Amaze yourself in Laos

Arrival in Luang Prabang by flight from Bangkok or Hanoi, booked by yourselves.

You pass through immigration individually to complete the entry formalities to Laos. A tourist visa on arrival is possible for 40 USD per person if you have not obtained it online beforehand. Payment must be made with new banknotes. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after your stay date and you must have an identity photo.

For eligible travelers, the electronic visa (e-visa) can be obtained only on the dedicated official website https://laoevisa.gov.la/index, for approximately 50 USD per person, with online payment by credit card.

IMPORTANT: from 3 days before your trip, remember to fill in the details of your arrival in Laos on the sole online website, in English, of the Laotian immigration department. A form must be completed by person. Photos of your passport in .JPG or .PNG format will be requested from you, including a photo of the passport holder holding their passport.

After collecting your luggage, you head to the airport exit where your local English-speaking driver-guide, Mr. Xa, welcomes you in the arrivals hall.

Transfer to your hotel and check-in. Rooms are usually available from 2 p.m. Early check-in before this time may be possible depending on availability that day, directly with the hotel reception.

A Welcome Baci at Mr. Si's

You then participate in a private welcome Baci at Mr. Si's, a traditional ceremony that allows you to approach local beliefs authentically.
The Baci is an ancestral animist ritual celebrated on important life events, such as meetings, weddings, the birth of a child, a housewarming or the launch of a professional activity. It can also be organized in honor of a person or family to bring them safety, happiness and prosperity, particularly before a trip.
Laotians are essentially Buddhist, but animist beliefs remain present in local culture. The Baci thus constitutes a syncretism between these two traditions. The ceremony is conducted by a "wise man", who recites prayers in Sanskrit and Laotian languages.

Seated or kneeling around a central floral composition, you are invited to follow local participants and let yourself be carried along by the unfolding of this traditional practice. The ceremony can take place at home or in various places of social life, but outside temples.

To conclude the ritual, some food is shared and cotton bracelets are tied to the wrists of participants. They symbolize the 32 wandering souls of the body and their "capture" to bring them back into the body. According to tradition, these bracelets are kept for at least 3 days and 3 nights before being cut.

Lunch with your hosts and discovery of the Night Market

Lunch on site with your hosts, then return to your hotel.

At nightfall, don't miss the Night Market, a small institution of Luang Prabang. Set up on the main street, on each side of the National Museum, it mainly offers local crafts. Its opening hours may fluctuate depending on attendance and weather.

Dinner is free.

Our recommendation: the night market stalls offer a wide choice of dishes, including a vegetarian selection as well as meat and fish skewers. Luang Prabang also has many open-air addresses offering Laotian, Asian or Western specialties. Continuing along the main street in the extension of the night market, you will find a varied offer. Be careful, however, with spicy chili dishes. Seafood is not recommended, as it has traveled far to reach Laos.

First night in Luang Prabang.

Breakfast at your hotel.

8:30 AM: Meet your guide at your hotel reception.

You begin your discovery of Luang Prabang in a "Deluxe Tuk-Tuk", visiting the main monuments of this city classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1995.

You start with the former Royal Palace, now home to the National Museum. You will discover in particular a collection of vintage cars preserved in the garage, a precious state gift from the United States with a fragment of moonstone, as well as the attributes of royal power. You will not miss the Vat Prabang, which houses the sacred statue of Buddha Prabang, at the origin of the city's name.

You continue with the Royal Vat Mai, located nearby.

Then, head to the Centre of Traditional and Ethnic Arts (TAEC), where an exhibition allows you to discover the richness of ethnic cultures in northern Laos. The center is housed in a beautiful building from the colonial era, formerly the residence of a local magistrate.

Your discovery of Luang Prabang continues with the Vat Visoun, also called Pra That Mak Mo because of its watermelon-shaped stupa, recognizable among all.

You then discover the adjacent Vat Aham, which houses the city's spirits.

A visit to the Vat Xieng Mouane is also an opportunity to discover a training center dedicated to certain manual trades related to Buddhist art.

Finally, the Heritage House (Heuan Chan Heritage House) allows you to better understand the policies for protection, enhancement and preservation of Luang Prabang through its architectural heritage. Its stilt building is a representative example of this.

