Including UNESCO World Heritage Sites and Southern Laos Highlights
This 15-day journey explores the Secret War trail in northeast Laos, uncovering historic sites from the 1968–1973 Indochina War. The tour also includes visits to two UNESCO World Heritage Sites—the Plain of Jars (inscribed in 2019) and Wat Phou Champasak (inscribed in 2001)—as well as the natural beauty of Don Det (4,000 Islands) in southern Laos.
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| Loop Map |
Day 1: Luang Prabang – Nong Khiew
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| Pha Som Nang Viewpoint |
Pha Tok Cave & Phou Somnang / Pha Dang Viewpoint
After breakfast, our experienced local guide will meet you at your accommodation for check-out. Pickup is at approximately 8:00 AM. We travel about 3 hours to Nong Khiew, stopping to visit Pha Tok Cave, a historic hideout used during the Vietnam War.
Upon arrival, check in to your accommodation and enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, hike to Phou Somnang or Pha Dang Viewpoint, where you will be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views over Nong Khiew and the surrounding limestone mountains.
After descending, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant before returning to your accommodation.
Day 2: Nong Khiew – Muang Hiem Hot Springs
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| Muang Hiem Hot Springs |
After breakfast, check out and depart at 8:00 AM. Visit Manda Cave and the War Museum, then travel approximately 4 hours to the spectacular Muang Hiem Hot Springs. Although too hot for swimming, the springs are powerful enough to cook an egg in about 15 minutes.
Dinner will be enjoyed at a local restaurant before returning to your accommodation.
Day 3: Muang Hiem – Nam Et–Phou Louey National Park
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| Nam Et–Phou Louey |
After breakfast, depart at 8:00 AM and travel approximately 2 hours to Ban Sonkhua Khmu Village. Enjoy a short walk around the village to observe local weaving traditions before boarding a longtail boat and traveling 1.5 hours upstream along the Nam Nern River to the campsite.
After lunch, your guide will give a presentation on Nam Et–Phou Louey National Park and its wildlife. Enjoy a short 30-minute trek, followed by a boat journey upstream to prepare and cook dinner.
In the evening, embark on a night safari by boat, spotting wildlife along the riverbanks before returning to the campsite for an overnight stay.
Day 4: Nam Et–Phou Louey – Sam Neua
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| Tad Sluey Waterfall |
Sonkhua Village & Tad Sluey Waterfall
After breakfast, travel 1.5 hours downstream by boat to Sonkhua Village, where you will meet your driver and guide. Continue by road to Sam Neua Province (approximately 4 hours), stopping at Tad Sluey Waterfall and visiting a local weaving village along the way.
Arrive in Sam Neua and check in to your accommodation.
Day 5: Phou Pha Thi (LIMA Site 85) – Vieng Xay – Pha Nangmom Mountain
).png "LIMA Site 85") |
| LIMA Site 85 |
Phou Pha Thi was a strategically important U.S. Air Force radar base (LIMA Site 85) during the Indochina War. Enjoy stunning views at the summit while your guide prepares a jungle picnic lunch.
After lunch, continue by minibus to Vieng Xay, surrounded by limestone mountains and once a key wartime stronghold. Explore the historic caves of Souphanouvong, Kaysone Phomvihane, Nouhak Phoumsavanh, and Khamtay Siphandone.
Later, climb Pha Nangmom Mountain (about 25 minutes) for spectacular sunset or sunrise views. Check in to your accommodation and enjoy dinner.
Day 6: Vieng Xay – Phonsavan (Xieng Khouang Province)
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| Vieng Xay |
Tham Piu Cave Memorial
After breakfast, depart at 8:00 AM along Road C1 to Phonsavan. Xieng Khouang is one of the most heavily bombed regions in the world, with over 2 million tons of ordnance dropped during the war.
The journey takes approximately 8 hours, with stops for lunch, rest, and viewpoints. Visit Tham Piu Cave, where 374 people lost their lives during a missile strike. A national remembrance ceremony is held annually on 24 November.
Arrive in Phonsavan, check in, and enjoy dinner.
