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9-Day Laos Culture & Nature Tour: Nong Khiaw, Bolaven Plateau & 4000 Islands

5.0 (7 Reviews)

Duration: 9 days 8 nights

Start: Luang Prabang

Tour code: LAOS9D

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Overview

The 9-Day Laos Culture & Nature Tour: Nong Khiaw, Bolaven Plateau & 4000 Islands begins at Luang Prabang International Airport and ends at Pakse International Airport. Connecting northern and southern Laos, this journey combines Luang Prabang’s cultural heritage, the mountain scenery of the Nam Ou River, the cooler highlands of the Bolaven Plateau and the peaceful islands of the southern Mekong.

Explore Luang Prabang’s historic temples and former Royal Palace, take part in a hands-on Bamboo Experience, and visit the turquoise cascades of Kuang Si Waterfall. Travel through Nong Khiaw to Muang Ngoy by local boat, stopping at traditional riverside communities before returning via the sacred Pak Ou Caves. A scheduled flight to Pakse continues the journey south to Tad Fane, Tad Yuang and the UNESCO-listed Wat Phou temple complex.

The tour concludes in the 4000 Islands, featuring Khone Phapheng Waterfall, Don Khong Island, a long-tail boat journey to Don Khone and the powerful Liphi Waterfall. Local guides, scheduled transfers, guided sightseeing and independent leisure time provide a balanced introduction to Lao heritage, rural life and river landscapes.

Luang Prabang Heritage: Explore Wat Visoun, Wat Aham, Wat Xieng Thong, the former Royal Palace and Wat Mai during a guided city sightseeing tour.
Bamboo Experience: Weave a small bamboo mat, prepare traditional Lao dishes and enjoy the lunch you helped create in a peaceful village setting.
Kuang Si Waterfall: Follow forest paths to its multi-tiered cascades and turquoise pools, with designated swimming areas available during the visit.
Nam Ou River Cruise: Travel by local boat between Nong Khiaw and Muang Ngoy, passing limestone mountains, forested riverbanks and traditional riverside communities.
Northern Laos Villages: Visit Ban Nayang, Ban Sojam and Houi Hoy to observe everyday life, local livelihoods and traditional community activities along the route.
Pak Ou Caves: Discover sacred cave chambers containing hundreds of Buddha images near the confluence of the Mekong and Nam Ou rivers.
Bolaven Plateau & Wat Phou: Visit Tad Fane, Tad Yuang, coffee-growing highlands and Wat Phou’s UNESCO-listed terraces, stairways and ancient religious monuments.
4000 Islands Journey: Experience Don Khong, Don Khone, French colonial remains, Khone Phapheng Waterfall and the powerful Mekong channels of Liphi Waterfall.

Places you’ll see

Luang Prabang

Champasak

Itinerary

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Upon arrival at Luang Prabang International Airport, meet your local guide and transfer to your hotel. Standard hotel check-in is normally available between 13:00 and 14:00, subject to room availability.

The remainder of the day is free for you to rest after your journey or begin exploring Luang Prabang independently. You may stroll through the town’s peaceful streets, admire its traditional temples and colonial architecture, or relax beside the Mekong River.

All activities after hotel check-in are self-guided. Meals are not included today and may be arranged at your own expense.

Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Meals

No Meals

Early risers may join an optional visit to observe the traditional alms-giving ceremony, during which saffron-robed monks walk quietly through the streets to receive offerings from local residents. Continue to a local morning market before returning to the hotel for breakfast.

Begin your guided Luang Prabang city tour at Wat Visoun, one of the town’s oldest temples and home to the distinctive That Makmo stupa. Continue to peaceful Wat Aham before visiting Wat Xieng Thong, one of the most important temples in Laos, located near the confluence of the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers.

After lunch, explore the former Royal Palace, now home to the National Museum, and continue to Wat Mai, known for its detailed golden bas-reliefs and its important role during Lao New Year celebrations.

Dinner is not included. The evening is free for you to discover Luang Prabang’s restaurants, cafés and night market independently.

Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Meals

Breakfast

Lunch

After breakfast, travel to a peaceful village overlooking rice fields for a hands-on Bamboo Experience. Your local host will introduce you to the many traditional uses of bamboo in Lao homes, handicrafts and everyday life.