Free lunch and discovery of Kuang Si Falls
Free lunch, to be coordinated with your guide. We recommend the café at Heuan Chan Heritage House, set in the shade of palm trees.

After lunch, you head south for about thirty kilometers, through the countryside, to reach the setting of Kuang Si Falls. This site is frequented by local residents who come to "cool off" in this lush environment.

You enjoy a moment of relaxation near the waterfall, with the possibility of swimming for the more adventurous. Don't forget your swimsuits and towels! Women and girls should also remember to bring their sarong to respect local customs, especially in case of the presence of monks who also come to cool off here. Changing cabins are available for you to change.

You take time to contemplate the falls and their natural pools with turquoise waters.

Before leaving Kuang Si, you visit a rescue and shelter center for bears rescued from illegal wildlife trade. A permanent exhibition presents the different actions being taken to protect the last Asiatic Black Bears and raises awareness about the protection of Asian biodiversity.

Meeting with buffalo females at Laos Buffalo Dairy
On the way back, you encounter an animal common in Laotian countryside: buffalo, more specifically female buffalo.

As part of programs designed to develop livestock, Laos has implemented prevention and breeding actions. To benefit from specialized advice, the government partnered with Laos Buffalo Dairy (Farm), located in the countryside of Luang Prabang, to carry out research programs in partnership with local breeders.

The farm was born from the desire of a group of friends from Singapore to leave the urban world to settle in the countryside. Realizing that the dairy and cheese industry was still underdeveloped, they chose to take up the challenge of creating this farm, particularly around buffalo milk.

The visit, lasting about 40 minutes, allows you to better understand the situation of buffalo in Laos, the necessary care and how the program works. You will also have the opportunity to approach the buffalo and bottle-feed the calves.

A local guide accompanies you to visit the dairy and answer your questions.

• Cuddle and feed 450-kilogram female buffalo and discover animals from crossbreeding of breeds.

• After eating, female buffalo enjoy their bath. You can wash them and give them a "scrub", like a real "day spa" for buffalo.

• Learn to milk a female buffalo and discover why its milk is particularly appreciated.

• Female buffalo are not the only animals on the farm: pigs, chickens and rabbits also participate in the visit, for the pleasure of young and old alike.

At your discretion and for an additional fee, you can end the visit with a tasting of homemade ice cream made from buffalo milk. Depending on the season, it can be flavored with fruit, notably coconut, mango or tamarind, but also lemongrass, taro, green tea, matcha tea, peanut, basil or black sesame.

You can also discover various dairy products and cheeses, such as mozzarella, feta, ricotta or blue cheeses, as well as milkshakes, cheesecakes and yogurts.

Free dinner.

We recommend the restaurant Tamarind: a taste of Laos, which offers a range of typical Laotian dishes. A way to discover the flavors and etiquette of "eating Lao style" through authentic dishes highlighting certain ingredients, textures and flavors of Laos.

Night in Luang Prabang.

If early mornings around 5:15 AM don't scare you, you'll be able to witness the alms offering to monks, an ancestral ritual locally called "Tak Bat". The monks leave the pagodas and walk through the streets to collect alms that the faithful present in their bowls.

You will then head to the fresh produce market in the open air, located in the alleys around the old Royal Palace. You can observe the products offered by local vendors and perhaps spot some curiosities, such as nutrias, bats or even ant eggs.

Return to the hotel for breakfast.

Check out of your room.

Vat Xieng Thong and navigation on the Mekong towards Pak Ou

Then enjoy a visit to Vat Xieng Thong, an emblematic monastery of Luang Prabang, recognizable by its architecture typical of the local style. This place of worship is located at the confluence of the Mekong and the Nam Khan river.

You then head towards the landing, where you board your slow wooden boat to go up the Mekong towards the Pak Ou caves.

You visit the Pak Ou caves, which are home to hundreds of Buddha statues. They constitute an important pilgrimage site for Laotians, particularly during the Lao New Year, celebrated in mid-April.

Lunch during navigation on board.

After the visit, you head back to Luang Prabang with a stop at the village of Ban Xang Hai, renowned for its rice alcohol production. To be consumed with caution, as the alcohol content varies between 25 and 45 degrees.

Continuation by boat and end of the cruise in Luang Prabang.

