Day 1 Kunming → Vientiane (★Meeting Day)
All day
Today is the gathering day. Tourists will depart from Kunming Changshui International Airport and take a flight to Vientiane, the capital of Laos.
During the National Day holiday, you will receive a free Laos sticker visa. You will be responsible for the postage of your passport. (Reference single postage: SF Express Standard Express 18 yuan, SF Express Express 23 yuan)
Reference flights:
China Eastern Airlines MU9625
KMG Kunming Changshui-VTE Vientiane Wattay
17:15 (China time) - 17:50 (Laos time)
The flight time is approximately 1 hour and 35 minutes, with a time difference of 1 hour.
Located just across a river from Thailand, Vientiane is one of the few capitals in the world to share a border with another country. Despite being a capital, Vientiane isn't particularly bustling or modern, lacking skyscrapers or subways or light rail. Instead, it boasts vast expanses of greenery and beautiful natural surroundings. Today, we'll be hosting a welcome dinner, showcasing the rich flavors of Laotian cuisine.
丨Can be equipped with national transport (at your own expense):
If you require a round-trip flight from your city to Kunming, please indicate this in the order notes. Please contact customer service or the product manager for specific fees. If there are no flights with the same airline in your city, connecting flights cannot be arranged. Flight information cannot be specified; specific flight information is subject to approval from China Eastern Airlines. We will send you flight information three days before departure. (Note: If you have a connecting flight, you must travel in the order of the flight segments. If you do not take the first domestic flight, you will not be able to take the subsequent international flights. Therefore, please carefully note your departure city.)
Day 2 Vientiane → Pakse → Ta Van Waterfall → Four Thousand Islands
·morning
丨Itinerary
Today we'll fly to Pakse Airport in Champasak, the heart of Laos' southernmost province. Upon arrival, we'll set off to explore Ta Van Waterfall, a wonder hidden deep within nature.
The first thing you hear upon entering the Dafan Falls is a roaring, surging sound, like countless war drums simultaneously beating, announcing their presence. Two rivers cascade down, forming two 120-meter-high waterfalls.
Afterwards, follow the aroma of coffee and head to the Coffee Plantation. 95% of Laos' coffee comes from this plateau. The endless coffee trees, green everywhere, and the rich aroma of coffee are breathtaking. Sit down and sip a cup of coffee, and time seems to stand still at this moment.
丨Reference flights
Lao Airlines QV305
VTE Vientiane Wattay D - PKZ Pakse MAIN
08:05 -09:05 (Laos time)
Flight time: approximately 1 hour
·afternoon
After lunch, we will drive to the Four Thousand Islands in Kong County.
The Mekong River, flowing from north to south through Laos, widens for about 50 kilometers near the Laos-Cambodia border. During the rainy season, this stretch reaches a maximum of 14 kilometers, marking the widest section of the Mekong River in Laos. During the dry season, when the river recedes, hundreds of small islands appear along this section, earning the locals the nickname "Four Thousand Beautiful Islands."
We'll head to Khong Phapin Falls. Although called a waterfall, the falls are actually part of the Mekong River, with rapids exceeding 10 meters high. The Mekong River in this area is known for its turbulent flow. The spectacular waterfall, formed when the water cascades over the rocks below, is known as the Niagara of the East. Also located here is the legendary Mani Khot tree.
About Pakse
As the gateway to southern Laos, Pakse captivates visitors with its slow pace of life and colonial charm. The Mekong River is shrouded in mist in the early morning, while old French-style buildings stand quietly on street corners. Nearby, Wat Phu Temple and the Four Thousand Islands hide the remnants of a lost dynasty and the untamed beauty of cascading waterfalls. Here, time flows slowly, just like the river.
Day 3: Siqian Island → Phu Salao Temple → Pakse
·morning
丨Itinerary
Today we will first go on an island tour to Don De Island and Don Kuo Island, which were once famous as French colonies.
Upon arriving at Don Det Island, you'll see remnants of colonial architecture. Though weathered and eroded, their walls remain rusty, yet they still stand tall, quietly telling stories of the past. These buildings blend French romantic elegance with the rustic charm of Laos, their unique style bearing witness to the collision and fusion of cultures. Crossing the stone bridge connecting the two islands, you'll arrive at Don Kho Island, also steeped in history. While the colonial-era docks are no longer bustling, they still evoke images of the bustling merchant ships and prosperous trade of the past.
The most famous waterfall on Dongkuo Island is Songdapami Waterfall, also known as Lipi Waterfall. Despite its low drop, the waterfall stretches over ten kilometers wide. It is composed of countless cascading water outlets, creating a cascading waterfall. Locals call it the "Nine-Layered Waterfall." The water rushes over the rocks, surrounded by lush greenery, creating a picturesque scene.
