Location: Luang Prabang
Day 1 - 11 Dec 2018
Luang Prabang Airport
Content: Took Qatar airlines from New York to Laos via Doha and Bangkok. Small airport with nice and clean facility. Walk-in and out in less than 10 minutes. Overall this airport by far the easiest to get in and out.
Victoria Xiengthong Palace
Content: 4* property it was. The hotel is a block away from the hustle and bustle while still located centrally. The property is on the monks' morning route which means that you don't have to get up too early see the morning ritual which you should see.
Wat Pa Phai
Content: Wat Pa Phai is a great picturesque temple to visit. This temple is a little bit forgotten by tourists so there will not be many other people there, but it is certainly worth checking out. Tuktuks are available easily and are cheap to travel within Laung Prabang.
Wat Mai Suwannaphumaham
Content: It is the largest temple here you can explore and is extremely grand. The interior and exterior are covered with black and red lacquer with gold leaf. The entrance fee is $1.10
Pak Ou Caves
Content: Carry a torch with you as one of the caves is entirely dark. Make sure to wear good shoes. Avoid having to make your journey in the late evening as most boats stop operating after sunset. Women are supposed to cover their shoulders and knees.
Luang Prabang Night Market
Content: Whether you are craving something sweet, noodles, rice or a simple baguette, you can get it all at the Luang Prabang Night Market. A popular option for travelers is the vegetarian buffets. After dinner its the perfect time for some souvenir shopping! There are so many items being sold here, though it does get a little repetitive.
Location: Luang Prabang
Day 2 - 12 Dec 2018
Kuang Si Falls
Content: It is standard to have 3 hours exploring the falls. On arrival at Kuang Si Falls, you will first pass a bear sanctuary. These bears have been saved from people using them for medical reasons and now call this place home. After that, you will reach the lower pools which are perfect for swimming. There are plenty of viewpoints to appreciate the beauty from and there is even a path which you can climb to the top. Be aware it is quite steep and in my opinion there is nothing overly special at the top so if you’re limited on time just give the climb a miss.
Khaiphaen
Content: One of the best places to eat in Luang Prabang. This restaurant provides training opportunities for locals wanting to get into the hospitality industry.
Mount Phousi
Content: This is the best spot to watch the sunset. head up at least an hour before the sun goes down as many tourist will be there.
Utopia
Content: Grab a Lao beer and a meal while you wait for this place to get buzzing. Delicious cocktails are served and the further the night goes on you will notice people going bowling.
Location: Luang Prabang
Day 3 - 13 Dec 2018
Rice Farming Experience
Content: It was an interesting half day trip. We did all the steps involved in the rice process, from planting, transplanting, drying, cooking and finally tasting. The tour included many snacks and even some rice wine at the end. We got to plow with a water buffalo.
Chompet
Content: Once in Chompet it’s best to just walk around and explore at your own pace. The only must do thing here is to see Wat Chompet on the hill.
Garavek Storytelling
Content: It does not officially begin until 6.30pm. Though it is best to purchase tickets when they first go on sale at 6.00pm so you can reserve a seat. An hour long show is put on by an older gentleman playing an instrument called a khene, whilst a younger man tells stories. It is a truly unique experience and with only 30 seats it makes for a special evening.
Location: Vang Vieng
Day 4 - 14 Dec 2018
Inthira Vang Vieng
Content: It took us 4 hours to reach Vang Vieng. Its a new boutique hotel in town that offers beautiful rooms with a view overlooking the Nam Song. The rooms are spacious and tastefully decorated, the bathrooms are fantastic with wonderful water pressure and the staff go out of their way to help.
Kaeng Nyui Waterfall
Content: We hired bike for 2 days as its most comfortable travelling in this city. Kaeng Nyui is a super scenic 20-25 minute drive away from the center of town on the east side of Vang Vieng. A leisurely 5 minute walk later we reach the first of several smaller waterfalls which you can also swim in. Keep walking for another 10 minutes and you will reach the Kaeng Nyui Waterfall where you can marvel at the water rushing down the 30-meter drop. The crystal clear water collects at the base where you can spend a few hours frolicking.
Phangern Mountain Viewpoint
Content: Hiking to the top is one of the best things to do in Vang Vieng. The entrance for Phangern Mountain can be a little difficult to spot. The hike up is not well paved so you will need to wear proper shoes. There are signs that say the hike takes approximately 20 minutes, but it took us 40-45 minutes.
Khop Chai Deu
Content: Every dish that chef prepared was homemade, with locally sourced ingredients and produce of the highest quality. Food was just amazing at this restaurant.
Location: Vang Vieng
Day 5 - 15 Dec 2018
Tham Jang Cave
Content: Vang Vieng is home to dozens of caves some spectacular, some not so much. If you only visit one cave while you are in Vang Vieng, make it this one. It is well known for its history as a bunker during an invasion in the 19th century. Tham Jang is actually paved inside and well lit.
Blue Lagoon 3
Content: If you only have time to visit 1 lagoon in Vang Vieng make it this one. As the water is beautiful and offers far few tourists as well as a number of fun swings and zip lines. Entry costs 10,000 Kip and you can buy beer and snacks onsite.
