Tour Code: SE1

Day 1:  Depart Vientiane, drive to Ban Na Hin

Our journey begins with a morning departure from Vientiane.  We stop to visit two unique temples on the way to our destination for lunch.  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 include 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:  Thakhek

Tour ends after breakfast, our guide can assist you with your onward travel or return to Vientiane.

From $375 based on 2 people sharing, discounts if combining with one or more of our North and South itineraries, discounts for larger groups.

Our quoted prices are based on a shared twin room basis in comfortable well-located accommodation. We are delighted to offer single room supplements on this tour.

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