Laos Wildlife & Nature 14 Days / 13 Nights

Depart Huay Xai and drive for approximately 1 hour to reach the majestic Nam Kan National Park. Upon arrival, you will be greeted by a knowledgeable local guide who will accompany you throughout your journey. Get ready for a mesmerizing 3-hour jungle escapade, walking through a series of exhilaratingly long ziplines that will take you mountain to mountain, deep the heart of the Nam Kan National Park. Along the way, you'll have the opportunity to marvel at the awe-inspiring Tree King, the largest tree in Lao PDR. After a day filled with excitement, you'll arrive at your jungle Tree House in the early afternoon. Take some time to explore the surrounding ziplines and the mighty Big Tree before indulging in a delightful early dinner. As night falls, the evening is yours to enjoy. Immerse yourself in the tranquility of nature, gazing at the stars that sparkle far away the city lights, and listening to the soothing sounds of the wilderness.

Meals: Lunch, Dinner.

Accommodation: Tree House in Nam Kan National Park.

Start your day bright and early at the crack of dawn with a steaming cup of coffee. Fuel up for more zipline challenges before breakfast. Afterward, embark on your scenic hike through the breathtaking Nam Kan National Park, crossing the picturesque Nam Nga River.

Indulge in a delightful picnic-style lunch by the tranquil river, where you can take a refreshing swim. Relax and enjoy the pristine surroundings before your driver picks you up.

As the day winds down, ride back to Huay Xay and find comfort in a cozy night at the local guesthouse.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.

Accommodation: Local Guesthouse in Huay Xay.

Welcome to your Anouvong embarkation point! In the morning, we'll pick you up the guesthouse and kick-start your downstream journey. As we set sail, settle your room and brace yourself for an incredible experience.

Our first stop is the picturesque Huay Palang village, where the vibrant Khmu minority resides. Here, the locals' lives revolve around the majestic Mekong River, which serves as their main mode of transportation and a vital source of sustenance.

As the sun paints a breathtaking canvas over the Mekong River, get ready to immerse yourself in a captivating Baci Ceremony. This traditional Laotian welcome, led by village elders, is a spiritual ceremony performed on special occasions. It's a beautiful practice of calling upon spirits to bless and guide our journey.

After a delectable dinner, join us for a delightful treat in our on-board cinema. Tonight's screening is a classic Laotian "comedy" movie called "Chang" (meaning "elephant" in Laotian). Filmed in 1927 near our current location, this movie was brought to life by the same producer as the legendary King Kong.

Get ready for an enchanting adventure along the Mekong, packed with unforgettable moments and cultural gems.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Accommodation: On Cruise.

Morning Activities:

Early birds are welcome to join the daily morning exercise on the terrace deck. Choose between Tai Chi or Yoga sessions to kickstart your day. While we cruise along, our local expert will captivate you with a fascinating lecture about Asian elephants, specifically focusing on the Laotian species. Discover their cultural significance in the past and the current threats pushing them to the brink of extinction.

Afternoon Activities:

After a delicious lunch, we arrive in the charming town of Pakbeng. Immerse yourself in the vibrant local market scene and explore a stunning hilltop temple offering breathtaking views of the serene Mekong river below. Enhance your understanding of our morning lecture as we visit an elephant preservation sanctuary. These elephants, once used for logging, now find solace and safety in their sanctuary, unable to survive in the wild.

Continuing Journey:

As we sail onwards, take a moment to unwind and soak in the picturesque views while the Anouvong approaches its next destination. We make a stop at a secluded sandbank where the warm-hearted local residents Lao, Khmu, and Hmong communities warmly welcome us to the tiny village of Kop Aek. Embark on a journey through centuries-old traditions and immerse yourself in an unforgettable Laotian experience. As the evening sets in, relax with an aperitif and indulge in a captivating classical dance performance by the local people.

Culinary Delight:

As the show concludes, brace yourself for another highlight of the evening – a delightful barbecue dinner on the terrace deck. Savor the flavors while you revel in the tranquil ambiance and the enchanting sounds of nature surrounding you.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Accommodation: On Cruise.

