Overview
This 12-day journey reveals the most captivating landscapes and cultural treasures of Laos—from its serene capital to the remote mountains, sacred rivers, and timeless river islands. Begin in Vientiane, exploring gilded stupas, colonial architecture, and peaceful Mekong sunsets. Fly north to the highlands of Muang La, where hot springs, hill-tribe villages, rice-farming communities, and spectacular 4×4 mountain routes immerse you in authentic rural life. Continue by river through the dramatic Nam Ou valley to Nong Khiaw and onward to the UNESCO city of Luang Prabang, home to golden temples, royal heritage, craft villages, and vibrant night markets. Fly south for a complete discovery of the 4000 Islands, the pre-Angkor temple of Vat Phou, Liphi Falls, and the mighty Mekong’s southern cascades, before finishing on the lush Bolaven Plateau, famous for waterfalls and coffee plantations.
A journey for travellers seeking culture, soft adventure, authentic encounters, and Laos’ most beautiful natural settings—all in one itinerary.
Highlights
- Complete discovery of Vientiane, Muang La, Nong Khiaw, Luang Prabang, Champasak, Pakse & 4000 Islands
- Immersive village experiences with Hmong, Ikho & Khamu communities
- Scenic journeys: Nam Ou River cruises, mountain 4×4 routes & Mekong island exploration
- UNESCO sites: Wat Phou and the capital Luang Prabang
- Natural wonders: Tad Fane, Tad Lo, Liphi Falls & the serene 4000 Islands region
How Our Trips Work
- Mekong Mosaic specializes exclusively in private, tailor-made journeys for small groups of two or more. Each package includes all on-site services from the moment you arrive until your departure.
- The itinerary presented is a suggested outline for inspiration. Depending on your preferences and budget, it can be fully customized and adjusted in terms of duration, content, and travel period.
- We offer a wide range of trip styles and experiences. If this program doesn’t fully match your expectations, we invite you to explore additional options available through our advisors.
- For any quote requests, simply contact our travel experts. They will work closely with you to ensure your tailor-made itinerary reflects your vision of the perfect journey. Expect a personalized response within 24 hours—guaranteed.
Itinerary List
Day 01: Vientiane Arrival & City Highlights
Day 02: Vientiane Full City Tour
Day 03: Vientiane – Oudomxay – Muang La
Day 04: Muang La – Ikho & Hmong Villages
Day 05: Muang La – Rural Life & Ethnic Villages
Day 06: Muang La – Muang Khua – Nong Khiaw (Nam Ou Cruise)
Day 07: Nong Khiaw – Pak Ou Caves – Luang Prabang
Day 08: Luang Prabang – City Tour
Day 09: Luang Prabang – Pakse – Champasak – 4000 Islands
Day 10: 4000 Islands – Don Det & Don Khone
Day 11: 4000 Islands – Bolaven Plateau – Pakse
Day 12: Pakse – Luang Prabang – Departure
Arrival in Vientiane. Welcome at the airport by our guide and driver, then transfer to the city.
Vientiane is the capital also largest city of Lao. We then go for a short city tour includes visiting Patuxai, Vientiane's triumphal arch. Then, the unmissable Pha That Luang, the emblem of Laos, featured on the national coat of arms and banknotes. The temple's 40-meter-high, gold-covered stupa can be seen for miles around.
End of the day with a walk along the banks of the Mekong for a fabulous sunset…
Free time for your relaxation.
Overnight: Vientiane
Breakfast at the hotel
Departure for a full day of discovery in Vientiane. The current capital of Laos, unlike its neighbours, Bangkok and Hanoi, has managed to retain its tranquil aspect and human scale.
You begin your visits with the Wat Sisaket temple, dating from 1818, one of the most beautiful and important in the capital. Then discover Wat Ho Phra Keo, where you can admire very beautiful pieces which are one of the main riches of Laotian art, and Wat Simuang, considered the lucky temple of the city.
Next, visit the Patuxai, a small triumphal arch that stands at the northern end of Lane Sang Street..
We will also have time to stop at the morning market, Talat Sao, for shopping opportunities: embroidered fabrics, silks, silver jewelry, carved wooden objects, and souvenirs of all kinds.
End the day on the banks of the Mekong for a fabulous sunset.
Overnight: Vientiane
Free time for your personal exploration until the transfer to Vientiane airport for your late morning flight to Oudomxay.
Upon arrival, you will discover the Pra Xack Kham Temple, home to a sacred Buddha. It is a well-known place of worship in Laos.