Day 7: Plain of Jars – Napia Village – Muang Khoun
.png "Plain of Jars") |
| Plain of Jars |
After breakfast, depart at 8:00 AM to visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site Plain of Jars. Explore three of the most important jar sites scattered across the plateau.
Continue to Napia Village, where local artisans recycle scrap metal from unexploded bombs into household items and souvenirs.
Travel to Muang Khoun, the former provincial capital, for lunch. Visit the remains of Wat Pia Temple and observe how locals make the region’s famous rice noodles.
Return to Phonsavan for dinner and overnight.
Day 8: Phonsavan – Kong Lor Village
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| Pia Wat |
Check in to Thong Dam Bungalows and enjoy dinner.
Day 9: Tham Kong Lor Cave & Nam Hinboun River
.png "Tham Kong Lor Cave") |
| Tham Kong Lor Cave |
Cruise along the Nam Hinboun River, passing sandy beaches and dramatic limestone formations.
After the cave visit, enjoy swimming or relaxing by natural pools. Return to the bungalows for lunch and free time. Dinner in the evening.
Day 10: Nakatueb Village – Lublea Ancient Town – Thakek
.png "Nakatueb Village") |
| Nakatueb Village |
Depart at 7:30 AM for Nakatueb Village. Cross the Nam Hinboun River by longtail boat and begin a jungle trek through water caves and mountainous terrain.
Reach the hidden ancient town of Lublea, over 500 years old, believed to be the final refuge of King Chao Anouvong. After exploring, trek back and continue to Thakek, stopping at the Great Wall of Laos.
Check in and enjoy dinner.
Day 11: Thakek – Tham Nang Aen Cave – Tad Lo
.png "Aen Cave, Inghang Stupa & Tad Lo Waterfall") |
| Aen Cave, Inghang Stupa & Tad Lo Waterfall |
After breakfast, depart at 8:00 AM for Tham Nang Aen Cave, located 18 km outside Thakek. Explore the colorful chambers on foot or by boat.
Return to Thakek for lunch, then visit Phathat Inghang Stupa, one of the most sacred sites in Savannakhet Province. Continue to Tad Lo Waterfall and check in at Tad Lo Lodge.
Relax, explore nearby waterfalls, or enjoy optional elephant bathing. Overnight at Tad Lo.
Day 12: Tad Yeung – Tad Fane – Pakse
.png "Tad Yeung , Tad Fane Waterfalls & Coffee Plantation") |
| Tad Yeung , Tad Fane Waterfalls & Coffee Plantations |
After breakfast, depart at 8:00 AM to visit Tad Yeung Waterfall and Tad Fane Twin Waterfalls. Experience Laos’ longest and highest zipline, soaring 470 meters across the canyon at 300 meters above ground.
Continue to Pakse, check in, and visit Phou Salao Viewpoint for sunset views. Dinner in Pakse.
Day 13: Pakse – Wat Phou – Khon Phapheng – Don Det
.png "Wat Phou Temple") |
| Wat Phou Temple |
After breakfast, depart at 8:00 AM for Wat Phou Champasak, a UNESCO World Heritage Site dating from the 5th–15th centuries.
Continue to Khon Phapheng Falls, Southeast Asia’s largest waterfall. From Nakasang Village, take a longtail boat to Don Det Island.
Check in, enjoy lunch, relax by the river, and have dinner.
Day 14: Don Det – 4,000 Islands Exploration (Optional)
.png "4,000 Islands") |
| 4,000 Islands |
After breakfast, choose between kayaking or cycling to visit Liphee (Somphamit) Waterfall and Hang Khon Village, a former French colonial port near the Laos–Cambodia border.
Return to Don Det for relaxation, dinner, and a farewell celebration.
Day 15: Departure / Optional Transfers
.jpeg "Salao Viewpoint in Pakse") |
| Salao Viewpoint in Pakse |
After breakfast, pickup at 8:30 AM. Optional transfers are available to Pakse City or the Laos–Cambodia border, depending on your onward travel plans.
Additional accommodation or onward travel arrangements can be organized upon request prior to booking.