Morning: Start your day off with a delicious breakfast before diving a captivating lecture on Laotian culture. Learn about the fascinating tribes residing along the upper Mekong River. Following the lecture, get ready for an exciting cooking class. Afterward, enjoy the scenic views as our ship, Anouvong, sails through lush vegetation and rolling verdant hills.

Afternoon: As we arrive at the charming village of Muang Keo, witness local weavers showcasing their traditional crafts. Embark on a short and easy trek to the renowned Pak Ou Caves, nestled on the rocky shore of the Mekong River. Inside the caves, you'll find approximately 4,000 sacred Buddhist statues housed in two spacious grottoes. Once back on board, take in the serene waters of this picturesque part of the Mekong.

Evening: Prepare to be enlightened by Mr. Francis Engelmann, a writer and retired UNESCO consultant, as he shares insights the rich cultural heritage, turbulent history, and daily life of the Lao people. Indulge in a delightful dinner prepared by our talented chefs. Enjoy a memorable evening with newfound friends and join our staff in celebrating this remarkable journey. Dance the night away as our ship moors near Pak Ou.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Accommodation: On Cruise.

Start off your final day with a magical sunrise aboard, followed by an exciting morning activity. After indulging in a delightful breakfast buffet, we will disembark and meet our local guide at the pier.

Travel to your hotel in style, enjoying a comfortable private car transfer. Take some leisurely time to explore the enchanting streets of Luang Prabang, soaking in its charm.

In the early evening, join your guide for a short journey to Luang Prabang's renowned night market. Immerse yourself in the bustling atmosphere as you wander through the narrow streets, savoring mouthwatering food buffets and local snacks. Let your guide unveil the secrets behind the wonderful flavors and cooking techniques of Lao cuisine.

As the night unfolds, continue to an esteemed local restaurant to experience the traditional sindad BBQ, where you have the unique opportunity to grill your own food right at the table. Rely on your knowledgeable guide to suggest the restaurant's specialties and assist you with the ordering process.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner.

Accommodation: Hotel in Luang Prabang.

Embark on an adventure in the Lao countryside that will take you through local villages and to the breathtaking Kuang Si Waterfalls.

Start your day with a scenic 40-minute drive to Ban Long Lao, a picturesque Hmong village. Immerse yourself in the rural lowland Lao and Hmong community as you explore the village on foot.

Next, set off on an easy trek through lush paddy fields, farms, and jungle. Follow a forest trail and make a stop to explore a cave that provided shelter to the villagers during the Second Indochina War.

After an hour of trekking, you'll reach the majestic Kuang Si Waterfall. Take in the awe-inspiring beauty as you enjoy a delicious Lao-style set menu lunch at a restaurant with a stunning view.

In the afternoon, indulge in relaxation and joy by the crystal-clear pools, taking refreshing swims in the natural paradise. Don't miss the chance to visit the nearby Bear Rescue Center, where you can witness the rehabilitation of sun bears and Malayan black bears rescued bile farms or wildlife traffickers.

As the day comes to an end, a private transfer will bring you back to Luang Prabang, concluding an unforgettable experience in the Lao countryside.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.

Accommodation: Hotel in Luang Prabang.

Embark on an exciting adventure Luang Prabang as you drive for 2.5 hours to the picturesque Nam Tien Lake pier. Hop on a leisurely 15-minute boat ride to reach the captivating Elephant Conservation Centre in Sayaboury Province. Once there, settle your comfortable bungalow and indulge in a delectable Lao-style lunch at the restaurant. The afternoon holds intriguing experiences as you visit the one and only elephant hospital in Laos, engaging in insightful conversations with the dedicated veterinarians. Immerse yourself in the world of elephants as you explore the museum and witness enchanting moments at the mahout school. Join the skilled mahouts as they teach you three traditional ways to mount and dismount an elephant, fostering a deeper connection. Experience the heartwarming interaction between mahout and elephant as they enjoy a refreshing bath together. As the late afternoon settles in, accompany the mahouts on a serene forest walk to lead the elephants to their nightly resting place. Before indulging in a delicious dinner, take a refreshing swim or simply unwind by the idyllic lakeshore.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Accommodation: Bungalow in Sayaboury.