We then visited the Lao-Cambodia Estuary, a site that served as a vital trade route between Laos and Cambodia, facilitating the exchange of goods and culture between the two countries. Near the site, you'll find numerous architectural remains from the French colonial era, including abandoned train stations and warehouses.
From the river mouth, we came to the French Bridge. The bridge was built during the French colonial period. The exact construction time is difficult to verify, but it has witnessed the historical changes and vicissitudes of Laos. It is one of the important witnesses of Laos' modern history. You can stroll on the bridge, feel the historical atmosphere of a hundred years ago, and understand Laos' colonial history and the process of cultural integration.
·afternoon
After lunch, enjoy some free time to explore French Street. Red brick and white French-style buildings nestled among greenery speak of a colonial past. Remnants of the narrow-gauge railway still remain, and along the street you can browse for wood carvings and textiles. You can also pause to admire the Mekong River scenery, where life on both sides unfolds like a picture scroll, and experience the relaxed atmosphere of Southeast Asia.
Return to Pakse from the Four Thousand Islands in time and visit [Phu Salao Temple] along the way. This is an observation deck. Standing on the observation deck of the Big Buddha, you can enjoy the beautiful Mekong River and the whole landscape of Pakse.
In the evening, you can freely go to the exquisite night market in Pakse to explore the unique nightlife in the south!
Day 4 Pakse → Wat Phou Temple → Luang Prabang → Mekong River Cruise
·morning
丨Itinerary
After breakfast, depart for Wat Phu, known as "Little Angkor Wat," a renowned religious site in southern Laos and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built in 949 AD by the son of a Khmer king, the temple, a Khmer-style stone structure, rivals Angkor Wat. It was a significant Brahmanic temple of the 12th-century Khmer Empire and one of Laos' most renowned monuments.
·afternoon
After the tour, transfer to the airport and take a flight to Luang Prabang, the former capital of the Lan Xang Kingdom.
After landing, we will experience the [Mekong River Sunset Cruise]. In the golden sunset, accompanied by orange clouds, dark blue distant mountains, and golden waves, we will wander in the natural painting of the Mekong River.
Reference flights:
Lao Airlines QV514
PKZ Pakse Main - LPQ Luang Prabang Main
14:40-16:25, flight duration approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes
About Luang Prabang
The morning alms-giving ceremony of monks, a tradition stretching back millennia, gleams in the morning light as the golden-domed temples gleam. This UNESCO-listed ancient city boasts boutique hotels renovated from colonial villas and the vibrant night markets at the foot of Mount Phousi. Cycling between the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers, you'll experience the ingenious fusion of French bread and Laotian coffee.
Day 5: Morning Alms Giving → Royal Palace Museum → Wat Xieng Thong → Kuang Si Waterfall
·morning
丨Itinerary
There's a sacred tradition in Luang Prabang: Every morning, monks line up, carrying their alms bowls and walking down the street. As the first rays of sunlight illuminate the golden temple dome, yellow robes appear from afar. The barefoot monks slowly approach, while locals prepare food and fruits and vegetables, kneel, hands clasped in reverent prayer, and wait quietly by the roadside. When the monks approach, the donor reverently places rice into their alms bowls. The monks then bow, chant, and depart. This daily ritual is known locally as "Morning Alms Giving" (no refund if you don't participate). This morning, we'll join the almsgivers and experience the pure joy of this process.
After breakfast, we drove to King Sisavangvong’s Royal Palace [Royal Palace Museum], which is now one of the museums in Luang Prabang. We straightened our clothes, took off our shoes, stepped on the century-old wooden floor, and felt the fusion of Laotian and French architecture.
We then proceeded to Wat Xieng Thong, a renowned temple in Luang Prabang. Built in 1560, its main hall exemplifies the Theravada Buddhist style. The temple's low-slung roof slants down to the ground. A magnificent tree of life, inlaid with stained glass, graces the back wall. This magnificent tree, in full bloom, embodies the miracle of life and the harmony of all creation. In the sunlight, the vibrant colors of the tree are breathtaking and captivating. After our visit, we headed to lunch.
·afternoon
丨Itinerary
After lunch, we'll rest briefly before heading to Kuangsi Falls, known as the "Little Jiuzhaigou of Laos." This vast, multi-tiered waterfall, 100 meters high, cascades down from a limestone peak into a series of cool, emerald green pools. We'll traverse a short stretch of pristine rainforest, lush with vegetation and winding paths. The three tiers of the waterfall cascade into a series of shimmering blue-green pools. Don't rush out; enjoy a quiet, complimentary fish spa in the water, a true connection to nature. After our visit, we'll return to the hotel.
