Caves and Vestiges of the Past: to discover southern Laos in 15 days

Rest and discovery of the capital. Bicycle ride in the city to have a first overview; visit of the Vat who Luang by passing to the Patuxai (Arc de Triomphe); typical meal in one of the downtown restaurants.

Tour to the morning market, the Talat Sao, to familiarize itself with the crafts and with the textiles of Phaeng May or De, the atmosphere of the city. Taste sweets and noodles (pho). In the afternoon, the Vat Vat, the oldest Temple in Vientiane, and the Ho Phra Keo Vat Museum (opposite). Admire the sunsets at the Suntara. For dinner, visit one of the gargotes installed on the Fa Quay.

Excursion to Buddha Khuan Buddha Park outside the city. In the afternoon, take a tour at the national museum to learn a little more about Laos history and revolution. Reserve a moment to go to the COPE centre: to understand the extent of the bombing during the secret war. Night bus for Luang Prabang or flight early the next morning.

Visit of the Royal Palace, which houses the national museum of this city listed as UNESCO World Heritage Site. Then from the very old Vat Thong (one of the most beautiful temples in Laos), whose architecture is typical of the region... For the sunset, Mount Phousi will be restored to have a superb panoramic view.

At dawn, around 5:30 am, attend (discreetly!) the monks' offering ceremony in the central sector of the city, then go on an excursion to the Pak Ou caves by boat and possibly to the surrounding craft villages (Ban Phanom, among others). On the way back, from 6pm, take a tour of the night craft market located in the main artery. Dinner in one of the small restaurants on the banks of the Mekong River.

Trek to explore the waterfalls of Kuang Si, picnic at noon and swimming (get there early in the morning), back in mid afternoon. In the evening, dinner at one of the city's restaurants.

Arrival at Pakse by plane. Quick discovery of the city and then direction Champasak (30-45 minutes). Night on site.

The morning is devoted to a visit to the Khmer site of Wat Phou. Then a bike ride in the village of Champasak, you will notice its traditional wooden houses and colonial buildings, its ruins... Night in Pakse.

Departure for Si Phan Don: the 4 000 islands in the south of the country. It is possible to go through a local agency to organise its journey or go there alone.

Cap on Don Det. With some luck, you will discover dolphins from the Mekong.

This day, cap on Don Khong. Discovering the island on foot or by bike... It makes good strolls. 

Return to Pakse from where you will take a bus for Thakhek. Night on site.

Very early in the morning, direction Tham Kong Lo where the Kong Lo caves, which extend over about 7 km, lead to natural pools of turquoise water. The visit takes half a day (local guide on site). Overnight in the guesthouse near the caves or return to Thakhek.

Back to Vientiane, it's time to do your last shopping before returning home...