Take part in traditional childhood games before joining a bamboo-weaving workshop. Learn how to cut and prepare bamboo strips, then spend approximately one hour weaving a small mat to keep as a personal souvenir. Continue with a traditional bamboo cooking activity, preparing dishes such as bamboo shoot soup and bamboo cooked in banana leaves, served with sticky rice. Afterwards, enjoy the lunch you have helped prepare in a pavilion-style Lao house.

In the afternoon, travel through rice fields, farms and rural communities toward Kuang Si Waterfall. Along the way, stop at villages inhabited by Hmong or Lao Loum people, where your guide will introduce you to local activities such as cotton spinning, weaving, rice harvesting and vegetable farming.

Upon arrival, follow the forest paths to the waterfall’s multi-tiered cascades and turquoise pools. The visit involves light walking along paths and steps, so comfortable footwear is recommended. You may also bring swimwear and a towel if you wish to swim in the designated areas. Return to Luang Prabang after the visit. Dinner is not included and may be arranged independently.

Important note: The Bamboo Experience is closed on Sundays.

Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Meals

Breakfast

Lunch

After breakfast, leave Luang Prabang and travel through the mountainous countryside toward Nong Khiaw. Stop at Nam Park Market to observe local residents buying and selling fresh produce, food and everyday household goods.

Continue to Ban Nayang Village, where you will gain an insight into rural life and traditional community activities. After the village visit, proceed to Nong Khiaw and enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.

In the afternoon, board a local boat for a scenic cruise along the Nam Ou River. The journey takes approximately one hour and forty minutes, passing limestone mountains, forested riverbanks and small riverside communities. Stop at Ban Sojam Village, where your guide will introduce you to the local community and its traditional way of life.

Continue the cruise to Muang Ngoy, a quiet riverside village surrounded by dramatic mountain scenery. Upon arrival, walk to your guesthouse, check in and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure. Accommodation in Muang Ngoy offers simple comfort, and dinner may be arranged independently at a local restaurant.

Overnight in Muang Ngoy.

Meals

Breakfast

Lunch

After breakfast, board a local boat and cruise downstream from Muang Ngoy to Nong Khiaw. Along the way, stop at Houi Hoy Village, a traditional community located on the banks of the Nam Ou River, where your guide will introduce you to everyday village life.

Upon arrival in Nong Khiaw, continue by road toward Luang Prabang. Enjoy lunch during the journey before proceeding to the Pak Ou area.

Visit the sacred Pak Ou Caves, situated near the confluence of the Mekong and Nam Ou rivers. The cave chambers contain hundreds of Buddha images placed here by worshippers over many generations. The caves remain an important pilgrimage site, particularly during Lao New Year celebrations in April.

After the visit, continue to Luang Prabang and check in at your hotel. Dinner is not included, leaving the evening free for independent dining and exploration.

Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Meals

Breakfast

Lunch

After breakfast, transfer from your hotel to Luang Prabang International Airport for your scheduled flight to Pakse. Upon arrival at Pakse International Airport, meet your local guide and begin your journey into southern Laos.

Lunch is included today.

Leave Pakse and travel toward the Bolaven Plateau as the road gradually climbs into a cooler highland region known for its volcanic soil, tea gardens and coffee plantations.

Visit Tad Fane Waterfall, where two streams plunge into a deep, forest-covered gorge. Take time to admire the waterfall and the surrounding highland scenery from the available viewpoints. Continue through the coffee-growing region toward Tad Yuang Waterfall, where the visit may include a walk or drive of approximately two kilometres through the plantation landscape, depending on local conditions.

After exploring Tad Yuang, continue to your hotel on the Bolaven Plateau. Comfortable footwear and basic rain protection are recommended for the tour. Dinner may be arranged at your own expense.

Overnight in Bolaven Plateau.

Meals

Breakfast

Lunch

After breakfast, leave the Bolaven Plateau and travel through the rural landscapes of southern Laos toward Champasak.

Visit Wat Phou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site situated at the base of Phou Kao Mountain. Explore the ancient temple complex, including its stone terraces, stairways, religious monuments and temple ruins, while learning about its historical and spiritual importance. The visit involves walking over uneven surfaces and climbing stone steps, so comfortable and supportive footwear is recommended.

After lunch, continue south toward the 4000 Islands and visit Khone Phapheng Waterfall, where the Mekong River flows through a broad series of powerful rapids and rocky channels. Take time to admire the scale and natural force of one of southern Laos’ most impressive waterfalls.