Start your morning with a hearty breakfast and a safety briefing. Then, join the majestic elephants for an immersive walk through the lush tropical forest. Alongside your knowledgeable guide, discover how the local Lao people ingeniously utilize plants and trees harvested the jungle.

Spend quality time with Mae Khamon, Mae Bounnam, Mae Dok, and Phu Thongkhoon - the beloved resident elephants. Get involved in their care by assisting with feeding. Learn the traditional art of riding these gentle giants bareback, guided by skilled mahouts and knowledgeable guides.

After a delicious lunch, venture the heart of the forest to visit the elephant nursery. Witness the adorable baby elephants learning behaviors by closely observing their mothers. Gain valuable insights the impactful conservation efforts led by the NGO ElefantAsia.

As the day progresses, marvel at the elephants' playful antics during their daily bath. Accompany these magnificent creatures as they gracefully traverse the forest, guiding you to their peaceful resting place for the night.

In the late afternoon, board a boat and embark on a serene journey across the lake. Watch in awe as the sun sets over the picturesque islands, all while savoring refreshing drinks and delectable snacks. Finally, conclude this unforgettable day with a delicious dinner at the restaurant.

Immerse yourself in nature's wonders and create cherished memories on this captivating journey.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Accommodation: Bungalow in Sayaboury.

Start your day with an early breakfast, then embark on an unforgettable half-day trek through the forest with your knowledgeable guide. Prepare to uncover a hidden sacred Buddha footprint while immersing yourself in the beauty of the natural landscapes. Along the way, you'll have the opportunity to learn about local customs and traditions, making this journey even more enriching.

After an amazing final lunch, bid farewell to this memorable experience and head towards Luang Prabang. You'll arrive at your hotel around 18:00, ready to relax and reflect on your incredible adventure.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.

Accommodation: Hotel in Luang Prabang.

After enjoying a delicious breakfast, get ready to embark on an exciting journey. We will pick you up and transfer you to the airport for your flight to Pakse. Once you arrive, our friendly driver will be waiting to greet you and take you on a scenic ride to the lodge.

The rest of the day is yours to relax and enjoy at your own pace.

Meals: Breakfast.

Accommodation: The Lodge in Pakse.

Explore the captivating beauty of the Bolaven Plateau, a mesmerizing landscape shaped by an ancient volcano. Delight in its awe-inspiring waterfalls, flourishing coffee and tea plantations, and the vibrant culture of the tribal villages nestled within.

After a satisfying breakfast, your driver and guide will accompany you on a delightful journey to the Tad Lo Waterfall. This enchanting cascade is comprised of three rejuvenating falls, named Tad Suong, Tad Lo, and Tad Hang.

Recharge your energy with a mouthwatering lunch at the scenic Tad Fane Waterfalls. Then, embark on a leisurely stroll through lush vegetation to reach the magnificent Tad Yeung Waterfall, standing tall at 42 meters (138 feet).

As the day unfolds, indulge in a visit to a charming tea and coffee plantation, capturing the rich aromas and flavors of these beloved beverages. Finally, return to the cozy lodge, cherishing the memories made throughout this extraordinary day.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.

Accommodation: The Lodge in Pakse.

Explore the lush and mysterious Phou Asa Mountain, shrouded in dense jungle, an enigma awaiting discovery even by seasoned archaeologists. Unravel its secrets as you spend the day amidst the ruins of 108 stone pillars, each crowned with a massive flat rock.

Embark on this adventure with a village guide who will unveil the intriguing tales behind these mystical pillars. Were they remnants of an ancient Buddhist monastery or part of a long-lost jungle fortress? Delve the captivating history while admiring the remarkable "Buddha's footprint" etched the rock face below.

Ascend to the summit for breathtaking vistas of southern Laos, rewarding your senses with awe-inspiring views. Along the forest trails, discover the art of spotting wildlife and indigenous medicinal plants, learning your guide about the secrets of the wilderness. Rest assured, a delicious lunch is included for a truly adventurous day trek.

As the sun sets, return to your cozy lodge, filled with memories of an extraordinary day well spent.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.

Accommodation: The Lodge in Pakse.

This morning, embark on a delightful journey back to Pakse airport for your flight to Vientiane, ultimately bringing you back home.

Meals: Breakfast.

Accommodation: N/A.