We will stop at Muang La, famous for its natural hot springs, for the night. The rest of the day is free for you to relax or explore on your own.
You can stroll through the village or simply relax by the river. Enjoy a massage or a bath in the hot spring.
Overnight: Muang La
After breakfast at the hotel
Travel in a 4x4 to discover Ikho Hill and the Hmong tribes.
The trip is truly off the beaten track and offers magnificent mountain views all along the way.
After arriving at a remote village in Ikho, we will discover and learn the essentials about the way of life of the inhabitants before beginning our 45-minute trek to the extremely isolated Hmong village of Ban Tauser, with superb views of the surrounding area. You will return to the station by 4x4 at the end of the day.
Overnight: Muang La
In the morning, walk for about thirty minutes along the Nampak River to Wang Wanh, a Khamu village where the locals make bags from plant fibres.
In the heart of a magnificent rice paddy surrounded by hills, you will be welcomed by a farming family. The immersion will be complete and conducive to a fascinating discovery of the different stages of rice cultivation and the inherent traditional way of life.
Then discover the work in the fields and the farmer's faithful friend: the buffalo. You will learn how to select seeds, plant them, and harvest them.
After lunch, you'll have plenty of time to observe the farmers and animals going about their daily lives. Finally, you'll share your experiences over a jar of local cider, Lao Hay.
Next, you will cross the Nam Pak River on a bamboo raft and discover the Khamu village of Vieng Kham. These inhabitants are known as master weavers, creating both sarongs and silk fabrics.
Walk to the village of Muang La, visit the primary school (if it is not a day off).
Overnight: Muang La
After breakfast, we will head to the river town of Muang Khua and board a private boat for an unforgettable cruise on the Nam Ou River to Nong Khiaw. Stop to explore a few sites before arriving at our accommodation in Nong Khiaw in the afternoon.
After settling into your hotel, you have the option of taking a short bike ride to the nearest cave in the area.
Overnight: Nong Khiaw
This morning, we will continue our journey leisurely downstream on the Nam Ou River, enjoying the green of the cool forests and the scenery.
Stop to visit the mysterious Pak Ou caves, two caves where thousands of gold-lacquered Buddha statues of various shapes and sizes are piled up.
We will continue our journey along the river to the UNESCO World Heritage city of Luang Prabang.
You will be transferred to your hotel by private vehicle in the early evening.
Overnight: Luang Prabang
Breakfast at the hotel before visiting the city of Luang Prabang.
Discover the Wat Xieng Thong temple, the monastery of the Golden City, whose ornaments, mosaics, and stupas are among the most exquisite.
The tour of Luang Prabang continues with a visit to the city's historic temple: Vat Visoun, built in the early 16th century. It was partially destroyed by fire in 1887, and the architects responsible for its renovation chose to give it an architectural style inspired by the Khmer temple Vat Phou.
A short walk away, discover Wat Aham, then the city's first monastery, Wat Saen. Finally, visit Wat May, built in the typical Luang Prabang style.
In the afternoon, you will learn about the history of the region and the royal family at the Royal Palace, now a museum.
In the evening, stroll through the stalls of the vibrant night market. Every night, ethnic minorities gather along the main street to sell their local produce.
Overnight: Luang Prabang
In the morning, you will be met by your driver and transferred to Luang Prabang airport for your flight to Pakse.
Upon your arrival in Pakse, you will be met by your driver and guide and transferred to the province of Champasak, famous for the pre-Angkorian site of Wat Phou.
Visit to Wat Phou, which was built between the 9th and 13th centuries, before the construction of the Angkor Wat complex in Siem Reap, and visit to the Champasak Historical Heritage Museum. We continue to Don Khong Island.
Overnight: Don Khong Island
After breakfast, departure by traditional boat to the 4000 Islands on the border of Laos and Cambodia, towards the tranquil islands of Don Det and Don Khone to do your (simple) bike tour with stops along the way to meet the local people.
Everything is truly peaceful here, and electricity is only available in the evenings.
In the northern part of Don Det Island, near the jetty, a "backpacker" spot has taken place, but the rest of the island, as well as Don Khone Island, has managed to keep their own face, centred on the cultivation of coconut, kapok trees and bamboo.
Also, visit the Lippi Falls. Impressive is the perfect word to describe these fantastic falls, which flow between Cambodia and Don Khone Island, right in the middle of the rocks.
The Tad Somphamit Falls, locally known as Lippi Falls, are sacred to local communities and mean "spirit trap" because they are believed to act in this way to capture evil spirits.
Overnight: Don Khong Island
In the morning, transfer to the Bolaven Plateau with a visit to coffee and green tea plantations and Tad Fane waterfalls.