Tour Highlights
Explore the Secret War Trail of Northeast Laos, visiting key historical sites from the 1968–1973 Indochina War
Visit two UNESCO World Heritage Sites:
Plain of Jars (2019)
Wat Phou Champasak (2001)
Discover remote northern Laos, including Nong Khiew, Muang Hiem, and Sam Neua
Visit Pha Tok Cave, a wartime hideout, and other significant war-era caves and museums
Experience a night wildlife safari in Nam Et–Phou Louey National Park
Trek to Phou Pha Thi (LIMA Site 85), a former U.S. Air Force radar base with panoramic mountain views
Explore the historic Vieng Xay Caves, former headquarters of Lao leadership during the war
Witness the powerful history of Tham Piu Cave Memorial
Walk among the mysterious megaliths of the Plain of Jars
Meet local artisans in Napia Village, recycling war remnants into everyday items
Enjoy a scenic boat journey through Tham Kong Lor Cave, Laos’ longest cave system
Jungle trekking and river exploration to the hidden ancient town of Lublea
Visit waterfalls across southern Laos, including Tad Yeung, Tad Fane, and Khon Phapheng Falls
Experience Laos’ longest and highest zipline above Tad Fane Twin Waterfalls
Relax in Don Det (4,000 Islands) on the Mekong River
Optional kayaking or cycling to Liphee (Somphamit) Waterfall
Enjoy sunset views over the Mekong at Phou Salao Viewpoint
Travel with experienced local guides, supporting community-based tourism throughout Laos
Explore the Secret War Trail of Northeast Laos, visiting key historical sites from the 1968–1973 Indochina War
Visit two UNESCO World Heritage Sites:
Plain of Jars (2019)
Wat Phou Champasak (2001)
Discover remote northern Laos, including Nong Khiew, Muang Hiem, and Sam Neua
Visit Pha Tok Cave, a wartime hideout, and other significant war-era caves and museums
Experience a night wildlife safari in Nam Et–Phou Louey National Park
Trek to Phou Pha Thi (LIMA Site 85), a former U.S. Air Force radar base with panoramic mountain views
Explore the historic Vieng Xay Caves, former headquarters of Lao leadership during the war
Witness the powerful history of Tham Piu Cave Memorial
Walk among the mysterious megaliths of the Plain of Jars
Meet local artisans in Napia Village, recycling war remnants into everyday items
Enjoy a scenic boat journey through Tham Kong Lor Cave, Laos’ longest cave system
Jungle trekking and river exploration to the hidden ancient town of Lublea
Visit waterfalls across southern Laos, including Tad Yeung, Tad Fane, and Khon Phapheng Falls
Experience Laos’ longest and highest zipline above Tad Fane Twin Waterfalls
Relax in Don Det (4,000 Islands) on the Mekong River
Optional kayaking or cycling to Liphee (Somphamit) Waterfall
Enjoy sunset views over the Mekong at Phou Salao Viewpoint
Travel with experienced local guides, supporting community-based tourism throughout Laos
Included
English-speaking local guide
Private van transportation
Boat transfers and National Park permits
Accommodation (14 nights)
Meals and drinks water as specified in itinerary
All entrance fees and government taxes
Excluded
Personal expenses & drinks
Tips for guide & driver
Travel insurance
International & Domestic flights (optional)
What to Bring
- Sunscreen.
- Insect repellent spray.
- Cap or hat.
- Sunglasses.
- Comfortable trekking shoes or sandals.
- Light jacket or raincoat (depending on season).
- Reusable water bottle.
- Camera or smartphone.
- Personal medications (if needed).
- Small backpack for daily activities.
- Power bank for charging devices.
- Swimming suit and towel.
- Dry clothes for changing after swimming.
- Cash for personal expenses (some villages have no ATMs).
- Travel documents and passport copy.
Tour Price (Per Person)
| Group Size | Price (USD) per Person |
|---|---|
| 1 person | 4250.00 USD |
| 2 people | 3500.00 USD |
| 3 people | 2875.00 USD |
| 4 people | 2495.00 USD |
| 5 people | 2175.00 USD |
| 6+ people | 1785.00 USD |