From Luang Prabang to Vientiane by train

You are then taken directly to the station in Luang Prabang, where you are dropped off.

You complete the standard formalities individually, including identity and security checks, then await boarding.

2:58 PM: Departure of train D87 (EMU, 2nd Class) to Vientiane.

4:44 PM: Arrival in Vientiane. Disembark and exit the station, where your driver will greet you.

Transfer to your hotel located in the city centre.

Free time at your leisure.

Dinner on your own.

A break on the rooftop in Vientiane

To make the most of your late afternoon or early evening, we recommend the rooftop terrace "Tipsy Elephant" at the SureStay by Best Western hotel. Located next to Vat Chan, in close proximity to the night market, it offers views over the market, the Mekong, Thailand on the opposite bank and the rooftops of Vientiane.

You can choose from a selection of cocktails, dishes and snacks. The venue is frequented by the local middle class, particularly at sunset, and is also suitable for organising corporate meals around Lao New Year and Christmas.

Be curious, dare to enter and take the lift to the top floor to discover the place and form your own opinion.

Night in Vientiane.

This morning, meet your driver and guide at 8:45 AM.

You head to Madame Phasouk's residence, located in a neighborhood between the airport and the Mekong.

You then set off with your hostess to discover the Talat Kok Pho local market, where you do some shopping before returning to get down to practice.

At noon, it's time to cook! You prepare your own lunch before tasting what you've made. A friendly way to discover local cuisine by getting your hands dirty yourself.

Local coffee tasting workshop

This afternoon, you participate at Dam Dam in a coffee tasting workshop led by David, a passionate Franco-Lao roaster.

You discover the secrets of local coffees, from grain selection to roasting, before being guided through a sensory experience around the flavors of Laos. David shares his expertise and tips with you for appreciating the different nuances of these coffees.

Return to your hotel and free time at your discretion.

Dinner is on your own.

We recommend the Asian cuisine at Nuan restaurant, located near Nam Phou Fountain, on Phangkham Street, in the heart of the city. The menu offers numerous dishes with generous portions and varied influences: China, Thailand, Vietnam, Hong Kong, Japan, etc. An opportunity to vary your pleasures while enjoying some vegetarian and vegan options.

If the ground floor dining room is full, another room is available upstairs. The restaurant is open every day until 11 PM, except Tuesdays.

Night in Vientiane.

Breakfast at the hotel.

9:00 AM: Meeting with your guide at the hotel reception.

You begin your discovery of Vientiane, capital of Laos, with two must-sees.

You start with the Vat Sisaket, where photography enthusiasts will appreciate the different perspectives offered by the Buddha statues arranged in a row. It is the oldest temple in the capital to have remained intact throughout history, since the mid-1500s.

You continue with the Sacred Buddhist Arts Museum of Ho Pra Keo, notably known for its standing statues. The former Vat Ho Pra Keo once housed the Emerald Buddha, which you can now admire within the grounds of the Royal Palace in Bangkok.

Then, you discover the Presidential Palace, located at the bottom of Lane Xang avenue.

Following the French heritage of Vientiane

Your exploration continues in the "French" quarter, where some colonial-era residences still remain. You pass notably in front of the French Embassy, Mahosot Hospital, the Notre-Dame du Sacré-Cœur Cathedral and the School of Medicine.

If you feel inclined — or if you're hungry! — you can take a break at Bakery by Boris. Boris, a young Franco-Lao pastry chef and baker, offers pastry classes as well as a lovely café-shop located in a downtown alley. Depending on availability, you will find pastries, coffees, teas, juices and other cakes, as well as dining options. At your discretion.

You then visit COPE, a center dedicated to the rehabilitation of victims of mines. This visit highlights the consequences of the conflicts that marked Laos in the 1970s and whose effects are still felt today.

It is also an opportunity to better understand another facet of the "Secret War", directly linked to the Vietnam War, called in the region "the American War", and whose history remains little discussed in many publications.

That Luang, symbol of Vientiane

You then head towards That Luang and its great golden stupa, installed at the top of a small hill. A symbol of Vientiane, it also appears on Lao banknotes and official seals.

