: Depart Vientiane, drive to Ban Na Hin

Our journey begins with a morning departure from Vientiane. Our first stop is to visit two unique temples seldom frequented by tourists. Wat Phabeth is an important pilgrimage site in the country containing a large footprint of the Buddha, and the riverside temple of Wat Phonsane is famous for the unexplained “Naga Rocket” phenomenon that occurs every year.  We then continue on to Paksan where we take lunch overlooking the confluence of the Namxan and Mekong rivers.  Continuing after lunch on steep and winding mountain roads we reach the amazing Sala viewpoint.  Here we take some time to marvel at perhaps one of the best views in all of Laos over the “Phu Phu Man” Limestone Forest, a cluster of sharp limestone pillars, saw-toothing across the countryside.  This afternoon we arrive at the Sainamhai riverside resort just outside Ban Na Hin where we sleep in comfortable attractive Lao style bungalows and prepare for tomorrow’s action packed day. Included meals:

Day 2:  Waterfalls, Kong Lor Cave

We begin today with a short drive and then walk to the stunning Tad Namsanam waterfalls - two-tiered 70metre falls surrounded by pristine tropical forest
cascading off the sandstone massif of Phou Phaman Mountain.  This afternoon we then head to Kong Lor Cave - perhaps the most sensational and unique natural wonders of Laos.  The turquoise pool and surrounding forest hide a small entrance created by the Nam Hinboun river tunneling through the limestone mountain. A breathtaking cavern has been created up to 90m wide and 100m high and 7.5kms long.  We transfer into small boats and travel all the way through the mountain and back again, stopping to view an impressive collection of stalagmites and stalactites, a journey that takes nearly 2 hours.  Upon return we have some time to relax and swim in the pristine waters of the pool, before the final leg of today’s itinerary.  We head downriver by boat through some of the most beautiful untouched scenery in Laos until we reach the comfortable riverside Sala Hinboun Eco-lodge where we stay tonight.  Included meals: B

Day 3:  Drive to Thakhek

This morning we drive to the peaceful town of Thakhek where on arrival we visit Pha That Sikhottabong - another important Buddhist site containing a large gold stupa set in the grounds of a 19th-century monastery with some interesting local history and legends.
After checking into our riverside hotel we have the afternoon free to explore this charming Mekong riverside town, with a fine collection of Franco-Chinese architecture, and relaxed ambience that makes this the perfect place to rest, recuperate, and enjoy the Mekong sunset with a beer lao.  Alternatively upon request we can organize an afternoon trip to Tham Pha (Buddha Cave): The trip to the cave takes you by tuk tuk through attractive villages, pristine waterways and superb karst scenery. The cave itself was only discovered by accident in 2004, by a local farmer hunting for bats.  Some of the 229 bronze Buddha statues he discovered are thought to be 450 years old and may have been hidden here when the Thais sacked Vientiane.  Included meals: B

Day 4:  Walk in Phu Hin Bun NPA (National Protected Area)

Today we take a community-based walk into the Phu Hin Bun NPA - a huge picturesque wilderness area comprising of 1580 sq km of stunning karst scenery, monsoon forest, rivers, deep turquoise lakes, caves, and waterfalls.  We begin by taking tuk tuk’s to Ban Na village where we meet our local guide.  We then walk to Kun Nam Duan,(dragon river) and stop for a swim (the more adventurous can swim into the cave) followed by lunch cooked in the jungle next to the river.  Following lunch we walk to Tham Phat Chan (Buddha Moon Cave), stop for another swim and then trek to the sacred That Muang Phon Stupa.  Continuing on to the small village of Ban Phone Tong we arrive and settle into the eco-lodge in the village centre where we stay tonight.  We then have some free time to relax late afternoon and soak up the atmosphere in this friendly village, or perhaps play a game of kator with the village children, before dinner is served, followed by a traditional welcome Baci ceremony performed by the villagers.  Included meals: B, L, D

Day 5:  Drive to Savannakhet

After saying goodbye to our hosts at the village we return to Thakhek by tuk tuk, and then continue our journey by bus to Savannakhet - Just “Savanh” to the locals this attractive, laid-back, historic town on the Mekong was formerly the French administration capital and retains many characteristics of the more famous Luang Prabang in the north.  This afternoon we take a guided city walking tour of the historic old quarter enjoying the French colonial architecture, Wat Sayaphoum - Savannakhet’s oldest and most beautiful Buddhist temple, The Dinosaur Museum - A hidden gem of a museum inside housed in a colonial era building, and Chua Dieu Giac – we discover the most important temple for Savannakhet’s sizable Vietnamese population.  Some time is left for you to browse some of the local handicraft shops here.  Included meals: B

Day 6:  Savannakhet

Today is left free for to explore Savannakhet and the surrounding area further; our guide can assist you in organising one of the many 1day community-based excursions to the sacred Dong Natad protected area. Choices include: 1 day “Honey Trail” trek to Nong Lom Lake which includes a visit to the sacred That Ing Hang stupa, 1 day cycling to Bungva Lake and 1 day “Champone” tour by tuk tuk which includes an opportunity to spot some wildlife at Monkey Forest and Turtle Lake, and includes a visit to an important ancient library.  Included meals: B

Day 7:  Drive to Pakse

This morning we visit some unique sights south of Savannakhet including Stone House - believed to have been one of the 121 rest houses constructed by Jayavarman VII (1181-1218) along the roads which once connected every corner of the Khmer empire.
Fruits Island - Sanot Island in the Mekong River is full of charm with a variety of fruit trees with 55 families living on the island.  The enjoyable boat trip there also provides a good view of Stone house from the river.  Kong Phanang Panorama - this is one of the natural wonders of the Mekong, there are many local stories as to how these huge stones and caves were created.  That Phon Stupa - the stupa was constructed from AD557 to AD700 and has an important story about its origin.  It is said that the place where the stupa was built was just one foot step by the Buddha after That Ing Hang.  After lunch we then drive to Pakse and enjoy a sunset beer lao by the Mekong riverside.  Included meals: B

Day 8:  Pakse

Tour ends after breakfast.  We can assist you with your onward travel, or continue your journey with our relaxing Classic Laos South tour. Included meals: B

Price:
From $735 based on 2 people traveling, discounts if combining with one or more of our North and South Tours, discounts for larger groups.

Our quoted prices are based on a shared twin room basis in comfortable well-located accommodation. Some 3star and 4star options are available at your request at Thakhek and Savannakhet. Please be aware that some of the less frequented rural destinations have poor choice of accommodation and the standards may vary. We are delighted to offer single room supplements on this tour, with the exception of the overnight stop at communal Eco- lodge on day 4.

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