Possibility of stopping in minority villages.
Then we continued towards Tad Lo, arriving in the afternoon at the Tad Lo Falls. The Tad Lo Falls are actually three waterfalls. The closest is Tad Hang, near the bridge. Tad Lo is the second. But the most impressive is the third, Tad Suong, with its stunning waterfall located 10 km upstream.
Overnight: Pakse
Free time until your transfer to Pakse airport for your return flight back to Luang Prabang and depart for your international flight.
Price Includes
- Accommodation in the planned category (or similar) subject to availability.
- Escort by experienced English-speaking local guides at each stage.
- Meals mentioned in the program.
- Entrance fees for all tourist sites listed in the program.
- All activities and cruises clearly specified in the itinerary.
- Domestic economy, including applicable airport taxes.
Price Excludes
- International flights and associated airport taxes.
- Visa fees.
- Travelers’ personal insurance.
- Drinks and personal expenses.
- Tips/gratuities.
- Anything not listed under “Price Includes.”
- Any service not clearly mentioned in the program.
At Mekong Mosaic, we specialize in tailor-made journeys across Vietnam and Indochina. Every trip is designed exclusively for you, ensuring complete privacy and flexibility.
- Private Experience – Travel only with your family or friends, without being grouped with other tourists.
- From Arrival to Departure – A dedicated guide and driver accompany you throughout your journey.
- Your Trip, Your Way – Visits and activities can be adapted to your pace, preferences, and interests.
- Personalized Services – From dietary preferences to special celebrations (honeymoon, birthday, anniversary), we create unique touches tailored to you.
Our pricing is personalized and depends on:
- Number of Travellers – The more people in your group, the lower the cost per person.
- Hotel Category – A 5-star hotel can cost significantly more than a 2- or 3-star option.
- Activities Chosen – Two similar itineraries may differ in price depending on included excursions.
- Travel Period – High season (October–April) is generally more expensive than low season (May–September).
- Booking Date – Early booking often secures better rates and availability.
Accommodation is a key factor in your trip’s cost, often accounting for up to three-quarters of the total.
- We offer a wide selection of 2- to 5-star hotels, always negotiated at preferential rates.
- For a truly authentic experience, you may opt for a “Night at a local’s home”—simple yet welcoming, and highly recommended for at least one night.
Our guides are the cornerstone of your experience. Each one is:
- Professional, knowledgeable, and fluent in French or English.
- Licensed by the National Tourism Administration.
- Passionate locals eager to share the cultural richness of their region.
1. Private Vehicles
All transfers are in modern, air-conditioned vehicles with experienced drivers.
- Cars for 2 passengers
- Minibuses for 4–14 passengers
- Buses for 15–20 passengers
Bottled water and refreshing towels are provided. Fuel, tolls, and driver expenses are included.
2. Domestic Flights
Flights within Vietnam are operated by Vietnam Airlines, using a modern Airbus and Boeing fleet.
3. Rail Journeys
Some itineraries include train travel (e.g., Hanoi–Hue, Hanoi–Lao Cai) in air-conditioned cabins with comfortable berths. A slower pace than flying, but a memorable cultural experience.
International airfare to/from Vietnam is not included. We recommend booking from your departure country, as prices are usually more competitive. Many airlines operate to Vietnam, with direct flights from Paris, Toronto, and other major hubs.
Step 1. Customize Your Journey
- Choose an existing itinerary or request a tailor-made program.
- A travel expert will contact you within 24 hours with a personalized proposal.
Step 2. Confirm Your Booking
- Validate the final quote with your advisor.
- Secure your trip with a deposit of 25–30% (depending on services).
- Receive confirmation within 7 days once reservations are completed.
Note: During peak season (November–March), early booking is strongly recommended to guarantee hotel availability.
At Mekong Mosaic, we believe peace of mind is part of a truly seamless travel experience. Our flexible modification and cancellation policy ensures that, should your plans change, we’ll handle every detail with fairness and transparency.
Modification Requests
- You may request to modify your booking up to 14 days before departure, subject to availability.
- Any additional costs resulting from changes (e.g., hotel or airline adjustments) are payable by the traveller.
Cancellation Policy
Should you need to cancel your trip, the following fees apply based on the number of days before departure:
- 30+ days: 10% of total trip price
- 15–30 days: 20%
- 8–14 days: 30%
- 4–7 days: 40%
- Less than 72 hours: 50%
Refunds, if applicable, will be processed within 14 business days, minus bank or transaction fees.