According to tradition, the stupa houses a relic of Buddha. The site is notably appreciated by engaged couples who come to be photographed in traditional dress a few weeks before their wedding. Photographer, assistants, costumiers and makeup artists accompany these sessions.

The niches arranged in the walls of the cloister offer different perspectives for photographs, as do the wrought iron grilles, which allow you to play with views of the stairs and gilding.

The site also hosts an important pilgrimage in November on the occasion of the "Boun That Luang" festival. According to tradition, each pagoda must be represented by at least one of its monks. This period is therefore marked by numerous movements within the monastic community, which receives morning offerings from the faithful of Vientiane and beyond on the esplanade.

Lunch is at your own expense, to be coordinated with your guide if necessary.

Traditional Lao textiles and natural dyes

This afternoon, you continue your discovery of the capital at the Lao Textile Museum by Kanchana.

Laos is notably known for its silk textiles. Lao silk fabric is appreciated for its beauty and careful finish. The techniques used are sophisticated and require perseverance and artistic talent, notably to create fabrics with colors obtained from natural dyes.

The Lao Textile Museum, Laos's first private museum, allows you to learn more about these skills. You discover ancient silk pieces created by different ethnic groups in the country as well as old household utensils.

The exhibition is installed in a wooden house of typical Lao style, in the heart of a peaceful environment surrounded by flower gardens.

You also participate in a textile coloring workshop using natural pigments, a concrete way to discover part of these traditional skills.

Return to your hotel.

Free evening, at your discretion, to continue exploring Vientiane and find traces of the sites of your youth.

You can also admire the few colonial-era residences still present in the downtown area and enjoy the sunset over the Mekong by strolling through the night market or the Parc Chao Anouvong where locals like to gather.

Dinner is at your own expense.

We recommend the Phakhao Lao restaurant, located in an alley between the Mekong and Vat Ong Teu. This family restaurant offers a wide variety of Lao and Thai dishes. The setting is relaxed and unpretentious, while tables set in the backyard offer a calm and more intimate space, not far from the night market.

The place is particularly suited to dishes to share. The menu is in English and the dishes are illustrated.

Night in Vientiane.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Room checkout.

Around 7:30 AM: Meet your guide and driver at the hotel reception.

You head south towards the village of Kong Lor, for a journey of approximately 6 to 7 hours.

You travel through several towns and landscapes in central Laos, starting with Paksan, where the Nam Xan River flows into the Mekong, then Pak Kading, which offers beautiful views of the Kading River. In places, you also follow the Mekong, which marks the border with Thailand here.

After passing the locality of Phou Phaman, you take a magnificent mountain road that crosses the valley and offers views of beautiful rocky landscapes. If you wish, you can coordinate with your guide to participate in optional activities on site, at your discretion.

Free lunch at the restaurant on site.

You continue gradually along a mountainous zone towards the Vietnamese border. Along the way, beautiful viewpoints reveal karst reliefs stretching as far as the eye can see.

You then head towards the village of Ban Kong Lor, located approximately 40 kilometers away, where you spend the night.

Free dinner.

Night in Kong Lor.

Breakfast before continuing your exploration of the region.

You reach the entrance of the famous Kong Lor caves, which you explore by canoe, in the darkness, by the light of your flashlight.

Stretching 7.5 kilometers and crossed by the Hinboun River, the caves reveal vast natural cavities. The river, which can reach 30 meters wide, winds through rock formations, along sandy beaches and through spaces whose height sometimes exceeds 100 meters.

Return to your hotel and room checkout before noon.

You then resume your journey via Lak Sao and Thalang. After approximately 4 hours of travel, you reach the small town of Thakhek, located on the banks of the Mekong, facing the Thai town of Nakhon Phanom.

Lunch on your own, to be arranged with your guide.

Discovery of Thakhek on the banks of the Mekong

You discover the outdated charm of Thakhek, with its fairly well-preserved buildings dating from the colonial era and its peaceful atmosphere, where time seems to have stopped.

Dinner on your own.

For a simple evening on the banks of the Mekong, numerous stalls set up along the riverbanks will allow you to discover different local flavors. Near the main square, locals enjoy taking time to meet at sunset, around a beer or a fruit shake, facing the banks of neighboring Thailand.

Night in Thakhek.

Breakfast at the hotel.

