Note: – Cruise itinerary and schedule are subject to change due to weather, tide levels, and operating conditions. Swimming or kayaking excursions may be canceled due to poor weather. Unused services are not subject to a refund. – Meals onboard are fusion: Vietnamese, seafood & international. Guests should advise of any special food preferences, allergies or dietary requirements at least one (1) week prior to the cruise date. – Advance registration is required with full name, date of birth, nationality, gender, passport number and visa expiry date for all passengers. A valid passport is required upon check-in. Otherwise, boarding may be denied by port authority.

Laos Mysteries & Heritage – 9 Days / 8 Nights

A 9-day journey for history buffs and adventure seekers. Uncover the ancient secrets of the mysterious Plain of Jars and learn about Laos’ resilience at the MAG Center in Xieng Khouang. Experience the dramatic limestone karsts of Vang Vieng by kayak before taking the modern high-speed train to the timeless city of Luang Prabang.

Locations
Laos
Trip Duration
8 Day(s) 7 Night(s)

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Keywords : Culture & Heritage , Kuang Si Waterfall , Laos , Laos High-Speed Train , Luang Prabang , MAG Center , Nam Song River , Pak Ou Caves , Patuxay , Plain of Jars , Tak Bat , Tham Chang Cave , Vang vieng , Vientiane , Xieng Khouang

Trip code :WT-CODE 1174

Overview
Itinerary in Detail
Gallery

Day 1: Arrival in Vientiane
Day 2: Vientiane – Flight to Xieng Khouang
Day 3: Xieng Khouang
Day 4: Xieng Khouang – Vang Vieng
Day 5: Vang Vieng
Day 6: Vang Vieng – Luang Prabang
Day 7: Luang Prabang
Day 8: Luang Prabang
Day 9: Luang Prabang – Departure flight

DAY 1: ARRIVAL IN VIENTIANE

Upon arrival at Vientiane Airport, your guide and driver will warmly welcome you and transfer you to your hotel for check-in.

In the afternoon, explore the capital of Laos. Begin at Wat Sisaket, the only temple left intact after the Siamese invasion of 1828 and one of the most beautiful in the capital. Continue to Wat Phra Keo, a religious museum displaying both Lao and Khmer works of art, before passing the Presidential Palace, a graceful colonial-era landmark (viewed from outside).

Next, visit Patuxay Monument, Laos’ version of the Arc de Triomphe, where you can climb to the top for panoramic views of the city. End the day at That Luang, the most sacred monument in Laos, followed by a stroll along the Mekong River at sunset.
Overnight in Vientiane.

DAY 2: VIENTIANE – FLIGHT TO XIANG KHOUANG (B)

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your short flight to Xiang Khouang.
On arrival, visit the Mines Advisory Group (MAG) Visitor Center, where you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the heavy bombing Laos endured between 1964 and 1973 during the Indochina War.
Overnight in Xieng Khouang.

DAY 3: XIANG KHOUANG – PLAIN OF JARS (B)

After breakfast, explore Phonsavanh Market to glimpse local life before heading out to the mysterious Plain of Jars — an archaeological site featuring ancient stone jars dating back over 2,500 years.

Visit three main sites:

Site 1 – the largest and closest to town
Site 2 (Hai Hin on Phou Salator) – surrounded by serene countryside
Site 3 (Hai Hin Lat Khai) – the most picturesque, with more than 150 jars

⚠️ Please note: Due to unexploded ordnance (UXO) remaining from past conflicts, it is essential to stay on marked trails at all times.

In the afternoon, drive to Muang Khoun, a former royal capital once famed for its temples and stupas. Although heavily bombed during the war, remnants of its past grandeur remain visible.
Overnight in Xieng Khouang.

DAY 4: XIANG KHOUANG – VANG VIENG (B)

After breakfast, depart for Vang Vieng, a scenic drive through winding mountain roads and ethnic minority villages. Stop along the way to admire panoramic views and meet local communities in the highlands.
Overnight in Vang Vieng.

DAY 5: VANG VIENG (B)

After breakfast, explore Tham Chang Cave, located on the southern side of Vang Vieng. Once home to migrating villagers, the cave offers impressive stalactite formations and sweeping views of the valley.

In the afternoon, hike to a nearby Hmong village, passing through rice paddies and lush gardens. Later, enjoy a peaceful kayaking trip on the Nam Song River, gliding past dramatic limestone cliffs and rural scenes.
Overnight in Vang Vieng.

DAY 6: VANG VIENG – TRAIN TO LUANG PRABANG (B)

After breakfast, transfer to the station for your high-speed train to Luang Prabang.

On arrival, begin your exploration of this UNESCO World Heritage City. Visit Wat Xieng Thong, Laos’ most beautiful temple; the Royal Palace Museum, once home to the royal family; and Wat Mai, famous for its gilded bas-reliefs and five-tiered roof.
Spend the rest of the evening at leisure in the old quarter.
Overnight in Luang Prabang.

DAY 7: LUANG PRABANG – KUANG SI WATERFALLS (B)

Wake early to witness the moving Tak Bat ceremony, where monks collect alms at dawn. Return to the hotel for breakfast.

Later, drive through scenic countryside to the stunning Kuang Si Waterfalls. Swim in turquoise pools or hike to the upper cascades for breathtaking views. Visit the Bear Rescue Center nearby before returning to town.

In the afternoon, explore the Traditional Arts & Ethnology Center (closed Mondays) and Ock Pop Tok Living Crafts Center, where artisans share weaving and dyeing techniques.

In the evening, take part in a Baci ceremony, a traditional blessing for good luck and well-being — one of Laos’ most heartfelt cultural experiences.
Overnight in Luang Prabang.

DAY 8: LUANG PRABANG – PAK OU CAVES (B/L)

Board a traditional long-tail boat for a scenic cruise along the Mekong River. Stop at Ban Xang Khong, a weaving village, before continuing to the mystical Pak Ou Caves, home to thousands of Buddha images placed by pilgrims over the centuries.

Enjoy a Lao-style lunch served on the boat beneath the limestone cliffs, then cruise back to Luang Prabang. The afternoon is yours to relax or explore.
Overnight in Luang Prabang.

DAY 9: LUANG PRABANG – DEPARTURE (B)

Free time at leisure until your transfer to the airport for your onward flight.
Thank you for exploring Laos with Tonkin Travel — where every journey tells a story.