I
The morning alms in Luang Prabang
Before dawn, we watch the procession of monks from a respectful distance, with a guide who explains its meaning, then share breakfast at the morning market.
To slow down
Laos along the Mekong: Vientiane, Luang Prabang, 4,000 Islands
Nine days following the Mekong through Laos, from its gentle capital to its royal town and the islands of the far south.
At a glance
- Duration
- 9 days, 8 nights
- Places
- Vientiane · Luang Prabang · Si Phan Don
- Best season
- November to March
- Ideal for
- Couples, solo travellers, friends
About the journey
Laos is the country in Southeast Asia that most invites you to slow down. This journey follows the Mekong: two days in the relaxed capital of Vientiane, four in the royal town of Luang Prabang, where the day begins with the monks' alms round, and a final stretch among the river islands of Si Phan Don.
Three moments
II
A boat to the Pak Ou caves
A private boat travels up the Mekong to the caves filled with thousands of Buddha statues, stopping at a weaving village on the way back.
III
Bicycles on Don Khone
In the far south, we cycle shaded paths between villages and the old French railway bridge, then watch the Khone Phapheng falls.
Guest voices and notes
Note from the journey designer
We keep four nights in Luang Prabang so that guests have at least one day with nothing planned: the town is at its best when explored without a schedule.
Tailored for you
Pace
Slow mornings, short excursions, long afternoons free.
You could add
A day at the Kuang Si waterfall, or a Lao cooking class in a riverside garden.
You could swap
Exchange the islands for two nights on a slow boat along the Mekong.
Read the story from this journeyThe 4,000 Islands, where the Mekong slows down →
Before you go
Day by day
- Arrive in Vientiane; evening on the Mekong promenade
- Pha That Luang, Wat Si Saket and Haw Phra Kaew
- Fly or take the train to Luang Prabang; sunset from Mount Phousi
- Morning alms round; temples and the former Royal Palace
- Boat to the Pak Ou caves; a weaving village
- A free day in Luang Prabang
- Fly to Pakse and continue to Si Phan Don
- Cycling on Don Khone; Khone Phapheng falls; sunset on the river
- Return to Pakse for your onward flight
We take care of
- Private car and driver, private boats, and domestic flights or train
- English-speaking local guides chosen by Asia Sun in each region
- Boutique hotels and riverside lodges
- Guidance on temple etiquette and the alms round
Good to know
- Please dress modestly in temples, covering shoulders and knees, and remove shoes before entering.
- Some areas in the far south have limited mobile coverage.
Departure
On your own dates