You then take the road to Savannakhet, approximately 2 hours away, along a small country road that runs alongside the Mekong.

6 kilometers south of Thakhek, you make a first stop at the Stupa Sikhottabong, located on the banks of the Mekong. It is one of the most sacred sites in Laos.

Lunch at your leisure during the journey or upon arrival at your destination.

You continue with a visit to That Hing Hang, a sacred Buddhist site located near Savannakhet.

Discovery of Savannakhet

Arrival in Savannakhet and check-in from 2 p.m.

You then set out to discover the city and its historic center, marked by buildings dating from the French colonial period.

Rest of the day at your leisure.

At sunset, we invite you to take a stroll along the Mekong and take time to observe the old colonial buildings that make Savannakhet's reputation. The city is also a true commercial crossroads in southern Laos.

Dinner at your leisure.

We can recommend Sooksavan Café and Bistro, located near the main square, in a remarkable architectural setting. This charming little restaurant offers a warm welcome and Thai cuisine accompanied by a few homemade desserts.

Before returning to your hotel, you can continue your evening on the square, at the bar of the same name, "Sooksavanh", very popular every evening with the city's youth. An opportunity to enjoy a cold Beerlao while soaking up the local atmosphere, with live Thai music in the background.

Night in Savannakhet.

Breakfast at your hotel, then room check-out.

You head towards Paksé, for approximately 4h30 of travel.

Lunch is free during the journey.

Upon arrival in Paksé, vehicle change.

You then continue towards the Tad Lo waterfalls. Along the way, you can stop to taste some local fruits offered by vendors set up by the roadside. A simple opportunity to discover the fresh and seasonal products of the region.

Discovering the Bolovens Plateau

You will reach the Bolovens Plateau, renowned for its waterfalls and fertile lands, which produce notably teas and coffees appreciated in the country and throughout the Indochinese peninsula.

On the advice of your guide, you will be able to enjoy some tastings as you discover the plateau.

Several stops are planned, notably at the Tad Lo Falls.

Lunch is free, probably around Tad Lo.

You then continue your journey to Thatheng, to meet ethnic villages, notably Lao Loum, Taoy and Lavenh.

The road continues to your hotel, located nearby, in a natural setting.

Free time to rest.

Dinner is free.

Night on the Bolovens Plateau.

Breakfast at the hotel.

You take time to discover the Tad Yuang waterfall, on the Bolovens Plateau. In recent years, the site has become more accessible and visitor-friendly thanks to the work of volunteers, who have notably developed safer observation platforms as well as other amenities.

You continue your exploration with the impressive Tad Fane twin waterfalls, located in Dong Hua Sao National Park, on the Bolovens Plateau. Two rivers meet here to form two twin waterfalls 120 meters high.

You then head towards the colonial village of Champassak.

Phou Salao and view of Paksé

Along the way, you make a stop at the Phou Salao site (Golden Buddha) to admire the view over the Mekong and the city of Paksé. The site is accessible on foot via stairs or by vehicle. We recommend the on-foot access.

Lunch at leisure in a local cuisine restaurant, to be coordinated with your guide.

Our recommendation: Champasak With Love, appreciated for its beautiful views over the river, its dishes and its relaxed setting.

Vat Phou, UNESCO World Heritage

This afternoon, you set out to discover Vat Phou, one of the major sites in southern Laos, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2001. Its architecture is in pre-Angkorian style.

The cultural landscape of Champassak, which includes the entire Vat Phou temple complex, testifies to an area developed according to a design dating back more than a thousand years and which is remarkably well preserved.

The site was shaped according to an axis connecting the summit of the mountain to the banks of the river, in a geometric ensemble composed of temples, sanctuaries and hydraulic structures spread over approximately 10 kilometers. It also includes two ancient cities built on the banks of the Mekong and the mountain of Phou Kao.

The ensemble testifies to a development process that extended over more than a thousand years, from the 5th to the 15th century, and which is notably associated with the Khmer Empire.

After discovering the site, you visit its museum.

Transfer to your hotel and check-in formalities.

Dinner at leisure.

Night in Champassak.

If the weather is clear, the sunrises from Champassak offer a beautiful moment to start the day.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Room checkout at 9am.

You then cross the Mekong to reach the other bank aboard the local ferry.