Continue to Don Khong Island, the largest island in the 4000 Islands area. Check in at your hotel and enjoy the peaceful island atmosphere. Dinner may be arranged independently.

Overnight on Don Khong Island.

Meals

Breakfast

Lunch

After breakfast, leave Don Khong Island and transfer to Ban Nakasang, a riverside village serving as one of the main gateways to the southern Mekong islands. Board a local long-tail boat and cruise toward Don Khone Island.

Upon arrival, explore several remnants of the island’s French colonial period, including the former railway route, an old pier and surviving colonial buildings connected with the area’s transportation history.

Continue to Liphi Waterfall, also known as Somphamit Falls, where several powerful channels of the Mekong River flow between rocky islands and forested riverbanks. Follow the walking paths to the waterfall viewpoints and take time to admire the surrounding natural scenery.

After the visit and lunch, return by boat to Ban Nakasang and continue by road to Pakse. After hotel check-in, the remainder of the evening is free for you to relax or explore independently. Dinner is not included.

Overnight in Pakse.

Meals

Breakfast

Lunch

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before spending the remaining time at leisure. Depending on your flight schedule, you may relax at the hotel, explore the nearby area independently or make your own arrangements for last-minute shopping.

Please complete the hotel check-out procedures and prepare your luggage before the scheduled pick-up time. Any activities before departure are self-guided and subject to the time available.

At the agreed time, your driver will meet you at the hotel and transfer you to Pakse International Airport for your onward flight. Lunch and dinner are not included and may be arranged independently.

End of the 9-Day Laos Tour.

Meals

Breakfast

Meeting & Pickup

Meeting point

Luang Prabang International Airport, Luang Prabang , Northern Laos , Laos

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End point

Pakse International Airport, Champasak, Southern Laos

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Dates & Availability

Adults (12 years old and above)
Children (From 2 to under 12 years old)
Infants (Under 2 years old)

Important Information

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Accommodation in a double or twin room with daily breakfast.
Private air-conditioned vehicle during all tours and transfers.
English-speaking guide during all tours.
Entrance fees for all visits as mentioned in the itinerary.
Lunch or dinner as specified in the itinerary.
Local Sampan cruise.
Water & cool towels.
Government taxes & service charge.

Drinks and meals not mentioned.
International airfare and departure taxes.
Personal travel insurance.
Personal expenses such as laundry, telephone, drinks… etc.
Laos visa fees (If you are not exempt from the visa).
Any gratuities and tip to driver and tour guide ($3-5/person/day for both guide & driver).

* Notes:

Domestic air tickets are not included, we will purchase them when you finalize the tour date.
Surcharged for Gala dinner on 24th and 31st December if any.
The timing of check-in and check-out at the hotels: Check-in at 14:00, check-out at 12:00. (Early check-in/late check-out is upon your request).
A single supplement is required if you are traveling alone.
The triple room is possible upon your request.

All customers participating in the tour must have a passport and identification document when leaving the country.
Backpack, toiletry bag, sunscreen/cap, water bottles, camera(optional), extra pair of clothes, personal medication, track pants and cotton T-shirt, sweater/ warm jackets for the night.
Dry fruits, energy bar, chocolates, torch per person with extra batteries, moov spray, dettol solution or salt to avoid leeches, sports shoes or trekking shoes or comfortable shoes with good grip, personal hygiene items: medicine, face towel, shower gel, brush, toothpaste.

Deposit 50% tour price when signing up and pay the remaining amount 10 days before starting date.
In case of tour cancellation: (Tour cancellation time is calculated by working days, excluding Saturday, Sunday and public holidays and New Year).
After the deposit, if you cancel the tour, the company will not refund the deposit.
If you cancel or change the tour within 20 - 29 working days before the departure date, please pay the fee of: 70% of the tour price.
If you cancel or change the tour within 10 - 19 working days before the departure date, please pay the fee of: 90% of the tour price.
If you cancel or change the tour 9 working days before the departure date, please pay the fee of: 100% of the tour value.