Viman Vang Vieng
Content: Great seating area and service. The food was great we had a Schnitzel and a Curry Wurst.
Location: Vientiane
Day 6 - 16 Dec 2018
Crowne Plaza Vientiane
Content: We left from Vang Vieng early morning as it was 3 hours drive and we just dropped our bags at locker room of hotel and left for sight seeing after breakfast.
Sisaket Museum
Content: The museum has a fantastic array of Buddha statues including those that are all around the walls. Though the layout is very small, it is elegant. Sisaket is also across from the Presidential Palace. Unfortunately we could not walk in as its not open to visitors.
City Pillar Shrine
Content: The whole area is unassuming and takes up a tiny block at the corner of an intersection. It looked like there was nothing there, but the structure stood very ornate with a long staircase.
Wat Si Muang
Content: Si Muang is a smaller temple towards the eastern part of town. What made it a bit different from Sisaket was the colorful statues all around it. I would only recommend it if you have extra time.
The victory gate
Content: This victory gate sits down the street from Sisaket so it can be visited with the temple museum. If you just want to sit under the gate to people watch and walk through the park, you can! I would highly recommend that you pay for entrance to the top though.
Crowne Plaza Vientiane
Content: After a day long of city tour we checked in to our hotel which was 5 * property. Took shower and after couple hour of rest we head to hotel restaurant Mosaic. interactive cooking station offering local and international cuisines. Mosaic serves a comprehensive European inspired a la carte menu.
Location: Pakse
Day 7 - 17 Dec 2018
Pakse international airport
Content: Took Lao airlines at 8 in morning from Vientiane for Pakse. It was short flight with no discomfort.
Champasak Grand Hotel
Content: The room we had was super comfortable, bed was decent and huge, room had everything you could need. They let us check in early as we requested before with them.
Golden Buddha
Content: Just 10 mins via tuktuk from Hotel. The Golden Buddha is worth the trip up the mountain. From the top, there are stunning views looking over Pakse. You gain a great perspective for the overall size of the statue when you are right in front of it.
Wat Luang Temple
Content: Wat Luang Temple is by far the most beautiful and interesting Wat in Pakse. Lots of great photo opportunities. Well worth an hour around the temple grounds.
Tad Yuang Waterfall
Content: Its truely picturesque waterfall surrounded by beautiful nature. Be careful when walking down to the pool of water, the steps are slippery. At the entrance to the falls you'll find food and drink stalls and a restaurant.
Dok Mai Lao Trattoria Italiana
Content: The best pizza I have eaten so far, freshly made and thin with the most tender bacon from Italy. Reasonable price for such quality.
Location: Pakse
Day 8 - 18 Dec 2018
Phou Asa Mountain
Content: The elephant riding from kiat ngong to phou asa was a really enjoying trip, wonderful nature, a friendly mahout and a nice elephant to ride on. Get up in early morning to experience with life style of local people, and went to drink a hot coffee in small coffee shop looked at people cleaning house, took elephants to take a bath.
Champasak Historical Heritage Museum
Content: Excellent small local museum, with a number of displays relating to local big dignitaries. A very good section on local crafts. Small admission fee and lots to think about.
Sa La Gang Kong
Content: There was nothing much to do in Pakse, so after spending some time in hotel we came out for dinner at this restaurant which had Pretty good view of Lao Japan Bridge. Food was ok but price where high.
Location: Don Det
Day 9 - 19 Dec 2018
Little Eden Hotel
Content: Took us 3 hours to reach this destination. This hotel was highly recommanded for couples. Staff was friendly and hotel was very beautiful.
Bike Around the Island
Content: The best way to see Don Det is at cycling speed. Life doesn’t move very quickly here, and zooming around on a motorbike just doesn’t feel right. It’s great fun cycling around the entire island checking out all the Mekong views. You’ll be able to travel through rice fields and get a real sense of local rural life. Just watch out for snakes there are a lot on Don Det.
Sunset point
Content: Don Det’s have some of the most famous sunset points. The most popular vantage point is the bridge that connects Don Det to Don Khon, but you can catch the sun descending from pretty much anywhere on the island with a west facing river view.
Little Eden Hotel
Content: Hotel restaurant served delicious European dinner along with mind blowing cocktails. We had romantic evening in the hotel.
Location: Don Det
Day 10 - 20 Dec 2018
Somphamit Falls
Content: The rapids are an absolute marvel and there are swimming spots available to enjoy and relax in. If you’re after an adrenaline boost, think about zip lining over Somphamit Falls.
Khone Phapheng Falls
Content: These are on the mainland, but located very close to Don Det and are one of the best things to do in 4000 islands region. Better go take picture at the last view point. You can walk down to the shore, very close to the falls, a bit scary though. Can spend full day here.
Mama Leuah Restaurant
Content: An amazing restaurant and incredibly friendly owners. Fantastic food and river views
Location: Luang Prabang
Day 11 - 21 Dec 2018
Luang Prabang Airport
Content: Left early morning from Don Det to Pakse airport via bus and than to Laung Prabang internation airport to catch flight back to home. Laos was nice one time visit.