You then take the road further south and make a first stop at Vat Uomo, also called Oubmong, a temple dating from the same period as the Vat Phou. The site notably houses pre-Angkorian sculptures, including a beautiful Mukhalinga, a linga with a human head now preserved in the Vat Phou museum.

Surrounded by many species of large trees, the temple benefits from a forest atmosphere that gives the estate a peaceful and preserved ambiance.

Meeting Taoy craftsmanship at Ban Nong Bune

You continue with a visit to the Taoy village of Ban Nong Bune, renowned for its wood carvings.

The village has managed to pass on ancient wood carving skills from one generation to the next. Some traditional techniques, such as the one that involves carefully burning the wood until it becomes black, originate from the Ta Oy ethnic group, still present in the highlands of southern Laos.

You discover various objects made in the village, notably ceremony masks, sculptures as well as everyday items such as wooden plates or outdoor lamps. You have certainly already been able to see some of these creations in hotels and restaurants in southern Laos.

Phou Asa and the landscapes of Xe Pian Park

You continue your journey to the Phou Asa site.

If you wish, a walk of approximately 2 kilometers, on the outward journey, allows you to reach the summit of Phou Asa. The path is quite steep, but the view over Xe Pian park and the wetlands offers a beautiful panorama.

At the summit are also the ruins of an ancient civilization whose secrets have still not been revealed.

Free lunch, probably at the Kingfisher Ecolodge.

Navigation among the 4,000 islands of the Mekong

You then reach the village of Nakasang, where you board a motorized pirogue to navigate in the heart of the "4,000 islands" of the Mekong.

You reach the islands of Done Det and Done Khone, two peaceful lands marked by their French colonial past. You can notably observe buildings from this period, the bridge connecting the two islands as well as the old railway that allowed goods to be transshipped on either side of the cataracts.

Check-in at your hotel.

Free time to enjoy the surroundings, contemplate the landscapes and stroll at your own pace.

Free dinner.

Night on Done Khone.

Breakfast at the hotel.

This morning, you pick up your "motorcycle-drawn cart" and set out with your guide to discover the sandy paths of the islands of Don Det and Don Khone.

At the far south of Laos, the Mekong River crosses the region of Si Phan Don, also called the "4,000 Islands". A rock formation blocks the course of the river here and creates waterfalls of approximately 15 meters in height over more than 10 kilometers in width.

This obstacle to river navigation led the French colonial administration to create a railway as early as 1893 in order to facilitate the transshipment of gunboats intended to ensure, upstream, the protection of the then newly established border between Siam, now Thailand, and Laos.

At its peak, the railway ran across the islands of Don Khone to the south and Don Det to the north for approximately 14 kilometers, with a transshipment dock at each end. It was built by French and Vietnamese masons, Chinese workers, and Lao peasants.

You travel along flat paths that lead you to several iconic sites, notably the old locomotive, the 13-arch bridge dating from the early twentieth-century French colonial period and connecting Don Det to Don Khone, as well as the remains of colonial buildings.

Take time to go slowly and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the islands.

Lunch is free, to be arranged with your guide.

Liphi Falls and rural life in Si Phan Don

You then set out to discover the Liphi Falls, locally called Tad Sompamit. The route, of very easy difficulty, takes place on a flat path and allows you to adopt the island's peaceful pace.

This excursion is an opportunity to observe, photograph, and immerse yourself in local and rural life.

The activity is particularly intense during the rainy season, when fishermen set up bamboo fish traps in sometimes difficult-to-reach places, at risk to their lives, notably by traveling along paths on wires strung above raging waterfalls.

Return to your hotel and enjoy a quiet end of day on the island.

Dinner is free.

Night in Don Khone.

Breakfast at the hotel and check-out.

You cross the Mekong by pirogue to reach the mainland.

You then take the road to the Khone Phapheng waterfalls, further south, near the border with Cambodia. They are among the most impressive cascades in this region of Asia and are renowned for being the widest in the world.

You then head back up to Paksé.

Lunch is on your own, to be coordinated with your guide.

Discovery of Paksé and its heritage

Located at the confluence of the Mekong and Sedone rivers, Paksé is a lively and commercial city created by the French in the early twentieth century. Capital of Champassak province, it has just under 100,000 inhabitants and is one of the economically important cities in Laos.