* Notes:

Your passport must be valid for more than 6 months from the date of return.
If you are a foreigner or overseas Vietnamese, please bring all your passports (bring both passports in case you have 2 citizenships), and Vietnamese visa (attached to your passport or separate sheet) while on tour.
Please follow according to the tour program, do not separate from the group. If there is a need to separate from the group, please notify the consultant when registering for the tour for more information and additional costs (if any).
Customers aged 70 years or older require a health certificate to travel abroad from a doctor and must be accompanied by a relative under 60 years old (healthy). Guests over 75 years old, please pay a premium insurance (the fee varies depending on the tour).
The program may change depending on the flight situation, the hotel in at the site will be officially confirmed on the day of the group meeting, 2-3 days before the departure date. The attractions may not be in the order in the program. During the peak weeks in the site, the hotel may not be in the central area but still ensure the hotel standard according to the program.

In case of cancellation of the tour right after registration until 10 days before the departure date, you will be subject to a 30% penalty on the travel fare.
In case of cancellation of the tour within 5-10 days before the departure date, you will be charged 50% of the travel fare.
In case of cancellation of the tour within 3-5 days before the departure date, you will be charged 75% of the travel fare.
If you cancel the tour within 0 – 3 days before the departure date, you will be charged 100% of the travel fare.

* Notes:

In case of tour cancellation due to objective incidents such as natural disasters, epidemics, postponement and cancellation of transportations service... Tourist will not be responsible for any additional compensation other than refund tour fee.
Above is the maximum cancellation penalty, this cost can be reduced depending on the conditions of each service provider for Tourist.
The tour cancellation time is calculated for working days, excluding Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays and New Year.
If the travel program is canceled or changed by either party due to a force majeure reason (fire, weather, accident, natural disaster, war, delay and cancellation of the public transport plus…), the two parties will not bear any obligation to compensate for the loss that has occurred and not bear any liability. However, each party is responsible for trying its best to help the aggrieved party to minimize losses caused by force majeure.

Children under 2 years old: 30% of adult price (baby sharing bed with parents).
Children from 2 to under 12 years old: 90% of adult price (kid sharing bed with parents) / 100% of adult price (kid has their own bed).
Children from 12 years old and up: 100% of the adult price.

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Customer Reviews

5.0

7 Reviews

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Review details

GE

George | United States

Apr 08, 2024

Auasia Travel 5-star holiday!!

Laos is so beautiful!!! I have changed my point of view about Laos after the trip. This place is such a gem. Tad Fane waterfall and Liphi waterfall are stunning. But Khone Phapheng Waterfall is the best out of all. no wonder it is called "Niagara of Asia". In the free time that do not have any sightseeing schedule, we can enjoy the surroundings by riding a bike or join a ..More
Laos is so beautiful!!! I have changed my point of view about Laos after the trip. This place is such a gem. Tad Fane waterfall and Liphi waterfall are stunning. But Khone Phapheng Waterfall is the best out of all. no wonder it is called "Niagara of Asia". In the free time that do not have any sightseeing schedule, we can enjoy the surroundings by riding a bike or join a trekking trip. Or you can just like me, enjoy the time relax at the hotel. To sum up, I can say that this tour is definitely a tour for people who are looking for a retreat trip, wanting to escape the bustling city to find peace in the nature. Big thanks to Auasia Travel team for the great vacation.Less
BE

Bellingham | Greece

Mar 21, 2024

Very beautiful Vacation!

Excellent service was provided by our driver Tom and guide Sunny from Auasia Travel team. Our tour guide knew a lot of information. The itinerary was carefully planned out, the cultural sites, such as the paper and weaving centers, were fascinating, and the many temples and palaces were well worth visiting. There was always plenty to eat during the tour meals at all of the places that were chosen. ..More
Excellent service was provided by our driver Tom and guide Sunny from Auasia Travel team. Our tour guide knew a lot of information. The itinerary was carefully planned out, the cultural sites, such as the paper and weaving centers, were fascinating, and the many temples and palaces were well worth visiting. There was always plenty to eat during the tour meals at all of the places that were chosen. Excellent pricing and a very good tour were both provided. Luang Prabang is a lovely city. Highly recommend this tour and Auasia Travel.Less
MS

Ms Amy | Germany

Mar 05, 2024

Not cheapest but great value!

It was a memorable trip for my family. The trip went through many tourist attractions and included many fun activities. The trip really suits families since it offers lots of photography and bonding opportunities. That is a great way to make the family to be closer. I highly recommend this tour. Thanks Auasia Travel team for making the beautiful holiday for us.