Day 6 Green Elephant Camp → Half day free to explore
·morning
丨Itinerary
After breakfast, we will head to the Green Elephant Camp, nestled deep in the rainforest along the Mekong River. Unlike conventional commercial elephant camps, this one advocates a sustainable management philosophy of "co-creation and mutual benefit," providing a beautiful natural habitat for elephants in over 100 hectares of forest.
During the eco-mahout experience, we can learn how to check the health of elephants by observing their eyes and ears, and experience riding on the backs of elephants to bathe in the river like the mahouts. Finally, we can feed them organic vegetables and fruits. These interactions and rides provide elephants with exercise opportunities and relieve stress, allowing us to immerse ourselves in the daily life of mahouts.
·afternoon
丨Itinerary
After lunch, we'll return to the hotel and enjoy a rare moment of free exploration. You can rest and recharge before going for a swim, or simply sit quietly by the Mekong River with a cup of coffee, chat with friends, or just let your mind wander.
Day 7 Luang Prabang → Vang Vieng → Tankham Cave → Blue Lagoon → Nam Song River Cruise
·morning
丨Itinerary
After breakfast, we headed to Vang Vieng, a small town nestled between the two major cities of Vientiane and Luang Prabang. Nestled against cliffs and nestled against the Nam Song River, Vang Vieng boasts a vibrant mix of karst peaks, streams, rice paddies, and caves. Vang Vieng is to Laos what Yangshuo is to China, both boasting stunning karst landscapes. Chinese visitors often call it "Little Guilin." However, the mountains here are greener and the waters clearer than those in Yangshuo, leaving everything pristine.
丨Reference train schedule
Luang Prabang-Vang Vieng C97 10:30-11:33
The train journey lasts approximately 1 hour and 3 minutes
·afternoon
丨Itinerary
After lunch and a short rest, we'll drive to the Tham Phu Kham Cave, where you'll find pristine countryside scenery that will leave you feeling refreshed and relaxed. Tham Phu Kham Cave is an unexplored natural cave. Climbing a simple staircase halfway up the mountain, you'll need to bend down to enter. This massive cave is considered sacred by the Lao people, and its main chamber houses a Thai-style golden reclining Buddha.
The Blue Lagoon, located next to the cave, is a popular attraction in Vang Vieng and has been featured in National Geographic. Clear underground springs form a swimming pool, while natural tree trunks and branches serve as diving platforms. Intrepid backpackers love to climb to the top and jump off. For those who can't handle such extreme activities, swimming in the lagoon or swinging on the water's surface is a truly immersive experience.
After the lagoon tour, we will go to experience the [Laos Special Massage] (no refund if you do not participate) and relax.
We will then arrange a [Nam Song River Cruise], where we will take a Laotian longtail boat to cruise on the tranquil Nam Song River and admire the beautiful scenery of Vang Vieng.
Day 8 Vang Vieng → Tham Giang Cave → Vientiane → Phra That Luang → Arc de Triomphe
·morning
丨Itinerary
After breakfast at the hotel, we headed to the Tanjiang Cave, a very famous cave in Vangrong. The structure inside is complex and walking inside seems like an adventure. The spring water outside the cave is clear, and it is a place worth recommending.
·afternoon
丨Itinerary
In the afternoon, we'll visit Pha That Luang, a pagoda deeply valued by the Laotian people. It features on the Laotian national emblem, a symbol shared by both Buddhism and the Laotian state. Built in 1556, Pha That Luang is one of the most magnificent of Laotian pagodas. Covered entirely in solid gold, it can be seen from afar even on cloudy days. Legend has it that the temple's sanctity was established by the burial of Buddha's hair and sternum relics in the 3rd century BC. The three-story pagoda stands 45 meters high and 54 meters wide. Its golden hue is strikingly beautiful against the backdrop of a blue sky and white clouds.
Then we headed to the Arc de Triomphe, a symbol of the China-Laos friendship. It is a symbol of the Laotian people's pursuit of freedom. Its appearance is similar to the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, France; but it has typical Laotian temple carvings and decorations, and exquisite carvings full of Buddhist themes, showcasing the traditional Laotian national culture and art. Standing on the top of the Arc de Triomphe, you can also have a panoramic view of the city of Vientiane.
After the visit, we can stroll freely along the Mekong River or go to the Mekong Night Market to experience the local atmosphere.
Day 9 Vientiane → Kunming ★ Disbandment Day
All day
Today is the end of our trip. We will board our flight from Wattay International Airport in Vientiane to Kunming. The tourists, still reluctant to leave, bid farewell with tears in their eyes.
Reference flights:
China Eastern Airlines MU9604 (can be used with national intermodal flights)
VTE Vientiane Wattay I - KMG Kunming Changshui
10:35 (Laos time) - 13:15 (China time)
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