Its population is notably marked by Thai, Vietnamese and Chinese communities. In recent years, Paksé has undergone an infrastructure transformation and developed as a commercial zone, particularly around the new bridge over the Mekong.

Paksé is thus a blend of tastes, cultures and heritage from southern Laos, a land of encounters and crossroads.

At the entrance to the Vat Chompet, you discover the small village of Ban Don Khor, renowned for its stone sculptors and their representations of Buddha.

Take time to stroll through the village and observe traditional stone carving work. Local artisans carve images of Buddha in hard stone using a hammer and chisel, and sometimes an angle grinder. The creations range from small sculptures that fit in the palm of your hand to the large 30-meter-high Buddha created for the neighboring Vat Chompet.

You continue with the discovery of Vat SopSé, a little-known and isolated temple. "Sopsé" means the "lips of the Sé(done) river", while "Paksé" means "the mouth of the Sé(done) river".

According to local legend, this Chinese temple houses the spirit Pou SopSé, or "Grandfather SopSé", considered as the guardian of the region and to whom is attributed the power to grant wishes. Some inhabitants consider him a personification of a naga.

Visitors come to ask for a favor at the temple and, when their wish is fulfilled, thank the spirits with offerings such as fruit, money, roasted pork or cakes. The temple is particularly lively during Chinese and Vietnamese festivals, such as Chinese New Year, Vietnamese Tet and the Mid-Autumn Festival, and is particularly revered by local Chinese and Vietnamese communities.

Historic buildings in Paksé

On the banks of the Sedone stands the Champasak Palace Hotel, whose history is linked to Chao Boun Oum, the last Prince of Champasak. Its construction began in 1969 and the building has six main floors, in a mix of French colonial and Lao styles.

The complex has 1,900 doors and windows carved in a style characteristic of southern Laos. The palace was nicknamed the "Pavilion of a Thousand Rooms". In 2013, the Champasak Palace was renovated while preserving its old charms and still operates as a downtown hotel.

In the old city center, you also discover one of the best-preserved French colonial buildings in Paksé, recently renovated, which now houses the Chinese Association of Paksé. This beautiful Franco-Chinese building is located right in the heart of the city.

You then pass by the Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Unimpressive from the outside, it is mainly known for its interior decorations. If you are able to enter, you will discover several paintings depicting Jesus visiting different regions of Laos, including the Khone Phapheng Falls and Vat Phou.

The paintings also depict Jesus dressed in regional attire, giving the whole a particular dimension. The church is notably frequented by the Lao-Vietnamese Catholic community.

Transfer to your hotel.

Dinner on your own.

Night in Paksé.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Free morning for your personal exploration.
Important: TDAC to enter Thailand

For all travelers entering Thailand before or after their stay in Laos, we remind you that the Thai Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) has been mandatory since May 1, 2025.

All non-Thai nationals must complete this digital arrival card before each entry into Thailand, regardless of the point of entry. The form must be completed within 72 hours before your entry into Thai territory.

It is solely your responsibility to complete this mandatory document online within the given timeframe, for yourself and, if applicable, for other travelers in your group.

The local agency declines all responsibility in case of complications related to mismanagement of this document.
More information can be found here:

https://www.thaiembassy.com/thailand-visa/tdac-thailand-digital-arrival-card#

The official website, with a link to the registration system, is here: 

https://tdac.immigration.go.th/manual/en/index.html

A demonstration (in English) on how to complete this document online by TATNews.org (on Facebook) is available here: 

https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=1033899082134873&rdid=NQLrwq6nlthHMwNr

If you forgot to complete this document online before your departure for Thailand, you can try to find a TDAC kiosk at your arrival airport before heading to the immigration counters. You can also try online if you have a Wi-Fi or 4/5G connection.

Thank you for your attention.

Room checkout before noon.

Free lunch.

1:30 PM : Meeting at your hotel reception desk with your guide.

Transfer by road to Ubon Ratchathani. Crossing through the underground No Man's Land. Exit formalities from Laotian territory and entry formalities into Thai territory.

Continuation by road.

Drop-off at Ubon Ratchathani Airport (UBP).

Assistance with your baggage check-in.

Farewell to Mr. Xa.